Category: Bangladesh

The High Court will deliver its verdict on May 8 regarding death references and appeals in the 2001 Ramna Batamul bombing case. The attack during Pahela Baishakh celebrations killed 10 people. In 2014, eight defendants received death sentences and six got life imprisonment. All convicts were allegedly members of Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami. Militant leader Mufti Abdul Hannan was executed in 2017 for a separate attack.READ FULL

At least 137 journalists in Bangladesh face criminal charges in 32 cases related to the July uprising. They’ve been accused of murder, attempted murder, and even genocide alongside former PM Sheikh Hasina. Critics call this a threat to press freedom, while prosecutors claim journalists “aided and abetted” through their speeches. The Dhaka Union of Journalists warns these charges create a “culture of fear” in the profession.READ FULL

Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof met with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin today, discussing regional issues amid India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir. They expressed satisfaction with recent bilateral consultations and hoped for a rescheduled visit by Pakistan’s Deputy PM. Bangladesh has advocated for peaceful resolution through dialogue. The envoy also mentioned an ongoing Pakistani business delegation visit to Dhaka.READ FULL

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus inaugurated “Labbaik,” a government-developed mobile app to facilitate hajj services, at Dhaka’s State Guest House Jamuna today. The app aims to help pilgrims perform religious practices smoothly. Yunus urged all hajj pilgrims to utilize this first government-managed service application.READ FULL

Catholic Church in Bangladesh will host an interfaith dialogue this September, announced Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Vatican Prefect for Interreligious Dialogue, during a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Rome. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to religious harmony and the Interim Government’s protection of all citizens’ rights regardless of background.READ FULL

Seven Bangladeshi nationals returned home Saturday after completing three-year prison sentences in India for illegal entry. Six were handed over to their families, while Faisal, a fugitive wanted on weapons charges, will face court. The men, aged 26-35, had traveled to Kolkata for work opportunities but were arrested by Indian police and imprisoned at Dum Dum Central Jail.READ FULL

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Rome on Friday to attend Pope Francis’s funeral. During his visit, Yunus signed the visitor’s book at Bangladesh House. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Yunus will join the funeral ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday morning at approximately 9:30 am.READ FULL

Prof Muhammad Yunus departed Qatar for Rome to attend Pope Francis’s funeral. After arriving at 2:15pm local time, he will pay respects at Saint Peter’s Square, where Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will officially greet the Bangladesh delegation. Yunus will attend the funeral mass on Saturday and is expected to return to Dhaka early Monday.READ FULL

Anti-Corruption Commission officials arrested Dhaka South City Corporation Ward No. 4 Secretary Kutub Uddin Sohel yesterday while accepting a Tk 10,000 bribe. The secretary had demanded the payment from Md Saiful Islam, manager of Life Care Diagnostic Center, in exchange for approving his business operations. The complaint alleged Sohel regularly extorted money from service seekers for official approvals.READ FULL

Three unidentified boys died after being hit by a train on the Dhaka-Chattogram railway in Madhabpur, Cumilla’s Burichang upazila. Sub-Inspector Sohel Molla confirmed the accident occurred on the Chattogram-bound line, though which train was involved remains unknown. Bodies will be sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for autopsy as railway police prepare inquest reports.READ FULL

Anti-Corruption Commission filed three cases against former Rajshahi mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, his wife, and daughter for illegally amassing assets worth Tk 29 crore. Liton is accused of accumulating Tk 10.35 crore through power abuse, with suspicious transactions totaling Tk 52.23 crore. His wife and daughter are charged with acquiring assets beyond known income sources. All face charges under anti-corruption and money laundering laws.READ FULL

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, arrived in Doha for a four-day official visit to attend the Earthna Summit 2025. He will meet with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim and Deputy PM Sheikh Mohammed to discuss energy cooperation and investments. Yunus will also speak at a Rohingya conference and give an Al Jazeera interview before returning home April 25.READ FULL

Twenty-seven women’s rights activists have written to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus demanding the release of model Meghna Alam. She was detained on April 9 by police who allegedly broke into her home without a warrant and held her incommunicado for nearly 24 hours. Alam was later jailed for 30 days under the Special Powers Act on charges of threatening national security.READ FULL

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy welcomed Rani Yan Yan, Queen of the Chakma people and Chakma circle, to the Embassy on Sunday. Rani Yan is recognized as a dedicated human rights defender who advocates for indigenous peoples’ rights protection in Bangladesh.READ FULL

A case was filed Sunday against eight students for the killing of Primeasia University student Zahidul Islam Parvez. The 23-year-old textile engineering student was stabbed to death Saturday following a dispute that began with allegations of eve-teasing. Three students—Mahathi, Meherab, and Abuzar—allegedly brought outsiders who attacked Zahidul. Police are investigating and attempting to arrest those involved in the fatal campus violence.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus urged the UN to hire more women peacekeepers from Bangladesh during a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix. Yunus pledged additional troops when needed and requested increased Bangladeshi representation in UN peacekeeping leadership. Bangladesh currently deploys 5,677 peacekeepers across 10 missions. Yunus also expressed concern about the Myanmar conflict and sought international engagement to resolve the Rohingya crisis.READ FULL

Bangladesh Police has requested Interpol issue a red notice for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 others. Hasina, 77, fled to India in August 2024 after student protests toppled her 16-year government. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has previously issued arrest warrants for Hasina on charges of “crimes against humanity and genocide” and continues efforts to secure her return from India.READ FULL

Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58, a Hindu community leader, was abducted from his home in Biral upazila and beaten to death yesterday. Four men on motorcycles took him from his residence after confirming his presence with a phone call. His body was later returned, and he was declared dead at the hospital. Police are working to identify and arrest the suspects.READ FULL

Court imposes travel ban on former Rajshahi-1 MP Omor Faruk Chowdhury and wife Nigar Sultana following ACC request. The anti-corruption body is investigating allegations including drug trade, terrorism, extortion, embezzlement, and illegal wealth accumulation. The ban aims to prevent the couple from leaving Bangladesh during the ongoing probe.READ FULL

A seven-member BNP delegation led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to demand a national election by December 2025. The party seeks a clear roadmap to end uncertainty and complete reforms by June. BNP leaders warned they would launch peaceful demonstrations if their demands aren’t met, having already prepared a three-month programme of grassroots activities leading to nationwide gatherings.READ FULL

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, according to a Cabinet Division gazette. Bashir, who also oversees the Textile and Jute ministry, takes over from Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus who managed the role since the passing of former Adviser AF Hassan Ariff in December.READ FULL

The National Board of Revenue has halted yarn imports from India through all land ports, effective immediately. The Sunday notification bans imports through Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari—previously the main entry points for Indian yarn. The directive takes effect immediately.READ FULL

Bangladesh received $1.05 billion in remittances during the first 12 days of April, averaging $87.69 million daily. This marks a decrease from March’s record $3.29 billion ($109.85 million daily). Despite the decline, remittances remain a crucial foreign currency source for Bangladesh’s economy.READ FULL

A “monstrous fascist face” motif symbolizing last year’s student uprising in Bangladesh was burned before the UNESCO-recognized Anondo Shobhajatra procession for Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year). Undeterred, Dhaka University Fine Art students worked through the night to rebuild it in time for today’s celebrations. The vandalism couldn’t dampen spirits as artists recreated the bold symbol representing the overthrown authoritarian regime, demonstrating their resilience during the traditional cultural festivities.READ FULL

Bangladesh has officially reinstated the phrase “except Israel” on its passports, according to a home ministry letter signed on April 7. The director general of the Department of Immigration and Passport has been instructed to implement this change, reverting to the previous passport wording that explicitly states Bangladeshi passports are “valid for all countries of the world except Israel.”READ FULL

An effigy symbolizing “fascism,” allegedly resembling former PM Sheikh Hasina, was burned at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Institute ahead of Bengali New Year celebrations. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki condemned the incident, blaming “Awami League allies” and demanding legal action. The effigy was part of this year’s traditional procession themed “New Year’s Harmony, End of Fascism,” inspired by recent mass protests.READ FULL

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus joined the Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025 Wednesday, highlighting the country’s commitment to economic growth and investment-friendly policies. The four-day event welcomed participants from over 40 countries, including China, the UK, US, and India. Five companies and individuals will receive honors, including Youngone Corporation Chairman Kihak Sung. The summit includes visits to economic zones in Chattogram and Araihazar.READ FULL

Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Somudra Avijan departed Chattogram Port with 120 tonnes of relief materials for earthquake-hit Myanmar, expected to arrive April 11. The shipment includes dry food, tents, drinking water, hygiene kits, and medicines under the interim government’s directive. This follows Bangladesh’s earlier deployment of 31.5 tonnes of aid and medical teams, which have already treated 619 patients and performed four surgeries.READ FULL

A four-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her step-uncle in Maheshpur, Jhenaidah while visiting her grandparents. The incident occurred Friday night in a cornfield, and she was hospitalized Sunday. The accused has fled. Police learned of the attack after her hospital admission but no case has been filed yet. The victim has been transferred to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital’s One Stop Crisis Centre.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus called on BIMSTEC leaders to support revitalizing the organization as Bangladesh assumes chairmanship. At the summit, he emphasized the need for mutual confidence despite differences and urged addressing challenges like energy security and low intra-regional trade (5.9%). Yunus outlined priorities including youth empowerment, AI integration, knowledge sharing, and ecosystem development, promoting his “three zeros” vision: zero poverty, unemployment, and carbon.READ FULL

17,000 tonnes of food aid from American farmers has arrived in Chattogram for Rohingya refugees. The shipment will be distributed through the World Food Program to support over one million Rohingya in critical need. The US embassy called on other international donors to provide additional resources to share the burden of supporting the refugee population.READ FULL

A shipment of 9,500 metric tonnes of parboiled rice from India has arrived at Chattogram port under an international open tender agreement. This is part of Bangladesh’s larger import plan of 450,000 tonnes of rice, with 297,269 tonnes already received. Samples from the latest shipment have been tested, and unloading operations are set to commence shortly.READ FULL

Professor Muhammad Yunus met FAO Director General Qu Dongyu at the Boao Forum, seeking support to export Bangladeshi fruits and farm products to China. Yunus requested assistance in processing, packaging, and market access. Qu offered full support, promising to create a network between Bangladeshi and Chinese farm companies, expressing confidence in Bangladesh’s potential.READ FULL