Category: Bangladesh

Several Dhaka University teachers face pressure to resign amid student protests. Prof AKM Mahbub Hasan, dean of Biological Sciences, resigned following student demands. Other faculty members are also being targeted, with protesters calling for their removal from administrative roles. The Dhaka University Teachers’ Association has expressed concern over these incidents, describing a “scary situation” on campus. Some departments are experiencing lockouts and ultimatums from student groups demanding teacher resignations and removals.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has decided to resume its investigation into alleged money laundering by S Alam Group Chairman Mohammed Saiful Alam. This follows a Daily Star report revealing Alam’s $1 billion empire in Singapore. The ACC will examine bank loans, potentially illegal assets, and investments. The investigation, initially started in 2022 but halted, was reopened after a Supreme Court ruling allowed the ACC to proceed independently. Daily Star

The Bangladeshi government has ordered the transfer of 12 deputy inspectors general (DIGs) and commissioners of metropolitan police, as well as 11 superintendents of police (SPs). The transfers, which came into effect immediately, were announced through two separate circulars issued by the Home Ministry. This high-level reshuffle is seen as a move to restructure the country’s police leadership. Daily Star

The UN has renewed its call for accountability regarding recent violence and human rights violations in Bangladesh. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized this stance at a briefing in New York. Additionally, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sent a congratulatory letter to Bangladesh’s interim government Chief Adviser, Prof Muhammad Yunus, expressing support for efforts to restore calm and organize parliamentary elections in the country. UNB

Bangladesh’s Summit Group is reviewing preliminary deals to import renewable power from India after New Delhi changed rules to allow generators to sell locally instead of exporting exclusively. Summit plans to renegotiate the deals due to higher risks and uncertainties, as well as the new Bangladeshi government’s decision to suspend a law allowing non-tendered power supply contracts. The company is exploring options like delaying investments until there is more policy clarity. Reuters

The Bangladesh Army’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has strongly refuted the media reports about the army chief facing anger from young officers during a meeting. ISPR stated that the news was based on a misleading Indian media report, and the actual meeting was a regular, cordial, and amicable internal gathering. The army expects responsible and objective reporting from the media to avoid public confusion and rumors. BSS

The Bangladeshi government has issued a circular advising people to use specific hotline numbers for information and assistance regarding those injured or killed in recent quota reform and anti-government protests. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has activated three hotline numbers: 16263 (Shastho Batayon 24/7 call center), 01759114488, and 01769954192 (Health Emergency Operation Centre). These numbers can be used to report casualties and seek proper treatment for the injured. Daily Star

The High Court set Thursday for hearing a writ petition seeking to ban Bangladesh Awami League and cancel its registration due to alleged killings of students and citizens. Filed by Arifur Rahman Murad Bhuiyan of Sarda Society, the petition also requests extending the interim government’s tenure to three years, renaming institutions named after Sheikh Hasina, recovering laundered money, and transferring officials appointed during AL’s regime. Daily Star

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has demoted Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu from advisor to the chairperson’s council to a member of the executive committee. This action follows a show-cause notice issued to Dulu for making provocative statements about the media, which violated party policies. Dulu had threatened to set fire to media outlets that broadcast photos of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whom he accused of killing students. The BNP leadership found his explanation unsatisfactory, leading to the disciplinary action.

The Bangladesh High Court issued a rule questioning the legality of the constitution’s 15th amendment, which abolished the caretaker government system. The court has given the government eight weeks to explain why this amendment should not be declared unconstitutional. This ruling comes in response to a writ petition filed by five citizens, including Badiul Alam Majumdar from Shushasoner Jonno Nagorik. The petitioners were represented by Sharif Uddin Bhuiyan, while the state was represented by Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman and Deputy Attorney General Foyej Ahmed. Daily Star

Two top officials of Jahangirnagar University (JU) have resigned from their positions. Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Sheikh Md Manzurul Huq and Treasurer Prof Rasheda Akhtar submitted their resignation letters via email to President Mohammed Shahabuddin, who also serves as the university’s Chancellor. According to Deputy Registrar AB M Azizur Rahman, both officials cited the country’s “current situation” as the reason for their resignations. No further details were provided about the specific circumstances leading to their decisions.

Dhaka College authorities formed a probe committee, led by Prof AKM Elius, to investigate the vandalism of a Hindu temple at the college’s West Hostel. Miscreants reportedly damaged an idol and stole valuables on Saturday. Hindu students protested and submitted a written complaint demanding justice. College teachers visited the site and assured students of action. The Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement condemned the incident and called for punishment of the perpetrators. The committee is expected to submit its report soon. Daily Star

The Sanatan Adhikar Parishad, a Hindu rights group in Bangladesh, met with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to present an eight-point demand, including the formation of a minority commission. They called for investigations into attacks on Hindu homes and places of worship, and prosecution of perpetrators. Yunus assured the delegation that the interim government is committed to protecting minority rights and has implemented measures to prevent attacks on minorities. The meeting was also attended by other government advisers.

The interim government of Bangladesh plans to form a banking commission to reform the struggling financial sector. A paper outlining reforms will be published within 100 days. The government will maintain a contractionary monetary policy to curb inflation, which reached 11.66% in July. To increase foreign exchange flow, the band of the crawling peg will be widened to 2.5% from 1%. This follows the introduction of a crawling peg mid-rate of Tk 117 in May, allowing for taka depreciation amid falling forex reserves.

Education adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud stated that the new curriculum, particularly its evaluation method, seems unimplementable. He cited challenges with existing teachers and questioned its suitability for Bangladesh. Mahmud plans to return to the previous curriculum as much as possible, ensuring a smooth transition for students. The shift back will be complex due to the ongoing implementation of the new curriculum in several grades. The process will be conducted in phases to maintain continuity and minimize disruption for students.

ISPR announced that no foreign mission personnel are currently residing in Bangladesh’s cantonments. During recent political unrest, the army provided security for diplomatic areas and embassies in Dhaka. At the Indian High Commission’s request, only civilian members were sheltered in military cantonments. Some foreign personnel stayed at consulates and hotels. Russian experts at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant received security. The army has informed the relevant ministry about these arrangements. UNB

Students at Jashore University of Science and Technology have locked the administrative building and Vice Chancellor’s residence, demanding the resignation of VC Professor Dr Anwar Hossain and his associates over alleged nepotism. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has been protesting since August 7, accusing the VC of irregularities and unfair privileges. Teachers have supported the students’ demands. The VC stated he has no plans to resign currently but would consider it if requested by the new interim government, which took power following a student-led uprising against the previous administration. Daily Star

The interim government of Bangladesh has gained new powers to appoint administrators to local administrations, including city corporations, zilla, and upazila parishads, in special circumstances. President Mohammed Shahabuddin approved amendments to four laws, allowing the government to remove elected officials like mayors and councillors from these bodies. The changes enable the appointment of “competent persons or officials” as administrators until further notice. These amendments apply to city corporations, municipalities, zilla, and upazila parishads, significantly expanding the interim government’s control over local administrations.

Bangladesh’s health authorities have launched a hotline (16263 or 10655) for reporting monkeypox cases. The public is advised to contact these numbers if they show symptoms or have been exposed to the virus. Monkeypox, now known as mpox, causes painful rashes, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. It has spread to several African countries, and Pakistan recently confirmed its first case. A new, more dangerous strain has been detected in Sweden, prompting renewed global health concerns. Dhaka Tribune

The Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Anowara, Bangladesh, is a unique private industrial area that combines manufacturing with environmental conservation. Covering 2,492 acres, it houses 48 industrial units, mainly owned by Youngone Corporation, producing garments and accessories for export. The zone has created 31,000 direct jobs and preserves 52% of its land as green space. It aims to increase annual exports from $400 million to $1.2 billion and plans to expand into IT development. the daily star

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina faces a new murder case in Bogura, bringing the total to five murder cases against her. The case, filed by the father of slain teacher Selim Hossain, also names AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader and 100 others. Hossain was allegedly killed during student protests on August 4. Hasina now faces eight cases in total, including charges of abduction and crimes against humanity at the International Crimes Tribunal.

Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus assured Indian PM Narendra Modi of the government’s commitment to protecting all citizens, including minorities. In their first call, Yunus invited Indian journalists to report on minority safety, claiming exaggerated reports of attacks. Modi congratulated Yunus on his new role and expressed desire for close cooperation. Yunus agreed to join the virtual “Third Voice of Global South Summit” hosted by India. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and Bangladesh’s current situation.

Taqsem A Khan, managing director of Dhaka Wasa for nearly 15 years, resigned amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement. His tenure was marked by complaints of contaminated water supply, inflated project costs, and poor service. The LGRD Adviser promised legal action against corrupt individuals. Taqsem’s resignation follows years of public outrage and criticism from anti-corruption bodies. Residents continue to face water quality and supply issues, with some demanding Taqsem’s arrest and punishment. the daily star

Prices of essential goods in Bangladesh’s capital have surged, affecting lower and middle-income residents. Rice, soybean oil, sugar, and vegetables have seen significant increases. Traders cite supply shortages, rising production costs, and economic instability as reasons. Food inflation hit a 13-year high of 14% in July. The interim government’s advisers expect inflation to decrease in the coming months, focusing on improving supply and production to address the issue.

Bangladesh is facing frequent power cuts due to insufficient electricity production, especially in rural areas. The country’s power generation is falling short by about 1,500MW daily. Key issues include technical problems at coal-based plants, gas shortages, and delayed LNG regasification capacity. Several power plants are idle due to fuel shortages or maintenance. The Adani Power Plant in India and the Matarbari plant in Bangladesh have also reduced output due to technical issues. the daily star

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has established 50 new benches for the High Court division of the Supreme Court in Bangladesh. These benches, comprising 26 double and 24 single benches with specific jurisdictions, are set to begin regular judicial activities from August 18. The complete list of benches and their respective jurisdictions has been made available on the Supreme Court’s official website. This reorganization aims to streamline and enhance the efficiency of judicial proceedings in the High Court division. BSS

On the 49th anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s assassination, crowds gathered near his Dhanmondi-32 residence. Hundreds of students and civilians, armed with sticks, blocked roads and checked IDs of passersby. They detained and attacked individuals suspected of coming to pay respects. Reporters witnessed people being confined based on suspicion. One man, thought to be an Awami League sympathizer, was discovered by the crowd. The situation highlights tensions surrounding the commemoration of the former leader’s death. Daily Star

Taqsem A Khan, Managing Director of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa), has resigned citing health reasons. Appointed in 2009, his tenure was marked by multiple extensions and allegations of corruption. Under his leadership, water prices in Dhaka increased 16 times. Following protests by Wasa employees and the recent change in government, Taqsem submitted his resignation online. As a US citizen, there’s speculation he may have left Bangladesh. He’s currently under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission. Dhaka Tribune

Lamiya Morshed, executive director of Yunus Centre, has been appointed as the new chief coordinator of SDG affairs in the chief adviser’s office. She replaces Akhtar Hossain, whose contractual appointment was cancelled. The Ministry of Public Administration confirmed this change to The Daily Star. An official notification regarding this appointment is expected to be issued soon. This appointment marks a significant shift in leadership for SDG affairs coordination in Bangladesh’s government. Daily Star

Amnesty International has urged Bangladesh’s interim government to take concrete action to protect religious minorities, following reports of attacks on Hindus and Ahmadiyyas since the government change on August 5. The organization called for swift and impartial investigations into crimes against minorities and associated mob violence. While welcoming Chief Adviser Yunus’s recent address to minority communities, Amnesty stressed the need for urgent follow-up actions to ensure justice, reparations, and prevention of future attacks. The interim government is pressed to guarantee rights and end the culture of political revenge.

Shomi Kaiser, president of E-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (E-CAB), has resigned citing health reasons. She submitted a resignation letter to the executive council, requesting immediate effect. Kaiser, a popular actress in the 1990s, first became E-CAB president in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022. She was expected to run again for the 2024-26 term, but the election scheduled for July 27 has been postponed. E-CAB general secretary Nasima Akhter confirmed Kaiser’s resignation. Dhaka Tribune

A Chittagong court has set Sunday for the bail hearing of former police superintendent Babul Akter, a key accused in the 2016 murder of his wife, Mahamuda Khanam Mitu. Mitu was killed while walking her son to school. Initially, Babul filed a case, but in 2021 the Police Bureau of Investigation implicated him in the murder. Mitu’s father then filed a case against Babul. The trial began in April 2023, with seven accused including Babul. A witness testified that Babul paid the killers Tk3 lakh. UNB

A complaint was filed at the International Crimes Tribunal against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and eight others, including former ministers and high-ranking officials, for alleged crimes against humanity and genocide between July 15 and August 5. The case, initiated by a Supreme Court lawyer on behalf of a student’s father killed during protests, also names political organizations. The investigation agency has begun its probe, with results to be submitted to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office for further action.

The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Bangladesh has resumed issuing visas to Bangladeshi workers. Ambassador Isa bin Yusuf Al-Duhailan announced this after meeting with Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser. The embassy is now providing all types of services, with an average of 5,000 visas issued daily under normal circumstances. The ambassador discussed various issues, including economic matters, with the adviser. He expressed hope for stability in Bangladesh and denied knowledge of any asylum request from former PM Sheikh Hasina. Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh’s national emergency helpline 999 is now fully operational after being disrupted since August 6 due to police personnel’s absence. The service was running on a limited scale but has resumed full capacity as police have returned to work at most stations. The disruption occurred after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid mass protests, during which many protesters and police personnel were killed in clashes. Daily Star

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and six others, including top officials, have been accused in a murder case filed over the death of Abu Sayeed during police firing at a protest on July 19. This is the first case against Hasina since her resignation on August 5. The case, filed by Amir Hamza Shatil in a Dhaka court, alleges indiscriminate shooting by police during quota protests. The victim’s family, living in Panchagarh, reportedly lacks resources to file the case themselves. Daily Star