Category: Bangladesh

The White House denied US involvement in former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s fall from power, calling such reports “simply false.” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that Bangladesh’s future should be determined by its people. This comes after Hasina accused the US of ousting her for refusing to give up St Martin’s Island. Meanwhile, Hindu-American groups protested attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, with some lawmakers urging US action. Daily Star

Four new Supreme Court judges were sworn in this morning in Bangladesh. Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed administered the oath to Justices Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, Syed Md Ziaul Karim, Md Rezaul Haque, and SM Emdadul Hoque. President Mohammad Shahabuddin elevated them from the High Court Division to the Appellate Division. The appointments bring the total number of apex court judges to six.

Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Ministry launches hotline (01766-843809) for reporting attacks on religious institutions. The public can call or text to report incidents targeting temples, churches, pagodas, or other sacred sites. This initiative aims to provide immediate assistance and enhance the safety of religious places across the country. UNB

The Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have resigned, citing personal reasons and illness. Their resignation letters were emailed to the President, who serves as the chancellor of all universities. This follows student protests demanding their resignations, which were supported by faculty members. The outgoing VC appointed Prof Mohammad Mashud as acting VC before stepping down.

Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser Sakhawat Hossain assures full security for upcoming Hindu festival Janmashtami on August 26. He also plans to recommend a three-day public holiday for Durga Puja, the community’s largest celebration in the country, to the advisory council. These measures aim to support and protect religious minorities during their important festivals. Daily Star

Dhaka residents revive community spirit amid security concerns. Following reports of looting, neighbors unite to protect their areas, standing guard through the night. This unexpected crisis brings together people who previously didn’t interact, fostering a sense of camaraderie. The community’s resilience shines as they turn a tense situation into an opportunity for bonding and celebration. Daily Star

Professor Md Abu Taher, Vice-Chancellor of Chittagong University, resigned yesterday amid ongoing student protests. He submitted his resignation to the president and informed the university registrar. Students had been demanding the VC’s resignation since August 9, locking down his office, residence, and other administrative offices. The proctorial body and hall provosts had already stepped down due to the protests. The acting registrar confirmed the VC’s resignation today. Daily Star

Newly appointed Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed paid respects at two significant national monuments today. He laid wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar to honor Liberation War martyrs and at the Central Shaheed Minar for Language Movement martyrs. At the Shaheed Minar, he also paid tribute to those who died in the quota reform movement and subsequent anti-government protests. Supreme Court judges and officials accompanied him during these visits.

Traffic police in Dhaka have resumed duties after a week-long absence following the Sheikh Hasina government’s ouster. They returned to key intersections after calling off their strike following a meeting at the home ministry. Police are working alongside students who had been managing traffic since August 5. The police had been on strike since August 6, pressing for various demands amid clashes with anti-quota protesters. Full police presence is expected as officers report back to their stations.

A seven-member committee, led by AKM Amirul Islam, has been formed to investigate recent internet shutdowns during protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s government’s fall. Nahid Islam, the new telecom adviser, called for the investigation, stating internet access is a right. The shutdowns, which occurred in July and August, affected various online services. The previous government claimed the outages were due to a fire, but this was disputed by data center officials.

A video of Prof Muhammad Yunus’s motorcade, stuck in Dhaka traffic, has gone viral. The interim government chief adviser’s car, with a “Prime Minister” license plate, was surrounded by security personnel. This unusual scene contrasts with previous VIP movements, where roads were cleared of all traffic and pedestrians. The incident occurred near Jibon Bima Tower in Motijheel, though the exact date is unclear. Daily Star

Two men, Sumon Ahmed and Alhaz Mia, were detained in Tangail with 90 litres of illegal liquor. Students spotted the long-time dealers in the Kanda Para area and alerted the army, who made the arrest. The Bangladesh Army handed the suspects over to Tangail Sadar police station. A case under the Narcotics Control Act is being filed, with the army, students, and local officials present during the process. Dhaka Tribune

Dhaka’s metro rail authorities are preparing to resume operations within seven days, excluding two stations damaged during recent quota reform protests. The interim government will decide the exact reopening date. Trial runs are expected to begin in 2-3 days. A committee is assessing damage to Kazipara and Mirpur-10 stations, which will remain closed initially. The managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited stated they are ready to restart services, awaiting government approval.

The Dhaka Elevated Expressway resumed formal operations today at 3:00pm, restarting toll collection at the Airport ramp. However, entry ramps at Banani and Mohakhali and an exit ramp at FDC remain closed due to damage from recent unrest. The expressway, which opened partially last September, serves over 50,000 vehicles daily. Operations had been suspended since July 18 following vandalism during protests, but informal use continued after the government change on August 5.

Newly appointed IGP Md Mainul Islam reported that 42 police members, including three inspectors and two RAB members, were killed during recent student protests. Over 500 officers received treatment, with 27 still hospitalized. However, the student movement, which led to Sheikh Hasina’s government’s fall, resulted in over 400 deaths, mostly protesters. Video evidence showed police shooting unarmed demonstrators at close range during the unrest. Daily Star

Syed Refaat Ahmed has been sworn in as Bangladesh’s 25th Chief Justice, replacing Obaidul Hassan who resigned amid student protests. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath at Bangabhaban on Sunday, following Ahmed’s appointment on Saturday. Born in 1958, Ahmed is the son of former attorney general Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed and national professor Dr Sufia Ahmed. The appointment was made under Article 95(1) of the Constitution. Dhaka Tribune

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud stated the interim government will remain as long as necessary, emphasizing they don’t wish to retain power. He addressed concerns about forced resignations, suggesting a proper process to avoid chaos. This follows the formation of a 17-member interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus after Sheikh Hasina’s government fell on August 5. Student movement coordinators Mahmud and Nahid Islam have joined as advisers. Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh’s Financial Intelligence Unit has ordered banks to freeze accounts of former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and his family. Mahmud was detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on August 6 while attempting to board a flight to Delhi. He was subsequently taken into custody by the Air Force. The account freeze order was confirmed by a BFIU official on Sunday. UNB

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Professor Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam has resigned from his position. He submitted his resignation letter to the Financial Institutions Division Secretary on Saturday night, citing personal reasons for his departure. This follows a similar move by Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, who also recently resigned citing personal reasons. Dhaka Tribune

Prof Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, addressed students at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur. He urged protection of minority communities, condemned recent attacks, and called on youth to take responsibility for the nation’s future. Yunus praised students’ recent achievements as a “second victory” for the country, encouraged them to pursue their dreams, and committed to national reform. He also warned against those who might try to undermine their progress. Daily Star

A clash erupted between army personnel and Awami League supporters in Gopalganj, Bangladesh. Protesters blocking the Dhaka-Khulna highway, demanding Sheikh Hasina’s return, clashed with army members trying to clear the road. An army vehicle was set on fire, and 15 people were injured, including two by gunshots. The army used batons and reportedly fired to control the situation. The incident lasted about two hours before calm was restored. Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan and five Appellate Division judges resigned following student protests. President Mohammed Shahabuddin appointed Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed as the new Chief Justice. Ahmed, previously the senior-most High Court judge, was first appointed to the Appellate Division before becoming Chief Justice. The resignations and new appointment came amid student demands for judicial reform.

Professor Dr Md Harun-Ur-Rashid Askari has resigned from his position as Director General of Bangla Academy. The resignation was confirmed by Nargis Sanjida Sultana, deputy director of the academy’s Public Relations Subdivision. Prof Askari had been appointed to this role on July 18 this year, replacing Muhammad Nurul Huda. No reason for the resignation has been provided in the given information. Daily Star

Thousands protested at Shahbagh intersection for the second day, demanding protection for Hindus following attacks on their homes, shops, and temples after the AL government’s fall. Demonstrators, including students and Hindu community members, called for immediate action to stop persecution. They demanded a minority ministry, protection commission, stricter laws against attacks on minorities, and 10% parliamentary seat allocation for minorities. Protesters warned of continued demonstrations if their demands aren’t met. Daily Star

Dhaka Medical College Hospital has banned all student politics on campus and in residential halls. The decision, announced Saturday, prohibits activities of all student organizations. Students involved in political activities face immediate disciplinary action. The administration also offered prayers for victims of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement and promised proper treatment for injured students. This move aims to maintain a non-political academic environment at the institution.

Dhaka University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Maksud Kamal and provosts of seven halls reportedly resigned on Saturday following student protests. The protests, held Friday, demanded resignations of key university officials. Prof. Kamal, appointed as the 29th VC in November 2023, faced calls to step down along with other administrators. The resignations come amid growing student unrest at the prestigious institution. Dhaka Tribune

Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul stated that Bangladesh’s interim government will remain in power as long as needed to balance public desires for reform with political parties’ calls for elections. He criticized past misuse of state institutions to suppress dissent, noting that while good people exist within these organizations, the system had turned them into tools of intimidation against those with different views or exercising fundamental rights. Daily Star

Over 100 families formed a human chain in Dhaka, demanding information about relatives who disappeared during the Awami League’s 15-year rule. The protest, organized by “Mayer Dak” and others, took place in front of the Jatiya Press Club. Participants included families of those missing since the recent quota reform movement. The demonstration highlights ongoing concerns about forced disappearances in Bangladesh. Daily Star

Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan of Bangladesh has decided to resign following student protests. Demonstrators from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement threatened to besiege judges’ residences if they didn’t step down by 1:00pm. The Chief Justice cited concerns for the safety of judges across the country as his reason for resigning. He plans to submit his formal resignation to President Mohammed Shahabuddin by evening after completing necessary formalities. Daily Star

Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Mainul Islam visited injured police officials at the Central Police Hospital in Rajarbagh, Dhaka. He checked on their condition and provided instructions to hospital authorities for their proper treatment. Mainul Islam was appointed as IGP on August 6, following recent changes in Bangladesh’s government. BSS

A shooting at Jamalpur district jail in Bangladesh resulted in six prisoners dead and 19 others injured, including guards and inmates. The incident began when prisoners set fire inside the jail and took the jailer hostage. Guards opened fire as inmates attempted to escape. The situation was brought under control after several hours with the help of firefighting units. Injured individuals are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Daily Star

Prof Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government, will visit Rangpur’s Pirganj upazila to meet the family of Abu Sayed, a student killed during quota protests on July 16. Yunus will travel by helicopter, pay respects at Sayed’s grave, and visit injured protesters at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Sayed’s death during a police crackdown on protesters became a symbol of the movement that led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the fall of the Awami League government. Daily Star

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, newly sworn in as Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, paid respects at the National Memorial in Savar. Despite heavy rain, he laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence for Liberation War martyrs. The ceremony included a military salute and bugle call. Other advisers and officials were present. Yunus assumed his role three days after the Awami League government fell to a student-led mass movement. Daily Star

Engineer Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah, convener of the National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports, has died at 93 in the US. Born in 1931 in Khulna, he excelled academically, graduating with honors in Civil Engineering in 1954. Shahidullah became a renowned engineer, contributing to important structures across Bangladesh. Though not politically active, he sympathized with leftist groups. He was known for his intellect, skills, and dedication to his profession. Dhaka Tribune

Rajshahi University has seen a mass resignation of 29 senior officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Proctor, and Student Advisor. The officials have cited personal reasons for their resignation, which has been submitted over the past three days. The resignations are being processed by the university administration, and the officials will step down from their respective positions once the formalities are completed. Dhaka Tribune

Comilla University has officially banned all forms of student politics following a syndicate meeting. The decision aims to maintain a focused academic environment and create a non-partisan campus culture. The university has previously imposed similar restrictions, citing the need to protect the campus atmosphere and promote a fair education system. The ban on teacher and student politics is the latest effort to ensure the safety and integrity of the university. Dhaka Tribune