Category: Bangladesh

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return to the country once democracy is restored, according to her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. Joy alleged that Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, is fueling unrest in Bangladesh and urged India to build international pressure for the swift restoration of democracy. He dismissed rumors of Hasina seeking asylum and expressed hope that interim leader Muhammad Yunus will fulfill his promises. Dhaka tribune

The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has demanded the immediate resumption of all closed media outlets and condemned the attacks on various media houses during the ongoing political unrest. They have called for the speedy trial of journalist murders and urged law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice. The DRU emphasized that the media is not the opponent of any party and should be allowed to report news impartially. Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh Bank has temporarily limited cash withdrawals to Tk100,000 per account for Thursday, citing security concerns ahead of the interim government’s swearing-in ceremony led by Dr Muhammad Yunus. This measure aims to prevent potential misuse of funds, particularly by Awami League-affiliated individuals, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Digital transfers remain unrestricted, and the central bank has halted cash distribution from headquarters to branches, promoting electronic payments instead.

Following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure amid political unrest, Bangladesh’s healthcare system has been severely disrupted. Many hospitals, especially in Dhaka, are facing a shortage of doctors and senior officials, particularly those affiliated with the pro-Awami League doctors’ organization SWACHIP. While some general doctors and BNP-supported DAB members are present, administrative functions are largely non-operational. Patients are struggling to receive medical care, with surgeries and routine check-ups on hold in many facilities. Dhaka Tribune

The Bangladesh Army raided the Detective Branch office in Dhaka following detention reports, but found no detainees. The public and media were allowed entry during the inspection. A search of ground floor rooms yielded no trapped individuals. However, Tk13 lakh in cash was discovered in a cupboard, claimed by Sub Inspector Suja as his personal funds withdrawn from the bank for a trip home. Dhaka Tribune

Violence against Hindu minorities has erupted in Bangladesh following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid mass protests. Attacks on Hindu homes, businesses, and temples have been reported in around 30 districts. Rights groups, citizens, and international bodies have condemned the violence. In Jessore, Hindu-owned shops were looted and houses vandalized. Local authorities claim the situation is under control, but fear persists among the Hindu community. Various leaders have called for protection of minorities and justice for the attackers. Dhaka Tribune

Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus is returning to Dhaka from Paris, expected to arrive on Thursday. He was recently acquitted in a labor law case by the Labour Appellate Tribunal. Following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid protests, Yunus is set to lead an interim government. Student movement coordinators met with the President, who agreed to form the interim government under Yunus’s leadership. The oath-taking is expected within 24 hours. Dhaka Tribune

Around 30-40 inmates escaped from Kushtia District Jail in Bangladesh at approximately 2:00pm today. Witnesses reported seeing inmates fleeing, some on motorcycles. The army has since taken control of the prison and dispersed gathered crowds. The escape reportedly occurred when some inmates were being released for court dates. District Commissioner Ehtasham Reza confirmed the incident, but prison officials were unavailable for comment. Daily Star

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, speaking virtually from London at a Nayapaltan rally, called for immediate national elections and power transfer to elected representatives. He urged for calm, unity, and safety for all citizens regardless of religion, race, or identity. Rahman warned of attempts to destabilize the country and undermine its achievements. He emphasized the importance of party unity in protecting the nation from harm. Daily Star

Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus will be sworn in tomorrow at 8:00pm. The advisory council may have 15 members. This follows Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5 amid mass protests and violence that resulted in over 400 deaths since July 16. The army chief expressed confidence in Yunus’s leadership and hopes for a return to normalcy within days.

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader congratulated Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus on his appointment as head of Bangladesh’s interim government. Quader praised Yunus’s achievements and expressed support for his leadership. The appointment came after student protesters met with the president and military chiefs to discuss the interim government. The country has been experiencing a power vacuum for three days. Quader also expressed concern over the current law and order situation. Daily Star

Garment factories in Savar closed after attacks by miscreants, despite reopening Wednesday morning. Workers express frustration, wanting to continue work due to financial concerns. Factory management cites safety reasons for closure. Industrial Police superintendent reports a tense environment, expressing concern for police safety. Factories expected to reopen tomorrow if conditions improve. Dhaka Tribune

Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Mainul Islam is set to hold a press briefing at 3:00pm at police headquarters. He will address Bangladesh’s current situation. Mainul was appointed as the new IGP, replacing Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, as per a circular from the Home Ministry’s Public Security Division. The announcement was made by the Bangladesh Police media wing. Daily Star

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has received a renewed passport, confirmed by her party’s media cell. The renewal process was completed on Tuesday, with her personal secretary collecting the new machine-readable passport. Zia, who was imprisoned for corruption charges, was released on executive order following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as prime minister amid protests. Zia had been under conditional release since March 2020, with her sentence suspension extended every six months. Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh’s home ministry announced key changes in top police positions. Additional IGP Mainul Hasan has been appointed as the new Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner, replacing Habibur Rahman. AKM Shahidur Rahman, another Additional IGP, is now the new director general of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), taking over from Harun or Rashid. The outgoing officials have been transferred to other positions within the police force. These appointments are effective immediately. Daily Star

Students in Bangladesh continued to volunteer for traffic management for the second day, joined by Ansar members at various intersections in Dhaka. Participants, including Bangladesh Scouts, enforced traffic rules strictly. They prevented vehicles from taking wrong lanes or standing at intersections. Former university students also joined the effort, with some groups cleaning roads. The initiative, organized through social media, aimed to ensure smooth traffic flow across the city.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to respect democratic principles and the rule of law. This comes after recent unrest in the country. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who recently visited Bangladesh, called for de-escalation and respect for universal rights. Both officials emphasized the need for an impartial investigation into recent events in Bangladesh. AFP

Student leaders of the Anti-Discriminatory Movement met with President Shahabuddin, proposing an interim government led by Prof Yunus as chief adviser. They presented a preliminary list of 10-15 members and received assurances their proposal would be finalized. The meeting, attended by armed forces chiefs and university professors, lasted four hours. Student leader Nahid Islam urged for peace and protection of government structures and minorities amid the ongoing political situation.

Md Mainul Islam, former commandant of Traffic and Driving School, has been appointed as the new Inspector General of Bangladesh Police (IGP). The appointment was made through a circular issued by the Public Security division of the Home Ministry. Simultaneously, the contractual appointment of previous IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, who had held the position since September 21, 2022, was canceled.

Immigration officials report all posts in the country are operational. However, high-profile individuals including former ministers, MPs, political leaders, government officials, and media workers are being denied passage for failing to meet required conditions. This decision was made after consultation with intelligence agencies, according to sources at Immigration and Special Branch. Daily Star

Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus has been appointed chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid mass protests. The decision was announced after a meeting between protest organizers and President Shahabuddin. The country has been in turmoil since mid-July, with over 400 deaths reported in violent clashes. The protests, initially about public service job quotas, escalated to demands for Hasina’s resignation after numerous casualties.

In Bangladesh, 2,400 people, including top opposition leaders from BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, were granted bail by Dhaka magistrates. They were arrested in 178 cases related to quota reform protests. The cases, filed between July 16 and August 4, include charges of rioting, assaulting law enforcers, and property damage. Over 270 cases were lodged across 39 police stations in Dhaka, with most complaints filed by police personnel. Daily Star

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh, widespread violence against Hindu communities erupted across at least 27 districts. Attacks included burning homes, vandalizing temples, and destroying property. In Dhaka, a musician’s ancestral home was torched. Temples in Shariatpur and Patuakhali were ransacked. Hindu-owned businesses and residences in various districts faced looting and arson. Law enforcement was largely absent, leaving minority communities vulnerable and in a state of panic. Daily Star

At least 12 people, including two students and two policemen, were killed in multiple incidents of violence across Cumilla district. Over 50 policemen were injured. The violence occurred in Titas, Daudkandi, Chauddagram, and Sadar upazilas. Incidents included attacks on police stations, houses of local officials, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Deaths resulted from beatings, shootings, and arson attacks. The situation remains tense with widespread unrest reported throughout the area. Daily Star

Four charred bodies were discovered at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhaka following arson attacks during recent riots. The museum, which is the historic house of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was set on fire yesterday amid violence following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The identities of the deceased are unknown, but they may be security guards or looters. Parts of the museum were still burning, and no law enforcement personnel were present at the scene.

Bangladesh police aim to resume normal duties soon after recent turmoil. Following PM Hasina’s resignation and flee to India amid violent protests, top police official AKM Shahidur Rahman addressed media. He acknowledged the impact of police absence on public life and expressed shock over casualties. Rahman assured efforts to resolve internal issues and urged support for the force as they plan an overhaul. Daily Star

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has announced a temporary suspension of judicial functions for both its Appellate and High Court Divisions. The closure will be in effect for Wednesday and Thursday. However, the court will maintain limited official activities during this period. This information was conveyed through a press release issued by the Supreme Court today.

Former State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak was detained at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport while attempting to leave Bangladesh for New Delhi. Airport staff and workers intervened to prevent his departure. An airport official confirmed the incident to The Daily Star. This comes amid recent political upheaval in the country.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been released following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government and a military takeover. President Mohammed Shahabuddin made the decision after consulting with military chiefs, political leaders, civil society representatives, and student movement leaders. This development comes just a day after the change in government. Daily Star

DGFI officials promise an update on hostages held in “Aynaghor” tomorrow after meeting with UN representatives and rights activists. Two high-profile detainees, Abdullahil Aman Azmi and Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, have been released from Dhaka Cantonment. Families of political prisoners have gathered at DGFI headquarters, awaiting news of their relatives as more releases are expected. Daily Star

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has increased security measures along the country’s borders to prevent illegal crossings. This comes after reports of Awami League members attempting to leave Bangladesh following the government’s fall. BGB’s public relations officer, Shariful Islam, confirmed the enhanced border security. The move follows Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and reported departure from the country yesterday.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved Bangladesh’s 12th parliament, formed after the January 7 election. The decision followed consultations with military chiefs, political leaders, civil society representatives, and student movement leaders. BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been freed, and the release process has begun for those arrested between July 1 and August, with many already out of custody. Daily Star

President Shahabuddin announced the dissolution of parliament and acceptance of PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. He called for the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and all detained protesters. The President urged political parties to restore order and stop violence. He promised to form an interim government for upcoming elections, release prisoners, compensate victims’ families, and reopen educational institutions after discussions with student representatives and teachers. BSS

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus hailed Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Bangladesh’s prime minister, calling it a “second liberation” for the country. Yunus, who faced numerous charges under Hasina’s government, described her rule as dictatorial. He expressed hope for a fresh start led by young people and students. Yunus ruled out entering politics himself, stating he would return to Bangladesh to continue his work in a “more free environment.”

President Mohammed Shahabuddin addressed the nation, calling for calm and protection of lives and property. He announced PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, the immediate dissolution of parliament, and plans to form an interim government for upcoming elections. The President promised to release political prisoners, including BNP’s Khaleda Zia, and compensate victims of recent unrest. He urged the armed forces to maintain order and requested citizens to ensure communal harmony. BSS

The U.S. has called for calm in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s departure and widespread protests. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller welcomed the military’s formation of an interim government instead of cracking down on protesters. The U.S. urged restraint, called for investigations into recent casualties, and emphasized that Bangladeshis should decide their future government. Miller also noted the U.S. had recently criticized Hasina’s autocratic tendencies. AFP