Category: Bangladesh

Former Bangladesh Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed has shared his account of the 2009 BDR mutiny in a YouTube video. He describes the events of February 25-26, including his communications with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BDR chief Maj Gen Shakil Ahmed. Moeen claims he ordered troops to prepare for an operation without waiting for instructions. He also mentions the government’s negotiations with mutineers and the army’s role in ending the 33-hour siege, which resulted in 57 army officers’ deaths.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s new International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor, Md Tajul Islam, announced plans to seek Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India. He aims to try the former prime minister for alleged mass killings during student protests in July and August. The prosecutor intends to file for arrest warrants against Hasina and other accused once the tribunal resumes. The government may consider amending the ICT Act for new cases. The tribunal and investigation team will be reconstituted following the interim government’s formation.READ FULL

The interim government of Bangladesh has appointed Md Jashim Uddin as the country’s 27th Foreign Secretary, replacing Masud Bin Momen. Jashim Uddin, a career diplomat who joined the Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1994, has previously served as ambassador to China, Qatar, and Greece. He holds degrees from the University of Dhaka and the University of Leeds, UK. The appointment follows the cancellation of Momen’s contractual extension, which had been granted by the previous government. Jashim Uddin brings extensive diplomatic experience to his new role.READ FULL

Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s third terminal opening has been delayed until 2026, despite 98% completion. The delay is due to pending recommendations from a consultant on the terminal’s operation and maintenance. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) needs to finalize agreements, train staff, and conduct trial runs before opening. The terminal, costing over Tk 21,300 crore, will double the airport’s capacity to 24 million passengers annually. The project faced setbacks, including construction delays and extended deadlines.READ FULL

Hundreds of job seekers protested at Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection, blocking traffic since noon to demand an increase in the age limit for government job applications from 30 to 35 years. The demonstrators carried banners seeking the chief adviser’s attention to their cause. One protester stated that they have been advocating for this change for 14 years without response. The protest significantly disrupted vehicular movement in the area, according to eyewitnesses.READ FULL

Hilsa prices in Bangladesh remain high despite an export ban to India. Fishermen and traders attribute this to scarcity in the sea, increased fishing costs, and rough weather. At Barishal’s Port Road Hilsa Market, prices are Tk 150-200 higher than last year. The government banned exports due to low supply. Fishermen report poor catches and higher operational costs. Officials hope prices may decrease in coming weeks as more hilsa becomes available in the sea. Only 25 tonnes have been traded so far this fiscal year.READ FULL

The Bangladesh Department of Prisons has announced a major reshuffle, transferring 13 senior jail officials across the country. The circular, signed by Inspector General of Prisons Brigadier General Syed Md Motaher Hossain, includes the transfer of AKAM Masum from Dinajpur to become the new jailer of Dhaka Central Jail. The previous Dhaka Central Jail jailer, Nashir Ahmed, has been moved to Bandarban District Jail. The reshuffle affects various district jails including Kushtia, Cox’s Bazar, Cumilla, and Feni, among others.READ FULL

Dr Mohammad Azam, an associate professor of Bengali at the University of Dhaka, has been appointed as the director general of the Bangla Academy. Born in 1975 in Noakhali, Dr Azam holds a PhD in Bengali language colonization and decolonization. His research interests include literature, aesthetics, history, politics, and cultural studies. He has authored and edited several books. The Ministry of Culture’s Secretary, Khalil Ahmed, confirmed the appointment, which was communicated to Dr Azam by the Ministry of Public Administration.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal and four election commissioners resigned amid political turmoil. This follows the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and parliament’s dissolution on August 5-6, 2024, after mass protests. The resignations come as the constitutional deadline to hold elections within 90 days approaches. Awal cited the difficulty of ensuring fair elections under the current system and proposed reforms, including proportional representation and phased voting. The President has accepted their resignations.READ FULL

Garment workers in Ashulia, Dhaka, staged protests on Wednesday, leading to the closure of at least 70 factories. Demonstrations began around 8am, with workers demanding better wages and improved conditions. The protests escalated, causing traffic congestion and some vandalism. Workers blocked roads and clashed with authorities. Police and army were deployed to manage the situation. Factory closures were implemented for safety reasons as the unrest spread across the industrial area.READ FULL

Doctors at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) announced the full resumption of medical services across Bangladesh from Wednesday, following a two-day limited operation protest. The decision came after the government took visible steps to address their demands, including ensuring doctor safety and arresting those who attacked medical staff. The health secretary promised to form a committee to implement the demands of Health Police formation and Health Protection Act reform. The nationwide strike, which began Sunday, ended as doctors were assured their concerns would be addressed.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, departing on September 22 for a five-day visit. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain announced this, stating that potential bilateral meetings are being arranged. The chief adviser will lead a small delegation of essential personnel. He is also expected to attend a reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-UN relations. Specific details about meetings are yet to be confirmed.READ FULL

Environmental Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasized collaborative efforts to protect international rivers, forests, and wetlands at the 8th IUCN Regional Conservation Forum in Bangkok. She stressed environmental and climate justice, advocating for a nature-centric approach to biodiversity conservation and discussing nature’s rights. Rizwana proposed regular updates to IUCN’s 20-year vision and highlighted youth inclusion in all plans. She leads the Bangladesh delegation at this three-day conference, where IUCN presented its vision and action plan for the next two decades.READ FULL

A case has been filed against 20 people, including Dhaka South City Awami League president Abu Ahmed Mannafi, over the alleged 2018 crossfire death of Rakib Hawlader. Rakib’s mother, Rita Akter, filed the case under the torture and custodial death prevention act. The court has ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to probe the allegations. The case details Rakib’s detention by Wari Police on April 4, 2018, and his subsequent reported death in a police crossfire on April 6, despite Rita’s attempts to secure his release.READ FULL

Floods in Bangladesh have claimed 71 lives across 11 districts, with four new deaths reported in Feni and Cumilla. Over 5.8 million families are stranded in 68 upazilas, affecting more than 5 million people in 504 municipalities or unions. Nearly 286,000 people and 31,203 animals have taken shelter in 3,612 centers. The government has allocated 4.52 crore taka, 20,650 tonnes of rice, and other relief materials. Medical teams are providing services in the affected areas.READ FULL

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus met with top editors in Bangladesh, emphasizing his commitment to media freedom. He encouraged journalists to write without hesitation, even about government mistakes. Editors discussed reforming repressive clauses in digital security laws, empowering local governments, and reforming autonomous bodies like the Election Commission. They also suggested making state media autonomous. The meeting highlighted the interim government’s media-friendly stance and the importance of constitutional reforms for a stronger democracy. Editors expressed satisfaction with the government’s approach to media freedom. READ FULL

Turkish Airlines has appointed İslam Güre as the new General Manager for its Dhaka operations, effective September 1, 2024. Güre, previously Regional Sales Manager in St. Petersburg, will manage operations and enhance the airline’s presence in Bangladesh. He aims to maintain high service standards for passengers traveling between Bangladesh and Turkish Airlines’ global network. Turkish Airlines, established in 1933, has grown from a fleet of five aircraft to over 444 planes serving 345 destinations worldwide. READ FULL

Wahiduddin Mahmud, education and planning adviser in Bangladesh’s interim government, has called for an immediate end to forced resignations and harassment of teachers nationwide. During a meeting with Education Ministry officials, he condemned these practices as unacceptable. Mahmud stated that corruption allegations would be investigated by relevant authorities and directed institutions to enforce disciplinary codes. He emphasized the importance of students in creating a respectful learning environment and urged all stakeholders to collaborate in maintaining the integrity of educational institutions. READ FULL

The deadline for surrendering looted firearms and ammunition, set by Police Headquarters on Sunday, ends Tuesday. As of September 1, authorities have recovered 3,880 stolen firearms, 286,353 bullets, 22,201 tear gas shells, and 2,139 sound grenades from various locations. These items were taken from police stations, lines, and outposts during recent unrest. The Bangladesh Army is actively assisting law enforcement agencies in the recovery efforts, aiming to ensure all stolen items are swiftly returned.READ FULL

The UAE president has pardoned 57 Bangladeshis who were jailed for protesting against their former government. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, announced they will be deported soon. The Bangladeshis had received sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment for participating in unauthorized protests, which are banned in the UAE. This decision comes after protests in Bangladesh in July against a civil service job quota system led to the resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.READ FULL

Pakistan has introduced a new visa policy allowing citizens from 126 countries, including Bangladesh, to travel to Pakistan without a visa fee. The policy aims to enhance diplomatic ties, promote tourism, and boost business interactions. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmad Maroof, shared this information with Bangladesh’s Home Affairs Adviser. The two countries also discussed resuming direct flights, suspended since 2018. This move is expected to improve bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.READ FULL

The Advisor to the interim government on Finance and Commerce, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, has announced that the export data will be reconciled soon, and a projection will be made after setting the export earnings target. He also mentioned that the government is working to address issues related to the circulation of torn and dilapidated currency notes, and the national budget will be revised to rationalize unnecessary expenditure.READ FULL

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has obtained a court order banning 18 former ministers and 8 former members of parliament from traveling abroad until further notice. The list includes former ministers such as Hasan Mahmud, Tipu Munshi, Anisul Haque, and others. The move aims to prevent the accused individuals from fleeing the country during the ongoing investigations.READ FULL

India has rejected reports about imposing a visa ban on six Bangladeshi student leaders, describing them as “fake news.” Both the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka have denied any such decision was taken. The reports had claimed the alleged ban was due to accusations of the students “inciting anti-India mobs” and engaging in activities against India’s national interests. India has dismissed these reports as false information.READ FULL

Ten directors of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) resigned yesterday amid protests from local businessmen demanding fair elections. This brings the total resignations to 12 out of 24 board members. The remaining directors, including the president, are expected to resign on Monday. The resignations follow demonstrations by the ‘Bonchito Bybosayee Forum’, who alleged that recent CCCI bodies were formed without fair elections. Critics claim the current 24-member body, led by Omar Hazzaz, was selected through nepotism rather than a proper electoral process.READ FULL

Ashiqur Rahman Ashiq, a 23-year-old student from Kurigram, died at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in Dhaka on September 1, 2024. He had been undergoing treatment since August 4, when he sustained head injuries during a clash between students and Awami League supporters during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Ashiq, a second-year graduate student at Panchpir Degree College, was not affiliated with any political party according to his family. His death highlights the violent turn the student protests took in KuriKurigram.READ FULL

Former Awami League lawmaker Haji Mohammad Salim was arrested in Bangshal, Dhaka, last night. The arrest was confirmed by DB Joint Commissioner (North) Mohammad Rabiul Hossain Bhuiyan. While full details of the arrest are yet to be disclosed, Bhuiyan stated that Salim was wanted in multiple cases. The police official indicated that more information about the arrest and the charges against the former lawmaker would be provided later.READ FULL

C.P Bangladesh Company Limited has donated Taka 40 lakh to the Chief Adviser’s Relief and Welfare Fund for flood victims in southeastern Bangladesh. The donation, comprising funds from the company’s relief fund and one-day salaries of all employees, was presented by Chairman Suchat Suntipada to Local Government Adviser AF Hassan Ariff. Ariff urged more private companies to contribute to flood relief efforts. C.P Bangladesh, a subsidiary of Thailand’s C.P Group, has been operating in Bangladesh’s agriculture and poultry sectors since 1988.READ FULL

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain confirmed that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will attend the 79th UN General Assembly this month, though his stay will be brief. The exact departure date is not yet finalized. Hossain mentioned potential sideline meetings but noted their scope would be limited due to the short visit. Regarding former PM Sheikh Hasina’s return, Hossain stated they would act if legal processes require. Expert Michael Kugelman views this as an opportunity for Yunus to share economic plans and vision for governance.READ FULL

The Bangladesh government has instructed all government employees to submit wealth statements. This directive was issued by Dr. Md Mokhles ur Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration. The move follows Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’s August 25 address to the nation, where he emphasized the importance of regular asset disclosure by government servants. Yunus also announced that all advisers to the interim government would publish their asset details soon, aiming to make this practice mandatory for all government employees.READ FULL

A Dhaka court issued travel bans on 10 individuals, including former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, his family members, and several government officials. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) requested the ban, citing ongoing investigations into allegations of amassing wealth through illegal means. The ACC claims the accused were attempting to flee the country. The court order was sent to immigration authorities for enforcement. The case highlights efforts to address corruption allegations against high-profile figures in Bangladesh. READ FULL

Garment workers in Ashulia and Savar, Bangladesh, protested by blocking a highway, demanding bonuses, allowances, and job security. Several factories, including GAB Limited, were shut down in response. Workers claim their demands are reasonable, while authorities urge factory owners to negotiate. The industrial police superintendent acknowledges workers’ grievances but cautions against “unnecessary demands.” The situation remains unresolved, with workers threatening continued protests if their demands are not met. READ FULL

Prof Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, will meet with all government secretaries on Wednesday. This is his first comprehensive meeting since taking office on August 8. The meeting aims to address the country’s general situation, restore administrative normalcy after recent unrest, and discuss government priorities. Key topics may include law and order, financial stability, corruption prevention, agriculture, and energy sector issues. The government seeks to increase visibility and begin promised reforms. READ FULL

Doctors across Bangladesh have announced a nationwide hospital shutdown, demanding the arrest of those who assaulted doctors at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). The protest follows an incident where a doctor was allegedly attacked after a student’s death. Services at DMCH, including emergency and outpatient departments, have been suspended since morning, causing significant distress to patients. Doctors are also demanding improved workplace security. The shutdown began before the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued by the doctors. READ FULL

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned charges of crimes against humanity brought against at least 25 journalists in Bangladesh. The organization urges the interim government to stop targeting journalists affiliated with the former government and release those detained. The charges, filed on August 29, relate to a protester’s death in July. RSF calls for the immediate release of detained journalists Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed, and for all charges to be dropped, describing the situation as systematic judicial harassment of media professionals.READ FULL

Petrobangla plans to extend the submission deadline for international offshore block bidding by three months to December, aiming for better responses. Seven international companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Petronas, have purchased bid documents for oil and gas exploration in Bangladesh’s Bay of Bengal maritime area. The bidding, launched on March 10, offers 24 offshore blocks (9 shallow, 15 deep sea). The contracts will follow the Bangladesh Offshore Model Production Sharing Contract 2023, featuring attractive terms like full profit repatriation and no signature bonus or royalty.READ FULL