United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus began his extensive engagements here on Tuesday with his first meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who conveyed to Dr Yunus that Germany would do its best to support Bangladesh in its transition to democracy. "You can be rest assured that we will support you," the German Chancellor said when he met Dr Yunus on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss city. The Chief Adviser briefed him on the reform agenda of the interim government and discussed issues of mutual interest. Dr Yunus invited more German investment in Bangladesh. "We can be your factory," he said. He also sought Scholz's support in creating a safe zone for Rohingyas in Myanmar's Rakhine State under the supervision of the United Nations, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Beijing extends loan repayment period, considers Dhaka's request for interest rate cut The Chief Adviser said he was leading a consensus commission in an effort to facilitate consensus building among the political parties on major reform reports submitted by six commissions. He said after the consensus is reached, the political parties will sign a ‘July Charter’ that will uphold the democratic spirits of the student-led uprising in July and August. The two leaders spoke about a wide range of issues, including the circumstances that led to the July uprising, Bangladesh's relationship with its neighbours, the Rohingya crisis, and the security situation in Myanmar. The Chief Adviser explained to the German chancellor how young people joined the July uprising to bring an end to years of misrule in Bangladesh. A student as young as 12 years old wrote a letter to his mother before joining the uprising and embraced martyrdom, the Chief Adviser told Scholz. Prof Yunus called for greater business links between the two nations and urged him to send a team of German businessmen to Dhaka to explore business opportunities in Bangladesh. He said that Bangladesh still holds the idea of SAARC and would continue its endeavour to revive the platform. The Chief Adviser also explained to the German Chancellor how hydroelectric power from Nepal can benefit multiple South Asian countries, helping all in their transition to renewable energy. Malaysia extends repatriation programme for undocumented Bangladeshis The Chief Adviser also met Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum and discussed issues of mutual interest. Dr Yunus arrived at Zurich International Airport, Switzerland in the afternoon to attend the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos where he started engaging with the global leaders on pressing issues in addition to his bilateral meetings. Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam received the Chief Adviser at the airport upon his arrival. Dhaka, Beijing discuss economic partnership expansion The Chief Adviser and his delegation members arrived at the Zurich International Airport at 12:27pm (Zurich time) by an Emirates flight. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to hold a number of meetings on the first day, including his joining in the opening dinner at Kurpark Village.

The Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) commended the government and reform commissions for presenting the first-ever public reports on constitutional and electoral reform, fulfilling a demand arising from the July-August 2024 monsoon uprising for state reconstruction. AB Party calls for VAT to be phased out and impose singular direct tax At a press briefing held at the AB Party’s central office in Dhaka on Tuesday, Sunny Abdul Haque, joint general secretary and barrister-at-law, provided the party’s evaluation of the reports. Asaduzzaman Fuaad, General Secretary of the AB Party and a Barrister-at-law, and Mujibur Rahman Manju, Chairman of the party, also commented on different aspects of the reports. Key points from the party’s evaluation: 1. Acknowledging Historic Values The AB Party praised the inclusion of the principles from Bangladesh’s proclamation of independence, emphasizing equality, human dignity, and social justice. This aligns with the party’s recommendations for a constitutional reform centered on the nation’s founding ethos; 2. Concerns on a bicameral legislature Barrister Fuaad questioned whether Bangladesh is prepared for a bicameral legislature, noting that even developed nations face legislative deadlocks in such systems. Instead, the AB Party proposed: (i) Expanding the current unicameral parliament, (ii) Reserving an additional 50 seats for underprivileged groups and professionals alongside the existing 50 reserved for women; 3. Focus on candidate attributes The Party prefers attributes of the candidates to age limits in electoral reforms. 4. Qualitative over cosmetic reforms Addressing law enforcement, Barrister Fuaad emphasized changing behaviour and service ethics over superficial changes, such as uniform design; Monju elected chairman, Fuad general secretary of AB Party 5. Electoral Duration and Government Mandate, Monju reiterated the AB Party’s earlier suggestion for a two-year election timeline, which has gained broader discussion. He clarified the legitimacy of the current government as a product of a democratic uprising, affirming its mandate comes directly from the people. Praise for Public Reporting The Party acknowledged the government’s transparency in sharing the commission’s report and stressed the importance of respecting contributions from all sectors, including students, political parties, and expatriates, who were instrumental during the July-August 2024 movement.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner  SM  Sajjat Ali on Tuesday said that the DMP is set to introduce a new hotline for real-time information exchange, aimed at providing timely updates and facilitating communication between the police and journalists, especially crime reporters. The DMP Commissioner  announced the initiative during a meeting with the newly elected executive committee of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) on Tuesday. The DMP Commissioner said the initiative to launch the hotline in the media division of the DMP will be taken keeping in mind the idea of 'Instant information whenever there is an incident', an initiative is being taken to launch a hotline in the media department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). IGP urges increased professionalism at Central Police Hospital He said that the new hotline will enable journalists to receive instant information about incidents, and equally allow them to report details on ongoing situations. In his speech, CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the police and the association, asserting that such collaboration would continue in the future. He noted that delays in receiving timely information from the police could create gaps in the flow of information. CRAB General Secretary M.M. Badshah recommended enhancing partnership between DMP and CRAB, and suggested organizing orientation and awareness programs.  He also urged the DMP Commissioner to foster cooperation under the concept of "real-time information exchange." In response, DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam was instructed to take necessary steps to ensure effective information flow. Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sojjat Ali highlighted the importance of media cooperation in maintaining law and order and building a crime-free society. IGP emphasizes maximum effort to combat crime in DMP’s monthly crime review meeting He emphasized that controlling law and order is a difficult task for the police without the active support of journalists, and reiterated that the police and media are complementary to each other. Meanwhile, when the Commissioner was asked  about  former Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Uttara East Police Station Shah Alam, who had escaped from police custody after being arrested in Kushtia and brought to Uttara East Police Station in the capital, is still at large. Despite a nationwide red alert issued by the police, the fugitive remains unapprehended. In response,  the DMP Commissioner clarified that the police had not released the former OC, stating, "If the police were to release him, it would have been in Kushtia itself, not after bringing him to Dhaka." He also mentioned that two officers responsible for the incident had been dismissed due to negligence. However, he acknowledged that the escaped OC has likely fled to India or a neighboring country.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday asked on-duty doctors to enhance the quality of services at the Rajarbagh Central Police Hospital by ensuring professionalism, sincerity, and dedication.  The IGP gave the instruction during a view exchange meeting with physicians, nurses, employees and staff of Police Central Hospital in the city after inspecting various departments of the hospital in Rajarbagh in the city on Tuesday. In his speech, the IGP emphasized on modernizing the Central Police Hospital and directed the doctors and staff to maintain high standards of patient care. He appreciated the ongoing healthcare services provided to police personnel and their families, and expressed his gratitude to the doctors and nurses for their tireless efforts. IGP emphasizes maximum effort to combat crime in DMP’s monthly crime review meeting During the meeting with hospital doctors, officers, and staff, it was told that, on average, around 4,500 police officers and their family members receive medical services at the Central Police Hospital daily. Furthermore, approximately 1,500 police officers receive pathology reports every day. Last year, a total of 712 surgeries were successfully conducted in the eye department, while 6,467 surgeries were performed across other departments.  The IGP also inspected the hospital's digital healthcare services, including registration, OPD, consultations, medicine stores, and report delivery. He also visited various other departments such as the Emergency Unit, Radiology and Imaging, ICU, and Dialysis Unit. During the visit, he observed the service process for police members and their families and provided necessary guidance. During the IGP's inspection, Central Police Hospital Director (DIG) Sardar Nurul Amin, Additional DIG (Administration and Finance) Dr. Md. Emdadul Haque and Superintendent of the hospital Dr. ABM Md. Khorshed Alam were present.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia has announced an extension of the Migrant Repatriation Programme for undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, allowing them to return home under revised provisions set by the Malaysian government. For those who registered online with Malaysian immigration to return home by the December 31, 2024 deadline but were unable to do so for various reasons, the repatriation program has been extended until March 21, 2025, the High Commission said in a notification on Tuesday. Bangladesh seeks balanced trade with Malaysia: Commerce Adviser This extension applies to undocumented Bangladeshi migrants, alongside those from other relevant countries. Previously, undocumented Bangladeshi migrants were required to pay fines to Malaysian immigration authorities based on the length of their stay in the country before availing the opportunity to return home. Under a decision by the Malaysian government, from March 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, irregular migrants were allowed to return by paying a maximum fine of 500 Malaysian Ringgit, irrespective of their duration of stay.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain had a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday and discussed a wide range of issues and ways to strengthen Dhaka's economic partnership with Beijing. The meeting was held at a time when Bangladesh and China are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025. Adviser Hossain is paying the visit at the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Minister in what is described as “very important first bilateral visit” after the formation of the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr Yunus in August last year. Read: Foreign Adviser off to China on maiden visit for boosting economic ties Bangladesh sees Hossain’s maiden bilateral visit to China as a “great opportunity” to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations with Beijing giving an outline for the future cooperation. He is scheduled to return home on January 24.

The 41st anniversary of the Socialist Students' Front (Samajtantrik Chhatra Front) was celebrated. On this occasion, a gathering was organized by the leaders and activists of the Socialist Student Front in front of the Raju sculpture at Dhaka University on Tuesday. During the event, the speakers called for the trial and punishment of those involved in the July massacre, providing financial assistance to the victims, and the immediate formation of an 'Education Reform Commission.' They also demanded the removal of undemocratic rules banning student politics in educational institutions, allocation of at least 25% of the national budget or 6% of GDP for education, and the prosecution of attacks on ethnic minorities. Rafiquzzaman Farid, General Secretary of the Socialist Students' Front, said, "This anniversary is not merely a formality. Since its inception, this organization has been fighting against injustice. We aim to learn from past mistakes. The struggles of many past leaders and activists have shaped this organization." Bhorer Kagoj shuts down operations; workers stage protests He added, "After this people's uprising, we are still hearing flowery words. The government is ignoring the people who shed blood. They continue to make controversial decisions. The Education Reform Commission is not being formed, they cannot stop the destruction of Dargahs. Instead, they are raising VAT and erasing graffiti from textbooks. What needs to be done is the trial of the killers. But we are seeing attacks on the injured. They are trying to impose divisive politics." Masud Rana, former president of the Socialist Students' Front, said, "The significance of this anniversary is different in the new Bangladesh. Every time people give their lives with a certain aspiration, but that aspiration is not fulfilled. If we fail to reach the aspirations we fought for this time, we will lose again." CNG drivers’ protests cause severe traffic jam at Mohakhali He added, "Fascism is not brought by any one party. A system brings fascism. Fascism is established to protect capitalist interests. Over the last 53 years, fascism has been established to protect the interests of the capitalists. This government will also have to establish fascism if it wants to protect capitalist interests." "Many say that the country is poor and people do not get benefits, and the education system is bad. No, no. There is an economic system in Bangladesh where the interests of a few capitalists are protected, and that’s why we are in this condition," said Masud Rana. Also present at the gathering were Salman Siddiqui, President of the Socialist Student Front (Marxist), Muzzammel Haque, Organizational Secretary of the Dhaka University branch of the Socialist Students' Front, and other leaders from various levels of the organization. It is worth mentioning that the Socialist Students' Front was established on January 21, 1984, in the backdrop of the anti-military dictatorship student movement.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has called on the United States to take in more Rohingyas from Bangladesh for rehabilitation. He made the request during a meeting with the US Embassy's Charge d’Affaires in Bangladesh, Tracey Ann Jacobson, at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Praising the US for its humanitarian aid and rehabilitation efforts for the Rohingyas, the adviser said, “The US has already rehabilitated some Rohingyas. I urge them to take in more for rehabilitation.” Responding to the request, Jacobson highlighted the US’s significant contribution to Rohingya development and rehabilitation. UN’s IIMM to investigate allegations of abuse against Rohingyas She noted that USAID, a US-based development organisation, has been collaborating with local Bangladeshi NGOs to improve the living standards of the Rohingyas. “The US has already rehabilitated about 17,000 Rohingyas and this process is going on.” The bilateral meeting covered several topics, including security, counterterrorism, the Rohingya crisis, law enforcement cooperation, police reforms, border issues, minority rights and agriculture. Terming the US a key development partner, the adviser acknowledged its continued support in addressing terrorism and security challenges. He also urged the US to provide training for the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Coast Guard on human rights and human trafficking. Responding to a query, Jahangir Alam said that the country’s borders are stable, with a director-general-level meeting between the BGB and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) scheduled to take place in New Delhi next month. On the question of minority persecution, the adviser dismissed such claims as propaganda from Indian media. “There is no persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. We consider everyone as Bangladeshi citizens with equal rights.” Govt demands clarification from UN on Rohingya exodus report He attributed isolated incidents involving minorities after August 5 to political reasons rather than religious ones. Jacobson reaffirmed the US’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development. She announced that the US is now allowing 30% more Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education compared to previous years. “We will also provide additional training to law enforcement agencies and ensure that participants apply their knowledge effectively upon returning to their duties.” Highlighting the importance of information sharing and database exchange to tackle terrorism and security concerns, Jacobson noted that the countries enjoy robust cooperation in these areas. Senior officials from the US Embassy in Dhaka were present at the meeting.

Twenty-four new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 940 this year. At the same period, no death from the dengue was reported.  Of the new cases, two were reported in the Dhaka North City Corporation, while five others were hospitalised in the Dhaka South City Corporation, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The number of deaths remained at 8, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Currently, 217 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in 2024.

The tax imposed on marriage registration has been cancelled, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said. "Tax was imposed on marriage registration. The ministry has cancelled this illogical tax," he said at a press conference on current affairs at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Document authentication process goes online Responding to a question from when the decision would take effect, the adviser said, "I have signed document in this regard  today. You can get married without tax." “The marriage registration form used to mention ‘married’ or ‘virgin’. This is a disrespectful word for a girl. We have replaced that word with unmarried,” he added. The adviser said they have done many such small things. “I have plans to do many more things."