Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia exchanged greetings at the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja on Thursday. Upon arrival at Senakunja, Khaleda was seated next to Dr Yunus, and the two engaged in conversation. Both were seen smiling and greeting each other during their interactions. At exactly 4:00 pm, the reception ceremony commenced with the national anthem being played. The Chief Advisor then delivered his speech. At the outset of his address, the Chief Adviser congratulated the members of the armed forces on Armed Forces Day and paid tribute to the memories of the martyrs who gave their lives in the Liberation War. The Chief Adviser then said, "Today, we are especially fortunate and honoured to have with us Begum Khaleda Zia, the wife of the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, a freedom fighter, and three-time elected Prime Minister of Bangladesh." He said for a whole decade, the BNP Chief had not had the opportunity to attend this grand gathering. "Today, she has that opportunity, and we are all delighted and proud to have been able to offer it to her." The Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude to the BNP Chairperson for joining the event despite her long-standing health challenges and wished her a speedy recovery. "We thank her once again and extend a warm welcome to her at this event." BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said Khaleda Zia was warmly received by Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, and Air Force Chief Air Vice Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan as she arrived at the venue. After Khaleda Zia took her seat at Senakunja, he said the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, exchanged greetings with her. Earlier, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir arrived at the event and was moved to tears upon seeing Khaleda Zia at the event after a long time. Speaking to reporters at the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that Khaleda Zia, who has dedicated her life to protecting democracy and the country’s independence and sovereignty, had been kept away from the patriotic armed forces for 12 years. He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Adviser and the armed forces, including the chiefs of the three services, for honouring Khaleda on Armed Forces Day. “The entire nation is happy, and we are grateful for the honour bestowed upon Madam (Khaleda).” Apart from Fakhrul, his wife Rahat Ara Begum, and BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Abdul Moin Khan, Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, Selima Rahman, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, and other invited senior leaders also attended the reception ceremony. Khaleda Zia, a 79-year-old former Prime Minister, accompanied by the wife of her late son Arafat Rahman Koko, left her Gulshan residence around 3:30pm and arrived at the reception venue around 3:45pm. She got out of the vehicle, seated in a wheelchair, and made her way to the venue. This marks her first public appearance and participation in a state function in six years, since her imprisonment in February 2018. The last time she attended the Armed Forces Day reception was in 2012. Khaleda also made her first appearance at the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja in 12 years on Thursday. The last time she attended the Armed Forces Day reception was in 2012. Earlier, on Tuesday night, the Armed Forces Division of the Chief Adviser’s Office invited Khaleda, also a three-time former Prime Minister, to attend the reception at Senakunja. Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim and Principal Staff Officer (PSO) Lieutenant General ASM Kamrul Ahsan handed over the invitation letter to Khaleda. Twenty-six other BNP leaders, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other senior leaders, have also been invited to attend the reception. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has presented as the chief guest at the reception at Senakunja. Armed Forces Day was celebrated today (Thursday) with various programmes amid festivity and enthusiasm, commemorating the establishment of the army, navy, and air force during the 1971 Liberation War.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has expressed the confidence that the Armed Forces will continue their collaboration with people to protect Bangladesh's independence and sovereignty. In a statement marking Armed Forces Day, Prof Yunus underscored the vital role of the Army, Navy and Air Force during the Liberation War, highlighting their contributions to the country's hard-fought freedom. The Chief Adviser extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the members of the Army, Navy and Air Force on the occasion of Armed Forces Day 2024. “I pay my deepest respect to all the brave martyrs, including those from the Armed Forces, who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Bangladesh’s freedom,” Prof Yunus said. He also focused on the decisive moment of the Liberation War, saying, “On November 21, the fearless members of the Armed Forces launched a counterattack against the occupying forces, alongside the Liberation Army, paramilitary forces, and patriotic citizens. This coordinated effort ultimately led to victory on December 16, when the invading forces were defeated.” Armed Forces Day, celebrated on November 21 each year, commemorates the progress and triumph of the Bengali nation during the Liberation War. Prof Yunus acknowledged the ongoing contributions of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation, noting their vital role in responding to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, storms, and cyclones. “As always, the Bangladesh Armed Forces have stood by people during critical times and they continue to do so now,” he said. The Chief Adviser also recognised the Armed Forces' support in aiding the civil administration, managing student uprisings, providing security to industries, restoring law and order, and recovering weapons. “I am hopeful that the members of the Armed Forces will continue to work alongside the people to protect the nation’s independence and sovereignty,” he added. Should reform education system to create generation of entrepreneurs: Prof Yunus Prof Yunus wished success for all the activities and programmes planned for Armed Forces Day 2024.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said on Saturday that their party proposed two distinct timelines -- one for implementing effective reforms and another for holding elections. “There will be a roadmap on reforms and another roadmap will be on the election. If reforms are successful, elections will also be successful. That’s why we have put emphasis on these two issues. There will be more dialogues with them,” he told reporters after his party’s talks with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.      The Jamaat Ameer urged all to wait as both sides will come up with details soon, adding that they are giving priority to reforms first. Jamaat Amir calls for national unity Regarding Puja celebrations, he said the government needs partnership with people to help the Hindu community celebrate Durga Puja in a festive way. “There will be a need for partnership between the government and people. People’s engagement with the government is required. If the government, people of the country and law enforcement agencies work together, our Hindu brothers and sisters will be able to celebrate the Durga Puja in an unprecedented way,” he said. After BNP's dialogue with the interim government, a seven-member delegation of Jamaat, led by its Ameer held the dialogue with the chief adviser.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Friday afternoon to discuss ways to take the relations between the two countries to a new height by exploring new areas of cooperation and strengthening the ties in diverse areas. He will be visiting Dhaka at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The Malaysian Prime Minister is likely to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 2:30 pm or after that; and he will directly go to a hotel where he will be staying for around four hours, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus will receive the Malaysian Prime Minister amid gun salute and guard of honour.  After almost a decade, a Malaysian Prime Minister will visit Bangladesh, and this official visit is the first by any head of government to Bangladesh since the formation of the interim government on August 8. The bilateral meeting between the Malaysian Prime Minister and Chief Adviser Prof Yunus will be held at the same hotel, which will be followed by a joint press statement. During the meeting, related areas of mutual interest including economic, political, trade and investment, education, technology and human resource development, manpower export, higher education cooperation, communications, infrastructure development, and defense cooperation are expected to be highlighted, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. The two leaders will also have a one-to-one meeting before the bilateral talks.  Prof Yunus will also host high tea in honour of the Malaysian Prime Minister.  The Malaysian Prime Minister will also meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. He will sign visitor's book there. Malaysia is going to be the next chair of ASEAN from January 2025, and the Rohingya issue will also be discussed. In addition, the issue of Bangladesh to become a "Sectoral Dialogue Partner" in ASEAN in terms of regional cooperation will also be specially raised. "As a result, this visit is very important in terms of bilateral relations," said the Foreign Affairs Adviser, adding that once the Prime Minister of Malaysia arrives in Dhaka, he will be accorded a warm welcome as per state protocol.  This visit is expected to be considered as an expression of deepening bilateral relations and enduring friendship between Bangladesh and Malaysia, said the Adviser ahead of the visit. A 58-member delegation will accompany the Malaysian Prime Minister that will include the country's Foreign Minister, Trade and Investment Minister, Deputy Minister of Transport, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, two Members of Parliament and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In August this year, Prof Yunus invited him to undertake a short visit to Bangladesh as soon as possible to further strengthen the brotherly relationship between the two countries. Malaysia is the 8th largest investor in Bangladesh. In August, the Malaysian leader made a phone call to his old friend, Prof Muhammad Yunus, to congratulate him personally on his recent appointment as the chief adviser of the Interim government of Bangladesh. Prof Yunus has long-standing good ties with Malaysia. "Thus, I assured him that Malaysia stands ready to help and support the interim Government in rebuilding and restoring peace and security in Bangladesh," said the Malaysian PM. At least seven Malaysian universities have Yunus Centres, promoting social business ideas he champions and his three-zero concepts. Malaysian companies, including several owned by its sovereign funds, have invested more than $5 billion in Bangladesh and are now willing to invest more, including in education. A second Malaysian car manufacturer has signed an agreement with a Chattogram-based company for distributing and assembling cars. Malaysia says they could be a desired destination for medical tourism, saying the Bangladeshi people can avail essential medical treatment in the country at an affordable price. The Malaysian Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Dhaka at 6:25pm.

The High Court on Sunday issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the indictment order against four people including Nobel Laureate and Chairman of the Grameen Telecom Trust Dr Muhammad Yunus in connection with a case filed for violating the Labour Law should not be scrapped. The HC bench of Justice Md. Ruhul Quddus and Justice Ashish Ranjan Das issued the rule and asked the authorities concerned including the state counsel to respond to the rule within two weeks. Advocate Abdullah Al-Mamun stood for the petitioner while Attorney General AM Amin Uddin represented the state. Appellate Division orders Dr Yunus to pay NBR Tk 12 crore tax on donations On September 9, 2021, Labour Inspector Arifuzzaman of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, filed the case with Dhaka 3rd Labour Court. The others accused in the case are- Ashraful Hasan, CEO of Grameen Telecom Trust, trustee Nurjahan Begum and managing director M Shahjahan. According to the case, in an inspection visit to Grameen Telecom inspectors of the department found that 101 workers and staff who were supposed to be permanent were not made so. Supreme Court to hear Dr Yunus's petition on July 23 No participation fund and welfare fund was formed for them and five percent of the company’s profit was not provided to the workers following the law. Upon a complaint, a criminal case was filed under sections 4, 7, 8, 117, 234 of the Labour Act. On June 6 of this year, Dhaka Labour Court-3 framed charges against the four accused. Appellate Division orders disposal of Dr Yunus’ writ petition over Grameen Kalyan Dr Yunus and three others filed a petition challenging the legality of the charge framing and seeking a stay order on trial proceedings in the case.  

Foreign Minister  AK Abdul Momen on Thursday questioned intentions of some people who are talking against Bangladesh and its leader Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, noting that to them "grapes are sour." "It does not matter much. It's unrealistic and not objective," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter sought his comment on an appeal by 40 world leaders regarding Prof Muhammad Yunus. The global leaders expressed their "deep concerns for the well-being" of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus in an open letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The letter also appeared as a full-page ad in the Washington Post on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Momen said Bangladesh is a role model of development and the world acknowledged this. He said PM Hasina is a very determined and courageous lady and those people are in a mission to minus her so that an instability can be created here. Highlighting his engagements in New Delhi during G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting, Momen said, "We are very pleased. India has done a very good and unique job." He said Bangladesh conveyed the G20 countries that "We are a peace-loving country. We don't want war. We want peace. Stop this war. Poor people and poor countries are suffering." Momen said he also raised bilateral issues during a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart  S Jaishankar. "We told them to keep the commitment on border issues," he said. Momen said India will send diesel to Bangladesh and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will inaugurate it on March 18.

Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, as the first Chancellor of Albukhari International University (AIU)  in Malaysia, gave out degrees to students in its first convocation ceremony  held on Saturday  The convocation ceremony took place in the elegant convocation hall of the university located in Alor Setar in the state of Kedah in Malaysia.  Founder of the university, local dignitaries, ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions, political leaders, government officials, faculty members of the university were present at the ceremony.  Yunus in his convocation speech urged students to create a new civilization before the current civilization based on profit-maximization destroys all completely.  He said the time to create a new civilization is running out very quickly. READ: BFIU seeks Dr. Yunus’ bank account details The university established a Yunus Social Business Centre soon after its establishment and it teaches social business across all faculties. Students at the university already created ten 3ZERO clubs with more clubs on the way. The University has offered to play the coordinating hub for all social business initiatives for Sabah state from all Yunus Social Business Centres in Malaysia. Representatives from organizations interested in social businesses in Malaysia and the representatives from Yunus Social Business Centres from six Malaysian universities flew to Alor Setar to attend a review conference of social businesses in Malaysia with Professor Yunus.  The university admits students from all around the world who cannot pay for their higher education. All expenses, including travel costs, are borne by the university. Ninety percent of the students of the university are foreign students. The University is established by the Al Bukhari Foundation.