United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged everyone to remain vigilant so that no scope for conspiracy arises around Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community. He conveyed his sincere thanks and extended advance greetings when Hindu religious leaders met him at the State Guest House Jamuna. Leaders of various Puja Celebration Parishads invited the Chief Adviser to visit Puja mandaps during the upcoming Durga Puja. Hili land port to remain shut for 8 days during Durga Puja “Although I always want to meet you, I rarely get the chance. On the occasion of Puja, I at least get to meet you in person once a year and exchange views,” Prof Yunus told the leaders.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has talked to Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur over the phone and conveyed his sympathy to him and other injured leaders, as the government decided to form a judicial inquiry committee to impartially investigate the brutal attacks on Nur and others. Briefing reporters outside State guesthouse Jamuna on Saturday afternoon, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the judicial probe body will be led by a High Court judge. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present.  The Press Secretary said an important meeting was held at Jamuna with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus in the chair. The meeting took a number of decisions. Several advisers, including National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, were present at the meeting. The Chief Adviser assured Nur of providing best possible treatment to all injured and sending abroad for better treatment if it is required for any of the injured. Prof Yunus also conveyed to Nur that there will be a judicial investigation into the incident. Alam said the Chief Adviser will meet the leaders of BNP, Jamaat and National Citizen Party (NCP) on Sunday separately to discuss the current situation and the upcoming national election. The meeting with BNP will be held at 3pm while that with Jamaat and NPC at 4:30pm and 6pm respectively. Responding to a question, Alam said no conspiracy can stop the government from holding the election as planned in February next year. “There was a discussion on the upcoming election. It was conveyed that the election will be held timely, before Ramadan,” he said. He also said the interim government strongly condemns the brutal attack on Nur, a prominent leader of the July Uprising and also a tireless advocate of democracy, justice and the rights of people. “Such acts of violence are an assault not only on Nur but also on the spirit of the democratic movement that brought the nation together in its historic struggle for justice and accountability,” said the interim government in a statement. The government assured the people of Bangladesh that a thorough and impartial investigation into this heinous incident will be conducted with utmost urgency. No individual, regardless of influence or position, will be spared from accountability. Justice will be delivered transparently and swiftly, it said. Tarique condemns attack on Nur, seeks probe into Kakrail violence In the immediate term, a specialised medical board has been formed to oversee the treatment of Nur and other injured members of his party. The government is committed to ensuring that they receive the highest standard of medical care, said the statement. “Should their conditions require it, they will be flown abroad for advanced treatment at state expense. The nation’s prayers and solidarity remain with Nur, injured members of his party and their families during this critical time,” the statement reads. The government said Nur played a historic role during the 2018 anti-quota protests against the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. As a student leader, he mobilised the youth, uniting diverse voices and standing fearlessly against injustice. He was arrested and brutally tortured in custody during the July Uprising when his role symbolised the collective aspiration of our people for a free, fair and democratic Bangladesh. His courage and sacrifices will forever remain part of our nation’s history. “At this moment, the Interim Government calls for unity among all political and social forces that took part in the July Uprising. This unity is essential to protect the gains of our struggle, to resist all conspiracies against the people’s mandate, and to ensure our successful transition to democracy,” said the government. The government reaffirmed in the strongest possible terms that the national election will be held on time, in the first half of February 2026. “This is the solemn commitment of the interim government to the people of Bangladesh,” said the statement. Attack of Nur: Gono Odhikar Parishad to stage nationwide protests It said all conspiracies, obstructions, or attempts to delay or derail the election will be firmly resisted by the interim government and the democracy-loving patriotic people. “People’s shall prevail, and no evil force will be allowed to undermine our march to democracy.”

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called upon all to remain vigilant so that no one can undermine the existing order, fraternity and communal harmony in the society. “I believe that the ideals and teachings of Sri Krishna will further strengthen the bonds of mutual goodwill and brotherhood,” he said, greeting the members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna, celebrated on Saturday. In a message marking the festival, the Chief Adviser said Janmashtami is one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community. Prof Yunus said communal harmony is a unique hallmark of Bangladesh’s culture. “For centuries, people of this land have practiced their respective religions while preserving an enduring spirit of harmony.” He said the interim government, formed through the historic mass uprising of students, workers and the general public, is committed to keeping this bond of harmony unbroken. ‘It’s people, not me, who want this change,’ says Prof Yunus “Let us, through our collective efforts, build a new Bangladesh free from discrimination and enriched with communal harmony,” the Chief Adviser said. “Lord Sri Krishna has spread the message of justice, human compassion, and peace in society. Wherever he witnessed injustice or oppression, he appeared to protect the forces of good from the forces of evil. His philosophy and values which are centered on devotion to the creator and the establishment of peace in society- will deeply inspire all,” he said. He wished every success of the Janmashtami festival and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of all citizens.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday sent a bouquet of flowers to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, extending warm wishes on her birthday. “The Chief Adviser has sent a bouquet for Madam (Khaleda) this afternoon (Friday). His officials delivered it to her residence in Gulshan,” said party Standing Committee member Professor AZM Zahid Hossain. Zahid, who is also Khaleda’s personal physician, said the BNP chief herself was not celebrating her birthday. “She does not host any celebrations herself, but our party is holding milad and doa mahfils across the country,” he said. The bouquet was handed over to Khaleda Zia’s private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar at 4 pm by the Chief Adviser’s Private Secretary Shazeeb M Khairul Islam and Director of the Chief Adviser’s Office Mohammad Nazmul Islam. BNP Executive Committee member Belayet Hossain, Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan and officers from the Chairperson’s personal wing, including Masud Rahman, were also present. Abbas seeks justice for Khaleda, alleges harsh treatment in jail Earlier on Thursday evening, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka sent a floral bouquet on behalf of the Chinese Ambassador to the BNP chief to mark her birthday. Born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia served three terms as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and became the country’s first female Prime Minister in 1991. The BNP organised a milad and doa mahfil at its central office in Nayapaltan and another at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office on the occasion of her 81st birthday. Khaleda’s birthday to be celebrated Friday in low-key manner In addition to the central programme in Dhaka, similar events were held in mosques, orphanages, and madrasas across the country, praying for Khaleda Zia’s good health and long life, as well as for the eternal peace of those martyred during the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 democratic movement, and the 2024 mass uprising.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said Bangladesh would welcome any support from the United Nations in its investigations into the incidents of enforced disappearance that occurred over the 15 years of the previous regime. “I wish the United Nations were associated with our ongoing enquiry into the incidents of enforced disappearance. It would give the process some strength,” said Prof Yunus. The Chief Adviser made the comments when the visiting United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) Vice-Chairperson Grazyna Baranowska and member Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna. The UN officials lauded the initiatives of Bangladesh’s Interim Government in addressing the issue of enforced disappearances, particularly the country’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), but emphasised that there was still much to be done. The UN officials also praised the work and commitment demonstrated by the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. The Chief Adviser said that the government was extending the tenure of the Commission until December. “Even though they got threatened in many ways, the commission is doing an important job. When they submitted the last report, I told them there should be a horror museum for visitors. We need your support too. We need assistance and collaboration,” said the Chief Adviser. Baranowska remarked that they had been trying to work on enforced disappearances in Bangladesh since 2013,  and thanked the Interim Government for setting up the enquiry commission. “Investigation commission and its work-- this is a huge commitment from your government. Thanks very much for that. It’s a big honour for us.. ” she said. UK officials brief Prof Yunus on HMS Enterprise for Bangladesh Navy The CA expressed his satisfaction that Bangladesh could welcome the UN team here after more than a decade of their trying. “We are extremely happy that you’re here after 13 years of waiting. We would like you to support the work of our Commission and keep your association with them to provide guidance and strength," he said. Baranowska said they would visit outside Dhaka and hold meetings with victims, civil society, and political actors.  

Nearly two dozen political leaders are set to meet Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus later today (Sunday) in two groups to discuss pressing national issues, including the upcoming election and political reforms. The meetings will be held at the state guest house Jamuna, the official residence of the Chief Adviser at 5pm and 6pm respectively, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. In the first phase, Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Saiful Haque, Zonayed Saki, Hasnat Qayyum, Mujibur Rahman Manju, Mujahidul Islam Selim, Khalequzzaman Bhuiyan, Tipu Biswas, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam Bablu and Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan will meet the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus to stay, interim govt to fulfill assigned duties: Dr Wahiduddin In the second phase, Maulana Sadiqur Rahman, Maulana Rezaul Karim, Maulana Mamunul Haque, Maulana Ahmed Abdul Quader, Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, Maulana Manjurul Islam Affendi, Nurul Haque Noor, Maulana Musa Bin Izhar and Mufti Maulana Shakhawat Hossain Razi will have talks with the Chief Adviser. On Saturday, BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party leaders met Prof Yunus separately. CA Prof Yunus likely to meet advisers after Ecnec meeting

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday directed the persons concerned to quickly settle discussions with potential foreign investors to increase the capacity of Chattogram port with world-class services in an effort to make the country an investment hub. "We’ll have to involve such operators in port management so that our ports can gain the ability to compete in the international market. We must make our ports world-class to implement the investment hub that we are talking about,” he said. The Chief Adviser made the directives at a high-level meeting with officials of the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), Chittagong Port Authority and other relevant departments at the State Guest House Jamuna. The Chief Adviser urged all the concerned departments to complete the work by August through proper coordination. BIDA and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun informed the meeting that the current handling capacity of Bangladesh's seaports is 1.37 million units per year, which can be increased to 7.86 million units in the next five years through proper planning and action. He said that the currently operational New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port is capable of handling 1.27 million units per year and Mongla Port is capable of handling 0.1 million units. Their capacities can be increased to 1.5 million and 0.63 million respectively. BIDA, police assure top foreign investors of full safety, security Ashik said once the construction of Patenga Container Terminal, Laldia Container Terminal, Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Sea Port is completed, Bangladesh will have a handling capacity of more than five million units. He informed the Chief Adviser about the overall progress in the speedy completion of the Laldia Port work for foreign investment. Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping Mohammad Yusuf, Secretary to the Chief Advisor's Office Md. Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) Muhammad Rafiqul Islam and Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman, among others, were present.

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir has said they are navigating through the swamp of deliberate misrepresentation, stressing that to aim that word - 'extremist'- at Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus is not only inaccurate but laughable. The word 'extremist' should sting when spoken, Apurba said, adding that it should be precise, because it holds weight.  "It carries the suggestion of violence, of blind faith, of destruction. To aim that word at Professor Yunus is not only inaccurate, but also an act of narrative vandalism," he said in a Facebook post from his verified account on Saturday.  "Let’s get one thing out of the way, cause it will make everyone’s life easier," Apurba said, noting that "slapping the label “Muslim extremist” or “ Far Right sympathiser” or here’s a good one; “ Shadhinota Birodhi (anti-Liberation)” on Professor Muhammad Yunus is not just lazy, it’s laughable." Dr Yunus leaves for Qatar Monday to attend Earthna Summit CA's DPS Apurba thinks it is like calling a sushi chef a war criminal because he wields a sharp knife. "Yes, It’s as dumb as the example above." Apurba said he has watched this man (Dr Yunus) - calm, composed, eternally pragmatic — holds down rooms full of volatile egos, foreign dignitaries, and the occasional overzealous politician without so much as raising his voice.  And now, the DPS said, watching the Indian media reduce him to a caricature of their own geopolitical anxieties feels like watching a Michelin-starred meal reduced to a greasy takeout box, left to rot under fluorescent lights. "Let me be blunt: Professor Yunus is about as far from extremism — Islamic or otherwise — as a man can be without becoming a monk. The guy won the Nobel Peace Prize for creating microfinance — a tool that gave rural women the dignity of self-reliance," said the DPS. Dr Yunus urges quick implementation of Women Affairs Commission’s recommendations Dr Yunus has been praised by presidents, Popes, and, yes, prime ministers (including India’s), Apurba said. "He (Dr Yunus) spends his hours preaching peace and economic empowerment." "Yet here we are, navigating through this swamp of deliberate misrepresentation, this fever dream masquerading as journalism. Why? Because it’s easier to project fear than to engage with nuance," he said. Apurba said he sat in interviews and briefings where Professor Yunus stressed neutrality, civility and interfaith harmony like a broken record — not for optics, but because he believes in it.  "I watched him for the last thirty or more years refusing to bite back when baited, even when political hacks and paranoid pundits tried to drag him into ideological street fights. That’s not extremism — that’s restraint. That’s class. And frankly, that’s rare," Apurba said.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to leave for Doha, Qatar on Monday to attend the Earthna Summit 2025 and discuss the issues of mutual interest with the leadership of the gas-rich Gulf kingdom.  The Chief Adviser will pay the four-day official visit at the invitation of Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, said an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr Yunus is likely to have meetings with both the Amir of Qatar and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in addition to attending several high-level meetings at the Summit, the official told UNB. Bangladesh stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani was appointed Prime Minister on 7 March 2023 and Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2016. Reform Commission on Women’s Affairs submits report to Dr Yunus Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan are likely to accompany the Chief Adviser during the visit. National Women Athletes to Accompany In a historic first, four national women athletes from Bangladesh will accompany the Chief Adviser during his upcoming four-day visit to Qatar, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The delegation includes footballers Afida Khandakar and Shaheda Akhter Ripa and cricketers Sumaiya Akhter and Sharmin Sultana. This is the first time a group of female athletes will travel as part of an official state delegation with a head of government of Bangladesh. The Qatar Foundation extended the invitation to the athletes through the Chief Adviser’s office. On Thursday evening, the four athletes met Professor Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna, where they discussed their goals for the visit and expressed their excitement. "We are thrilled to be part of this visit. It's not just a personal honour but also a proud moment for our teammates and the sports community in Bangladesh," the footballers were quoted by the press wing as saying. They added that they hoped to invite the Qatari women's football team for a friendly match and were eager to explore Qatar's sports facilities and professional training methods. The cricketers expressed their desire to spark interest in cricket in Qatar, where the sport is not yet widely followed. "We've prepared a presentation to introduce both our men's and women's cricket journeys," they said. During the meeting, the athletes also shared their personal struggles and thanked the Chief Adviser for giving them the opportunity to represent the country abroad. Dr Yunus praised the athletes for their resilience and passion. "You are Bangladesh's sports ambassadors. Share your real stories. Represent our country's spirit and progress through sports," he said. He assured full support from his office to ensure the success of their trip. Earthna Summit The second edition of the Earthna Summit under the theme “Building our Legacy: Sustainability, Innovation and Traditional Knowledge” highlights Qatar’s commitment to advancing sustainability in hot and arid environments, by drawing on its rich cultural heritage and unique ecosystems. Dr Yunus urges quick implementation of Women Affairs Commission’s recommendations The Summit serves as a platform for exploring how both traditional knowledge and innovation approaches can inform modern sustainability, shaping a more resilient and inclusive future. During the two days – April 22-23, the Earthna Summit will explore a wide range of topics through presentations, interactive panel discussions, workshops and roundtables. Besides, the Earthna Village in Barahat Msheireb will host a series of inspiring talks and discussions led by various experts and innovators to foster dialogue and inspiration. A number of side events by partners will host a series of networking activations and discussions lead by local stakeholders. Dr Yunus relentlessly devotes his time and energy to inspire people into creating a world of 3 Zeros - zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration for ending poverty once for all and zero unemployment by unleashing entrepreneurship in everyone.

The Reform Commission on Women's Affairs on Saturday submitted its report to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The Commission members met the Chief Adviser at state guest house Jamuna and submitted the report. In November last year, the interim government formed a 10-member Women's Affairs Reform Commission with Shireen Parveen Haque, a founding member of Nari Paksha, as its chief. Bangladesh to see ‘best election’ in history: Dr Yunus Other members of the commission are: Maheen Sultan, senior fellow, Brac Institute of Governance and Development; Sara Hossain, executive director, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (Blast); Fawzia Karim Firoze, president, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association; Kalpona Akter, president, Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation; Dr Halida Hanum Akhter, women's health expert; Sumaiya Islam, executive director, Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra; Nirupa Dewan, former member, National Human Rights Commission; Ferdousi Sultana, former senior social development advisor, Asian Development Bank; and Nishita Zaman Niha, a student representative. The commission took opinions from all stakeholders concerned to finalise its report.