United News of Bangladesh

Referring to six reform commissions’ recommendations, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday said there are some recommendations that do not require political dialogue to implement. Briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Alam said these specific recommendations can be implemented by the ministries concerned. Magura girl’s condition deteriorated further:  Shafiqul Alam As there is no financial involvement for taking these administrative and policy decisions, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus directed them to take the decision quickly, the Press Secretary said. Alam said a document is being prepared in this regard and these decisions will be given to each relevant ministry and they will implement those in their own way. The six reform commissions - Constitution, Judiciary, Electoral System, Public Administration, Police and Anti-Corruption Commission - have submitted a good number of recommendations to the interim government. The Press Secretary said some 560 model mosques were built during the “dictatorship” (Sheikh Hasina regime) and it cost about one billion dollars. He said many irregularities have been reported and the Ministry of Religious Affairs has formed a committee to investigate these allegations. Govt focused on price stability, essential commodity supply: Shafiqul Alam The Press Secretary said the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations will provide US$ 4 million to Bangladesh for preserving fruits. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were present at the briefing. Wealth linked to Hasina, family found in UK and US: CA's press secretary The briefing was held after the meeting of the Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Yunus.  

The interim government has entered its second phase with the start of the National Consensus Commission's meeting with political parties to discuss the future direction of the country, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Speaking to reporters outside the Foreign Service Academy during the Asr prayer break on Saturday, he said, “Today is a historic day as the meeting of political parties with the National Consensus Committee has begun.” He said around 100 politicians from 26 parties and alliances attended the meeting, with all invitees present. Political parties, National Consensus Commission to set Bangladesh's vision: Press Secretary During the meeting, the Chief Adviser said that the first phase of the government concluded after six months, and the second phase has now started. The government is working towards building a Bangladesh that enjoys the support of the international community, major global nations, the people of the country and even the full backing of the United Nations, Shafiqul Alam said. The Chief Adviser also highlighted the findings of the UN Human Rights Commission’s report on the July mass uprising, which revealed the horrific killings that occurred and identified those responsible. The report, he stated, also exposed the human rights violations that took place at that time. “The second journey of the government has begun today through this meeting and it will be decided through this meeting what kind of Bangladesh we want in the future,” the Press Secretary said. Earlier, major political parties, including the BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, had begun their meeting with the National Consensus Commission, led by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Saturday. BNP, Jamaat, others start meeting with National Consensus Commission The meeting began at 3 pm at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. This was the first meeting between political parties and the commission. Delegations from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, LDP, Jatiya Party (Kazi Jafar), Nagorik Oikya, Islami Andolan, Khilafat Majlish, GanoSanghati Andolan, Gono Odhhikar Parishad, and Jatiya Nagorik Committee participated in the meeting.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that the interim government’s main responsibility is to bring back ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India to put her on trial for alleged mass killings during the student-led protests in July and August. "If people unite, she will be held accountable and put on trial as she ensured the trial of the killers of her father," he said while addressing a seminar at the Birshrestha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium of the university on Saturday. Textbook distribution to be completed by Feb: Press Secretary  The Islamic University Journalists' Association, in collaboration with the university administration, organised a seminar focusing on public aspirations regarding the July Revolution and the role of media on campus. He mentioned that they intended to reform the mass media, which had been misused by the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina over the past 15 years. No “reconciliation” until Hasina, her “blood-thirsty” party members tried: Press Secretary He also emphasised the importance of upholding the dignity of journalists. Chairman of the Department of Communication and Multimedia Journalism Prof M Rashiduzzaman presided over the seminar. July Declaration to be discussed with political parties: Press Secretary IU Vice-Chancellor Prof Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah spoke at the event as chief guest, while Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof M Yaqub Ali as a special guest.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday said there will not be any “reconciliation” until deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her “blood-thirsty” party members are tried for murders and corruption. “No amount of lobbying will help Hasina and her brutal associates. The world has moved on. Her world has shrunken to a couple of small rooms in New Delhi,” Alam said, noting that exactly five months ago Hasina fled Bangladesh for India. In a long Facebook post from his verified account, the Press Secretary said the more the AL's ordinary activists cling on to “Hasina's Sareer Anchol”, the bigger grave they will dig for the party. He said they still have some hopes to return to the political arena. “But first they have to denounce Hasina for the massacres and Gum (enforced disappearances) and looting.” Alam said some people talk about “truth and reconciliation” and they too believe in the power of reconciliation and healing. July Declaration to be discussed with political parties: Press Secretary “But can you do it with a party whose members are still in denial? Five months have passed and there is no apology, no remorse and no acknowledgement from Hasina, her Sheikh clan or her party members. Instead, they were spinning lies. They also spent millions to sell their lies and false and fabricated news to the Indian media,” said the Press Secretary. Alam said the students and millions of July uprising protesters have thrown Hasina and her “Sheikh Clan” into the dustbin of history. “Now it is ordinary AL supporters turn to distance themselves from one of history's most corrupt and blood-thirsty dictators!!” Alam said August 5 brought an end to her nearly 16 years long “brutal and corrupt directorship” and millions of people led by some of the “bravest students” held protests for weeks forcing the 77-year leader to quit power. He said an Interim Government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus took over after she fled. “The IG has brought peace and stability in the country. Law and order situation has stabilised.” Alam said a certain economic collapse and a state bankruptcy were averted. Exports grew at a hefty rate in the past five months. Imports made a massive comeback, highlighting growing domestic consumption. He said a revamped and globally acceptable International Crimes Tribunal has been engaged to try Hasina and her blood-soaked associates. “Scores of AL politicians with blood in their hands were arrested. Hundreds more are on the run. The IG has sent a note verbale to India for the repatriation of Hasina. We haven't heard anything from India officially yet,” he said. “But we will be relentless in our efforts to bring her back to Bangladesh to face justice and accountability over the murders of some 1,500 students, workers and other people during the July uprising,” said the Press Secretary. Alam said Hasina and her murderous associates will also be tried for other massacres and thousands of enforced disappearances, laundering of nearly 240 billion dollars, robberies of banks and extrajudicial murders of thousands of people. Hasina to be brought back to face trial, reiterates govt   The trial of Hasina, the AL politicians and officials and officers who were involved in murders and corruption are a key priority of the IG, Alam said. “We have already banned the Chhatra League over charges of murders. Hasina continues to tell lies from her hideout. Her supporters are still suffering from delusions. One thing we can say for sure: we will pursue Hasina the way she pursued the killers of her family. It will be relentless. There won't be any slackening of our efforts,” he mentioned.

The interim government on Sunday reiterated its commitment to bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now facing over 100 cases with a wide range of charges, to face the trial at home, stressing that nobody in the world wants to give space to any “killer”. “It’s nation’s desire (to get her back). We are very hopeful,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. When asked about such a possibility during their tenure, he said political parties are their stakeholders and hoped that the next elected government, whoever it is, will look into it as it is a generational issue. “We will try our best. She must face the trial. I think pressure will build on. Our pressure will relentlessly be there,” he said, adding that such pressure will be mobilised worldwide. Alam said they did not hear anything from the Indian side yet on her extradition request but the government’s efforts are there to bring her back. “It remains our top priority. We will not step back from this.” India maintains silence on Hasina's extradition request as Bangladesh awaits response India has refrained from commenting further on deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition request, though Bangladesh is awaiting a reply from India. "You know, a week back, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time," said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs, on January 3. On January 1, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made it clear that maintaining good relationships with three big countries - India, China and the United States- is among the priorities in 2025. He stressed that Dhaka’s ties with Delhi will advance beyond a single issue. There are questions around on how the Bangladesh-India relations will navigate this year if Dhaka's request for returning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains unaddressed. Michael Chakma files complaint against Sheikh Hasina, 8 others Adviser Hossain, however, addressed such a question saying this is one of the issues and the two countries have many bilateral issues. "I think both will continue simultaneously. We have many issues of mutual interest. We will advance with all these issues side by side," said the adviser.

Md Sarwar Alam, a former information cadre official, has assumed the role of Press Secretary to the President with the rank of Secretary on a two-year contract. Sarwar Alam, an officer from the 84th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), succeeds information cadre fellow Md Joynal Abedin. Joynal Abedin formally handed over the responsibilities to his successor at the Bangabhaban Press Wing on Tuesday noon. The government appointed Sarwar to the position for a two-year term starting from his joining date. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Monday. Sarwar Alam, who hails from Feni, completed his graduation and post-graduation in Geography and Environmental Science from Dhaka University. Read: National election by June 30, 2026: Press Secretary He joined the Bangladesh Civil Service through the BCS examination and has served in various capacities throughout his career. From 2006 to 2008, Sarwar served as Deputy Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He also worked as Deputy Press Secretary to former President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser of the then caretaker government of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed. Sarwar Alam retired from government service in 2023 after being on post-retirement leave (LPR) since 2022. During the Awami League regime, he was kept on OSD for an extended period.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that it can be expected that the next general election will be held in the country by June 30, 2026. “He (CA) has mentioned a time. What could be a clearer roadmap than this? You can expect the election to be held by June 30, 2026. This is a clear roadmap,” he said while briefing reporters over the current issues at the Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday. The press secretary made the remarks about the possible election schedule a day after Chief Adviser Dr Yunus’ announcement that the next national election can be arranged during a time between the end of 2025 and first half of 2026. "Broadly speaking, the election can be scheduled between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026," he said in a televised speech to the nation on Monday. Shafiqul Alam said he thinks the chief adviser has given a clear roadmap. “If there are fewer reforms, the election could be held by December 2025. He (CA) has shed a light. And the exact date will depend on the reforms,” he said. UGC to be ‘university commission: CA’s Press Secretary Replying to a question about the election time, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said it is the Election Commission that will announce the exact election date and election schedule. He said the Chief Adviser announced a broader time frame for the next election.  No pardon for killers Regarding the trial of killers, Shafiqul Alam said that justice will be served against those involved in killings, July-August massacres and enforced disappearance regardless of their affiliations. “Those who involved in any killing and those whose hands were stained with blood will face justice—there will be no pardon for them,” he said. He said those whoever involved in the July-August massacres … and those who involved in the enforced disappearance will be brought to justice, no matter they are political party leaders or members of the security force. “You can rest assure of it,” said the press secretary. Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad was present at the briefing.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday said they would formally approach India seeking former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition after completing the required legal procedures. "Our government's position on the extradition of Sheikh Hasina is very clear. We want to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country to face the law," he said during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the evening. Alam said Hasina was the key person who passed the order in the massacre that took place during her tenure, killing more than 1,500 people in July-August. "Since we have an extradition treaty with India, one can seek extradition after going through some legal procedures. After completing those procedures, we will formally approach India seeking her extradition," said the Press Secretary. Wahiduddin’s remarks on polls personal; no date from CA yet: Press Wing In September, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus said former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be extradited and brought to justice if she committed crimes. "Why shouldn't she be? If she committed crimes, she should be extradited and brought to justice… She should be facing justice too," he said while responding to a question at "The New York Times Climate Forward Event." Referring to Hasina, Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said Bangladesh will definitely seek extradition of any convicted person under the extradition treaty with India once trials begin. “We have an extradition treaty with India. As per the extradition treaty, if any convicted person stays in India, we can seek his or her extradition. We will soon let you know through the Law Ministry,” he said recently. Sheikh Hasina, who left the country on August 5, is facing a number of cases.

Expressing Dhaka’s willingness to strengthen ties with Delhi, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday said Bangladesh certainly wants to see its relations with India at a better place focusing on “fairness, equity and dignity.” “We will surely want the relations with India to be in a better position so that peoples from both sides get benefitted. At the same time, we want the relations based on fairness, equity and dignity. That is our focus,” he said. The Press Secretary was briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday evening. CA’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present. Alam highlighted the long-standing historical, cultural and linguistic ties between the two neighbouring nations. Amid strained ties and growing criticisms from both sides on post-August 5 issues, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to arrive here on Monday to hold several meetings apart from attending the foreign secretary-level talks to address mutual concerns. CA Dr Yunus reiterates key reforms to hold free polls CA’ Deputy Press Secretary Apurba said the Indian Foreign Secretary is likely to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. This is going to be the first visit to be made by a senior Indian government official to Bangladesh since the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, came to power on August 8. Foreign Secretary Misri and his Bangladesh counterpart, Md Jashim Uddin, will lead their respective delegation at the Bangladesh-India Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that the FOC led by the Foreign Secretaries is a structured engagement between Bangladesh-India. "We look forward to this meeting," he said. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said there are always efforts to keep all the elements of the bilateral relations on agenda. He, however, said there are some broad areas - trade, border management, connectivity and water issues - and these will be discussed.

The interim government continues its sincere efforts to bring back the huge money laundered abroad though it remains a tough task, says Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. “You know it is a tough task but our efforts are on. This is the money of the people of Bangladesh. We hope if the (laundered) money is returned, people of the country will be benefited,” he said while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday. We’re dismayed, very shocked if it’s true, says CA’s press secretary on Adani’s deadline   Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present. The interim government, headed by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus has been giving importance on recovery of stolen money, since the very beginning of their tenure. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said every year some $12 billion to $ 15 billion was siphoned off from Bangladesh during the regime of Awami League government. The Chief Adviser in his meetings with the head of the states, foreign envoys and other organizations discussed the issue which remains was one of the main agenda of his government. Prof Yunus calls for collaborative approach, peace globally  Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) is also working on it, Alam said. The finance adviser and the central bank governor during their annual meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also discussed the issue, he said. Alam said the interim government recognises the significant contributions of the four national leaders -- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, AHM Quamruzzaman and M Mansur Ali -- who were killed in jail on November 3, 1975, and played vital roles during the great Liberation War.