United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said SAARC must be revived at any cost, as the presence of high-level dignitaries from member states at the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia proves the regional body’s spirit is still alive. “He (Prof Yunus) conveyed the same message to all of them (foreign dignitaries). He said SAARC needs to be revived at any cost,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Thursday. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad also spoke at the briefing. Alam said the foreign dignitaries, representing Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka, met the Chief Adviser at state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday and Thursday. “They were overwhelmed to see such a huge funeral ceremony,” said the Press Secretary, mentioning that they appreciated the arrangements for conducting it nicely. Sayedur Rahman reappointed as CA’s Special Assistant Quoting the Chief Adviser, the Press Secretary said the spirit of the SAARC is alive and well and this spirit needs to be maintained. The SAARC was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. SAARC comprises eight Member States: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Secretariat of the Association was set up in Kathmandu on 17 January 1987. South Asian nations’ gesture highlights Khaleda’s respect, stature: Foreign Adviser Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said it was a 'positive gesture' from the South Asian countries towards former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who earned a kind of accessibility, respect and dignity among people at home and in South Asia. "I think it's a very good gesture from all. All (South Asian countries) realise and recognise this (positive image set by Begum Zia)," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath and Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development of the Maldives Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed were among the foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral programme of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and paid respects to her. E-cigarettes, emerging tobacco products fully banned in Bangladesh Asked about his conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Adviser Hossain said, "I tell you, we didn't have such a one-to-one meeting. That scope was not there. Other dignitaries were there. I would say it's a courtesy that all maintain. No bilateral issues were discussed." Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met the dignitaries on Wednesday. The dignitaries arrived in Dhaka to pay last respects to former Prime Minister and national leader Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday. The advisers expressed their gratitude to the visiting dignitaries for their presence and showing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this time of national mourning, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. Substandard bearing, faulty design behind Dhaka metro rail accident: Adviser She was buried around 4:30 pm with state honour following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Members of her family, high-ranking state officials, government authorities, foreign guests, diplomats and BNP-nominated politicians were present. Khaleda Zia was given a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) before her burial. On behalf of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, his Military Secretary, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, placed a wreath at the grave of Khaleda Zia.

Awami League is trying to disrupt the upcoming national election and is carrying out arson attacks across the country, alleged Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday (11th November 2025). “The fascist AL is indulged in arson attacks across the country, aiming to thwart the election but the national parliamentary election will be held in the first half of February and no domestic or foreign force will be able to foil it,” he said. Shafiqul Alam came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after laying the foundation stone of a newly-constructed building of Kuliara High School in Chouddagram upazila in Cumilla district. Good governance, reforms take time: Shafiqul Alam Mentioning that there might be differences over the opinions of political parties, the press secretary said everyone is preparing for the election. “Despite differences, all parties want a festive and participatory election,” he said. So far, he said, BNP has announced candidates for 237 constituencies while Jamaat-e-Islami is also picking its candidates. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder was also present. Read more: Govt laid foundation for promising new chapter in Bangladesh-US relations: Shafiqul Alam

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday demanded immediate release of Shahidul Alam, a world-renowned photographer and human rights activist and all others from the flotilla. "Shahidul stands as a shining embodiment of the unyielding spirit of Bangladesh. May Allah protect and keep Shahidul and the rest of the team safe," he said. "Our hearts and prayers are with Shahidul Alam," the Press Secretary said. False claims about Yunus-Trump photo exposed: Press Secretary In a Facebook post, he shared that the flotilla he is aboard has been intercepted at sea and that he and his fellow travelers have been “kidnapped by the Occupation Forces of Israel.” "The extraordinary courage and resilience that sustained Shahidul during his imprisonment under the Hasina government will once again carry him through this latest ordeal," said the Press Secretary. "Yet even as we focus on Shahidul’s safety, we must not lose sight of the broader context: the ongoing devastation and genocide in Gaza," he said. The global spotlight must remain fixed on the catastrophic loss of life, the relentless destruction and the devastated humanitarian landscape there. "This is not only a tragedy but a profound moral test for the international community, one that demands attention, accountability, and action," the Press Secretary added.  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday expressed confidence that the ongoing dialogue between political parties and the National Consensus Commission will lead to peaceful and comprehensive solutions to all political issues. “We think the discussion between the political leaders and the National Consensus Commission is still underway. We are hopeful that political parties’ discussions with the Commission will result in peaceful resolutions to all issues,” he said. Alam made the remarks in response to a journalist’s question regarding certain political parties’ plans to take to the streets to press their demands, and the interim government’s stance on the matter. He was briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy following a meeting of the Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present at the briefing. The interim government has already extended the tenure of the National Consensus Commission by one month. The Commission, formed through SRO No-55 Act, 2025 on February 12, will now continue its work until October 15. The seven-member Commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, was tasked with reviewing and adopting recommendations from the reform commissions. As part of its responsibilities, it has been engaging with political parties to reach agreements on reforms. Prof Dr Ali Riaz is serving as the Vice-President of the Commission. Other members include Dr M Aiyub Mia (Public Administration Reform Commission), Safar Raj Hossain (Police Administration Reform Commission), Badiul Alam Majumder (Election System Reform Commission), Justice Emdadul Huq (Judiciary Reform Commission), and Dr Iftekharuzzaman (Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission). Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and six other political parties are set to announce a simultaneous programme with some demands, including the immediate implementation of the July Charter, media reported. Draft law approved to intensify EC’s authority to punish negligence in election duty Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, while presiding over the meeting of the Council of Advisers, instructed the ministries and divisions to inform the public about reforms they have undertaken on their own initiative, in addition to those recommended by the reform commissions formed under the interim government. Press Secretary Alam said the ministries have been implementing a wide range of meaningful reforms beyond the scope of commission proposals. “They have been instructed to compile a list as soon as possible,” he said, adding that they will be able to share this list within the next month in a booklet form and it will be distributed among all.  Of the 121 reform recommendations submitted by the commissions, 77 have been prioritised as very important. To date, 24 of these have been fully implemented while 14 proposals are partially implemented, with the remaining currently in progress. Responding to a question, Alam said the four political leaders will attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the invitation of the Chief Adviser. This is an important occasion and the political parties are the stakeholders of the government, he said. BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher and National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Akhter Hossen will be part of the Bangladesh delegation to the UNGA this year.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday said that the government will seek cooperation from the United Nations to assess the role of Bangladesh's media and journalists over the past 16 years and to present the truth to the global community. Speaking at a discussion titled 'Bangladesh after the July Uprising: Challenges for the Media' at Chattogram Press Club, he claimed that the current level of freedom of expression and freedom of writing enjoyed by the media in Bangladesh is unprecedented. Alam reaffirmed that the government is committed to upholding freedom of speech, including that of the media. Referring to the recent termination of three journalists from respective outlets, he said the government had no involvement in those decisions, which were made independently by the organizations. The press secretary also instructed the formation of a probe body to investigate allegations that some journalists handed over student protesters to the police during the anti-discrimination student movement in Chattogram in July and took a controversial stance in their reporting. He alleged that a neighboring country's media has been continuously spreading falsehoods and provocative news since the July uprising, in collaboration with elements supporting authoritarianism and allegedly with backing from the Awami League. Govt committed to independent journalism, says Deputy Press Secretary "Their disinformation campaign is expected to intensify ahead of the upcoming elections," he warned, urging everyone to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of news. Chattogram Press Club and Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists' Union (CMJU) jointly organized the event. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder delivered keynote speech. Chaired by Press Club's Member Secretary Zahidul Karim Kochi, BFUJ acting President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, CMJU President Md. Shahnewaz, engineer Jane Alam Selim, professional leader Dr. Khurshid Jamil, and Chittagong University's Journalism department Prof Dr Md. Shahidullah, among others, spoke at the event.

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.