A dedicated hospital for expatriates will soon be established in Dhaka’s Gulshan area, said Adviser to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment  Asif Nazrul on Wednesday. “The hospital will be run by returnee expatriates and they will also be able to acquire ownership through share purchase,” he said while addressing a cheque distribution ceremony organised by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board in Dhaka. Highlighting various initiatives taken by the current government for the welfare of expatriates, the adviser said, “We are working tirelessly with utmost sincerity to ensure the welfare, rights, and dignity of expatriates. You have seen the sincere efforts of the chief adviser in securing the release of expatriate brothers who were arrested for supporting the anti-discrimination student movement. They were each granted financial aid of Tk 50,000 upon their return to the country.” Jamaat wants Dr Yunus' election promise fulfilled He said, on average, 15 to 20 deceased expatriate workers’ bodies are returned to Bangladesh daily. Previously, families had to pay to use the board’s ambulance services. Now, the ambulance service has been made completely free, and we are in the process of purchasing two more freezing ambulances, he added. Asif also announced that the existing 50-bed dormitory at the Wage Earners' Centre near Dhaka airport in Khilkhet will be transformed into a modern 200-bed facility. “This will offer safe accommodation and affordable meals for expatriates,” he said. He further mentioned that district-level Wage Earners' Centres will be developed into expatriate complexes offering orientation and briefing sessions for overseas-bound workers, along with language training and other essential services. Later, the adviser distributed cheques totalling Tk 1 crore 93 lakh and 13 thousand among various beneficiaries in scholarships, insurance claims, compensation and medical assistance.

Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday posed a question saying how they will demonstrate accountability to people if they hold the national election without any trials for the killings committed during the July uprising. "If we hold elections without any trials, how will we show accountability to people and to ourselves?" he told reporters in front of state guest house Jamuna after a meeting between the BNP delegation and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The adviser said over a thousand youths sacrificed their lives and 50-60 thousand people got affected physically and holding trial of the killers is one of the key desires. There are demands for swift execution of trials for the killings committed during the July uprising. Responding to a question, Asif Nazrul said no delay is being made in terms of the trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also talked about the government's initiative to set up another tribunal to expedite the process. BNP looks happy after talks; polls as quickly as possible: Law Adviser Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the meeting lasted for two hours and four advisers – Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adilur Rahman Khan and Dr Asif Nazrul – accompanied the Chief Adviser Dr Yunus at the meeting with the BNP delegation. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present during the media briefing.

The process of arresting model Meghna Alam was not appropriate, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said on Sunday. “Although there are specific allegations, the process followed under the Special Powers Act to arrest her was not appropriate. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, the Home Ministry will take proper action in accordance with the law,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on recent issues. Meghna Alam, the winner of Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020, was sent to jail two days after being detained by the police from her residence in Dhaka. A court ordered her detention under the Special Powers Act for 30 days. Law Ministry recommends withdrawal of 7,184 politically-motivated cases:  Asif Nazrul “The Home Ministry issued the detention order against Meghna that sparked huge controversy, and we have discussed the matter at the highest level of government. We are aware of the concerns raised by various human rights organisations and other stakeholders,” the adviser said. Ethnic community members to lead Boishakhi Shobhajatra in Dhaka: Asif Nazrul He said the police are currently investigating some allegations against Meghna Alam. When asked about reports linking Meghna Alam with the immediate past Saudi ambassador, the law adviser said, “We have not discussed that matter.”  

Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Sunday said the law ministry has recommended the withdrawal of 7,184 politically-motivated cases filed during the tenure of the previous government. "Sometimes, cases are submitted that are not actually politically-motivated ones. Many try to put names included through various means. Officials of the law ministry and the home ministry are regularly scrutinising the matters. I want to assure you that the officials at both the ministries are working with utmost sincerity," he told a press conference at the ministry’s conference room. Regarding model Meghna’s case, he said, "There are some allegations against her and those are under investigation. However, the process of her arrest was not proper. The home ministry will take necessary steps after verification." Extensive security measures in place nationwide for Pahela Baishakh: RAB DG The adviser also spoke on the Bangladesh Bank cyber heist, saying that a review committee was formed to look into the incident, which he leads. The committee also included the central bank governor and other officials. "There was a plan to loot $2 billion from the bank — it was essentially a plan to plunder Bangladesh," Asif Nazrul said, adding that if it had succeeded, the country could have faced famine. He alleged that the previous government delayed the investigation into the matter. "The CID had carried out an investigation, and there was a clear instruction that names of Bangladesh Bank officials involved should be excluded from the committee’s report," Asif Nazrul said. "I have enquired what action was taken against those initially named in the CID report, and instructions have been given for follow-up measures," the adviser added.

The Council of Advisers at a meeting on Thursday approved several key decisions, including amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters about the decisions at the Foreign Service Academy. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday said the government has prepared the draft of the amendment to Women and Children Repression Prevention Act reducing the trial and investigation time of the rape case by half. Referring to the government step, Asif said, “We held consultation meetings with all concerned on Monday and Tuesday. I have made a draft of (Amendment to Women and Children Repression Prevention Act) and today we are circulating it to some stakeholders. We will try to ensure strict implementation of the law as soon as possible. I have told them that the trial of rape cases should not only be speedy, but justice should be ensured and fair.” Consensus Commission starts dialogue with political parties As per the draft, the investigation period for rape cases is being reduced from 30 days to 15 days and the time for completing the trial is being reduced from 180 days to 90 days, he said. The Council of Advisors also approved amendments to Public Procurement Ordinance to enhance transparency and competition in government procurement and dismantle syndicates. The provision that required rejecting tender proposals below 10% of the estimated cost has been removed. Besides, the previous evaluation matrix, which often resulted in the same companies repeatedly securing contracts, will be replaced with a new capacity-based evaluation system. Currently, 65% of tenders are processed online, and the Council of Advisers has decided to increase it to 100%. Securing new economic partnerships, sustaining growth trajectory top priorities: FS The council also approved amendment to the law related to abandoned property management. Besides, the government has declared an additional holiday on April 3 for Eid to facilitate public convenience. An optional leave policy has also been introduced for indigenous communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to observe their cultural and social events. Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present.  

The trial proceedings of the eight-year-old rape victim from Magura will start within seven days, said Law Adviser Prof Dr Asif Nazrul.  Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat, he said the DNA report of the victim will be provided within five days as the autopsy report will be available today (Thursday) somehow.   Asif Nazrul hoped the trial in the rape case would soon conclude, with all information, including testimony and the post-mortem report, presented. Replying to a question, the adviser said that there is an instance of completing trial within seven to eight days in the past, and hoped that the trial will complete soon. The body of the rape victim will be taken to Magura from Dhaka by a helicopter today, he said, adding that Fisheries and Livestock Adviser will accompany it. CA condoles death of Magura rape victim; orders speedy trial A tribunal will be set up exclusively for cases involving child rape and sexual assault. The tribunal will ensure prompt justice, and the official gazette for its formation will be published on Sunday, he said. Amending the existing Women and Children Repression and Prevention Act, a new will be enacted on Sunday, if delayed it will be on Monday, he said. Prof Asif said several pornographic websites emerged after August 5, and steps are being taken to shut them down starting tomorrow (March 14).

Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said the Constitution Reform Commission did not provide any reform proposals to implement immediately in its final report as any decision regarding the Constitution would be taken based on a political consensus. “It completely depends on the consensus to be built through negotiations of all political parties,” he told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Saturday evening, referring to recommendations made by the Constitution Reform Commission. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing. Will quit after election following basic reforms: Asif Nazrul The Law Adviser said any decision regarding reforms will be taken based on a consensus engaging with each political party. The six commissions - the Electoral System Reform Commission headed by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, the Police Administration Reform Commission headed by Sarfaraz Hossain, the Judiciary Reform Commission headed by Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman, Anti-Corruption Reform Commission headed by TIB’s Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Public Administration Reform Commission headed by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury and Constitution Reform Commission headed by Distinguished Prof at Illinois State University Dr Ali Riaz – submitted their complete reports to the government on Saturday. . Some of the immediate to-do list may require discussion with the political parties, said the Law Adviser, adding that there are some things that are so trivial that it can be done through an administrative order. Indian media involved in AL’s “orchestrated campaign” against Dr Yunus: Press Secretary   The full reports of the six reform commissions were published on the website of the Cabinet Division (https://cabinet.gov.bd/) on Saturday. On February 6, the Law Adviser said the national consensus-building commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, will hold its first dialogue with all political parties and forces in favour of the July Uprising over the reform initiatives in mid-February. The Chief Adviser will chair the meeting, to be held at the Foreign Service Academy, where heads of the six reform commissions will remain present, Asif Nazrul said.

Law Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Saturday said they want to quit through holding the much-sought election after carrying out fundamental reforms based on a political consensus that are required for holding a free and fair election in the country. "I want to make sure that we have no intention of staying in the office by unnecessarily wasting the time. There is no room for any ambiguity about this,” he told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the evening, highlighting the key recommendations of the six reform commissions. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing. Reform reports will lead to a stronger, better Bangladesh: CA Dr Yunus The interim government received the complete reports of the six commissions and made those available online. The commissions are the Electoral System Reform Commission headed by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, the Police Administration Reform Commission headed by Sarfaraz Hossain, the Judiciary Reform Commission headed by Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman, Anti-Corruption Reform Commission headed by TIB’s Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Public Administration Reform Commission headed by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury and Constitution Reform Commission headed by Distinguished Prof at Illinois State University Dr Ali Riaz. Responding to a question, Adviser Nazrul said they are interested in discussing with the political parties by mid-February. “I have told you before, even if they agree, the discussions will continue during the holy month of Ramadan.” The Adviser said the political parties surely have the right to say that they want quick elections but they did not specify what they mean by quick. Will implement important reforms to upgrade labour laws to ILO standards: Dr Yunus He said the Chief Adviser and his Press Secretary, on behalf of the Chief Adviser, have repeatedly clarified to the media that either by December this year or by June 2026. The Adviser, however, indicated that the election may even take place before June 2026, taking the monsoon season into consideration. “Maybe in April, maybe in March, this is something we have made clear from the very beginning.” Regarding the July declaration, he said, BNP has prepared a declaration and if it is finalised again based on the opinions of their alliance partners, they will sit with the student leaders. “However, in this regard, I want to say that our student leaders are showing enough restraint, patience and tolerance. I hope that all those who are party to the July mass uprising, will try to speed up this process a bit,” Adviser Nazrul said. “This is a document of our unity. This is not a legal document, it is a political document. It is to reassert our unity, nothing more than that,” he said. Responding to a question on recent incidents, the Adviser reiterated the interim government’s tolerance, freedom of expression and freedom to democratic practice. Reform Commission proposes lesser ministries for better governance in Bangladesh On February 6, the Law Adviser said the national consensus-building commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, will hold its first dialogue with all political parties and forces in favour of the July Uprising over the reform initiatives in mid-February. The Chief Adviser will chair the meeting, to be held at the Foreign Service Academy, where heads of the six reform commissions will remain present, Asif Nazrul said.

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has said that the clash between Dhaka University students and students of seven affiliated colleges was unfortunate. He said this after a meeting at the Home Ministry at the Secretariat on Monday. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser "The incidents of yesterday's clashes are unfortunate. We will try to take more initiatives to avoid them," said the Law Adviser. In response to another question, he said, "We will try to resolve this issue soon." Affiliations of 7 colleges under DU to be revoked: VC  

Aiming to mitigate public sufferings, the government has authenticated 36 types of documents, said Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul. "I have heard that there used to be long lines in front of the Ministry of Law for document authentication. Under the current system, the process can now be completed from home within a day or two," he said while talking to reporters at a view-exchange meeting on Tuesday at the Secretariat. People do not need to stand in long queues for manual authentication, he said. Refusal to return Hasina violation of extradition treaty: Law Adviser This authentication process has been made online since December 13. Under this system, Bangladeshi citizens no longer need to pay a service fee at foreign embassies after authentication, saving Tk 500-700 crore annually. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser Referring to reforms in various areas, the adviser mentioned, "We have identified more areas within the Code of Criminal Procedure for improvement. So far, we have pinpointed 15 to 20 areas. We hope to carry out all necessary legal reforms within the next six months and our goal is to complete all expected reforms,” said the adviser. The government has formed a judicial reform commission. "With their assistance, we are trying to carry out these tasks to ensure proper coordination," he added.