United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday night (November 28) sent Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and his Special Assistant Monir Haider to Evercare Hospital to enquire about the health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The duo talked to doctors at the hospital to learn about Khaleda Zia’s condition, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said they also spoke with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who was present at the hospital. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda Later, in a Facebook post around 1am, the Law Adviser wrote, “I went to Evercare Hospital and just returned. Begum Khaleda Zia’s physical condition is not good at all. Please everyone pray for her.” Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), with supervision from both local and foreign specialist doctors. Read more: CA’s representatives visit Evercare to enquire about Khaleda’s health

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday night sent Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and his Special Assistant Monir Haider to Evercare Hospital to enquire about the health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The duo talked to doctors at the hospital to learn about Khaleda Zia’s condition, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said they also spoke with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who was present at the hospital. Chief Adviser seeks prayers for Khaleda Zia’s recovery Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), with supervision from both local and foreign specialist doctors.  

There is no reason to be worried about the upcoming national election, as the government is determined to hold the polls in the first half of February, reaffirmed Law Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday (9th November, 2025). “There is no issue of postponing the election, as it will definitely be held, and all necessary steps will be taken to ensure a festive atmosphere,” he said while talking to reporters at the Legal Aid Office of the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court building in Rajshahi. Mentioning that the political parties often make various statements to put pressure on each other and on the advisers, the law adviser said, “Their words create doubts in the public mind about the election.” “There hasn’t been an election for 16–17 years; so naturally there is some anxiety among people. About five crore citizens have never had the chance to cast their votes. So, this election is very important to them and the people of Bangladesh are eagerly waiting for it with great enthusiasm,” he said. Asif Nazrul decries political rift, says CA to decide on referendum Referring to the bail granted by the court, the adviser said, “Granting of bail does not depend solely on judges, it also depends on police reports. If there is video footage or recorded voice evidence that becomes an exception.” “Bail can be granted where it is suitable to do so. However, if those who get bail might commit similar crimes, disrupt the country's law and order situation, harm the environment or act as members of a banned organisation, then it would be cause of concern,” he added. Noting that three judges are being appointed in place of one in certain courts to ease backlogs, the adviser said, “We are taking various initiatives to reform the judiciary and the public will definitely benefit from these efforts.” Read more: NCP accuses Asif Nazrul of political biasness over amendment issue

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Thursday voiced disappointment over the widening rift among political parties regarding the proposed national referendum, terming the lack of consensus after prolonged dialogue ‘deeply frustrating’. Speaking at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the city, Asif Nazrul said the issue of escalating tensions and disagreements among political parties was discussed at the Council of Advisers meeting. “The Consensus Commission has proposed two options-- one is to implement the July Charter first and then hold the referendum, if not done within 270 days the constitutional amendment would take effect automatically. Another is to leave the matter to the elected parliament. Parties remain sharply divided over which of the two options they find more acceptable. Disagreements over the timing of the referendum have reached their peak,” he said. The adviser warned that any attempt by a political party to impose its own position on the government would contradict the spirit of July. Fakhrul slams ‘one-sided’ July Charter recommendations “If any political party tries to unilaterally impose its decision on the government, where does that leave the spirit of July? Whatever anyone says, the election will be held in the first half of February. But ensuring a proper electoral environment is not only the government’s responsibility — the parties share that responsibility, too,” he added. Asked who will make the final decision on the timing of the referendum, Asif said the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will make the ultimate call, with advisers serving as his associates in the process. “This decision will be taken by the Chief Adviser himself. He will consult us if necessary, and once a decision is made, we will stand firmly by it. The decision will come very soon,” he said. Responding to questions about political ultimatum, Asif said, “If any party sets a deadline or attempts to enforce its stance that only shows there is no consensus among them. It also means they want the government to uphold their partisan position.” Memo to CEC: Jamaat among 8 parties demand referendum in Nov “They have been given enough time for discussions. The disunity they are showing now — they should reflect on where that leaves the spirit of July,” he added with visible frustration. Asif also discussed the timeframe for implementing the July Charter, noting that the feasibility of automatic implementation within the stipulated 270 days is being reviewed. He said the Council of Advisers held preliminary discussions on issuing an order to implement the July Charter and that a decision on the matter will be made soon.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday said that all political parties participated sincerely in the discussions on the July Charter and are expected to sign the document in the same spirit. “'I think all political parties have participated in this discussion with dedication. I do not know what they will do. But I believe, as a continuation of this dedication, they will sign the July Charter. I believe everyone will sign it,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. Talking about the upcoming national parliamentary election, the Law Adviser said, “Whenever there is an interim government, such concerns over elections naturally arise. On behalf of the government, I firmly said we are committed to holding the election in the first half of February. There is no room for second thoughts—not even in passing conversation.” NCC to place its final recommendations on July Charter by October 15 Mentioning about the separate secretariat for the Supreme Court, the adviser said the ministry will submit a proposal to the Advisory Council within the next few weeks to establish a separate secretariat for the Supreme Court. “This has been one of the key recommendations of the Judicial Reform Commission. We’ve done substantial work on this issue. There are some areas of differing opinion that still need to be discussed,” he said. The proposal will be placed before the Council of Advisers in the coming weeks, on behalf of the ministry and if the council sees merit in it, it will be approved, he said, adding, “I do believe this government will be able to establish the Supreme Court Secretariat during its term.” Dr Nazrul also commented on the evolving political climate, saying that criticism and threats directed at advisers by political parties and groups reflect a shift from previous practices.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said the national election will be held in February next as announced by the Chief Adviser. “We are determined from the government’s side. Our Sir (Chief Adviser) is a globally respected and admired person. He has announced the timeline himself and there is no question of stepping back from the announcement,” he said after a meeting at the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat. When asked about confusion over the election time as different political parties expressed different opinions, the Law Adviser said holding the election is the government’s responsibility, not the parties. Election ‘date’ within days: Asif Nazrul “The government is determined about holding the polls in February. That is what we have in mind and that is what will happen,” he said. Nazrul also said political parties often make changing statements to serve their own purposes which are part of the political process in Bangladesh. Law Ministry blamed for law and order situation just because of its name: Asif Nazrul “Traditionally, such political rhetoric has always been there in the country and it continues in the same way now. There has not been any qualitative change in it. So, the remarks from different parties about the election timing should be seen as part of the political process,” he added.  

The government will soon publish lists of ‘politically motivated cases’ recommended for withdrawal by a committee formed at the ministry level. The decision was taken on Sunday at the 12th meeting of the committee with Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul in the chair. The home and law ministries will publish lists of the cases filed between January 6, 2009, and August 5, 2024 and recommended for withdrawal on the official websites. At today's meeting, the committee recommended the withdrawal of an additional 517 cases. With these, the total number of politically motivated cases recommended for withdrawal to 8,832 over the past four months. Dedicated expat hospital to be established soon in Dhaka: Asif Nazrul It was mentioned that on average, at least 50 people were named as accused in each of these cases. As a result, around 5 lakh  leaders and activists from various political parties including the BNP and Jamaat were accused in these cases. Currently, people can directly apply for the withdrawal of these cases through the Solicitor Sub-Division of the Ministry of Law or via email at solicitor.lawjusticediv.gov.bd. In cases where obtaining a certified copy of the case documents or charge sheets is difficult, applicants are allowed to submit certified photocopies of these documents along with their application for case withdrawal as per the committee's decision.

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.”