United News of Bangladesh

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 Sunday (9th November 2025) said one of the major accomplishments of their foreign policy over the past 15 months has been establishing strong relations with the US agricultural economy and the farm lobby. "The interim government has laid the foundation for this promising new chapter in Bangladesh-US relations," he said. Looking ahead, Alam said, Bangladesh will be able successfully negotiate even greater tariff reductions from the US as the trade gap shrinks. "Our garment exporters already have the capacity to purchase the entirety of US cotton exports. Once we establish ourselves as a key U.S. trading partner, we will have no need to engage costly lobby groups in Washington — we will have the US farm lobby, which has considerable political strength, to advocate for us with US governmental entities," he said. "Japan, China, Southeast Asian nations, and Western European countries have all prospered through robust trade with the United States. Now, we too can follow that path," Alam said in a message shared from his verified Facebook account. Bangladesh eyes Japan’s labour market as demand for 11mn foreign workers looms A few months after Dr Khalilur Rahman was appointed as the High Representative on Rohingya Affairs (and later as National Security Adviser, Chief Adviser) Professor Muhammad Yunus sent him to Washington DC in February to build ties with the new U.S. administration. Dr Khalil, a veteran career diplomat and an eminent economist who spent decades at a senior level at a UN organisation specialising in global trade policy, quickly connected with key figures in the American agricultural sector, he said. Alam said Bangladesh is a major importer of agricultural products, while the US is one of the world’s largest exporters of soybeans, wheat, cotton, and corn. "Access to US agricultural market is potentially a crucial aspect of our food security, which is one of our key national security concerns," he said. It also would allow us to diversify food import sources and thereby to avoid potential situations where certain sourcing countries might weaponise our food dependence on them. Ambassador Mushfiqul promotes Bangladesh-Mexico trade ties at Querétaro Dr Khalil helped strengthen the bridge between Bangladeshi importers and the US farm lobby — a relationship that played a crucial role in our successful recent tariff negotiations with Washington. "Besides, his successful efforts as our lead negotiator contributed to securing competitive tariff rates that have effectively safeguarded Bangladesh’s garment industry," Alam said. Earlier this week, Bangladeshi importers pledged to purchase over one billion dollars’ worth of US farm products — a "win-win outcome" for both countries and a milestone in Bangladesh-US relations, said the Press Secretary. With China sourcing most of its soybeans from Brazil, Bangladesh can, in a meaningful way, help fill the gap left by Chinese importers, he said. This growing agricultural trade partnership, Alam said, is now taking center stage in the two nations’ diplomatic engagement, a vision championed by the interim government. Read more: Bangladesh firms ink $1.25b deal to expand US soy imports

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday (8th November 2025) said good governance and reforms cannot be achieved overnight, noting that in some countries such reforms took more than a decade of discussions. Addressing a programme organised by the Citizen Platform at a city hotel on Saturday afternoon, he said the national election would be held in the first half of February as the Chief Adviser and other advisers are actively working to ensure it. “There’s no uncertainty about the election. Discussions on reforms may take place afterward,” he said. Regarding the voting system, Shafiqul Alam said if political parties fail to take a decision, the interim government will make one. Responding to criticism that farmers, women and workers were not consulted on the July Charter, he questioned, “Don’t political parties represent these people?” Misinformation big threat to democracy: Shafiqul Alam Shafiqul also urged political parties to take a clear stance regarding ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “Everyone must make their position clear. Sheikh Hasina again said today that those who took part in the July movement are terrorists. Awami League wants to return to power by branding 180 million people as terrorists and committing killings in the name of fighting terrorism,” he said. The Press Secretary said creating jobs in the country will be a major challenge for the next government as artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market everywhere. Mentioning that revamping development projects will also be a challenge, Shafiqul said, “Five billion dollars have been invested in railway projects — all of which somehow connect to Gopalganj. These were done under Sheikh Hasina’s corrupt system.” Read more: Govt watching Hasina’s actions; she’s Bengal's ‘butcher’: Press Secretary

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has warned that the future of democracy could be in jeopardy if the incoming government fails to effectively combat misinformation and disinformation. “The government that will run the country should brainstorm about tackling misinformation. Otherwise, failure to address it will lead the country towards political turmoil,” he said at a dialogue session titled ‘Media Freedom: The Issue of Political Commitments in Manifesto’, held on Thursday (6th November, 2025) at the CIRDAP Auditorium and organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). Shafiqul Alam reflected on the long and shifting relationship between the government and the media since 1947, noting that it has alternated between periods of openness and restriction. “During Ayub Khan’s time, there was media freedom, but after 1990, journalists enjoyed the highest freedom under the caretaker government,” he said. “During the Awami League government, journalism reached its lowest point. However, efforts are now being made to recover from that decline under Hasina’s leadership,” Shafiqul Alam added. He said there is widespread fear of mobbing now but the current government has no intention of restricting the press. Now, the question is whether this culture will continue under a future political government? Read more: Govt watching Hasina’s actions; she’s Bengal's ‘butcher’: Press Secretary Even those who should know better, including university professors, are now spreading misinformation, he said. The press secretary pointed out that misinformation has posed significant challenges for the government, particularly false news surrounding Saint Martin’s Island and Milestone. “The amount of false information circulated about Chittagong Port was unimaginable,” he said. Unlike in many other countries where penalties are imposed for spreading misinformation, no such mechanisms exist here, he said. “False information is being spread daily on ‘Talk Shows’. We have urged Meta to take stronger action against misinformation on Facebook, but it remains a long-term process,” he added. Read more: No pressure to bring AL into polls: Press Secretary

There is no local or international pressure on the government to bring the ousted Awami League (AL) into the electoral race, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Friday. Talking to reporters after placing a wreath at the July Memorial along the banks of the Nabaganga River in Magura Sadar, he said the Election Commission has repeatedly stated that the AL will not be able to participate in the upcoming national polls. He said everyone is questioning the atrocities committed by the AL during July and August, when hundreds of students and ordinary people were killed. “Even after so many deaths, the AL has shown no remorse,” he said. Referring to previous elections, Shafiqul said the Representation of the People Order (RPO) is being amended to prevent a repeat of uncontested seats. Ongoing talks with political parties to resolve all issues, hopes Press Secretary Voters will have the option to cast a ‘No Vote’ if only one candidate contests in a constituency, he added. Recalling the one-sided 2014 election, in which 154 AL candidates were declared elected unopposed, Shafiqul Alam said people were deprived of their right to vote at that time. He reiterated that all political parties have agreed to hold the next national election in February and that the July Charter was signed as part of that commitment. Additional District Commissioner Abdul Kadir, Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station Ayub Ali, and local dignitaries were also present at the memorial event.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said they are witnessing a ‘very well-orchestrated move’ by the fallen autocrat, their associates and allied international forces to destabilise the country and foil the upcoming national election, scheduled for early February. "We remain vigilant, as we see such moves unfolding," Alam told reporters at a hotel in New York on Monday evening (US time). He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has been raising these issues with international partners during his meetings on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly. 'Next few months crucial, need your support for election':  Prof Yunus tells UN SG Alam said their foremost responsibility is to ensure a smooth democratic transition and hold the next election in a "free, fair, and festive" manner. "The interim government is committed to that," he added. Asked about involvement of the international community with the well-orchestrated move, the Press Secretary said they are not seeing anyone by name, but what they see is a well-orchestrated move. About the upcoming polls, Prof Yunus said they want the February election to be free and peaceful -something Bangladesh has never truly had. For years, he said, voter rolls were filled with people who never actually voted. "This time, we want to welcome them, especially women, and celebrate their participation. We will launch a major campaign to show people how to vote. Our goal is the highest voter turnout in Bangladesh’s history," Prof Yunus said during his meeting with a delegation of top human rights activists at his hotel in New York. UN to support assessment on Bangladesh's LDC graduation readiness: Rabab Fatima Prof Yunus, however, cautioned that certain international quarters were trying to obstruct the electoral process. “Some forces are determined to make sure the election never happens. We don’t know who is working for whom. A lot of money is being poured in, with beneficiaries both inside and outside Bangladesh. They are well-prepared—that’s the dangerous part. The next few months are critical,” he said. Briefing reporters, Press Secretary Alam said those who fled abroad stealing billions of dollars are now spreading disinformation and fake news. They are trying how the next polls can be foiled and how the election can be made questionable, he said. Prof Yunus, who is visiting New York to attend the UNGA, is scheduled to leave John F Kennedy International Airport for Dhaka on Tuesday night (US time). He is scheduled to return home on October 2.  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that by sitting together with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the UNGA Hall, leaders of three major political parties sent a strong message to the international community that Bangladesh remains united and committed to moving forward with the national election in a united manner.   “The full presence of six political leaders at the UNGA conveyed the message that we are united and determined to move forward with the elections together. This is a significant message, not only for Bangladesh but also for the entire world,” he said, noting that the country is fully prepared for a democratic transition. BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher, party leader Mohammad Nakibur Rahman, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhter Hossen, and its Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara accompanied the Chief Adviser as part of the Bangladesh delegation to the UNGA.   The political leaders highly appreciated the initiative taken by the Chief Adviser.   “It’s a historic day,” said Press Secretary Alam while briefing reporters at a hotel in New York on Friday afternoon (NY time).   Prof Yunus delivers a 'powerful call' for justice, reform, renewed international solidarity   He said they are in the final stage of reform efforts and have already achieved significant progress in many areas.   The political leaders who joined the Chief Adviser during his speech at the UNGA also participated in various sessions, marking their united presence at the United Nations General Assembly.   The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the organisation.    Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations.    Delivering his speech at the 80th UNGA on Friday, delivering a powerful call for justice, reform and renewed international solidarity.   Reflecting on Bangladesh’s transformation since the July Uprising of 2024, Prof Yunus highlighted the decisive role of youth in restoring democracy and inspiring reforms now anchored in the 'July Declaration'.   He underscored progress towards  institutional accountability, preparations for free elections, and comprehensive economic and governance reforms aimed at transparency, stability and investment.   Prof Yunus emphasised Bangladesh’s strong human rights commitments, citing accession to international conventions, cooperation with the UN Human Rights Office, and measures to safeguard against past abuses.   TIB statement on Prof Yunus' UNGA delegation "deeply disappointing": CA's press wing   The Chief Adviser paid tribute to Bangladesh’s expatriate workforce, noting that migrant workers continue to send home record levels of remittances and underlined that their contributions are equally valuable in host countries and at home.   He drew the attention of the Member States to the High Level Conference on Rohingya on 30 September 2025 and urged the global community to step up support for the Rohingyas.    He also strongly condemned the Israeli genocide and called for urgent international action to stop the violence in Gaza, and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering support for a two-state solution. The Chief Adviser reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to women’s empowerment, climate action, youth-driven innovation, equitable sharing of new technologies including AI, nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, reform of international financial system to stop money laundering and wealth siphoning from developing countries, fairer sharing of natural resources among countries, UN peacekeeping, and revitalisation of regional organisations and reform of multilateralism.    Prof Yunus presented his vision of a 'three-zero world': zero carbon, zero net wealth concentration to end poverty and zero unemployment.   The Chief Adviser congratulated the President of the General Assembly and all Member States on the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.    He commended the UN’s historic achievements while stressing the urgent need for reforms to strengthen multilateralism and ensure that developing countries’ voices are heard.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will convey Bangladesh’s commitment to holding a 'free, fair, peaceful and credible' election in the first half of February next during his upcoming speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). “This will be a foundational election for Bangladesh. People will be able to exercise their voting rights peacefully. This message will be conveyed to the international community,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters on Tuesday night. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad, and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were also present. Prof Yunus is scheduled to deliver his UNGA speech on September 26 (afternoon, New York time). Alam said the international community has expressed support for the government’s efforts to ensure a transparent national election in February. In his speech, the Chief Adviser is expected to focus on three key areas—reform, justice, and elections—highlighting initiatives taken over the past 14 months and the challenges faced in advancing the democratic process. Prof Yunus has already reaffirmed his government’s pledge to hold one of the most transparent and credible elections in Bangladesh’s history, expressing hope that international observers will monitor the polls to ensure integrity. He is also set to highlight measures taken toward economic recovery. “Prof Yunus also has some personal messages for global leaders, which he will share, addressing broader geopolitical and global issues,” the Press Secretary added. The Rohingya crisis will also feature prominently in his address, as he seeks stronger global support for a sustainable solution. Bangladesh set for most transparent election: Prof Yunus tells global leaders On political dialogue at home, Alam emphasized that the government is maintaining communication with political parties through the National Consensus Commission. “They are our key stakeholders. The July Charter is part of this process,” he said, expressing the hope for peaceful solutions through dialogue. Asked about the Awami League’s role, Alam said, “What they did over the last 15 years is clear. There was no misdeed they were not engaged in.” Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Tuesday that “impunity is the mother of chaos” as world leaders gathered to mark its 80th anniversary and open the General Debate. The UN chief said cooperation is “a practical strategy for survival, not an act of naiveté,” but cautioned that the principles of peace and progress are being eroded by war, inequality and climate chaos. Key Programmes on Wednesday Prof Yunus will attend the opening segment of first Biennial Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy: Implementing Commitments on Financing the Sustainable Development Goals on Wednesday. He will hold bilateral meeting with Alexander Stubb, President of Finland at 10:00am on Wednesday. Prof Yunus will attend the UNGA high-level working session on 'Transforming Primary Healthcare-Bangladesh’s Blueprint' at 11:00am He will hold a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Italy in the afternoon. He will attend the US-Bangladesh Executive Business Roundtable: Advancing Reform, Resilience and Growth_ Organized by US-Bangladesh Business Council (USBBC). Club de Madrid will meet the Chief Adviser while there will be bilateral meetings with the President of Kosovo at 4:00pm and with the Prime Minister of Pakistan at 5:00pm. A Conversation with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus _ An Asia Society Event; which will be moderated by Kyung wha Kang, President of Asia Society (former FM of South Korea) at 6:00pm. Prof Yunus honoured at Theirworld’s annual Global Education Dinner Prof Yunus will attend a private Dmdinner to mark the 3rd anniversary of the Ban ki-moon Foundation at 7:15pm. High-Level Meetings on UNGA Sidelines Alongside UNGA events, Prof Yunus held a series of high-level meetings with global leaders at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday and Tuesday. He met the Prime Minister of Australia, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the former President of Chile, and the current Foreign Minister of Uruguay. Prof Yunus exchanged greetings with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the UNGA inaugural session. Their brief discussion covered Bangladesh’s reform initiatives, the upcoming general election, and the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in Australia. Albanese warmly acknowledged the contributions of the Bangladeshi community, recalling his participation in a commemoration of Language Martyrs’ Day several years ago. Later, Prof Yunus met Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who also serves as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. Their discussion focused on expanding access to health insurance globally, particularly in the Global South. They explored innovations in financial services, including life and health insurance, long-term savings, and pension schemes, stressing the need for greater financial inclusion. Prof Yunus underscored the urgency of expanding credit access for maternal healthcare and suggested digital health check-ups to connect rural women with top doctors—an initiative he said could save countless lives. He also urged restructuring of the global pharmaceutical industry, calling for more drug manufacturers to operate as social business enterprises. “Vaccines produced by social business drug manufacturers will remain affordable,” Prof Yunus said. The Chief Adviser invited Queen Máxima to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Her Royal Highness Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange, also joined the meeting. Security measures for Prof Yunus, his entourage reinforced in NY Prof Yunus later met Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, to discuss shared priorities and recent global health developments. The Chief Adviser also attended two key events: one on Fashion for Development and another focusing on public–private collaboration in social innovation.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday night strongly condemned the attempted harassment of Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam during his official visit to the Bangladesh Consulate in New York on Sunday evening. Freedom of speech, assembly and peaceful protest are cornerstones of democracy, fully protected under the United States Constitution, he said. "But these rights must always be exercised with responsibility and respect," Alam said in a post shared from his verified Facebook account.  The Press Secretary called on those who engaged in this conduct to reflect on why their political activities have been banished and banned in Bangladesh: because of a repeated pattern of terrorising people and violent, destructive behaviour.  The same behaviour was grossly on display in New York, he observed.  No discrimination based on religion in Bangladesh today: Mahfuj tells US delegation "Let’s be clear, violence is not protest. Intimidation is not free speech. Disorder is not democracy. Protest with dignity, not hostility. Let us remind you that the right to dissent is sacred, secured through the sacrifices and blood of those who died in last year’s mass uprising," Alam said.  The strength of any movement is not measured by how loudly it shouts or how violently it acts, but by the discipline, dignity and responsibility it upholds, said the Press Secretary.  "Learn from both past and present mistakes: thuggery is no longer an option. Grow up, or risk proving once again to the international community why revolution was the only path to a truly free Bangladesh," he mentioned.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has reaffirmed that the upcoming national election will be held in February as scheduled, asserting that 'there is no force that can prevent it.' All the departments involved in the election are already engaged in preparations, Shafiqul said while speaking to journalists after visiting the graves of July Uprising martyrs Mehedi Hasan Rabbi and Al Amin at Parandwali in Magura on Friday afternoon. “We want to see a peaceful, participatory election—and I believe that will be possible with everyone’s cooperation,” he added. Highlighting the importance of honouring those who laid down their lives for the country, he said,  "To uphold the dignity of our martyrs, we must come together to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh." Commenting on the political landscape ahead of the elections, he added, “In Bangladesh, the monsoon typically lasts from June to September. Once it ends, you’ll see the election atmosphere begin to take shape—candidates will go door to door, polling offices will appear in every neighbourhood, and a festive mood will spread across the country.” We are confident that any remaining doubts will soon disappear. The election will be held in February—before Ramadan, he emphasised. He mentioned a total of 10 people martyred in July and August in Magura. Mehedi Hasan Rabbi, a local leader of Chhatra Dal, was killed by the Awami League’s Jubo League. Al Amin, a small businessman from the same area, was also shot dead. “I visited their graves to lay flowers and honour their sacrifice.” These martyrs are the architects of the new Bangladesh and their sacrifice paved the way for today’s freedom of expression and political progress. "A peaceful, beautiful election lies ahead—and we owe it to their memory to ensure it happens," said the press secretary.