Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested a leader of Awami League and a Jubo League leader in connection with the murder of Imon Hossain Akash from Pallabi area on Saturday during the anti-discrimination student movement. The arrestees are Mohammad Din Islam, a Jubo League leader from Ward No. 3 and Md. Akbar Hossain Jony, Joint General Secretary of the Awami League's Ward No. 2 under Pallabi police station. On August 4, 2024, Imon Hossain Akash joined a peaceful protest along with other students and civilians in front of the Popular Diagnostic Center near the Mirpur 10 bus stand. Police rescue kidnapping victim in Hatirjheel, arrest three suspects During the protest, members of various affiliated organizations of the Awami League reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on the protesters, leaving many people including Imon injured. Imon was was rushed to Dr. Azmal Hospital where he was declared dead by doctors. On August 27, Imon’s mother filed a case with the Pallabi police station. During the investigation, with the help of intelligence and technology, police were able to arrest Din Islam and Akbar Hossain Jony as named suspects in the case. Ex-AL lawmaker Shahidul Islam arrested: DB Talebur Rahman, a Deputy Commissioner of PoliceMedia & Public Relations of Dhaka Metropolitan Police said, the accused were produced before the court. Earlier, Pallabi police also arrested Sheikh Mohammad Wasim, law affairs secretary of Jubo League's Pallabi Police Station, from Pallabi area  in connection with the same case on Thursday night.

Awami League presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak on Friday accused Professor Muhammad Yunus of illegally seizing power and committing acts of violence, including killing, arson and looting. “I strongly condemn these atrocities. Those who support these criminals will face justice one day on the soil of Bangladesh, Inshallah,” he stated in a post on the Awami League’s verified Facebook page. Nanak expressed concern that the everyday the lives of ordinary people are being affected, with soaring prices of essential goods.     He accused the government of focusing on eliminating the Awami League rather than addressing these issues. He also mentioned the desecration of Durga Puja idols, which he said was causing deep distress to the Hindu community. According to Nanak, criminals involved in looting police stations and possessing illegal weapons are neither being caught nor arrested. He claimed that these 'militant terrorists' have been allowed to attack both civilians and Awami League members with impunity. Nanak said the Awami League is alarmed by the ongoing violence against its members, including those in the Juba League and Chhatra League, across various parts of the country. Awami League calls on supporters, people of the country to celebrate Hasina’s 78th birthday on Sept 28 He blamed the BNP and its allies for these attacks, including looting and arson, while alleging that no legal action was being taken against the perpetrators. “I strongly condemn these actions,” Nanak said. He also described the situation in the country as one of extreme misrule, alleging widespread extortion across different regions. He added that in addition to the violence, Awami League leaders and activists are being arrested on false charges in almost every upazila. “From teenagers as young as 15 to elderly men of 90, no Awami League leader or activist is being spared from arrest,” he said. Awami League Expresses Deep Concerns The Awami League’s top brass has voiced its alarm at the rising number of attacks against its members in recent weeks. Several senior party figures have pointed fingers at the BNP and its affiliates, holding them responsible for the uptick in violence and accusing them of creating a culture of impunity. While the allegations have yet to be substantiated, the ongoing unrest in various parts of the country has exacerbated tensions between the two political factions, leading to widespread condemnation from civil society groups. Nanak’s statement also highlighted the adverse impact on religious harmony, as incidents of idol desecration have generated anxiety among minority communities. This, according to him, reflects the deteriorating law and order situation in the country.

Detectives of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested former Awami League-backed lawmaker, Shahidul Islam Milon elected from Jashore Sadar constituency, from Dhaka’s Gulistan area on Thursday. Talibur Rahman, deputy commissioner (Media) of the DMP, confirmed the matter saying that a Detective Branch team arrested him from Phulbaria area of Dhaka’s Gulistan on Thursday afternoon. Read: Notorious former AL lawmaker Abdur Rahman Badi arrested in Ctg Milon, a freedom fighter and also president of the Jashore district unit of Awami League, was taken to Gulshan police station after being arrested, he said. He is accused in several cases over the attacks on the students-public during the recent upsurge, the police official said. Read more: Ex-lawmaker MA Latif detained

Director General (DG) of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui has acknowledged the BGB's partial responsibility in preventing Awami League leaders and activists from fleeing the country. “But the agency should not be solely held accountable for the situation,” he said at a press conference held at the BGB headquarters in Dhaka on Thursday. The DG said that the BGB has so far held 22 people identified as opponents of the anti-discrimination student movement. “Despite these arrests, a significant number of Awami League leaders and activists have still managed to escape across borders,” he recognised. Major General Siddiqui said that while the BGB bears responsibility for the fleeing incidents, it is critical to determine whether other entities should also be held accountable. "An investigation is necessary to ascertain who crossed which border—there can be no compromises on this matter," he emphasised. Read: BGB DG warns KNF, vows support for joint operations The DG said that a request had been made on August 6 to aid the BGB in curbing escapes through border, an initiative that was undertaken independently and without any external directive. “We have been working on this continuously. If all organisations that collect intelligence share their information, our efforts would be far more effective,” he said. He also referred to speculations that a large number of Awami League leaders and activists had already fled the country. “Did everyone flee? I don’t think so. Some are still hiding in this densely populated country,” he asserted. Major General Siddiqui urged journalists to assist the BGB by sharing any relevant information they might have. “You also have information. Please share it with the BGB, and we will take action. We are committed to preventing these escapes,” he said. Read more:Integrated checkpost to benefit both Bangladesh and India economically: BGB DG The BGB DG reiterated that the BGB is dedicated to fulfilling its role in safeguarding the borders and that all stakeholders must collaborate to address the ongoing issue effectively.

The interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is set to appoint new Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across all districts in Bangladesh. A new fit list has been prepared, prioritizing those who were previously overlooked for promotion during the Awami League government's tenure. The fit list, developed by the Ministry of Public Administration, includes over 600 officials from the BCS 24th, 25th, and 27th batches, who have been deprived of promotions in the past 15-16 years. The interim government aims to address these long-standing grievances by considering these officials for the DC roles. A high-ranking official confirmed that the previous fit list created under the Awami League government is not being considered. Instead, the new list focuses on officials with extensive field administration experience who were previously sidelined due to political reasons. Many of these officials were labeled as supporters of opposition parties, leading to negative intelligence reports that blocked their promotions. In light of this, the government has relaxed the criteria for DC appointments to give these officials a fair chance. The committee, led by the Cabinet Secretary, has made special provisions to ensure that these deserving officers are appointed as DCs. Read more: Interim Govt taking steps to declare Metro Rail a key point installation for enhanced security: Adviser Fouzul The new policy allows officials who have been in the BCS (Administration) cadre for at least one year as Deputy Secretary and have a minimum of two years of experience in specific roles, such as Deputy Director or Additional Deputy Commissioner, to be eligible for the DC positions. They must also have a satisfactory disciplinary record over the past five years and demonstrate proficiency in project management, ICT, and both Bangla and English. Despite their qualifications, many of these officers were denied DC positions under the previous government. The decision to relax the policy and create a new fit list reflects the interim government's commitment to addressing these past injustices. The process of appointing new DCs began on Saturday, with interviews of 60 officials from the BCS 24th batch conducted under the supervision of Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain. Interviews will continue over the next three days, involving more officials from the 24th batch and beyond. Several Deputy Secretaries from various ministries and departments have been shortlisted for the DC positions. The interviews include officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Finance, and the Anti-Corruption Commission, among others. Read more: Interim Government to publish White Paper on current economic situation In a related development, approximately 200 Joint Secretaries from the 9th to 13th BCS batches, who were also deprived of promotions, are set to be promoted to Additional Secretary. The recommendation for these promotions was sent to the Chief Adviser’s office on Saturday, with an official notification expected by Sunday or Monday. However, it has been reported that certain officials who previously served in key roles within the Prime Minister's Office will not be considered for the DC appointments, as per directives from higher authorities.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (June 02, 2024) said that authorities will proceed with corruption charges against former police chief Benazir Ahmed. Should he be found guilty, he will be compelled to return to Bangladesh, he said. Speaking at a press conference at the Awami League president’s office in Dhanmondi this afternoon, Quader emphasized the government’s firm stance against corruption, saying, “No leniency will be shown.” Quader, who is also the General Secretary of Awami League, detailed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is actively investigating Benazir’s case. “The investigation, legal proceedings, and potential arrests are all part of a legal process,” he said. The government will not bypass the ACC to take any premature actions. If there are any failures within the anti-corruption agencies, they too will face scrutiny, said the AL leader. Fakhrul questions how Benazir “sneaked off to Singapore” Highlighting the current administration’s commitment to combating corruption, Quader remarked, “Since 1975, no other government has shown the courage to act against corrupt individuals. Sheikh Hasina’s government has demonstrated this bravery. While individuals may commit corruption, it is the government’s stance against such actions that matters.” Quader also criticized Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for its inaction against corruption during its tenure. “BNP didn’t take any measures against corruption while in power,” he said. Addressing allegations from BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that Benazir fled abroad with government assistance, Quader retorted, “Who from the government escorted him to the plane? Which authority facilitated his departure? Do not throw around baseless accusations.” Govt bears responsibility for misdeeds of Aziz, Benazir: Fakhrul Quader also accused BNP of initiating a culture of financial misconduct. “The culture of money laundering and economic misappropriation began during the BNP’s era. When in power, BNP leaders indulged in rampant illegal earnings. This is an established fact both domestically and internationally. After coming to power in 2001, corruption became institutionalized under the BNP, leading to Bangladesh being named the most corrupt country five times consecutively. Convicted and fugitive BNP leader Tarique Rahman is currently leading a lavish lifestyle abroad with the illicit money.” Quader read from a written statement at the beginning of the press conference, asserting the integrity of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “No one can claim that our Prime Minister has engaged in or tolerated corruption. Sheikh Hasina is recognized globally as a thoroughly honest politician, whose popularity stems from her hard work and honest living.” He further criticized the BNP, saying, “BNP’s main leader Tarique Rahman is a convicted fugitive and a known criminal. A party led by such an individual cannot work for people’s welfare or gain their trust.” In response to a journalist’s question, Quader remarked, “BNP is ruled by the king of thieves.” Read more: Why Aziz, Benazir yet to be arrested, asks Manna

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (May 25, 2024) said that the Awami League government has taken significant measures to shut down arms smuggling routes through Bangladesh to India, fostering peace in India's northeastern states. “Since coming to power, the Awami League has closed down the routes used for arms smuggling through Bangladesh,” she stated. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a program inaugurating various development projects in Old Dhaka, including the construction of a new 10-storey Bangabazar Nagar Wholesale Market. The original market was destroyed by a devastating fire on April 4 last year. PM Hasina inaugurates construction of new Bangabazar Wholesale Market The other projects inaugurated include Valiant Freedom Fighter Sheikh Fazlul Haque Moni Sarani (an 8-lane road), Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy Shishu Udyan, and Nazrul Sarobor. Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the impact of the Awami League's efforts to curb arms smuggled to various Indian separatist groups, including the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA). “As a result, peace prevails in the seven sister states of India. The Awami League has done this, and it is a significant accomplishment,” she added. The ULFA is an armed militant organization operating in Assam, seeking to establish an independent sovereign nation for the Assamese people through armed struggle. The Government of India banned ULFA in 1990, citing it as a terrorist organization. Would have been happy to tame the inflation: PM Hasina The seven sister states of India are Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland. The inauguration program was presided over by LGRD Minister Md Tazul Islam. Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, local MP AFM Bahauddin Nasim, and LGRD Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim also spoke at the event.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (May 23, 2024) said that investigation will determine whether the deceased MP of Jhenaidah-4 constituency, Anwarul Azim Anar, was involved in any illicit activities in India. “I cannot say anything before the investigation is complete. There is no place for criminals in the Awami League,” Quader asserted. Bangladeshi MP’s macabre death in Kolkata: What we know so far He made these remarks during an introductory meeting with the newly formed Youth and Sports Sub-committee members at the Dhaka district Awami League office. Anwarul Azim Anar, who was nominated for the third time due to his popularity, is under scrutiny following his death, with Indian media alleging his involvement in smuggling activities. Abduction case filed over MP Anar's death “Sheikh Hasina does not spare any wrongdoer, even if they are from the party. Her policy regarding crime is zero tolerance,” Quader emphasized. Quader also questioned the timing and scope of these allegations, saying, “Why did this issue not come up in any investigative report by journalists in our country before his death?” Locals mourn MP Anar as 'a man of the people'

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu arrived here on Tuesday (May 14, 2024) to "strengthen bilateral cooperation" and to demonstrate US support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. In Bangladesh, he will meet with government officials, civil society leaders, and other Bangladeshis to talk about deepening Bangladesh-US cooperation, including deepening the economic ties in ways that the two countries can collaborate further to address climate issues, said Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department of State Vedant Patel. Lu is here as part of his tri-nation tour of the region. He earlier visited India and Sri Lanka. This is also his first visit to Bangladesh after Awami League won the January 7 elections to form government for the third straight term. UK's BII supports MSMEs, women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh with $50m debt commitment to BRAC Bank "He is there to strengthen bilateral cooperation with each country and to demonstrate U.S. support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Patel said from Washington.

Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nofel has recommended that the age limit for entry into government jobs should be pushed back to 35, with another 2 years (37) allowed for quota positions. The Education Minister has sent a letter to his counterpart, Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain, with this recommendation. The age limit for entry into government service is 30 at present (32 under various quotas including freedom fighters, etc). In the letter, the Education Minister said that the students have been protesting on the streets for a long time regarding the demand to make the age limit of job application minimum 35 years according to international standards. In 2018, Bangladesh Awami League's election manifesto on page 33 stated that 'proper steps will be taken considering merit and ability to increase the age limit for entry into government jobs'. Read more: Age limit raised by 3 years and 3 months for entering govt service; not applicable for BCS It further states, "In reality, the age limit for applying jobs at all levels in Bangladesh was raised from 27 years to 30 years in 1991, 33 years ago, when the average life expectancy of people in Bangladesh was 57 years. At present, the average life expectancy of people in Bangladesh has increased to 73 years, so it is logical to increase the age limit for applying for jobs." Nofel wrote that the age limit for applying for jobs in about 162 countries of the world is at least 35 years, among South Asian countries, our neighboring country India is the most populous country in the world, but the maximum age limit for applying for jobs is 45 years in different states, 45 years in Maldives, 45 years in Sri Lanka, 35 years in Nepal, 35 years in Afghanistan. The developed countries of the world, including India, have done a lot of research about the age limit and increased it to about 35 years according to international standards. In order to eliminate unemployment and create a developed smart Bangladesh, it is important to make students skilled at international standards and also to create opportunities to enter the international job market. In such cases, the maximum age limit for application in all Ministries, Departments, Directorates  and Autonomous, Nationalized Institutions at various levels of employment is minimum 35 years as per International Standards (37 years for  BJS, Doctors, Freedom Fighters Quota), Sub Inspector of Police and in case of appointment of sergeant, opportunity to participate in examination up to 30 years. The Education Minister requested the Minister of Public Administration to take necessary steps considering the issue of opening the age limit in research and various special skill fields as per the government policy. Read more: Police attack age limit protest rally in Shahbagh