United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday said Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter ‘misspoke’ on the non-disclosure of the draft agreement with the United States on tariff. “She misspoke on this matter,” Alam said, when his attention was drawn to the statement of Adviser Farida Akhter expressing concern about the non-disclosure of the draft agreement with the US on tariff. The Press Secretary said the non-disclosure of the draft bilateral agreement is an established diplomatic practice. “The interim government is fully committed to ensuring transparency in its work and intends to request the US authorities to lift the non-disclosure clause when the tariff agreements are fully completed,” Alam said.  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday said they are monitoring what the Awami League is doing from outside the country as its activities are banned in the country. "You know their activities are banned in Bangladesh. Definitely, we are monitoring what they are doing from outside the country," he said while responding to a question regarding AL's party office in Kolkata, as reported by BBC Bangla recently. The Press Secretary said they are looking into their activities to know whether they want to "create any instability" in the country. "We will be able to let you know if we can gather concrete information," Alam said during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Director General (Public Diplomacy) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shah Asif Rahman were present at the media briefing which was arranged to highlight Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus' engagements in Malaysia from August 11-13. In the bustling outskirts of Kolkata, a commercial complex has begun drawing unfamiliar visitors for the last few months. Committed to press freedom, safety, says Shafiqul Alam urging collective efforts  According to a BBC Bangla report, the Awami League has set up a "party office" on the 8th floor of this complex. In May this year, the interim government issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) completes the trial of the party’s leaders and activists. According to the notification, all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated and like-minded organisations are prohibited until the ICT concludes the trial against their leaders and activists. The notification mentioned that any form of publication, media engagement, online and social media campaigns, rallies, meetings, assemblies, and conferences organised by the Awami League or any of its affiliated bodies are strictly prohibited. Earlier, in a special meeting, the Council of Advisers decided to ban all activities of the Awami League — including in cyberspace — under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the conclusion of the trial by the International Crimes Tribunal. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the decision was taken to safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of the leaders and activists of the July movement, and protect the plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the tribunal proceedings.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday described Prof Muhammad Yunus’ three-day official visit to Malaysia as a ‘very crucial and important’ step towards elevating relations between Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur to a new height. “The visit will be an action-packed one, and we expect it to be successful. We will hold deeper and broader discussions on all issues," Alam said while briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. Malaysia remains a key destination for Bangladeshi workers, he said, confirming that recruitment and visa-related matters will be addressed during the visit.  "Migration and investment will get a special attention," Alam said. Bangladesh will also seek Malaysian cooperation in deep-sea fishing and electric vehicle manufacturing through joint ventures, said the Press Secretary. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder was also present at the briefing. Director General (Public Diplomacy) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shah Asif Rahman said five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), covering a number of areas, are expected to be signed, alongside exchanging three additional notes of cooperation.   The MoUs are likely to be signed on defence cooperation, energy cooperation, formation of Business Councils (FBCCI and NCCIM), Cooperation between BMCCI and Malaysian institution MIMOS and Cooperation between Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and Malaysian Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Asif Rahman said. In addition, he said, there are possibilities of a total of three ‘exchanges of notes’ between the two countries on cooperation in the halal ecosystem, higher education and diplomatic training academy. The Chief Adviser and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will witness the signing of the MoUs and the ‘exchange of notes.' DG Asif Rahman said Bangladesh's application to become a 'Sectoral Dialogue Partner' of ASEAN and to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be strongly highlighted during the visit. In addition, he said, ASEAN member states, including Malaysia, will be called upon to play a more active and effective role in the repatriation of Rohingyas. Asif Rahman said this visit will play an important role in elevating the existing bilateral and economic relations with Malaysia to a new height. "We are optimistic that this visit will further strengthen the foundation of mutual respect, trust and cooperation between the two brotherly countries.   Bangladesh and Malaysia will hold the highest-level talks in Putrajaya on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and achieve tangible outcomes in multiple sectors, including trade, investment and labour cooperation. Prof Yunus is scheduled to leave Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Kuala Lumpur on Monday on a three-day official visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a long-time friend of the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate and a strong supporter of Bangladesh. Ensuring the smooth and transparent recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, expanding cooperation in energy, trade, higher education, halal food production, the blue economy and addressing the Rohingya crisis are among the issues to be discussed, officials said. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam are likely to accompany the Chief Adviser during the visit that will see a series of other meetings in addition to bilateral talks. Last October, the Malaysian Prime Minister made an official visit to Bangladesh, the first by any head of government since the interim government assumed office. He was accompanied by a 58-member delegation, including ministers, deputy ministers, members of parliament and senior Malaysian officials. Prof Yunus to meet Malaysian PM in Putrajaya Tuesday to boost cooperation in key sectors Formal Welcome Ceremony The official welcome ceremony will be held on Tuesday morning at Perdana Putra, Putrajaya, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will receive the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus will inspect the guard of honour as the national anthems of both countries will be played. He will then be introduced to the Malaysian delegation and will, in turn, present the Bangladeshi delegation to the Prime Minister before signing the guest book. Upon his arrival at Bunga Raya VVIP Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday, Prof Yunus will be received at the boarding bridge by Malaysia’s Chief of Protocol. He will then be escorted to the VVIP Complex, where he will be welcomed by Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail and accorded a static guard of honour. Following the private and delegation-level talks, the two leaders will witness the exchange of MoUs and notes, after which they will address a joint press conference. Both in the private and delegation-level meetings, the issues of recruiting new Bangladeshi workers in various sectors of Malaysia, recruiting more professionals, and ensuring the facilities and benefits of workers will be discussed with great importance, DG Asif Rahman said. The Malaysian Prime Minister will also host an official lunch in honour of Prof Yunus at Putrajaya. Prof Yunus will later attend a Business Forum jointly to be organised by the Bangladesh High Commission, BIDA, and Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), where the formation of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Joint Business Council will be announced. The Chief Adviser will attend a series of courtesy meetings before joining dinner to be hosted by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia. University Visit and Sectoral Meetings On Wednesday morning, Prof Yunus will visit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The King of Negeri Sembilan and Chancellor of UKM, Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education, pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors will attend the ceremony, where Prof Yunus will be presented with an academic gown. Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun will hold talks with the Vice President of Petronas. Separate meetings have been requested for Expatriates’ Welfare Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi with Malaysia’s Minister for Human Resources, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security (fisheries and deep-sea fishing), and Minister for Sports. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to return to Dhaka on Wednesday night. Dhaka’s ASEAN Ambition In late July, Prof Yunus renewed his call for Malaysia to support Bangladesh’s bid to become a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). "We want to become part of ASEAN, and we will need your support," he told Nurul Izzah Anwar, Vice President of Malaysia’s People’s Justice Party and daughter of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna. Bangladesh applied to become a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 2020. The Chief Adviser expressed the hope that Malaysia, as the current ASEAN chair, will take an active role in facilitating Bangladesh’s application and eventual full membership. He also encouraged Malaysian firms to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the country’s demographic advantage. "Asia is ageing rapidly, but Bangladesh has a lot of young people. Half of our population is under 27. Set up your industries here and export from Bangladesh — it will benefit both our economies," he said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday said they "strongly and unequivocally" reject the insinuation that the interim government has been responsible for undermining freedom of expression or media independence over the past year. Alam said they remain committed to transparency, safety and freedom, and invite all stakeholders to work together to preserve and enhance these fundamental values. He, however, said they acknowledge the concerns raised by the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) in their recent statement regarding the state of media freedom and access to information. Since taking office, Alam said, the interim government has not interfered in the editorial, operational, or business aspects of any media organisation.  "In fact, we have exercised exceptional restraint, even in the face of misinformation and politically motivated broadcasts," he said in a post from his verified Facebook account titled 'Response to NOAB: Setting the Record Straight'. The Press Secretary said television talk shows and columns have frequently featured false and incendiary claims about this government.  "Yet, we have neither censored nor retaliated. We have not filed complaints, suspended licenses even when provoked, and rather paved the way for some media that had been forcibly closed down by the past regime to republish or return to on air," Alam said, adding that this clearly underscores their commitment to freedom of speech and a free press.     Access to Government Has Remained Unfettered Contrary to claims of limited access, Alam said, journalists have had open and direct access to our advisers and special assistants of the Chief Adviser.  He said no journalist has been denied interviews or briefings on account of their outlet or editorial stance. "We believe in transparency and our conduct reflects that." India can’t protect individual accused of crimes against humanity: Shafiqul Alam Reform of the Secretariat Accreditation Process NOAB’s criticism of the reformed accreditation system is not only misplaced but misinformed, said the Press Secretary.  He said the previous system was deeply compromised, with access passes falling into the hands of individuals with no legitimate journalistic function, some of whom were politicians, lobbyists and opportunists using privileged access to influence policy unfairly.  "We dismantled that broken structure and replaced it with a temporary pass system that ensures every bona fide journalist continues to have access to the Secretariat," Alam said. "This reform was not about restricting access but restoring integrity to a process that had been corrupted," he mentioned. The previous accreditation policy made it obligatory for accredited journalists to sing to the tune of the government, the Press Secretary said.  The policy, which included some humiliating clauses contradictory to the constitutional rights of the journalists, has been amended by the interim government, he said.  "The process of issuing fresh accreditation cards with extended renewal period is underway," Alam mentioned. Job Security "It must also be stated clearly: Journalists who have been let go from their roles have done so not by government instruction but as a result of editorial and strategic corporate realignment decisions made by media owners," Alam said. "These reflect internal political and business calculations, not any directive or pressure from the Interim Government," he mentioned.  Dhaka hopeful of win-win tariff deal with Washington: Shafiqul Alam  Journalist Safety: A Shared Responsibility Alam said they are fully committed to the physical safety and dignity of all citizens, including journalists.  Ensuring a secure environment is a priority, but this responsibility is shared between the media institutions and the government, and its law enforcement agencies, he said. As part of their continued commitment to a safe and secure environment, Alam said, earlier this year the Media Reform Commission under the interim government proposed reforms including a new "Journalists’ Protection Law" to enhance legal safeguards and reduce self-censorship caused by fears of government or security force intimidation.  "The government is considering promulgating the proposed law," the Press Secretary said.  Call for Reflection within Industry "While we remain open to constructive criticism, we suggest that NOAB look internally before attributing blame," Alam said. "It must scrutinise the actions of its own members and hold them accountable for the abuse of journalists, especially when it comes to wage exploitation, denial of labour rights, working in hostile environments without adequate protective gear, and alleged intolerable working conditions," he mentioned.  As an administration tasked with overseeing a delicate transitional period, Alam said, they have maintained a hands-off approach precisely to ensure that the media can function without fear or interference.  "Freedom of expression is not merely a slogan for us; it is a principle we live by," said the Press Secretary. He said NOAB’s concerns would carry more weight if they were grounded in facts and directed at the right parties.  "Blanket accusations based on a flawed interpretation of events do not advance press freedom, they only distract from the real challenges facing Bangladesh’s media landscape," Alam said.

Trashing the false information surrounding the casualty figures from the tragic plane crash into Milestone School and College, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday firmly said the government has no reason to underreport the numbers. In a post on his Facebook account, he also said it is now virtually impossible to hide casualty figures in Bangladesh. “As someone who has reported on numerous major disasters between 2002 and 2024, I can attest that concealing casualty figures is virtually impossible in Bangladesh. Initially, families report their loved ones as missing, but as information becomes available from hospitals and authorities, they can usually locate their relatives. In this case, Milestone College can cross-reference daily attendance records to identify those unaccounted for,” Alam said.  He said the Health Ministry is also providing regular updates on the status of those receiving treatment in various hospitals, and the military is contributing to these efforts. “I can unequivocally state that the government has no reason to underreport casualty figures.” Advisers, CA’s Press Secretary finally leave Milestone School after 9 hours   In the post, Alam also expressed gratitude for the prayers and support extended to him and the two advisers, who spent nine hours at Milestone School and College in Uttara’s Diabari area, amidst student protests on Tuesday. “We visited Milestone College to meet the bereaved families, as well as the students and teachers who are still reeling from the tragedy. The atmosphere was heavy with grief and anger. Many students shared firsthand accounts and expressed frustration over conflicting reports about the death toll,” he said.  To ensure transparency, the Press Secretary said, two Advisers instructed the school to establish a Control Room on its premises.  He said this facility will provide regular updates on the number of injured and deceased, with figures matched against the school's registry.  Importantly, Alam said the Advisers recommended including current students and alumni in the Control Room's operations. “We anticipate it will be fully operational today.” “We spent nine hours at the school yesterday (Tuesday). Although we could have left earlier, the Advisers were committed to resolving the situation peacefully, without the use of force. They were prepared to stay for as long as necessary and we departed only when it was appropriate,” he said.  The Press Secretary said their hearts go out to the students and teachers who have lost their lives, and described the jet crash as a national tragedy, referring to those killed as martyrs. “Let us work together to enhance our air defence systems to prevent future tragedies. The government is committed to improving national security and ensuring zero air-related disasters,” Alam added.

Students of Milestone School and College in the capital’s Uttara area staged demonstrations on its compound on Tuesday morning, protesting what they called ‘falsehoods’ surrounding the casualties in the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) aircraft crash. The protest began around 10:30am during a visit by two government advisers—Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Education Adviser CR Abrar—who came to assess the situation firsthand. As the advisers were preparing to leave, the students surrounded them and began chanting slogans: ‘Fake! Fake’! Later, the advisers—accompanied by the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and several teachers—moved to the conference room on the ground floor of Building No. 5 to hold discussions with a delegation of five to seven student representatives. Meanwhile, hundreds of students continued their protest outside the building. The students are demanding the accurate disclosure of the names and identities of those who died, a verified list of the injured, and compensation for the affected families. Aircraft crash death toll rises to 27; 25 children among deceased

Bangladesh expects a tariff deal with the United States which will be a win-win position for both the countries, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Tuesday following US President Donald Trump's letter to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. "Dhaka is looking forward to a tariff deal with Washington DC, which, we hope, will be a win-win one for both countries," he said, adding that another round of talks with the US is scheduled for July 9. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin is in Washington DC, leading the country's trade talks with the United States. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman is also part of the team. Alam said Bangladesh has received a letter from President Donald Trump on Monday declaring that the US would impose 35 percent tariffs on Bangladeshi goods from August 1. "The Bangladesh team has held several rounds of discussion with their American counterparts," said the Press Secretary, noting that Sk Bashir Uddin will lead the Bangladesh side during the discussion on July 9. President Trump in his letter said, "We look forward to working with you as your trading partner for many years to come. If you wish to open your heretofore closed trading markets to the United States, and eliminate your tariff, and non-tariff, policies and trade barriers, we will, perhaps, consider an adjustment to this letter." Trump said these tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on their relationship with Bangladesh. "You will never be disappointed with the United States of America," President Trump wrote to Prof Yunus. Starting on August 1, 2025, the US President said they will charge Bangladesh a tariff of only 35% on any and all Bangladeshi products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs. "Please understand that the 35% number is far less than what is needed to eliminate the trade deficit disparity we have with your country. As you are aware, there will be no tariff if Bangladesh, or companies within your country, decide to build or manufacture products within the United States and, in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly, professionally, and routinely - In other words, in a matter of weeks," Trump said. Challenges Ahead Talking to UNB, Mohiuddin Rubel, a leading exporter and former director of the BGMEA, raised concerns about its economic stability, especially in light of its current trade deficit as Bangladesh is home to a major ready-made garment industry. “That (if 35pc tariff imposed) could harm its economy, especially given its current trade deficit,” he said. In contrast, Vietnam, despite having a larger trade deficit, secured a lower 20% tariff, highlighting how Bangladesh’s existing trade barriers may have negatively influenced its position in global trade negotiations, Rubel said. The new tariffs pose a significant threat to employment in Bangladesh, as the United States remains its largest export destination, said the exporter. “The new tariffs raise worries about job losses in Bangladesh as the US is its main export market. Bangladesh needs to act quickly by engaging US importers to push for policy changes, resuming high-level trade talks, and highlighting the importance of its products,” Rubel told UNB, adding that strategic planning and partnerships are crucial to address the challenges. Best Trade Negotiator The White House in its fact sheets said President Trump is the best trade negotiator in history. “His strategy has focused on addressing systemic imbalances in our tariff rates that have tilted the playing field in favor of our trading partners for decades.” The White House said countries that are not serious about addressing the tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that impede American exports and harm American workers, farmers and businesses are facing the consequences. On July 7, President Trump signed an Executive Order determining that certain tariff rates, which were initially set to expire on July 9, will expire on August 1, 2025. President Trump also sent tariff letters to many countries informing them of their new reciprocal tariff rates, which will take effect on August 1. The US President may send more letters in the coming days and weeks. The countries he sent letters include: Bangladesh (35%), Japan (25%), Korea (25%), South Africa (30%), Kazakhstan (25%), Laos (40%), Malaysia (25%), Myanmar (40%), Tunisia (25%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (30%), Indonesia (32%), Serbia (35%), Cambodia (36%) and Thailand (36%).

Sharing his experiences of official dinners, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday said dinner tables are not merely for dining or casual chats; they are ‘strategic platforms’ for diplomacy and national branding. "Regardless of who assumes leadership thereafter, I hope the new leader embraces this personable approach to diplomacy, enlivening dinner tables during foreign tours, much like Professor Yunus has done during his interim tenure," he said, noting that by June 30 next year, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will return to his previous role. Alam said one notable aspect of Prof Yunus' diplomatic style is evident during official dinners. "Typically, these events can be formal and exhausting for attending leaders and ministers. Yet, Prof Yunus leverages these occasions to build rapport," said the Press Secretary in a post shared from his verified Facebook account. Alam said Prof Yunus initiates lively conversations, drawing in guests and creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and heartfelt gestures. Prof Yunus urges Chinese investors to help build a sky-high future "His charm and knowledge turn these dinners into opportunities for forging friendships and promoting Bangladesh's interests," said the Press Secretary. For over sixteen years, Alam claimed that they lacked a leader who could engage meaningfully with international counterparts. "Diplomats often described past official dinners as dull affairs, with both hosts and guests eager for them to conclude swiftly," he said. Diplomacy often unfolds across formal tables, where leaders engage in structured discussions, Alam said. "Over the past ten months, I've witnessed numerous such interactions. Prof Yunus brings a distinctive approach to these engagements," he said. The Press Secretary said Prof Yunus reviews the notes prepared by their diplomats, infusing them with his personal insights and warmth. "This method transforms routine dialogues into meaningful exchanges, fostering genuine connections with the counterparts," he said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday expressed optimism about increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh following the highly successful visit of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to Japan. “It was a very successful visit,” said the Press Secretary while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. He said the relationship between Bangladesh and Japan has become deeper and stronger, expressing hope that major Japanese investors will now come forward to invest significantly in Bangladesh. On the issue of manpower export, the Press Secretary said a new opportunity has emerged with the formation of a dedicated task force. Alam said with coordinated steps, Bangladesh could export a greater number of workers to Japan, with an initial target of 100,000 over the next five years. “Japan will be an important manpower export destination for Bangladesh,” he said. Prof Yunus urges Chinese investors to help build a sky-high future Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Ahmmad Foyez were also present at the briefing. On May 30, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and Bangladesh Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali signed the Exchange of Notes for Japanese loans titled ‘Development Policy Loan for Economic Reform and Strengthening Climate Change Resilience’ (up to JPY 60 billion) and ‘Construction of Dual Gauge Double Line Between Joydebpur–Ishurdi Section Project (Ⅰ)’ (up to JPY 92 billion), as well as a grant aid titled ‘The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)’ (up to JPY 606 million). The signing ceremony, held in Tokyo, was witnessed by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan IKUINA Akiko and Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. During the official working visit of Professor Yunus to Japan from May 28 to 31, both countries reaffirmed their ‘Strategic Partnership’ and agreed to enhance cooperation across a wide range of areas, including economic development.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus landed at Shah Amanat International Airport by a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 9:22 am on Wednesday. He was received at the airport by divisional and district-level government officials. Earlier in the morning, the chief adviser began his visit to his home district of Chattogram for the first time since taking office, with a series of engagements planned during his roughly 12-hour stay. Professor Yunus left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:45am for Chattogram, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. He will attend as the chief guest at the fifth convocation of Chittagong University (CU), where he will also deliver the convocation address, officials said. Liberation War Affairs Adviser Farooq-e-Azam, Energy Adviser Dr Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Education Adviser CR Abrar, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum and Fisheries and Livestocks Adviser Farida Akhter, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam are accompanying the Chief Adviser. In recognition of his contributions, Chittagong University will confer upon him an honorary Doctor of Letters (D Litt) degree. A former faculty member of CU’s Economics Department and a Nobel Laureate, his return to the campus is being hailed as a historic moment. From Chattogram Circuit House, the Chief Adviser will join the foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new rail-and-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River at Kalurghat apart from his other engagements. He is likely to visit Chattogram port soon after his arrival in Chattogram, an official told UNB. After the convocation, Professor Yunus will travel to his ancestral home in Bathua village of Shikarpur union, Hathazari upazila. Prof Yunus to visit his home district Chattogram Wednesday Chittagong University will host the largest convocation in the country’s history on Tuesday, awarding degrees to 22,586 students. The event is set to take place on the university’s scenic 2,300-acre campus nestled in the hills of Hathazari, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The central event will be held at CU’s north campus field, where a 150,000-square-foot pavilion has been erected to accommodate over 25,000 guests. The convocation will be broadcast live on LED screens placed at five key locations across campus. In addition to undergraduate and postgraduate degree recipients, the university will honour 42 PhD awardees and 33 MPhil scholars. Prof Muhammad Yahia made acting VC of Chittagong University CU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Yeahia Akhter described the convocation as “an academic celebration—an apex moment for any student,” noting that CU students have been deprived of this experience for nearly a decade. “Thanks to the success of the anti-discrimination movement, we are finally making this happen,” he told reporters.