United News of Bangladesh

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.

The United States has said they support a free and democratic process as well as fair and transparent legal processes for all individuals, noting that they are aware of the ban imposed by the interim government on the activities of Bangladesh Awami League. "We are aware that the interim government has banned the Awami League from all political activities until a special tribunal for the party and its leaders concludes," said Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department  of State. He made the remarks when a journalist sought US' views on banning activities of the Awami League in Bangladesh during a regular briefing in Washington DC on May 13. Pigott said they do not support any one political party in Bangladesh over another. He said they urge all countries, including Bangladesh, to respect the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association for all. Delhi concerned over ban on AL activities; supports early election Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said the ban on activities of this party is necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal. Alam said they have witnessed how Awami League completely destroyed the country’s democratic fabric, severely squeezed the political space and compromised sovereignty during its 15-year long tyrannical and kleptocratic rule. "The wounds caused by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by this party are still fresh," the Press Secretary told UNB. Gazette issued banning AL activities under Anti-Terrorism Act Responding to a separate question, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson at the US Department  of State said they value their "partnership with the people of Bangladesh" spanning more than 50 years.  He said they remain committed to 'deepening" their partnership by working with the interim government.   

Reacting to India's remarks on Bangladesh Affairs, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said eections are entirely Bangladesh's internal matter and urged all to respect the sovereign will of its people in matters relating to elections. "We urge all to respect the sovereign will of our people in matters relating to elections," he told UNB while responding to a question. Asked about his reaction to India's comments on banning Bangladesh Awami League, Alam said they have witnessed how Awami League completely destroyed the country’s democratic fabric, severely squeezed the political space and compromised sovereignty during its 15-year long tyrannical and kleptocratic rule. "The wounds caused by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by this party are still fresh," the Press Secretary said.   Govt kept people in the dark about Rakhine corridor: BNP’s Hafiz He said, "I have already said that the ban on activities of this party is necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal." As for elections, Alam said they recall how Awami League repeatedly resorted to grossly farcical elections and caused irreparable damages to our electoral processes and institutions. Delhi concerned over ban on AL activities; supports early election "We are engaged in a reform process to rebuild our democratic system," he said. Earlier, India expressed concerns over the ban imposed by the interim government on the activities of Bangladesh Awami League. "The ban on the Awami League without due process is a concerning development," said Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal during a regular media briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday. As a democracy, he said, India is naturally concerned at the "curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space." Bangladesh urges India to take measures to stop push-ins "We strongly support the early holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh," said the MEA spokesperson. The government has 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.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday said they do not anticipate any adverse international reaction to the decision to ban the activities of Awami League. "There is nobody in the democratic world who will speak in favour of such a brazenly murderous, anti-democratic and corrupt party. Therefore, we don't anticipate any adverse international reaction to the ban on AL's activities," he said while responding to a question from UNB. The Council of Advisers, in a special meeting on Saturday night, decided to ban all the Awami League activities, including in the cyberspace, under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of Bangladesh Awami League and its leaders in the International Crimes Tribunal is completed. While briefing reporters in front of State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday night, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the decision was taken in order to protect the security and sovereignty of the country, the safety of the leaders and activists of the July movement, and the protection of the plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal. Asked what the reaction of the international community will be to the ban on AL's activities, Press Secretary Alam said he does not believe the world will lament over banning AL activities. "This ban was necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists, and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal," he said. AL ban: Nahid welcomes govt's decision, urges implementation without delay He said they have seen that the entire political parties -- not just their activities -- have been banned even in Western democracies for crimes against humanity and acting against core national interests. "Germany and Italy banned Nazi and Fascist parties after the WW2. In Spain and Belgium, some political parties were banned for cesessionist activities," Alam mentioned. The UNHCHR report demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that AL, its leadership and partymen, and its affiliated organisations participated in heinous crimes against humanity, said the Press Secretary. Besides, he said, this party caused wholesale destruction of democracy and the electoral process in Bangladesh. Protesters hold joyous processions following govt's decision regarding AL ban "Its leaders and supporters looted the banks dry and siphoned off colossal amounts of funds abroad," the Press Secretary said. The relevant gazette in this regard will be issued on the next working day, theLaw Adviser said after the marathon meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The meeting approved the amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act. According to the amendment, the International Crimes Tribunals will be able to punish any political party, its affiliates or supporting groups, said the Law Adviser. The Council of Advisers also decided to finalise and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days, said Asif Nazrul who talked to reporters at around 11pm. Govt decides to ban all Awami League activities under Anti-Terrorism Act pending its trial for crimes Earlier on Friday, the government said it plans to immediately amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to incorporate provisions for the trial of associations and political parties associated and connected with crimes against humanity.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said a final decision regarding the ‘humanitarian corridor’ to Rakhine State of Myanmar through Cox's Bazar will be taken in consultation with all stakeholders, including political parties, if there is any United Nations-led effort. “We think this (humanitarian corridor) is still quite far off….it needs to be an UN-led effort,” he said while responding to a question from the media during his visit to Chattogram on Friday. While interacting with the journalists in the port city of Chattogram, Alam also said the whole thing is usually done by talking to two countries – Bangladesh and Mynamr – first and other actors in Rakhine. “When the United Nations takes any initiative, they talk to all relevant parties to reach a final decision,” he said, adding that any decision will be taken based on broader consensus. Regarding the humanitarian corridor for Myanmar's Rakhine State, BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said only an elected parliament can make such a sensitive decision. “The freedom-loving people of the country believe that the decision on whether or not to grant a corridor must come from the people themselves—specifically, through their directly elected National Parliament,” he said while virtually addressing a rally. The Press Secretary also criticised the Awami League saying the previous regime did not even dare to call Rohingyas as the Rohingyas were called as 'Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals' (FDMN). “When you will fear to call them Rohingyas, then you do not believe in their rights,” Alam said. Amid growing discussions on ‘humanitarian corridor’ to Rakhine State of Myanmar through Cox's Bazar, the interim government on Tuesday (April 29) categorically said they have not discussed the so-called ‘humanitarian corridor’ with the United Nations (UN) or any other entity. "We want to make it categorically clear that the government has not discussed the so-called "humanitarian corridor" with the UN or any other entity," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Alam told UNB while responding to a question. Political parties to compromise for state reforms, hopes Ali Riaz He said the government position is that should there be a UN-led humanitarian support to the state of Rakhine, Bangladesh would be willing to provide logistics support. According to UNDP, the Rakhine state is facing an acute humanitarian situation. "Bangladesh has a stellar record of helping countries in times of distress, as exemplified by our aid to Myanmar following the recent devastating earthquake," Alam said. Besides, the Press Secretary said, they are concerned that the persistence of suffering may lead to further inflows of people from Rakhine into Bangladesh, which they cannot afford. "We also believe that the UN-supported humanitarian aid would help stabilise Rakhine and create conditions for the return of the refugees back to Myanmar," he said. Given the present conditions, Alam said, the only viable route for delivery of aid to Rakhine is through Bangladesh. Bangladesh is agreeable in principle to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid through this route, he mentioned. Alam, however, said there has not been a decision on the provision of aid to Rakhine. "We are in touch with the parties concerned in this regard. In due course, we will consult relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh," said the Press Secretary. Regarding the reports of involvement of a major power, he said, these are "pure and unadulterated" propaganda. "We have seen a constant barrage of malicious disinformation hurled against Bangladesh in recent months, which is still continuing," said the Press Secretary, adding that this sort of propaganda is no different. What are humanitarian corridors? The United Nations considers ‘humanitarian corridors’ to be one of several possible forms of a temporary pause of armed conflict, according to the DW. ‘Humanitarian corridors’ or safe passages are essentially agreements between parties to the armed conflict to allow for safe passage for a limited time in a specific geographic area, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They can allow civilians to leave, humanitarian assistance to come in or allow for the evacuation of the wounded, sick or dead, ICRC said in a definition. Due to their limitations in scope, humanitarian corridors are not an ideal solution. Crucially, civilians, whether there is a safe passage agreement or not must be protected from the effects of hostilities, must be allowed to evacuate from a besieged area, and humanitarian organizations must be able to work whenever and wherever necessary to provide protection and assistance to people affected by armed conflict. Those engaged in the fighting must ensure that IHL rules on the conduct of hostilities are respected in order to protect civilians, and that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need.. They are demilitarised zones, in a specific area and for a specific time — and both sides of an armed conflict agree to them. What are they for? Via these corridors, either food or medical aid can be brought to areas of conflict, or civilians can be evacuated, according to DW. The corridors are necessary when cities are under siege and the population is cut off from basic food supplies, electricity and water. In cases where a humanitarian catastrophe unfolds because the international law of war is being violated — for example through large-scale bombing of civilian targets — humanitarian corridors can provide crucial relief.

Amid growing discussions on “humanitarian corridor” to Rakhine State of Myanmar through Cox's Bazar, the interim government on Tuesday categorically said they have not discussed the so-called "humanitarian corridor" with the United Nations (UN) or any other entity. "We want to make it categorically clear that the government has not discussed the so-called "humanitarian corridor" with the UN or any other entity," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB while responding to a question. He said the government position is that should there be a UN-led humanitarian support to the state of Rakhine, Bangladesh would be willing to provide logistics support. According to UNDP, the Rakhine state is facing an acute humanitarian situation. "Bangladesh has a stellar record of helping countries in times of distress, as exemplified by our aid to Myanmar following the recent devastating earthquake," Alam said. D8 calls for humanitarian corridor inside Gaza Besides, the Press Secretary said, they are concerned that persistence of suffering may lead to further inflows of people from Rakhine into Bangladesh, which they cannot afford. "We also believe that the UN-supported humanitarian aid would help stabilize Rakhine and create conditions for the return of the refugees back to Myanmar," he said. Given the present conditions, Alam said, the only viable route for delivery of aid to Rakhine is through Bangladesh. Bangladesh is agreeable in principle to provide logistics support to the transportation of aid through this route, he mentioned. However, Alam said there has not been a decision on the provision of aid to Rakhine. "We are in touch with the concerned parties in this regard. In due course, we will consult relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh," said the Press Secretary. Regarding the reports of involvement of a major power, he said, these are "pure and unadulterated" propaganda. Humanitarian corridors, from Syria to Ukraine "We have seen a constant barrage of malicious disinformation hurled against Bangladesh in recent months, which is still continuing," said the Press Secretary, adding that this sort of propaganda is no different.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Qatar would take 725 soldiers from Bangladesh as Bangladesh is exploring diverse areas for further strengthening the relations with the gas-rich Gulf kingdom. Talking to UNB on the sidelines of the Erthana Summit-2025, Alam said Bangladesh can send the soldiers by next two months. He said there will be efforts to increase the numbers in the future. Alam said Bangladesh is seeking greater cooperation in the energy sector with Qatar as Bangladesh is seeing an increased number of investors who will need gas. Since there is a long-term agreement with Qatar on LNG import, Press Secretary Alam said Bangladesh will have a discussion on greater energy sector cooperation. He said Bangladesh will clear dues worth $37 million within the next couple of days in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) import bills owed to the Qatar state owned energy giant Qatar Energy LNG. The Press Secretary said the relationship between Bangladesh and Qatar will further be strengthened in the coming days. Highlighting Prof Yunus' busy schedule here, Alam said the Chief Adviser highlighted the role of social business, financial inclusion, and microfinance in fostering sustainable development and economic opportunities for marginalized communities while delivering his 20 minutes keynote speech at the Earthna Summit-2025. Prof Yunus shares five key initiatives for sustainable future at Earthna Summit He relentlessly devotes his time and energy to inspire people into creating a world of 3 Zeros - zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration for ending poverty once for all and zero unemployment by unleashing entrepreneurship in everyone. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, among others, are accompanying the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus held a meeting with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, mother of Amir of the State of Qatar and Chairperson of Qatar Foundation on the sidelines of Earthna Summit. He also held a meeting with Sheikh Thani bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Fund For Development. Prof Yunus held a separate meeting with Nawaf Abdullah Al Hammadi, Assistant CEO for International Operations Sector of Qatar Charity. Prof Yunus attended the lunch hosted by Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO, Qatar Foundation. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs of Qatar will meet the Chief Adviser and will discuss issues of mutual interest. Al Jazeera has invited the Chief Adviser to its headquarters where they will interview him, his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said. Acting Managing Director, Director of News, Managers of input and output will receive the Chief Adviser there. Qatar Foundation media team will also interview Prof Yunus. In the evening on Tuesday (5:30pm to 6:30pm), Prof Yunus will attend a private business reception in honor of his visit. He is scheduled to discuss the issues of mutual interest with the leadership of the gas-rich Gulf kingdom. Earthna Summit: Qatari ministers, global dignitaries extend warm welcome to Prof Yunus Bangladesh is eyeing a stronger economic cooperation with Qatar and greater engagement in the energy sector. The Chief Adviser is paying the visit at the invitation of Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. Dr Yunus is likely to have meetings with both the Amir of Qatar and the Deputy Prime Minister in addition to other engagements. He said there will be an investment Summit on April 23 from which Bangladesh expects positive response. Bangladesh stressed the need for a deepening trade and investment relationship with Qatar. He said there will be an event on the Rohingya issue where global stakeholders will participate. Alam hoped that the Rohingya issue would be brought back to global attention as there are efforts from the interim government.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Bangladesh’s history of resilience, its commitment to democracy, and its focus on women’s empowerment are all testaments to the fact that the country will continue to move forward, despite the challenges it faces. "Rather than focusing on a few negative examples, we should recognize the broader picture of progress, resilience, and determination that defines Bangladesh today," he said. Alam noted that The New York Times article titled "As Bangladesh Reinvents Itself, Islamist Hard-Liners See an Opening" paints a troubling and one-sided view of Bangladesh, suggesting that the country is on the brink of being overtaken by religious extremism. In a post from his verified Facebook account, the press secretary said this portrayal not only oversimplifies the political and social dynamics of the country but also risks unfairly smearing an entire nation of 180 million people. "It is crucial to acknowledge the progress Bangladesh has made over the last year and the complexity of the situation, rather than relying on selective, incendiary examples that paint an inaccurate picture," Alam said. Bangladesh needs peace, says Dr Yunus seeking foreign friends' support to forge unity Furthermore, he said, the notion that the rise of extremism is an inevitable outcome of Bangladesh's political transition is far too deterministic. The country's democratic spirit and vibrant civil society are powerful forces that continue to hold back the full rise of extremist ideologies, Alam said. While challenges remain, he said, the long-term direction of Bangladesh will not be shaped solely by the actions of extremists. "The people of Bangladesh, particularly its youth and women, are determined to continue the fight for a just, democratic, and inclusive society," said Alam. He said Bangladesh is not alone in facing the challenge of religious extremism; this is a global issue that many countries confront in different forms. However, he said, Bangladesh has continuously worked to address these challenges through law enforcement, social reforms, and counterterrorism initiatives. Yunus’ China visit paved way for stronger ties: Govt The country’s commitment to protecting its diverse population—whether Muslim, Hindu, Christian, or any other community—remains steadfast, said the press secretary. "While there will always be hardliners who spew hatred at rallies and on social media, it is our responsibility to deny them the oxygen their anger requires," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday said China would give a  positive consideration to a host of important issues  raised by Bangladesh as he held bilateral talks with Bangladesh delegation led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. They included reduction of the interest rates on Chinese loans and cooperation on water resources management, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB, describing the talks between President Xi and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus as a "hugely successful" bilateral meeting. Alam said the talks were "comprehensive, fruitful and constructive, marked by warmth". President Xi reiterated China's support to the Chief Adviser and the interim government, said the Press Secretary. "It was Prof Yunus's first bilateral foreign tour, and so far, it has been a "grand" success," Alam said. President Xi said China would encourage Chinese investment to Bangladesh and relocation of Chinese manufacturing enterprises to Bangladesh. President Xi spoke about his two tours to Bangladesh and said he studied microcredit when he was the governor of Fujian province, Alam said. The Chinese President also said he tried Bangladeshi mangoes and jackfruit. "They are delicious. Bangladesh is expected to export the two fruits to China in a big way in the coming months," Alam quoted President Xi as saying. Dr Yunus seeks FAO support to export fruits, farm products to China in large volume Dr Yunus and Chinese President Xi held bilateral talks at People's Great Hall and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues. They discussed ways to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and take it to a new height protecting Dhaka-Beijing’s mutual and strategic interests. Both sides discussed various strategic bilateral issues between Bangladesh and China, trade and investment growth, agriculture, infrastructure, support for renewable energy sectors, and resolving the Rohingya issue, as well as overall issues of mutual interest between the two countries, eyeing a new chapter in relations. At the meeting, Dr Yunus sought China's greater role in establishing peace, prosperity and stability for both nations. During the meeting, Dr Yunus expressed heartfelt greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping on behalf of Bangladesh and its people. Recalling his long relations with China, the Chief Adviser said he had an attachment with China in introducing Grameen Bank and social business there. During the meeting, he focused on Rohingya crisis, seeking China's strong role in safe and dignified return of Rohingyas to their home of origin in Myanmar. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Road Transport and Bridges; and Railways Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed, High Representative to Chief Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik accompanied the Chief Adviser at the meeting, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen among others were part of the Chinese delegation. Bangladesh, China to sign key deals as Dr Yunus to meet Xi in Beijing on March 28 In the morning, Dr Yunus arrived at the Great Hall of China amid a static guard of honour. Dr Yunus arrived in Beijing on Thursday night to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Vice Minister of China Sun Weidong warmly welcomed Dr Yunus upon his arrival at Beijing International Airport at around 10:20pm (China time) after approximately a four-hour journey by air from Qionghai Bo’ao International Airport. Kids also greeted him with flowers. The Chief Adviser spoke at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference and joined at least eight events, including bilateral meetings, Azad said. Dr Yunus is on a four-day visit to China through which he thinks the relationship between Bangladesh and China would further be deepened.  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday said after seven and a half months, the interim government has stabilised the country and put it back onto the path of growth. “But as (Chief Adviser) Prof Yunus Muhammad Yunus said we are still in a war-like situation. It is a war against disinformation and to put Bangladesh back into the global map,” he said. The Press Secretary, in a Facebook post also said, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ unprecedented four-day visit was a reflection that they are on the right path. “But it is a long journey.” Alam said the law and order situation remains their “biggest challenge” and the crime figures clearly show that the situation “has not worsened” as much as projected in the local media. “But it is understandable that people don't want us to compare figures with the Dictatorship era. The expectations are high. But confidence among police officers is still low. Many urban middle class women are worried about their safety,” he said. The Press Secretary said attacks on Sufi shrines have declined sharply but some sporadic attacks continued to happen. “More than 50 Hizb-ut Tahrir men have been arrested. But people want more success in our fight against extremism,” he said. The Commerce Adviser set strategies to boost supply of every essential food item for Ramadan and the goals were achieved in a stunning fashion, Alam said. Bangladesh dismisses Tulsi Gabbard's remarks as misleading and damaging “Inflation has been declining for three months in a row. And in February it was the lowest in 22 months. The airlines and concerned authorities were told to bring down air ticket prices, especially for travels to Saudi Arabia, our biggest manpower market,” he said. Alam said the prices came down by 75 percent and digitalisation has been progressing at a record pace. “Chittagong Port operations are monitored every minute. Highest diplomatic efforts were mobilised to open up the UAE market.” And attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) no longer appears to be a tough job, said the Press Secretary. “The last few months the tide has appeared to turn. By September, we are poised to see major foreign investment in Chittagong Port. Raising the efficiency of the Chittagong Port was thought to be a difficult proposition,” Alam said. “Now we can see the silver lining. Once the Chittagong Port becomes more efficient, it will have a multiplier effect on the economy,” he said, adding that more FDI will come in manufacturing. “When that happens, prices of essentials would decline. Customs revenue would grow steeply.” In the first few months, much of the energy of the interim government went to fixing a broken bureaucracy, an outdated and “very inefficient diplomacy” and a discredited police department, Alam said. As a result, he said, the work and the reforms that the Chief Adviser and the Council of Advisers wanted to accomplish early were slow. Alam said intensified street protests too occupied much of the interim government’s work and every day they were busy firefighting. “A day was like a month with so many things happening.” This will be most important visit by any Bangladesh leader, says Ambassador Yao ahead of Dr Yunus' visit He said six floods in some of the unlikeliest regions of the country complicated things. “Prices escalated as floods wiped out standing crops and vegetables. Low police morals further deepened woes. Although murders and rapes largely tied the trends of the previous years, robberies increased. Many people vented their anger online.” Alam said things began to change as the interim government fixed the bureaucracy and implemented deadline-based work culture. Laws were drafted in record time. He said the ministries and departments were given deadlines to achieve their goals. “The doables -- the low hanging fruits -- were targeted.” The press secretary said the two-decade long KEPZ land problem was resolved in record time. “The ministries were told to deliver the land mutation by February 6. It was delivered right on deadline,” he said, adding that the Starlink deal was given 90 working days to deliver. “It looks like we will get it much before the deadline.”