United News of Bangladesh

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday inaugurated murals titled ‘July Heroism’ and ‘July Sacrifice’ at the Mawa end of the Padma Bridge, commemorating the martyrs of the July student uprising. Speaking to journalists after the event, the adviser said those who opposed the July movement and its graffiti ‘will never return’. Even under a new government, there is ‘no reason’ to remove the murals. Jahangir Alam described the July movement as more than a protest, calling it a ‘struggle for truth and justice against injustice.’ Rab now praised for role in law and order: Home adviser He said the artworks would inspire young people to remain devoted to truth, justice, freedom, and democracy, and thanked the artists for creating a ‘priceless witness to history’. Railways Secretary Fahmidul Islam, Bridges Division Secretary Momtaz Begum, DIG of Dhaka Range Rezaul Karim Mallik, Munshiganj Deputy Commissioner Fatematul Jannat, Shariatpur DC Tahsina Begum, Police Superintendent Muhammad Shamsul Alam Sarkar, Police Superintendent Md Nazrul Islam, PPM, and other officials attended the ceremony.

A case has been filed against two people including a local student coordinator July movement after an audio clip surfaced revealing a demand for Tk 10 lakh bribe in exchange for a government job. Dr Iftekhar Hasan Bhuiyan, resident medical officer (RMO) of Parshuram Upazila Health Complex, filed the case on Thursday night against Nahid Rabbi, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement’s Parshuram unit, as the prime accused, said Officer-in-Charge of Parshuram Police Station Md Nurul Hakim. The other accused is Abdul Kader, 30, son of Belal Hossain of Anantapur village. Rabbi hails from Kolapara village under Parshuram municipality. According to the case statement, an audio clip circulating on social media caught the attention of Dr Iftekhar while he was on duty. Bagerhat upazila hospitals crippled by lack of Covid test kits amid nationwide spike The audio captured  Nahid Rabbi demanding Tk 10 lakh from a job seeker named Hridoy, promising him appointment to the position of Office Assistant-cum-Computer Typist at the Feni Civil Surgeon Office through Abdul Kader. The 2-minute-21-second audio reportedly contains a conversation where Rabbi claims he can secure the job in exchange for the hefty sum. Sources at the Feni Civil Surgeon Office said a recruitment test was held on Friday for 115 posts under the office for which around 12,000 applications were received. On average, 108 candidates are vying for each position.

Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission Ali Riaz on Tuesday said efforts are underway to finalise the ‘July Charter’ by the end of this month following discussions with political parties. Speaking at the opening of the second phase of talks with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy, Prof Riaz emphasised the need for a spirit of compromise among all stakeholders. “Not all political parties may agree on every issue, but everyone must continue the dialogue with willingness to compromise,” he said. Although informal discussions resumed before Eid, Tuesday marked the beginning of formal talks between the commission and representatives from various political parties. Representatives from 30 political parties, including the BNP and NCPC, are participating in this phase. Prof Yunus hopes for consensus-based ‘July Charter’ by next month Key agenda items include Article 70 of the Constitution, women’s representation in Parliament, nomination of standing committee chairpersons, the proposal for a bicameral legislature and the appointment process of the Chief Justice. Ali Riaz informed that discussions would continue for the next three consecutive days. He also noted that the commission is open to continuing talks even on weekends, should the political parties agree. Prof Yunus optimistic about finalising excellent ‘July Charter’ through broader consensus The National Consensus Commission has initiated this multi-phase dialogue to build a broad political agreement on key governance and constitutional issues. The proposed ‘July Charter’ is expected to serve as a foundational framework for future reforms.

Newly appointed Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Dhaka Range Rezaul Karim Mallick on Sunday directed all Officers-in-Charge (OCs) under his command to arrest people involved in the suppression of the July movement, particularly those against whom specific allegations have been proven in investigations. While briefing reporters at his office in Segunbagicha, the capital, DIG Mallick said no form of injustice, corruption or abuse of power would be tolerated in the Dhaka Range. “There will be zero tolerance for bribery, transfer business, extortion, terrorism, or any subversive activities by banned organisations or collaborators of the deposed regime. The Dhaka Range Police is fully capable of dealing with such threats,” he said. He further instructed field-level officers to remain vigilant about any unlawful activities by proscribed outfits. All Dhaka range police stations to be turned into model units: DIG Malik “Any activity by a banned organization must not take place in your jurisdiction. Those responsible for the repression during the anti-discrimination student movement must be arrested if found guilty,” said the DIG. To improve communication with the public, DIG Mallick also announced the upcoming launch of a mobile app titled Talk to DIG, which will allow citizens to report crimes or seek help directly. He assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential. Underscoring the importance of public service, he said, “Police stations under Dhaka Range must become the first responders in any public crisis. As long as I serve as DIG, I will uphold justice, professionalism, and integrity.” “No police personnel, including SPs and OCs, will be spared if found involved in unethical or unprofessional conduct,” he warned. To this end, complaint boxes will be installed at all police stations, outposts, circle offices, SP offices, and the DIG’s own office. “If any service is denied, citizens can lodge a complaint, and I will take immediate action,” he added. Rezaul Karim Mallick officially took charge as DIG of Dhaka Range on May 8.    

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki on Monday said the filing of a murder case against actor Iresh Zaker is 'deeply troubling and disturbing." "I personally know Iresh Zaker. He was involved in the July movement. So this is deeply troubling and deeply disturbing," he said while addressing a press conference at the Secretariat organised to discuss the invitation for Bangladeshi short film Ali to the Cannes Film Festival.. "Now I am part of the government, not an activist. If I were an activist, I would have spoken more. As a government official, I have to work more and talk less," he said when asked about suing Iresh Zaker in BNP activist Mahfuz Alam Shraban murder case during the July movement. Tisha can better explain why she acted in Bangabandhu biopic: Farooki Farooki said the case was filed by a person and not by the state. "We fought for independence and with that came the right to file cases. Unfortunately, some are misusing that freedom," he said. Farooki said, "I believe police will investigate the matter properly. They will support what is true and reject what is false."

The story of Bangladesh’s July Movement has made it to the cover of Mundo, a renowned Spanish-language diplomatic magazine published in Mexico. The magazine’s latest issue features the student-led protests and the broader public uprising in Bangladesh as its cover story, shedding light on the spirit of resistance and the potential for transformative change in the country. The magazine also includes an in-depth interview of Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico. The 64-page issue dedicates nearly one-third of its content to articles and analyses on the July Movement and the prospects that followed in its aftermath. On Wednesday (February 9), Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqur Fazal Ansari shared several pages of the magazine on his Facebook profile. Will continue to work in support of your trade agenda: Dr Yunus tells President Trump He wrote, “The cover story of Mexico’s prestigious diplomatic magazine Mundo, published in Spanish, captures the astonishing tale of Bangladesh’s unwavering defiance and its inspiring potential for progress.” The magazine’s cover features a striking image taken on August 5 in front of the National Parliament of Bangladesh, symbolising the intensity and significance of the movement. Mundo, a quarterly magazine, has been in circulation for the past 35 years and is widely recognised for its coverage of international affairs and diplomatic developments.

Former food minister Qamrul Islam, ex-state minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder and former Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation Atiqul Islam have been shown arrested in separate cases filed with different police stations in the capital linked to July movement. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate GM Farhan Istiaq passed the order after the investigating  officers of the cases produced them before the court. 219 arrested during DMP’s special 24-hr drive on Saturday Earlier at 10:08 am, they were brought to the dock from the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court. Then they were escorted from the court to jail. Among them, Palak was show arrested in the murder case of Sajedur Rahman Omar and Jahangir Alam at the Jatrabari Police Station. HC to hear Chinmoy’s bail petition after Eid vacation Kamal Ahmed Majumder was shown arrested in connection with the murder of Tariqul Islam Rubel at the Kafrul Police Station, while Atiqul Islam and Qamrul Islam were shown arrested in the murder case of Sajid Hawlader at the Badda Police Station.  

Students of July Movement floated a new student organisation named ‘Gonotantraik Chhatra Sangsad’ on Wednesday amid protests by another faction who participated in the movement . The trouble began when the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ADSM) moved to launch the student party at a press conference at Madhur Canteen on the Dhaka University campus in the afternoon. Nahid Islam hints at quitting interim govt to join new party; final decision by week's end Witnesses said when the ADSM activists gathered on the premises of Madhur Canteen some students of private universities obstructed them opposing the formation of the committee, triggering a clash and forcing them to enter Madhur Canteen. The private university students demanded inclusion of July Movement coordinator Rifat Rashid in the committee but he was excluded. The new student platform was unveiled ahead of their formation of a new political party scheduled for February 28. Gazipur Digital University students stage protests disrupting train services

Kurigram Agricultural University (KAU) has hired the wife of martyr Nur Alam who was killed in Dhaka on July 24 last during the anti-government movement that unseated the Awami League government. Khadiza Begum, who was eight-month pregnant when she had lost her husband, was appointed for a girls’ hostel of the university. Her specific job was not mentioned. Khadiza, who gave birth to a baby boy after her husband's death, had been in hardship with the newborn as she had no source of income. Though the district and upazila administrations extended support to the widow following the uprising, it was insufficient compared to the needs. July uprising victims to be recognised as 'July Martyrs’, July Warriors: Adviser Farooq Finally, the KAU came forward offering the job temporarily to Khadiaza, who studied up to class-VIII. KAU Vice Chancellor Muhammad Rashedul Islam handed over the appointment letter to her on Tuesday. Expressing gratitude to the university authority, Khadiza said this will help her run the family and raise the baby well. District unit of BNP Senior Joint Convenor Prof Shafiqul Islam Bebu, Kurigram Char Development Committee Member Secretary and Journalist Ashraful Haque Rubel, retired teachers Dewan Enamul Haque and Golam Mostafa, among others were present at the event.

Bangladeshi expatriates, mainly those who had been living in Dubai, staged a sit-in protest in front of the InterContinental Hotel in the capital on Monday, demanding financial support and full rehabilitation for those affected by the July movement. The protest led to a blockade on the road, causing disruption to traffic in the area. Students, guardians stage protests defying police barricades, heavy rains in Chattogram The protesters highlighted that during the student movement, the expatriates in countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had also taken to the streets in solidarity. Many were injured or arrested in the process. Despite their significant contributions to the national economy, expatriates expressed frustration at the government's lack of concern for safeguarding their rights. Nurses stage protest demanding removal of non-nurse admin officials They called for immediate financial support and full rehabilitation for those affected. Main Uddin, the leader of the movement, said, "Since returning from Dubai, I have repeatedly attempted to meet the Chief Adviser, but have been unable to do so. He has assured us on multiple occasions that he would meet us. Many of our colleagues are still imprisoned in Dubai, and more are being arrested."