United News of Bangladesh

The National Citizen Party (NCP) on Tuesday demanded that the implementation of the July Charter be given a legal foundation before the next parliamentary election. “We've clearly said that the implementation of the consensus points reached in the dialogue must be ensured through a legal framework before the election, and the next parliament election must be held based on that,” said NCP Joint Convener Javed Rasin. He placed the demand at a press briefing during the lunch break of the 21st session of the second-round reform dialogue between the National Consensus Commission and political parties in the city’s Foreign Service Academy. The NCP leader said his party has already conveyed this position verbally to the NCC and would submit it in writing, if needed. Rasin said although the Commission earlier spoke of six decision-making methods, it released the draft charter suddenly without consulting on those methods. “This is not a proper approach,” he said. NCP postpones rallies in Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur after Milestone plane crash “We strongly oppose this. There has not even been a discussion about the procedures of decision-making. Releasing a draft without that is unacceptable to us,” Rasin added. On the caretaker government issue, he said several days of dialogue had focused on the ranked choice voting method to select the chief of the caretaker government. Under the latest proposal, two additional members from the judiciary would be added to form a seven-member committee that will cast votes in the ranked choice system. “We support this proposal. Almost all political parties agree with it except BNP and a few of its allies,” he said. The NCP leader said his party has stressed the need for implementing fundamental reforms that are essential to dismantle what he described as the existing fascist structure. “If these reforms are not implemented, NCP will hold internal discussions on whether to sign the July Charter,” he sadded.

Highlighting the importance of public awareness in dealing with human trafficking, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sunday that Bangladesh remains steadfast in its commitment to combating human trafficking and continues to take concrete steps towards that goal. He made the remarks while addressing the third meeting of the BIMSTEC Sub-Group on Combating Human Trafficking, held at Surma Hall of the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. The adviser said Bangladesh has established a strong legal framework to hold traffickers accountable and is actively working to enhance border security. Extortion fuels unrest in CHT: Home Adviser “We are taking active measures such as adopting a national action plan, establishing a national referral mechanism hosted on a web platform to identify trafficking victims, assess their needs and connect them with appropriate services,” he said. Jahangir said a dedicated tribunal has been established to expedite trials of traffickers, and public awareness campaigns have been systematically integrated into the country’s anti-trafficking strategy. Bangladesh has also expanded mutual legal assistance with BIMSTEC and other countries to enhance regional cooperation, he added. The adviser said BIMSTEC member states have taken significant steps to fight human trafficking and expressed hope that the meeting would serve as a platform to share those initiatives and experiences. He warned that traffickers constantly adopt new tactics to evade government efforts, exploiting economic hardship and misusing technology to operate clandestinely. “A collective and strategic approach is necessary to tackle this crime,” he said, stressing BIMSTEC’s key role in facilitating intelligence sharing and best practices among member states. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus returns home from BIMSTEC Summit Jahanigr also expressed sincere gratitude to the member countries for entrusting Bangladesh with the BIMSTEC chairmanship for the next two years. He said Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is committed to leading BIMSTEC with an inclusive, action-oriented, and visionary approach. “Under his capable and inspiring leadership, we are confident that BIMSTEC will reach new heights in fostering cooperation and deepening relationships among member states.” Jahangir said the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss strategies, share experiences, and reaffirm BIMSTEC’s collective commitment to preventing human trafficking across the region. “The outcomes of this meeting will serve as a catalyst for stronger policy development, effective implementation, and deeper regional cooperation,” he added. Delivering the welcome address at the event, Khandker Md Mahbubur Rahman, additional secretary to Political and ICT Wing of the Public Security Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Chair of the BIMSTEC Sub-Group meeting, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in tackling the issue. Prasanth Chandran, Director of the BIMSTEC Secretariat in Dhaka, delivered a goodwill speech. Representatives from the seven BIMSTEC member states— Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan, participated in the meeting.