United News of Bangladesh

President of Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) Zillur Rahman on Tuesday defended his wife Fahmida Haq’s selection as Member of Parliament (reserved seats for women) from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), stressing that in a democracy, members of the same family may pursue different public roles, but professional integrity must always remain independent. Zillur said the principles that guide his work - intellectual independence, fairness, and commitment to open debate - will continue to shape everything he does. “I wish Fahmida success in carrying out her new responsibilities with sincerity and dedication. For my part, I will continue to pursue my professional work with the same independence and commitment that have guided my journey in journalism and policy discourse for many years,” he said in a statement, noting that many friends, colleagues, and members of the media have asked for his reaction. Zillur, a journalist, columnist and Talk Show host, said Fahmida’s engagement with public issues did not begin today. “For many years she has been involved in writing, social initiatives, and policy discussions. She has travelled widely across Bangladesh and beyond, interacted with diverse communities, and contributed to public conversations through her writings and civic engagement. Her interest in politics has evolved gradually through these experiences and through her own conviction about the importance of public service,” he said. Zillur said her selection as a Member of Parliament therefore reflects a continuation of that engagement. He sincerely hoped she will carry out this responsibility with integrity and contribute positively to parliamentary life and democratic discourse in Bangladesh. “At the same time, I would like to make one matter very clear. My professional life - as a journalist, columnist, talk-show host, and head of a policy think tank - has been built over decades through independent work in the media and policy arena. That professional responsibility remains unchanged,” Zillur said.

The Center for Governance Studies (CGS), a research organization focused on democracy, good governance, and human rights, has announced new leadership for its Board of Directors.  Renowned television host and political analyst Zillur Rahman was elected as the new President of CGS while Parvez Karim Abbasi, an economist and researcher, was elected as the Executive Director at a board meeting held on Saturday. Under this new leadership, CGS aims to further strengthen its research initiatives both theoretically and in terms of policy relevance, said a press release. Zillur Rahman is widely recognized as a thoughtful and credible voice in Bangladesh's media and public discourse. His talk show, "Tritiyo Matra" (Third Dimension), has been a key part of the country's political culture for over two decades. Bangladesh’s population hits 175.7 million, majority in working-age group He previously served as Executive Director of CGS and chaired its international conference "Bay of Bengal Conversation". His long-standing engagement with issues of democracy, governance, and freedom of expression aligns closely with the values CGS upholds. The newly reconstituted Board of Directors includes the following distinguished professionals and civil society members: • Munira Khan – Election observer and human rights advocate • Ambassador Md. Shafiullah – Former ambassador and diplomat • Dr. Muhammad Abdul Mazid – Former Secretary and Chairman of the National Board of Revenue • Abdul Haque – Entrepreneur and business leader • Subir Das – Policy analyst • Fahmida Haq – Writer and Social organizer