Former US Ambassador to Bangladesh William B Milam on Thursday lauded the interim government's reform initiatives, saying the July uprising has offered big opportunities to carry out sweeping reforms and establish true democracy in Bangladesh. Jon Danilowicz, who was a deputy ambassador of the US to Dhaka, said Bangladesh needs positive narratives and serious efforts to tackle the menace of fake news and disinformation. Milam and Danilowicz, the president and executive director of a US-based non-profit human rights group, Right to Freedom, paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. UN rights chief calls for accountability over Bangladesh’s 2024 protest abuses The two former diplomats updated the Chief Adviser about the work of the Right to Freedom and their plan to expand its work in Bangladesh as part of its efforts to assist the country in its democratic transition. Professor Yunus appreciated the work of the non-profit group and also the efforts by the two diplomats to champion human rights and democratic values in Bangladesh. During the hour-long meeting, Professor Yunus told the diplomats that political parties would sign a July Charter after the conclusion of the dialogue on the reforms recommended by the six commissions. "The July Charter will guide us," he said, adding that the interim government would implement parts of the recommendations made in the July Charter and the rest will be implemented by political governments. CA Dr Yunus asks labour ministry to reform labour law maintaining global standard They also discussed the current Bangladesh-US relations, the Rohingya crisis, and the impact of dwindling aid for the much-persecuted Myanmar refugees, recovering billions of dollars stolen during the previous regime, the Chief Adviser's attempt to revive Saarc and possible dates for the upcoming elections. The Chief Adviser said the elections would be held either in December, provided the political parties agreed to fewer reforms ahead of the vote, or by June next year.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that holding free and fair elections is the only way to restore democracy in the country. "There is no alternative to democracy. There is no alternative to elections for institutionalising democracy. Democracy can be freed only through elections,” he said. Arrange election to thwart Hasina’s “dangerous plan”: Rizvi Mirza Fakhrul Islam made the remarks while inaugurating the Zia Memorial Football Tournament at the Thakurgaon Government Boys High School ground here in the afternoon. The tournament, arranged by the BNP Thakurgaon district unit, features eight BNP’s district unit teams from Rangpur division. The BNP secretary general said democracy is essential for the development in every sector including sports, culture and good governance. “And elections are the only way to establish democracy,” he said. “We have gone through a terrible time for the last 15 years. The previous illegitimate fascist government was like a stone in our chest. Like a monster, they destroyed all our institutions and sports fields. Our cultural arena, including football, cricket and other sports were all devastated by them,” Fakhrul added. BNP seeks 'minimum consensus' on state reforms as talks begin The BNP leader described last year's student-led mass uprising as a political earthquake that shook the nation, paving the way for the emergence of a new Bangladesh. “Through their mass uprising, a new Bangladesh has been created. A new Bangladesh has been created in all areas of our social life and political life. The students have given us the opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. Therefore, we have to reshape the country," Fakhrul said. BNP’s central sports secretary former national footballer Aminul Haque, BNP central rural and cooperative affairs secretary Farhad Hossain Azad, its central committee member and Thakurgaon district BNP general secretary Mirza Faisal Amin and former national footballer Syed Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, among others, were present. BNP’s Rizvi fears for the future of centrist politics Earlier, local artists made a cultural presentation in the opening ceremony. In the opening match, Dinajpur district BNP won 3(1)-2(1) against Panchagarh district BNP in a penalty shootout. The final of the tournament will be held on February 27.  

Planning and Education Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has said the interim government is committed to making the groundwork for fostering an "inclusive and pluralistic democracy"; and creating an environment for "free, fair and participatory" elections in line with the aspirations of the country’s people. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception on Saturday evening hosted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka, celebrating the 76th Republic Day of India. The Adviser said over the years, the two countries collaborated in a wide range of areas, and Bangladesh is committed to strengthening the relationship based on mutual respect and understanding of each other’s perspectives, concerns and priorities Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma also spoke at the reception. Political leaders, including emeritus president of the Gono Forum Dr Kamal Hossain, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhory, Jatiya Party leaders including its Chairman GM Quader, Advisers including Dr Asif Nazrul, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, businesses leaders, editors, civil society members and celebrities were present. The Planning Adviser said they are committed to taking forward the relationship to a people-centric approach where the welfare of the people of both countries will be ensured. "I am confident that our relationship will continue to strengthen based on goodwill, mutual trust and respect," he said. Read: Rizvi compares call for reforms before elections to AL putting development before democracy Referring to the nation anthems of the two countries at the beginning of the two countries, Adviser Wahiduddin said this is unique in the world that both national anthems were written by the same poet Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore which defines the relations. The Adviser, who has been a teacher and researcher in his entire life, said 76 reminds him of his own age. "I am as old as Independent India." He said Bangladesh-India relationship is multifaceted and based on our shared history, geographical proximity, cultural affinity and people-to-people connections. Adviser Wahiduddin said the people of Bangladesh fondly remember the crucial role played by the people and government of India during Bangladesh's great War of Liberation in 1971. He mentioned that Bangladesh aims to foster strong relations with its neighbouring countries, including India, to promote shared prosperity and sustainable development. "Bangladesh expects this relations will be based on fairness and equity," he said, noting that India is the closest neighbour of Bangladesh. Read more: BNP leader Altaf calls for institutional restructuring to ensure fair elections On the issue of people-centric relations, Adviser Wahiduddin shared some of his personal remarks and said some of his closest friends are Indian academics - either living in India or abroad. He said they collaborate and exchange ideas through many research networks and platforms. "I can say with confidence that these close ties, many of us have in academia in India and Bangladesh, will continue to contribute to the mutual goodwill and understanding between our two countries," said the Adviser. Wahiduddin extended the warmest greetings to the government and people of India. "May Bangladesh-India relations live forever." Indian President Droupadi Murmu is leading the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2025. With a special focus on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari, the celebrations this year are a unique blend of India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess. President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto is the chief guest. Around 10,000 Special Guests have been invited to witness the parade, in line with the Indian Government’s objective to increase ‘Jan Bhagidari’ in events of national importance. Read more: National election likely by year end or early 2026: EC Masud These special guests from different walks of life are the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’. They include best performers in various fields and those who have made the best use of the schemes of the government.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that a quarter is desperate to divide the nation, though unity is now essential to protect the country and restore democracy. “I urge all not to engage in the politics of division. What is most needed now to save the country and restore democracy is unity,” he said while unveiling the cover of a book. The book, titled “Rajbandir Jabanbandi” which chronicles the depositions given in court by BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in a ‘false’ case of Zia Orphanage Trust case against her, was unveiled at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office. Fakhrul said reforms are indeed necessary, but the driving force behind these reforms must be an elected parliament and government. "Without this, we will never be able to legitimise the reforms. I don’t want to engage in a debate over it now.” The BNP leader also urged all to refrain from excessive debate on the matter. “I call on all pro-democratic and freedom-loving people of the country to remain united. Don’t get divided. But, it seems to me that some people are desperate to divide the country and its people,” he said. He also said some people are also making provocative statements aimed at dividing the nation. The BNP leader called up the politicians to remain alert about it and refrain from making efforts to create division in the country. An unhealthy competition has emerged, driven solely by the desire to pursue power, he said without specifically naming those involved in such activities. "Since Hasina fled the country, I don’t understand why we can’t restore full trust in ourselves, and why we can’t maintain unity. Don’t you see? An unhealthy competition has begun to dominate the pursuit of power… Power can only be sustained when you ensure stability,” Fakhrul said. He said their party was the first to raise the issue of reforms and has consistently advocated for the necessary reforms. The BNP claimed that that their party’s founder Ziaur Rahman was the first person to introduce state reforms by establishing a multi-party democratic system and dismantling the one-party rule.   He expressed gratitude to the students and youth who sacrificed their lives during the July-August mass uprising against the Awami League’s fascist rule. "The sacrifice of our people, our youths, our volunteers, our students, and our women will not be in vain. At least we rid ourselves of fascism and drove them out,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul also expressed hope that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman would return to Bangladesh from London. "Our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will soon be completely free from all charges... He will also be with us again, Inshallah.” The BNP Secretary General thanked pro-BNP lawyer Advocate Abdur Razzak Khan, journalist Shafik Rehman and Khaleda Zia's former press secretary Maruf Kamal Khan for turning Khaleda Zia's depositions into a book.

Taiwan ’s government says China is redoubling efforts to undermine confidence in the self-governing island’s democracy and close ties with the United States through the spread of disinformation, especially online. The National Security Bureau said the number of pieces of false or biased information distributed by China increased 60% last year, to 2.16 million from 1.33 million in 2023. The brief report issued Friday tallied "pieces of controversial information,” but did not further define the term. Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, were the main conduits for disinformation, along with platforms that explicitly target young people such as TikTok, the report said. China created “inauthentic accounts” to distribute its propaganda on Youtube, used technology such as AI to create fake videos and flooded comments sections with pro-China statements, the report said. China has for years used global social media platforms to spread both official messages and misinformation even while banning them inside the country. Myanmar to release prisoners to mark Independence Day Beijing already has considerable influence with Taiwanese newspapers and other traditional media through their owners' business interests in mainland China. China claims Taiwan as its own territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping renewing a declaration in his New Year's address that unification with Taiwan was inevitable and could not be blocked by outside forces, a likely reference to the U.S., Taiwan’s most important ally. China regularly sends warplanes, ships and balloons into areas controlled by Taiwan and holds military drills to simulate a blockade or invasion of the island. Beijing has also been building up its navy and missile forces to hit key targets and fend off American military support. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said in his own New Year's address that the island would continue to strengthen its defenses in the face of escalating Chinese threats. Taiwan, he said, was a crucial part of the global “line of defense of democracy” against authoritarian states such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

Elon Musk, the tech mogul and CEO of SpaceX, has once again shared his ambitious vision for the future of humanity on Mars, offering a glimpse into the potential governance structure for a Martian colony. In response to a user query on X (formerly Twitter), Musk suggested that direct democracy, where decisions are made directly by the people rather than elected representatives, would be the most suitable model for governance on the Red Planet. "The Martians will decide how they are ruled. I recommend direct democracy," Musk said, proposing a more participatory form of government than the representative democracies seen on Earth. Trump appears to side with Musk, tech allies in debate over foreign workers This form of governance would allow the inhabitants of Mars to have a greater say in their future, bypassing the often cumbersome and slow processes of Earthly politics. Musk’s vision for Mars extends beyond governance. He also provided insights into SpaceX’s ambitious plans for Mars exploration, including a timeline for uncrewed and crewed missions to the planet. Elon Musk expected to grace Bangladesh's International Investment Summit in April Musk believes uncrewed Starships could land on Mars as soon as 2026, with the first human missions potentially occurring by 2028. These timelines are contingent on the continued development of SpaceX’s Starship, a revolutionary spacecraft designed to carry both cargo and crew on long-distance missions. However, the financial and technological challenges associated with establishing a human presence on Mars remain formidable. Musk has estimated that building a self-sustaining city on Mars could cost upwards of $1,000 trillion—far exceeding the current GDP of the United States, which stands at around $29 trillion. This eye-watering figure reflects the need to transport millions of tons of equipment and materials to support human life on the planet. The high cost of space missions is one of the major hurdles Musk and SpaceX face. Currently, transporting a single ton of cargo to Mars costs roughly $1 billion, a figure Musk has described as unsustainable. He emphasised the need for a 1000-fold improvement in rocket and spacecraft technology to make these missions economically viable. However, Musk remains optimistic that breakthroughs in reusable rockets and other cutting-edge technologies will reduce these costs over time, paving the way for more feasible Mars missions. If SpaceX succeeds in overcoming these monumental challenges, the dream of a human colony on Mars could become a reality. With Musk’s vision of direct democracy, the Martian settlers might just redefine governance as we know it—ushering in a new era of self-rule on another planet. But for now, this remains a long-term goal, with much work still to be done before humanity can call Mars home. Source: A revised version of an India Today story  

Advisers Md Nahid Islam and Md Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said that consensus based institutional reform can sow the seed of true and sustainable democracy in Bangladesh and that in turn will save the future of democracy in Bangladesh.   They expressed this view in response to a question raised during the first session of a series of ‘Foreign Policy Dialogue’ themed ‘Building a New Bangladesh – Reforms and Foreign Policy’, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications Information Technology Nahid Islam and Adviser to the government Mahfuj Alam participated in the dialogue while Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin moderated the event.   At the beginning, a minute’s silence was observed for the martyrs of the July-August revolution and the event screened a special short documentary on the events of July-August 2024.   Praising the fearless roles of the young Advisers, Foreign Secretary remarked that the youth has again proved that they can take the leadership role at any critical juncture of the country’s history. India unlikely to extradite Hasina, says Adviser Mahfuj Mentioning the reform initiatives taken by the interim government, he engaged in an interactive dialogue with the Advisers and sought their views on foreign policy, reform, mass uprising and the future of Bangladesh.   An engaging question-answer session followed where young officers of the Ministry took the opportunity to ask the Advisers candid questions and get answers on the episode that turned the history pages of Bangladesh into a new chapter.   In response to a question, both the Advisers agreed that for the implementation of a robust foreign policy for making Bangladesh an important player in the international arena, support will be extended to the initiatives for enabling the Foreign Ministry to take the leading role in foreign policy issues.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday questioned the intentions of those who prioritise reforms over elections and democracy. "You’re separating politics, elections, and democracy while prioritising reforms. That’s why it seems to us there’s some evil intention behind it. It can’t happen,” he told a reunion event of the 88th batch of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations,  at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh. The BNP leader said there is nothing wrong in saying that elections and reforms can go together. "If we talk about elections, the interim government gets angry and upset. They say they will arrange the election after the reforms." He said when the government only talks about reforms, it reminds the nation of the rule of Moyeenuddin-Fakhruddin(2007-8). It’s not true BNP prioritising election over reforms: Fakhrul “They also talked about reforms. As a result, we got a dangerous monster who destroyed Bangladesh and all its democratic institutions over the last 15 years.” Rizvi said an attempt is underway to divide those who have been continuously struggling for democracy and to turn them against each other. “The interim government, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is going to become an opponent.” He said the interim government and those who advocate for reforms before elections are creating narratives in which major political parties, who have carried out the struggle for democracy over years, are termed as their opponents. “Someone is telling us whether the movement occurred and whether so many sacrifices were made only for the sake of an election. But elections are an integral part of democracy. So why are you excluding it? Reforms and elections should go together,” he said. Rizvi said the interim government should present reform proposals, and those who form the government through a free and fair election shoild implement them. “Instead of doing that, you’re creating opponents. You’re making elections the opponent of reforms.” State agency trying to form a ‘King's Party’: Rizvi The BNP leader said it seems the interim government wants to hold back the election, and by extension democracy,  under the pretext of reform. “Even the Chief Adviser is talking like this. The other advisers are saying, 'We’ll reform because you (politicians) couldn’t do anything over the last 53 years. Who are you (to do that)?” He was referring to a recent statement by Environmental Affairs dviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. Rizvi criticised those advocating for proportional representation, stating the people will not accept it. “Those who fear direct popular vote and direct competition, and those who want to fish in troubled waters, are bringing up this issue,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of the country are worried as fallen anti-democratic forces and their allies are conspiring in various ways, causing one untoward incident after another. Rizvi also spoke about the deadly fire that broke out at the Secretariat, destroying numerous files and documents. ‘Advisers not fit to be our opponents’: BNP’s Nazrul “Among them, the files of the most controversial, corrupt former cabinet secretary, who is under investigation, were also burned. It's mysterious. People all over the country are doubting this.” He said the fire incident occurred after the government sought some files related to people close to Sheikh Hasina. “So, this is not an isolated incident. People’s doubts are natural.” Rizvi accused the government of failing to overhaul the administration by upholding the spirit of the mass revolution. He said the DCs, SPs, OCs, and others who joined their offices wearing Mujib coats still remain in their positions.  “Why should they help you? They’ll try to undermine the interim government through various ploys,” he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday conveyed a message to people from party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, urging them to remain patient to have the democracy restored through a national election. “Our acting chairman has urged you (people) to remain patient. We must all act with unity and patience to restore democracy, ensuring that the great victory achieved through the student-led mass movement becomes truly fruitful and meaningful,” he told reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from London. SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case Fakhrul said Tarique also urged all to focus on preparing for the next election, describing it as the first crucial step towards the restoration of democracy. The BNP leader made the remarks in response to questions from reporters about the message he had brought from Tarique Rahman. Fakhrul returned home from London, after completing a 12-day visit. The BNP leader, accompanied by his wife Rahat Ara Begum, arrived at the airport in Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 12:45pm. He said he had a meeting with the BNP Acting Chairman during his stay in London. Besides, Fakhrul said, he spoke to expatriate Bangladeshis and BNP leaders and workers and joined meetings arranged by them. "There has been a discussion with the press there. My visit to London was productive and fruitful,” the BNP leader said. Read: BNP to be accountable government, if elected: Tarique Rahman When asked about Tarique Rahman's possible return to the country, Fakhrul said, "As you know, he has been facing numerous false cases filed out of political vendetta. He’ll return home once these cases are withdrawn or resolved through the court." In response to another question, he said the political parties have been supporting the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus. “We hope they’ll arrange the polls after completing the necessary minimum reforms." The BNP leader said it is a wrong perception that their party prioritises the election over reforms, reminding that it was the BNP which had put forward its reform proposals two years ago. Earn public trust, Tarique tells BNP leaders, activists As his attention was drawn to a comment by an adviser that political parties are trying to fail the interim government, Fakhrul said, “I don’t know in what context he made that statement. But, such remarks are anti-political. We do not expect such statements to be made by them.” He said political parties are supporting the interim government with the aim of restoring democracy, for which they have been fighting for the past 15 years. Responding to another question about Bangladesh-India relations, Fakhrul said the issues between the two countries must be resolved through discussions. He, however, said the problems emerging within Bangladesh are challenging to address without an elected government. Fakhrul travelled to London on November 30 to meet Tarique Rahman and discuss with him the crucial political and the party’s organisational issues. Besides, his wife Rahat Ara Begum underwent health check-ups and received treatment in London. Sources within the party said Fakhrul and Tarique Rahman, along with local leaders, discussed the potential visit of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to London for medical treatment. Tarique seeks accountability of all, from PM to UP members The 79-year-old former Prime Minister is expected to first receive treatment in the UK, and may then travel to the United States for further care. The BNP has made all necessary arrangements for her to receive specialised treatment at an advanced medical center abroad.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said their party leaders and activists have taken a fresh vow to resist the hegemonic forces in a bid to protect democracy, the country’s independence and sovereignty. Talking to reporters at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, he also expressed the hope that the interim government would be able to arrange the national election within a proper and reasonable timeframe. “We made a vow on November 7, after paying homage to Ziaur Rahman, that we will resist fascism together with people. We will launch a strong movement, if necessary, to protect democracy and preserve the country's independence and sovereignty," Fakhrul said. He also expressed the confidence that the people of Bangladesh would unite to reinforce the spirit of the student-led revolution. Earlier, Fakhrul, accompanied by thousands of leaders and activists, placed wreaths and offered fathea at the grave of Ziaur Rahman, marking ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’. The day commemorates the ‘civil-military uprising’ of November 7, 1975. On this day in 1975, during a period of political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed then-Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, clearing the way for him to assume power. Read: Stay alert against conspiracies, warns Fakhrul Fakhrul said the fascist Awami League government had repeatedly plotted and resorted to repressive actions to eliminate the BNP. He alleged that the Awami League had falsely implicated 60 lakh people, subjected around 700 to enforced disappearance and killed several thousand others in its efforts to establish a one-party rule and fascism. “But by the grace of Allah, fascism and hegemonic forces have been defeated for the third time in Bangladesh through the student-led mass movement in 2024,” Fakhrul added. In response to a question, Fakhrul said the interim government indeed played an effective role over the past three months. “They have done many things and continue to do so. If we all cooperate with them, they will be able to hold the election at the appropriate and logical time to meet the challenges facing the nation,” the BNP leader said.