United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday reaffirmed his government's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, declaring that Bangladesh will not allow any terrorist group to operate within its borders. “Combating terrorism is our top priority. We have zero tolerance for terrorism in Bangladesh. We will exert every effort to eliminate terrorists from our soil,” the Chief Adviser said. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a meeting with US Chargé d’ Affaires Tracey Ann Jacobson at the state guest house Jamuna in the afternoon. During the 40-minute meeting, they discussed matters of mutual interest, including the ongoing tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States. Chargé d’Affaires Jacobson reiterated her government’s support for Bangladesh’s reform efforts and its democratic transition, which is expected to culminate in national elections early next year. The Chief Adviser also shared updates on the work of the National Consensus-Building Commission, which is striving to bring political parties together around key reforms. “I believe the commission is doing an excellent job. The members, led by Professor Ali Riaz, are working diligently,” he added.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, now in Kuala Lumpur, on Friday expressed concerns over the arrests of Bangladeshi nationals on charges of terrorism. He said the government of Bangladesh will work with Malaysia to investigate allegations of militancy against Bangladeshi nationals who were arrested recently by the Malaysian Police. The issues were discussed during a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan held in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) ministerial meeting.  Adviser Hossain reiterated the firm stand of the government against terrorism and sought Malaysia's cooperation in its own investigation into the allegations through exchange of information and findings.  The Malaysian Foreign Minister assured Dhaka of facilitating access and cooperation to Bangladesh authorities. Photographs taken by two Mt. Everest summiteers on display in Dhaka Earlier, the Foreign Advisor met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy where the two held discussions on diverse bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.  Both sides discussed, among others, the ongoing reforms in Bangladesh, Rohingya crisis, post-LDC graduation support, according to the Bangladesh Mission in Kuala Lumpur.  The Foreign Adviser also called on Winston Peters, the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Hon Vijitha Herath, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, and Park Yoonjoo, the Vice Minister and Head of Delegation of the Republic of Korea where a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues came for discussions.  Bangladesh became a member of ARF in 2006, a forum established in early nineties to promote confidence and trust among its 27 members that include countries in the broader Asia-Pacific.  At present, Bangladesh is co-chairing two of the ARF priority areas, “Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime” and “Disaster Relief.”  The next session of the ARF ministerial meeting is scheduled to take place in Manila in 2026. In the afternoon, the Foreign Adviser delivered the national statement at the Ministerial Meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum where he called for greater attention to the Rohingya crisis, in consideration of its national and regional security implications.  China, Canada foresee ‘renewed collaboration’ in trade, investment with Bangladesh The Foriegn Adviser also urged the ASEAN members to positively consider Bangladesh’s bid to become Sectoral Dialogue Partner.  The Foreign Adviser was accompanied by Md Shameem Ahsan, the High Commissioner of Bangaldesh to Malaysia, Md Forhadul Islam, Director General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials of the Bangladesh government.    

BNP Vice Chairman Abdus Salam Pintu, freed from jail on Tuesday after 17 years, has vowed to continue their fight against injustice, oppression, terrorism and extortion. “We must not forget that we will not do the same things that the Awami League did. We will not do all the wrongdoings that the Awami League people have done. We want to build Bangladesh,” he said. The BNP leader said this while talking to reporters after paying tribute to the BNP founder Ziaur Rahman at his grave here in the city. Abdus Salam Pintu walked free on Tuesday from Kashimpur Central Jail after spending nearly 17 years behind bars. He said they want to build Bangladesh by taking the people with them. “As long as I live, we’ll continue our struggle against injustice, oppression, terrorism, and extortion,” he said. Echoing BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s concerns about the misuse of the BNP’s name for personal gains, Pintu asked his party leaders and activists to stay alert so that none can do misdeeds using the name of BNP. Read: No place for AL terrorists, mass killers in BNP: Fakhrul He mentioned untold tortures were carried out on him in the last 17 years and even he fell unconscious in the court balcony. Pintu expressed his gratitude to the people of Bangladesh as he was freed due to their sacrifices. “I am grateful to the people of Bangladesh. Today, I have been freed for their sacrifices,” he said. The BNP leader said his party leaders and activists created the field of revolution and then students led achieving the success through the recent revolution. “Our leaders and workers have prepared this field with hard work and later the students have brought the result. We have to sustain this success. We have to bring the success of our movement and struggle to our homes in a united way. BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan and its senior joint secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi were present. Pintu, a former deputy minister in the BNP-led government, stepped out of the prison shortly after 11 am on Tuesday, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd comprising family members, party leaders and activists. They welcomed him with floral garlands and celebratory processions. He was arrested in connection with the much-talked-about grenade attack on an Awami League rally in 2004. The attack, which claimed the lives of 24 people and injured over 300, is considered one of the most heinous political crimes in Bangladesh's history. On October 10, 2018, a trial court sentenced Pintu, along with 18 others, to death in the case.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has said that the government of Bangladesh has taken a zero tolerance policy on combating corruption and will continue to work with the United States on this issue. “For combating corruption, we are working with the US. We want to work together and will continue to do that," he told reporters. Hasan was speaking at a “meet the reporters” programme today (May 21, 2024) organised by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and General Secretary Mohiuddin also spoke at the event. Responding to a question, the Foreign Minister said the US decision against former army chief General Aziz Ahmed was not under the visa policy. Ex Army chief Aziz, his immediate family members ineligible for entry into US It was made under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The Foreign Minister said Bangladesh remains engaged with the US and the two countries are working together on combating terrorism, human trafficking and other issues. He said the decision regarding the ex army chief was first conveyed to the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington. The US Department of State on Monday announced the public designation of General Aziz Ahmed, previously Chief of the Bangladesh Army Staff, due to what it says was his involvement in "significant corruption". This action renders Aziz and his immediate family members generally ineligible for entering the United States. His actions have contributed to the undermining of Bangladesh’s democratic institutions and the public’s faith in public institutions and processes, the US State Department said. "Aziz Ahmed engaged in significant corruption by interfering in public processes while helping his brother evade accountability for criminal activity in Bangladesh," said the US Department of State. Aziz also worked closely with his brother to ensure the improper awarding of military contracts and accepted bribes in exchange for government appointments for his personal benefit, it claimed. "This designation reaffirms the US commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and rule of law in Bangladesh," said the US government. Read more: Someone “paid by BNP” is deployed at US State Dept briefings: Hasan Mahmud

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today (January 10, 2024) outlined the primary challenges for Bangladesh’s new government. Key among these challenges are the eradication of arson terrorism and the advancement of the nation into a technologically sophisticated era. Speaking after paying homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his historic Homecoming Day, Dr. Mahmud addressed the objectives of the new administration. “With the formation of the new government, our principal focus will be to root out arson terrorism and pave the way for a Smart Bangladesh,” he stated. Read more: 'Citizens rejected the call to boycott elections': Hasan Mahmud The information minister emphasized the pivotal role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. “Our victory in the Liberation War on December 16 marked a significant milestone, but our independence was incomplete until January 10, 1972. This was the day when Bangabandhu, the Father of the Nation, returned to an independent Bangladesh,” he remarked. Dr. Mahmud paid deep respect to Bangabandhu, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, the martyrs, and the four national leaders, acknowledging their sacrifices in shaping the nation. The minister also commented on the recent national election, noting the positive feedback from international observers. “Observers from the United States, the European Union, and various countries noted the smooth and fair conduct of the elections, marking a notable improvement from previous years,” he said. He also highlighted the international support received, with official statements from the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom expressing their willingness to work with the Bangladesh government. He mentioned congratulations extended by over 31 countries, including Japan, and personal well-wishes from leaders like Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Read more: Sheikh Hasina re-elected Awami League Parliamentary Party leader for 4th time in a row

Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to the stage at the House of Commons and made an explosive announcement by accusing “agents of Indian government” of killing a Canadian citizen – a prominent Sikh separatist whom India has accused of terrorism – on Canadian soil. The accusation, swiftly condemned and denied by New Delhi, has torpedoed the Indo-Canadian diplomatic relationship. Following Trudeau’s public accusations, the diplomatic confrontation between both countries has reached an all-time high. Also read: Intelligence from 'Five Eyes' nations helped Canada link India to Sikh’s killing, US diplomat says As part of the confrontation, the North American country has expelled the “Canadian station chief of India’s intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW),” accusing him of interfering in Ottawa’s “internal affairs.” Meanwhile, in a tit-for-tat move, India has also expelled a senior Canadian diplomat and later suspended all visa services for Canadian nationals. Amid these diplomatic measures, one thing is very significant to note that both India and Canada are allies of the United States, or in other words, the West. India is one of the most significant allies of the US and one of the important frontiers of Washington’s confrontation with Beijing. Also read: How India’s relations with Canada hit rock bottom In the midst of such cold geopolitical realities, one might wonder where Justin Trudeau stands on the world stage. According to the BBC, Trudeau has been facing the cold reality of geopolitics “alone” in the past week. “In the public eye at least, Trudeau has appeared to be left largely on his own as he goes toe to toe with India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with a population 35 times bigger than Canada’s,” BBC reports. It is worth noting that Canada has received the intelligence regarding New Delhi’s “spy ops” from Five Eyes intelligence alliance – made up of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Also read: India asks citizens to be careful if traveling to Canada as rift widens over Sikh leader’s death However, according to BBC, Trudeau’s allies in the intelligence network have provided “seemingly boilerplate public statements, all stopping far short of full-throated support.” UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said his country took “very seriously the things that Canada is saying.” Using nearly identical language, Australia said it was “deeply concerned” by the accusations. Also read: Who was Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Sikh activist whose killing has divided Canada and India? Meanwhile, Ottawa’s southern neighbour, the United States, said it expects Delhi to cooperate with Ottawa in investigating the assassination. Citing experts, BBC noted that Canada’s interests currently pale in comparison to India’s massive strategic importance. “The US, the UK, and all these Western and Indo-Pacific allies have built a strategy that largely focuses on India, to be a bulwark and counterweight to China. That’s something they can’t afford to toss out the window,” Xavier Delgado, a researcher at the Wilson Centre’s Canada Institute told BBC. “The fact that they haven’t come out and rushed to Canada’s defence is indicative of the geopolitical reality,” he added. Also read: Canada expels Indian diplomat as it investigates Sikh activist's killing

A Bangladeshi-owned restaurant in New York’s Queens came under attack by an unidentified gunman on Saturday (June 3, 2023), injuring one employee and sending customers running for cover, CBS News reports. Surveillance video from inside Boishakhi Restaurant -- in the Astoria neighbourhood of Queens -- shows people, including children, who were sitting down eating and in line waiting for food, running out of the establishment and ducking for cover after a gunman opened fire. "We had a lot of customers inside. After the initial shooting, he moved around a bit, then he went behind my counter and shot one of my employees," restaurant owner Abu Taher told CBS News. Read more: Top Instagrammable rooftop restaurants in Banani According to Taher, the gunman, who was wearing a mask and a red hooded sweatshirt, fired three shots. "He didn't say anything. He just came and shot and ran away," he said. One of the bullets hit an employee of the restaurant in the upper thigh. Police say the shooter took off running. Read more: Best Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants at Gulshan in Dhaka While the motive is still being investigated, sources say the gunman got into an argument with an employee in the store earlier in the week. Now, the shattered glass, bullet holes and half-eaten food left behind are a grim reminder to the family who runs the restaurant that gun violence can affect you when you least expect it. "Definitely scared, you know. It's a very small business," Taher told CBS. "I'm really scared to run a small business in New York City. It's not safe, actually. We are not safe. Our life is not safe." Boishakhi Restaurant -- near 36th Avenue and 29th Street in the Astoria neighbourhood -- was previously featured in The New York Times for its delicious Bangladeshi food. It also received “Special Congressional Recognition” in 2021 for its community service during the Covid-19 pandemic.  Read more: Police: 8 killed in Texas mall shooting, gunman also dead

Two soldiers of Bangladesh Army were killed and two officers injured in an attack by armed terrorists of Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA) in Ruma upazila of Bandarban district on Tuesday (May 16, 2023), said an ISPR press release issued on Wednesday (May 17, 2023). The deceased were Altaf Ahmed and Md Touhid while the injured were Major Monwar and Captain Ishtiak Ahmed Shawkat. According to the ISPR release, tipped off about a hideout of armed terrorists, a team of army, led by Major Monwar from Susingpara Army camp, conducted a drive at Jarulchharipara on Tuesday. Read more: Army warrant officer killed as Kuki-Chin separatists open fire in Bandarban  When they reached near a water fountain at Jarulchhari around 1:55 pm, the armed KNA members opened fire on them and hurled improvised explosive device (IED) targeting the army personnel, leaving four of them injured. Later, the wounded army personnel were airlifted to Chattogram Combined Military Hospital (CMH) where two soldiers succumbed to their injuries. The injured army officers were undergoing treatment at the hospital. Read More: Training commander of Jamatul Ansar, 8 other militants arrested in Bandarban: RAB Earlier, on March 13, a senior army warrant officer was killed and two soldiers suffered injuries when members of the armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA) opened fire on a patrol team in Rowangchhari upazila of Bandarban district.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday asked the authorities concerned to investigate whether opposition BNP and Jamaat, who had unleashed a campaign of terror and arson attacks during 2013-14, are involved in the recent fire incidents in the country. “It should be investigated whether they (BNP-Jamaat) are taking a different path by causing incidents like fire and cripple the economy,” she said. The prime minister said this while speaking at the Awami League Local Government Nomination Board meeting held at her official residence Ganabhaban. Her call came even as another massive fire broke out in Dhaka's New Super Market gutting scores of shops early Saturday. Also read: Intelligence agencies urged to probe if sabotage is behind frequent fire incidents: Fire Service DG Hasina, also the president of Awami League, asked to investigate whether the fire incidents in various markets were conspiracy or sabotage to hurt the economy. She asked to increase surveillance in important markets across the country. “Everyone should be more aware. Everyone has to make arrangements on their own initiative to guard (their establishments). All efforts by the government will continue,” she said. She also said that unwanted crowds must not be allowed to gather during the fire fighters' battle to control the blaze and strict action will be taken in case of any obstruction regarding this matter. The PM said that when the first fire incident occurred it was thought to be an accident. “But after the couple of other fire incidents at the same time of the first one… the fire incidents are taking place after 6am. Surveillance should be increased and other markets have to remain alert,” she said. She also mentioned that it has been noticed that when the fire service comes they face obstacles by some people. “Why will they face obstacles and while they tried to douse the fire some people with sticks and blunt instruments attacked the fire fighters. Who are these people?, " she wondered. She said that a careful study of the four recent fire incidents at shopping malls in the city suggests these have been either planned or manipulated. “We know that some political parties are there to wage movement after Eid, cripple the economy and oust the government. Yes, you can oust the government, but what are the faults of these common people and businessmen,” she asked. She said that businesspeople have been the worst sufferers as fire incidents hit them at a time when they looked for brisk business. “This will not be spared easily, and we have increased our surveillance in this matter,” she said. She also urged the people to remain alert. Recalling the arson terrorism by the BNP-Jamaat clique in the recent past, she suspected that they might resort to another path aimed at hurting the economy. "It should be properly investigated," she asserted. “In the past they burnt the common people and now wonder whether they have taken a different path to cripple the economy. We have to unearth this mystery,” she said. She requested all to remain alert regarding BNP-Jamaat’s change of strategy of taking to arson terrorism in another form. “We have to keep this under watch,” she added.

Egypt on Sunday sentenced 14 people, including rights activists, to prison terms ranging between five and 15 years on terrorism-related charges in a trial deplored by rights groups as unfair. The verdicts — the latest mass sentencings in Egypt — were reported by the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, one of the country's most prominent human rights. The suspects were arrested in 2018 as part of a wide-ranging crackdown by authorities on dissent. Two activist lawyers — Ezzat Ghoniem of the Egyptian Coordination for Rights and Freedoms and Mohamed Abu Horarira — were sentenced to 15 years in prison each. They were convicted of joining and funding a terrorist group, which is government parlance for the Muslim Brotherhood. Egyptian authorities designated the Islamist group a terrorist organization in 2013, the year the military removed Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, who hailed from the Brotherhood, from power after a year of divisive rule. Also Read: COP27: Momen thanks Egypt for focusing on "loss and damage" issue Abu Horarira's wife, Aisha el-Shater, who is also the daughter of Khairat el-Shater, long seen as the Brotherhood’s most powerful leader, was sentenced to 10 years on charges that also included disseminating false news on allegations of rights abuses by security forces. Huda Abdel-Moneim, another lawyer and activist, was handed a five-year sentence. The court added a five-year probation period at the end of each sentence of those convicted, which includes a travel ban and an order to regularly report to a police station. Amnesty International and other rights group have decried the arrest of the 14 and said their trial reflected “gross violations of their right to a fair trial.” Sunday’s verdicts are not subject to appeal and only the country’s president has the authority to pardon or throw out the sentences. Rights groups have repeatedly criticized mass sentencings, common over the past years in Egypt in trials related to the Brotherhood or dissent, and called on authorities to ensure fair trials. Egypt’s government has in recent years jailed thousands, mainly Islamists, but also secular activists involved in the 2011 Arab Spring uprising that toppled the country's longtime autocratic President Hosni Mubarak.