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.

Asserting that her government will continue its drive against militancy, terrorism, drugs and corruption Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday asked the people to remain vigilant against the evils. “Our drive against militancy, terrorism, drugs and corruption will be continued. All of you must remain cautious regarding this matter,” she said. The prime minister was addressing a huge public rally at TT High School ground at Bhangar Haat in Kotalipara upazila here. She also asked all guardians to remain alert so that their children don't get involved with drugs and militancy.  With Kotalipara upazila unit AL president Bhabendra Nath Biswas in the chair the rally was addressed among others by AL presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim And AL general secretary Obaidul Quader. Kotalipara upazila unit AL Aynal Hossain conducted the rally. Earlier, the PM inaugurated 43 development projects and laid foundation stones of another five in Kotalipara. She came down heavily on a section of people who often compare Awami League and BNP on the same scale. “Some people compare Awami League with BNP, some say two parties,” she said. She mentioned that in 2008 election, BNP and its 20-party alliance got only 30 seats out of 300 while AL-led grand alliance won the rest. “Then how can these two parties be same?” She questioned. She said that during the BNP regime there were militancy, terrorism, grenade attacks, bomb blasts in 500 places, while it became champions in corruption for five times. “They did not give anything to people, they just looted people’s ’ money," she asserted. She said that BNP does not comply with their own party constitution. Also Read: Boost research on agriculture to increase production: PM Hasina tells scientists In this connection, she mentioned that as per the constitution of BNP the convicted criminals can not lead the party.  “Why does BNP fails to get some one who is not convicted to be their leader?,” she wondered. She said that BNP is being led by Khaleda Zia and her son who both are convicted criminals.  “They do not obey their own party constitution, country’s law, and how that party can be compared with Awami League,” she said. She said that those who often mention ‘two big parties’ are making mistakes. She said that AL is the organisation of the people of Bangladesh.  “This party has been formed in the struggle to realise the rights of the people of this country, and that's why when AL comes to power the country sees development, “ she said. On the other hand, she said, parties like BNP, Jatiya Party and Jamaat lack that credentials. “Zia grabbed the power illegally through violating the constitution, there is a verdict of the higher court,” she said. She recalled that BNP is the party that was formed by Gen Ziaur Rahman while staying in power by grabbing it illegally and bribing some people.  “They never wanted the good and welfare of the people,” she said. In this regard, she mentioned that BNP set people on fire, play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people.  “So, there is no way to compare Awami League with them (BNP),” she said. She said that Awami League is the organisation of this country’s land and people. It works for the welfare of the people. “We (Awami League) have attained the independence under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The results of the independence is reaching every door and it will continue this way,” she said. Hasina thanked the people of her constituency (Tungiara-Kotaliara) for always standing beside her though she can’t go to them regularly like other lawmakers as she has to oversee 300 parliamentary seats and their overall socioeconomic developments.  “I express my gratitude to you (Tungipara-Kotalipara people) as you always feel for me from your hearts. I get the love and affection of my father, mother and brothers from you people after losing them,” she said.  Briefly describing her government's measures for the development of Gopalganj, she said it used to take 24 hours to reach Kotalipara through waterways from Dhaka, but it now takes a few hours to reach here. The premier said her government has built the Padma Bridge with its own funds after overcoming many challenges that include corruption allegations. She reiterated that they have come to power to improve the fate of the people instead of  making their own fortunes through corruption. Hasina said she is out to give the people a beautiful and improved life by transforming the country into a developed, prosperous and Smart Bangladesh, free from hunger and poverty as envisioned by  Bangabandhu. Spelling out various measures taken by her government for ensuring overall development of the country, she said they have increased the education rate by establishing schools and colleges in every upazila alongside computer and digital labs, reached healthcare services to people's doorsteps by setting up community clinics, giving various allowances to the people under the social safety net programmes and giving houses to every landless and homeless people.  The prime minister said that the government is determined to maintain law and order to ensure safety and security of the citizens alongside carrying out the country’s socio-economic advancement.  She once again asked the people to bring every inch of fallow land under cultivation to grow their food as the ongoing global economic recession and food crisis can hit Bangladesh too.  

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon Alem and Olama (Islamic scholars) to instil humanitarian values among people and guide them against terrorism, militancy and drug addiction. “These are destroying families and the society as well,” she said while virtually inaugurating 50 more model mosques across the country from her official residence Ganabhaban. She also requested all, particularly the children, not to get involved in militancy, saying, “Militancy is dishonouring Islam instead of dignifying it.” Sheikh Hasina urged the guardians and teachers of educational institutions to be cautious as children and youths are targeted by militants. “We can develop our society in a beautiful manner by erasing miseducation, differences, conflicts, terrorism, and militancy through realising the true sense of Islam,” she said. The prime minister said that through the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres, people would get true knowledge on Islamic values and culture. This will help in not being misled in the name of religion, alongside contributing immensely to stop terrorism, militancy and repression on women, she added. Also read; PM Hasina urges affluent section to stand by destitute people She said that the government has undertaken the projects of constructing model mosques so that no one can mislead people in the name of Islam. The PM said the model mosques would enhance people’s knowledge of Islam – a religion of peace, fraternity and friendship. “It would help stop terrorism, militancy and repression on women, with imparting the true knowledge of Islamic values and culture on people,” she said. Describing the Alem and Olama as the “Orasatul Ambia”, she said people of the country respect the Khatibs and Imams of mosques. “Make sure that none can mislead people using our religion. You can educate people to refrain from getting involved in social ills that include drug addiction, child marriage, repression of women, food adulteration and corruption through your daily sermons and khutba during Jummah,” she said. Also read; AL always fulfills election pledges made to the nation: PM Hasina She said religion cannot be used as a political weapon. “Our target is to put an end to torture and repression, using religion,” she said. The PM said Islam ensures free exercise of religions by people of all faiths. “Irrespective of political identity and opinion, we can build a developed, prosperous and ‘Smart Bangladesh’ – with equal respect to every religion and with the non-communal spirit,” she said. Sheikh Hasina said that Awami League has always been a “servant of Islam”, and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman stopped racing, gambling and alcohol sales. She mentioned that Bangabandhu established madrasa board, allocated land for Baitul Mukarram Mosque and Ijtema ground – to uphold Islam.   “Bangabandhu had taken initiatives to hold Bishwa Ijtema in Bangladesh and incorporate the country as a member of the OIC,” she said. Following the ideals of the Father of the Nation, she said they have taken various programmes to dignify Islam that includes constructing 564 model mosques at each of the upazilas and districts. The prime minister said that she has so far opened 100 model mosques across the country while the rest will be opened in phases. The government is now building three storey model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in every upazila and four storey mosque in every district. State Minister for Religious Affairs Ministry Md Faridul Haque Khan and its Secretary Kazi Enamul Hassan spoke at the function from the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Rajshahi, Shariatpur and Chouddagram of Cumilla district sites were also connected to the programme, where the local lawmakers, public representatives, political parties, government officers and common people were present. A video-documentary on the model mosques and Islamic cultural centres was screened at the function.

Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Tuesday reiterated that drugs, militancy and terrorism will be uprooted from the country at any cost. He made the remark while addressing at an anti-drug, militancy and terrorism rally held at Madrasha Babunagar Government Primary School in Satkania upazila of the district, as the chief guest on Tuesday. “No drug is produced in our country, we don’t let anybody produce drugs and drives are on against the drugs” he said. The prisons of the country can accommodate only 40,000 accused while the number of accused can’t be reduced from that anyhow, he said.   Read more: Truth about drug smugglers firing at DGFI officer at Tombru border will be revealed: Home Minister “A section of people carried out attack on Masjid, Temple and Church, it was found when looked back,” he said. “We overcame from the killing of priest of Iskan temple, Holey Artisan Bakery”, he said adding that the world got surprised asking what was happening in Bangladesh. Minister Kamal said “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a devoted soul of Islam and she does noting which goes against Islam, she starts her works with Namaz and recitation of the holy Quran,” he said.  Read more: Need to be tougher on drugs: Home Minister    Local lawmaker Pro Dr Abu Reza Muhammad Nezamuddin Nadwi presided over the programme where local Awami League leaders and high-ups of administration among others were present at the programme.