Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said it is crucial to move beyond humanitarian interventions and shift focus towards the reconstruction of Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. "Let D-8 therefore kickstart a process, with an approximate estimation of the costs of reconstruction in Palestine and Lebanon," he said, adding that they can thereon press on formulation of international strategies for resource mobilization. The Chief Adviser made the remarks while delivering the speech during a special session on humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi chaired the session. Prof Yunus urges focus on attitudes, ethics in skilling young workforce The United Nations has cautioned that removing the 40 million tonnes of rubble left in the wake of Israel’s bombardment could take at least 15 years, Dr Yunus said. "We understand that the rubble may contain over 10,000 bodies of the deceased. And this is also contaminated with asbestos," he said. Dr Yunus said Bangladesh commends the government of Egypt for convening this special session. "We gather at a time when Israeli aggression and the 14-month long brutal genocide against the Palestinian people continue unabated in the occupied Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Words should suffice little," he said. To say the least, Dr Yunus said, they are in utter dismay at Israel’s blatant disregard to long-held international norms, laws and conventions. "The ways the hostilities in Lebanon are spreading, there are heightened fears of further escalation. This can lend to dire and long-term consequences for peace and stability across the region, impacting global society and polity, not just economy," he said. Dr Yunus urges Pakistan to resolve 1971 issues for improved ties From Cairo, Dr Yunus said, they must voice their unity and unwavering commitment, in solidarity with their Palestinian brothers and sisters, at this existential time in their history. "Throughout our history, Bangladesh has stood firmly in support of the Palestinian cause. We consistently condemned the illegal occupation and the violent repression carried out by Israel," said the Chief Adviser. He said they remain steadfast in advocating a just and lasting solution, through a two-State solution to the crisis, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and harmony. "Palestine has to emerge as a fully independent and viable State based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," Dr Yunus said. "This is what we also articulated in detail before the International Court of Justice this February as the Court finally called Israel's occupation illegal, in its Advisory Opinion," he added. Bangladeshis are profoundly concerned over the current state of affairs and Palestinians are no expendable people, Dr Yunus said. "Every Palestinian life matters." The Chief Adviser said it is not an issue that merely concerns the Muslims. "Rather, a universal cause where human dignity is tested. It is about universal pledge to protect the vulnerable. It is indeed our moral duty to stand by them, resolutely." There are around six million Bangladeshi migrant workers and expatriate professionals, across the region, including in Lebanon who have been making significant contributions to the development of the countries across the Middle East, Dr Yunus said. Dhaka seeks ‘comprehensive roadmap’ for Rohingya repatriation "Their safety and security are at risk. We call upon all actors and stakeholders, indeed beyond the region, to take decisive and collective actions to end the brutalities unleashed by the Israeli forces," he said. The massacres in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, are clear violations of international law, and constitute war crimes. "Those responsible must account. That is why, last November, Bangladesh stood up at the International Criminal Court asking for expeditious investigations into the heinous crimes against humanity," Dr Yunus said. Such actions on accountability can deter the perpetrators against further and future atrocities, he said. "Alongside, let us intensify our efforts on realisation of a viable two-State solution," Dr Yunus said.  

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Monday assured that Bangladesh Bank is fully prepared to ensure enhanced cash flow to banks across the country, enabling depositors to access their funds without hindrance. “No bank has been closed, and even the weakest institutions have been stabilised,” he said in his Victory Day address to the nation. Dr Yunus said that confidence and discipline are being steadily restored in the banking system, and announced that previous restrictions on cash withdrawals have been lifted, signalling a robust recovery within the banking sector. The Chief Adviser highlighted the interim government's success in rebuilding trust in the nation’s economic future, particularly with international financial institutions such as the World Bank. CA Dr Yunus promises to control prices, fix economy These institutions are now engaging with renewed enthusiasm to establish fresh financial collaborations with Bangladesh, he said. Referring to the economic challenges faced by the interim administration upon assuming office, Dr Yunus said, “When we took charge, the economy was on the verge of collapse. Over the past four months, we have introduced significant reforms to change its trajectory.” He underlined the government’s commitment to ensuring enhanced cash flow in crucial areas, which is expected to bolster public confidence and facilitate financial stability across the nation.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to fix the economy, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Monday called for collective efforts to keep essential commodity prices stable during the upcoming Ramadan. "We seek everyone's cooperation to ensure that prices remain manageable. We have already talked to businesspeople, and they have assured us that there will be no short supply (of commodities) in the market. If anyone tries to create an artificial crisis for excessive profit, we will take strict action against them," he said in a televised speech to the nation in the morning. Dr Yunus highlighted ongoing initiatives to curb market syndicates, including plans to establish alternative agricultural markets. National election likely between late 2025 or early 2026, says CA Dr Yunus The Chief Adviser said, "Over the past few months, the prices of certain goods have gone up. We are working to reduce prices by increasing supply, offering duty exemptions on imports, curbing middlemen's interference and enhancing market monitoring." Acknowledging the persistence of extortion in the transport sector, Dr Yunus said, "We have not yet been able to completely stop extortion in transportation. If this issue is resolved, we hope prices will fall further.” Dr Yunus also focused on the economic challenges inherited from the previous "fascist regime," saying that the interim government is working to rebuild a devastated economy and stabilise forex reserves. “In November 2024, export earnings rose to $4.12 billion, a 15.63% increase from the previous month. During the July-November period of 2024, total exports reached $16.11 billion, compared to $14.34 billion during the same period last year, reflecting a 12.34% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, foreign exchange reserves have climbed to $19 billion,” he mentioned. Trials of fallen dictator, associates open to journalists, observers: Chief Adviser The Chief Adviser went on to say, "These indicators show that our economy is beginning to recover and conditions are improving." Prof Yunus acknowledged that inflation remains a pressing challenge and said, "The government is working sincerely to control inflation. Although we have not yet achieved the desired success, I am confident that inflation will soon come down."

Amid the growing expectation for an election roadmap, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the next national election can be arranged at a time between the end of 2025 and first half of 2026. "Broadly speaking, the election can be scheduled between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026," he said in a televised speech to the nation in the morning. Dr Yunus said he has repeatedly appealed to all to hold the polls after completing all the major reforms. Chief Adviser and Timor-Leste President pay tribute to Freedom Fighters on Victory Day "However, if, and I repeat, “if”, due to political consensus, we have to hold the election on the basis of a flawless preparation of the voter list with minor reforms, then it may be possible to hold the elections by the end of 2025," he said. "And if we add to this the expected level of reforms in the electoral process and in light of the recommendations of the Election Reforms Commission and based on the national consensus, then it may take at least another six months," said the Chief Adviser. Dr Yunus said the Election Commission has been formed with the Chief Election Commissioner and the EC has taken charge. "From now on, the responsibility has been entrusted to them to start the process of forming the future government. They have started their preparations. They have a lot of work to do," he said, highlighting the works before holding the polls. Dr Yunus said the biggest task is to update the voters' list. "This is already a difficult task in nature. Now the task has become even more difficult because the voters did not have the opportunity to participate in the last three elections." Prof Yunus said no one has had the opportunity to verify the voters' list. "We have to make sure that the names of all those who have become eligible to vote in the last 15 years are included in the voters' list. This is a big task," he said. After the student uprising, there is no room for making any mistake as after a long time, many young people will vote for the first time, he said, adding that in the past, they were deprived of that right and joy. "Therefore, their voting in this election will be a memorable event. All arrangements must be made to make this experience smooth," Dr Yunus said.   He said his sincere wish is that the young people who are first-time voters create a tradition by voting in close to 100 percent in this election. He said they must ensure that those whose names were supposed to be on the voters list are duly enlisted. Chief Adviser renews oath of independence on Victory Day "Special attention must be paid to removing fake voters from the list," he added. This time, Dr Yunus said, they want to ensure that expatriate Bangladeshis can vote. "We have heard assurances about this many times in the past. We want to ensure that this is implemented for the first time during the tenure of this government," the CA said. "A reliable system must be made for this. Everything is a time consuming matter," Dr Yunus said. "If we want to further improve the election process and implement the recommendations of the Election Reform Commission, then the Election Commission must be given time according to the breadth and depth of the necessary reforms," he said.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said the Victory Day, to be celebrated on December 16, is not only their source of pride but also oath day. "The oath is to remain united, protect the sovereignty of the country, and uphold the spirit of the Liberation War," he said in a message on the occasion of Victory Day. Bangladesh, India exchange delegations marking Victory Day On this day, Dr Yunus remembered the brave martyrs of the freedom struggle with respect and honoured their sacrifices. "We promise to work together to build a developed, prosperous, and well-governed Bangladesh by the interim government formed through the mass uprising of the students, workers, and people," he said. Dr Yunus said they are determined to further develop and strengthen the country and enjoy the full benefits of freedom. “Today is 16th December, Victory Day. This day is a very glorious and memorable day in Bangladesh’s history," he said. Dhaka University’s programme for Victory Day announced On December 16, 1971, Dr Yunus said Bangladesh gained the taste of freedom and self-identity as a nation through the victory in the War of Independence. "We get our desired freedom in exchange for the blood and sacrifice of millions of martyrs," he said, adding that "I wish Victory Day 2024 a great success.”

In celebration of the Victory Day, the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has unveiled a commemorative postage stamp worth Tk10. Along with the stamp, he also released an inaugural envelope valued at Tk10 and a data card priced at Tk 5. The unveiling ceremony took place on Sunday afternoon at the State Guesthouse Jamuna, where the Chief Adviser made the release. Bangladesh set to celebrate Victory Day Monday The event was attended by the Adviser for Posts and Telecommunications, Md. Nahid Islam, the Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, M. Sirajuddin Mia, Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division Dr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, and the Additional Director General of the Department of Post S. M. Shahabuddin. During the ceremony, Adviser Nahid Islam presented the Chief Adviser with a commemorative mail box and a book titled "Natural Beauty and Wildlife."

President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus acknowledged the importance of finalising an air services agreement between the two friendly countries on Sunday. They also recognised the significance of cooperation in sectors such as SMEs, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, capacity building, manpower, ICT, and disaster management. The Chief Adviser urged President Ramos-Horta to consider granting permanent residency to expatriate Bangladeshis residing in Timor-Leste for extended periods, to ease the challenges of visa renewal. Timor-Leste President assures support for resolving Rohingya crisis: CA The Timorese side assured its support for Bangladesh’s bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, following its full membership. The visit holds historical significance, as it marks the first-ever official visit by a head of state from Timor-Leste, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Official engagements began on Sunday morning with a welcome call on the President by Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and President José Ramos-Horta held a one-to-one meeting, followed by a bilateral delegation-level discussion at the Chief Adviser’s Office. Both leaders engaged in talks covering a wide range of issues concerning Bangladesh-Timor-Leste relations, including bilateral, regional and international matters of mutual interest. The Chief Adviser briefed President Ramos-Horta on the July-August Revolution and the ongoing reforms being undertaken by the interim government toward a democratic and just Bangladesh. President Ramos-Horta expressed support for the interim government’s efforts to build a new Bangladesh and commended the youth representation in the Advisory Council. The two leaders underscored the need to enhance trade and economic relations, recognising the potential for growth in bilateral trade. They also discussed collaborating on microcredit and social business initiatives. Prof Yunus requested the President’s support for Bangladesh’s stance on the repatriation of forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals at the ASEAN forum, advocating for their safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation. President Ramos-Horta expressed strong backing for an early resolution of the prolonged crisis. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Establishment of a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) and an agreement on the exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders were signed following the delegation-level talks. Timor-Leste President seeks to boost trade ties with Bangladesh After the MoU signing ceremony, both leaders addressed the press, discussing the outcomes of their meetings and the potential for further strengthening bilateral relations. The two Nobel Peace Laureates also emphasised the importance of global peace and stability, urging the international community to take action toward resolving ongoing conflicts in various regions. President José Ramos-Horta is on an official visit to Bangladesh at the invitation of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. A 15-member delegation, including the Foreign Minister, Principal Adviser, Chief of State Protocol, and senior officials from Timor-Leste, is accompanying the President. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus warmly welcomed President Ramos-Horta at the airport yesterday evening, where he received a red-carpet reception and a ceremonial guard of honour. President Ramos-Horta is scheduled to attend Bangladesh's 54th Victory Day celebrations on Monday and will also deliver a keynote address on "The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World" at a Dhaka think tank.

President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta was accorded a red carpet reception on his arrival here on Saturday night on a three-day official visit. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus received President Ramos-Horta at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on his arrival around 10:40pm, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB. He was given state salute and guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Bangladesh Armed Forces. A warm welcome awaits Timor-Leste President in Dhaka tonight He inspected the guard of honour, while the national anthems of the countries were played. President Ramos-Horta is accompanied by a 19-member delegation, including Timor-Leste’s Foreign Minister. Key Meetings and Agreements During his stay in Dhaka, the President will engage in a series of high-level meetings and events aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. On the second day of his visit, December 15, Ramos-Horta will meet Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain in the morning. Later, he will hold discussions with Chief Adviser Dr Yunus, followed by a delegation-level meeting. After the meeting, a joint press conference will be held, during which the two countries are expected to sign agreements on visa exemption and a memorandum of understanding for Foreign Office Consultations (FOC). In the afternoon, Ramos-Horta will meet honorary consul of Timor-Leste in Bangladesh, Kutubuddin Ahmed, and Bangladesh Football Federation President and BNP leader, Tabith Awal. Participation in Victory Day Celebrations On the third day, December 16, Ramos-Horta will call on the President of Bangladesh at Bangabhaban. He will also visit the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. The President will attend the 54th Victory Day celebrations, marking Bangladesh’s historic victory in 1971. Address to the Youth and Departure On his final day, December 17, the Timor-Leste President will deliver a lecture at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium on “The Challenges of Peace in the Contemporary World”. Victory President of Timor-Leste to visit Bangladesh He is expected to interact with Bangladeshi students and young leaders, sharing his experiences of leading his country’s independence movement, the role of the people, and the post-independence aspirations of Timor-Leste. President Ramos-Horta will leave Dhaka later in the day, concluding his visit aimed at fostering diplomatic and cultural relations between Bangladesh and Timor-Leste.

The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearance on Saturday submitted its first interim report to the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus. The five-member commission led by retired justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury handed over the report titled “Unfolding The Truth” to the Chief Adviser at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka. The commission chairman said they had found the prima facie involvement of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and some high-ranking officials of security forces and her government, including her defence adviser, Major General (retd) Tareq Ahmed Siddique in the enforced disappearances. India refrains from backing Hasina's criticism of interim government: Misri It also found the involvement of former director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, and sacked Major General Ziaul Ahsan, senior police officers Monirul Islam and Md. Harun-Or-Rashid, with several incidents of enforced disappearance. The commission said that they already recorded a total of 1,676 complaints of enforced disappearances, while 758 complaints have already been scrutinised. It estimates the number of enforced disappearances in the country would cross 3,500. The commission recommended disbanding the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). While submitting the report, the commission chairman said they had found a " systematic design" so that the incidents of enforced disappearances remain undetected. The commission also found that forces exchanged the victims and operations were deliberately segmented, he said. Individuals carrying out enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killing lacked knowledge about victims, he said. The commission chairman said that they would deliver another interim report in March and would require at least another year to complete the scrutiny of all allegations they had received. Toby Cadman hopes India will extradite Hasina The Chief Adviser thanked the commission for submitting the interim report and promised all possible support in accomplishing the job. "You are doing a really very important job. We are ready to give you all kinds of support that you need," he said. The Chief Adviser said he would visit some of the Aynaghars, or secret detention centres and joint interrogation cells detected by the commission to get a first hand knowledge about the sufferings of the victims. Commission members Justice Farid Ahmed Shibli, human rights activist Nur Khan, BRAC University teacher Nabila Idris, and human rights activist Sajjad Hossain; Interim Government’s advisory council members Adilur Rahman Khan and Sharmeen S Murshid; Principal Secretary to Chief Adviser Md Siraj Uddin Mia; and Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were present at the meeting, among others.

The killing of intellectuals in a planned and brutal massacre during the Liberation War was the most heinous act of vengeance by anti-liberation forces after their defeat, remarked Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus. In a message issued on Friday marking the occasion of Shaheed Buddhijibi Dibosh (Martyred Intellectuals Day), to be observed on Saturday, Dr Yunus paid deep respects to the martyred intellectuals and valiant heroes of the Liberation War, praying for the peace and salvation of their departed souls. Martyred Intellectuals Day to be observed Saturday Terming Martyred Intellectuals Day a "disgraceful chapter" in Bangladesh's history, he said, “In the final days of the Liberation War, realising their imminent defeat, the Pakistani occupation forces and their collaborators killed the intellectuals of Bangladesh in a ruthless attempt to leave the nation bereft of its brightest minds.” He elaborated, saying, "On the brink of victory, anti-liberation forces targeted and killed eminent academics, journalists, writers, doctors, scientists, lawyers, artists, engineers, philosophers and political thinkers to cripple the intellectual foundation of the newly emerging nation." Among the martyrs were Dhaka University professors Mofazzal Haider Chaudhury, Munier Chowdhury, and Anwar Pasha; journalist Shahidullah Kaiser; writer Selina Parveen; physician Dr Fazle Rabbi; lawyer Abdul Alim Chaudhury; and others such as Dr Jyotirmoy Guhathakurta, Sirajuddin Hossain, and Giasuddin. Dr Yunus said that the primary aim of these atrocities was to render the Bengali nation intellectually incapacitated. BNP announces programmes to mark Martyred Intellectuals Day, V Day “This orchestrated and barbaric act of mass murder was the ultimate revenge of the anti-liberation forces after their failure in the war,” he said. On the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, the Chief Adviser urged everyone to remain united and resolute in their efforts to thwart any conspiracies or machinations by anti-liberation forces. He called on all citizens to fulfil their responsibilities from their respective positions to uphold the values of the Liberation War and protect the nation from threats to its freedom and progress.