United News of Bangladesh

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin on Tuesday assured the political parties that the government would not take any decision that might be conflicting with national interests. "We will certainly not take any decision that might be conflicting with the national interests," he said while exchanging views with the leaders of some political parties on the investment climate.  Top global port operators tapped to boost Bangladesh’s infrastructure: BIDA chief The political parties at the meeting called for giving top priority to protecting the country's sovereignty, regional security and national interests. 'We want to assure you that no decision will be taken outside the national interest.” He expressed the hope that such positive discussions with political parties will continue on a regular basis. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) organised the event at its office seeking suggestions from the country's political parties on policy continuity, ongoing reform activities and its recent progress to ensure a sustainable investment environment in Bangladesh.  BIDA: Port connectivity must to make Bangladesh a ‘regional production powerhouse’ Representatives from 16 political parties -- Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Nagorik Party, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Gana Songhati Andolan, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Amar Bangladesh Party, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Communist Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Islami Front, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, Islamic Front Bangladesh -- participated in the meeting, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. Ashik Chowdhury said investment and employment are the national interests of Bangladesh and it is above party or political interests. Noting that Bida is continuously working to create a congenial environment for investment in Bangladesh, he said there are various crises in the field of investment in our country. Bida Head of Business Development Nahian Rahman Rachi gave a presentation on Bida’s activities at the meeting. He briefly discussed the Reform Plan and Progress Report and the response to the Investment Conference and the next steps. He said based on discussions with more than 200 local investors and stakeholders, Bida has identified five problems for investment in Bangladesh. These are Quality of Government Services, Policy Continuity, Industry Consultation, Eliminating Corruption and Access to Resources. The political parties were informed about the steps Bida has already taken to resolve these problems and what steps it plans to take in the long term and their opinions were sought. They praised the Bida reform plan and progress and expressed their full support for Bida's activities in creating an investment environment in the country. The political parties urged the Bida authorities to give special importance to domestic investors as well as foreign investors. Besides, the political parties suggested that the Bida authorities discuss with the relevant ministries and departments to develop skilled workers in the country, develop infrastructure, remove legal complications, protect the interests of workers and make environmentally friendly investments. The Bida Executive Chairman said in their next presentation, the reform plan will be presented separately on local investors.  No more bureaucratic hassles for foreign investment: BIDA

National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz on Sunday urged political parties to encourage their like-minded allies to work towards a consensus over reforms by bridging differences at least on fundamental issues. “As political forces, we have the hope, belief and trust in you that you will talk to others, inspire your friendly political forces to narrow down the differences, and come to a common ground through which we can reach an agreement,” he said. Prof Riaz made the remarks in his introductory speech at the dialogue between the 12-party alliance and the National Consensus Commission. Political parties to compromise for state reforms, hopes Ali Riaz The talks, chaired by Prof Riaz, began at 10:05am at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex. An 11-member delegation from the alliance took part in the dialogue, led by Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) Chairman Mostafa Jamal Haider and Bangladesh LDP leader Shahadat Hossain Salim. “We don’t believe that sitting at this table alone will lead us to the final destination of national consensus. Our role is that of a catalyst, and we are making that effort,” said Prof Riaz. He said each political party has placed its opinion over reform proposals but all must compromise to some extent to reach consensus. “We all have to come together. We may not agree on everything, but we must reach common ground on fundamental state-building issues to move Bangladesh forward,” he added. Citing that building national consensus is not solely the commission’s responsibility, Prof Riaz said, “You who are engaged in the struggle and are in dialogues with us today should talk to your allies and other political forces to explore how we can come together.” Reform Process: Prof Yunus gives directives towards next steps  Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Mohammad Ayub Miah were present at the discussion, moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with 23 political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP).

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Ali Riaz on Saturday said a national consensus could be achieved quickly through dialogue involving all political parties. "There are disagreements and differences of opinion among political parties, but many share common views. All voices will be heard, and I hope we can reach a national consensus through dialogue," he said during a meeting with the Khelafat Majlish at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad in the morning. Ali Riaz said, "As part of this process, you (Khelafat Majlish) are participating. We have begun our work within a short time and could not allocate much time. However, based on the sincere opinions you have shared, we will proceed with our discussions." Consensus Commission to hold meetings with 4 political parties before Eid: Ali Riaz He said the dialogue would not be limited to their party alone as it would also include other political parties. The National Consensus Commission opened its dialogues with political parties, starting with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday, aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission identified the crucial recommendations made in the reports of five reform commissions – the constitution reform commission, the public administration reform commission, the electoral system reform commission, the judiciary reform commission and the ACC reform commission – to seek opinions from the political parties. Consensus on reforms expected on time:Ali Riaz Later, the commission sent a set of recommendations in a spreadsheet format to 38 political parties asking them to send their specific opinions on the important reform recommendations by March 13.

National Consensus Commission Vice President Prof Dr Ali Riaz on Thursday expressed optimism that the commission will hold meetings with at least four political parties before the Eid-ul-Fitr. “We are in contact with different political parties and discussions are underway. Before Eid, we aim to hold talks with at least four political parties,” he said at Sangsad Bhaban after receiving opinions from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on the reform proposal. A delegation from the Jamaat, led by its Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar, submitted their opinions to the commission. Ali Riaz said they have started dialogue with political parties today (Thursday) and sought opinions from the parties, with some still submitting opinions. Consensus Commission’s dialogue with political parties to begin Thursday Responding to a question, he said there is no pressure on them as Chief Adviser Dr Yunus heads the commission. “So, the question of external pressure does not arise.” Political parties are, of course, free to express their positions, but as a commission, their responsibility is to present the recommendations of the reform committees and discuss them with the political parties, he said. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is scheduled to participate in the first round of discussions at 3pm at LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

The National Consensus Commission is set to begin its dialogues with political parties, starting with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday, aiming to build a national consensus on the reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The meeting with the LDP is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Thursday, according to a press release. The commission will later announce the schedule for talks with other political parties in phases. Meanwhile, two more political parties – Jatiya Ganofront and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) – submitted their views on the reform recommendations to the National Consensus Commission on Tuesday. With the two parties, a total of 15 political parties have so far submitted their opinions, but major political parties, including BNP and Jamaat, are yet to send theirs. Political parties, National Consensus Commission to set Bangladesh's vision: Press Secretary The 15 parties are Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlish, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Zaker Party, Bhasani Onusari Parishad, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), Amjanatar Dal, Rashtra Sanskar Andolon, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Bangladesh Jasad, Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), Nagorik Oikya, Jatiya Ganofront and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD). Besides, 14 more political parties sought a few more days to place their complete opinions. The Consensus Commission is again contacting the remaining nine parties. The commission, spearheaded by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, started its work on February 15, 2025. The commission identified the crucial recommendations made in the reports of five reform commissions – the constitution reform commission, the public administration reform commission, the electoral system reform commission, the judiciary reform commission and the ACC reform commission – to seek opinions from the political parties. BNP, Jamaat, others start meeting with National Consensus Commission Later, the commission sent a set of recommendations in a spreadsheet format to 38 political parties asking them to send their specific opinions on the important reform recommendations by March 13

Thirteen political parties have so far submitted their opinions over the reform recommendations to the National Consensus Commission, but major political parties, including BNP and Jamaat, are yet to send theirs. The consensus commission on Monday disclosed the names of the 13 political parties. The 13 parties are Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Khelafat Majlish, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, Zaker Party, Bhasani Onusari Parishad, Nationalist Democratic Movement (NDM), Amjanatar Dal, Rashtra Sanskar Andolon, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Bangladesh Jasad, Bangladesh Labour Party, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) and Nagorik Oikya. Among them, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) and Nagorik Oikya submitted their opinions on Monday, said a press release. Reforms to make Bangladesh one of the perfect democracies in world, says Guterres before departing Dhaka Besides, 16 more political parties sought a few more days to place their complete opinions. The Consensus Commission is again contacting the remaining nine parties. The commission, spearheaded by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, started its work on February 15, 2025. The commission identified the crucial recommendations made in the reports of five reform commissions – the constitution reform commission, the public administration reform commission, the electoral system reform commission, the judiciary reform commission and the ACC reform commission – to seek opinions from the political parties. Reforms won't work without change in political culture: Amir Khasru Later, the commission sent a set of recommendations in a spreadsheet format to 38 political parties asking them to send their specific opinions on the important reform recommendations by March 13.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman does not tell anything without apprehending it clearly, said Labour and Employment Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain. Responding to a question from reporters about the army’s chief speech on several issues in Dhaka, including heated-speech among political parties, the adviser delivered the statement while briefing the media on the Advisory Council Committee on Labour and Business Situation Review of Industries at Beximco Industrial Park. On Tuesday, the army chief said, "At the end of the day, we must prioritise the country and the nation instead of engaging in conflicts. If you resort to mudslinging among yourselves, the independence and sovereignty of the country and the nation will be at stake. I am issuing a warning—you cannot say later that I did not caution you. “ Waker delivered the statement at an event at Raowa Club in the capital, marking the National Army Martyrs Day. Want to return to cantonment making Bangladesh stable: Army Chief  When attention was drawn about the army chief’s remark, the adviser said, “The army chief is a very high-profile person for me. He's leading a battalion and didn't say anything without understanding. You know the rest of the interpretation. As far as I know him, he is a very straight forward man ... .I have a lot of respect for him. I can't explain what he said or didn't say." Asked if the army chief could address the chief adviser the way he did, Sakhawat replied to the reporters, "You ask him.

The government has sought the opinions from political parties and stakeholders over the July Declaration.The government sought the opinions about the July Declaration following an all-party dialogue with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held on Thursday, said Chief Adviser’s press wing on Saturday.They can send their opinions through letters to Adviser Mahfuj Alam, Chief Adviser’s Office, until January 23. All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif NazrulThese opinions will be reviewed to prepare a revised and acceptable declaration which will be announced without delay in presence of public.All-party meeting on July Declaration begins

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday said the Election Commission wants to end the people's deprivation in exercising their voting rights. “We want to remove the fact that they(people) have been deprived of the voting right for so long. We want to remove the pain of their deprivation. We are steadfast in our commitment,” he said. The CEC said this while addressing the inaugural ceremony of a training of trainers for the enumerators and supervisors in the capital ahead of the voter list updating programme-2025. The countrywide door-to-door data collection of the possible voters and dead voters will start on January 20 next. The CEC said they are here to hear the 18 crore people who have been suffering from the deprivation of voting rights. “We’ve taken the responsibility so that we can remove their deprivation,” he said. Read: “We aim to deliver a truly credible election”: CEC He said his commission’s main goal is to arrange a fair and credible election. “It’s a marathon race beginning from today up to the delivery of the result,” he said. “Our goal, commitment and promises to the nation is to present a free, fair and credible election as the nation has been deprived of it for so long,” said the CEC. Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah also spoke at the event presided over by EC secretary Akhtar Ahmed.

Expressing his annoyance at the criticism of political parties by the interim government, Senior BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Thursday said that the advisers of the current administration were not even worthy of being considered as opponents to the politicians. "Why should they (advisers) criticise established political parties and make comments about them? Do they regard the political parties as their opponents? We do not consider them as our opponents, as they are not worthy of being our opponents. We engage in politics, but they do not. So, why should they be our opponents?" he told a discussion. The Rajshahi University Nationalist Ex-Student Association (RUNESA) organised the programme at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), commemorating the bloody incident that took place on Rajshahi University campus on December 22, 1984. Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, said the current government was not usurped power, as it was established by the people of the country and the political parties that waged a movement against the Sheikh Hasina regime. “We expect that they’ll try to resolve the problems people are facing in their daily lives, put on trial those involved in various crimes, including killings and enforced disappearances, and arrange for an election after creating the necessary conditions for the restoration of democracy, for which we have long been struggling,” he said. The BNP leader lamented that some advisers of the interim government are unnecessarily speaking against political parties. “We will participate in the election. Whether they will join the election to stand against us. They won’t do that. So, why should they make such comments?” he said. He also slammed Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan for her remark that politicians had done nothing for the country over the past 53 years. Read: Interim govt weakest in history, election needed by 2025: BNP leader Nazrul said their party founder, Ziaur Rahman, inherited a famine-stricken country but transformed its economy through various initiatives, including increasing food production, establishing the garment sector, and promoting the export of fish from the sea. “Are these not significant achievements?” He urged the advisers to question the contributions of politicians only after making any significant achievements for the country, as Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia had done.