United News of Bangladesh

Investment in Bangladesh could face obstacles if the upcoming national election is not held within the promised timeframe, warned Professor Dr Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). "If the next election in Bangladesh is not held within the pledged timeframe, political uncertainty may arise, consequently hampering investment," he said while speaking at a shadow parliament debate competition on 'Prospects and Challenges of Foreign Investment' organised at the FDC on Saturday. Mustafizur Rahman emphasised that political stability was essential for sustainable investment. Although a recent investment summit had generated optimism about foreign investment in Bangladesh, the actual commitments received were not particularly substantial, he added. Then CPD Distinguished Fellow said the ambition expressed at the summit to elevate Bangladesh to Singapore’s level within the next decade was unrealistic, but if an investment-friendly environment was maintained, the country could achieve a position comparable to Thailand within that time. Reflecting on past government reports, he said, "Investment statistics during previous administrations often presented an unrealistic picture. For instance, the Seventh Five-Year Plan projected $33 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), whereas the actual inflow was only $11 billion." Jamaat to fully support constructive, realistic reforms: Taher Dr Mustafizur Rahman also compared Bangladesh's FDI situation with other countries, saying, "Vietnam’s current FDI stands at $360 billion, while Bangladesh has attracted only $22 billion. Moreover, the current situation in India and Pakistan poses concerns for foreign investment in Bangladesh. If war breaks out, India's military expenditure will rise, potentially disrupting the tariff advantages we currently enjoy with them." At the shadow parliament debate organised by Debate for Democracy, Eden Mohila College defeated Dhaka College to emerge victorious. The event was held with its chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron in the chair.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said Bangladesh’s interim government is committed to holding elections on schedule, refusing to delay the vote for any demands. Speaking with a delegation from the International Crisis Group led by Dr. Comfort Ero, Professor Yunus confirmed that the government has set two possible timelines for the elections. He assured the group the dates would not change. Yunus explained that if political parties seek a limited number of reforms prior to elections, then the elections will be held in December. If a larger reform package is desired, then elections will take place by June next year. “We have no reason to change the election dates,” he added, emphasising that the upcoming elections will be free and fair. Regarding the Awami League,  Yunus stated that the interim Government has no plan to ban the party, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladesh's courts.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to take necessary steps and preparations for holding peaceful elections in the country. Dr Yunus made the directives during a meeting with Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and other officials concerned. Earlier, on March 17, the Chief Adviser had a special meeting with the field-level police officers where the police officers discussed the challenges and advantages they face in their duties. Wednesday's meeting focused on finding solutions to the issues raised by the field-level police. Dr Yunus outlined several immediate measures to improve conditions for police officers, particularly those at the grassroots level. CA Yunus invites Qatari businesses to invest in Bangladesh The key directives included reviewing the risk allowance to consider lifting the current ceiling; procurement of new vehicles, including 364 pickups and 140 prisoner vans for police use: disbursing funds for the completion of ongoing police infrastructure projects that are less than 70% complete; providing funds for acquiring land to replace rented buildings for 65 police stations and exploring interest-free loans to help Sub-Inspectors (SI) and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) purchase motorcycles. Election to be free and festive, Dr Yunus tells US Senator The Chief Adviser also emphasised the need for classifying district police based on performance, with efforts directed toward improving the performance of lower-performing units.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said that reforms and elections are not mutually exclusive, as both can progress parallel without hindrance. “There’s no conflict between reforms and elections. The reforms will continue, and so will the elections,” he said while speaking to reporters after paying tribute to Ziaur Rahman on the occasion of his 89th birth anniversary. He said the party that wins the election and forms the government will carry forward the reforms. “We can say it clearly, on behalf of our party, that we will take forward every reform (if we form the government),” the BNP leader assured. Sought remarks on the submitted reports of the four reform commissions, Fakhrul declined to comment as their party has not yet received the reports. He also mentioned that the government has said it will hold discussions with political parties after receiving the reports and would then make a decision on the reform proposals. The BNP Secretary General, however, said no reform proposal will be accepted without consensus. “On this day, we pray for stronger unity among all people and hope that we can soon return to democracy through an election, establishing a proper democratic system,” he said. Read: Safeguard freedom of expression, voting rights to resist autocrats: Tarique Earlier, Fakhrul along with BNP leaders and activists paid homage to its founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, marking his birth anniversary. Thousands of BNP leaders and activists, led by Fakhrul, placed wreaths at Zia's Sher-e-Banglanagar grave around 11:15am. Read more: BNP promises to ignore loan defaulters in upcoming election They later offered fateha following a special munajat seeking salvation of the departed soul of Zia. BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Vice Chairman Ahmed Azam Khan, Chairperson's Advisory Council Members Amanullah Aman, Zainul Abedin Farroque, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, central leaders Khairul Kabir Khokon, Abdus Salam, Kamruzzaman Ratan, Mir Sarafat Ali, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Saiful Alam Nirab, Dr Rafiqul Islam, Amirulzzaman Khan Shimul, Dhaka north city unit president Aminul Haque and south city unit president Rafiqul Alam Mojnu were, among others, present. Leaders and activists of BNP's different units and associate bodies also placed wreaths at Zia's grave.

Four reform commissions, out of six formed in the first phase, submitted their respective reports to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday morning. Members of the four commissions went to the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon to hand over their reports. Advisers of the interim government were present. The Electoral System Reform Commission headed by Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, the Police Administration Reform Commission headed by Sarfaraz Hossain, Anti-Corruption Reform Commission headed by TIB’s Dr Iftekharuzzaman, and Constitution Reform Commission headed by Distinguished Prof at Illinois State University Dr Ali Riaz handed over their reports on Wednesday, CA's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir told UNB. They (commissions) shared the whole thing with an elaborate description of their findings and recommendations during a meeting after submission of their reports. After the meeting with the Chief Advisers, the media will be briefed at the Foreign Service Academy at 3 pm today (Wednesday). CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said they will share at least the executive summaries of the reports in addition to sharing the key features. Earlier, the interim government expected five out of six reform commissions to submit their reports by January 15 in line with the extended timeframe. Read:CA Dr Yunus to receive 4 reform commissions' reports on Jan 15: Shafiqul Alam

Ganosamhati Andolan’s Chief Coordinator Junaid Saki has said that reforms and elections are intrinsically linked, stating that both are necessary for meaningful political change. "Just as there will be no elections without reforms, many reforms without elections will not be possible," Saki said during a public dialogue titled "Establishing a New Political Settlement for the Democratic Transformation of the State" at the Jatiya Press Club on Saturday. Saki stressed that the next election date should be determined through discussions involving all stakeholders and highlighted the need for a power structure rooted in accountability to the people. "The power of the future must be the power of accountability of the people," he said. Drive against polythene: Tk 29 lakh fine realised,  60,000kg polythene seized While Bangladesh has made significant progress over the last 53 years, justice for the country's people remains elusive, Saki bemoaned. He pointed out that the prolonged authoritarian style of governance has hindered progress, calling for structural changes to the 1972 Constitution. "The power has been going on in a fascist manner for so long, it has to be changed." 5 brickfields in Feni fined Tk 58 lakh; 2 others evicted Saki also underscored the importance of uniting people in the fight for democratic transformation and warned against divisive tactics. "Only if there is accountability of power, it is possible to establish the rule of law in society." Urging vigilance, he called on citizens to remain united in ensuring a democratic and just society. Political analysts and activists joined the event.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday highlighted the critical role of unity, reforms and elections in Bangladesh's progress, saying that neither reforms without unity nor elections without reforms can propel the country forward. “None of these three goals can be achieved alone,” he said, describing the correlation among them. In a recorded speech delivered at a national dialogue’s inaugural session in the capital, Dr Yunus thanked the Forum for Bangladesh Studies (FBS) for giving three things - unity, reform and elections’ importance in the dialogue, noting that they need consensus on reforms. The Chief Adviser thinks the minimum age for becoming eligible for a voter should be 17 years. “Young people are interested in the future of the country. To get their opinion about their own future, I think the voting age should be fixed at 17 years,” he said. Dr Yunus said different countries have different ages for a citizen to become a voter and the Electoral Reforms Commission will surely recommend such an age. CA Dr Yunus promises to control prices, fix economy “I may or may not like that age. Suppose I am in favor of making young people vote early. The younger they are, the more interested they are in change—this is my argument. Youth gives them energy. Their deep affinity with information technology gives them this energy,” said the Chief Adviser. Dr Yunus said reform and election preparations will continue simultaneously and mentioned that the work of preparing for the election is mainly the work of the Election Commission. He said the citizens of the country do not have to spend time on this process until they get the election date. But all citizens must participate in the work of reform, Dr Yunus said, adding that those who are voters will participate, along with those who will be voters in the future, should also fully engage themselves in the work of reform. National election likely between late 2025 or early 2026, says CA Dr Yunus “To make the work of reform easier for the citizens, we have formed 15 reform commissions. We will get their reports in January,” Dr Yunus said. The responsibility of each reform commission is to identify the main options and recommend one to the nation. In each case, he said, the recommendations are made by drawing on the opinions of different parties on how the future will be shaped through reforms, making it easier for citizens to decide. Dr Yunus said he does not know what the Election Reform Commission will recommend but if the majority of the people of the country like the age to be recommended by the Commission, he will accept it to reach a consensus. "All the reform commissions will place many recommendations to us. We have now reached a stage that whatever anyone’s opinion, we want to accomplish the reform works by quickly establishing a consensus,” the CA said. He said the interim government wants to make arrangements so that "we can move forward on the path of elections". It’s not true BNP prioritising election over reforms: Fakhrul Dr Yunus said it is the responsibility of all-every citizen, political party, every social, economic, business and religious community-to participate in the reform process with joy. He said the responsibility of each reform commission is to identify the main alternatives and recommend one of those to the nation. Recalling with deep respect all the warriors who took part in the long struggle against fascism, he said, "I especially salute the students who were martyred in the July mass uprising. Our debt to those who were injured, who lost their eyesight and who lost their limbs cannot be repaid. The nation will never forget their inspiration and contribution to the formation of a new Bangladesh." Dr Yunus said the sacrifices of the martyrs in the July uprising will not be meaningful without building a just society. Fascism drove Bangladesh away from all idealistic goals and put the nation into deep darkness, he said. "We are working to bring our beloved Bangladesh back to the path of equality, human dignity and justice," the chief adviser said, stressing the need for building an economy that ensures equality of wealth and opportunity for all. Dr Yunus said there will be such a political and state environment where the identity of minority and majority will be irrelevant. "We all have one identity-I am a citizen of Bangladesh and the state is obliged to ensure all my rights," he added.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday clarified that a misconception has taken hold in some quarters that the party is solely focused on elections and not on reforms. “We have been sincere about reforms from the very beginning. Unfortunately, we’re now hearing statements that the BNP does not want reforms, but only elections. This is not correct,” he told a dialogue. The Forum for Bangladesh Studies organised the dialogue titled 'Unity, Reform, Election' at the Krishibid Institution in the capital. Fakhrul said that the BNP is committed to participating in the elections only after necessary reforms are carried out to ensure a free, fair and credible voting process. “We keep talking about elections because it’s the main gateway to democracy and the democratic process,” he asserted. Describing the BNP's sincerity regarding reforms, he mentioned that their party Chairperson Khaleda Zia presented Vision 2030 in 2016, outlining several reforms, including ensuring a balance of power between the President and the Prime Minister, limiting any individual to serving as Prime Minister for no more than two terms and introducing a bicameral parliament. He said BNP also unveiled a 31-point reform proposal after consulting with other democratic political parties, who had joined the movement against fascism, in 2022. “Our main problem is that there is no democratic practice here, and no democratic culture has been developed. Without a democratic culture, there will be repeated calls for reform,” the BNP leader said. He also pointed out that it would not be possible to achieve any meaningful progress by imposing changes from above without a democratic culture and structure in place. “The real problem is, who will implement these things (reforms)? Your administration and your government machinery are still completely under (the influence of) fascism,” Fakhrul observed. He said democracy would only succeed in Bangladesh if proper structures are built and institutions are fixed and made suitable for democratic processes. The BNP leader also emphasised the need to change the mindset of people in order to accept and adapt to the evolving situation and system. "We have to practise democracy for developing that mindset. There’ll be mistakes, there’ll be errors... through this, you have to take the bureaucracy and system forward," he said. Fakhrul said the nation needs to remember the sacrifices of the people for the country’s Liberation War in 1971 and the subsequent democratic movements. "I need to say another important thing that we should never forget 1971. We need to remember each and every one of the continuous struggles for democracy since 1971. Through that struggles, through the sacrifices of the students, we have reached the position we are in now," he said. The BNP leader assured that their party is always in favour of necessary reforms to make democracy stronger and more functional. "We have worked for that and will continue to do so in the future. At the same time, we think that nothing should be imposed from above by excluding the people. We have to prepare the people. We want to do these things together with everyone.” He said the questions regarding unity, reform, and elections are arising now, as Bangladesh is going through a very complicated political period. "It’s unfortunate for us as a nation that, even after 53 years of independence, we still have to discuss these issues. It would have been better if we could have worked on these matters from the beginning and moved forward," Fakhrul said. He called upon the different commissions formed by the government to ensure public engagement in the reform process. "Please, create mechanisms for the interaction with the people." The BNP leader said the government-formed reform commissions will submit their proposals to the government, after which the government will sit with the political parties. "If they (the commission) had sat with the political parties first, I think it would have been more effective and better." He said it will now take time to finalise the reform proposals, as the government will discuss the matter with political parties. "In our opinion, the longer the time passes, the problems will increase further."

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that the tenure of the interim government will be less than four years, and their intention is to hold the election as quickly as possible. "I didn't say that I will be (in power) for four years. This is the maximum term. But that's not our intention. Our intention is to get it (hold polls) done as quickly as possible," he said while responding to a question during an interview with Qatar-based media Al Jazeera. Prof Yunus said the exact timeframe for the interim government's tenure has not been determined yet. He said the regular government is for five years and the new Constitution may say four years, probably. "It should be under four years, that's for sure. It may be less," Prof Yunus said. 27 envoys of European countries to meet Prof Yunus soon in Dhaka The chief adviser said it is all about what people and political parties want. "If political parties say forget about it (reform), give the election, we will do it," Prof Yunus said. Asked if he plans to stand for election, Yunus said, "I am not a politician. I enjoy my role and what I have been doing. In my last stage of my life, I am not going to change that." In the interview, Dr Yunus acknowledged the challenges ahead. “Bangladesh is deep in corruption because of the system that we had for the past 15 years – mismanagement, misgovernance, the destruction of our institutions,” he said, adding that rebuilding the system “point by point, sector by sector” will be a “big task”. Highlighting the important reforms before the next national elections, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday pledged that they will hold the desired elections on completion of some necessary reforms. Reforms aimed at ensuring ‘free, fair’ elections: Dr Yunus tells UK Minister “I am not sure how much opportunity we will get to implement the reform proposals. But I am giving you a word, if you give us a scope, we will hold your desired elections after completing some necessary reforms. Till then, I request you to be patient,” he said in a televised address to the nation in the evening, marking the completion of 100 days of the interim government. The Election Commission will be formed in a few days, the chief adviser said, adding that all the responsibility of organising the elections will fall on the Election Commission once it is formed. Mentioning that the question of when the elections will be held is on everyone's mind, Prof Yunus said they want to create an electoral system that will be followed for ages in the country and it will help save the country from any political crisis. “For this, I am seeking the necessary time from you. Once the decision on electoral reforms is made, you will also get the election roadmap very soon,” said the Nobel Laureate who took oath as the chief adviser on August 8.

Two of the three parliamentary seats were won by Awami League’s candidates in Thakurgaon and one by Jatiya Party's ‘plough’ in the 12th parliamentary elections. Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan elected by 140,000 Magura-I constituency Ramesh Chandra Sen and Mazharul Islam Sujan from Awami League won in Thakurgaon-1 and Thakurgaon-2 respectively while Hafizuddin Ahmed from Jatiya Party in Thakurgaon-3. Hasina wins Gopalganj-3