BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged the interim government to manifest its commitment to ensuring people's voting rights through a credible election in a bid to strengthen ties with people and build their trust. Speaking at a council, he also warned that people will not tolerate it if they find the incompetence of the government in running the country.  "The interim government has already taken an initiative to restructure the Election Commission. People expect to cast their votes freely, without fear, in a neutral and transparent environment and to elect their representatives," the BNP leader said. He said the relationship between the government and people will grow stronger if the public can maintain their confidence in it. "When people will see that the government is genuinely working to uphold their voting and other fundamental rights, their trust in the government will naturally deepen." Tarique addressed the concluding session of the third National Council of the Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh as the chief guest at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. He said all the evil efforts of plotters will go in vain if the interim government can meet even the minimum of the people's demands. “If the political and economic empowerment of the people is not ensured, then no matter what we call democracy, development, or reform, none of it will be sustainable," Tarique said. He also said the main tool of a citizen's political power is the right to vote. "If people are not given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, their relationship and partnership with the state will not be established." Tarique said the deposed autocrats and their associates, both within the country and abroad, as well as elements within the administration, are actively working to fail the interim government. "If they succeed in undermining this government, they will also fail democracy and the millions of Bangladeshis who cherish democratic values," the BNP leader said. In such a situation, he said, some decisions of the interim government appear to ignore the people's aspirations, instead imposing what they believe is best for the public. "Despite numerous dissatisfactions and shortcomings, the people wish to maintain their trust in the government. But does the government want that? If the trust between the government and people is strong and close, the conspirators will not succeed in spreading their plots," he said. Tarique said Sheikh Hasina fled the country after brutally injuring around 30,000 people and killing approximately 2,000 students and mass people.   "The interim government then assumed responsibility for the devastated administration and state. While it is impossible to remove the mess created by the mafia government over 15 years in just three months, it is neither unreasonable nor unusual for the public to question the success or failure of the interim government after this period," the BNP leader said. He said the government must remember that it may not be possible to meet all the demands of the people. “However, if there is a lack of competence within the government, or if the public perceives it, they will not naturally accept it.” Tarique also said if priorities are set incorrectly during the reform process, it will be seen by the people as a sign of the government's inefficiency. He lamented that those injured in the mass uprising have recently taken to the streets coming out of a hospital, demanding proper treatment. “This is a deeply shameful sight for all democracy-loving people in the country, especially for the common citizens and those who have conscience. Naturally, a question arises: Why is the treatment and safety of those injured during the July-August mass uprising not a priority for the interim government? Or where does it stand on their list of priorities?” the BNP leader said. He also highlighted that people across all levels of society are enduring immense hardship due to rising prices of daily essentials, with the government failing to dismantle the market syndicates. “So, another question arises: Where does lowering the prices of commodities rank on the interim government's priority list?” Tarique asked. He said not all actions of the interim government may be viewed as successes by everyone. “However, the failure of this interim government is a failure for all of us. We must recognise this,” he said. The BNP leader pointed out that over the past 15 years, autocratic governments made the country increasingly dependent on imports and foreign loans.  "The country needs to be freed from such a situation”. Stating that their party has already submitted a 31-point reform proposal of the state, he said it is a historic document for the future development of Bangladesh. Speaking at the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the country is facing a very critical time. "We must navigate this period with great caution." He urged the interim government to quickly complete the necessary electoral reforms to ensure credible and acceptable elections, in line with the people's wishes. Tarique also called on BNP leaders and activists to preserve the party's image by refraining from any wrongdoings and standing firm against any form of injustice. BNP Standing Committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, among others, addressed the programme, with Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers Association of Bangladesh President Fakhrul Alam in the chair.

Petrobangla – the Bangladesh Oil, Gas & Mineral Corporation – faces uncertainty about how to proceed with a new bidding process for establishing two private sector LNG terminals, recently cancelled by the interim government. Petrobangla officials revealed that they remain unclear about whether to follow the Public Procurement Rule (PPR) 2008 to invite a tender for the two projects or to consult the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) office for  implementation. Of the two cancelled projects, Petrobangla had signed a contract with Summit Group for one terminal, while a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed with the US-based Excelerate Energy for the other under the previous Awami League government. However, upon taking office, the interim government’s Adviser for the Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Ministry directed Petrobangla to cancel both projects.  The contracts had been awarded to private sponsors under the Speedy Increase of Power and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010 without any tender. These cancelled projects are in addition to two existing floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), commonly known as LNG terminals, located in Maheshkhali and established in the private sector under the same Special Provision Act of 2010, also without a tender process. The US-based Excelerate set up the first terminal in Moheshkhali in 2018, with a daily capacity of 600 million cubic feet (MMCFD) of gas.  Local firm Summit Group developed the second terminal in 2019, also in Moheshkhali, with a capacity of 500 MMCFD. Through these two terminals, Petrobangla has been supplying roughly 1,100 MMCFD of gas to the national grid by importing LNG from abroad. Read: Petrobangla to make a fresh short list of LNG suppliers of int'l spot market soon Bangladesh’s current daily gas production stands at about 3,100 MMCFD, including 1,100 MMCFD from imported LNG, against a demand of approximately 4,000 MMCFD. To address the rising demand, the previous Awami League government had initiated plans to set up two additional LNG terminals with similar capacities, awarding contracts to the same private sponsors, Excelerate Energy and Summit Group. Under these agreements, both Excelerate and Summit Group secured billion-dollar annual contracts to provide LNG regasification services.  However, following the departure of the previous government, the interim administration decided to cancel the projects, aiming to re-award them through a more transparent and competitive bidding process. Petrobangla subsequently encountered uncertainty in launching a fresh tender process for the two LNG terminal projects.  The issue lies in whether to proceed with the Public Procurement Rule (PPR) 2008 or to follow the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. "We are still evaluating both legal frameworks to determine which one to follow," Petrobangla Chairman Zanendra Nath Sarker told UNB. “A renowned procurement expert is also assisting us in this matter,” he said.  Read more: Petrobangla to extend submission time for int'l offshore bidding by 3 months He mentioned that once the tender process is clarified, Petrobangla intends to release an open tender for the LNG terminal projects. The chairman acknowledged that Petrobangla faces difficulties since no previous project in the private sector has been implemented through an open tender.  

The Council of Advisers of the interim government is set to be expanded today (Sunday), with new members expected to take oath later in the evening. "Yes, it's getting expanded. But I can't tell you the number at this moment," a senior official of the interim government told UNB. The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban in the presence of senior government officials and dignitaries. Cabinet Division sources said five vehicles have been kept ready for the new advisers. Md Abul Hasnat Humayun Kabir, Transport Commissioner (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Government Transport, said they were instructed to prepare vehicles for new advisers. “We have prepared five vehicles.” The vehicles will be sent to the advisers' homes to pick them up, and then they will be brought to Bangabhaban for the oath-taking ceremony. The current interim government, headed by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, has 20 advisers. Army Chief meets CA Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus earlier in the day at his Tejgaon office. Details of the meeting were not disclosed. In the face of student-led mass uprising, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on August 5. Subsequently, parliament was dissolved and an interim government, led by Prof Yunus, was formed. So far, 20 advisers took oath of office in three phases.  

The European Union on Wednesday informed the interim government that it is ready to support Bangladesh in every possible way in its reform initiatives and fight against corruption. “The message is very clear. The European Union is with you. We want to support your reform (initiatives),” Paola Pampaloni, Director, Asia and Pacific Department of European External Action Service told Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus confirming the support of 27 member states of the European Union for Bangladesh. She expressed the readiness of the European countries to support Bangladesh when she called on the Chief Adviser at his office at Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Wednesday. Michael Miller, the ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, was also present. Pampaloni said that there will be no shortage of funds for reform, and they will also provide Bangladesh’s interim government with technical support for accomplishing the job.  

The interim government continues its sincere efforts to bring back the huge money laundered abroad though it remains a tough task, says Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. “You know it is a tough task but our efforts are on. This is the money of the people of Bangladesh. We hope if the (laundered) money is returned, people of the country will be benefited,” he said while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Sunday. We’re dismayed, very shocked if it’s true, says CA’s press secretary on Adani’s deadline   Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present. The interim government, headed by Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus has been giving importance on recovery of stolen money, since the very beginning of their tenure. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said every year some $12 billion to $ 15 billion was siphoned off from Bangladesh during the regime of Awami League government. The Chief Adviser in his meetings with the head of the states, foreign envoys and other organizations discussed the issue which remains was one of the main agenda of his government. Prof Yunus calls for collaborative approach, peace globally  Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) is also working on it, Alam said. The finance adviser and the central bank governor during their annual meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also discussed the issue, he said. Alam said the interim government recognises the significant contributions of the four national leaders -- Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, AHM Quamruzzaman and M Mansur Ali -- who were killed in jail on November 3, 1975, and played vital roles during the great Liberation War.

The interim government hopes that a decision will be taken on the basis of political consensus regarding the President as the discussion is still underway. “We expect that a decision will be taken based on a consensus. Once the decision is taken, you will know it,” Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday evening. CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir were present. Azad said the Council of Advisers is also discussing the issue and there are efforts to reach a political consensus through discussions with all the political stakeholders and those involved in the students-led mass uprising. No decision yet over President issue: Interim govt Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convener Hasnat Abdullah, Spokesperson Umama Fatema, and Chief Organiser Abdul Hannan Masud, along with Jatiya Nagorik Committee Convener Nasiruddin Patoari and Spokesperson Samantha Sharmin and Akhter Hossain met the BNP leaders on Saturday evening. Jamaat and leaders of the 12-party alliance agreed with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement regarding the removal of the president. "President Mohammed Sahabuddin must step down as a situation of national discomfort has arisen concerning him," said movement convenor Hasnat Abdullah. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) reaffirmed its position on Sunday, stressing that the interim government must avoid any hasty steps and should operate within the constitutional framework. “We believe that all actions should be conducted within a constitutional framework without resorting to any arbitrary measures. We can’t provide the BNP's position like this. We have a party forum, and we will clarify our stance after discussing the matter in the forum,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The party has consistently urged the government to arrange an impartial election swiftly by implementing necessary electoral reforms.

BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Friday urged the interim government to prioritise completing electoral reforms fast, as people will not wait indefinitely for the next national election. “The interim government was tasked with the main issue of ensuring a credible election and restoring people’s voting rights.  However, it is focusing on other issues, straying from the primary problem,” he said. Gayeshwar made the remarks at an introductory meeting of the Munshiganj District unit Nari O Shishu Odhikar Forum at the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office. He expressed concern over various statements made by some advisers that have raised doubts about holding the election within a reasonable timeframe. “We’ll say Alhamdulillah for everything you do, but it should have a time limit, and patience has a time limit. Create a quick outline of the election and then do the rest,” Gayeshwar said. The BNP leader also pointed out that if the government attempts to address everything, nothing will succeed. "There is no need for new reforms, as the people won’t wait indefinitely for elections." Stating that it is the responsibility of politicians to reform the state, he said the interim government should not take months after months for the reforms. Gayeshwar noted that the BNP has already presented a 31-point reform outline which the government can review and engage in talks with political parties. “Reforms should be based on consensus with political parties. Political problems need to be resolved by politicians,” he observed. The BNP leader said that a plot of depoliticisation initiated during the 1/11 political changeover is still ongoing. "Politics has to be dealt with through politics.” “If you (govt) think that only students put you in power, then you are wrong, and you’ll stumble. The anti-autocracy movement is the final outcome of years of agitation by people of all classes and professions,” he said.

Two months into its tenure, Bangladesh's interim government is encountering increasing scrutiny over delays in appointing key administrative officials. With seven secretaries still unappointed in various ministries and divisions, and a lack of deputy commissioners (DCs) in eight districts, the ramifications for governance and public administration are becoming increasingly pronounced. The void in leadership positions raises concerns about the capacity of the government to effectively implement policies and deliver services. Files circulating among civil service officials reveal a backlog of denied promotions and appointments during the previous government, which has fostered discontent among both deprived personnel and those who have recently secured promotions. The Ministry of Public Administration has shown little urgency in addressing these vacancies. The slow pace of selection and appointment for qualified officials in crucial roles has left many civil servants frustrated. Chaos over DC appointments: Committee recommends action against 17 deputy secretaries Currently, there are seven vacant secretary positions across various ministries and divisions. Despite the long wait, only three officials have been elevated to the rank of secretary. Many who were promoted to additional secretary have since retired without receiving a posting, contributing to a backlog that hampers effective governance. Among the 133 individuals promoted as joint secretaries, a mere 65 have been allocated to various ministries, while 45 remain in their previous roles. This stagnation has left additional secretaries unable to make necessary policy decisions, further complicating the governance landscape. The files for the postings of deprived personnel are reportedly circulating without action, indicating a significant delay in moving forward with appointments. Read: Experts suggest quick reforms in recruitment for transparency in administration The failure to appoint DCs is particularly concerning, as eight districts currently operate without leadership. Following a brief attempt to appoint new officials as DCs on September 10, those appointments were abruptly cancelled just a day later. This leaves the districts of Rajshahi, Natore, Joypurhat, Sirajganj, Kushtia, Rajbari, Shariatpur, and Dinajpur without any appointed officials, causing a vacuum in local governance. Although additional deputy commissioners (ADCs) continue to manage routine functions, the absence of formal leadership severely limits their effectiveness. Dr Anwar Ullah, President of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and Secretary of the Statistics and Information Management Division, addressed the situation, emphasising the need for suitable postings for deprived officials. “I am not saying that everyone must become a secretary,” he stated. “Besides the position of secretary, there is no barrier to becoming the DG of various departments, chairman of authorities, or divisional commissioners.” His comments reflect the frustrations felt among many civil servants who are eagerly awaiting appropriate placements. Calls for swift action are mounting from various quarters, as the administrative delays have left many qualified individuals in limbo. ABM Abdus Sattar, a former joint secretary and convener of the Anti-Discrimination Employees Unity Forum, criticised the ongoing procrastination in appointing qualified personnel. “Even after two months of the interim government, it still has not been able to appoint secretaries in two ministries and five divisions, DCs in eight districts,” he remarked. Sattar further noted that, despite the promotion of some officials, delays persist in their postings, causing significant frustration among civil servants. Read more: Interim Govt's success hinges on eradicating 'ghost of fascism' from administration: Fakhrul  “Files regarding the postings of deprived officials are being stuck at every level,” he added. “Among them, the deprived in the administration are suffering from deprivation.” His comments underscore the widespread discontent among civil servants, many of whom feel sidelined in the current administrative reshuffle. Dr Mohammad Mokhles-ur Rahman, senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, attempted to reassure stakeholders by stating that appointments would be expedited for the vacant positions of secretaries and DCs. “We are proceeding with the appointments in a thoughtful manner to avoid any questions,” he explained. He also expressed a commitment to prioritising the postings of deprived officials according to their qualifications. The ongoing situation reflects broader issues within the interim government's administrative framework, particularly as it seeks to navigate the transition from the previous administration. The Ministries of Shipping, and Cultural Affairs are among those lacking secretaries, while crucial divisions such as the Planning Division, Financial Institutions Division, Security Services Division, and Local Government Division also remain without leadership. The lack of a cohesive strategy to fill these vacancies poses challenges for effective governance at both the national and local levels. The eight districts without DCs are particularly vulnerable, as the ADCs struggle to maintain operations in the absence of formal leadership. The ongoing administrative void raises questions about the ability of the interim government to restore stability and deliver essential services to the public, analysts say. As the interim government continues its efforts to stabilise and reorganise the administrative framework, the pressure mounts to fill these vacancies and restore confidence among civil servants and the public alike. The next steps taken by the Ministry of Public Administration will be critical in determining the trajectory of governance and service delivery in Bangladesh, as well as the morale of a workforce eagerly awaiting recognition and rightful placement in the evolving administrative landscape.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday said the people of the country are looking at the interim government with a suspicion due to its delay in announcing a specific timeframe of the national election. Speaking at a programme in the capital’s Demra area, he urged the government to rein in the rising prices of daily essentials by taking action against the Awami business syndicate that controls the market. “I would like to tell Dr Muhammad Yunus that you should carry out the reforms. But why do you hesitate so much to declare the election date? Democracy means that no matter what happens, you must clearly inform people as they have doubts about these matters,” Rizvi said. He said the government has formed various commissions for state reforms, but it did not specify the deadline for submitting reports or how many days it will take to hold a free and fair election. The BNP leader said people have been waiting for a credible election for 15 years to choose their representatives and parties to form the government. “Having clarity and a roadmap are two essential conditions of democracy. You are hesitating regarding the timeframe, and people are viewing this with some suspicion.” Rizvi accuses govt of 'hide and seek' over arrest of Hasina's ministers ‘Amra BNP Paribar’ arranged the programme at Demar’s Konapara to express sympathy to the family members of seven people who were killed by police firing during the recent student-led mass movement. Rizvi said Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is a revered person who has brought international honour for Bangladesh. “But he must first consider what can ease public life and where people find comfort. To ensure that low-income people can eat properly, you must prioritise market control.” “You (govt) have reduced tariffs on many items, but there has been no effect in the market. The prices of sugar, rice, edible oil and onions have not declined due to the market syndicate. Arrest these Awami syndicate members and bring them under the law to control the market,” he said. Otherwise, the BNP leader said, it would be a betrayal of the spirit of democracy, the spirit of the movement, and the blood of those who sacrificed their lives. He noted that Sheikh Hasina had used every possible method to secure her power but had failed in the face of a student-led mass movement. “She had not brought real criminals to justice; instead, she imprisoned those who opposed her. When this failed to prolong her power, she resorted to killings, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions, which were particularly evident in July and August,” Rizvi observed.

Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law of the interim government, and Md. Nahid Islam, Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, held a meeting with Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed on Tuesday afternoon. The meeting, which lasted about half an hour, took place at the Supreme Court. According to Supreme Court sources, several students accompanied the advisers to the court, but they did not attend the meeting. While no official details of the discussion were disclosed, it is speculated that the ongoing political situation, including the possible resignation of the President, was among the topics discussed. Govt shares Law Adviser’s view about President Shahabuddin: Apurba Some have suggested the chief justice may be asked to ascend to the post of president, should incumbent Shahabuddin Chuppu resign. At a rally held at the Central Shaheed Minar on Tuesday afternoon, Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, demanded the resignation of President Md. Shahabuddin by Thursday. Another coordinator, Abdul Hannan Masud, echoed the same demand during the rally. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement organized the rally in response to President Md. Shahabuddin’s controversial remarks concerning the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calling for his resignation in protest. Besides, different groups of protesters staged demonstrations in front of Bangabhaban throughout Tuesday demanding the removal of the president.