The  government has invited UN Secretary General António Guterres to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time in 2025 to see by himself the transformation the country  is going through.  On behalf of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith extended the invitation on December 17. The Secretary General reiterated his full support for the interim government headed by Prof Yunus.  He also expressed the hope that Bangladesh will continue its active role to promote multilateralism in the UN system, particularly in addressing the global challenges such as climate change, development, international peace and security, food and water insecurity, etc.  Ambassador Muhith paid farewell call on the UN Secretary General António Guterres in the UN Headquarters. CA Dr Yunus leaves for Egypt to attend D-8 summit During the meeting, the Permanent Representative discussed the all-stakeholder high-level International Conference on Rohingya in the first quarter of 2025, as decided by the UN member states in the resolution adopted recently by consensus in the 79th session of UN General Assembly.  Ambassador Muhith sought Secretary General’s necessary cooperation in organising a result-oriented conference which would review the overall crisis in order to propose a comprehensive, concrete and time-bound plan for a sustainable resolution of the crisis, including voluntary, safe and dignified return of Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar.  US reaffirms support for Rohingya amid concern over Myanmar The UN Secretary General expressed his deep concern over the plight of the Rohingyas and highly commended Bangladesh for sheltering the displaced Rohingyas.  He assured UN’s full support for the high-level conference in 2025 and emphasised the success of the conference towards finding an early and durable solution to the crisis. Ambassador Muhith briefed the UN Secretary General about the formation of the six reform commissions by the interim government in the areas of public administration, Anti-Corruption Commission, judiciary, police, the electoral system, and the constitution, in the lead up to holding a free, fair and credible general election in Bangladesh.  The UN Secretary General highly appreciated Ambassador Muhith for his outstanding contributions as a PR of Bangladesh to the UN and expected that Bangladesh would benefit from his long experience and expertise in multilateralism in the coming years.  In the farewell call, the officials from Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN and the Executive Office of the Secretary General were present.  Ambassador Muhith, a career diplomat and former Bangladesh Ambassador to Austria and Denmark, joined the Bangladesh Permanent Mission in New York in August 2022.  UN reappoints Dr Debapriya to Committee for Development Policy During his tenure, he served as the President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS for 2024, Chair of the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) of UN General Assembly for its 79th Session, Chair of UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2022 and Vice Chair for 2023, and President of Executive Board of UN Women for 2022.  He has been elected as a member of the prestigious International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) for 2025-2028 in a heavily contested election held in November this year at the UN Headquarters in New York.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir returned home from Canberra, Australia, on Friday night after a 15-day personal visit. The BNP leader, along with his wife Rahat Ara Begum, reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a Singapore Airlines flight at aboit 10:25pm, his personal assistant M Yunus Ali told UNB. The BNP leader went to Australia on October 10 to visit his elder daughter. His wife went to Australia earlier, but the couple returned home together. Fakhrul off to Australia to see his daughter Fakhrul's eldest daughter, Dr Shamaruh Mirza, is a medical scientist who has been living in Canberra, Australia, since 2006. While she is a doctor, Shamaruh is primarily recognised as a women's organiser.  In 2017, she co-founded SiTara’s Story to provide women from diverse backgrounds a safe space to discuss their challenges and gain confidence. The organisation allows women to talk about stigmatised topics without fear, form support networks, and empower themselves.  In 2021, SiTara’s Story received the ACT Mental Health Month award, and Shamaruh was a finalist for the Canberra Community Spirits Award. In 2022, she was honoured with Australia’s prestigious award ‘Australian of the Year.’

Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu on Wednesday said the Election Commission's roadmap for the 12th parliamentary election is valueless. He doubted that the Election Commission (EC) that has no power would be able to conduct a fair election. As per the law, Chunnu said, the executive branch of the country is supposed to work under the EC during the polls, but nothing is mentioned about what will happen if the executive branch does not listen to the commission. “So, the executive branch is not bound to obey the directives of the Election Commission,” the Jatiya Party leader said. He said their party wanted the Election Commission to be empowered by enacting a law so that the commission can take immediate action if anyone disobeys its order. “But the Election Commission does not want to be empowered.” Chunnu made the comments at the launching programme of an associate body of the Jatiya Party at its chairman’s Banani office. Earlier in the day, the EC unveiled a roadmap for the 12th parliamentary election at a function at the auditorium of the Nirbachan Bhaban. As per the roadmap, the general election will be held by January 29, 2024, using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in 150 constituencies out of 300 across the country. Chunnu said the Election Commission has been making contradictory comments since the beginning. “They’re saying that it's not their job to bring someone to the polls. Then why did you discuss so much with so many political parties? They said, if everyone wants, the election will be held through ballots. The ruling party wants the use of EVM.  Then will the commission use EVMs ignoring the opinions of the majority of the parties?” He said the Election Commission has decided to buy 2 lakh more EVMs to conduct elections in 150 seats alongside constructing 10 warehouses in 10 regions of the country for EVM storage and maintenance. Read: Jatiya Party relieves Ranga from all party posts “For this, the Election Commission has prepared a budget of about Tk9, 000 crore. Such a decision is unacceptable amid the economic crisis of the country,” the Jatiya Party leader observed. Stating that the people of the country no longer want to see Awami League and BNP in power, he said the two major parties have failed to ensure good governance in the country.  “People of the country want to see a third political force. Jatiya Party is trying to be that alternative force.”   Chunnu said Jatiya Party will not be there in any alliance as it is preparing to participate in the election in all three hundred seats. “The Jatiya Party will not go to anyone else's alliance. If any political force wants to join us under the leadership of Jatiya Party, we will consider it.”

The scheduled visit of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha has been deferred as he is hospitalised. “He’s hospitalised. Therefore, the visit can’t take place at this time,” a senior official at the ministry of foreign affairs told UNB on Friday night. Read: Recent ICJ ruling dismissing Myanmar's objections to bring momentum for effective int'l action: OIC The OIC Secretary General was scheduled to arrive at 10:50am on Saturday. Taha was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at 3:30pm on Saturday. Taha was elected the new Secretary General for a five-year term starting from 17 November 2021. A national of the Republic of Chad, Taha took his oath of office on being elected Secretary General of the OIC at the forty-seventh session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held on November 27-28, 2020 in Niamey, capital of the Republic of Niger.

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment in a city hospital with liver cirrhosis and other health complications, has deteriorated again. “Madam’s (Khaleda’s) health condition has worsened again. Different parameters of her health are showing a downward trend from yesterday (Tuesday),” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. READ:  Khaleda’s treatment abroad: BNP’s rallies in 32 districts from Dec 22 Speaking at a press conference at BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday, he also said Khaleda’s hemoglobin level is also dropping. Replying to a question, Fakhrul said there had been no internal bleeding of Khaleda until Tuesday. He said they have long been demanding the government allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment but the government is paying no heed to it as there is no democracy and human rights in the country. “The accountability to people is hampered at every step in a country that lacks democracy and which is now prevailing everywhere now in Bangladesh,” he said. Fakhrul said people cannot enjoy human rights and personal security when democracy remains missing in any country. “The government’s obstruction to sending three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia abroad is the latest example.” Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13. Her medical board members said Khaleda immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. READ:  Documents regarding Khaleda's birthday submitted to HC On behalf of her family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment. Law Minister Anisul Huq recently said the government is looking for a legal option to allow Khaleda to go abroad for treatment.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said Awami League’s desire for a fair election is like the "devil listening to the scriptures". “The Awami League general secretary yesterday (Thursday) said the Prime Minister wants a free and fair election in the country so that everyone can vote. It’s like the devil listening to the scriptures," he said. Read:Election only under neutral administration, says BNP Speaking at a human-chain programme, the BNP leader said Awami League is now talking about a fair election after “destroying” the election system and three national elections. Fakhrul said the election system has now reached such a state in the country that a Shariatpur MP said he would select the chairmen and members in the UP polls. “We can't imagine such a scenario of our country. We fought for democracy in 1971, but they (govt) have now established a one-party rule by throwing that democracy into the Bay of Bengal.” Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, protesting the growing price hike of daily essentials. Fakhrul alleged that the current government cannot tolerate dissent and criticisms at all. He claimed that police attacked their party leaders and activists from behind without any provocation while they were returning home after a peace rally in front of their Nayapltan central office on Tuesday. The BNP leader said the law enforcers charged batons and opened fire on their leaders and activists, leaving many of them injured. “But cases are now being filed against our hundreds of leaders and activists. Why are you so sacred?  You fear us as you’ve lost the ground beneath your feet. You won’t even get the escape route the day people will take to the streets,” he said. Read:BNP men clash with police in city Fakhrul called upon the administration not to take a stand against people by abetting the government that has been indulging in ‘plundering’ and ‘anti-people activities. He said ruling party leaders are becoming millionaires through ‘corruption and looting’ while people are getting poorer. The BNP leader said people are going through immense sufferings as the prices of essential commodities, including that of rice, pulses, eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, kerosene oil and edible oil are continuously soaring since the government has lost control over the market. He said the ruling party business syndicates are hiking the prices of the essentials and making a quick buck. “People are now living in a suffocating situation in the country… there’s now no alternative to waging a strong movement to get rid of it.”

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday said life has become miserable in Bangladesh as the government has failed to ensure vaccine shots for people due to 'massive corruption' in the health sector. “The health sector is in a sorry state. So far, there’s no guarantee for people to have vaccine jabs as those involved in the health sector and vaccine procurement are bogged down in corruption,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a roundtable discussion arranged by Zia Parishad central committee at the Jatiya Press Club, marking party founder Ziaur Rahman’s 40th death anniversary. Fakhrul accused the government of destroying the economy in a planned way by establishing a reign of plundering in the country. “They’re taking mega projects and plundering public money. A project worth Tk 10,000 crore is becoming a project worth Tk 50,000 crore. This is how they’re formulating mega projects as money-making tools." He said the government is making allocations for unproductive activities like erecting big gates in educational institutions. “It’s now more important to build classrooms than gates, but they’re not doing that.” READ: Journalists exercising self-censorship out of fear: Fakhrul The BNP leader said now there is no security of people in the country due to a sharp rise in social crimes. “Now we see horrible incidents, including murders, while we open newspapers. The incident that came in today's (Sunday’s) newspapers is that a girl has killed her parents and sister. Such incidents reflect the country’s socio-economic condition.” He bemoaned that there is a serious social degradation in Bangladesh for lack of democracy and the government’s accountability to people. Fakhrul said farmers are passing through a very difficult time as the government is unable to take necessary steps to ensure the fair prices of their produces. Speaking at the programme, BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said their party founder Ziaur Rahman ensured the dignity of people by developing the country and creating job opportunities through various initiatives. “He had also planted a garden of multiparty democracy on the grave of one-party rule. But those who’re now in power have been making continuous efforts to demean him with their unguarded comments.” READ: Shun infighting first to launch oust-govt movement: Fakhrul to BNP leaders He called upon all to get united to ‘restore’ democracy and establish a pro-people government in the country through an effective movement.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday advised his party colleagues to move ahead with a hope of success instead of getting frustrated over their current failures. "Many of us question whether anything (positive) will happen. Whenever you think of it, you should understand you’re finished. A person apparently dies when he/she loses hope. So, we’ve to move on with a hope of success,” he said. Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader said, “One thing you have to keep in mind is that 90% of people in the country are in favour of us, and you’ll find it wherever you go. I can assure you that we must turn victorious and we’ve to move forward with this hope.” Also read: BNP wants permanent accommodation for slum dwellers Dhaka North city unit BNP arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 40th death anniversary of its founder Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul said the people of all walks of life, including the poor, have got fed up with the ‘misrule’ of the Awami League-led government and its failures to deliver on all fronts. “You (govt) are taking mega projects worth thousands of crores of taka. Why don’t you take a project for slum dwellers when Sat Tala slum was gutted?” he said. The BNP leader said the government is hardly concerned about public suffering as it is busy protecting the interests of the ruling party men. Also read: Govt's apathy behind recurring slum fires: BNP He urged the leaders and activists of the Dhaka north city unit BNP not to make their efforts only to get the posts and positions of the party. "Don’t become inactive after the formation of the committee. Let’s all try with all our strength to achieve a victory...we believe that victory is inevitable if we remain on the right path." Recalling the role of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman in the country’s Liberation War and its development, Fakhrul urged the party leaders and activists to follow his ideology to get success in politics. BNP standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, chairperson’s adviser Abdus Salam and organising secretary Fazlul Haq Milon, among others, spoke at the programme.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday alleged that the government has turned the country into a ‘hell’ by arresting and repressing the opposition leaders and activists amid a pandemic. In a statement, he alleged that police are not only arresting BNP leaders and activists in different parts of the country, including Brahmanbaria, Dhaka and Narsingdi, but also raiding their houses, launching a crackdown. “The Awami League government has turned the whole country into a hell. They’re arresting the leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies every day. Even in the month of Ramadan, the monstrous image of the government seems to have taken a bigger shape,” Fakhrul said. Also read: Fakhrul regrets BNP’s failure to revitalise organisations He urged the government to immediately stop such arrests and release the arrested opposition leaders and activists. Amid people’s anxiety and panic over the coronavirus pandemic, the BNP leader said, the government did not reduce its level of repression on the opposition leaders and activists. “Rather it has multiplied many times.” Fakhrul said the people of Bangladesh are now going through a tough time under the ‘barbaric’ rule of an ‘oppressive regime’. Also read: Govt-backed syndicate behind price hike of essentials: Fakhrul “The people of the country are fed-up at the cruel and inhuman behaviour of the Awami government. The patriotic people and the political leaders and activists must be united to protect the country from misrule. There’s no alternative to forging a unity,” he observed.