Acting editor of Amar Desh newspaper, Mahmudur Rahman, has demanded arrest warrant against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. “Sheikh Hasina took away the people's freedom of speech and is directly implicated in the recent massacres,” he said during a meeting with journalists at the Kushtia Press Club today. He called for bringing her back to the country to face trial. Mahmudur emphasized, “Although fascism has been defeated, Indian dominance persists. We must rally around a Bengali Muslim identity. Sheikh Hasina's political downfall will come from our own culture, leading to the end of Indian hegemony.” Earlier in the day, he filed a case against 66 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina and ex-IGP Mohammad Javed Patwary, for an attack on him at a court premises in Kushtia about six years ago. Hasina, 65 others sued over attack on Mahmudur Rahman in Kushtia In response to a question, Mahmudur said, “Now that the rights of Bangladeshis, freedom of speech, and the dignity of the court have been restored, I could file this case.” He also demanded exemplary punishment for those involved in the incident. A total of 46 people including leaders and activists of Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League and Swechhasebak League were named in the case along with 15 to 20 unnamed. According to the case statement, Mahmudur Rahman came under attack by the accused when he was coming out of the Kushtia court after securing bail in a defamation case on July 22, 2018. Later, he returned to Dhaka by an ambulance. Ex-MP Mohibur Rahman Manik lands in jail In 2018, then Kushtia Chhatra League president Yeasir Arafat Tushar filed a case against Mahmudur Rahman, bringing allegation of making derogatory remarks about Tulip Siddiq, granddaughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and niece of Sheikh Hasina. Mahmudur Rahman also went to the home of BUET student Abrar Fahad, who was brutally murdered by a group of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leaders and activists inside the Sher-e-Bangla Hall of the university.  

Acting editor of Amar Desh Mahmudur Rahman on Thursday filed a case against 66 people including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, ex-IGP Mohammad Javed Patwary on charge of attacking him on a court premises in Kushtia around six years back. Kushtia Model Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Mahfuzur Haque Chowdhury said 46 people including leaders and activists of Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League and Swechhasebak League were named in the case and 15 to 20 were unnamed. Replying to a question, Mahmudur Rahman, who filed the case in person, said he demanded justice. Read: AL's Abul Hasanat Abdullah among 14 sued in murder case in Barishal According to the case statement, Mahmudur Rahman came under attack by the accused when he was coming out of the Kushtia court after securing bail in a defamation case on July 22, 2018. Later, he returned to Dhaka by an ambulance. In 2018, then district unit of Chhatra League president Yeasir Arafat Tushar filed a case against Mahmdur Rahman bringing allegation of making derogatory remarks about Tulip Siddiq, granddaughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and niece of Sheikh Hasina.

Former Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, former ministers Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan and several others were sued in a murder case filed over the killing of a grocery store owner Abu Sayeed in police shooting in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on July 19. Amir Hamza, a businessman and resident of Mohammadpur’s Adabor area, voluntarily filed the case in the Court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Rajesh Chowdhury on Tuesday, confirmed Manun Mia, his lawyer. The other named accused in the case are: former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, former additional commissioner of Detective Branch (DB) Harun Or Rashid, former Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner Habibur Rahman, and former DMP joint commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarker. Read more: Almost all police stations resume operations: Police HQ In his lawsuit, Amir said that Abu Sayeed was killed at around 4:00 pm on July 19, when police were firing indiscriminately at students and civilians during the quota reform protests. Police opened fire on people on the orders of the IGP and the then home minister. The victim's family members reside in Boda upazila, Panchagarh district. In his complaint, Amir said that the family is unable to pursue a lawsuit over the victim’s death. In addition, several unnamed high-ranking police and government officials have been charged in the case, according to lawyer Mamun Miah. Read more: AL can reorganize but if they try to cause disorder, the outcome will not be good: Adviser Sakhawat

The White House has ruled out any involvement of the United States behind the fall of Sheikh Hasina-led government, stressing that it is false. "So, we have had no involvement at all. Any — any reports or rumors that the United States government was involved in these — in these events is simply, simply false. That is not true," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at a press briefing on August 12. She said this is a choice for and by the Bangladeshi people. "We believe that the Bangladeshi people should determine the future of the Bangladeshi government, and that’s where we stand," said the White House press secretary. Read more: UN calls for inclusive and transparent parliamentary election in Bangladesh "Any allegations, certainly, we will continue to say, and I have said here, is simply not true," she added. A journalist mentioned that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reported to allies that she was thrown out — or forced to be out of power because U.S. wanted to have one of the islands given to them - the United States of America. And since — because they didn’t agree to it, she was forced to resign, the questioner mentioned. She said they are going to continue to monitor the situation. Respinding to a question on Hindu community, the press secretary said when it comes to any type of human rights issues here, the US president is always — has been very consistent in speaking loud and clear in public and also privately. Read more: No reason to get affected ties with India: Foreign Affairs Adviser "Don’t have anything — and he’ll continue to do that, but don’t have any specific engagement to speak to at this time," she said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said inflation in Bangladesh will come under control soon due to government’s various initiatives and a better outlook in the developed economies. “Inflation is expected to come down significantly in 2024 in key economies including the US and the European Union,” she told the parliament in reply to a tabled question from opposition Jatiya Party lawmaker Mujibul Haque Chunnu. Women now empowered in Bangladesh: PM She hoped that inflation will go down because of reduction in the prices of fuel, food products and fertilizers in the global market, adjustment of fuel oil prices and government initiatives to normalize the food supply situation. The prime minister’s comments came during her question-answer session. She said Bangladesh is experiencing various economic crises due to the adverse impact on the global economy triggered by Russia-Ukraine conflict and war-related sanctions that started soon after Covid-19 pandemic. Bangladesh and BIMSTEC to work together: PM Hasina “This has had a significant impact on inflation, subsidy expenditure, balance of trade, foreign exchange reserves and exchange rates,” she said. In reply to another query from Independent MP (from Dhaka-19) Saiful Islam, the Leader of the House said that the country is feeling the pressure of imported inflation due to the increase in the prices of some products in the world market such as fuel oil, edible oil, wheat, fertilisers, various food products, consumer goods and industrial raw materials. Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC “The government is currently continuing all kinds of activities to keep the prices of consumer goods normal,” she told the lawmaker.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Moahmed Al-Dabaiba has congratulated Sheikh Hasina on her reelection as prime minister of Bangladesh for a fifth term. “We were delighted to learn of your well-deserved confidence and appointment as the Prime Minister for a fifth term in the friendly Republic of Bangladesh,” he wrote in a letter. Women should be proud of PM Hasina for her capability, leadership: India's President The Libyan PM has recently sent the letter to Sheikh Hasina, said the Prime Minister’s Press Wing here on Friday. On this occasion, Abdul Hamid said he is pleased to extend his sincerest congratulations to  Hasina, wishing her success, prosperity, and progress for her esteemed people under her leadership of the government of Bangladesh. Ajit Doval's Dhaka visit part of high level exchange between 2 countries: MEA “I would like to take this opportunity to express our immense pride in the strong bonds of brotherhood that exist between our two friendly nations,” he continued.  “We are steadfast in our commitment to strengthen these ties and enhance future cooperation in various fields to serve our common interests,” the Libyan premier concluded. Bangladesh not becoming a one-party state: Hasan Mahmud tells foreign correspondents in Delhi

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday credited her government’s democratic spirit for making last month’s parliamentary election free, fair and participatory. In reply to a question from Awami League’s Bhola-2 MP Ali Azam, during question-and-answer session in parliament the PM also praised the Election Commission of Bangladesh for playing an effective role in conducting the polls. “The 12th Parliamentary elections were fair, free and participatory due to the government's actions, liberal and democratic spirit and respect for the rule of law,” she told the House. Melinda Gates congratulates PM Hasina on re-election, lauds Bangladesh’s dev The EC, she said, has become an effective institution like its counterparts in other democratic countries of the world. As of January 28, she said, 48 heads of state/government have sent congratulatory messages to the prime minister of Bangladesh, she said. She also mentioned that representatives of 25 international organisations, government and non-governmental organisations congratulated Bangladesh on conducting fair and participatory elections. Hasina reiterated that there were so many obstacles and conspiracies surrounding the January 7 polls. “I express my gratitude to the people of Bangladesh and the voters of this country who went to the polling stations ignoring all the conspiracies,” she said adding. “They exercised their right to vote. They have given us an opportunity to serve the country by winning in the election.” This time the goal is to bring poverty down to zero level: PM Hasina tells non-resident envoys The Prime Minister said this while responding to a question of Awami League MP from Sirajganj-6 Chayan Islam. She thanked the Election Commission, law and order agencies, armed forces and the public administration for conducting free, fair and impartial elections. Hasina, also the leader of the House, also expressed gratitude to the people of her constituency, Kotalipara-Tungipara of Gopalganj for electing her again. “I didn't have to worry much about the election. Awami League leaders, workers and local people have ensured my victory by voting for me in the election,” she said. In a written reply to Chayan Islam's question, the prime minister said that Bangladesh has achieved success in all areas in the last 15 years as a result of the government's development plan, far-reaching vision and constructive steps. “The current government is determined to continue this progress of development in the next 5 years,” she said. PM opens Ekushey book fair She said there is strong support and unwavering confidence of the people of the country in the continuation of her government. “No evil force can block the way of this democratic process of development of Bangladesh,” she said. The leader of the House said that the government has upheld the dignity of the country's constitution, democracy and democratic institutions taking people of the country with them. “It will be kept that way in the future too inshallah,” she said.

The Cabinet on Monday has cleared the draft of Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) Act 2024, aiming to make the existing provisional law as a permanent one. The approval came from the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the city on Monday.  PM directs to reduce import duty on rice. edible oil, sugar, date before Ramadan Briefing the reporters at Bangladesh Secretariat, Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain said the Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) Act was first promulgated in 2002 and then the effectiveness of the law was extended on several occasions through amendments. He said the existing Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) Act would be effective till April 9, 2024. So, the Public Security Division placed the proposed law before the Cabinet, saying that this law has successfully played an effective role in curbing crimes, he added. Bangladesh is an ideal place for foreign investment: PM Hasina tells British MPs “The cabinet has given the final approval to make Law and Order Disruption Offenses (Speedy Trial) Act 2024 as a permanent one. There is no change in the draft law,” said the Cabinet Secretary. Besides, the Cabinet has given the final approval to the draft of National Primary Education Academy Act, 2024. BNP relies on ‘other force’ to go to power: PM Hasina tells British parliamentary team

China has invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to pay an official visit to Beijing as the country is "ready" to work with the new government of Bangladesh to further deepen mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in all fields. Dhaka, Kathmandu to work together to address post-LDC challenges "China has invited our Prime Minister to visit. Discussion is underway to arrange it at a mutually convenient time," Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told reporters after his meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. The two sides had in-depth discussion on bilateral relations and regional and international affairs. It’s people’s government: Hasan Mahmud China said it firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, unity and stability, and in opposing external interference. PM Sheikh Hasina paid an official visit to China from 1-6 July 2019. She also participated at the 13th Summer Davos Forum in Dalian. FM hopeful of Rohingya repatriation soon During the visit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said BNP always looks for other force to assume power rather than going through the democratic process. “…whenever the election time arrives they (BNP) look for some other force who can put them in the power,” she said. The prime minister said this while visiting British cross party parliamentary delegation led by Virendra Sharma called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban. The other members of the delegation are: Paul Scully, Neil Coyle and Andrew Western. World must find an end to Rohingya crisis for their return to Myanmar: PM Hasina tells UK MPs PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed reporters after the call on. Nazrul quoted Hasina as telling the delegation that whenever BNP finds no one to put them in power, they step back from participating in the election. “BNP is a terrorist party. They always had come to power without a fair election. They always think that someone will put them in the power,” she said. She said that not participating in the election was their choice. She mentioned that BNP was founded inside cantonment by a military man and that person just polluted the election process and democratic system of the country. China is an important dev and strategic partner of Bangladesh: PM Hasina She said that undemocratic forces ruled Bangladesh for long 29 years. “At that time there was no democracy in the country. As a result, no development was done in the country,” she told the delegation. The prime minister said that BNP does not have any leadership and they usually get dictation from London. “As a result, after 2008 they did not participate in any election sincerely. They boycotted the election in 2014. Though in 2018 BNP decided to participate in the election the party nominated multiple candidates in one seat. “At last they withdrew their candidatures whenever they had felt that they will not be able to win in the election,” she said. She also said that there was a free and fair election under the military backed caretaker government in 2008. German Chancellor congratulates PM Hasina  “There is no question about that election. In that election BNP-led 20-party alliance bagged 30 seats while AL won 233 seats. It proves that BNP does not have any base among the mass people,” she said. She said that though BNP boycotted the election held on January 7 this year, people cast their votes with turnout reported at 41.8 percent. “People rejected BNP’s appeal to reject vote,” she said.