Visiting President of East Timor Jose Ramos Horta on Monday paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. The President welcomed the President of East Timor with flowers upon his arrival at Bangabhaban in the afternoon, president's press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB. During his meeting with the President of East Timor, President Shahabuddin said that this is the first visit of any President of East Timor to Bangladesh. Reception held at  Bangabhaban for Bir Shrestha family members  He hoped that President Jose Ramos Horta's visit will enhance diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and East Timor as well as people-to-people contacts between the two countries. Saying that Bangladesh is one of the first countries to recognize East Timor after independence, the president emphasized the importance of increasing mutual cooperation between the two countries in various areas including food security, poverty alleviation, healthcare, infrastructure and human resource development, energy and climate change. Mentioning the importance of human resource development to meet the challenges of a changing world, President  Shahabuddin stressed the need for the two countries to work together to find new areas of cooperation in research, training and higher education. Welcoming the initiative of East Timor to open an honorary consulate in Bangladesh, the President expressed the hope that this would open new horizons in diplomatic relations between the two countries and further strengthen multilateral cooperation, including trade and investment. President Shahabuddin hosts Victory Day reception at Bangabhaban The President said that Bangladesh has a large pool of skilled doctors, engineers, agriculturists, information technology specialists, and graduates with technical knowledge. He said that East Timor can accelerate its development by utilizing the skilled manpower of Bangladesh. President of East Timor Jose Ramos Horta said that his country attaches importance to developing relations with Bangladesh. He hoped that Bangladesh and East Timor would work together to exploit the potential areas of development. Foreign Affairs Advisor Touhid Hossain, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Secretaries to the President were present during the meeting. Later, East Timorese President José Ramos Horta signed the visitor's book. Earlier on the day, President José Ramos Horta who was  accorded a red carpet reception on his arrival here on Saturday night on a four-day official visit went to the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar to pay homage to the heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. He then attended the 54th Victory Day celebrations, marking Bangladesh’s historic victory in 1971 on the third day of his visit.  

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and First Lady Dr. Rebeka Sultana hosted a reception at Bangabhaban today, marking Bangladesh’s 54th Victory Day. The event was attended by a diverse gathering of distinguished guests, including Chief Justice Syed Rafaat Hassan, members of the council of advisers, ambassadors, and high commissioners from various countries. A special highlight of the reception was the presence of East Timor’s President José Ramos-Horta, who cut a ceremonial cake in the VVIP Enclosure. President Shahabuddin pays tribute to Liberation War martyrs on Victory Day The reception brought together Supreme Court judges, chiefs of the three armed services, senior political leaders, academics, business leaders, and renowned cultural figures. Valiant freedom fighters, families of Bir Shreshtha gallantry award recipients, and Indian war veterans also graced the event, underscoring the significance of the day. Top civil and military officials, newspaper editors, and journalist leaders added to the vibrant gathering, which served as a reflection of national unity and pride. President Shahabuddin took the opportunity to exchange greetings with war-wounded freedom fighters, student representatives, dignitaries, and other guests during the festivities. Earlier in the day, President Shahabuddin paid solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. Arriving at the site around 6:30 am, he laid a wreath at the memorial and observed a moment of silence in honor of the sacrifices made during the 1971 war. A ceremonial guard of honor was presented by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force. The president also signed the visitor’s book at the memorial, leaving a message of respect and remembrance.  

Amid ongoing protests demanding the resignation of President Shahabuddin, security has been beefed up around the presidential palace, Bangabhaban, with newly installed barbed-wire fences. Protesters continued to gather sporadically near Bangabhaban for the third consecutive day on Thursday, calling for the President's immediate resignation. Along with the Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the Armed Police Battalion (APBN) are also on high alert. Read: Tense situation prevailing around Bangabhaban following explosion of sound grenade To fend off any unwarranted situation, stringent security cordons have been ensured on the road in front of Bangabhaban. In addition to a four-layered barricade, a three-layered barbed-wire fence has been erected as the President's residence remains tense flowing two days of protests.

In response to escalating protests calling for the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, security measures have been significantly ramped up around Bangabhaban in Dhaka. Following an attempted break-in at Bangabhaban late last night and violent clashes with police, authorities have imposed a strict security lockdown to prevent further incidents. Law enforcement officials confirmed that security has been tightened today. Barbed wire fencing was installed alongside barricades at the main gate of Bangabhaban, while APBN (Armed Police Battalion), BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh), police, and army personnel have been deployed in armed positions around the area. Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), water cannons, and riot control vehicles have also been readied in case the protests escalate further. Tensions have remained high as protests continue to surge, with various groups demonstrating outside Bangabhaban since yesterday. Although the daytime protests have remained relatively calm, the previous night saw violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Read more: President urges to avoid controversy over Hasina's resignation A robust four-layer security cordon has been established along the main road leading to Bangabhaban, bolstered by a three-layer barbed wire fence to deter any unauthorized access. Despite the increased security, demonstrators have made sporadic attempts to gather near the president’s official residence. When approached for comment, officials from the President’s Office said that there are no current plans to issue a formal statement regarding the protests. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are on high alert to manage any potential escalation.

A tense situation has been prevailing in front of the Bangabhaban on Tuesday, and things came to a head in the evening following the explosion of a sound grenade. The incident took place around 8:20pm when a group of protesters tried to enter the Bangabhaban by breaking the police barricade. It wasn't immediately clear who hurled the sound grenade, but it is usually used by law enforcers for crowd control. A team of Bangladesh Army took position there to ensure security. A group of protesters were staging demonstration in front of the Bangabhaban in the afternoon demanding the removal of President Mohammed Sahabuddin. Protesters under the banner of Shadhinota-Shorbobhoumotto Rokkha Committee (SHAROC) march towards Bangabhaban from Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University around 12pm. Govt shares Law Adviser’s view about President Shahabuddin: Apurba They faced police obstruction near the High Court Mazar intersection but managed to advance up to Bangabhaban. They attempted to stage a sit-in inside Bangabhaban but the members of law enforcement agencies barred them from going there. The demonstrators then held a rally outside Bangabhaban, where they delivered speeches for half an hour. They announced that if their demands were not met, they will gather near Bangabhaban again at 4pm on Wednesday. Another group named Raktim July 24, which advocates for the welfare of families affected by recent mass uprising, organised a separate sit-in with the some injured victims, expressing solidarity with the demand for the President’s removal. On Monday, Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, shared a poster on Facebook late Monday night announcing the mass gathering programme after the President’s remarks on ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation letter. In a recent interview with Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor of The Daily Manab Zamin, President Mohammed Shahabuddin mentioned that he heard Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister; however, he has no documentary evidence to confirm this, including any resignation letter. He stated, "I have failed to obtain the resignation letter despite numerous attempts. Perhaps she did not get the time." This conversation was published in the newspaper's political magazine, “Janatar Chokh,” on Sunday. Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India on August 5 amid an unprecedented mass uprising.

Following Awami League’s victory in the 12th National Parliamentary Election, the oath-taking ceremony of the newly formed cabinet will be held on Thursday (January 11) evening at Bangabhaban.  President Md Shahabuddin will administer the oath-taking ceremony to the prime minister, ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban at 7 pm Thursday, said Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain. It’s a vote robbery in name of election, says Oli Ahmed in rejecting Sunday’s vote On Sunday, the Awami League won a comfortable two-thirds majority in the fourth election in a row, in 299 out of 300 constituencies where voting was held, and a strong showing by independent candidates, as predicted. The ruling party candidate has won 222 seats, while independent candidates (most of them also belonging to AL) won in 62 seats. Foreign powers to show 'red card' to AL govt after election: Manna Besides, Jatiya Party secured 11 seats and three candidates from three parties -- Bangladesh Workers’ Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod and Bangladesh Kalyan Party -- secured victory in their respective constituencies.

Justice Obaidul Hasan took oath today as the 24th Chief Justice of Bangladesh. The president administered the oath at 11 am at the Darbar Hall of Bangabhaban, witnessed by the president's wife Dr. Rebecca Sultana, Cabinet members, former chief justices, judges of both the Appellate and High Court divisions, heads of the three services, principal secretary to the prime minister, the attorney general, and Supreme Court lawyers, including SC Bar Association leaders. Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain conducted the ceremony. The president made the appointment as per Article 95 (1) of the Constitution on Thursday as the outgoing chief justice retired on the day. Chief Justice rails against US visa policy on last working day Hassan, a senior judge of the Appellate Division, was appointed the chief justice on September 12.  Obaidul Hassan was appointed as an additional judge of the Supreme Court’s High Court Division in 2009 while his appointment was confirmed as a permanent judge in 2011. He was elevated as a judge in the Appellate Division on September 3, 2020. Hassan was born on January 1, 1959, at Chayashi village under Mohanganj upazila in Netrokona district to Dr Akhlaqul Hossain Ahmed and Begum Hosne Ara Hossain. Hassan was appointed as the chairman of International Crimes Tribunal-2 on March 25, 2012 and in his capacity as the head of that court, also known as War Crimes Tribunal, until September 15, 2015, he pronounced 11 verdicts. Denial of Bangladesh genocide weakens claims for justice and redress Obaidul Hassan is married to Nafisa Banu, who currently serves as Member (Finance) of Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority’s Board of Directors. The couple has a son, Barrister Ahmed Shafquat Hassan. Obaidul Hassan's younger brother Sajjadul Hassan is a parliament member (MP) from Netrokona-4 constituency while he previously served as a senior secretary at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Obaidul Hassan initially obtained his graduate and postgraduate degrees in economics from Dhaka University prior to studying law and made his debut as a practitioner in the Dhaka District Court in 1986, and got his enrollment in the High Court in 1988. He became an Appellate Division lawyer in 2005 and was appointed as an assistant attorney general and deputy attorney general for 5 years from 1996 to 2001. Justice Obaidul Hassan to take oath as country’s 24th Chief Justice on Sept 26 As a Supreme Court judge Obaidul Hassan joined several international legal conferences in different countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Netherlands and Argentina. He led the Bangladesh delegation to an international crimes conference in Buenos Aires in 2015 and in the same year he attended a views exchange meeting with the International Crimes Court and the International Crimes Tribunal judges in The Hague. Obaidul Hassan authored several books including 'Obornonio Nirmomotar Chittro Ekatturer Buddhijibi Hotyakando O Onnanya', 'Bangabandhu Bangladesh Ekjon Juddho Shishur Golpo O Onnanya' and 'Bangabandhu, Rabindranath O Oshamprodayeek Bangladesh'.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday urged the British businesses to invest in Bangladesh, especially in gas and energy  sectors. He made the call while receiving the credentials from new British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke at Bangabhaban. The envoy was ceremonially welcomed at Bangabhaban here this morning. Read more: President Shahabuddin seeks more British investment in Bangladesh's energy sector Welcoming her, the President said, "Britain is a very close friend of Bangladesh. The UK is playing an important role in the economic and technical development of the country." He expressed deep gratitude to the then British Prime Minister Edward Heath and the people of Britain for showing incredible respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he first flew to London after freedom from Pakistani prison in 1972.  “Since then, Bangladesh and the UK started walking together . . . And over time, this relationship has accelerated to various fields, including bilateral and multilateral sectors,” President Sahabuddin added. Read more: Bangladesh will welcome election observers from EU, UK: PM tells outgoing British high commissioner The high commissioner said the UK's partnership with Bangladesh is on a strong foundation at present. Lauding the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, she said her country would always stand by it in its continued development and progress. HC Cooke sought the cooperation of the president in fulfilling her duties. Read more: Sarah Cooke next British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Earlier, on her arrival at Bangabhaban, a smartly turned-out contingent of the horse-mounted President Guard Regiment (PGR) gave the envoy a guard of honour as part of the ceremony. Secretaries concerned to the Bangabhaban were also present during the meeting.  

President-elect Mohammed Shahabuddin Chuppu and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday met the incumbent President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban. Prime Minister's sister Sheikh Rehana, wife of president-elect Dr Rebecca Sultana accompanied them, Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB. On their arrival, President Abdul Hamid and his wife Rashida Khanom welcomed them with flower bouquets. President Hamid congratulated Shahabuddin for being elected President of Bangladesh and exchanged greetings on the phone. They also enquired of their health condition. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also briefed the President about the activities of ther government during the meeting. Read more: President Hamid greets his successor President-elect Md Shahabuddin Shahabuddin Chuppu will be the 22nd President of Bangladesh. Yesterday, Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal declared the ruling party’s nominee the president-elect of Bangladesh. As per the election schedule two nomination papers were submitted for Shahabuddin on Sunday and one of those was accepted as valid after scrutiny on Monday. A gazette was issued in the afternoon in this regard. The ruling party's nominee was declared the next president of the country as no other political party with representation in parliament proposed any name for the presidential election. President Hamid is set to complete his tenure on April 23 this year. Read more: Md Shahabuddin set to become next President of Bangladesh According to the constitution, a new president has to be elected within 90 to 60 days prior to the end of the incumbent president's tenure.

The presidential house Bangabhaban is now open for visitors on a limited scale. President Abdul Hamid said after inaugurating the renovated Air Raid Shelter and Bangabhaban Toshakhana Museum on Tuesday afternoon. "People usually can't enter Bangabhaban. Nobody knows what's inside, it's in the darkness," he said. "People will also know the history and tradition of Bangabhaban.” Terming the Bangabhaban Toshakhana Museum as one of the monuments of centuries of colorful history and tradition of the Bengalis, the President said, "I believe, the Bangabhaban Toshakhana Museum will play an important role in preserving the rich history of Bangabhaban and presenting it to the future generations." Hamid said the foreign envoys or ambassadors and visitors would be able to get acquainted with the country's history, heritage and culture during their visit. The people will also be attracted by visiting many installations of Bangabhaban, and subsequently their attitude towards Bangladesh would be very positive, the President added. Bangabhaban was once called 'Manuk House'. After that, it was regarded as Governor House. A unique combination of Victorian architecture with Islamic and Bengali architecture, this building is now the office and residence of the President of the Republic. Various schemes are being implemented including modernisation of Toshakhana and Air Raid Shelter House and construction of a walkway with the aim of opening the Bangabhaban to local and foreign visitors in a limited scale. In the afternoon, President Hamid inaugurated the newly constructed Toshakhana Museum and visited the installations at different rooms there. Under the overall supervision of Bangabhaban, this dilapidated Toshakhana was elevated into a museum with a modern look. The Toshakhana houses are decorated with the gifts from different heads of states and governments of different countries across the world. Apart from the opening for domestic and foreign visitors on a limited basis, the initiatives have been taken so that anyone can visit the Toshakhana online from any part of the world and learn about Bangabhaban. Earlier, President Hamid planted a sibling there after inaugurating the renovated Air Raid Shelter House. Due to lack of use, this abandoned shelter built in 1965 was taken as a historical monument for the visitors coming to Bangabhaban. The Air Raid Shelter House has been renovated in its original shape. Besides the modern landscaped, Bangabhaban has beautiful green gardens, Dumba Shed, Deer Park, four nicely arranged ponds and a swimming pool. President's wife Rashida Khanam, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, State Minister for Housing and Public Works Sharif Ahmed, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Rezwan Ahammad Taufiq MP and secretaries concerned and high civil and military officers accompanied the President at the event.