United News of Bangladesh

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed deep concern and condemnation regarding the obstruction of legal representation, denial of self-defense, and the physical assault of former Social Welfare Minister Dipu Moni and former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Arif Khan Joy at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Dhaka. The denial of legal representation and self-defense, coupled with the violent and disgraceful conduct displayed by certain members of the legal community during the court proceedings, constitutes a gross violation of the principles of justice, human rights, and the rule of law, it said. Reports from various newspapers reveal that former Social Welfare Minister Dipu Moni was granted a four-day remand, and former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Arif Khan Joy was granted a five-day remand by Dhaka's Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate in connection with the murder of grocer Abu Syed in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. Media coverage has exposed that pro-BNP lawyers chanted slogans demanding the execution of the accused as they were brought to court. Disturbingly, some pro-BNP lawyers physically assaulted the accused within the police cordon, it said. BBC Bangla confirmed that a lawyer attempted to represent Dipu Moni but was prevented from doing so by BNP-backed lawyers. Additionally, daily Samakal noted that Arif Khan Joy wanted to speak in court but was not allowed. Robert Simon, French Human Rights Activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, said, "The disturbing reports of physical assaults, including the defilement of Social Welfare Minister Dipu Moni's sari, and the obstruction of legal representation are not only shocking but also deeply troubling. Such actions are a blatant affront to the dignity of the court and a violation of the fundamental human rights of the accused to a fair trial." Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JMBF, added, "Physical assaults on the accused and obstructing their right to legal representation during court proceedings not only violate the principles of justice but also tarnish the dignity and integrity of the legal profession. In light of the egregious conduct displayed by certain lawyers, the legal community must take immediate professional action." JMBF noted that the physical assault and denial of legal representation during court proceedings are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing trend. Furthermore, it urged the interim government to ensure the defense rights of all accused per international human rights standards. It is crucial that the rule of law be upheld and that every individual, regardless of the charges against them, is granted the right to a fair and just legal process. JMBF said it will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that justice is served and that the rights of the accused are protected in line with both national and international legal standards.

Dhaka, Aug 24 (UNB)- General Secretary of the Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) Dr Mohammad Habib Ullah has called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission in Myanmar to uncover the true causes and extent of the genocide. He was speaking at an international webinar on “Repairing the Harm: Restoring Justice for the Rohingya” to commemorate the 7th “Rohingya Genocide Day” at NSU campus on Saturday.  The event was organized by the Center for Peace Studies (CPS) of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University (NSU).  The webinar convened a diverse body of local scholars and international experts to engage in timely discussions on the ongoing need for justice, international accountability, sustainable peace, and restoration for the Rohingya community stranded in Bangladesh and excluded in Rakhine, Myanmar, and beyond.  The event was live-streamed on the official Facebook page of CPS, attracting a transnational audience. Ambassador Laetitia Van Den Assum, Former Member of the Kofi Annan Commission, Dr. Emma Leslie, Founder and Director, Center for Peace and Conflict Studies and Dr Mohammad Habib Ullah, General Secretary, Arakan Rohingya National Organisation (ARNO) virtually graced the webinar while another panelist, Dr Md Rizwanul Islam, Professor, NSU, attended the event in person. Dr Abdul Wohab, Coordinator, CPS, coordinated the event. Raymond Kwun-Sun Lau, Assistant Professor, NSU inaugurated the session by briefing the backdrop of the Rohingya Genocide and addressing the scholars along with the conference's agenda to start off the session. Ambassador Laetitia Van Den Assum began by focusing on the key question of achieving stability and peace for all communities in Rakhine, not just Rohingyas.  She acknowledged the multiple crises in Myanmar, including security, economic, and human rights issues.  She said, “Over the past nine months, we have observed how the Junta has employed a divide-and-rule strategy, exploiting the Rohingya for their own benefit. Now, we see Rohingya fighting against Rohingya, as both the Junta and the Arakan Army have recruited them to join their respective causes.” She called for an independent assessment mission to establish the truth and facilitate future reconciliation efforts. Dr Md Rizwanul Islam, Professor, NSU said in the discussion, “From a broader perspective, the Rohingya case was brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by Gambia, a small country that took a courageous step forward. The ICJ accepted their case, which sets an important precedent.”  He also said “The best remedy for the Rohingya is a safe and dignified repatriation to Myanmar. However, international justice has been reactive when it should have been proactive. These atrocities did not happen overnight.” Dr Mohammad Habib Ullah described the Myanmar military's actions against the Rohingya people, including forced recruitment, violence, and the killing of women and children as they tried to flee.  He expressed his frustration over the military's continued oppression of the Rohingya, stating that they are following the same tactics they used in 2017 and earlier.  He  calls for the international community to hold accountable specific military leaders who are directly overseeing the operations against the Rohingya.  Dr Habib concluded by emphasizing the significance of learning from history and ensuring that all crimes against the Rohingya people are accounted for, rather than going unanswered.  Dr Emma Leslie acknowledged the long-standing struggle of the Rakhine people for self-determination and the inequities in how the resources of the region have been exploited by the central government.  She emphasized the need to look beyond just the military's actions and address the deeper issues of marginalization, militarization, and the divide-and-rule strategies that have plagued the region for decades.  She stressed pursuing restorative justice and conflict transformation, where the relationships between the different communities in Rakhine can be restored.  She asked for urgent action to create safe spaces for dialogue, not just with the military, but with a broader range of stakeholders like the National Unity Government and ethnic armed organizations advocating the need to facilitate greater access and transparency in the region, allowing media and others to visit and document the situation on the ground.  Engaging questions from the participants livened up the discussion. NSU and SIPG faculty members attended and provided insightful questions and commentary during the open session.  The question-answer session addressed a range of crucial issues related to the Rohingya crisis, highlighting the necessity for a comprehensive, rights-based, and accountable approach to developing sustainable solutions. Dr Ishrat Zakia Sultana, Assistant Professor, North South University (NSU) called the webinar advocating for a pragmatic, values-driven approach that addresses humanitarian needs while supporting political solutions and accountability; hoping that the path forward will shift from violence to deeper dialogue and pragmatic political solutions for all the people of Rakhine. Ambassador Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, Senior Research Fellow, SIPG, NSU facilitated the discussion as a moderator and addressed the scholars along with the conference's agenda to inaugurate the session.  He said “The Rohingya community has been devastated since 2017. The situation for the Rohingya continues to deteriorate. We must look beyond humanitarian needs and focus on long-term solutions.” END/UNB/MK/  

Dr. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser for the ministries of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Road Transport and Bridges, and Railways, had said that future projects will prioritize renewable energy over those reliant on energy imports. He also said that the private sector will be encouraged to come up through competition. He made the remarks while visiting a 35 MW solar power plant at Paturia in Shibaloy Upazila of Manikganj on Saturday. "We have to work on real development instead of just words. It doesn't matter how many miles of road you've covered," he said. The adviser said this government is founded on the blood of many students, and it will work to fulfill public expectations. He asked the officials to ensure development and service, saying that 16 years ago people could not talk, but now they can. He mentioned that earlier the government was taking up projects without any competition. As a result, projects were undertaken at higher costs without any verification. In response to a question on whether the price of electricity will be reduced, the adviser said, now Tk 42,000 crore subsidy has to be paid annually in this sector. "If electricity is purchased at a lower price from now on, then the price will decrease in the future,” he added. About the ongoing floods, he said that electricity connection is temporarily off to avoid accidents in flood-affected areas. After the flood, the government will assess the damage and take necessary measures. Pointing out that the present government does not have “Aladdin's lamp,” he said that it is not possible to eliminate the irregularities and corruption of the last 16 years in 16 days. However, they will try their best to eliminate discrimination in all sectors, he added. The Advisor first visited Beutha Miftahul Hafizia Qawmia Madrasa and Orphanage in Manikganj and spoke to the students. He exchanged views with local leaders of different political parties including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami at Circuit House. Energy expert Professor Rizwan Khan, Senior Secretary of Power Division Md. Habibur Rahman and other officials were present on the occasion.  

Dr. Nazim Uddin Resigns from the Trustee Board of Gonoshasthaya Kendra. Md. Farhad, the Information and Public Relations Officer of Gonoshasthaya Kendra, confirmed the resignation. Following the death of freedom fighter Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, Gonoshasthaya Kendra has continued its operations providing affordable medical services and public welfare activities in accordance with established norms. The institution operates based on decisions made by its board of trustees. The main office and the medical college hospital of Gonoshasthaya Kendra are located in Ashulia. Dr. Nazim Uddin, a trustee, had been accused of misusing his position for personal gain. He allegedly collaborated with local MPs and utilized hired gangs to embezzle funds from the hospital and took over various operations, causing dissatisfaction among staff. Additionally, he faces specific allegations of deforestation and embezzlement of cash, among other forms of corruption. In response to these issues, students and staff of Gonoshasthaya Samajbiddik Medical College and Gono University organized protests. Under mounting pressure, Dr. Nazim Uddin has resigned from the Trustee Board. There is a widespread call for a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action regarding the corruption evidence against him. Dr. Abul Kashem Chowdhury is now serving as the Acting Chairperson of Gonoshasthaya Kendra.

Former member of parliament Sadek Khan, who represented the Dhaka-13 constituency, was arrested by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Dhaka. Rashed Khan Menon arrested from Dhaka's Gulshan He was arrested on Saturday evening in the West Nakhalpara area of the capital, according to a post on DMP's verified Facebook page. DB arrests Capt Tajul and two others in Dhaka

Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urgently called for a rapid assessment of agricultural damage in flood-affected regions and for the implementation of necessary support and rehabilitation measures. Addressing a meeting with senior officials at the Ministry of Agriculture in the Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka, the adviser stressed the importance of evaluating the actual damage to crops, particularly Aman rice and other essential crops, as soon as the floodwaters recede. He emphasized that ensuring Aman rice production according to targets is a top priority. If that is not feasible, efforts should focus on increasing the production of vegetables and other suitable crops. He directed that all arable land must be brought under cultivation to maximize agricultural output. He also instructed the relevant officials to ensure the supply of seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs, prepare seedbeds, and finalize preparations for rehabilitation. During the meeting, Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Miyan announced that all Ministry of Agriculture employees will contribute an amount equivalent to one day's salary to the Chief Advisor’s Relief Fund. The Agriculture Advisor praised this gesture and encouraged everyone to contribute according to their ability during this crisis. Several key decisions were made, including prioritizing the preparation of Aman rice seedbeds on elevated lands, continuing the Agricultural Extension Directorate's data collection, and coordinating with various institutions for seed supplies and rehabilitation programs. Field-level agricultural officials were urged to actively engage in post-flood rehabilitation efforts, and block and upazila-based rehabilitation plans were recommended. The Additional Secretary (Extension Division) of the Ministry will coordinate the overall rehabilitation activities.

Interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday laid emphasis on utilising local knowledge and expertise of NGOs in dealing with the flood situation and post-flood activities efficiently. "NGOs are a power of Bangladesh. We need to materialize the dream of the youth. We can do that. We need to tackle the flood together in a coordinated way," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying. Alam briefed the reporters at state guesthouse Jamuna following a meeting between Prof Yunus and representatives of NGOs. The Chief Adviser had a meeting with the representatives of NGOs at the state guesthouse Jamuna that lasted for around two hours. NGOs that are working together with the government in dealing with the current flood situation attended the meeting. Around 44 NGOs, including small and community level organizations were invited at the meeting. The press secretary said the meeting laid emphasis on coordination among all partners and discussed ways to carry out rehabilitation and relief distribution activities in a coordinated way.

Dhaka Metro Rail will resume operations on Sunday (August 25) after a suspension of over a month due to damage caused during student protests. According to an official order signed by Tarafder Mahmudur Rahman, Deputy Director of Public Relations for the MRT Line-6 project, the metro rail will operate according to its previous schedule. However, the Mirpur-10 and Kazipara stations will remain closed due to "unavoidable reasons." Metro rail services were halted on July 18 following incidents of arson and vandalism amid the student movement. After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, the interim government instructed the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) to resume operations by August 17, excluding the damaged stations. However, the resumption was delayed due to an "unavoidable situation," later identified as a strike by metro rail workers that began on August 6. The workers returned to their duties on August 20, paving the way for the restoration of services. On the same day, Ehsanul Haq, Senior Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Department, visited the National Press Club metro rail station and directed officials to take the necessary steps to restart metro services from August 25.

The Home Ministry, through its Public Security Division, has announced that the government has carefully considered the demands put forth by general Ansar members. The ministry stated that the Chief Adviser has been briefed on the situation and that initial evaluations of the demands show that some of them may be justified, according to a press release on Saturday. In response, the government has decided to assess the current policy that requires General Ansars to take a mandatory break after three years of service. The possibility of allowing them to continue their service without this break will be explored. Additionally, no new recruitments for General Ansars will be made at this time, it said. To address the concerns in a more detailed manner, a committee led by the Director General of Ansar and VDP, alongside representatives from the general Ansars, has been formed. This committee has been tasked with reviewing all the demands and formulating recommendations within the next seven working days. Upon receiving the committee's report, an inter-ministerial body will further examine the recommendations. They will devise an implementation plan and submit their findings to the government for subsequent action. The ministry has expressed confidence that this process will lead to a fair and acceptable resolution of the General Ansars' concerns. However, it has also emphasised the importance of maintaining discipline within the force. The statement reminded all Ansar members of the need to uphold the integrity and reputation of their traditional and disciplined organisation. In light of recent unrest, the ministry urged all General Ansars to return to their respective duties. The press release also warned that a small group of instigators has been attempting to disrupt order within the force. The government has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take legal action against those responsible for such actions if necessary, added the release.

Nahid Islam, Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, has directed to provide free diesel to keep mobile network towers in Feni district operational amidst ongoing power outages. Nahid directed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Saturday to enforce this provision, emphasizing the urgency of the situation given the current flooding in the region. “Maintaining mobile connectivity is crucial during this crisis,” Nahid said, stressing the importance of keeping the 78 network towers running. "The ongoing power outage poses a significant threat to communication, which is vital for coordinating relief efforts and ensuring public safety." The demand for diesel is substantial: portable generators (PG) with a 75 kVA capacity consume 2.3 liters per hour, while diesel generators (DG) with a 30 kVA capacity require 4.4 liters per hour. To keep all 78 generators operational, approximately 6,552 liters of diesel are needed daily, translating to a daily expense of around 714,168 BDT.