United News of Bangladesh

Through the third Voice of Global South Summit 2024, interim government’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has invited foreign friends to visit Dhaka soon, stressing that otherwise they may miss something important. “Much of Dhaka has turned into the graffiti capital of the world. Young students and children aged as young as 12-13 have been painting the walls of this 400 year old city with images of a new democratic environment-friendly Bangladesh,” he said. Joining virtually from Dhaka at the inaugural Leaders’ Session, the Nobel Laureate said there is no central planning or guidance for that. “No budget support from anybody.” He said it is just an outpouring of their emotions and commitment to the goals of the Second Revolution. Prof Yunus said the young students and children approach the shopkeepers to buy paints and brushes for them. “They make up their own subject and own messages. Messages they are painting will thrill anybody. Anybody can read in them what the youth are dreaming of.  It is our job to make their dreams come true,” he said. In 1952, Prof Yunus said, the Bangladeshi students sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue and it inspired struggles for the right to speak in mother language all over the world. “Some seven decades later our students-led Second Revolution is inspiring youth throughout the global south to raise their voice for democracy, human rights, dignity, equality and shared prosperity,” he said. “I am honoured to be the oldest ‘young person’ to take part in this revolution and help them make their dreams come true. They need support from all of you. Wish them all the success,” said the chief adviser. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Prof Yunus to attend the Summit. This was Prof Yunus's first multilateral engagement after taking oath as head of interim government. The inaugural session was held at head of state/government level and hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier, Bangladesh asked all its missions abroad to expedite visa approvals for journalists who want to visit Bangladesh. During his telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said Indian journalists are welcome to Bangladesh and report from the ground here. “It is better they see the situation themselves and do reports accordingly rather than being dictated by any secondary—and sometimes very exaggerated—reports,” said Chief Adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday. Alam said he personally called the Bangladesh mission officials in New Delhi and Hong Kong to fast-track all visa applications from journalists. “We want to build an open society where freedom of press is non-negotiable,” Alam said. So, anyone who wants to report on Bangladesh and the performance of the Interim Government is most welcome, said the press secretary.

On February 25-26, 2009, a massacre at Dhaka’s Pilkhana headquarters of the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) left 57 military officers and 17 civilians dead, including the head of the BDR, Major General Shakil Ahmed. Fifteen years later, the families of the deceased are still seeking justice and transparency, urging the interim government to take decisive action. At a press conference held on Saturday at Skyline Restaurant in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area, the families of those killed presented a series of demands, calling for the publication of investigation reports and formation of an Inquiry Commission to unearth the truth behind the brutal killings. The press conference was led by family members who expressed their frustration with the ongoing delays in achieving justice. Rakin Ahmed, the son of Major General Shakil Ahmed and Naznin Ahmed, both of whom were murdered during the Pilkhana carnage, made accusations against prominent political figures. “The former prime minister is directly involved in this. There are many call records and instructions that we have heard. Ask the journalists to release those. This was done with the help of foreigners,” Rakin declared. “We do not accept the drama that has been going on for so long in the name of justice. We want the names of those involved to come out through a proper investigation.” Echoing Rakin’s sentiments, Labi Rahman, the widow of martyr Col Qudrat-e-Rahman, urged journalists to investigate thoroughly, now that press freedom is possible. “There was no freedom then, but now there is. Now you have to name them,” she insisted. During the press conference, the victim families outlined three major demands directed at the interim government: 1. Publication of Investigation Reports: The families called for the immediate publication of all investigation reports related to the Pilkhana tragedy, including those conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Army. These reports should be made available to both the families of the victims and the general public. 2. Formation of an Inquiry Commission: In line with the 2017 recommendations of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court regarding the Pilkhana killings, the families demanded the establishment of an Inquiry Commission to uncover the facts behind the tragedy. 3. Memorialization and Prevention Measures: The families proposed that February 25 be officially recognized as “Shaheed Shena Dibosh” through an official gazette, with all fallen officers acknowledged as “Shaheed” (martyr). They also called for the national flag to be flown at half-mast every year on this date, and for the inclusion of a chapter on the BDR Pilkhana tragedy in school textbooks, ensuring that future generations learn about the sacrifices made.

The government has provided a directive for bearing the cost of medical treatment for all students and civilians injured during the recent student movement, specifying that free treatment is being provided at government hospitals. This information was given in a notification of the Health Services Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.  The statement also requested that private medical college hospitals, private hospitals, and clinics refrain from charging those injured in the anti-discrimination student movement. 

A bogie of the Dhaka-bound Padma Express train from Rajshahi derailed at Salna in Gazipur. As a result, train service between Dhaka and the northern part of the country has been suspended. The incident occurred around 8:45 pm on Friday, as confirmed by Hanif Ali, the station master of Joydebpur Railway Junction. According to the station master, the last bogies of the Padma Express derailed in the Salna area on the Dhaka-Rajshahi rail route. The train continued its journey towards Dhaka after detaching the derailed bogies at the site. As a result of the derailment, train services between Dhaka and north have been disrupted.

After the swearing-in of four new advisers on Friday, significant changes have been made to the responsibilities within Bangladesh's interim government.  One of the newly appointed adviser, Wahiduddin Mahmud, has been assigned to oversee the Planning and Education Ministries. Among the previously appointed advisers, Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain has been reassigned from the Home Ministry to the Textiles and Jute Ministry. His previous role at the Home Ministry will now be taken over by Lieutenant General (Retd.) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who will also manage the Agriculture Ministry. Among the new advisors, Ali Imam Majumder has been attached to the Chief Advisor’s Office, while Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has been given the responsibility of the Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Ministry, in addition to the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry and the Railways Ministry. In the reshuffle, Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed has been tasked with managing both the Finance and Commerce Ministries, having previously been responsible for the Finance and Planning Ministries. Professor Asif Nazrul will now oversee the Law Ministry along with the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry and the Cultural Affairs Ministry.  Adilur Rahman Khan has been given the additional responsibility of the Housing and Public Works Ministry, alongside the Ministry of Industries. Syeda Rizwana Hasan will manage both the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry and the Ministry of Water Resources. Additionally, Nahid Islam has been assigned to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with his duties at the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology. Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan will now oversee both the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Farooq-e-Azam has been given the responsibilities of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. The reshuffle comes under the leadership of Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who retains control of several key ministries, including the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Food and Public Administration.

The 3rd Peace Monument of International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) was established in Green Paradise Park in Kapalong City, Davao del Norte, Philippines. The Unveiling Ceremony was held recently with 250 participants including Maria Theresa Timbol, the mayor of Kapalong city, and Na Hyung Jun, Secretary General of IWPG, according to a media statement. The aim of the peace monument is to commemorate the Mindanao Peace Treaty mediated by the Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace organization, on Jan 24, 2014, and continue in the spirit of peace. The first Peace Monument was established in Davao de Oro, and the second in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The third Peace Monument was established with the support and commitment of Kapalong city. Mayor Timbol met IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon at the 2023 International Women’s Peace Conference last year and promised to establish the peace monument. Mayor Timbol said, “the IWPG Peace Monument is a reminder to all people, especially women around Kapalong, that peace can be achieved. Just start peace within yourselves, then you can spread it inside your family, and eventually it will spread all over the community. Work as one with peace.” Green Paradise in Kapalong was once a symbol of crime, violence, and conflict. IWPG’s 3rd Peace Monument established in this location is anticipated to create a wind of peace that will spread a culture of peace all around the world, read the release. After the unveiling ceremony, the IWPG delegation conducted various other peace activities, including hosting Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE) orientation sessions and featuring in an media interview by radio broadcast Aliw, promoting IWPG’s peace activities and inspiring many people. IWPG Secretary General Na Hyung Jun said, “I hope this monument becomes the landmark of Kapalong, so that all the visitors can overcome their own disputes and realize the value of peace. I hope all Filipino women understand their value and practice peace, so that the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) is established as an international law.”

Sarjis Alam, one of the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, remarked on Friday that the Awami League is now facing the consequences of their past actions while in power and will continue to do so in the future. He made these comments morning while speaking to journalists at the Amar Ekushey Hall of Dhaka University. Sarjis Alam recalled the events of 2013 when Hefazat-e-Islam held a rally in Motijheel, stating that during that time, the Awami League misused power by forcing numerous Islamic scholars to perform humiliating acts under police pressure. "We still have the pictorial evidence and videos of that incident," he said. "The Awami League is now suffering the repercussions of what they did and will continue to suffer in the future." Regarding the observance of August 15 as a day of mourning, Sarjis noted, "When the incident happened on August 15, 1975, sweets were distributed across Bangladesh. Why? Because if you look at the events from 1972 to 1975, there was an extreme level of autocracy and fascism. August 15 was the result of a broader revolution of that time." Sarjis also commented that no one has the right to prevent anyone from paying their respects or laying flowers at Dhanmondi 32. He concluded by urging students to return to their classes, saying, "We thank our fellow students for their contributions during the national crisis. But now, they must return to their studies. At the end of the day, if we want to move the country forward, we need an educated young generation."

BNP Secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday urged the opposition leaders and workers to create ‘peace brigades’ in their respective area saying that ousted autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina is plotting to incite chaos in the country from India. Hafiz, Zahid made BNP standing committee members Speaking at a milad and doa mahfil, he also urged BNP leaders and activists to remain vigilant to prevent any new fascism from emerging in the country due to the current situation. “We have fought a long battle. If you think that our fight is over, then you are wrong. The country is now in a state of flux. Sheikh Hasina, sitting in India, could seize the opportunity at any moment. She has already started hatching a plot. It is our responsibility to resist that conspiracy,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that the Awami League is talking about communalism and the persecution of minority communities as part of its new plot to destabilise the country. “Your responsibility is to create peace brigades in your respective areas to guard them (minorities). You will protect all places of worship, temples, and churches of all minorities... You must also ensure the protection of their business establishments, their lives, and their property,” Fakhrul said, addressing BNP leaders and workers. Dipu Moni, her brother sued for attacking BNP leader's house in Chandpur He also reminded the party leaders and workers of their Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s recent call to refrain from destruction, revenge, and vengeance, and to build society with love and peace. As part of its countrywide programme, BNP arranged the doa and milad mahfil on the ground floor of its Nayapaltan central office, marking the 80th birthday of Khaleda Zia. “On the occasion of our leader’s birthday, let us all pray to Allah so that we can move forward, upholding the reputation of BNP established by martyred President Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, and Tarique Rahman,” Fakhrul said. He noted that BNP laid the groundwork for a mass uprising through its 17-year struggle, and students and youth advanced the movement to victory by sacrificing their blood. Fakhrul mentioned that around a thousand students and youth, including Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, sacrificed their lives during the movement. He said many leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, lost their lives on August 3, 4, and 5. “When I went to Nitor Hospital, there were 124 wounded people, including 90 Chhatra Dal leaders and workers. You must speak loudly about your sacrifices but avoid conflicts and clashes. We must now work in unison,” Fakhrul said. He expressed concern over negative news on social media and in newspapers, fearing new conspiracies and emerging fascism that might deprive people of their right to vote. “We must be vigilant in this regard. We need to move forward with unity, tolerance, and discipline,” the BNP leader said. BNP to back interim govt as long as it remains committed to democracy: Fakhrul Fakhrul also voiced frustration over the low turnout of party leaders and workers at Thursday’s rally and Friday’s milad mahfil. “Do you think we have achieved victory? No, this struggle must continue. If not, we will face significant danger. We have defeated one fascist regime and must remain vigilant to prevent new fascism from arising.” He said it is the responsibility of the current interim government to arrange a national election and transfer power to elected representatives. “But a lot of garbage has accumulated. This mess must be cleared. So, we need to give them (the government) some time. In the meantime, we must continue our struggle, follow Madam’s (Khaleda’s) ideals, and act on her statements. Everyone must work with love, setting aside revenge and vengeance.”

Four more advisers were sworn-in on Friday afternoon to join the recently formed 17-member interim government led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. The new advisers are economist Wahiduddin Mahmud, former Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder, former power secretary Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan and Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to new advisers at Bangabhaban. Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain conducted the swearing-in ceremony. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus took the oath of office as head of Bangladesh’s interim government on August 8 after protests forced out former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The coordinating committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) has been declared unwanted  by some general students, who have labeled it as 'fascist and self-serving.' On Thursday over a hundred students declared the committee persona-non-grata on their Facebook profiles. The committee, consisting of eight members, was announced on August 4 and since then students have claimed that it is a self-proclaimed committee with no real connection to the general student body or the anti-discrimination student movement. Azizul Haque, the chief coordinator of the committee and a student from the 2018-19 academic batch of the Faculty of Agriculture, defended the matter saying that students need to understand who is behind these claims and provocations. Just like in other parts of the country, the same authoritarian elements that were prevalent here are now playing with the sentiments of the students. He also said, "Many leaders and supporters of the Chhatra League are also involved. These autocrats are trying to bring back the chaos of the previous VC, Professor Dr. Md. Jamal Uddin Bhuiyan, to our campus, and are attempting to discredit our committee. I urge the students to be cautious and not act impulsively based on anyone's instigation." However, Mahfuzah Akter, a student from the 2019-20 academic batch of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and a member of the committee, said that a few days before the government's fall, a link was circulated in a university group for coordinator nominations. Based on that, she submitted her name, but after the movement concluded, a list of coordinators was published. Many friends informed her that some on the list are involved in politics. Hence, she resigned on August 7, she said. Sohel Ahmed Ayon, a student from the 2019-20 batch of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, said despite the appearance of a self-proclaimed coordinating committee, there was no noticeable activity from any coordinator during the movement on campus. Hence, students view their current actions as serving personal interests, advancing their own political agendas, and being purposefully misleading, he said. On the other hand, the SAU authority has imposed a ban on all kinds of political activities by students, teachers, officials and employees. The university administration announced the decision through an office order on Thursday night.