United News of Bangladesh

The Government of Nepal is closely following the recent political developments in Bangladesh. This information was conveyed through a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal. The press release stated, “We are deeply concerned about the loss of lives and properties during the protests over the last few weeks in Bangladesh. We convey our sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and wish all those injured a speedy and full recovery.” It also stated, “We call for calm and restraint by all and stress the importance of an orderly return to the democratic process. We are confident that the strong and resilient people of Bangladesh will be able to ensure a smooth transition towards peace and stability.”

Crisis Group, an international conflict prevention organisation, has said Bangladesh is entering a period of political uncertainty, with a high risk of both violence and economic instability. But former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure is also a chance for renewal, said Crisis Group’s expert on Bangladesh, Thomas Kean in a statement on Thursday titled "Bangladesh: The Long Road Ahead." Initial moves from the president and army chief suggest a willingness from at least some of the country’s old guard to support newly emerging forces in a reform effort that can put the country on a stable and prosperous path, Kean said. “International actors should do what they can to help Bangladesh take advantage of a once-in-a-generation opportunity.” The country now has the chance to move beyond the hyper-partisan, winner-take-all electoral dynamics that have caused so much damage to Bangladeshi politics over the past three decades, he said. "The interim government should work with a broad range of actors, including established political parties, civil society members, technocrats and, most importantly, student leaders who have gained the public’s respect, to pursue reforms that can create a more stable political environment and prevent another autocrat from emerging," Kean said.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis has said the resignation and departure of the Prime Minister after weeks of bloody protests have been met with “euphoria” alongside some concern over the government’s transition. Despite the chaos of recent weeks, Lewis characterised the mood in the country as “one of hope”, noting Bangladesh's progress towards achieving its 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  “If and when this transition government is shaped and the voices of the young people in the country are heard, I think we can really shape and move forward to continue the trajectory of positive development,” the UN’s top official in Bangladesh said in an interview with UN News on Tuesday.  The UN Resident Coordinator said it is really a moment when Bangladesh is at a crossroads, and so they are really hopeful that this will become something very positive that they can build on for their colleagues who are Bangladeshi and for the people of Bangladesh. “Young people and people from every range of life across Bangladesh, across the entire country, came out on the streets to celebrate,” she said. Some of the celebrations following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation took a violent turn, leading to scenes of destruction, vandalism, attacks against police stations, and killings of police officers who were seen to be in alignment with the government.  Recent bloodshed More than 300 civilians were killed and over 20,000 injured over student-led protests during the recent weeks, making the bloodshed among the worst ever witnessed in Bangladesh. The unrest began in July with protests by students against civil service quotas. Though the scheme was withdrawn, protests erupted again last week, with the key demand for the Prime Minister to quit and for those responsible for the violent suppression of demonstrations to be held accountable. Hasina had been in power since January 2009, having earlier led the country from 1996 to 2001. On Tuesday morning, relative calm returned to the country but the situation remains uncertain until a transitional government is formed, according to the Resident Coordinator.   What sparked the protests?  When asked how the protests led to the demands for the Prime Minister to be removed, Lewis responded that “it is incumbent on all of us to remember that there were very controversial elections held [in January] and there was really a very strong sense in the country that those elections were not free and fair”.  This political frustration was exacerbated due to the increase in food and fuel prices, leading more marginalised Bangladeshis to fall further into poverty, said the Resident Coordinator. Young people were especially impacted when the government announced a court order in June regarding civil service job quotas that favoured those considered “elite,” making it harder for the two million young Bangladeshis who enter the workforce every year to find a job.  Though the scheme was withdrawn, the protests against it merged into calls for the resignation of the Prime Minister who was accused of not hearing their concerns. Many civilians from different parts of society joined the protests “calling for change and that was the change that they haven't been able to see during the elections in December,” Lewis stated.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) Saida Muna Tasneem has expressed her allegiance in advance with the interim government that will be formed soon. She said they are waiting to receive formal directives from the interim government to work as they have a protocol to follow in terms of diplomatic affairs. Saida Muna also paid deep respect for those who were killed during the students movement since July 16, prayed for salvation of the departed souls and conveyed her deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.   She expressed solidarity with the anti-discriminatory students movement and hoped that a just-based country will be rebuilt inspired by the new generation’s movement. The High Commissioner made the remarks when Shamsul Alam Liton, the editor of the popular newspaper Saptahik Surma and eminent lawyer, met her in the high commission in London, according to a press release received here on Wednesday. Liton has worked tirelessly to protect the democracy and human rights of Bangladesh by running from door to door over the past 17 years. Iqbal Ferdous who shared the videos, said he had the privilege of working closely with incredibly talented, humane and dedicated person Liton for about 7-8 years.

The Philippine government is closely monitoring the developing situation in Bangladesh, said its the Department of Foreign Affairs in a statement from Manila. The Philippines called for the "peaceful and orderly" transition of power in Bangladesh, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024, according to a message here on Wednesday. Since 2 August 2024, the Philippine government, as recommended by the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka, has raised Alert Level 1 in Bangladesh.   Alert Level 1 reminds all Filipinos in the country to remain indoors and to regularly monitor the situation during this period of transition. The Philippine Embassy in Dhaka and the entire government stand ready to assist Filipinos affected by the on-going political developments in the country, the statement reads. The Philippines conveyed its solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and committed to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Bangladesh.

The European Union (EU) Heads of Mission in Dhaka has expressed concern about incoming reports of multiple attacks against places of worship and members of religious, ethnic and other minorities in Bangladesh. “EU heads of Mission in Dhaka are very concerned,” said the EU Embassy in a brief statement shared though X, formerly known as Twitter on Tuesday. They urgently appealed to all parties to exercise restraint, reject communal violence and uphold the fundamental human rights of all Bangladeshis. “We welcome the endeavors by the student movement and others to protect minorities,” said the European Union. 

The courage of conviction, uncompromising commitment to reforming governance and protecting human rights of the students is a powerful reminder of the essential role that young people play in shaping a just and equitable society, says ActionAid Bangladesh on Tuesday. “ActionAid stands in solidarity with the young people in Bangladesh who have courageously raised their voices in the fight for rights and justice,” said the INGO in a statement. The political situation is concerning, but we're hopeful the transition will lead to positive change, says ActionAid Bangladesh. The courage of conviction, uncompromising commitment to reforming governance and protecting human rights of the students is a powerful reminder of the essential role that young people play in shaping a just and equitable society, it said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased for the tragic loss of their loved ones during the recent quota reform protests,” it said.  Freedom comes at a price, and we must honour those who have sacrificed for this cause by striving to build a nation that respects diversity and upholds equity for all its citizens, says ActionAid Bangladesh. “While we are deeply concerned about the current situation, we are hopeful that this political transition, led by the young people will catalyze positive change. We urge the country's duty bearers and rights holders to work together to ensure human rights, holistic inclusiveness, and good governance are at the forefront of our national agenda,” said the statement. “Together, let us build a future where everyone is valued irrespective of gender, class, caste, or ethnicity, and every voice is heard,” it said.

Amid growing queries on visa status of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others, the United States has said the visa records are confidential under US law. “Visa records are confidential under U.S. law; therefore, we do not discuss the details of individual visa cases,” a spokesperson at the US Embassy in Dhaka told reporters on Tuesday following multiple queries. Many journalists reached out to the US officials reportedly to confirm the United States has revoked Sheikh Hasina’s, her sister’s, the former government’s ministers, advisors and officials’ U.S. visas. On August 5, demonstrators converged in Dhaka defying the curfew and forcing Hasina to step down and leave the country. She is currently in India. “Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi,” said Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in “Suo moto statement” in Rajyasabha on the situation in Bangladesh on Tuesday. British immigration rules do not allow individuals to travel to that country to seek asylum or temporary refuge, the UK Home Office told NDTV Tuesday morning, amid persistent speculation that Sheikh Hasina, now in Delhi, will fly to London to claim sanctuary.

The UK Home Office has clarified that British immigration rules do not permit individuals to travel to the UK specifically to seek asylum or temporary refuge. This statement comes amid widespread speculation that ousted Bangladeshi former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, may fly to London to claim asylum. A UK Home Office spokesperson told NDTV, “The UK has a proud record of providing protection for people who need it. However, there is no provision for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge. Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach—that is the fastest route to safety.” Despite these rules, sources indicate that a formal asylum request for Sheikh Hasina is being processed. Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as Prime Minister on Monday following weeks of protests over government job quotas, which resulted in over 300 deaths. She fled Dhaka on a military aircraft and landed at an Indian Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh. According to Indian media, upon arrival, Hasina met with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Reports suggest that she is currently in the “protective custody” of Indian intelligence services. Sheikh Hasina is accompanied by her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, who is a UK citizen. Her niece, Tulip Siddiq, is a British Labour parliamentarian, and her daughter, Saima Wazed, is based in Delhi, serving as the regional chief for the World Health Organization. Reports also indicate that India is cautious about overtly supporting the ousted leader to avoid complicating its relationship with the new government in Bangladesh.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has sought the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour – Bangladesh - on which there has always been strong national consensus. In a Suo moto statement in Rajyasabha on the situation in Bangladesh, he said they are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities, and noted that there are reports of initiatives by various groups and organizations to ensure their protection and well-being. “We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. Our border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally in view of this complex situation,” he said, mentioning that demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew. .Jaishankar said the situation in Bangladesh is still evolving. The Army Chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, addressed the nation on 5th August. “He spoke about assuming responsibility and constituting an interim government.” Bangladesh and India need to increase use of their currencies to boost trade: PM Hasina tells Jaishankar “Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi,” he said. In the last 24 hours, he said they have also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka. He apprised the House that Bangladesh-India relations have been exceptionally close for many decades over many governments. “Concern about recent violence and instability there is shared across the political spectrum.” Since the election in January 2024, Jaishankar said there have been considerable tensions, deep divides and growing polarization in Bangladesh politics. He said this underlying foundation aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year. “There was growing violence, including attacks on public buildings and infrastructure, as well as traffic and rail obstructions. The violence continued through the month of July.” We should be equally conscious that ‘normal’ can be manipulated: Jaishankar in Indian Ocean Conf Jaishankar said throughout this period, they repeatedly counselled restraint and urged that the situation be defused through dialogue. “Similar urgings were made to various political forces with whom we were in touch.” Despite a Supreme Court judgment on 21 July, there was no let-up in the public agitation, he said. “Various decisions and actions taken thereafter only exacerbated the situation. The agitation at this stage coalesced around a one-point agenda, that is that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down,” Jaishankar said. “On 4th August, events took a very serious turn. Attacks on police, including police stations and government installations, intensified even as overall levels of violence greatly escalated. Properties of individuals associated with the regime were torched across the country. What was particularly worrying was that minorities, their businesses and temples also came under attack at multiple locations. The full extent of this is still not clear,” he added.Jaishankar said they are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there, of which about 9,000 are students. The bulk of the students have already returned to India in the month of July on the advice of the High Commission. “In terms of our diplomatic presence, in addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, we have Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet,” he said.Jaishankar said it is their expectation that the host government will provide the required security protection for these establishments. “We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes,” he added.