[🇧🇩] Everything about the interim government and its actions

[Saif]

Only CA can announce polls timing

Two days after commenting on the possibility of the next election being held in 2025, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul yesterday clarified that only the chief adviser of the interim government has the authority to make such an announcement.

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Only CA can announce polls timing
Says law adviser

Two days after commenting on the possibility of the next election being held in 2025, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul yesterday clarified that only the chief adviser of the interim government has the authority to make such an announcement.

"An election is a highly important policy decision and its timing will be determined under the leadership of the chief adviser. Only he has the authority to make such an announcement," Nazrul wrote on his verified Facebook page.

Nazrul's comment came a day after his colleague and Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain said no such issue was discussed at the meeting of the advisory council on Thursday.

"Election will be held when the government will say so," Khalid said at a views exchange meeting with journalists at the conference room of Cox's Bazar Circuit House.

At a Channel I programme titled "Ajker Patrika" on Thursday, Nazrul said the next national election could be arranged by 2025 after completing the pre-election preparations, including the formation of a new Election Commission through a search committee.

"I think realistically, holding the election can be possible by next year," he said.

A search committee will be formed soon to help constitute the new Election Commission, which will then create an accurate voters' list, paving the way for the election.

Nazrul's comments came at a time when several political parties including BNP are seeking a clear-cut timeframe for the 13th general elections.

When a journalist sought his comment over Nazrul's comment, Khalid said: "I joined the cabinet (advisory council) meeting yesterday [Thursday] and no such [polls timeline] discussion was held at the meeting."

Nazrul then gave a clarification of his comment on his verified Facebook page yesterday.

There is a possibility that the next election may be held in 2025 but there are certain factors.

"I didn't have the opportunity to fully explain these factors during the programme. However, from the government's stance, it is clear that reforms and political consensus are being discussed as prerequisites for the election. These are the factors I was referring to."

Nazrul said that he also mentioned the need for reforms during the programme.

Additionally, he elaborated on other key factors, such as the formation of the search committee and the Election Commission, as well as the preparation of the voter list. If these aspects are properly addressed, an election may indeed take place next year.

"However, I emphasised that this is only my initial assessment. Unfortunately, some media outlets have presented this conditional speculation as an official election announcement. With all due respect, this is not accurate," he wrote.​

 

[Saif]

Balancing diplomacy, reform and competitiveness

The core competitiveness of Bangladesh is tied to our culture.

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Balancing diplomacy, reform and competitiveness

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus meets with the UNDP delegation to discuss comprehensive institutional reforms in Bangladesh. The meeting took place at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. PHOTO:UNDP

Bangladesh is one of the youngest nations on the planet. The recent political changes in the country have offered us an opportunity to rethink, revisit, reevaluate, and rebrand the competitiveness of Bangladesh. This is highlighted by the Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's visit to the Summit of the Future 2024 in New York. The support of the world leaders to an 84-year-old statesman who needed no introduction at the UN was overwhelming. His speeches, handshakes, hugs, presentations, meetings, receptions, and photo sessions were good public relations for a two-month-old government. Perhaps, we are entering a new era of diplomacy.

As we bring stability, restructure governance, and work towards an impartial election, let us add another task to the list—enhancing Bangladesh's global competitiveness. It is a long-term venture guided by clear goals, pragmatic policies, persistent efforts, and patriotic leadership. The contemporary competitiveness of China is an outcome of the policies laid by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai 75 years ago. Lee Kuan Yew's Singapore and Mahathir Muhammad's Malaysia took 30 years to get to where they are now. Even Nelson Mandela did not live to see the outcomes of his policies in South Africa.

The ultimate goal of national competitiveness is the wellbeing (both material and spiritual) of its citizens achieved through a dynamic process of wealth creation and distribution that delivers reasonable income/prosperity to its people. This can be attained by addressing the following factors: (i) understanding the core competitiveness of a nation; (ii) evaluating its geopolitical positioning; (iii) building appropriate institutions; (iv) attaining resource synergy; and (v) providing dynamic leadership. A model competitive country does not have to be rich or powerful—fulfilling the basic needs of the people should be a reasonable goal for success.

The core competitiveness of Bangladesh is tied to our culture. It is the unique story of organic growth grounded on the survival spirit of the people. Apparently chaotic, it is actually a harmonious evolution. Time and again, through unity and cooperation, the people of Bangladesh have been able to rise above all odds, be it during cyclones/floods or against tyrants who have tried to subdue our aspirations. A desperately optimistic and patriotic survival spirit is our innate core. This makes us a very blessed nation.

I am convinced that tyranny in any form is not sustainable in Bangladesh. Every time we have despaired about a tyranny, a resilient survival spirit for freedom has resurfaced, a united natural leadership crystallised from the street, and a divine intervention has occurred. Our youth have spearheaded these movements in 1952, 1969, 1971, and many a times during the post-liberation period, including 2024.

The absolute power grabbing attempts and divisive politics have hurt us but could not destroy our spirit. The fall of Awami League, BNP, and Ershad regimes should be good learning for our ambitious political and military leaders. The spirit of the nation should be allowed to blossom through a democratic process; that should be the moral imperative of this government.

Bangladesh's geopolitical situation is complex. The country, home to 170 million people, is situated in the low-lying Ganges delta, which presents significant geographical challenges. Moreover, India controls most of the rivers flowing south into Bangladesh, and our short border with Myanmar, has led to a significant Rohingya refugee crisis. These challenges have forced us to become pragmatic, resilient, and creative.

Evaluating the geopolitical position of Bangladesh begins with our neighbours. So far, we have maintained a good relationship with SAARC members and should continue to do so. The Modi government's support to dictatorial regimes like Hasina goes against the Gandhi/Nehru doctrines. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's maiden speech in the parliament indicates that his policies are failing. There were demonstrations in support of our 2024 student-led movement in India.

Bangladesh is perceived as a young, friendly, and peace-loving nation. It is observable in the UN peace missions, international trade/investment engagements, and NGO participations. We should continue to maintain this positive image, ensuring that foreigners feel safe here for both trade and travel.

On the diplomatic front, we should maintain good relationships with our Asian neighbours including China, Korea, and ASEAN countries. The good PR of the Yunus government has enhanced our image in the West/European Union. We should continue to promote good business relationships with them. We should continue to maintain a good relationship with Russia—a country that has built our only nuclear power plant and filled our military hardware—and other countries of the world. Bangladesh can augment its peace-loving image/position by proactively engaging in Global South diplomacy via SAARC and other platforms. Yunus and future leaders can join the non-aligned movements following the footsteps of Maulana Bhashani.

Building appropriate institutions

Building institutions for competitiveness is a cultural phenomenon. It evolves over time through an educative process that offers market efficiency, human freedom, and good governance. It facilitates the process of wealth creation and wealth distribution. The current reform and restructuring efforts of the government are positive endeavours in institution building.

In assessing the institutional efficacy for national competitiveness, one can consider the six elements of the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI) of the World Bank as follows: voice and accountability; political stability and absence of violence; government effectiveness; regulatory quality; rule of law; and control of corruption. A country that scores well in these indicators is perceived to be better grounded for international trade, investment, and competitiveness. Most developing countries in the world seriously lag behind in these indicators. Bangladesh is no exception.

To score better on WGI, our first step would be to make electoral democracy work. We almost succeeded in establishing our style of democracy through a caretaker system until Hasina abandoned it. Dynasty politics, like many developing countries, is an institutionalised phenomenon. It is a reality in Bangladesh. A recent poll after the 2024 uprising indicates that common people would welcome a new party. In India, a new Aam Aadmi Party, an anti-corruption force, was able to gain a good foothold because of the integrity of India's electoral process. We are yet to develop such a system/culture. This is where we need reform.

Attaining resource synergy

Resources are finite and tied to the geography of a nation. Resources are given, and they can also be created. In a globalised world, a country's resources are tied to an international value chain defined by a broader core-periphery economic relationship. Developed countries benefit most from this network because of their colonial past, currency, political arrangement (UN, WTO, IMF, WB, etc.), and military power. Developing countries do not have much choice under the current system.

Attaining resource synergy is a long-term proposition. It is a work-in-progress. Bangladesh shall have to curve a niche to compete in a globally interdependent economic system. Specifically, synergy should be attained by implementing the following policies that: (i) favour value-added industries and investments; (ii) benefit international reserve; (iii) enhance appropriate technology; (iv) develop skills and educate people; and (vi) build institutions and infrastructure enhancing competitiveness. Additionally, we must invest in education—this is our natural competitive advantage.

Providing dynamic leadership

Dynamism in leadership is espoused by a symbiotic relationship between the leader and its citizens. Everything comes to life when the right leader arrives. The leader can galvanise the competitive spirit of the nation by determining its geopolitical position, building appropriate institutions, and attaining resource synergy. Education and the democratic process can develop such leaders.

As a young nation, Bangladesh shows great promise in becoming one of the top competing countries in the world. It is geographically well-positioned as a peace-loving nation. Its rich homogenous culture with liberal attitude and values is commendable. It has favourable demographics—its large young population that can be trained/educated. The female participation in the labour force contributes to our competitiveness.

Attaining national competitiveness is a journey, not a destination. Government reforms can make that journey conducive.

At this time, bringing stability precedes all discussions. Our neighbours, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Maldives are facing harsh political and economic realities, partly emanating from foreign interventions. We must ensure that we do not fall into such situations. Our patriotism should be paramount in protecting the nation and in attaining competitiveness.

Dr Abu NM Waheeduzzaman is a professor of Marketing and International Business at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.​

 

[Saif]

US court stays warrants for Salehuddin, Ahsan

A US court on Friday stayed the arrest warrants for Bangladesh Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur.

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US court stays warrants for Salehuddin, Ahsan

Salehuddin Ahmed, left, and Ahsan H Mansur

A US court on Friday stayed the arrest warrants for Bangladesh Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur.

Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who has recently been appointed as an ambassador with the rank of a senior secretary, confirmed this to The Daily Star over the phone from Washington yesterday.

The development comes a day after US District Judge Carl J Nichols had issued "bench warrants for the arrest" of Salehuddin and Ahsan, whom a power company wants to testify, as it seeks to enforce a collective $31.9 million in arbitration awards against Bangladesh.

The judge directed the US Marshals Service to detain the two as they were visiting Washington to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, held on October 21-26.

The court had ordered the clerk to issue the warrants as a contempt sanction against Bangladesh.

"The US court had no jurisdiction to issue such arrest warrants for these officials. However, through the stay order of the court, the issue has been suspended," said Mushfiqul.

The interim government cannot take responsibility for the misdeeds committed by the previous regime, he said on Facebook, adding that those who tried to put the issue under carpet should face action.

Law360, a New York-based legal news publisher, reported on Friday that the move by the US court prompted an immediate appeal from the Bangladesh government.

The Bangladesh government said it is "unprecedented" that a Washington, DC federal judge ordered the arrest of two high-ranking Bangladeshi officials to force their depositions in a power company's lawsuit.

The motion said, "Petitioner did not cite a single example of a court enforcing a sanctions order against a foreign state, much less ordering the arrest of high-ranking foreign government officials during a diplomatic visit to the United States. The lack of precedent is not surprising, as such an action is, or at least was, unimaginable."

Bangladesh condemned the judge's decision, Law360 said.

The dispute has its origins in 1997, when Smith Cogeneration signed a power purchase agreement with the Bangladesh government and its Power Development Board that provided for the construction of a barge-mounted power plant in northern Bangladesh.

Smith Cogeneration told the DC court in its 2006 enforcement petition that the government agreed to provide the company with all the required permits to complete the project, according to the Law360 report.

However, the government nixed the project in 1999 and never provided the company with the necessary permits, Smith Cogeneration claimed.​

 

[Saif]

How has the interim government fared so far?

The mutilation done to the nation would require more than run of the mill actions or traditional approach.

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How has the interim government fared so far?

Students under the banner of anti-discrimination student movement demonstrate on the High Court premises on October 16 demanding resignations of ‘pro-Awami League fascist judges'. PHOTO: PALASH KHAN

Nearly three months have passed that the interim government (IG) has been in charge of a country devastated beyond comprehension. We the mere mortals, struggling to forget the nightmarish 15 years, can be forgiven for nurturing very high expectations from the new dispensation.

It will do us well to remember that the IG is not the caretaker government (CTG) of the past. It is very unique, given the circumstances in which it came to power—a popular youth-led uprising has validated not only the IG's assumption of power but has also, ipso facto, granted approval for any and all legal actions it undertakes to rectify the damage to the nation's institutions and agencies. The mutilation done to the nation would require more than run of the mill actions or traditional approach.

In passing it should be stressed that raising the issue of Hasina's resignation at this point in time is out of place, some may see this as being ulteriorly motivated, and reeking of conspiracy.

It is of no consequence whether a person who assumed power in a dubious manner, was deposed through a popular uprising—there can be no greater mandate than this—and sought exile of their own volition, has tendered an official letter of resignation. We must admit that the president's recent remarks regarding this have mystified us.

The various reform committee gives us a good idea of the sectoral reforms the IG wants to undertake. Unique situation requires unique response that may not necessarily conform to the normal methods and means of administering a country.

But while the IG goes about fixing things, it should keep the people informed about its policies and plan of action for rectification. The IG should keep in mind that although it is not bound by any timeframe and its framework of reference is very wide, its time limit is also not open-ended. And a "reasonable" timeframe is open to various interpretations. What the IG is doing should also be visible.

The various reform committee gives us a good idea of the sectoral reforms the IG wants to undertake. Unique situation requires unique response that may not necessarily conform to the normal methods and means of administering a country.

The first thing that still needs to be fully addressed is the administration, which seems to be influenced by the lingering presence of the Awami League. Reportedly, many beneficiaries of the past regime continue in important appointments. The longer they stay in the administration the more are the risks they pose to the successful implementation of the IG's reform plans. The significance of the manufactured unrest in the RMG sector, sabotage of oil tankers, and various demands from different professional groups are well-orchestrated actions to nip the plans of the IG in the bud.

Apparently, it would seem that the administration is not moving fast enough for some quarter's liking, and a feature post-revolution is the regime of intimidation and coercion imposed on certain quarters. While that is understandable under the circumstances, making haste while sorting out the muck of the last 15 years may be counterproductive.

The public has certain expectations as well as grievances, and some of these are manifested in the student outburst, demonstrated in their siege of the High Court for removal of judges appointed during the Hasina regime where personal fealty triumphed over qualification and merit. The latest outburst is against the person in Bangabhaban for reasons mentioned.

One of the gripes the students have, and justifiably so, is the continuation of some senior bureaucrats who thrived under the Hasina regime, and who were complicit in the destruction of the state institutions and misuse of the state agencies for partisan gains. This goes for all sectors.

The education sector was a target of the students too. But witch-hunting is not the answer. Admittedly, the public universities were caderised from the vice chancellor down to the junior most lecturer. Most of them did not meet the minimum requirements of the post. One might say that it was a long-term plan to destroy the backbone of the nation by destroying the education sector.

It would also seem that the process of accountability is not moving fast enough. One hears the question "Where have all the crooks gone, and how?" Indeed, one may ask, once again, where have all the crooks gone? And by crooks, I mean all those that sought sanctuary inside the safety of the cantonments across the country after the student-led revolution that has been anointed with the very appropriate appellation of Monsoon Revolution, and many others who made good their escape quite a few days after the assumption of office of the IG. In fact, there is a general suspicion that the beneficiaries of the previous government may still be calling the shots.

A passing reference was made to this subject in one of my previous columns, but time has come to accord the issue more than a cursory glance. It is my distinct impression that the matter has been deliberately swept under the carpet hoping that, Bangalee memory being short, the matter would be forgotten. Well, not so soon.

A few questions need to be answered by the relevant individuals in positions of responsibility. Feigning ignorance will not sit well with the common man, who feels that allowing those responsible for bringing so much misery to the people—through wanton loot and plunder, siphoning billions out of the country, and particularly those directly responsible for the deaths of a thousand and the maiming of several times more—soils the blood of the martyrs. They must be held accountable.

Of the 17 crore Bangladeshis, only 600 or so sought refuge inside the military establishments. Among them were politicians and senior members of the law enforcing agencies. The question is why. They must have done something wrong that they feared would incur public wrath. In fact, these were the people who would have left the country sooner but somehow couldn't. Some of their more clever and smarter colleagues had abandoned the Awami League boat no sooner than they realised that it had started taking in water.

In fact, abandoning the followers and leaving the country furtively for safer places during hard times has been the hallmark of the party leadership. History will bear out my comments. Therefore, to see the leader living up to the party tradition after August 5 was not a surprise.

My question is: in the future, will highly secured places within the country be used as sanctuaries for those responsible for killing democracy, looting public wealth, and committing the kinds of misdeeds that those seeking protection in the cantonments are alleged to have committed? Additionally, we are still at a loss to explain how many of these individuals managed to leave the country and who guaranteed them a safe exit.

The ultimate goal is to hold a participatory all-inclusive and acceptable election. Having said that, holding elections without fixing the systemic aberrations would take us back to square one. That would denigrate the sacrifice of the martyrs of the Monsoon Revolution. And it shall not be allowed to happen.

Brig Gen Shahedul Anam Khan, ndc, psc (retd) is a former associate editor of The Daily Star.​

 

[Saif]

No scope to revoke death penalty, Asif Nazrul says after meeting Volker Turk

The UN high commissioner for human rights urged Bangladesh to scrap capital punishment on first day of his visit

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No scope to revoke death penalty, Asif Nazrul says after meeting Volker Turk
Asif Nazrul comments on death penalty

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk today urged the interim government to revoke the existing death penalty in Bangladesh, but there is no scope to do so, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said today.

"We said there is no scope for revoking death sentences under the current circumstances. The Penal Code has the provision of death sentence. There is no scope to amend it all of a sudden," he told reporters after a meeting with Turk at the secretariat.

During the meeting, the human rights chief spoke of establishing rule of law and human rights, which are closely interlinked, and also ensuring human rights in all the reform initiatives.

Turk told media that he asked for Bangladesh's human rights commission to be strengthened to uphold human rights in the country.

He also said the UN fact-finding mission is giving due importance to the human rights violation during the July-August student-led protests.

The UN headquarters is overseeing the entire matter, he said.

Turk arrived in Dhaka early today on a two-day visit and held meetings with Nazrul and Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and the students of Dhaka University.

He is scheduled to meet the chief adviser, chief justice, army chief, heads of several reform commissions, civil society groups, UN agencies and members of diplomatic missions here.

Volker Turk wanted to know more about the International Crimes Tribunal Act, 1973, said the law adviser.

The UN calls for revoking death penalty worldwide, but only a few countries have revoked it, he added. This is their commitment and they will speak about this, but no government of Bangladesh in the past revoked the death sentence, Nazrul said.

"There is no question of abolishing the death sentence, in connection with the trial of the fascist government that killed thousands of students," he said.

Those accused in the cases under the ICT Act will be provided all legal rights to defend themselves, said Nazrul.

Volker Turk has asked for the draft of the amendments to the ICT Act, which the government will provide.

Another priority of the UN human rights chief was for Bangladesh to have an independent judiciary.

"We said we have started reforms to the judiciary. Turk has expressed satisfaction about the reforms initiatives," Nazrul said.

Nazrul said the government may avail forensic or technical support from the UN and stressed that there will be no injustice as there was in the past.​

 

[Saif]

Law adviser to oversee financial, administrative duties at Speaker’s office

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul will look into administrative and financial issues at the Speaker's office of Jatiya Sangsad, said the chief adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today

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Law adviser to oversee financial, administrative duties at Speaker’s office

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul will look into administrative and financial issues at the Speaker's office of Jatiya Sangsad, said the chief adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today.

Shafiqul came up with the updates while briefing the media at Foreign Service Academy on the meeting of the Council of Advisers held with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair.

Alam said the Speaker had financial and administrative duties and now the Speaker's post is vacant.

There is a question of who will do the work related to financial and administrative activities, he said, adding that a decision has been taken that Law Adviser Asif Nazrul will look into it.

Deputy Press Secretaries Aburba Jahangir and Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also spoke at the briefing.​

 

[Saif]

How will the interim govt navigate through challenges?

Speaking to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society in 1852, American abolitionist Wendell Phillips had said “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." This slogan has become relevant after Bangladesh has been liberated from the clutch of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina amid the...

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How will the interim govt navigate through challenges?
Rabiul Islam
Updated: 31 Oct 2024, 20: 49

Muhammad Yunus takes oath as the chief advisor to the interim government at Bangabhaban on 8 August 2024. Dipu Malakar

Speaking to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society in 1852, American abolitionist Wendell Phillips had said “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." This slogan has become relevant after Bangladesh has been liberated from the clutch of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina amid the student-people's uprising on 5 August 2024. She has fled to India and has been staying there since then. Although the people have breathed a sigh of relief for a time being, the establishment of peace and tranquility is still a far cry. The interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus was formed on 8 August, which has instilled high expectation among the people from walks of life. Now the question has emerged how that expectation will be fulfilled in the face of multiple challenges.

What are the challenges: law and order, economic crisis, price hike of essentials, administration, geo-politics and more. The law and order situation is the most important matter. After the fall of Hasina government, the law and order situation deteriorated immensely. Although the situation has improved a bit, it is still a cause for concern. In the name of raising various demands, people from various sections and professions are taking to the streets and issuing ultimatums to meet their demands. Even the students, who played the glorious role in unseating Sheikh Hasina from power, are also taking to the streets with various demands whether those are logical or not that is immaterial. They are forcing the interim government to meet their demand at any cost. For example, the HSC students compelled the government to cancel a number of examinations which was halted due to the student-led mass uprising. Following the decision, people from walks of life castigated the government for giving in to the illogical demand.

Even the students, who played the glorious role in unseating Sheikh Hasina from power, are also taking to the streets with various demands whether those are logical or not that is immaterial. They are forcing the interim government to meet their demand at any cost.

Although people could not take to the streets for their genuine demands during the Hasina-led government plagued with corruption, money laundering, price hike of essentials and more, now various section of people including garment workers, students and jobs aspirants have been registering protests seeking even for their illogical demands. Anyone can easily understand why such things are happening. During the past 15 and half years rule of Sheikh Hasina, the banking sector was completely destroyed. In an interview with a British daily Financial Times, Bangladesh Bank governor said tycoons close to Sheikh Hasina siphoned off $17b, S Alam alone laundered $10b. Moreover, with foreign and domestic loans, big projects have implemented without proper feasibility study, either to please the foreign masters or to benefit some people close to Sheikh Hasina. A glaring example of such a project is Karnaphuli Tunnel. Daily cost of this project is Tk 3.7 million while the income is only Tk 1 million.

Although most of the people supported the interim government and they want a remedy from misrule, corruption and money laundering, those who are the beneficiaries of the Sheikh Hasina government won't allow the interim government to smoothly run the country and arrange an election for transition to democratic government. The tycoons close to Sheikh Hasina embezzled so much money that they would spend in destabilising the interim government as well as the country. Those are conspiring to worsen the law and order situation. As part of their scheme, criminal activities including killing, robbery and garment unrest in the name of various demands are being taken place at various parts of the country.

Under such a circumstance, the government has to activate the intelligence agencies so that they unearth any conspiracy beforehand. In any case of negligence on their part, the officials concerned must not go unpunished. The police also have to remain alert to rein in killing, robbery and unrest in the garment sector. The common allegations that police take bribes should also be addressed with utmost sincerity.

Under such a circumstance, the government has to activate the intelligence agencies so that they unearth any conspiracy beforehand. In any case of negligence on their part, the officials concerned must not go unpunished. The police also have to remain alert to rein in killing, robbery and unrest in the garment sector. The common allegations that police take bribes should also be addressed with utmost sincerity. Activities including motivation, incentives must be introduced so that law enforcers become proactive considering the crucial time for the people as well as the country. Now we all need to keep in mind that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

*Rabiul Islam is a journalist at Prothom Alo.​

 

[Saif]

The government must focus on urgent issues

To prevent a return to authoritarianism or fascism, strengthening democratic processes is crucial.

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The government must focus on urgent issues

One of the issues in Bangladesh that needs urgent solution is the prices of daily essentials. FILE PHOTO: STAR

It has been almost three months since the interim government took office. During this period, it has taken several notable steps, including the formation of various commissions to begin the reform process of key sectors and suspension of the indemnity law in the energy sector—steps largely viewed as positive. However, there are many other tasks that it should prioritise. It is surprising that to this day, there has been no official list of the deceased and injured from the July uprising. The student-led protests evolved into a broader people's movement, with citizens from all walks of life joining in. Participation of the working class was particularly significant. Many among the victims are from the labour force. Many of the injured are now struggling to carry on their medical treatment. They expected support from the state. More prompt actions should have been taken in this regard.

There seems to be a tendency to overlook the pivotal role of workers during the uprising, as their demands has not received the attention it deserves. For example, after the 18-point agreement among the employers, garment workers and the government, it was clearly stipulated that all outstanding wages would be cleared. But many factories have not fulfilled this commitment; some factories have even shut down without warning. When workers raise their concerns and demand their dues, they are often met with violent responses, such as shootings, which lead to casualties. A 25-year-old female RMG worker, who had joined the ongoing protest demanding payment of wages pending for several months, was recently shot and died from her injuries later. Even yesterday, two garment workers were shot during a violent clash with law enforcement forces in Dhaka's Mirpur area. It is disheartening to see that while any student-led mobilisation receive a degree of sympathy from the government, workers are met with force when they demand their rights. It is hoped that the government will take adequate steps to address these concerns.

Meanwhile, political complexities seem to have diverted the current administration's focus elsewhere. One such issue involves recent statements made by the president. A clear response to his remarks might have been the publication of Sheikh Hasina's resignation letter. If this is not feasible, then a resolution must be sought through dialogue with political parties. Some state run organisations have also made demands and put forth claims, indicating that internal contradictions may be brewing. Rather than allowing instability to grow from these contradictions, the government should swiftly engage in discussions with political parties and take decisive actions with consensus.

While the BCL members who engaged in criminal activities should undoubtedly face justice, it is also crucial to hold accountable those in the previous regime who empowered the BCL for their own benefit. However, the current process of prosecuting individuals associated with the previous regime lacks transparency. Cases are being filed where the main culprits are not being precisely identified, leading to the possibility that the actual wrongdoers may escape justice, or that the gravity of the allegations may get diminished.

One such swift decision was the recent ban on the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), student wing of the Awami League. This ban was a demand of the anti-discrimination student movement, which called for BCL's dissolution. Often perceived as a militant arm of the Awami League, BCL gained a reputation for engaging in criminal activities—extortion, tender manipulation, harassment of university students, and even operating torture cells in dormitories. The organisation's presence in many communities became synonymous with oppression, serving the Awami League's interests to maintain power, and this image was deliberately cultivated by the Awami League government.

While the BCL members who engaged in criminal activities should undoubtedly face justice, it is also crucial to hold accountable those in the previous regime who empowered the BCL for their own benefit. However, the current process of prosecuting individuals associated with the previous regime lacks transparency. Cases are being filed where the main culprits are not being precisely identified, leading to the possibility that the actual wrongdoers may escape justice, or that the gravity of the allegations may get diminished. This approach raises questions about the credibility of the judicial process.

The decision to ban a political entity could prove to be self-defeating too. Banning a political group does not eliminate its ideology. While the organisation may no longer be legally active, its ideas and activities could continue underground, with the potential for resurgence. For example, during Sheikh Hasina's tenure, Jamaat-e-Islami was not officially banned but faced similar restrictions in practice. But its ideology persisted, and today it has re-emerged even stronger. Thus, simply banning an organisation does not eradicate its influence; instead, it obscures its true nature and may even create sympathy among the public.

Politics in our public universities has also shown that whichever party comes to power, its student wing becomes dominant and oppressive, using the university administration to further its goals. The government uses these student groups to exert control over campuses, as seen with the Awami League's BCL, the BNP's Chhatra Dal, Jamaat's Islami Chhatra Shibir, and the Ershad-era's Chhatra Samaj.

To prevent a return to authoritarianism or fascism, strengthening democratic processes is crucial. This includes fostering democratic dialogue, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance, and upholding the rule of law. When institutions are made functional and accountable, and when exemplary punishment is meted out to offenders, the foundation for authoritarianism weakens. Moreover, increasing public participation in governance can create a resilient barrier against any potential return of undemocratic forces.

If the government ignores the demands of the majority working class population or the calls for justice across various social divides, and relies solely on coercion, it risks paving the way for authoritarianism. Heavy-handed tactics, threats, and coercive laws only contribute to the re-emergence of undemocratic practices. The key aspiration of the uprising was to build a "discrimination-free new Bangladesh," and to achieve this, the focus must shift towards necessary reforms.

Reducing the price of essential goods and ensuring they remain within reach of ordinary people is very important at the moment. Scraping anti-people agreements in sectors like energy is essential for laying the groundwork for this new vision of Bangladesh. This should not simply be about replacing one version of BCL with another. A true transformation means breaking away from the trends that have been synonymous with oppression.

As told to Monorom Polok.

Anu Muhammad is former professor of economics from Jahangirnagar University.​

 

[Saif]

TIB expresses concern over press freedom

Expressing serious concerns over press freedom in the country, Transparency International Bangladesh yesterday said persistent attacks, ill-motivated lawsuits and widespread harassment are not conducive to an anti-discriminatory “new Bangladesh”.

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TIB expresses concern over press freedom

Expressing serious concerns over press freedom in the country, Transparency International Bangladesh yesterday said persistent attacks, ill-motivated lawsuits and widespread harassment are not conducive to an anti-discriminatory "new Bangladesh".

In a press statement, the graft watchdog urged the interim government to implement strict measures to curb these "alarming trends" to ensure a congenial environment for journalists and the media.

In 14 years during the previous regime's rule, Bangladesh's position in the World Press Freedom Index fell by 42 notches, with all standards of media freedom consistently declining, said TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman.

He said the sacrifices made by students during the July-August mass uprising presented the nation with a unique opportunity to build a "new Bangladesh".

However, despite the interim government's repeated commitments to ensure media freedom and protect it from external influences, the assault on media and journalists is continuing, he added.

"TIB notes with deep concern that various self-interested groups are intensifying attacks on certain media organisations, engaging in slander, threats, and intimidation.

"It appears that attempts are being made to suppress the media, harass journalists, or manipulate coverage whenever it challenges the interests of powerful factions. Such incidents serve as a troubling signal for the future of a free press in Bangladesh," Iftekharuzzaman said.

He questioned if the media's freedom amount to a hollow assurance. He said the attacks reflect negatively on the "new Bangladesh".

"Arbitrary threats, attacks, sieges, and, in certain instances, trivial lawsuits designed to resolve personal disputes or the complete revocation of accreditation cards are unmistakable indicators of an anti-people authoritarian regime."

He said efforts to regulate the media, and echoing the practices of the fallen authoritarian regime contradict the ethos of free thought and the anti-discrimination principles that characterise the "new Bangladesh".

"The suppression of dissent and the insecurity experienced by the media will inevitably lead to the resurgence of authoritarianism."

Iftekharuzzaman said, "TIB thinks that journalists accused of specific criminal acts or those actively involved in the past authoritarian regime should be thoroughly probed. However, incidents such as arbitrary cases against journalists labelling them as the associates of the fallen authoritarian government; the cancellation of permanent and temporary press accreditation cards given by the Press Information Department, threats, and dismissals do not convey any positive message regarding media freedom in the country.

"Rather, they serve the interests of those who follow the perilous theory that dissent is the friend of tyranny."

The TIB does not believe that any journalist should be penalised for engaging in journalism, he said.

The graft watchdog urged the interim government to act swiftly and forcefully to establish a fearless atmosphere for independent journalists. "If not, there is a serious chance that media freedom may turn into an empty promise."

The TIB also urged journalists and the media to maintain ethical journalistic standards and prevent the abuse of their authority.​

 

[Saif]

Govt won’t tolerate any attacks on newspapers

The government will not tolerate any attacks on newspapers, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

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Govt won’t tolerate any attacks on newspapers
Says CA’s press secy

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, briefed the media at the foreign service academy today. Photo: Screengrab

The government will not tolerate any attacks on newspapers, said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

"No newspaper, TV channel or news website has been shut since the interim government took office," he said at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy yesterday.

Shafiqul said there had been no phone calls from the government or the intelligence agencies requesting news outlets to take down or upload any news article. They also did not give any directive regarding speakers of talk shows and barring reporters from certain assignments, he added.

"There had been such a practice over the last 15 years, but the interim government did not say anything. If we thought that a news item was wrong, we mentioned it politely."

The press secretary said some journalists have spread rumours intentionally, but the interim government is not bothered by it at all.

"We are fully committed to the independence of the media. We did not ask anyone not to file a report or why a particular report was published."

Asked about the removal of 64 district correspondents of Bangladesh Television and cancellation of accreditation cards of some journalists, Shafiqul said the BTV authorities will be able to say about it.

He said accreditation cards are scrapped by the information ministry which will be able to mention the specific reasons.

About threats to some newspapers, Azad Majumder, deputy press secretary to the chief adviser, said the Editors' Council issued a statement in this regard which is being reviewed by the government.

These threats are being issued by a quarter, and the government has already noticed it, Shafiqul said, adding that they have already provided them with security.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus seeks contribution of students, teachers to advancing science

Chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday asked students and teachers to come forward in contributing to advancement of science and knowledge.

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Yunus seeks contribution of students, teachers to advancing science
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 07 November, 2024, 14:58

Professor Yunus speaks at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Centennial Celebration of the Bose-Einstein Statistics: A legacy of Dhaka’ in the city on Thursday. | UNB Photo

Chief adviser professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday asked students and teachers to come forward in contributing to advancement of science and knowledge.

‘Students and teachers should come forward in contributing to science and knowledge,’ he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Centennial Celebration of the Bose-Einstein Statistics: A legacy of Dhaka’ at an auditorium in the city.

Professor Yunus said that the very tiny calm Dhaka city and green Ramna might not be brought back but the glory of Dhaka University could, of course, come back in the new independent Bangladesh.

‘On centenary of the Bose-Einstein Theory, we can say this with emphasis. Today, the student-teacher community has got back their freedom of thought and the practice of free thinking through revolution,’ he continued.

The chief adviser also stressed capacity building for contributing to world-science.

‘And this is achieved through everyday reading, research maintaining high expectation. The environment of Bose’s invention in 1924 was created in such a way. This environment will also be established in the same way today. There is no alternative to this.’

CA Yunus said that the interim government was ready to bring necessary reforms in shaping suitable environment for science practice but demands and suggestions had to have to come from all the people concerned.

‘If we have trust in ourselves, we will be able to do so as Bose had trust in him, so being fully unacquainted, he wrote to Einstein.’

Recalling the contribution of scientist Satyendra Nath Bose, he said that Bose became the part of science history in 1924 because of his Bose-Einstein Statistics.

‘As a young professor, Satyendra Bose did this sitting at a room of Curzon Hall at Dhaka University, while the physicists around the world are celebrating the centenary of the Bose-Einstein Statistics due to its importance. But, the importance of this invention is different for us....through this, Bose has marked our university [DU] and our Dhaka city in the map of world science,’ he added.

The chief adviser welcomed the international scientists, who have been working on the Bose-Einstein theory, for joining the international conference in Dhaka.

Noting that the invention of Bose was still time relevant, he said that Bose sent his little article to Einstein in Germany and later Einstein added his idea to it and provided the article to a famous physics journal. Since then, that was Bose-Einstein theory.

The physics department of Dhaka University and Bose Centre for Advanced Study and Research in Natural Sciences, DU, jointly organised the two-day celebration.

Education adviser professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, DU vice-chancellor professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, and former professor at SNBNCBS of Kolkata Partha Ghose also spoke.​

 

[Saif]

Interim govt would hold election at appropriate time: BNP

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday hoped that the interim government would be able to hold the next general election at an appropriate time.

www.newagebd.net

Interim govt would hold election at appropriate time: BNP
Staff Correspondent 07 November, 2024, 15:53

Bangladesh Nationalist Party leaders and activists observe Jatiya Biplab O Samhati Dibas placing wreath at the grave of the party founder Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka on Thursday. | New Age photo

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Thursday hoped that the interim government would be able to hold the next general election at an appropriate time.

BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir made the hope while talking to reporters at the grave of the party founder, Ziaur Rahman, in the capital.

‘They (interim government) are playing an effective role. They have already done a lot of work and are continuing to do work. We all cooperate with the government. Hopefully, they will be able to hold elections at an appropriate time,’ Fakhrul said.

He also said that the party had taken a fresh vow to resist the hegemonic forces in a bid to protect the country’s democracy, independence and sovereignty.

‘We made a vow on November 7, after paying homage to Ziaur Rahman, that we will resist fascism together with the people. We will launch a strong movement, if necessary, to protect democracy and preserve the country’s independence and sovereignty,’ Fakhrul said.

He also expressed the confidence that the people of Bangladesh would unite to reinforce the spirit of the student-led revolution.

Earlier, Fakhrul, accompanied by thousands of leaders and activists, placed wreaths and offered fathea at the grave of Ziaur Rahman, to mark the ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’.

The day commemorates the civil-military uprising of November 7, 1975.

On this day in 1975, during a period of political unrest, soldiers and civilians jointly freed the then chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, clearing the way for him to assume power.

Fakhrul said that the fascist Awami League government had repeatedly plotted and resorted to repressive actions to eliminate the BNP.

He alleged that the Awami League had falsely implicated 60 lakh people, subjected around 700 to enforced disappearance, and killed several thousand others in its efforts to establish a one-party rule and fascism.

‘But by the grace of Allah, fascism and hegemonic forces have been defeated for the third time in Bangladesh through the student-led mass movement in 2024,’ Fakhrul added.​

 

[Saif]

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary lists five broad tasks accomplished in three months

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, on Thursday, listed five broad tasks accomplished by the interim government in the last three months, noting its continued "sincere efforts" to solve any crucial issues. "I think the government has achieved a lot in the last three months. It rema

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary lists five broad tasks accomplished in three months
Published :
Nov 07, 2024 22:35
Updated :
Nov 07, 2024 22:35

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, on Thursday, listed five broad tasks accomplished by the interim government in the last three months, noting its continued "sincere efforts" to solve any crucial issues.

"I think the government has achieved a lot in the last three months. It remains sincere," he said while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.

Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were present at the briefing, according to a report on the UNB agency.

Nobel laureate Prof 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 on August 5.

Alam said, first of all, there has been a smooth transition without any scandal. "Have you heard about any scandal?" he asked.

He said there has been a good recovery from the broken economic state and the interim government received massive global support.

Alam said the interim government has been able to provide a reform roadmap. "You may say that we have not given a date (for the election)."

The six reform commissions will place their reports to the government by December 31, reflecting on people's desires and expectations as the government is committed to building a new Bangladesh.

The commissions- the Electoral System Reform Commission, Police Administration Reform Commission, Judiciary Reform Commission, Anti-Corruption Reform Commission, Public Administration Reform Commission, and Constitution Reform Commission- are now working on their recommendations.

Based on the reports, the next phase of broad-based dialogue and consultation between the stakeholders that includes political parties and professional bodies and the interim government will be held.

Press Secretary Alam said the country faced many challenges over the last three months. There were issues like price hikes of essentials, unrest in the RMG sector, and severe floods which the government tackled well..

After the revolution, Alam said there were many demands from various quarters and the interim government through discussion tried to address those which are deliverable.​

 

[Saif]

CA appoints 3 new special assistants with state ministerial rank

Hours after induction three more advisers to the interim government, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus appointed three special assistants equivalent to state minister portfolio

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CA appoints 3 new special assistants with state ministerial rank

Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, left, Prof Dr Sayedur Rahman, and Prof Dr M Aminul Islam

Hours after induction three more advisers to the interim government, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus appointed three special assistants equivalent to state minister portfolio.

A gazette notification by Cabinet Division last night said that the chief adviser appointed those special assistants under the Rules of Business, 1996.

Those three are former inspector general of police Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Sayedur Rahman and former Rajshahi University Professor Dr M Aminul Islam.

They were entrusted with executive power to assist advisers for the ministries of home, health and family welfare and education, respectively.​

 

[Saif]

Portfolios of 7 advisers redistributed in major shakeup

Sk Bashir Uddin gets commerce, textile ministries; Farooki gets cultural affairs ministry

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Portfolios of 7 advisers redistributed in major shakeup
Sk Bashir Uddin gets commerce, textile ministries; Farooki gets cultural affairs ministry

Chief Adviser to the interim government Prof Muhammad Yunus tonight redistributed portfolios of seven advisers, hours after three new faces were inducted into the advisory council.

Among the new appointees, Sk Bashir Uddin got the portfolio of the commerce ministry as well as the ministry of jute and textile. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has been made the adviser of the cultural affairs ministry.

However, another newly appointed adviser Mahfuj Alam did not get any ministry.

After portfolio redistribution, Yunus will now oversee four ministries and divisions instead of six. He will be in charge of the Cabinet Division, the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces Division and the Ministry of Public Administration.

Yunus left the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to Ali Imam Majmudar, who was attached to the chief adviser's office. The chief adviser also left the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism to Hassan Ariff, who will also continue to oversee the land ministry.

Asif Mahmud was made LGRD adviser in place of Hasan Ariff. He is also the youth adviser.

Current shipping adviser Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hussain got the additional responsibility of managing the labour and employment ministry. Asif Mahmud was the adviser of the ministry.

Salehuddin will now oversee only the finance ministry as the commerce ministry's responsibility went to Bashir. Bashir will also take the charge of jute and textile ministry from Sakhawat.

Asif Nazrul who was in charge of three ministries now will oversee law and expatriate welfare ministries as Farooki will oversee the cultural affairs ministry.​

 

[Saif]

Three more advisers sworn in

The new advisers are Mahfuj Alam, special assistant to the chief adviser, renowned filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and Sk Bashir Uddin, managing director of AkijBashir Group

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Three more advisers sworn in

Photo: Screengrab

The council of advisers of interim government expanded again today with three more taking oath as advisers.

The new advisers are Mahfuj Alam, special assistant to the chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, businessman Sk Bashir Uddin and renowned filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

Mahfuj Alam held the position of special assistant to the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus since August 29. A student of the 2015-16 session of Dhaka University's Law Department, Mahfuj is a coordinator of the liaison committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement that spearheaded the movement that toppled the Awami League-led government.

On September 24, at an event on the sidelines of the UN general assembly, Prof Yunus introduced Mahfuj as the brains behind the uprising. Mahfuj has repeatedly denied it saying he was one of many who took part in the mass uprising.

Sk Bashir Uddin is the managing director of Akij Bashir Group, one of the leading industrial conglomerates in the country. He is the son of Sheikh Akij Uddin.

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki is a renowned filmmaker. Over the decades, he has become a familiar face by making films and plays.

The expansion of the Council of Advisers came after different quarters suggested expanding it to bring dynamism to the government's activities.

With the three, the interim government has now 24 advisers.

Thirteen advisers of the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, took office on August 8 after Awami League President Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled the country on August 5.

Two more advisers took oath on August 11. Another adviser took oath on August 13 and four more on August 16.​

 

[Saif]

Sarjis, Ashrafa slam selection of new advisers

Sarjis Alam, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, yesterday strongly criticised the selection of new advisers saying even the lackeys of the fallen government are getting berths in the council of advisers of interim government

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Sarjis, Ashrafa slam selection of new advisers

Sarjis Alam. File photo

Sarjis Alam, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, yesterday strongly criticised the selection of new advisers saying even the lackeys of the fallen government are getting berths in the council of advisers of interim government.

After the induction of three new advisers and the reshuffle of responsibilities within the council, Sarjis wrote on his verified Facebook page, "13 advisers from just 1 division! But there is no single adviser from the North Bengal's Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions' 16 districts! On top of that, the killer Hasina's lackeys are also becoming advisers!"

The post of Sarjis, one of the faces of the student-led movement that toppled the Awami League-led government, gained quick traction among his followers and has been widely shared on social media.

Ashrafa Khatun, another coordinator of the movement, wrote on her Facebook page that many of the coordinators were in the dark about the appointment of new advisers and only came to know about the development through Facebook.

While the government does not give importance to the coordinators, people hold them responsible for the government's failure. If a revolutionary government was formed, this would not have happened, she said.​

 

[Saif]

How apprehension of AL's comeback is affecting the interim govt

It seems that the apprehension of Awami League's return is haunting the interim government, occasionally affecting its activities and decision-making.

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How apprehension of AL's comeback is affecting the interim govt

After Hasina’s fall, garment workers—who had been exploited and oppressed during her rule and were actively involved in the mass uprising—took to the streets to demand an end to their longstanding deprivation. PHOTO: MONJURUL HAQUE

It seems that the apprehension of Awami League's return is haunting the interim government, occasionally affecting its activities and decision-making. The fear of a "return of AL" or a "counter-revolution" is not unfounded. Dictator Sheikh Hasina fled the country in the face of a mass uprising, but the oppressive system she built over the last 15 years has yet to be dismantled. The interim government has formed various commissions for reform, but it may take time and effort to see much tangible results. So, the government must remain vigilant regarding the activities of powerful individuals, institutions, and organisations associated with the past regime. But it should not confuse the manoeuvring of power brokers with the movements of the mass people.

It is natural that after the end of a long undemocratic regime, various sections of society will raise long-suppressed demands. The apprehension about infiltration of these movements by allies of the previous regime is not unreasonable. In this context, how should these movements be addressed?

The democratic approach to understanding which demands are reasonable, which are unreasonable, which are part of a conspiracy, and which stem from real issues is to engage in dialogue with the activists and stakeholders. However, we observe that when any group raises its demands, rather than initiating dialogue, efforts are made to immediately label the activists as enemies of the government and as part of the AL's comeback conspiracy. This approach is reminiscent of how every movement was framed as a BNP-Jamaat conspiracy during Hasina's regime.

Not only the newly emerged movements, but even those that originated during the Hasina regime are now being labelled as AL conspiracies. An example of this is the movement of workers and officials from the Palli Bidyut Samity (PBS). The 80 PBS organisations are responsible for supplying electricity to rural areas, and they are centrally regulated by the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB)—a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

Since January this year, PBS workers have been protesting, demanding an end to REB's dual administration, the elimination of discrimination and oppression, the integration of REB and PBS, the implementation of a unified service code, and the regularisation of irregular or contractual employees. PBS workers complain that REB is exploiting the PBSs in the name of regulation. REB buys low-quality equipment, which PBSs are forced to use to maintain the distribution system. If anyone protests, they are transferred, reprimanded, or punished. Additionally, REB charges PBSs 3 percent interest on the cash fund provided by the government to manage PBSs activities. This interest is deducted from the cross-subsidy that profitable PBSs provide to those that are loss-making. As a result, the loss-making PBSs become weaker without receiving the necessary subsidy, while REB increases its savings by depositing the interest in the bank.

To end this discrimination, PBS officials and employees organised a 15-day strike in May and July under Hasina's regime. At that time, the government and REB labelled their movement as a conspiracy against the AL regime. For example, an official letter from REB dated May 7, 2024, stated: "Basically, this movement is part of a conspiracy by anti-government and anti-development groups to obstruct the unprecedented development activities undertaken by the current government in the power sector."

Interestingly, after the fall of the Hasina regime, when PBS activists again raised their longstanding demands, they were labelled as co-conspirators of the AL. Rather than engaging in discussions and negotiations with the activists, REB dismissed 20 PBS officials on October 17, which led to protests and power outages across the country. After that, 8 PBS activists were arrested and remanded under a sedition case filed by REB, accusing them of obstructing power operations with the support of ministers, MPs, and influential figures from the previous AL government.

The PBS activists must have some miraculous powers—apparently, they were anti-Hasina during her regime and became pro-Hasina overnight after her downfall!

The interim government has shown a similar attitude towards the garment workers' movement. After Hasina's fall, garment workers—who had been exploited and oppressed during her rule and were actively involved in the mass uprising—took to the streets to demand an end to their longstanding deprivation. They may have expected that with the country now free from Hasina's dictatorship they could freely raise their demands. Alas! Their movement was also labelled as a conspiracy incited by AL associates and foreign agents. Garment owners and the government tried to suppress it like the previous regime using law enforcement agencies (LEA).

But the demands of the workers were cantered on specific rights, which could not be considered unreasonable. Key demands included the implementation of the existing minimum wage across all factories, settlement of outstanding payments, raising of attendance bonuses, night shift bonuses, tiffin allowances, etc.

After failing to deal with their movement using law enforcers, the interim government and the owners finally accepted the workers' 18-point demand on September 24 through a tripartite agreement. Since then, the situation in the garment sector has largely calmed, which proves that the workers did not take to the streets to demand their rights because of any conspiracy or provocation.

The problem arose because, as per the 18-point tripartite agreement, all dues were to be paid by October 10. But it was observed that some garment factory owners did not pay the dues by the deadline, which led the workers to take to the streets once again. Instead of forcing the owners to fulfil their promises, the interim government cracked down on the protesting workers using LEAs.

In this context, on October 23, LEAs opened fire on workers of the Generation Next Fashions Ltd, who were protesting the non-payment of their salaries for months. Champa Khatun, a 25-year-old garment worker, died of gunshot wounds on October 27. The amount owed to the workers by Generation Next Fashions Ltd, owned by Hasina's close business family, was Tk 21.66 crore only. Notably, Bangladeshi businessman Javed Opgenhaffen, whose family owns the Generation Next Fashions Ltd, organised one of the most expensive wedding ceremonies in Paris last year, spending a million dollars.

Earlier, Kawsar Ahmed Khan (26), a sewing machine operator at Mango Tex factory, was shot dead by LEAs on September 30 while workers were protesting to implement their 18-point demand—which was accepted in the tripartite agreement. More recently, on October 31, two teenage workers—Jhuma Akhter (15) and Al Amin Hossain (17)—were shot by law enforcers while workers from Creative Designers protested the sudden closure of their factories. All of these tragic incidents are the result of viewing people's movements through the lens of "conspiracy" and the alienation of government officials from the crisis faced by the people.

A large number of those killed and injured in the July uprising came from working-class and low-income families. Therefore, the interim government, which came to power through this mass uprising, has a special responsibility to end the ongoing economic discrimination and oppression faced by the working majority. Failing to fulfil this duty would only betray the spirit of the uprising.

Kallol Mustafa is an engineer and writer who focuses on power, energy, environment and development economics.​

 

[Saif]

Appointment of new advisers sparks protests

The appointment of some new advisers to the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led advisory council of the interim government sparked protests across the country as different sections of people including the...

www.newagebd.net

Appointment of new advisers sparks protests
Staff Correspondent 12 November, 2024, 00:47

Dhaka University students bring out a procession, protesting at the inclusion of ‘associates of former fascist government’ in the cabinet, from the Anti-Violence Raju Memorial Sculpture on the campus on Monday. | New Age photo

The appointment of some new advisers to the Professor Muhammad Yunus-led advisory council of the interim government sparked protests across the country as different sections of people including the Student Movement Against Discrimination identified them as the associates of the Sheikh Hasina regime.

The government on Saturday appointed three advisers and reshuffled portfolios of some advisers in a major reshuffle in the interim government since its formation on August 8, three days after the fall of Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5 amid a student-led mass uprising.

The three new advisers are— businessman Sheikh Bashir Uddin, filmmaker Mostofa Sarowar Farooki and special assistant to the chief adviser Mahfuz Alam.

On the other hand, adviser Ali Imam Majumder who was earlier attached to the office of the chief adviser gets the responsibility of food ministry.

The protesters mainly raised questions about Ali Imam Majumder, Bashir Uddin and Sarowar Farooki.

Since their appointment and getting portfolios, people started criticism about the previous roles of Bashir and Farooki as Bashir was named in a case over killing a protesting student during the July-August movement against Hasina.

New Age Dhaka University correspondent reported that Student Movement Against Discrimination on Monday formed a human chain and held a protest rally at the Anti-Violence Raju Memorial Sculpture on the campus to protest against appointing alleged accomplices of fascism as advisers.

The students’ platform convener Hasnat Abdullah wanted to know the contribution of the advisers in question in the past 16 years and said, ‘We want to know their history of fighting against fascism. We want to know their history of struggle.’

‘If you believe that they are being rehabilitated due to any compromise, you are betraying the students and citizens, and the uprising of 2024,’ he added.

‘People who consider Dhanmondi 32 as their ‘Kaaba’ have been appointed as advisers. We want to know the names of the people who are supporting and encouraging the initiatives to rehabilitate Awami League supporters,’ he added.

Immediate after the advisers’ oath-taking, the student platform leader Sarjis Alam wrote on his Facebook timeline, ‘Thirteen advisers from just one division! Yet, there is not a single adviser from the sixteen districts of Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions in North Bengal! On top of that, supporters of murderer Hasina are also becoming advisers!’

New Age Jahangirnagar University correspondent reported that Jahangirnagar University students demonstrated on the campus on Sunday night, protesting against the appointment of Mostofa Sarowar Farooki as an adviser.

The students, under the banner of the Student Movement Against Discrimination, brought out a procession from the Battala area at about 10:30pm and held a rally at the same spot of the university.

A coordinator of the platform, Tauhid Siam, said, ‘The Awami League government capitalised on Mujibism and built a fascist government. The god of that fascist regime is Mujib, its symbol is the house at 32 Dhanmondi, and its shrine is at Tungipara.’

‘The 32 number house in Dhanmondi is a symbol of how the students demolished the fascist regime. But, Farooki called for renovating the house. Mujib’s sympathisers have no right to be in the government formed by the student uprising’, he added.

The protesters also warned to block the Dhaka-Aricha highway if Farooki was not removed from the position soon.

New Age staff correspondent in Rajshahi reported that students of different educational institutions including Rajshahi University and Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology on Monday held a rally in Rajshahi, demanding decentralisation of power and immediate removal of all Awami beneficiaries including Ali Imam Majumder, Bashir Uddin and Mostofa Sarowar Farooki from the council of advisers to the interim government.

Over two hundred of them blocked one side of the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway at Talaimari intersection at about 4:20pm and held a rally to press home their demands.

Addressing the rally, Golam Kibria Mohammad Meskat Chowdhury, one of the central coordinators of Student Movement Against Discrimination, said that the main objective of the student-led mass uprising was to remove discrimination from everything but the members of the advisory council to the interim government was all centric to a city and a university.

New Age correspondent in Jashore reported that Students Movement Against Discrimination on Sunday night brought out a procession protesting against the appointment of Bashir as an adviser to the interim government and terming him a collaborator of the ousted Sheikh Hasina regime.

Bashir is a younger brother of Sheikh Afil Uddin, a former Awami League lawmaker for Jashore- 1 constituency.

The interim government’s spokesperson Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Monday said that the size of the advisory council had been increased to increase the speed and efficiency of the work of the interim government.

The public’s expectations of more visible government work on law and order and keeping the prices of essential commodities within the reach of the common people have also been ‘taken into consideration’ in the redistribution of offices, the environmental adviser said.​

 

[Saif]

Murder case against ‘Sheikh Bashir’, plaintiff unaware, adviser Sheikh Bashir not sure

A person named Sheikh Bashir Uddin Bhuiyan is among the accused in a case filed over the killing of Sohan Shah during the student movement against discrimination

en.prothomalo.com

Murder case against ‘Sheikh Bashir’, plaintiff unaware, adviser Sheikh Bashir not sure
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 11 Nov 2024, 19: 45

Newly appointed business adviser Sheikh Bashir

A person named Sheikh Bashir Uddin Bhuiyan is among the accused in a case filed over the killing of Sohan Shah, 30, in the capital’s Shahbagh during the student movement against discrimination.

The name partly matches the name of businessperson Sheikh Bashir Uddin, who was appointed an adviser of the interim government Sunday. Even his father’s name also partly matches the name of the father of accused Sheikh Bashir Uddin Bhuiyan.

Questions have been raised whether adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin was made accused in the case in the name of Sheikh Bashir Uddin Bhuiyan.

The newly appointed business adviser also has talked about this. He said although the names partly matched, he was still not sure whether the case was filed against him or not.

Meanwhile, the police said they were investigating whether Sheikh Bashir Uddin Bhuiyan and Sheikh Bashir Uddin are the same person.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, plaintiff of the case and the victim’s mother Sufiya Begum said the Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League and the police are liable for her son’s death. She had no idea who named the accused in the case. She only wants justice.

The case was filed with the Rampura police station in the capital on 18 October. According to the case statement, a total 57 people were made accused in the case. Apart from that, some 200-300 people were mentioned as unidentified persons have been made accused in the case.​

 

[Bilal9]

Bangabandhu’s photo removed from Darbar Hall at Bangabhaban​

A photo of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been removed from the Darbar Hall in Bangabhaban, the official residence of Bangladesh's president.

Adviser Mahfuj Alam, in a Facebook post today, said, "The photo of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - Post '71 fascist, is removed from Darbar Hall. It is a shame for us that we couldn't remove his pictures from Bangabhaban after the 5th of August. Apologies. But, he won't be seen anywhere till people's July spirit lives on."

Alam further wrote, "Awami League must acknowledge and apologize for what Sheikh Mujib and his daughter have done to the people of Bangladesh, starting from the non- democratic '72 constitution to famine, laundering of billions [of takas] and extrajudicial killings of thousands of dissidents and opponents (1972-75, 2009-2024). Then, we can talk about pre '71 Sheikh Mujib. Without apologies and trials of fascists, there won't be any kind of reconciliation."

When contacted, the president's press secretary, Joynal Abedin, did not respond.

However, a press wing official said that the photo of Bangabandhu was present last night when three new advisers took their oath in Darbar Hall.

"They went home after the oath programme; I have no knowledge about the incident," he added.

According to Article 4A of Bangladesh's Constitution, "The Portrait of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shall be preserved and displayed" in key government offices, including those of the president, prime minister, speaker and chief justice, as well as in government and semi-government offices, educational institutions, and embassies.

In 2000, the Awami League government passed a law making it obligatory for all government offices to display Bangabandhu's portrait. However, this law was repealed in 2001 when the BNP-led government took office.

 

[Sharma Ji]

Bangabandhu’s photo removed from Darbar Hall at Bangabhaban​

View attachment 10521

A photo of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been removed from the Darbar Hall in Bangabhaban, the official residence of Bangladesh's president.

Adviser Mahfuj Alam, in a Facebook post today, said, "The photo of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman - Post '71 fascist, is removed from Darbar Hall. It is a shame for us that we couldn't remove his pictures from Bangabhaban after the 5th of August. Apologies. But, he won't be seen anywhere till people's July spirit lives on."

Alam further wrote, "Awami League must acknowledge and apologize for what Sheikh Mujib and his daughter have done to the people of Bangladesh, starting from the non- democratic '72 constitution to famine, laundering of billions [of takas] and extrajudicial killings of thousands of dissidents and opponents (1972-75, 2009-2024). Then, we can talk about pre '71 Sheikh Mujib. Without apologies and trials of fascists, there won't be any kind of reconciliation."

When contacted, the president's press secretary, Joynal Abedin, did not respond.

However, a press wing official said that the photo of Bangabandhu was present last night when three new advisers took their oath in Darbar Hall.

"They went home after the oath programme; I have no knowledge about the incident," he added.

According to Article 4A of Bangladesh's Constitution, "The Portrait of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shall be preserved and displayed" in key government offices, including those of the president, prime minister, speaker and chief justice, as well as in government and semi-government offices, educational institutions, and embassies.

In 2000, the Awami League government passed a law making it obligatory for all government offices to display Bangabandhu's portrait. However, this law was repealed in 2001 when the BNP-led government took office.

sahi hai bhai ! (good stuff bro !)

we also need to run a few people the hell out of our country

destroying them electorally, being all meek and Gandhian, and "democratic" is one thing

to the get the pitchforks, or the long swords out and walk em off a plank.. now that some next level xhit

wouldn't it be fun to see a saffron warrior triumphantly waving around a Sonja or Bianca ladis chest-chaddis ?

dear lawrd !

 

[Saif]

Fulfilling sky-high expectations Yunus govt’s key challenge

Says ICG report on completion of interim govt’s 100 days in office

www.thedailystar.net

Fulfilling sky-high expectations Yunus govt’s key challenge
Says ICG report on completion of interim govt’s 100 days in office

The interim government should be unstinting in seeking consensus among political parties and other key groups, such as the army and students, as it faces key challenges in carrying out political, economic, administrative, and electoral reforms, said Brussels-based International Crisis Group in a report yesterday.

The report also stressed the need for foreign governments and multilateral institutions' support for carrying out the reforms.

ICG in its report titled "A New Era in Bangladesh? The First Hundred Days of Reform" said the Bangladesh government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus should balance demands for justice with the need for reconciliation, staying within the bounds of the constitution to mitigate the danger of its decisions being invalidated later.

The ICG report came as the interim government completed its 100 days in office following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5. The Yunus-led government took charge on August 8.

The report said the government, which is expected to remain in office for another year or longer, should seek to hold fresh elections under a reformed polling system within a realistic timeframe, which should not extend beyond eighteen months.

According to the report, after fifteen years of Hasina's rule, Bangladesh has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve governance and put checks in place that would stop another autocratic regime from emerging. If the interim government falters, however, the country could revert to the status quo ante or even enter a period of military rule.

The interim government should aim to produce quick results to maintain public support for more ambitious reforms. It should avoid staying in power too long and build consensus on new measures among political parties. External actors should offer aid; India should work to repair its image with the Bangladeshi people, it added.

Experience suggests that the longer an interim government is in power, the louder calls for early elections gets and the larger doubts about its legitimacy grows.

Managing, let alone meeting, sky-high public expectations will be extremely challenging, reads the report.

The report mentioned that Yunus and his colleagues for now are enjoying widespread support, but popular expectations are "double-edged". If the interim administration falters in making reforms, the outcome is likely to be an early election with little progress; in the worst-case scenario, the military could assume power.

Over the past fifteen years, hundreds of billions of dollars have likely been funnelled illegally out of Bangladesh. Much of the money appears to have ended up in the United Kingdom, the US, the EU, Singapore and the Middle East, the report stated.

Already in bad shape, Bangladesh's economy is limping along, having taken a further hit from more than a month of protests and the uncertainty of the transition. Yunus's team has struggled to restore law and order, dependent largely on a police force that was heavily implicated in the anti-protest repression, it reads.

It said rebuilding the country's institutions will also be no mean feat, and while the interim administration is the most inclusive Bangladesh has ever seen, many of its members have little experience in government or management.

The interim government should look to keep its social support base strong as it builds consensus around key reforms and prepares the country for credible elections. International actors should back Yunus's administration and bolster the Bangladeshi economy to help inaugurate a new era in national politics, reads the report.​

 

[Saif]

Chief adviser returns home after joining COP29 in Baku

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus returned home this evening wrapping up his Baku tour to attend the global climate meet Conference of Parties-29 (COP29)

www.thedailystar.net

Chief adviser returns home after joining COP29 in Baku

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus returned home this evening. Photo: CA's press wing

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus returned home this evening wrapping up his Baku tour to attend the global climate meet Conference of Parties-29 (COP29).

"A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the chief adviser and his entourage reached the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 8:00pm," CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said.

On the first day of his tour to Azerbaijan on November 12, the chief adviser joined the opening session of COP29 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and met at least 20 top leaders of countries across the globe and heads of international agencies.

He met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish First Lady at the summit of the world leaders at the COP29 venue.

Yunus also met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif; President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu; Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay; and Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel.

Prof Yunus also met the PMs of Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Albania, Barbados, presidents of Ghana, Rwanda, Montenegro, vice presidents of Brazil and Iran, president of FIFA, the and director general of IOM.

On the second day of the summit, the chief adviser addressed the Opening Session of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit in COP29, calling for creating a new life-style based on zero waste and zero carbon aiming to protect the planet from climatic catastrophes.

He joined a LDC high-level meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

On Wednesday, Prof Yunus also joined a number of events on the sidelines of COP29.

Today, the CA met Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev at the COP29 climate summit venue.

Besides, he held a meeting with former British PM Theresa May on the sidelines.

Lu Alckmin, wife of vice president of Brazil Geraldo Alckmin, called on the chief adviser at the venue of the COP29 global climate summit today.​

 

[Saif]

Interim govt needs to secure ‘quick wins’: ICG

With international support, professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government should look to score some ‘quick wins’ to keep the public on side, said the International Crisis Group in its report released on Friday.

www.newagebd.net

Interim govt needs to secure ‘quick wins’: ICG
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 16 November, 2024, 00:35

With international support, professor Muhammad Yunus-led interim government should look to score some ‘quick wins’ to keep the public on side, said the International Crisis Group in its report released on Friday.

To hold on to power, Sheikh Hasina’s government ‘systematically undermined’ the independence of Bangladesh’s institutions, it observed.

Holding elections without reforms to put checks and balances on a future government could let another autocratic regime emerge, while a military takeover would be an even bigger setback, it added.

An early election would likely bring the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to office with few restraints on its power; given its record, many suspect it would prove little better than the Awami League, the Crisis Group observed.

If political and economic conditions were to deteriorate significantly, the army might intervene, beginning a period of military rule, the report claimed.

‘Quick wins’ could include steps to address petty corruption in public services, improve electricity supply and reduce high prices.

International actors should work with the interim government to support its ambitious goals and help move Bangladeshi politics into a new era, said the report titled ‘A New Era in Bangladesh: The First Hundred Days of Reform’.

Crisis Group’s senior consultant on Myanmar and Bangladesh Thomas Kean said that to maintain the widespread public support it enjoyed, the interim government also needed to improve its handling of day-to-day governance.

‘If Yunus and his team falter, the country could revert back to having elected governments with few checks on power, or even enter a period of military rule,’ he said, commenting on the report.

‘But if they can succeed in steering reforms, Bangladeshis could stand to benefit for decades to come.’

He mentioned that one hundred days after professor Yunus was sworn in to lead Bangladesh’s new interim government, the country stood at a crucial juncture.

The interim government had a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve governance and put checks in place that would prevent another autocratic regime from emerging, Kean said.

‘But the scale of the task is monumental,’ he said, adding that in particular, the interim government would need to maintain a degree of political consensus with key political players, including student leaders, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Islamist forces, the military, and civil society.

The interim government has a strong public backing for reform and the support of key players, including student leaders and the army, the group observed.

The interim government has identified its priorities, outlined a process and laid out an initial timeline.

Sheikh Hasina’s flight from Bangladesh on 5 August has created a once-in-a generation opportunity for political renewal that can move the country beyond the bitter divisions and violence that has characterised much of the past five decades, according to the report.

‘The interim government will need to build political consensus while maintaining economic stability and delivering steady results to ensure that the Bangladeshi public remains firmly behind it,’ said the Crisis Group.

The alternatives would be unappealing for both Bangladesh and its partners, it observed.

The interim government should aim to produce quick results to maintain public support for more ambitious reforms. It should avoid staying in power too long and build consensus on new measures among political parties, said the report.

External actors should offer aid; India should work to repair its image with the Bangladeshi people, it mentioned.

After fifteen years in office, Sheikh Hasina’s administration had grown ‘deeply unpopular’. To hold on to power, the report said that her government ‘systematically undermined’ the independence of Bangladesh’s institutions, particularly the police, judiciary and bureaucracy.

Even if it is unclear how successful the Yunus team can be in reaching the goal, the alternatives look unappealing, said the report.

Foreign governments and multilateral institutions should provide the interim government with technical and financial assistance, including on security, judicial, electoral and economic reform.

Foreign governments should also help recover the proceeds of corruption and state-sanctioned theft that are sitting in banks and property markets outside Bangladesh.

India, which ‘staunchly supported’ Hasina throughout her rule, should take steps to repair the resulting damage to its image, said the report.

Support at home and abroad will be crucial to ensure that Bangladesh does not lose this chance at the political and economic change that many of its people long for, read the report.​