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

[Saif]

Mahfuj Alam new info adviser

Adviser Mahfuj Alam has been given the portfolio of the information ministry to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Nahid Islam.

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Mahfuj Alam new info adviser

Adviser Mahfuj Alam has been given the portfolio of the information ministry to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Nahid Islam.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday made the decision after Nahid resigned as adviser to posts, telecommunications, and information technology, as well as information and broadcasting.

Nahid stepped down from the advisory council on Tuesday, almost certainly to lead a new political party.

Following the portfolio redistribution, Prof Yunus will now oversee the posts, telecommunications, and ICT ministry, in addition to five other ministries.

Mahfuj, who graduated from Dhaka University's law department, was the coordinator of the liaison committee of the Students Against Discrimination, which spearheaded a movement that toppled the Awami League-led government on August 5 last year.

He was appointed as the special assistant to the chief adviser with the status of secretary on August 28, about three weeks after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

Mahfuj was later made an adviser on November 10, and since then, he had been serving as an adviser without portfolio.​

 

[Saif]

অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের নতুন তথ্য উপদেষ্টা হলেন মাহফুজ আলম

 

[Saif]

'Interim govt failed to deliver justice for Taqi'

They also alleged that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina had deliberately stalled the investigation and trial for her own interests

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'Interim govt failed to deliver justice for Taqi'
Allege speakers at seminar

Photo: Star

Despite being in power for the last seven months, the interim government has yet to initiate legal proceedings in the case filed over the murder of Tanwir Muhammad Taqi in Narayanganj, said speakers at a rally yesterday.

They also alleged that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina had deliberately stalled the investigation and trial for her own interests.

The Santras Nirmul Taqi Mancha organised the event at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city.

They said the Awami League-led government was ousted in August last year following a mass uprising, and a non-partisan interim government was formed, giving new hope for justice.

However, that did not happen, they added.

Speaking at the rally, Prof Anu Muhammad said despite the fall of the Awami League government, trials for murders -- including Taqi's -- that were stalled under its rule remain unresolved, fuelling public frustration.

"We all know who killed Taqi and how the former prime minister protected the murderers. Under her patronage, a mafia system flourished across the country. She shielded Taqi's killers, obstructing justice. This was not an isolated incident -- disappearances and killings became rampant during her tenure," he said.

He further questioned why Taqi's killers had fled the country and were now leading luxurious lives abroad while the interim government remained silent.

He emphasised that one of the interim government's top priorities should have been ensuring justice for high-profile murder cases like Taqi, Tanu, Sagar-Runi, and Munia, as people have long awaited their resolution.

Accusing the previous government of sheltering Taqi's killers, particularly individuals linked to former MP Shamim Osman and his family, Rafiur Rabbi said, "The interim government's advisers initially spoke about the case, and Rab made some progress. They arrested six people, and one even gave a confessional statement before the court. But nothing has moved forward since then."

Rabbi also recalled that in 2014, a year after the murder, Rab announced that the investigation was nearly complete, and a draft charge sheet was prepared. However, the investigating authorities have yet to finalise and submit it to the court.

He criticised the decision to issue a travel ban on Shamim Osman and his family members when they had already left the country.

Following the rally, a protest procession was carried out in the city.

Taqi went missing after he left his Shaista Khan Road home in Narayanganj for Sudhijon Pathagar, a local library, around 4:00pm on March 6, 2013.

A day after his body was found, his A-level results were out, which showed he got the world's highest mark in physics in that exam, obtaining 297 out of 300.​

 

[Saif]

Yunus keeps the flickering flame of hope alive

The interview was not about dissecting Bangladesh’s political culture. It was about sending a message—Bangladesh is breaking free from its past.

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Yunus keeps the flickering flame of hope alive

Under Yunus’s leadership, in his own narration, it is on the cusp of something new. VISUAL: MAHIYA TABASSUM

Since assuming leadership, Prof Muhammad Yunus has given countless interviews, both at home and abroad. Domestically, his responses have grown predictable, his tone occasionally weary. But to foreign leaders and media, he sounds different—more confident, more assured. He speaks of a Bangladesh poised for transformation, powered by its students and young citizens. It was their demand that pulled him into this role.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Yunus sat down with Gideon Rachman of the Financial Times. Bangladeshi newspapers covered the interview, but what I feel they missed is its core: optimism. To Yunus, Bangladesh's revolution against dictatorship was historic—a movement led by young people who refused to back down. Their story, he insists, must be told.

One moment from the conversation lingered. Yunus recounted a letter from a 12-year-old boy to his mother—the last he would ever write:

"Mother, you'd have been stopping me from going to the demonstration. My friends are there demonstrating, and some of them were killed. I feel guilty. I'm sitting home because you would not allow me to go. I don't want to be a coward. I want to stand up for my country. So, I'm leaving. I seek your blessing. In case something happened to me, if I don't come back, please forgive me."

The boy never came back.

Dr Yunus's voice did not break as he recounted it, but his grief was unmistakable. Anyone listening could tell—this is a man who is more than a statesman. He is the chronicler of a revolution.

Yet revolutions do not guarantee stability. Sceptics, both at home and abroad, question its power to stay. Some quietly hope for a return of the deposed regime. But Dr Yunus is clear: this is Bangladesh's moment of reckoning. The dictatorship's fall has opened a path for reform—but the window is narrow. The country must seize it, and seize it now.

The biggest hurdle? The economy. Fifteen years of mismanagement have left the treasury depleted. An estimated $16 billion vanished abroad annually. Foreign reserves are precarious, and debt payments are mounting. Yet, in an irony of fate, a surge in remittances from Bangladeshi workers abroad provided an unexpected lifeline. The country was saved at the brink. Yunus's voice shifts between despair and hope, mirroring Bangladesh's fragile reality.

Beyond economics, the challenge of political reform looms large. Elections must be held. But first, national unity is needed. The July Charter, which the students have been demanding to be drafted, could be a blueprint.

As we know, the student leaders have already formed their own political party—the National Citizen Party (NCP). When Rachman, during the talks, asked if students could form their own political party, Yunus seemed to encourage it. That raises uncomfortable questions, as some student leaders were part of his government. Can an interim administration remain neutral if its members later contest elections? Rachman didn't press, but the debate grows in Dhaka.

Then, there is the spectre of Islamist politics. India, the unhappy giant neighbour, and Western governments are watching closely. Dr Yunus, however, dismissed the concern outright. There is no risk of an Islamist takeover, he said. Perhaps. But the growing visibility of religion-based parties, the shrinking space for women, and the erosion of cultural freedoms suggest a more complex reality—one Yunus chose not to address.

The interview was not about dissecting Bangladesh's political culture. It was about sending a message—Bangladesh is breaking free from its past.

Under Yunus's leadership, in his own narration, it is on the cusp of something new. "We are a nation of young, tech-savvy people with global aspirations. Just give them the chance," he urged.

Prof Yunus is not just leading a government. He is crafting a story. He is asking Bangladeshis to believe in a different future and inviting foreign friends to be part of it. For that, he deserves our attention—and perhaps, our gratitude.

Enayetullah Khan is founder of WildTeam and editor-in-chief of the United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Dhaka Courier.​

 

[Saif]

CR Abrar ‘next education adviser’

The size of the interim government is set to expand for the third time since it took charge in August last year.

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CR Abrar ‘next education adviser’
Advisory council of interim govt to expand

The size of the interim government is set to expand for the third time since it took charge in August last year.

The oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for 11:00am today at the Bangabhaban.

Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, also known as CR Abrar, will be sworn in as an adviser and is expected to take charge of the education ministry, said Shafiqul Alam, the chief adviser's press secretary, during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital yesterday.

Abrar is a former professor of the University of Dhaka's international relations department and the president of Odhikar, the human rights organisation founded by Adilur Rahman Khan, the adviser for the ministries of industries and housing and public works.

Abrar is also the executive director of the Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit founded by his wife Tasneem Siddiqui, a member of the committee formed by the interim government to prepare a white paper report on the Bangladesh economy.

He will take over from Wahiduddin Mahmud as the education adviser.

"Wahiduddin Mahmud has long expressed that managing two ministries simultaneously has been challenging for him. Given his advanced age and the heavy responsibilities at the planning ministry, CR Abrar is being added to the advisory council," Shafiqul said.

However, the exact number of new advisers who would be sworn in today remains uncertain.

The expansion follows the passing of adviser Hasan Ariff and the resignation of adviser Nahid Islam, which have left Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus with additional ministerial responsibilities.

Since he prefers not to handle too many portfolios himself, new appointments are being made to redistribute the workload, The Daily Star has learnt from people involved in the proceedings.

Prof Yunus's advisory council expanded twice after the interim government took office on August 8 last year. He also reshuffled council responsibilities multiple times.

At present, the advisory council consists of 22 members, including the chief adviser.

Additionally, three special envoys and special assistants hold advisory ranks, while three deputy minister-ranked special assistants assist the advisers of three ministries.​

 

[Saif]

আবারো সংখ্যা বাড়ছে উপদেষ্টা পরিষদে, আসছে নতুন শিক্ষা উপদেষ্টা

 

[Saif]

This is a highly politically motivated govt: Mahfuj Alam

Victorious forces of uprising running state affairs, says the info adviser

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This is a highly politically motivated govt: Mahfuj Alam
Victorious forces of uprising running state affairs, says the info adviser

Photo: PID

Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam today said the interim government is not an "apolitical" government rather it is a political government based on a political victory that defeated Awami League politically.

"The forces that triumphed the mass uprising, the victorious, are the ones running the country. This is a highly politically motivated government...," said Mahfuj.

The information adviser made these remarks while speaking to journalists, officials and employees of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at its office this afternoon after inspecting its activities.

Mahfuj said many people have been saying why the interim government is not leaving quickly by just conducting an election. "However, what many have forgotten is that this government is one that has been established through the blood of many martyrs of uprising."

"The government may seem 'apolitical' due to the presence of technocrats and many other people, but in reality, it is a political one because it stands on a political victory. We are here following the political defeat of Awami League."

"In general, the goal of any political government is to serve its party, but we are fortunate here that this government does not have to serve any particular party rather it serves all the people regardless of their beliefs, ideologies and religions," said Mahfuj.

Addressing the current challenges faced by the government, the adviser said, "We are facing an 'information war' both from within the country and from external sources, including India. We are in a state of war."

"Many of us may think we are relaxed, but those who were defeated are not relaxed -- especially in terms of fighting through information," he said.

BSS, as the national news agency, is not only responsible for providing information to local media but it also serves as a benchmark for news dissemination, with global media outlets often quoting its reports.

"So, how BSS presents news actually represents Bangladesh," said the information adviser expecting the agency's responsible role in portraying the country accurately on the global stage.

The adviser assured the BSS authority of providing all-out support to develop its quality as a news agency. "Another point of my visit to ministry's affiliated institutions is to hear your needs... What kind of work you want to do that may be held back by bureaucratic complexities," he added.

"People recognise BSS as the government's spokesperson, and thus, like other countries' agencies, it is expected that BSS will be quoted as news source by international media," said the adviser.

"At least in South Asia, BSS should be an agency worthy of being used as reference. As a government entity, it should maintain the standard," he added.

Mahbub Morshed said the agency has news exchange agreement with major global news agencies, including AFP and Xinhua.

The agency has been working relentlessly to improve its quality in line with global practice and hopes to make more agreements with other renowned news agencies, said the BSS chief editor.

BSS Managing Editor Fazlul Huq, Chief News Editor (English) Morshadur Rahman, Chief News Editor (Bangla) Md Aktaruzzaman, Chief Reporter (English) Md Manikul Azad, Chief Reporter (Bangla) Didarul Alam, journalists, officials and employees were also present at the time.​

 

[Saif]

We're lucky to have a sea: CA

Noting that Nepal and the seven sister states of India have no connectivity via sea, Yunus stressed the need for using Bangladesh seaports for mutual benefit

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We're lucky to have a sea: CA
Chief Adviser Yunus visiting China and Japan

File photo

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today said the people of Bangladesh are lucky to be connected by the Bay, which helps promote trade with different countries.

"We are lucky enough as we have a sea [Bay of Bengal]. The sea is very crucial for business," he said while exchanging views with local people at BIAM auditorium in Cox's Bazar.

Highlighting the marine potential, the chief adviser said Bangladesh has a long coastline and it is quite possible to build seaports anywhere along the coastline of Chattogram.

He said a massive change has been brought to Cox's Bazar. It is not only a tourist town but also a centre of economy.

Noting that Nepal and the seven sister states of India have no connectivity via sea, Yunus stressed the need for using Bangladesh seaports for mutual benefit.

"We can do business... The fates of all will change," he said.

He asked salt producers to find out whether foreign importers show any interest in importing salt from Bangladesh as the country now has the capacity to export salt that the farmers produce in Cox's Bazar.

He inquired about the potential of wind energy as power is being generated using windmills in Cox's Bazar on pilot basis.

Asking locals to utilise all available opportunities, Yunus said Cox's Bazar is a big part of the economy and it could be an ICT town as well.

He wanted to know from locals the impact of Rohingya influx on local community.

During the meeting, people from all walks of life gave different proposals and demands before the chief adviser for the development of Cox's Bazar.​