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

[Saif]

'If discharge of duties made impossible, government will take decisions with people'

The interim government has warned that if foreign conspiracies or instigations by defeated forces render it impossible to fulfil its constitutional duties, it will present all relevant reasons to the public before taking necessary decisions. In a statement issued by the Press Wing of the Chief Adv

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

'If discharge of duties made impossible, government will take decisions with people'

FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 24, 2025 18:18
Updated :
May 24, 2025 18:18

The interim government has warned that if foreign conspiracies or instigations by defeated forces render it impossible to fulfil its constitutional duties, it will present all relevant reasons to the public before taking necessary decisions.

In a statement issued by the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser following an unscheduled meeting of the Advisory Council on Saturday afternoon, the government expressed its deep concern over actions that are impeding its ability to operate effectively.

The meeting was held at the Planning Commission in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, following a session of the National Economic Council.

It was chaired by the Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, according to local media.

The council extensively discussed the three principal responsibilities assigned to the interim government — the conduct of elections, implementation of reforms, and upholding the rule of law. The meeting also addressed the growing challenges posed by various unreasonable demands, intentional misinformation, and activities that fall beyond lawful jurisdiction, which are obstructing the normal functioning of the administration and creating confusion and mistrust among the public.

The Advisory Council emphasised the need for broader national unity to ensure stability in the country, progress with the reform agenda, uphold the judicial process, conduct fair elections, and permanently prevent the return of autocratic rule in Bangladesh.

The interim government affirmed its commitment to listening to the views of political parties on the matter and to clarifying its position transparently.

Despite numerous challenges, the government stated that it has been discharging its duties in line with the expectations of the people following the July uprising, and reiterated that it would not be deterred by group interests or undue influence.​

 

[Saif]

We’re in war-like situation: Yunus

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said the country had been in a state of war since imposing the ban on the activities of the Awami League.

www.thedailystar.net

We’re in war-like situation: Yunus
At talks with parties, organisations, CA cites plots at home, abroad since AL ban

"There have been relentless efforts to destabilise the situation. We must protect ourselves from this."— Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said the country had been in a state of war since imposing the ban on the activities of the Awami League.

"A war-like situation emerged both inside and outside the country, preventing us from moving forward, causing everything to collapse, and pushing us back into subservience," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying last night.

The CA said this at meetings with political parties yesterday, according to Shafiqul.

Prof Yunus met 20 leaders of different political parties and organisations in two separate sessions at state guest house Jamuna.

The talks follow reports that Prof Yunus on Thursday expressed frustrations over some recent developments and expressed his desire to step down. BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and National Citizen Party leaders met separately with Yunus on Saturday.

The CA observed that the 2024 mass uprising gave the country a great opportunity to turn around, Shafiqul said.

"Since the Awami League's activities were banned [on May 12], there have been relentless efforts to destabilise the situation. We must protect ourselves from this," Yunus said.

He urged everyone to be confident that he would not do anything that may harm the country.

"I felt confident as we all sat together. If I fail to hold a fair election, I will feel guilty."

Shafiqul said party leaders reaffirmed their support to the interim government, its reform initiatives, approach to the trials of July killings, and efforts to hold a national election.

Photo: PID

The CA once again stated that he would hold the election between this December and June next year. The election will be held before June 30 and "everyone expressed their satisfaction" on the matter, Shafiqul said.

The political parties that met the CA demanded a clear roadmap to reforms, the election and trial for the July atrocities.

The leaders also said the interim government should hold trials of Awami League leaders' role in mass killings during the July uprising.

Mujahidul Islam Selim, former president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh, said the reform process should engage people and the interim government might not have enough time to implement the reform proposals.

"The election can take place after making the necessary reforms and the interim government can leave fundamental issues to the people. Unnecessary delays can further worsen the already unstable situation."

There are conspiracies at home and abroad to destroy the national unity seen during the July uprising.

Nagarik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said "The chief adviser has said that due to Indian hegemony, the country is facing a major crisis. Therefore, he believes that the entire nation needs to be united.

"We will remain united leaving behind differences of opinion. The nation doesn't want Yunus to resign," Manna said after the meeting.

Saiful Haque, secretary of the Biplobi Workers Party, said, "This government's main mandate is to make reforms, hold the trials for the July killings and the election. The government should give clear-cut roadmaps for these tasks."

He pointed out that there was a lack of coordination among the advisers.

The decision to establish a humanitarian corridor [to provide aid to the people in Rakhine State] and hand over the operations of the Chattogram port to a foreign party should not be made by the interim government without discussions and consultations with political parties, he said.

"Prof Yunus did not make any straight comment regarding the humanitarian corridor and Chattogram port," he said.

Mojibur Rahman Monju, chairman of Amar Bangladesh Party, also emphasised the need for roadmap for reforms, trials and elections.

There is no alternative to unity among the July uprising forces, Monju added.

Rashtro Songskar Andolon Chief Coordinator Hasnat Quaiyum said the trial, reforms and elections should not be pitted against each other.

The election should be held without further delay, strictly following the announced roadmap, Hasnat said.

Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki said the controversy surrounding the advisers is undesirable.

If the two advisers of the Students Against Discrimination have political plans for the future, then a question of their resignation arises.

A specific roadmap for the election will help the political parties prepare for that.

Islami Andolon Bangladesh Ameer Rezaul Karim said, "If necessary reforms are not implemented, the nation's hope for a fair election will be jeopardised."

Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque urged the government to involve all political parties before making decisions on sensitive international matters.

Hefazat-e-Islam Secretary General Sajidur Rahman said that they informed CA that no law can be enacted contradicting the Quran and Sunnah.​

 

[Saif]

Government committed to ensuring religious freedom, Chief Advisor Yunus says

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedom in Bangladesh. During a meeting with Stephen Schneck, chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday, he said: &

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Government committed to ensuring religious freedom, Chief Advisor Yunus says
bdnews24.com
Published :
May 26, 2025 23:55
Updated :
May 26, 2025 23:55

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedom in Bangladesh.

During a meeting with Stephen Schneck, chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday, he said: “The government is committed to upholding religious harmony in this country of 171 million people. We are determined to safeguard the religious freedom of every citizen.”

The Chief Adviser’s Office later said in a press release that the head of the government had invited journalists from around the world to visit Bangladesh and assess the situation firsthand following allegations of violence against minorities.

The statement quoted him as saying: “Any journalist can visit Bangladesh at any time. Many have already visited the country after the mass uprising.”

Yunus expressed concern over alleged “disinformation campaigns” under the guise of undermining minority rights and aimed at discrediting the July Uprising.

He highlighted massive efforts from external sources, including media from the South Asia region, to portray the uprising as an “Islamist extremist movement”.

The chief advisor noted that the government is striving hard to build religious harmony in the country, adding that violence targeting the minorities in the South Asia region and the genocide in Palestine have exacerbated tensions domestically.

Alongside religious freedom, the meeting focused on the government’s reform plans, constitutional amendments and the Rohingya crisis.

Schneck enquired about the activities of the reform commissions and the proposed constitutional amendments.

In response, Yunus said any constitutional changes would uphold religious freedom and minority rights and the discussion in this respect is underway with the political parties.

“Minorities will continue to enjoy the same rights as the majority Muslim population," he assured.

The chief advisor sought support from the USCIRF to highlight the plight of the Rohingya people and their prolonged persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

He said the United Nations is scheduled to hold a special session on the Rohingya issue in September, following his request.

"We need to resolve the crisis. The sooner, the better, he said.

“A young generation, frustrated with anger, is growing up in the Rohingya camps. We must offer them a glimmer of hope.”​

 

[Saif]

People of Bangladesh enjoying full religious freedom: Mahfuj

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam on Monday said that the people of Bangladesh are enjoying the highest level of religious freedom. He made the remark during a meeting with a delegation from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom at the Industries Ministry. Highlig

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

People of Bangladesh enjoying full religious freedom: Mahfuj
BSS
Published :
May 26, 2025 21:11
Updated :
May 26, 2025 21:11

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam on Monday said that the people of Bangladesh are enjoying the highest level of religious freedom.

He made the remark during a meeting with a delegation from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom at the Industries Ministry.

Highlighting the historical context of long-standing Muslim-Hindu coexistence in the region, Mahfuj said, “Currently, no citizen in Bangladesh is being discriminated on the basis of religion. People of all faiths are enjoying equal rights.”

The adviser said the government is extending full support to ensure the smooth celebration of religious festivals across different communities.

Stating that there has been no incident of minority oppression in recent months, Mahfuj said the government has taken a firm stance to prevent such occurrences. “A vested quarter is always spreading propaganda that minority oppression is happening in Bangladesh. Everyone must raise their voice against such propaganda,” he added.

Mahfuj Alam also noted that some minority communities consider themselves allies of the Awami League (AL) and continue to work in favour of the party.

Chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom Stephen Schneck, US Embassy in Dhaka Charg, d’Affaires Megan Boldin, Political Economic Counselor Eric Gillan, and Senior Policy Analyst of the Commission Sima Hasan were present at the event.​

 

[Saif]

How far is the interim govt able to win confidence?

The government must become more sincere about reforms and justice, and that must be visible to the public. Reforms should not be limited to rhetoric.

en.prothomalo.com

How far is the interim govt able to win confidence?

Kallol Mustafa
Updated: 26 May 2025, 15: 52

A wave of concern swept over the political arena recently when speculations spread that the chief advisor may resign out of anger and frustration.

According to a Prothom Alo report in this connection, a meeting of the advisory council held on 22 May discussed the matters of demonstrations blocking Dhaka city's roads every day, the political parties failing to reach a consensus on reforms and other issues, various quarters not cooperating with the government, and so on. At one point of the discussions the chief advisor raised the issue of not being able to work. He said, nothing tangible has been done about reforms and so what was the point of his staying on.

The chief advisor eventually didn't resign, but the issue remains hanging in the air. It has been over nine months, but no progress has been made regarding reforms. Four months have passed since the first six reforms commissions submitted their reports, but implementation has not begun. The political parties have differing stances on the question of certain fundamental reforms. But the responsibility of bringing out a consensus of the issue of reforms lies with the interim government.

If the political parties do not cooperate in this regard, the government should clarify the matter and try to mobilise public opinion on important reforms. But does the government have any initiative to take these reforms to the general public and explain their pros and cons? If not, then how will pressure be created on the unwilling political parties regarding fundamental reforms?

Questions are also being raised about whether the interim government is an NCP government or one that represents people of all views and affiliations. The neutrality of the two student advisors in the government has come under scrutiny.

Apart from the disunity among political parties on the issue of reforms, another major problem is that the actions of the government and its supporters give no indication of reforms. The bureaucracy, police, and judiciary are all functioning as before. Mass lawsuits are still being filed against people. Mass arrests have not stopped. The judiciary is not functioning independently.

Meanwhile, there has been no significant improvement in law and order. Highway robberies happen regularly. Mobs are attacking individuals and institutions. Extortion has not stopped. Along with the non-cooperation of various parties, there is also failure on the part of the government.

Take street protests, for example. It is natural for people from different classes and professions to have demands. If the government paid proper attention to these demands in a timely manner and tried to resolve them through dialogue, then these groups would not have had to take to the streets, or lay siege to Shahbagh or Jamuna.

But the fact is that until and unless there is a sit-in at Shahbagh or Jamuna, the attention of the government is not caught. Political governments have all sorts of mechanisms to listen to these demands and resolve them. But the interim government, even in nine months, has been unable to come up with any such mechanism and so the street blockades continue unabated. The government, rather, is seen to display a biased attitude in many instances.

When the National Citizens Party attempted to lay siege to Jamuna, the police behaved tolerantly. However, in the case of others, their behaviour has been aggressive. Such bias erodes public trust in the government. Arrests and baton charges are still being carried out as before to suppress labour movements. On one hand, mobs are being mobilised and achieving their demands with minimal effort, while on the other hand, people from various classes and professions are protesting day after day without receiving any attention from the government. Criminals are being released on bail, while innocent individuals, including women and children from the Bawm community, are being denied bail.

There are other problems too. The chief advisor feels that the government does not have full control over the administration, police and the election commission. There are pro-BNP elements everywhere. It is not possible to carry out a fair election under such circumstances. Professor Yunus does not want to take responsibility for such a situation. (Various parties active, advisors silent, Samakal, 24 May 2025)

The question is, who made the appointments to the police and the election commission. Without following any transparent and acceptable process, it as the government itself that made the appointments, transfers and promotions in the secretariat and all government institutions, at the behest of BNP, Jamaat, NCP and the Nagorik Committee. So they cannot shirk the responsibility.

Before the report of the electoral reform commission was even released, the election commission was formed by the current interim government. At the time, many, including the electoral reform commission itself, had said that the reform recommendations should come first, and only then should the election commission be formed in accordance with those recommendations. But instead, the government went ahead and formed the election commission following the old model, including individuals recommended by the BNP and Jamaat.

Immediately after the formation of the interim government, there were widespread transfers and promotions in various positions of the administration. Several organisations had influence behind these decisions. Did the government say at that time that it would not make appointments or transfers in the administration or police based on the preferences of different parties? You can’t plant a tree following the suggestions of the BNP, Jamaat, and NCP, and then expect to reap fruit of your own choosing. The fruit will grow according to the way the tree was planted. Therefore, whatever the administration, judiciary, or election commission does now, the responsibility will ultimately fall on the interim government.

Questions are also being raised about whether the interim government is an NCP government or one that represents people of all views and affiliations. The neutrality of the two student advisors in the government has come under scrutiny. BNP has demanded their resignation. In response, NCP has accused the government of favouring BNP and has called for the resignation of three other advisors.

Meanwhile, it appears that the far-right groups consider the interim government to be their own. Perhaps it’s not surprising that they think that way. Ever since the government came to power, they have been vandalising shrines, harassing women in public spaces, shutting down fairs, festivals, music and theater events, attacking libraries, and carrying out violence and oppression against various minority and marginalised communities. But the government has taken no strong action to stop these acts. It’s as if there’s a free-for-all going on.

It is against this backdrop that BNP and several other political parties are putting pressure on the government regarding the election. Many of them believe that this government represents a specific group. There is a perception that the government shows partiality towards NCP. When it comes to reforms, there is a disconnect between the words and actions of the government and its ally, NCP. The excessive enthusiasm of some government figures over corridors and ports has also raised suspicions.

To overcome the current situation, the government must become more sincere about reforms and justice, and that sincerity must be visible to the public. Reforms should not be limited to rhetoric. This must be reflected in the government’s actions. A election date should be announced, and attention must be focused on reforms. The interim government must become, through its actions, not a government for any particular party or group, but a government for all democratic-minded people of the country.

* Kallol Mustafa is a writer on power, energy, environment and development economics.​