Author: Desk Report
In a major development, the interim government’s Advisory Council has approved the draft of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, incorporating sweeping new powers to ban the activities of individuals and entities involved in terrorism, including on online and social media platforms. The ordinance, approved in principle and finalized by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, was cleared during a meeting of the Advisory Council held today at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, according to a press release issued by the CA’s Press Wing. The new provisions amend the existing Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, which previously had no explicit clause…
Newly appointed Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Dhaka Range Rezaul Karim Mallick on Sunday directed all Officers-in-Charge (OCs) under his command to arrest people involved in the suppression of the July movement, particularly those against whom specific allegations have been proven in investigations. While briefing reporters at his office in Segunbagicha, the capital, DIG Mallick said no form of injustice, corruption or abuse of power would be tolerated in the Dhaka Range. “There will be zero tolerance for bribery, transfer business, extortion, terrorism, or any subversive activities by banned organisations or collaborators of the deposed regime.…
The interim government has banned all activities of the Awami League, including its online presence, under the Anti-Terrorism Act, pending the party’s trial at the International Crimes Tribunal. Following this decision, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will move to block the party’s Facebook page and other digital platforms. The BTRC will act after the Advisory Council issues the gazette notification. Confirming the matter to the media on Sunday, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, said, “We are waiting for the official gazette from…
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today issued five instructions to restore investors’ confidence in capital market and asked the authorities concerned to hire a set of independent foreign experts to conduct deep reform in the stock market. He came up with the instructions at a meeting with stakeholders of capital market and representatives of Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), held at the State Guest House Jamuna here. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters about the outcomes of the meeting in front of Jamuna. During the meeting, BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood informed about the…
The Council of Advisers, in a special meeting on Saturday night, decided to ban all activities of the Awami League, including in the cyberspace, under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of Bangladesh Awami League and its leaders in the International Crimes Tribunal is completed. While briefing reporters in front of State Guest House Jamuna, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the decision was taken in order to protect the security and sovereignty of the country, the safety of the leaders and activists of the July movement, and the protection of the plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes…
A massive youth rally organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has started at Chattogram’s historic Polo Ground, drawing thousands of party leaders and activists from Chattogram and Cumilla divisions amid scorching heat. The rally, which began at 3pm on Saturday, is being addressed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Senior leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury was also present, while the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman was expected to join virtually from London. Chanting slogans and waving party flags, BNP supporters arrived in processions since early morning, with many having reached Chattogram as early as Friday…
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been suspended with immediate effect as military tensions between India and Pakistan intensify, the Indian cricket board announced on Friday. The move halts the world’s richest cricket tournament just two weeks before its scheduled finale. According to a source familiar with the decision, the suspension was driven by mounting security concerns and the perception that continuing with the high-profile sporting event during a national conflict would be inappropriate. “It is not appropriate at this time to continue IPL,” the source told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. In a post on…
China on Saturday urged India and Pakistan to avoid an escalation in fighting, Beijing’s foreign ministry said, as the conflict between its two nuclear-armed neighbours spiralled toward full-blown war. “We strongly call on both India and Pakistan to give priority to peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, return to the track of political settlement through peaceful means and avoid taking actions that further escalate tensions,” a statement by a foreign ministry spokesperson said.
A rigorous heatwave has been sweeping across the country since last week, making people’s lives miserable in the city and elsewhere in the country. Amid the stifling summertime temperature, city-dwellers opted to stay indoors during the daytime. Experts recommended people avoid sunbeams and use proper protection like sunglasses, umbrellas and caps while going out in the heat of the day. The searing heat of the subtropical climate has been affecting the vast swathes of the country, resulting in heat-related sickness and prompting people to get admitted to hospitals. A mild to moderate heat wave is sweeping over…
The cross-border firing between Indian and Pakistan appeared to taper off following Thursday’s strikes, but on Friday night, Indian areas were again targeted. Pakistan earlier denied carrying out similar attacks on Thursday evening that prompted Indian authorities to defer the country’s much-vaunted cricket league by a week. On Friday, as hopes of easing tensions were dashed by the day’s delayed flare-up, residents across Pakistan and India were in a rush to stockpile foods and other essential supplies, while families living near the border sought safer areas. Witnesses have told the Reuters news agency that four blasts have…