Author: Desk Report
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called on Qatar to take a proactive leadership role in resolving the Rohingya crisis by leveraging its diplomatic influence to mobilize the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for meaningful action. Speaking at a roundtable session titled *”Social and Environmental Challenges of Forcibly Displaced People – Rohingya Issue”* on the second day of the Earthna Summit in Doha, Yunus emphasized that Qatar is well-positioned to lead OIC efforts in raising international pressure for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees currently sheltered in Bangladesh. “In today’s complex geopolitical climate, Qatar’s solidarity and leadership can be instrumental…
The Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) has announced the immediate reopening of all student dormitories and the revocation of suspension orders against 37 students allegedly involved in a clash on campus in February. The decision was made during a syndicate meeting held Wednesday noon, chaired by KUET Vice Chancellor Mohammad Masud. The move follows mounting pressure from students, as demonstrators from various educational institutions—including Jahangirnagar University and Dhaka College—joined KUET students in a hunger strike demanding the vice chancellor’s resignation. Protesters have accused Masud of discriminating against students in the aftermath of the February 18 violence.…
Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saud bin Abdul Rahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha. During the meeting, Professor Yunus expressed his appreciation to the Qatari leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for agreeing to Bangladesh’s proposal to deploy 725 personnel from its Armed Forces to serve on deputation in the Qatari military. The Chief Adviser emphasized that the collaboration would offer mutual professional benefits and contribute to deeper defence ties…
The government has decided to ban the establishment of new industrial units and projects within a 10-kilometre radius of the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) surrounding the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change confirmed that a gazette notification will soon be issued to formalize the decision. The move was approved during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Environment and Climate Change Committee, held at the Secretariat and chaired by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. As part of the new measures, a neutral panel of experts…
The Labour Reform Commission formally submitted its report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today at the State Guest House Jamuna. The report was handed over to the Chief Adviser around 12 noon, according to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. The 18-member commission, formed by the interim government, is headed by Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS). It was tasked with reviewing and recommending reforms in the country’s labour laws and practices. Commission members include labour experts, former government officials, trade union leaders, legal professionals, and representatives…
Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus departed for Doha this evening to participate in the Earthna Summit 2025, set to take place on April 22 and 23. The Chief Adviser, along with his delegation, boarded a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 7pm, according to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Prof Yunus will have a packed schedule during his four-day official visit to Qatar, undertaken at the invitation of the country’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. …
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for the swift implementation of recommendations proposed by the Local Government Reform Commission, warning that further delays would only prolong corruption and inefficiency in the country’s local administrative systems. Speaking at the official handover of the Commission’s final report at the State Guest House Jamuna, Prof Yunus stressed the urgency of moving the reform agenda “from paper to practice.” “We must not delay. These reforms must be enacted immediately,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and citizen participation. He also announced that the full report would be made public,…
The Election Commission (EC) has extended the deadline for new political parties to apply for registration until 22 June, following requests from several aspiring groups looking to contest the upcoming general election. EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed announced the decision on Sunday, noting that the extension comes in response to appeals from multiple newly formed parties seeking more time to complete the application process. The original deadline was set for 20 April. Among the petitioners, the newly established National Citizen Party (NCP) formally requested a 90-day extension, citing the need for additional time to fulfill registration requirements. …
Mominul Haque’s gritty half-century provided a rare highlight on a tough opening day for Bangladesh, who slumped to 154-7 at tea in the first Test against Zimbabwe. Despite a steady start, the home side faltered in the second session as Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by spinner Wellington Masakadza and pacer Blessing Muzarabani, dismantled the middle order. Mominul fought a lone battle, scoring a determined 56 off 105 balls with eight fours and a six. His innings ended just before the tea break when he mistimed an aggressive shot off Masakadza, sparking a collapse that saw Bangladesh lose four wickets for…
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Sunday approved 16 development projects with a combined estimated cost of Tk24,247 crore, aiming to drive infrastructure and sectoral growth across the country. The meeting, held at the NEC conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka, was chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. According to the breakdown of the financing, the government will contribute Tk3,134 crore, while Tk16,719 crore will be secured through project loans. An additional Tk4,426 crore will come from the implementing departments’ own funds. Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud provided details of the approvals during a…