Author: Desk Report
In a move to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the government has officially approved a nine-day holiday for its employees. The decision was made during a meeting of the Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on Thursday. Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, the Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, confirmed the announcement. The extended holiday will begin on March 28 and continue through to April 5, 2025 (Saturday).
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has announced a 58-day ban on fishing in Bangladesh’s maritime waters, set to begin on April 15 and continue until June 11. The ban, aimed at ensuring the proper reproduction of fish, conserving marine resources, and promoting sustainable fishing practices, will apply to all types of fishing vessels. This decision was formalized through an official notification signed by HM Khalid Iftekhar, deputy secretary of the ministry, under the authority of the president. The ban is in accordance with the Marine Fisheries Rules of 2023, which grant the government the authority to restrict…
Bangladesh has issued a strong condemnation of the recent resumption of Israeli military aggression in the Gaza Strip, expressing deep concern over the devastating impact on civilians, including women and children. In a statement released today, the Bangladeshi foreign ministry condemned the extensive loss of innocent lives and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region. The statement highlighted that this new wave of violence constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law and a disregard for established ceasefire agreements. Bangladesh condemned Israel’s continued airstrikes on densely populated civilian areas, which have only escalated human suffering and inflicted severe damage…
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today directed authorities concerned to take initiatives from now on regarding police’s preparations and works for holding peaceful elections. He came up with the directives at a meeting with Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and officials concerned at the State Guest House Jamuna here. The chief adviser joined a meeting with field level police officers on March 17. On that day, the officers informed him of their advantages and disadvantages. The today’s meeting was held on what could be done to resolve these problems, said a press release…
Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman met with Chief Adviser Prof Dr. Muhammad Yunus today at the State Guest House Jamuna in a courtesy visit. During the meeting, General Waker briefed the Chief Adviser on the current security situation in the country and outlined the ongoing activities of the army, according to a statement from the Directorate of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The discussion also covered various initiatives by the army aimed at supporting national development and stability. General Waker shared details of his recent visit to the Central African Republic, emphasizing that the trip would enhance bilateral relations…
Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has pledged that his party will bring those responsible for the violence and killings during the anti-autocracy movement and the 2024 mass uprising to trial, should it come to power in the future. In a virtual address at an Iftar Mahfil on Sunday, held at Hotel Lakeshore in Dhaka, Rahman assured that the BNP would work towards securing justice for those affected and persecuted in previous anti-dictatorship movements. He also vowed to ensure accountability for the victims of the July-August uprising. “The BNP will make every effort to…
The interim government has decided in principle to amend the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, including the creation of a dedicated tribunal to handle child rape cases. A final approval for the changes is expected to come on Thursday. The decision was made during a special meeting of the Council of Advisers on Monday, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus. Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul and Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy following the meeting. Adviser Asif Nazrul clarified that the proposed amendments are…
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has stressed the importance of completing necessary reforms before the upcoming elections in December, emphasizing the limited time left for the interim government to act. Addressing police officers on Monday, Yunus pointed out that “seven months have already passed,” and any reforms intended to be implemented must be finalized before the elections. He also underscored the crucial role of law enforcement in supporting government initiatives. “The police are the most important team in Bangladesh,” Yunus said, adding that the success of any government action ultimately depends on their ability to create the environment needed…
Metro rail services in Dhaka have resumed normal operations after employees of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) called off a work stoppage that began on Monday. The strike was sparked by allegations of verbal and physical abuse by MRT police officers. The protest was triggered by an incident in which DMTCL staff members claimed they were harassed by MRT police for not using passes. According to an anonymous DMTCL employee, MRT police allegedly stopped colleagues for not using passes and subjected them to physical assault. “We decided to stop work in protest, but we have now ended…
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has warned that proposed hikes in gas prices could worsen inflation, particularly impacting non-food items. The warning comes as consumer prices have remained above 9% for the past 24 months, eroding purchasing power, especially for low-income households. Last month, the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) proposed raising gas prices for new industries to Tk 75.72 per cubic meter, up from the current Tk 30, sparking widespread opposition. CPD’s Executive Director, Fahmida Khatun, cautioned that prolonged high inflation over the last three years has caused significant hardship, and further price hikes could aggravate…