Author: Desk Report

US Chargé d’affaires to Bangladesh Tracey Jacobson on Tuesday called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. They discussed issues of mutual interest and the fallout of the US decision to freeze the work of USAID across the globe. Professor Yunus and Jacobson also discussed the reform agenda of the interim government, the Rohingya crisis, migration, and the country’s law and order situation. Professor Yunus highlighted his recent moves to form a consensus commission and, under its auspices, to inaugurate dialogue with the political parties of the country. “Once we have reached…

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) will deliver its verdicts in several cases, including one against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, by October, said Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs. Speaking to journalists at the ministry on Tuesday (February 11), he said the tribunal has made significant progress since starting full operations four months ago. Over 300 complaints have been filed, with 16 cases officially lodged. Investigations for four cases will be completed this month, followed by charge sheet submissions. Trials will begin after a three-week preparation period for defense lawyers, and witness…

The Election Commission (EC) is prioritizing preparations for the national elections, targeting December, said Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah on Tuesday (Feb 11). He said: “Discussions were held on the timeline required for the elections. Conducting local and national elections simultaneously is impractical, as past experiences show that local elections alone can take up to a year, potentially delaying the national polls. However, if the government decides otherwise, the EC will comply with its directives.” Sanaullah was speaking to reporters after a meeting with 18 development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) When asked about…

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) auto rickshaw drivers who charge passengers beyond the designated meter rates will face a fine of up to 50 thousands Taka, according to a new directive from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). The BRTA has instructed the police to file cases against such drivers. The directive was issued on Monday, in a letter signed by Shitangshu Shekhar Biswas, Director of Engineering at BRTA. The letter was sent to the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). The letter highlighted that the BRTA is addressing complaints of overcharging by drivers of 4-stroke, gas or petrol-powered…

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, ranked seventh on the list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an AQI score of 187 at 11 am on Tuesday, classifying the air as ‘unhealthy. The AQI index indicated health risks for residents.On Monday, Dhaka’s air quality was even worse, with an AQI score of 392, deemed “hazardous.” According to the AQI scale, scores between 150 and 200 are “unhealthy,” and levels above 300 are considered “hazardous,” posing serious health risks. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore, and Vietnam’s Hanoi topped the list with AQI scores of 326, 254, and 234, respectively.…

The chief adviser has strongly condemned the recent mob attack on a bookstall at the Ekushey Book Fair, calling it an affront to the rights of Bangladeshi citizens and the country’s laws. In a statement, the chief adviser denounced the violence, emphasising that it goes against the open-minded spirit of the book fair, which honours the language martyrs of February 21, 1952, according to the CA’s press wing. The Ekushey Boi Mela, a cherished cultural event, serves as a vital gathering place for writers and readers, it said. The interim government has directed the police and Bangla…

The interim government today assured the BNP that it is working to hold the national election by December this year. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told this to reporters after meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his residence Jamuna this evening. “The chief adviser, and those who were with him, assured us that they will hold the national election very soon,” he said. He added that his party would in no way accept any local government elections before the national election.

The temporary crisis in the edible oil market will be resolved within a few days, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said today. The syndicate, which is manipulating the essential commodity prices, is not stronger than the government, he said. “The government is monitoring the stock and supply of various products in the country, and the temporary edible oil crisis will be resolved soon.” The adviser made the comments this afternoon while briefing journalists after inspecting the production activities of Daulatpur Jute Mill in Khulna, which is now being operated under private management. Meanwhile, retailers and wholesalers…

Renowned singer Asif Akbar plans to serenade his fans with his upcoming release, “Koshto Vishon”. Staying true to its title, the song will portray the melancholy of losing a loved one. Heartbreaks we face when someone we love turns into a stranger are the main themes of this piece.  Written and composed by Ahmed Rizvi and Monowar Hossain Tutul respectively, the musical arrangements are done by Partha Majumdar. The music video stars the singer himself sharing screen with Mouri Mahdi, the musical video is created by Chandan Roy Chowdhury. During a conversation with the press, Asif Akbar said,” My fans…

The interim government has begun providing financial assistance to the families of those killed and injured in the July uprising. Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus officially launched the program on Monday at 10:30 AM at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon by handing over financial cheques to 21 martyr families and seven injured individuals. Advisers Faruk E Azam (Liberation War Affairs), Nurjahan Begum (Health), Nahid Islam (Information and Broadcasting), and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Dr. Md. Sayedur Rahman attended the meeting. During the meeting, three martyr family members and three injured individuals shared their experiences and…