• Dhaka Tue, 10 SEPTEMBER 2024,
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Abu Saeed Murder: / Two Policemen Remanded for 4 Days
DU Scraps 'Gonorooms' System in Halls
Dhaka University has decided to abolish the longstanding 'Gonorooms' system in its residential halls. The decision was made during a Provost Standing Committee meeting on Monday, September 9. Other key decisions include the resumption of academic activities from September 22. Students from the 2017-18 session and earlier who have completed their master’s exams must vacate their halls by September 30. Additionally, hall game rooms will be redesigned to accommodate both male and female students. The meeting was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, with participation from Pro-vice chancellor (Admin) Saima Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and other hall provost. 
Bangabandhu's Family Protection Law Repealed
Foreign Affairs Adviser Receives IFRC Credentials
Border Killings: / A Major Hurdle in India-Bangladesh Ties, Says Foreign Adviser
Army Chief Meets President at Bangabhaban
Unrest Shuts Down 90 Garment Factories Amid Rising Tensions
Despite heightened surveillance by the government, factory owners, and law enforcement, unrest among workers in the country’s industrial zones continues to simmer. On Monday (September 9), 90 garment factories were unexpectedly shut down, even as production continued in other facilities. According to Superintendent Sarwar Alam of Shilpa Police-1, workers from several garment factories staged walkouts in the morning without reporting for duty. In response, authorities announced the closure of 90 factories. However, no major incidents of violence were reported, and additional forces, including police, army, BGB, and RAB, were deployed to keep the situation under control. Just a day earlier, on Sunday (September 8), 30 factories in Ashulia were also forced to close due to worker protests over various demands. Industry insiders suggest a broader plot to destabilize the garment sector. Factory owners believe both domestic and foreign entities are involved, taking advantage of the unrest following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. According to some, these disruptions are part of an orchestrated effort to harm Bangladesh's vital garment industry. Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Mohammad Hatem expressed concern, saying, "I believe these aren't genuine workers. They are attempting to create instability in different ways, and it’s clear that hidden forces are driving this unrest." BKMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel echoed this sentiment, pointing to potential external and internal forces conspiring together to cause instability in the garment industry. Experts warn that with around 4 million workers directly employed in the sector and another 20 million people indirectly benefiting, any prolonged disruption in the garment industry could have severe consequences for the country’s economy.
Defendants Can Hire Foreign Lawyers: Tajul Islam
Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal, Tajul Islam, stated that the defendants in the genocide case, including Sheikh Hasina, are permitted to hire foreign lawyers if they wish. He made this remark while addressing reporters at the tribunal on Monday (September 9). Tajul Islam clarified that the prosecution team has no objections to the involvement of foreign legal counsel and will support any measures necessary for justice. Additionally, the chief prosecutor mentioned that the tribunal's investigation agency has initiated efforts to collect information on the victims of attacks on student protesters during recent unrest. He revealed plans to send letters to Deputy Commissioners and those in charge of hospitals and cemeteries across the country, requesting details about the shootings, deaths, and injuries involving the students. The injured protestors have been examined at Dhaka Medical College, with their families demanding swift justice. Tajul assured that the trial process will be expedited. This follows the appointment of four prosecutors, including Tajul Islam, to the tribunal on September 7, with official duties commencing on August 8. The anti-discrimination student movement, which began in July, called for quota reforms. The protests were met with violent attacks by Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League supporters. The violence escalated into mass killings, with over 600 protestors reportedly shot by party leaders and law enforcement under the previous government. On August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country amid the crisis.
ACC Teams Up with FBI to Recover Smuggled Billions
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has intensified efforts to recover nearly one lakh crore taka smuggled abroad during Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Both domestic and international agencies are assisting in the investigation, including the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  As part of this collaboration, an FBI team, led by Legal Attache Robert Cameron and Supervisory Special Agents, will visit Bangladesh on Monday (September 9) to meet ACC officials, including the Director General of the Money Laundering and Legal Branch. An unnamed ACC Director General shared that the ACC has long been committed to combating money laundering, with notable success in recovering smuggled funds. During the meeting with the FBI, the ACC plans to discuss potential collaboration and the formation of a joint task force to expedite the recovery process.  The ACC remains in regular contact with international law enforcement, including the FBI, to enhance its efforts. On Sunday (September 8), after a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce, Interim Government Finance and Trade Advisor Saleh Uddin Ahmed announced plans to form a special task force dedicated to recovering smuggled funds.  The task force will include representatives from key institutions such as Bangladesh Bank, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), the Finance Department, the Attorney General’s Office, and the National Board of Revenue (NBR).  Additionally, separate task forces will address reforms in the banking sector and other areas.
No Harm to Depositors as Deposit Insurance Doubles: Governor Mansur
Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur has assured depositors that their savings are secure, even as several banks struggle with financial challenges. During a press conference on Sunday, September 8, the governor acknowledged that approximately 10 banks in the country are facing serious difficulties but stressed the need to restore customer confidence by protecting 95% of depositors. Highlights: Deposit Insurance Increase: The deposit insurance has been doubled from Tk 1 lakh to Tk 2 lakh. Depositor Protection: The new insurance scheme ensures protection for 95% of depositors. Banks Facing Challenges: Approximately 10 banks in the country are facing serious financial difficulties. Available Fund: Bangladesh Bank has a fund of Tk 25,000 crore, mainly to support the SME sector. "No matter the condition of the banking sector, depositors will not be harmed," Dr. Mansur said. "To safeguard them, the deposit insurance has been doubled from Tk 1 lakh to Tk 2 lakh, ensuring the protection of 95% of customers. No country offers 100% protection for deposits, but we are providing 95%." He further noted that Bangladesh Bank has a Tk 25,000 crore fund available for banks, primarily to support the SME sector. Banks have been asked to submit written requests to access these funds. Additionally, Dr. Mansur clarified that no bank accounts belonging to Beximco or S Alam Group have been seized, and the operations of these companies will continue as usual.
Public Notice to Be Issued in Search of Victims of Enforced Disappearances
A decision has been made to issue a public notice to help trace missing persons. This resolution was reached during the inaugural meeting of the commission formed to investigate disappearances, held on Sunday, September 8. The meeting took place at the commission's office on Gulshan Avenue in the capital, presided over by Commission President Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury. According to the release, a five-member Commission of Inquiry has been formed to trace individuals who have been forcibly disappeared by any law enforcement or security agencies, including the Coast Guard. The commission, which includes representatives from various government agencies such as Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch, Intelligence Branch, Ansar Battalion, National Intelligence Agency (NSI), Defense Force, and the Directorate General of Defense Intelligence (DGFI), convened for its first meeting at 11 am on September 8 at the commission's office in Gulshan. The meeting was chaired by Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, the commission's president. During the meeting, it was decided that a public notice would be issued to aid in the search for the missing persons. The commission will operate daily from 10 am to 6 pm, excluding public holidays. The commission was established on August 27 by the Cabinet Division under the President's directive, with former High Court Judge Moinul Islam Chowdhury appointed as its head.
Dr. Yunus Vows to Fulfill the Vision of July Revolution Martyrs
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government, affirmed that the aspirations of the martyrs from the July Revolution will be realized. He made this statement during a meeting with students at his Tejgaon office on Sunday, September 8. Dr. Yunus expressed his deep commitment, saying, "Every time I recall the martyrs or see the injured, I renew my pledge to fulfill their dreams. There is no turning back from this promise; we will see it through." He emphasized the need to expose the oppression faced by students under the previous Awami League government and urged seizing the current opportunity to rebuild the country. Dr. Yunus highlighted that such an opportunity to shape the state has not arisen since Bangladesh’s independence, and it must not be squandered. Addressing the students, he warned that the ousted Awami League leaders and activists would not remain passive, urging them to see their efforts through to completion. He stressed that the students' ongoing work must continue to avoid failure, and cautioned against any attempts to create chaos that could plunge the nation back into turmoil. Dr. Yunus also envisioned Bangladesh as a respected and admired nation on the global stage, encouraging efforts to build a country that captivates international attention with its unique qualities. The meeting took place from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in Shapla Hall at the Chief Advisor's office. Dr. Yunus assumed his role as Chief Advisor on August 8, following Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure on August 5 amid a student-led uprising. Since then, he has engaged in discussions with political parties, civil society, media, and business leaders.