Salman F Rahman and Anisul Haque arrested
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's adviser on private industry and investment Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Haque have been arrested.
Law and order forces arrested them on Tuesday, August 13.
It has been reported that the former prime minister's adviser Salman F Rahman and former law minister Anisul Haque were arrested by the police from the Sadarghat area while escaping by sea in a case at Newmarket police station.
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Mozammel Babu, Shyamal Dutta Arrested
Mozammel Haque Babu, CEO of Ekattor Television, and Shyamal Dutta, Editor of Dainik Bhorer Kagaz, were detained along with Ekattor TV’s senior reporter Mahbubur Rahman and their driver while attempting to cross the border into India illegally through Dhobaura Upazila of Mymensingh. The group was stopped by locals in the border area late on Sunday, September 15, and subsequently handed over to the Dhobaura police.
The four are currently in police custody, according to authorities.
Speaking about the incident, Ekattor TV’s senior reporter Mahbubur Rahman recounted, "My home is in Mymensingh Sadar. My superior, Mozammel Haque Babu, asked me to come to the border area. Suddenly, we were blocked by ten motorcycles. We were arrested, assaulted, and all the money we had was taken from us. I don't fully understand what’s happening."
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dhobaura Thana, Chan Mia, confirmed the incident, stating that the group was apprehended by locals near the border and handed over to police around 6 a.m. on Monday.
This arrest follows earlier allegations against Mozammel Babu and several other prominent journalists, including Shyamal Dutta, for incitement related to the anti-discrimination student movement. A total of 53 individuals, including 30 journalists, were named in a case submitted by Abdur Razzak, father of Rian, a student killed during the movement on August 29. The complaint, filed with the International Criminal Tribunal's investigation agency, accuses them of inciting murder, genocide, and torture.
Dr Yunus to Address in UNGA on September 27: Foreign Advisor
The Chief Advisor of the Interim Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus is going to New York on September 24 to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session. He will address the General Assembly on September 27.
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain revealed this information in a press conference on Saturday (September 21) about the Chief Advisor's participation in the United Nations General Assembly session.
Generally during the period of political government, the head of the government has a large entourage during the session of the General Assembly. But Dr. Yunus' interim government will be an exception in this regard. A delegation of 57 people from Bangladesh including Chief Advisor and Protocol will go to New York next Tuesday (September 24). The Chief Advisor will leave New York for Dhaka on September 27 night after completing the tour.
It is known that according to the local time of New York, on the morning of September 27, Dr. Yunus will give a scheduled speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The Chief Advisor's speech will reflect the vision of the people and government of Bangladesh after the political upheaval in Bangladesh on August 5. The chief advisor will tell the international community how Bangladesh will present itself in the world as a proud and dignified nation, especially in changing circumstances. Referring to the country's future aspirations, he will rise above geopolitics and call upon the international community to join hands with Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, on the evening of September 24, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's membership in the United Nations, the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government Dr. Muhammad Yunus will speak as the chief guest.
The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh in New York has invited the heads of delegations of various countries to participate in the UN session. Bangladesh Mission expects the heads of government of 50 countries or their representatives to attend the event.
Meanwhile, according to diplomatic sources, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session held in New York, Dr. Yunus has a courtesy call with the top leaders of several countries.
The list includes Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif, Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoff, Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and World Bank President Ajay Banga.
Besides, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, and heads of several UN organizations will meet with the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh.
A Message of Relief About Ongoing Heat Wave
A mild heat wave is flowing over 5 divisions and 3 districts of the country. There is discomfort grabs public life. However, in the next 24 hours, the heat may decrease in some places, said the Meteorological Department.
This information was given in the 72-hour forecast given by the Directorate on Tuesday (September 24) morning.
According to the agency, a mild heat wave is flowing over Jessore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia districts along with Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions till 9 am on Wednesday (September 25) and it may subside from most places. Day and night temperatures may drop by (1-2) degrees Celsius in the whole country. Most places of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions may experience light to moderate rain with gusty winds or rain with thunder. Along with this, moderate to very heavy rainfall may occur in some parts of the country.
Day and night temperatures may drop by (1-2) degrees Celsius everywhere till 9 am on Thursday (September 26). Most places of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions may experience light to moderate rain with gusty winds or rain with thunder. Also, there may be moderate to very heavy rainfall in some parts of the country.
Day and night temperatures across the country are likely to remain unchanged till 9 am on Friday (September 27). Most places of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions may experience light to moderate rain with gusty winds or rain with thunder. Along with this, moderate to very heavy rainfall may occur in some parts of the country.
According to the synoptic conditions, low pressure is present over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. The extension of the monsoon axis extends over Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and southern Bangladesh to Assam. An extension of those extends to the northern Bay of Bengal. Monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderately active over the North Bay of Bengal.
According to the extended five-day weather forecast, the rainfall may continue.
Dr. Yunus Meets Trudeau to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Youth Support
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting on Tuesday.
During their brief meeting, the two leaders discussed strengthening Bangladesh-Canada relations, advancing freedom, building institutions, and supporting the youth of Bangladesh.
Professor Yunus presented The Art of Triumph, an art book featuring murals painted by students and young people during and after the Revolution, to the Canadian Prime Minister.
Trudeau commended Professor Yunus for taking on his leadership role and expressed Canada's willingness to support institution-building in Bangladesh.
The Chief Adviser outlined how the previous regime had undermined the country’s institutions and expressed gratitude to Canada for its continued friendship and support for the interim government.
He also requested Canada to grant more visas to Bangladeshi students.
Professor Yunus began his UN engagements with a reception hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. He met with prominent world leaders at the event and attended the inaugural session of the UNGA.
Later, he will hold a rare one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden, meet with the IMF Managing Director and the Italian Prime Minister, and will also speak at the Clinton Global Initiative and Friends of Bangladesh.
10 Banks Agree to Lend to Weak Banks
Ten banks have agreed to provide loans to banks weakened by financial irregularities. Bangladesh Bank will guarantee or provide security for these loans.
This decision was made in a meeting on Wednesday (September 25) with the Governor of the central bank, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur.
Among the 10 banks agreeing to provide loans are the state-owned Sonali Bank and private banks such as BRAC, Eastern, The City, Shahjalal Islami, Mutual Trust, Pubali, Dhaka, Dutch-Bangla, and Bank Asia.
Regarding the matter, Bangladesh Bank’s spokesperson and Executive Director Husne Ara Shikha informed reporters that if the lending banks request their loaned money back, Bangladesh Bank will repay them within three days. No bank will be allowed to take any extra funds for providing these loans.
She added that Bangladesh Bank will determine how much liquidity support each weak bank will receive, while the interest rates will be agreed upon between the two banks.
The managing directors (MDs) or representatives of these banks attended the meeting with the Governor.
Additionally, five banks have already signed agreements with Bangladesh Bank to receive liquidity support. These are National, Social Islami, First Security Islami, Union, and Global Islami banks from the private sector.
What Dr. Yunus Said About Sheikh Hasina's Trial
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, has stated that Sheikh Hasina should be brought back to the country and put on trial.
He made this comment on Wednesday, September 25, in response to a question from journalists at an event in New York, USA.
Dr. Yunus is currently in the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly session.
Regarding the election in Bangladesh, the Chief Advisor said he does not have a timeline for when it will be held. He expects that the commissions formed will provide reform recommendations in the coming months, after which an election date will be set.
When asked if Sheikh Hasina would be brought back from India, Dr. Yunus responded, "Why not?" He added that if she has committed a crime, she should be brought back and face trial.
Dr. Yunus also mentioned that he has no plans to run in the election. He countered with a question, "Do I look like someone who would run in an election?"
On Wednesday, Dr. Yunus attended the "Climate Forward" summit organized by the American media outlet The New York Times in New York. At the summit, he stated that as long as the world remains stuck in the current economic system, the Paris Agreement on climate change will not be effective.
The Paris Agreement was made with the goal of limiting the impact of climate change and became effective globally in 2016.
Dr Yunus to Address 79th UNGA Session Today
Interim government chief advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus will address the 79th United Nations General Assembly session.
According to the chief adviser's press wing, Yunus will address the general debate of the UNGA session between 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time) and at 10 am local time in New York.
The Nobel laureate will deliver his speech in Bangla. Bangladesh Television (BTV) will telecast live. He will deliver this speech at the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations headquarters.
In his speech at the General Assembly Hall of the UN Headquarters in New York, Prof Yunus is expected to highlight the context of the anti-discrimination student movement and the revolutionary changes brought in Bangladesh through the movement.
He will focus on how he took responsibility for his interim government, its reform agendas to rebuild the state structure in the changing scenario, the Rohingya crisis, climate change, inclusive economic development, and other global and regional issues.
At the same time, he will inform the people of the world about the help of the people of the world in the formation of a new Bangladesh after the revolution of the students, opening a new possibility of radical transformation of the existing state structure and institutions.
Apart from this, the way the people of Bangladesh stood firmly against dictatorship, oppression, discrimination, injustice, and corruption on the streets and social media will also be described by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
In the speech, the Chief Advisor will also highlight the details of the incredible mass uprising that happened in Bangladesh in the last two months and his conviction to build a state system that is people-oriented, welfare-oriented, and dedicated to public interest in the coming days.
The theme of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly is 'Leaving no one behind: working together to advance peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations'.
Earlier, on Monday (September 23) morning, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus left Dhaka for New York to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly with the smallest delegation (of 57 members) of the interim government. Later on Tuesday (September 24) he reached there.
If all goes well, the Chief Advisor will leave for Dhaka on Friday (September 27).
By the way, this is Dr. Yunus's first foreign visit as the main advisor. During this visit, he met with US President Joe Biden, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and several heads of government and heads of various organizations.