501 Engineers Question Interim Government’s Legitimacy, Call for Election Boycott
A total of 501 engineers, based both in Bangladesh and abroad and identifying themselves as believers in the ideals of the Great Liberation War, have rejected the upcoming national election, describing it as a “sham vote,” and have called for its boycott.
Former Enforced Disappearance Commission Chief Appointed Chairperson of Human Rights Commission
After remaining inactive for nearly a year and a half, the interim government has appointed a chairperson and four commissioners to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Former High Court Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury has been appointed as the chairperson. He previously served as the head of the interim government–formed Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances.
Bangladesh’s Hindus Face Growing Fear as Violence Increases Ahead of Election
Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker, was accused in December by several Muslim colleagues of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad. The accusations drew a violent mob to his workplace. He was beaten to death, his body hung from a tree and set on fire.
No Asset Declarations from Yunus Government Advisers Even After One and a Half Years
More than a year and a half later, reality tells a very different story. Not a single adviser’s asset declaration has been made public. The question now being asked is whether those promises were merely rhetorical.
Allocation of 140 Crore in Short Time: Risk of Corruption under the Name of Referendum?
For campaign activities related to the referendum to be held alongside the upcoming Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, an allocation of BDT 138.57 crore has been given to six ministries Culture, Religious Affairs, Information, Local Government, Social Welfare, and Women and Children Affairs. Questions have arisen as to how, through which programs, and in what manner the ministries will be able to spend such a large amount of money just 16 days before the election.
Political Violence Intensifies Ahead of Bangladesh Election: 11 Killed, 616 Injured
Human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) says that incidents of political violence increased alarmingly in January, reaching a severe level. In just one month, at least 11 people were killed and 616 injured in 75 clashes across the country, directly calling into question the environment for a free and fair election.
The 24th Edition of “Amar Bhashar Chalachitra 1432” Begins
Inspired by the glorious legacy of the Language Movement and a deep passion for Bengali cinema, the largest festival of Bangla films, “Amar Bhashar Chalachitra 1432,” is being organized by the Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS).
Explosive Remarks by Jamaat Ameer at Chattogram 11-Party Rally
At an election rally of the 11-party alliance held at the Chattogram Port College ground, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman said that the first declaration of independence was made by Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed, Bir Bikram, not Ziaur Rahman. He claimed that during the Liberation War of 1971, the first declaration of independence was made from Chattogram and that Colonel Oli Ahmed called for independence by declaring “We revolt.”
Bangladesh’s Rush to Form Media Commissions Endangers Press Freedom
ARTICLE 19 has expressed serious concern over the interim government of Bangladesh’s sudden release of draft ordinances aimed at establishing a National Media Commission and a Broadcasting Commission, allowing only three days for public feedback. The organisation warned that the rushed move, taken at the final stage of the interim government’s tenure, lacks transparency and due process and poses a threat to freedom of expression in the country.
Journalist Harassment in Bangladesh Far Higher Than TIB Reports
Over 1,000 journalists in Bangladesh have faced job loss, arrests, and attacks, far exceeding TIB’s reported 189 dismissals. Prominent reporters like Farzana Rupa, Shyamol Dutta, Mozammel Haque Babu, Shakil Ahmed, Shahriar Kabir, and Anis Alamgir have been detained, while mobs have seized media offices and unions, raising serious concerns over press freedom.