UN Letter Expresses Concern Over Ban on Awami League in Bangladesh
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the banning of the Bangladesh Awami League, disproportionate restrictions on the party’s political speech and gatherings, mass arrests, and alleged violations of the right to a fair trial. These issues were outlined in an official letter sent on December 29 to the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Israel Strikes Iranian Nuclear Sites as Tensions Escalate
A sharp escalation in Middle East tensions unfolded as Israel launched a series of strikes on key Iranian nuclear and industrial facilities, prompting strong condemnation from Iran, which denounced the attacks as “illegal” and accused the United States of complicity.
Uncertainty Grows Over Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation as UN Postpones Assessment Visit
A United Nations delegation was scheduled to visit Dhaka this month to review Bangladesh’s overall preparedness for graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) list and to present its assessment of the country’s position. At the same time, a schedule had been set to present an independent preparatory assessment report on LDC graduation on January 21. However, the delegation’s visit to Dhaka has been postponed for the time being even before the trip took place. No new date has yet been fixed.
Rising Inflation, Weak Business Climate Drag Bangladesh’s Economy: UN & World Bank
Bangladesh is facing the most severe inflation crisis in South Asia, according to the United Nations, while the World Bank has also lowered the country’s economic growth forecast for the fiscal year 2025–26 due to high inflation and a stagnant business environment.
Guterres Voices Concern, Urges Bangladesh to Protect Minorities
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern over recent incidents of violence in Bangladesh and has called on the authorities to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly members of minority communities.
December 7, 1971: Another Soviet Veto in the UN Security Council
On this day, Acting President of the Provisional Government of Bangladesh Syed Nazrul Islam said in a radio address, “It will not take much longer for Dhaka to be freed from the invaders. Very soon Dhaka will fall under the control of the freedom fighters. Bangladesh is now as true as daylight. Our beloved leader Bangabandhu will also return to the soil of Bengal very soon.”
International Aid Below 50%, No Response to Interim Government
International aid for Rohingya refugees has fallen below 50% of the required amount, creating a deep humanitarian crisis as appeals from Bangladesh’s interim government go unanswered.
Dhaka Now the World’s Second Biggest City, Population Hits 36.6 Million: UN
A new United Nations report reveals that Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, has become the world’s largest city with a population of 41.9 million. Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka now ranks second with 36.6 million people.
UN Voices Firm Opposition to Death Penalty After Verdict Against Sheikh Hasina
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has expressed concern over the verdict issued against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, emphasising the need for due process, adherence to fair-trial standards, and the organisation’s categorical opposition to the death penalty.
UN Urgent Appeal Flags Fair Trial Concerns in Sheikh Hasina’s Tribunal Case
An urgent appeal has been submitted to the United Nations (UN) raising significant concerns about fair-trial and due-process rights in the case of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The law-firm Doughty Street Chambers in London is acting on her behalf and has written to the UN’s Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, as well as the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.