Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday said that the prices of most essential commodities have now reached a tolerable level, with the government remaining focused on maintaining stability throughout Ramadan and ensuring an adequate supply of soybean oil. “During Ramadan, the demand for certain products like edible oil, snacks, chickpeas and dates increases. The government is taking necessary steps to maintain affordable prices for these items,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Saturday. Shafiqul Alam said the government remains focused on ensuring price stability throughout Ramadan. “We are continuously monitoring the supply situation of both loose and bottled soybean oil.” Energy key to economic efficiency, says CA’s Press Secretary He said that the price of loose soybean oil had begun to decrease slightly and expressed the hope that prices would stabilise as the supply improved, while also addressing concerns about the disappearance of bottled soybean oil from the market and assuring efforts to maintain a steady supply. About the challenges facing by the interim government, Alam said, “Since assuming office on August 8, the government had to focus on handling multiple floods over the following months. There were six separate flood incidents. He, however, said from October onwards, the Chief Adviser instructed all relevant departments, including advisers responsible for food and essential commodities, to prioritise measures aimed at stabilising the cost of living, particularly ahead of Ramadan. Shafiqul Alam highlighted that the Ministry of Commerce, the National Board of Revenue, the Tariff Commission and the central bank are working collectively to keep prices in check. CA’s press secretary slams revenue-losing Karnaphuli Tunnel “Thanks to a combined effort, we can already say that the prices of many products have become more stable. The government remains committed to making further improvements during Ramadan,” he said. Alam reassured that the authorities are monitoring the daily import and refining of edible oil to ensure adequate supply. “We are observing the quantities of imported edible oil that are being refined, and we anticipate that the supply situation will further improve in the coming days,” he added. Starlink's entry ensures uninterrupted internet in Bangladesh: CA’s Press Secretary

The interim government has expressed concern over what it calls "misleading propaganda" portraying routine crimes—such as thefts, muggings, and personal disputes—as communal violence, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Responding to a claim by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council that 23 people were killed in communal violence over the past four and a half months, Alam rejected the allegations, stating that the government does not support any form of violence. Speaking at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Monday, he urged all sides to be more responsible, warning that such misinformation could destabilise communal harmony in the country. The Unity Council, in a press conference last Thursday, claimed that 23 people had been victims of communal violence since the mass uprising. Taking the claim seriously, the Prof Muhammad Yunus-led government instructed the police to investigate each case and report on the causes and legal actions taken. EU appeals all parties to reject communal violence, protect rights of all Police investigations confirmed details of 22 out of the 23 reported incidents. However, they found no evidence linking them to communal violence. According to police findings: Seven cases were related to theft and robbery.Four stemmed from personal and family disputes.Three involved rape, excessive drinking, or fights over sarcastic remarks.Two were accidental deaths.Two resulted from business enmity.One stemmed from a conflict between locals.One was a land dispute.One case remains unspecified.Besides, one case involved a man who succumbed to injuries from an incident in January last year and died in December. The cause of one suicide and another death is yet to be determined, but neither is linked to communal violence. Govt behind communal violence in Panchagarh: BNP So far, 47 people have been arrested in connection with these incidents, and investigations are ongoing. Of them, 17 have given confessional statements under Section 144, Alam said.

The interim government on Wednesday said Bangladesh Awami League would not be allowed to hold any protest programmes until its leadership is brought to justice and held accountable. “Many, including Awami League’s top leadership, are involved in entire July killings. Such a big killing has happened in Bangladesh’s history before our eyes. They must face the trial first. Our position is very clear,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also spoke at the briefing. Govt won’t let AL to hold protests unless it apologises: Press Secretary Alam referred to page number 17 of the Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) report on the July Uprising, saying officers had told them that Sheikh Hasina "directly ordered enforced disappearances and killings." Responding to a question, he said even those from the Awami League who are clean or who are not involved in the killings are not seen to be remorseful or have not apologised. No one from the Awami League has come and said that they do not accept Hasina's leadership or that they want clean leadership, he added. Alam said those responsible for the killings have no regret, rather they are telling more lies. “'Until the Awami League apologises, until their top leadership is brought to justice, until they are held accountable, they will not be allowed to hold any protest programme.” Since assuming office in early August, the interim government has upheld the principles of freedom of assembly and organisation, ensuring that no lawful protest has been banned or restricted, he said in a Facebook post from his verified account. Bangladesh's 'tone' at BGB-BSF conference to be different: Home Adviser Highlighting this commitment, a recent report indicated that at least 136 protests have taken place in Dhaka over the past five and a half months, some of which have led to significant traffic congestion, he said, adding that the interim government has refrained from imposing any bans on these demonstrations. In his Facebook comment, Alam posed a question, “Will any country in the world allow murderers and corrupt figures to return to power?” He said no country allows a return to normal activities without accountability and the people of Bangladesh will give a strong response to any protest or gathering by these “murderers”. “The interim government represents the people of Bangladesh. We will not allow any attempt to push the country towards violence. If anyone dares to hold illegal protests under the banner of Awami League, he/she will have to face the law,” Alam said.

Awami League will no way be allowed to hold protests unless it apologises for massacres, corruption and separates itself from its current leadership and its fascist ideology, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said. Shafiqul Alam wrote these on his Facebook wall on Wednesday following media reports over Awami League’s planned protests in February. Hasina to be brought back, put on trial: Press Secretary Anyone who dares to hold illegal protests under the AL banner will face action, he wrote. “Should we allow fascist Awami League to hold protests? The video footage of July and August clearly show the party activists took part in the killings of peaceful protesters who included young students and minor children. The party headed by Sheikh Hasina is responsible for the massacres, murders and mayhem during the July mass uprising,” said the post. Textbook distribution to be completed by Feb: Press Secretary  Since it took over in early August, the interim government has not stopped or banned any lawful protests, said the press secretary. “The interim government believes in freedom of assembly and freedom of association. One report this morning said at least 136 protests took place alone in Dhaka in the past five and a half months. Some of these protests triggered massive traffic congestion. Yet, the government has never imposed any restrictions on the protests,” Shafiqul mentioned. The interim government represents the will of Bangladeshi people who will react to the protest by the killers, he added. “We will not allow any attempts to push the country into violence. Anyone who dares to hold illegal protests under the AL banner will face the full power of the law.” Yesterday, New York-based Human Rights Watch said, quoting officers interviewed by the reputed rights group, that Hasina directly ordered killings and enforced disappearances during the 16 years of her dictatorship, he added. No “reconciliation” until Hasina, her “blood-thirsty” party members tried: Press Secretary “She has led a Chortantra (Kleptocracy) and murderous regime. Under her watch, 234 billion dollars were siphoned off by her cronies, according to an independent panel. Her family is now being investigated for making billions of dollars from corrupt deals,” Shafiqul wrote.  Besides, 3,500 people were victims of enforced disappearances, 3,000 were victims of extrajudicial killings, and protesters were killed at Shapla Chattar, said the post. “Police became ‘Police League’, and some six million opposition activists faced false cases. Even the country's first Hindu Chief Justice was brutally beaten, forced to resign and sent into exile,” he added.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has sharply criticised the media outlets that are giving platforms to people like former home minister Asaduzzamn Khan Kamal, describing Kamal as the “butcher” of Bangladesh. “Asaduzzamn Khan Kamal is the butcher of Bangladesh,” he said on Sunday, referring to the killings of children, students, workers and rickshaw-pullers. Responding to a question at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the evening, Alam said no one in the world gives a platform to a “butcher” and interviews a “butcher”. “You can realise the quality of those who are giving him a platform,” said the Press Secretary, adding that it is a big international propaganda campaign. CA Dr Yunus to receive 4 reform commissions' reports on Jan 15: Shafiqul Alam Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the briefing where the Press Secretary shared the highlights of CA’s engagements at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Chief Adviser Dr Yunus on Saturday arrived in Dhaka from Switzerland after attending the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos where he was hailed as a "beacon, hero and an amazing image of stability."  The interview of fugitive mass-murder accused Asaduzzamn Khan Kamal carried by The Indian Express is full of lies and misinformation, said the CA’s press wing. Healthy tax-to-GDP ratio key to fast growth: Shafiqul Alam Former home minister Kamal, a close associate of fallen dictator Sheikh Hasina, who is reportedly hiding in India, is one of the masterminds of the July-August killings. Indian Express carried his lies without verifying the information, the press wing said.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, who left here for Dhaka on Friday night, has been hailed as a "beacon, hero and an amazing image of stability" at Davos, says his Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. "One thing was quite clear the biggest decision the students made just after the fall of Hasina was to persuade Prof Yunus to head the interim government. And that has made all the difference," Alam said. Davos became quieter on Friday afternoon as most of the world leaders -- both from governments and private sectors -- have headed back home. Bangladesh's Davos mission concluded on a high note, said the Press Secretary, adding that the Chief Adviser and his small Davos team is heading back home "with their heads held high". Prof Yunus held 47 meetings with heads of states, CEOs and dignitaries. Top European leaders are firmly backing the interim government and its reform agenda to restore democracy, Alam said. Media access to Secretariat restricted for security of fire-hit KPI: CA Press Wing Top private companies are convinced about the country's potentials and its stability in the post revolution months, said the Press Secretary, adding that they are impressed with the latest economic numbers. Arrests were of AL activists, nothing to do with Trump: CA Press Wing Top journalists from some of the world's best news outlets have queued to take Prof Yunus' interviews. "Nobody seems to be bothered by the propaganda campaign by the Indian outlets. They are very much aware of the dirty jobs that Indian media does for their political masters," said the Press Secretary. "The Tulip Siddiq saga in the UK added some extra layers to Hasina's "Highway Robbery" story. Western press now know the kind of plunder and looting that took place during the Sheikh Hasina dictatorship," Alam said. Prof Yunus also spoke about the data manipulation, blaming the world for being blind during the "dictatorship". The Chief Adviser is scheduled to land in Dhaka on Saturday evening by an Emirates flight. Dr Yunus, who arrived at Davos on January 21, had four meetings with Heads of Government/State, four meetings with Minister-level dignitaries and ten meetings with heads/top executives of UN or similar organizations, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB on Friday evening. The Chief Adviser had 10 meetings with CEOs/high-level business persons, attended nine WEF-hosted programs and four formal dinner and lunch events. Dr Yunus also had eight media engagements on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting in addition to joining two other events. Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam saw him off at the Zurich International Airport on Friday night (Switzerland time). Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Principal Coordinator on SDGs Affairs (Senior Secretary) Lamiya Morshed, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Secretary (West) M Riaz Hamidullah, among others, accompanied Dr Yunus. The World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting in Davos brought together world leaders to address key global and regional challenges. These included responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding just and inclusive energy transition. This year's meeting convened under the theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age' and the programme will be oriented around five distinct but highly interconnected thematic priorities: Some 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, and 350 governmental leaders, including 60 heads of states and governments, from all key regions attended the event.  

The interim government is prioritising the prosecution of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her associates for their alleged involvement in murders and enforced disappearances, said CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday. Speaking at the opening of a training programme for agricultural journalists at the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) in the capital, Alam said some 3,500 people went missing and around 2,000 youths were murdered under Hasina’s administration. “The process to ensure justice is already underway,” he added. Election Timeframe Await Consensus Pointing at the media, Alam revealed that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has set two potential timelines for the national elections. But, he said, finalising the election date will depend on consultations with political parties. Dismissing rumours of plans to ban the Awami League, he said, “The interim government has no intention to dissolve the party. Political parties themselves must address such matters. However, the Awami League continues to spread false information instead of expressing regret to the nation.” Macroeconomic Stability During the session, the press secretary highlighted the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy by tackling inflation and ensuring steady commodity prices. He attributed the success to increased supply and measures to counteract market syndicates. Alam also criticised Hasina’s regime for creating food insecurity through falsified production data. “Official reports indicated a surplus in food production, but actual figures on the ground did not match. These falsified records inflated food prices, as traders were aware of the real production levels.” Read: Hasina to be brought back, put on trial: Press Secretary Alam pointed out that despite claims of surplus rice production last year, Bangladesh imported 12.5 million tonnes of rice. Drawing historical parallels, he remarked, “In 1974, the nation suffered a severe famine due to the false production claims made during Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership.” Data Integrity Alam said the interim government has initiated reforms to ensure the accuracy of economic data. “In the past, inflation and GDP figures were manipulated, creating an imbalance in the economy despite over six per cent growth,” he said. Alam assured that the publication of accurate data would enable citizens to reap the benefits of a sustainable economy and agriculture. Responding to questions on public sector pay, Alam noted that salaries for government employees in Bangladesh remain the lowest in South Asia. “A dearness allowance is a logical step to address this issue.”  He said that macroeconomic stability is crucial to reducing income disparity, even amid growing purchasing power. Read more: No info on whether Hasina granted Indian citizenship: MoFA The government, he said, remains focused on creating a resilient economy and sustainable agricultural practices to support the nation’s long-term needs.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that the interim government’s main responsibility is to bring back ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India to put her on trial for alleged mass killings during the student-led protests in July and August. "If people unite, she will be held accountable and put on trial as she ensured the trial of the killers of her father," he said while addressing a seminar at the Birshrestha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium of the university on Saturday. Textbook distribution to be completed by Feb: Press Secretary  The Islamic University Journalists' Association, in collaboration with the university administration, organised a seminar focusing on public aspirations regarding the July Revolution and the role of media on campus. He mentioned that they intended to reform the mass media, which had been misused by the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina over the past 15 years. No “reconciliation” until Hasina, her “blood-thirsty” party members tried: Press Secretary He also emphasised the importance of upholding the dignity of journalists. Chairman of the Department of Communication and Multimedia Journalism Prof M Rashiduzzaman presided over the seminar. July Declaration to be discussed with political parties: Press Secretary IU Vice-Chancellor Prof Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah spoke at the event as chief guest, while Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof M Yaqub Ali as a special guest.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday said there will not be any “reconciliation” until deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her “blood-thirsty” party members are tried for murders and corruption. “No amount of lobbying will help Hasina and her brutal associates. The world has moved on. Her world has shrunken to a couple of small rooms in New Delhi,” Alam said, noting that exactly five months ago Hasina fled Bangladesh for India. In a long Facebook post from his verified account, the Press Secretary said the more the AL's ordinary activists cling on to “Hasina's Sareer Anchol”, the bigger grave they will dig for the party. He said they still have some hopes to return to the political arena. “But first they have to denounce Hasina for the massacres and Gum (enforced disappearances) and looting.” Alam said some people talk about “truth and reconciliation” and they too believe in the power of reconciliation and healing. July Declaration to be discussed with political parties: Press Secretary “But can you do it with a party whose members are still in denial? Five months have passed and there is no apology, no remorse and no acknowledgement from Hasina, her Sheikh clan or her party members. Instead, they were spinning lies. They also spent millions to sell their lies and false and fabricated news to the Indian media,” said the Press Secretary. Alam said the students and millions of July uprising protesters have thrown Hasina and her “Sheikh Clan” into the dustbin of history. “Now it is ordinary AL supporters turn to distance themselves from one of history's most corrupt and blood-thirsty dictators!!” Alam said August 5 brought an end to her nearly 16 years long “brutal and corrupt directorship” and millions of people led by some of the “bravest students” held protests for weeks forcing the 77-year leader to quit power. He said an Interim Government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus took over after she fled. “The IG has brought peace and stability in the country. Law and order situation has stabilised.” Alam said a certain economic collapse and a state bankruptcy were averted. Exports grew at a hefty rate in the past five months. Imports made a massive comeback, highlighting growing domestic consumption. He said a revamped and globally acceptable International Crimes Tribunal has been engaged to try Hasina and her blood-soaked associates. “Scores of AL politicians with blood in their hands were arrested. Hundreds more are on the run. The IG has sent a note verbale to India for the repatriation of Hasina. We haven't heard anything from India officially yet,” he said. “But we will be relentless in our efforts to bring her back to Bangladesh to face justice and accountability over the murders of some 1,500 students, workers and other people during the July uprising,” said the Press Secretary. Alam said Hasina and her murderous associates will also be tried for other massacres and thousands of enforced disappearances, laundering of nearly 240 billion dollars, robberies of banks and extrajudicial murders of thousands of people. Hasina to be brought back to face trial, reiterates govt   The trial of Hasina, the AL politicians and officials and officers who were involved in murders and corruption are a key priority of the IG, Alam said. “We have already banned the Chhatra League over charges of murders. Hasina continues to tell lies from her hideout. Her supporters are still suffering from delusions. One thing we can say for sure: we will pursue Hasina the way she pursued the killers of her family. It will be relentless. There won't be any slackening of our efforts,” he mentioned.

The interim government on Sunday reiterated its commitment to bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now facing over 100 cases with a wide range of charges, to face the trial at home, stressing that nobody in the world wants to give space to any “killer”. “It’s nation’s desire (to get her back). We are very hopeful,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. When asked about such a possibility during their tenure, he said political parties are their stakeholders and hoped that the next elected government, whoever it is, will look into it as it is a generational issue. “We will try our best. She must face the trial. I think pressure will build on. Our pressure will relentlessly be there,” he said, adding that such pressure will be mobilised worldwide. Alam said they did not hear anything from the Indian side yet on her extradition request but the government’s efforts are there to bring her back. “It remains our top priority. We will not step back from this.” India maintains silence on Hasina's extradition request as Bangladesh awaits response India has refrained from commenting further on deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition request, though Bangladesh is awaiting a reply from India. "You know, a week back, I had confirmed that we have received a communication from the Bangladesh authorities in respect of former PM Sheikh Hasina. Further than that, I have nothing to add at this point in time," said Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs, on January 3. On January 1, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain made it clear that maintaining good relationships with three big countries - India, China and the United States- is among the priorities in 2025. He stressed that Dhaka’s ties with Delhi will advance beyond a single issue. There are questions around on how the Bangladesh-India relations will navigate this year if Dhaka's request for returning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remains unaddressed. Michael Chakma files complaint against Sheikh Hasina, 8 others Adviser Hossain, however, addressed such a question saying this is one of the issues and the two countries have many bilateral issues. "I think both will continue simultaneously. We have many issues of mutual interest. We will advance with all these issues side by side," said the adviser.