The Bangladesh Army has said that it did not have any direct communication or request from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the comments made by UN High Commissioner Volker Turk in his interview with BBC HARDtalk, according to the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR). In a press release issued on Monday, ISPR said Bangladesh Army finds it necessary to clarify certain aspects of Turk’s statement to ensure accuracy and transparency. In an interview with the BBC programme HardTalk on Wednesday, Volker Türk said the Bangladesh army was warned about possible removal from peacekeeping operations for engaging in any repression during the July-August Uprising. “The remark by Volker Turk taken out of context by certain quarters, it appears to misrepresent the role of the Bangladesh Army and potentially undermines its reputation, sacrifice and professionalism,” said the ISPR release. “If any such concerns were raised, they were conveyed to the then government of Bangladesh and not directly to the Army leadership,” it said.  The Bangladesh Army operates within the framework of national security directives and adheres strictly to the rule of law and human rights principles, it added. It said Bangladesh Army remains committed to people, upholding its legacy of neutrality and integrity. “Historical events such as the democratic transition of 1991 reaffirm this dedication. During the July-August 2024 protests, the Army once again stood by people, ensuring public safety without bias or external influence.” Army Camp Commander withdrawn over Touhidur’s death: ISPR As the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping, Bangladesh is globally recognised for its professionalism and dedication, it added. ISPR said peacekeepers receive a tiny portion of foreign earnings, the majority-around Tk 27,000 crore over 23 years-has significantly contributed to national economic growth.  The Bangladesh Army deeply values its partnership with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and remains steadfast in its commitment to serving both the people of Bangladesh and the global community, it said. Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Congo are safe: ISPR “Any concerns regarding its role can be best addressed through open dialogue and constructive engagement,” the release added.  

Former US Ambassador to Bangladesh William B Milam on Thursday lauded the interim government's reform initiatives, saying the July uprising has offered big opportunities to carry out sweeping reforms and establish true democracy in Bangladesh. Jon Danilowicz, who was a deputy ambassador of the US to Dhaka, said Bangladesh needs positive narratives and serious efforts to tackle the menace of fake news and disinformation. Milam and Danilowicz, the president and executive director of a US-based non-profit human rights group, Right to Freedom, paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka. UN rights chief calls for accountability over Bangladesh’s 2024 protest abuses The two former diplomats updated the Chief Adviser about the work of the Right to Freedom and their plan to expand its work in Bangladesh as part of its efforts to assist the country in its democratic transition. Professor Yunus appreciated the work of the non-profit group and also the efforts by the two diplomats to champion human rights and democratic values in Bangladesh. During the hour-long meeting, Professor Yunus told the diplomats that political parties would sign a July Charter after the conclusion of the dialogue on the reforms recommended by the six commissions. "The July Charter will guide us," he said, adding that the interim government would implement parts of the recommendations made in the July Charter and the rest will be implemented by political governments. CA Dr Yunus asks labour ministry to reform labour law maintaining global standard They also discussed the current Bangladesh-US relations, the Rohingya crisis, and the impact of dwindling aid for the much-persecuted Myanmar refugees, recovering billions of dollars stolen during the previous regime, the Chief Adviser's attempt to revive Saarc and possible dates for the upcoming elections. The Chief Adviser said the elections would be held either in December, provided the political parties agreed to fewer reforms ahead of the vote, or by June next year.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday assured that trial of all killings and disappearances will be held but it becomes injustice if there are efforts to do the trial instantly. "The main thing about the trial is that it should be fair...there should not be any injustice. This struggle and sacrifices were made because we stood against injustice. If we indulge in injustice, then where is the difference between them and us? We will not indulge in injustice,” he said while speaking at a meeting with the family members of July uprising victims at the Chief Adviser's Office in Dhaka'. Bimstec Summit: A meeting between Dr Yunus and Modi in the making? The Chief Adviser said they will hand over those people who are criminals to police, not the innocent people. Dr Yunus said those who are criminals must be tried and those who are not criminals must be brought to the righteous path. At this time, he called on the families of July martyrs and July fighters to keep a vigilant eye so that there is no violence and clashes in the country. Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam and Special Assistant Prof Md Sayedur Rahman were present on the occasion. Election Roadmap: BNP delegation to meet Dr Yunus Monday The interim government started providing state financial assistance to families of July uprising victims and martyrs. The Chief Adviser formally inaugurated the programme by handing over cheques to 21 families of July martyrs and 7 injured people at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon on Monday. Three martyr families and three fighters spoke at the meeting. They raised various issues including the trial of the murders, receiving state honors, financial assistance and rehabilitation. They broke down in tears while describing their experiences in July. The Chief Adviser said, "I always think that the sacrifices of those who are brave enough to call the country a new Bangladesh cannot be measured by any criteria." Calling the injured and martyrs of the July uprising as the creators of history, he said, "You are living history. I am grateful to you from the bottom of my heart. A nation that cannot remember its history cannot develop as a nation. This recognition is my gratitude to you on behalf of the nation."  Addressing the families of the martyrs and the injured, he said that from today they have officially become part of the government. "This is institutional recognition. Beyond this, everyone in society has to accept your responsibility." In the meeting, the injured and martyred families were informed about the government's programme for July martyrs and July fighters by the Ministry of Freedom Fighters. According to the government's decision, the martyrs of the July uprising will be called 'July martyrs' and the injured will be called 'July fighters' and will receive identity cards. CA Dr Yunus to attend World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai Adviser Nahid Islam said, "We know that your desire was that we could do the institutional work earlier. We did not have any lack of sincerity. Everyone in the government, including our Chief Adviser, worked to give you due honor. We had to take responsibility during the crisis, so we could not do it according to your desire. For this reason, I express my regret."

Several families of martyrs from the July Uprising met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday. During the meeting, they discussed various issues including the trial of those responsible for the violence during the July Uprising, the creation of the July Uprising Directorate, and the recognition and state honours for the families of the martyrs and the injured. Bangladesh, Uruguay eye cooperation in unexplored areas They also talked about financial assistance and rehabilitation for the families.

The government has invited students and civilians injured during the July-August mass uprising to submit their medical expense claims for reimbursement if they received treatment at private hospitals. According to a press release issued by the Press Information Department (PID) on Friday, the injured must submit their applications and medical bills either to the Mass Uprising Special Cell or the civil surgeon offices in their respective districts. The required application forms are available on the special cell’s official website: www.musc.portal.gov.bd. Once submitted, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will review claims received by the special cell, while those submitted at civil surgeon offices will first be scrutinized by the respective civil surgeons before being forwarded to the special cell for final processing. Vandalism across Bangladesh to be resisted: Govt The reimbursement process follows a decision taken during a Health Services Division meeting on January 9, which focused on medical treatment for the injured and the distribution of health cards among them. The initiative is being implemented as per instructions from the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, which directed the special cell to facilitate the compensation process. The Mass Uprising Special Cell formally announced the reimbursement procedure in a notification signed by its head, Joint Secretary Mashiur Rahman, on Wednesday.

Terming the vandalism at Dhanmondi-32 residence as unfortunate and unexpected, the interim government has said it was manifestation of people’s anger incited by the "provocative remarks" made by fugitive Sheikh Hasina from India against the July uprising. The interim government, in a statement on Thursday, urged India to ensure that its territory is not used to promote instability in Bangladesh and prevent Sheikh Hasina from issuing further remarks. Bangladesh sends protest note to India over Hasina’s activities The statement said Sheikh Hasina, who is a fugitive and facing charges of crimes against humanity, should refrain from making statements that incite unrest. The government is committed to ensuring justice for those involved in the July massacre saying that the legal process is proceeding at full pace. Besides, the government will examine what legal action can be taken against those engaging in provocative activities, it added For the past six months, no attacks or incidents of destruction had taken place at the historic residence and tensions escalated following Sheikh Hasina’s provocative statements which offended those who sacrificed their lives during the July uprising, according to the statement shared by the the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Hasina’s remarks had two key aspects—first, she disrespected the martyrs of the uprising by making derogatory and unfounded claims about their deaths and second, despite fleeing the country in the wake of the uprising, she has continued to issue threats and warnings in a tone reminiscent of her tenure in power, said the statement. Protesters set fire to Dhanmondi-32 house again She has also threatened to create instability in Bangladesh, it said. The government has expressed concern that Sheikh Hasina’s repeated remarks have deepened the wounds of the July massacre, leading to the latest violent reaction. The interim government has assured people that it remains on high alert to protect lives and property. Law enforcement agencies are making every effort to control the situation and prevent further escalation, it said. A quarter may be behind Dhanmondi-32 incident: BNP's Hafizuddin

Family members of the victims of the July uprising blocked the busy Shahbagh intersection on Tuesday, demanding justice for the killings and official government recognition. The protesters, under the banner of the July 24 Shaheed Family, took to the streets to press home their demands, including justice for the victims, proper medical treatment for the injured, and formal recognition from the government. The blockade brought traffic in the area to a standstill, causing significant disruptions, particularly for commuters heading to nearby hospitals. Dhaka-Aricha highway blocked for 5 hours over road closure Earlier, on February 2, victims undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Pangu Hospital) staged a similar demonstration, blocking Mirpur Road with the same demands. A UNB photographer from the scene confirmed the complete standstill in traffic due to the protest.

A Dhaka court has framed charges against suspended assistant commissioner Tapashee Tabassum Urmi in a case filed for making derogatory remarks about Abu Sayed and other martyrs of the July uprising. The formal trail in the case started through framing charges on Tuesday. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sefatullah passed the order in her presence, rejecting a plea for exempting her from the charges, said state prosecutor Md Khaledul Islam. The court on January 26 had set February 4 for holding a hearing on the charge framing in the case. Gono Adhikar Parishad’s leader Abu Hanif filed the case on October 8, 2024. Court summons suspended Assistant Commissioner Tapashee On November 28, a Dhaka court recorded the statement of the complainant and summoned the accused. Urmi surrendered before the court on that day and pleaded for bail. The court granted her bail on a bond of Tk 500 after hearing a plea. On October 5 last year, Tapashee Tabassum Urmi posted a derogatory remark on Facebook, targeting both the martyrs of the July-August mass uprising and the chief adviser of the interim government. As a consequence, she was made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) the following day and was officially suspended on October 7.

The Election Commission has distributed smart national identity (NID) cards among injured victims of July uprising who are receiving treatments at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in the capital. EC senior secretary Akthar Hossain and Director General of NID Registration Wing ASM Humayun Kabir distributed the smart cards at the hospital on Tuesday. Read: 7 injured in July Uprising sent to Singapore for advanced treatment Earlier, the data and biometrics of the injured persons were collected at the hospital, said EC’s public relations director Shariful Alam.

Seven people who were injured in the July Uprising have been sent to Singapore for advanced treatment under the initiative of the interim government. They departed Dhaka on Friday via a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight to receive treatment in Singapore National Eye Centre. Primary school teachers protest at Shaheed Minar, demand implementation of 10th grade salary scale Earlier, the injured were receiving treatment at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital in the capital. The injured are Abdullah Al Baki, Akhtar Hossain, Md. Yamin, Faiz Ahmed, Minhajul Islam Shuvo, Mohammad Ramzan and Salman bin Shoaib, said a PID handout.