United News of Bangladesh

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said that former President Abdul Hamid has not been arrested as there is no warrant issued against him. He made the remarks while replying to a question from journalists at the end of his visit to Jatrabari Police Station in the capital. “There is no warrant against him. That’s why he was not arrested,” said the adviser, adding, “No innocent person will be punished—that’s why no action has been taken so far. If allegations against Abdul Hamid are proven, he will also be brought under the law.” Addressing journalists, he said, “You have emphasised that no innocent person should be punished or arrested without reason. We are working in that direction.” He said legal measures are being taken after proper verification to ensure no one is harassed.  This verification process is applicable to all citizens. A three-member committee of the ministry is handling the matter, he added. Referring to the actions taken earlier on May 8 against the Superintendent of Police in Kishoreganj and the investigating officer regarding the former president’s departure abroad, the adviser said the investigation into those issues is still going on. Former President Abdul Hamid returned to Dhaka on a Thai Airways flight around 1:30 am on Sunday.  

Former President Abdul Hamid returned home from Bangkok early Monday on a Thai Airways flight. He landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 1:25am, following medical treatment in Bangkok. According to a reliable source at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Abdul Hamid completed his immigration formalities and was later seen resting in the VIP lounge. He left the airport premises at around 3:10am under strict security measures, an officer of a leading intelligence agency posted at the airport told UNB. Earlier, on the night of 8 May last month, the former President had departed for Bangkok on another Thai Airways flight for medical purposes. His return comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding a case filed against him on January 14 this year at Kishoreganj Sadar Police Station.  The same case also names several high-profile figures, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader. The departure of Abdul Hamid following the filing of the case sparked widespread controversy and debate across the country.  

Two separate rallies were held overnight on Dhaka University campus in protest against giving ‘safe exit’ to former President Abdul Hamid and Awami League leaders. Protesters at the rallies demanded that those involved in the incident should step down. At around 8pm on Thursday night, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad held a protest rally in front of the Raju Sculpture. Later, at around 10pm, a platform named ‘July Unity’ held a rally at the same place.   One of the organisers of ‘July Unity’, A.B. Zubayer, said, “Abdul Hamid did not flee; he was allowed to leave. He left the country after being given the green signal.”  He said, “Disclose the names of those who gave safe exit to Hamid and the leaders of Awami League. Take appropriate action against them.” JU students block Dhaka-Aricha highway demanding AL ban At the rally, Dhaka University branch’s joint member secretary of the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, Rezwan Ahmed, said, “The advisers who today are standing against banning the Awami League, who are giving safe exit to the accomplices of Awami League — we urge, you resign. Otherwise, the students of the country will pull you down from your positions.”  Abdul Hamid left for Thailand early Thursday through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.        

Former President Abdul Hamid left Dhaka in the early hours of Thursday for Bangkok to undergo medical treatment. He departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 2:55am aboard Thai Airways flight TG340, accompanied by two individuals, according to an intelligence officer stationed at the airport. The officer, requesting anonymity, told UNB that Abdul Hamid arrived at the airport around 11pm on Wednesday and completed immigration procedures before boarding the flight. This marks Abdul Hamid’s first overseas trip since the fall of the Awami League government nine months ago, following a mass uprising spearheaded by students and the general public. On 14 January, a case was filed against 124 individuals, including former President Abdul Hamid, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy and daughter Saima Wazed Putul, over an alleged attack and shooting during the student-led protest. Abdul Hamid was sworn in as the country’s 20th President on 24 April 2013. Ex-President Abdul Hamid, Sheikh Hasina among 124 sued in Kishoreganj He began his second term as the 21st President on the same date in 2018. His presidency concluded on 24 April 2023, when Md Shahabuddin assumed office. Before his presidency, he served as Deputy Speaker from 1996 to 2001 and later as Speaker of the Ninth National Parliament from 2009 to 2013. Abdul Hamid joined the Awami League at the end of 1969. In the 1970 Pakistan general election, he was elected from the Mymensingh-18 constituency, becoming the youngest Member of Parliament at the time. He went on to be elected as MP for Kishoreganj-5 in the general elections of 1973, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2009, all as a nominee of the Awami League.

President Abdul Hamid on Tuesday received credentials from the new ambassadors of Turkey and the Philippines to Bangladesh in the evening. Press secretary Joynal Abedin briefed the reporters after the meeting.  Ramis Sen of the Republic of Turkey and Leo Tito L. Ausan Jr. of the Republic of the Philippines presented their credentials. Appreciating Bangladesh's ties with the two countries, Hamid urged them to play an important role as envoys particularly to enhance trade and economic relations for mutual benefit. Hamid also hoped that the bilateral relations with the countries will further be expanded during their respective assignments here. Also Read: Prevent corruption in every sector: President to ACC Referring to the losses in the recent earthquakes in Turkey, the President again conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family members and said Bangladesh would always stay beside the government and people of Turkey at all regional and international platforms as very faithful and old friends in days to come. On the Rohingya issue, the President expressed his gratitude to the Turkish government and its people for their support in this connection. Later, during the meeting with the Philippines ambassador, the President mentioned that the Philippines government and its people provided heartfelt support to the 1971 Liberation War and subsequently it is one of the countries which recognized Bangladesh after the Liberation War at the beginning stage. Terming the bilateral relations between the two countries very excellent, Hamid urged the Philippines government to explore the untapped potential areas in bilateral trade and investment, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, light engineering and jute products etc. The two sides can also explore cooperation in disaster management, health care and IT sectors, the President added.  President Hamid also requested the Philippines government to support Bangladesh’s application for ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership.  He assured the envoys of his all-out cooperation in discharging their duties in Bangladesh in cementing further Bangladesh relations with the countries. Praising the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, the ambassadors told the President that they would provide their possible all-out cooperation to Bangladesh government during their respective assignments here. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, secretaries concerned and high officials to the President, among others, were present. Earlier on their arrival at Bangabhaban, a contingent of the horse-mounted President Guard Regiment (PGR) offered the ambassadors guards of honour as part of the ceremony. The national anthems of the respective countries were also played by the army band and the Ambassadors made a round of inspection of the guard of honour.    

The holy Shab-e-Barat -- the night of blessings and forgiveness -- will be observed in Bangladesh tonight with befitting religious fervour. Shab-e-Barat is observed on the 15th night of the Arabic month of Sha'ban. Shab-e-Barat is regarded as a significant occasion during which Muslims pray to Allah and beg for forgiveness for their transgressions. It is thought to absolve them of their sins and bestow upon them good fortune for the entire year. Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, recite from the Holy Quran, and also hold religious gatherings seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind. Read more: No fireworks during Shab-e-Barat: DMP The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on using firecrackers in areas under its jurisdiction in the capital ahead of the holy Shab-e-Barat. The 12-hour restriction will come into effect from 6pm this evening and remain in force till 6am the next day, DMP Commissioner Khandker Gulam Faruk said.  The ban was imposed to maintain the law and order in the capital and ensure the sanctity of Shab-e-Barat, he added. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of the night. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the occasion on Monday. They greeted all Muslims in the country and elsewhere across the world on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat. President Abdul Hamid in his message said the holy Shab-e-Barat comes to mark the advent of the holy month of Ramadan and good fortune. “On this holy night of Shab-e-Barat, we pray for the continued progress, welfare, and greater unity of the Muslim Ummah, along with seeking eternal mercy and blessings from the Almighty Allah. May the full virtues of the holy Shab-e-Barat be upon us.” Read more: 7 Exclusive Halwa Ideas, Recipes for holy Shab-e-Barat He urged the affluent to come forward and help the distressed and the poor on this occasion, as the world is gripped by a multitude of crises due to the Covid-19 pandemic followed by the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said: “Inspired by the greatness of the holy Shab-e-Barat, I am calling upon all to devote themselves to the cause of human welfare and nation building.”   She also asked all to establish the spirit of Islam at personal, social, and national levels, putting off all kinds of injustice, violence, and superstition.  

President  Abdul Hamid on Wednesday asked all concerned to design curriculum  in line with the demand of current job market as there is no substitute of demand-based and work-oriented education. He said this in the "6th Convocation 2023" of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) at Mirpur Cantonment here. Stressing on the quality education as the first step for building a nation, the President said it (quality education) is the main mean of economic development and intellectual growth. He advised the university authorites to give importance to research and ensure transparency and accountability in every work of the university to make it a 'Centre of Excellence'. Also Read: No room for confusion over whether the president’s post is profitable or not The President, also Chancellor of  the university, asked the university teachers to dedicate themselves in teaching and keep in mind that “education without joy cannot bring any benefit.” "We have to keep ourselves up-to-date by absorbing the new concepts and strategies invented in various subjects coping with the times," he said. Hamid also asked all concerned, including the university authorities, to develop the young generation as skilled manpower in science and information technology (IT) to face the challenges of the 21st century at the national and international levels. “There is no alternative to acquiring skills to survive in this competitive world,” he said adding the science and applied education should be expanded from primary to higher levels. Congratulating the graduates for obtaining the degree, the President advised them to remember that ‘education is not limited only to obtaining a degree but the real success of a graduate depends on how a student can take advantage of it in personal and professional life. Referring to the current  world situation, Hamid said, under the efficient leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country's economy is moving towards the right direction. “We need to increase the flow of foreign exchange to save the country from the global recession caused by outbreak of the global Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.  And this should be done through increasing exports and overseas employment,” he said. The President suggested the graduates for taking preparation for sustaining in  the global competition as well as establishing themselves as entrepreneurs. On this occasion, 36 graduates were awarded “Chancellor Gold Medal” while 29 others got “Vice-Chancellor Gold Medal.”  Chief of Army Staff (CAS) General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed was the convocation speaker at the 6th convocation while Education Minister of Dr. Dipu Moni, MP, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder, MP, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, members of parliament (MPs), BUP Vice-Chancellor Major General Md Mahbub-ul Alam, chiefs of the three services and BUP pro-VCs, treasurer and registrar, among others, were present there.    

The presidential election of Bangladesh will be held within February 23. Election Commission  (EC) Secretary Md.  Jahangir Alam said this while talking to reporters after a meeting held at EC building on Sunday. "The process has already started. We will contact the Parliament Secretariat and fix the date of the Chief Election Commissioner’s meeting with the Speaker," he said. Current president Abdul Hamid cannot be elected president for another term as the country’s constitution allows a maximum of two terms for a person in the post of president. Hamid is the only President who has been serving for two consecutive terms. His second and last tenure will expire on April 24 this year.  On Apr 24, 2013, Abdul Hamid was sworn in as the 20th President of Bangladesh. Read More: EC starts receiving applications for settling objections to draft voter list   After the end of his first tenure, Hamid also took oath as the president on the same date in 2018 for the second term. Lawmakers vote in the presidential election, which is supposed to be held in the House with the CEC acting as the election officer.  

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Wednesday said the presidential election will be held in due time since the second term of Abdul Hamid expires in April next. Talking to reporters after inaugurating a workshop, he also said that the government has so far no plans to amend the constitution. “The presidential election will be held in the due course of time. Since he (Hamid) was elected the President for two terms, he can't stay any longer (in the post) as per the constitution,” the minister said. Read more: Law Minister sounds out govt's bullish mood on election The workshop was organised in collaboration with the United Kingdom at the Judicial Administration Training Institute in the capital for the lower court judges. Various problems of the judiciary of Bangladesh, including case backlog, case management, and ways of quick case disposal, will be discussed in the four-day workshop. On Apr 24, 2013, Abdul Hamid was sworn in as the 20th President of Bangladesh.  After the end of his first tenure, Hamid also took oath as the president on the same date in 2018 for the second term. Hamid is the only President who has been serving for two consecutive terms. His second and last tenure will expire on April 24 this year.  The country’s constitution allows a maximum of two terms for a person in the post of president. Read more: Human rights violators will be brought under justice: Law Minister There was speculation that the government may amend the constitution to allow Hamid to stay in the post for another term, but the law minister categorically said they have no such plans. About the apex court’s bail to BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and standing committee member Mirza Abbas, he said no ministry, including the law ministry, is interfering in the work of the court. “The court will grant bail as per its wish. The court won’t give bail if it thinks it can't be given,” he observed. Huq also said it often happens that the apex courts are granting the BNP leaders bail when the lower court is denying it. He also said staying the lower court’s bail by the apex court is nothing new in Bangladesh. “Those who have raised questions about it, may not have seen the rules of Jatiya Party and BNP.”

President Md. Abdul Hamid has called upon the public representatives to work for the welfare of the people. He made this call during an exchange of views with the public representatives, elite and government officials of Itna upazila in Kishoreganj on Wednesday evening. The meeting was held at President Abdul Hamid Auditorium in Itna. Also read: President inaugurates flood shelter, student residence in Kishoreganj's Itna At the beginning, one minute silence in memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, followed by offering munajat. The president called for electing only those who will work for the development of Haor (vast water body) area remaining above personal interest. Highlighting the various steps taken by him for the development of Haor area, President Hamid underlined ensuring quality education in schools and colleges. Local Members of Parliament and secretaries to the President were present at the meeting. Also read: President Hamid visits dev projects in Kishoreganj Earlier, he inaugurated President Abdul Hamid Government College Flood Shelter and First Lady Rashida Hamid Chhatri Nibash (dormitory for female students) at Itna. The three-storied shelter and the student dormitory were built at a cost of about TK 3.50 crore and TK 1.10 crore respectively.