United News of Bangladesh

The interim government on Thursday approved the drafts of three ordinances, including the Electoral Rolls (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which will allow eligible people to get registered as voters up to a reasonable time before the election schedule is announced. As per the existing law, young people who become eligible to vote after January 2 are deprived of their voting rights if the elections are held in the following months, even till March of the next year. The approval came at a meeting of the Council of Advisers, held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO), with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the chair. “The meeting gave the final approval to the draft of the Electoral Rolls (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,” said CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. Besides, he said, the Council of Advisers approved two other draft ordinances, which are now subject to legal vetting. These are the ‘Human Organ Transplantation Ordinance, 2025’ and the ‘Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,’ he added. According to the Article 11(1) of the Electoral Rolls Act 2009, the voter lists shall be updated from January 02 to March 02 every year in a specific system and anyone who became eligible to be a voter having completed 18 years of age from January 2 of the previous year or remained eligible to be a voter, shall be incorporated in the electoral rolls. Now the Election Commission publishes the draft voter lists in January and finalise the lists on March 02 every year, incorporating those who become eligible till January 01 of the same year Due to this provision, if anyone becomes eligible to be a voter even on January 02, 2025, the person can’t exercise his or her voting rights till March 02, 2026. 42,000 Bangladeshi expats seek voter registration abroad Talking about the draft ordinance approved by the Council of Advisers, CA’s senior assistant press secretary Foyez Ahammad said January 1 of a particular year is fixed as the date of eligibility to become a voter. “So, those who complete 18 years of age after January 1 till December 31 of the same year cannot vote in any election to be held during that year or even until March 1 of the following year,” he said. “For the sake of implementing the principle of universal voting rights, those who have completed 18 years of age before the announcement of the schedules for the parliamentary election and other elections should also be given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote,” said Foyez. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the draft of the Human Organ Transplantation Ordinance, 2025 is very important for the country and was discussed in detail at the meeting. Under this law, he said, many people with kidney problems will be able to get transplants in the country and people who cannot see may regain their sight if corneas are transplanted into their eyes. “There are many other issues involved. These matters have not been updated for a long time. The Ministry of Health has spoken to everyone involved in organ transplantation, including major hospitals and their experts, and reviewed international laws and standards before finalising the draft,” Alam said. As a result of this ordinance, he said organ transplantation in Bangladesh will become much easier. “Earlier, organs could only be taken from one’s brother, sister or parents for transplant. Now the scope has been expanded a bit.” For example, Alam said, nieces and nephews can now donate organs. The Press Secretary said many people in Bangladesh will no longer need to go abroad for kidney transplants, as hospitals in the country will now be able to offer these services in a much simpler way. “So, we believe this is a groundbreaking law for Bangladesh. Many people want to donate their bodies. This law addresses how organs will be collected from donated bodies and how it can be done legally,” he said. About the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, Alam said there was a small change related to the Board of Investment in the existing law. “As a result, some new recruitment can now be made from outside the Board of Investment.” Besides, he said, there was a detailed discussion at the Council of Advisers meeting about the Gopalganj incident. A probe committee has been formed, led by the Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry. “There will also be two additional secretaries — one from the Law Ministry and another from the Public Administration Ministry.” Alam said the three-member committee has been given 14 days to investigate the incident and submit their report to the Chief Adviser’s Office. He said the committee will thoroughly investigate all aspects of the Gopalganj incident, including the reasons behind it, how the deaths occurred, and who was involved in the violence. “They will examine every detail.”

World Bank Vice President for South Asia Johannes Zutt concluded his first official visit to Bangladesh on Wednesday, reaffirming WB’s commitment to help the country address its development priorities and support its people. During the visit, Zutt met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and commended the government for undertaking critical reforms needed to create the foundations for economic resilience and enhance transparency and accountability in public institutions, according to a press release.  He updated the Chief Adviser on ongoing and planned World Bank support in Bangladesh. In response to urgent needs of the country, the World Bank committed over $3 billion last fiscal year to help improve essential services, including health, water and sanitation and social protection; to increase investment in infrastructure and environmental sustainability; and to support financial and public sector reforms. Prof Yunus urges WB to view Bangladesh through lens of progress, not geography “I am delighted to return to Bangladesh, where the people, and notably the youth, are determined to have a better future,” said Zutt. “Our longstanding partnership with Bangladesh has helped lift millions of people out of poverty and we will continue to help the country build economic and climate resilience, mobilize private investment, and create opportunities for meaningful work,” he said. Committed to helping Bangladesh maintain inclusive growth path: WB VP Zutt also met the Finance Adviser, the Planning Adviser, the Bangladesh Bank Governor, the Special Envoy for International Affairs, as well as other senior government officials and representatives from the private sector, and discussed emerging challenges and opportunities for Bangladesh. The World Bank is committed to helping Bangladesh to remain on a robust and inclusive growth path, the release added.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called on all citizens to unite in building a new Bangladesh, inspired by the ideals of the July martyrs who dreamt of a nation free from discrimination, corruption and autocracy. "With renewed determination, we will move forward together on the path of a new Bangladesh, guided by the spirit of July. This is our pledge today," he said in a message marking July Martyrs’ Day, being observed today for the first time across the country. To commemorate the occasion, the government has declared a day of state mourning.  The national flag is being flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous and educational institutions, as well as at all public and private buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad. Special prayers are being held in mosques across the country for the forgiveness of the martyrs, while religious institutions of other faiths are also organising prayers for the peace of their souls. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Tuesday. Reflecting on the day’s significance, Prof Yunus said, “On this day, I remember with deep respect all those who laid down their lives in the July mass uprising to free the nation from the chains of tyranny.” He described July 16, 2024, as an important point in the country’s history, when students, workers and ordinary citizens joined hands in protest against the discriminatory quota system.  Prof Yunus doesn’t intend to be declared as "national reformer": Govt At least six people were martyred in Chattogram, Rangpur and Dhaka in police shootings and attacks by armed groups during the protests, Prof Yunus said. “The sacrifice of these fearless individuals energised the movement and gave it powerful momentum,” he said.  As public outrage grew, so did participation, the Chief Adviser said lakhs of students, workers, and citizens took to the streets, and the rising number of martyrs only strengthened the resolve of the protesters. Prof Yunus said the anti-quota movement eventually transformed into a full-blown anti-government uprising and the then ruling dictator fled the country.  In return for the blood of martyrs, a new dawn of freedom broke over the nation, he said, adding that the July martyrs have etched an epic tale of heroism in history. To honour their memory and support their families, the interim government has launched a number of welfare initiatives, he said.  These include the establishment of the July Mass Uprising Directorate and the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, which are tasked with preserving the history and supporting the families of martyrs and injured protesters. Prof Yunus also announced that a comprehensive list of July martyrs is being compiled and will be officially published in a government gazette.  Each martyr’s family is receiving a Tk 30 lakh compensation along with a monthly allowance. Support is also being extended to those injured in the movement. Prof Yunus offered prayers for the eternal peace of those who gave their lives in the July uprising.

Archbishop Kevin S. Randall, the Apostolic Nuncio (Ambassador of the Holy See), has extended an invitation to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for an inter-religious dialogue scheduled for September 6-12.  Archbishop Randall met the Chief Adviser on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna and emphasised the programme's dual approach, aimed at both academic and practical dialogue to reach a wide audience, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Prof Yunus urges WB to view Bangladesh through lens of progress, not geography He said the core objective is to promote the culture of tolerance, harmony and friendship. Archbishop Randall also invited the Chief Adviser to Rome in September to attend an event at the Fratelli tutti foundation. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus thanked the Archbishop for his invitations. "It's a big event. I wish you all the best."  He also conveyed his well wishes to the new Pope.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy has expressed optimism that the next national election in Bangladesh will be inclusive with the participation of citizens, noting that the government is getting prepared for holding "free and fair" polls in the country.  "I'm confident that the Election Commission is going to do a great job. That's clearly their intention. So, hopefully, it will be as inclusive as possible," she said while responding to a question.  Talking to a small group journalists, including the UNB correspondent, Ambassador Masdupuy said it (inclusivity) all depends on the way it will be prepared. "Of course, we all know about the banning of the activities of one historical party of Bangladesh," Ambassador Masdupuy said, noting that "until this (political) organisation reforms itself, apologises and some of its leaders being tried, we understand it will be very difficult for them to participate in any election.  So, she added, inclusivity will involve the participation of the citizens and the support for as many political parties, including the small ones and independent parties (candidates). "This will be more inclusive." In May, the government issued a gazette notification banning all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) completes the trial of the party’s leaders and activists. EC moves to amend RPO ahead of general election The Ambassador said they are very happy that the interim government, under the wise leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, has been engaging and committing itself to prepare the scene to hold "free and fair" elections. She said they will support that efforts, including, if possible, by sending international, European observers because it is very important for Bangladesh to have this being dealt with very nicely and peacefully. Fakhrul alleges political plot to derail election using Mitford murder Chief Adviser Prof Yunus has already directed the law-enforcment agencies to complete all preparations by December this year for the upcoming parliamentary elections, likely to be held in February or April next year. On Sunday evening, Ambassador Masdupuy said democracy is about ‘liberty, equality, fraternity and inclusivity’, and noted that the country is now heading towards 'truly democratic elections’ under the ‘wise and remarkable’ leadership of Prof Yunus. “The road is paved with many obstacles but courage and determination will no doubt allow removing them,” she said. Talks on Airbus  Responding to a question on Airbus purchase, Ambassador Masdupuy said the discussions are still going on. "No, it's not stopped." The interim government is considering new purchases of Boeing aircraft from the United States as part of Bangladesh’s strategy to reduce the trade gap and avert the impact of a steep 35 percent tariff imposed by President Donald Trump which will be effective from August 1. "We want a fair and level playing field for everybody. And we think your national carrier needs to have both Airbus and Boeing in its fleet," she said, noting that it will provide the most diverse offer to the passengers of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.  In June, Airbus Executive Vice President Wouter van Wersch called on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus in London and said, “We have identified Bangladesh as a key priority country." Van Wersch said Airbus, which supplies 800 aircraft annually, also has expertise in manufacturing helicopters and fighter jets. Complete preparations by Dec for peaceful election: Prof Yunus to law enforcers Van Wersch said if Bangladesh decides to add Airbus to the Biman fleet, 85 per cent of the funding could be arranged through Export Credit Agency (ECA) financing. Relationship Remains Positive  Ambassador Masdupuy said they are very supportive of the current transition of the interim government, and they are keen to engage more with the government. "So, we understand that we need to be patient because of the review which is being done about many projects," she said, noting that they want to see them being more quickly implemented. "Our relationship is very good. It remains always very positive. We are engaged in all sorts of cooperation with Bangladesh, and we wish to see more," said the French envoy. The Ambassador reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s development and strategic autonomy and announced upcoming cooperation in space technology, helping enhance Bangladesh`s sovereign capacity to monitor climate change through satellite data.

A consignment of mangoes, sent by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a goodwill gesture between the two neighbours, is scheduled to reach New Delhi on Monday. The consignment containing 1,000 kilogrammes of renowned mango variety 'Haribhanga' will reach New Delhi on Monday, an official at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi told UNB. The mangoes will also be shared with dignitaries from the Indian Prime Minister's Office, diplomats and other officials within the next couple of days as part of a friendly exchange between the two neighbouring countries. The interim government is also sending mangoes to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Chief Adviser Prof Yunus on Thursday sent 300 kilogrammes of the popular Haribhanga mangoes as a gift to the Chief Minister of India’s Tripura state and other dignitaries. The mangoes were sent through Akhaura land port around 5:15 pm on Thursday, packed in 60 cartons. Spirit of mutual respect, understanding to guide 2 nations to work together: Prof Yunus to PM Modi Every year, the Bangladesh government sends seasonal gift items to Tripura’s state government and key individuals. In return, Tripura sends Bangladesh its famed and juicy Queen variety pineapples as goodwill gifts. This year’s mango gift was arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and delivered through an exporter. Officials handed over the consignment to representatives of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala. This form of outreach, often referred to as "mango diplomacy," was also practiced under previous administration, and this continues to serve as a symbol of goodwill and exchange.

Noting that adolescents and young people make up about 30 percent of Bangladesh’s total population, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday underscored the urgent need for developing this segment into a skilled, educated and healthy generation to ensure a better future for the country. “Socio-economic development of the country hinges on the education, health, quality of life and empowerment of this large group,” he said in a message marking World Population Day that falls on July 11. Prof Yunus called on development partners, NGOs, the media and civil society to collaborate with the government in its efforts to build a strong and healthy nation. Referring to this year’s World Population Day theme, ‘Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world’, he said the message is timely and significant. “Let us unite in our efforts to guide Bangladesh forward on a path of sustainable progress and shared prosperity,” said the Chief Adviser. Env Adviser Rizwana, Unicef stress youth role in climate action He stressed that beyond individual freedoms and the right to make informed decisions about family planning and reproductive health, society must uphold fairness and justice across generations. “Only then can we ensure sustainable development, better living standards, and lasting peace and stability.” Prof Yunus also emphasised the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, as a cornerstone for building a prosperous Bangladesh. He noted that his interim government, formed through a mass movement led by students, workers, and the public, is committed to creating a discrimination-free society. “In the spirit of the July uprising, our government is dedicated to harnessing the potential of our youth by strengthening initiatives in family planning, maternal and child health, and adolescent reproductive care,” he said. Believe in your dreams: Ex-WB VP Dr Serageldin says inspiring Bangladesh’s youths The Chief Adviser extended his best wishes for the success of all initiatives undertaken on the occasion of World Population Day 2025.

South Asia affairs expert Michael Kugelman has said the Trump administration has drastically cut foreign aid and has "little interest" in devoting resources to democracy promotion or nation-building in Bangladesh. Referring to recent telephone conversations between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Kugelman said the readouts of the Yunus-Rubio call from both governments suggest Washington now views its ties with Dhaka through the lenses of trade and great-power competition. Kugelman in Foreign Policy’s South Asia Brief mentioned that the pair spoke about strengthening economic ties and partnering on enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific—the latter of which, for the United States, means countering China. Both goals present challenges for Dhaka, Kugelman said. Bangladesh faces a 37 percent US tariff if it does not work out a trade deal with Washington, said the Foreign Affairs expert. And it has long pursued a nonaligned foreign policy, aiming to balance ties with major powers rather than siding with or against them, Kugelman observed. Salehuddin proposes full duty withdrawal on 175 products ahead of US trade talks On Monday, Prof Yunus spoke on the phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking one of the highest-level Bangladesh-US engagements to date during the second Trump administration. The call provides a window into how the United States may approach its relationship with Bangladesh—one that has shifted significantly since Trump returned to office, Kugelman said. During the final months of the Biden administration, US officials pledged new development aid and technical assistance for reforms to an interim government looking to rebuild democracy in Bangladesh after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid mass protests last August. During the phone call, both sides affirmed their ‘shared commitment’ to deepening economic ties between the two countries. The US Secretary of State and Chief Adviser also affirmed their shared commitment to ‘enhancing security and stability’ throughout the Indo-Pacific region. “The Secretary and Chief Adviser affirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic ties between the United States and Bangladesh and to enhancing security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” said Spokesperson at the US Department Tammy Bruce after the telephone conversations. In April this year, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus held an emergency meeting with top experts, advisers and officials, giving necessary directives to deal with the US tariff issue. Finance adviser introduces new tariff, SD structure with eye on US trade deal The United States had announced a 37-percent tariff on imports from Bangladesh as part of President Donald Trump's sweeping new "Reciprocal Tariffs" policy. The government hopes that their ongoing discussion with the US government is expected to help address the tariff issue. A follow-up meeting is scheduled to take place in the US on July 8.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged people to resist any resurgence of dictatorship in the country, emphasising that history has shown the power of a united and awakened people. “The path ahead of us is very challenging but filled with great potential. History proves that when people rise, no force can hold them back. With that conviction, I call on everyone - let us make this month of July a time of mass awakening and national unity,” he said, terming the moment a glorious moment in history. While inaugurating a month-long programme commemorating the July Uprising at the Chief Adviser’s Office, Prof Yunus said they will observe this moment every year so that they do not have to wait 16 years to stage this uprising again. “We will do this every year so that we can immediately destroy it if we see any sign of dictatorship. Let us catch it before it even takes the first page. Let us not have to wait for 16 years,” he said. The Chief Adviser inaugurated the month-long programme to commemorate the July Uprising by unveiling the event's QR code. Following the inauguration, he handed over education scholarship cheques to three students of the National University at the ceremony. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Education Adviser CR Abrar also spoke. On the occasion, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus unveiled the QR code of the programme. A year ago in this July, Prof Yunus said, the movement led by the students started giving all a taste of freedom by creating an unprecedented mass uprising. He said July was an unforgettable call, an awakening of the masses in the fight to restore democracy in the country. Prof Yunus launches July Uprising commemoration prog with QR code “The essence of that movement was - eliminate fascism and build a new Bangladesh, return the state to the hands of the people,” said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus said they have taken up a series of programmes to commemorate the July mass uprising. “This is not just a matter of emotion, nor of expressing anger. “ He said the immediate target of the mass uprising was fulfilled but there was a great dream behind it - to reconstruct a new state system and build a new Bangladesh. Prof Yunus paid heartfelt tribute to those who courageously took to the streets during last year’s uprising, upholding the flag of democracy and becoming enduring symbols of courage, sacrifice and determination. “I remember with deep respect the young men and women, children and elderly, farmers, workers, teachers, rickshaw pullers—everyone who stood up for democracy. They became the embodiment of our collective courage and resolve,” he said. Prof Yunus described the month-long programme beginning from July 1 as more than just a remembrance. “This is a new oath,” he said. “We want to rekindle the unity that brought together people from all walks of life—of every class, profession, and generation—during July last year. We must strengthen that unity once again this July,” said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus emphasised that the programme’s primary aim is to raise public awareness of democratic rights, demand political accountability, and protect the hard-won opportunity for reform—earned through the sacrifices of so many. He said the July-August programme would commemorate each day of last year’s struggle, honoring the students, workers, and citizens who were martyred or injured. “Through these events, we take a renewed oath to achieve our democratic goals. And we will do this every year, so that dictatorship can never rise again.” Announcing the formal launch of the July Mass Uprising Resurrection Programme on behalf of the nation, Prof Yunus expressed hope for a renewed national spirit. Social business now a global movement: Prof Yunus “May this July–August renaissance programme succeed! May it give new life to our dreams! Let our unity be total and unbreakable—that is the vision we are striving for,” he said. He called upon the people of the country to join the movement with full enthusiasm and unwavering commitment.

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Tuesday said there was no discussion on the election date during a recent meeting with the Chief Adviser, although they did talk about preparations for the upcoming national election. “No discussion was held on the election date. You will get to know about the election date and schedule from the Election Commission (in time),” he said while replying to a question from reporters at his office in the capital. The CEC said the Chief Adviser wanted to know whether the Election Commission was ready to hold a free, fair and credible election. Mentioning that the Chief Adviser is very sincere about a democratic transition and holding a neutral and credible election, Nasir Uddin said, “Our wavelength matched with his. We are on the same wavelength when it comes to ensuring a free, fair and credible election.” On the EC’s preparation, the CEC said, “We are preparing in full gear... amidst various challenges we are moving ahead with preparations.” About the meeting held on Thursday last between the CEC and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Nasir Uddin said it was a courtesy call. It was his first formal meeting with the Chief Adviser, he said. Asked whether it was the Chief Adviser who invited him or if he had sought the appointment for the meeting, Nasir Uddin said, “Since taking office, I had not held any formal meeting with him (before this one).” BNP seeks polls timeline after Prof Yunus-CEC meeting: Rizvi In response to speculation surrounding his two-day absence from office, Nasir Uddin clarified that he was sick and had been admitted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) since Friday. He said no one should be guided by assumptions. “Some said I was resigning, others claimed I was sick — all based on speculations,” he lamented. Referring to comments made in a television talk show that the CEC should not have met the head of government to maintain neutrality, he said, “The Chief Adviser is neutral, and so am I.” He noted that during political governments, the CEC typically does not communicate directly with the head of government. Asked about which election the EC is currently preparing for, the CEC replied, “Right now our focus is on the national election because the Chief Adviser is not talking about local elections. His commitment — both at home and abroad — is to hold a national election. We are moving ahead with preparation according to his commitment.” Regarding the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) demand for the current EC’s reconstitution, the CEC said, “I don’t want to comment. Political parties can express their views.” In reply to another question, he reiterated that there was no discussion on a tentative timeframe for the parliamentary polls during the meeting with the Chief Adviser. “We are preparing to hold the election as early as possible, so that we can hold it whenever the government decides,” he said. About the possible timelines, the CEC said February was mentioned in London and before that April was mentioned. “We are preparing with those two timeframes in mind.” When asked about his comment as the current CEC to the fact that two former Chief Election Commissioners are now behind bars, he said, “I don’t want to make any comment over a sub-judice matter.