United News of Bangladesh

The Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Wednesday seized a locker belonging to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A CIC team seized the locker at the Motijheel branch of Pubali Bank housed in Sena Kalyan Bhaban in the morning, a senior CIC official said. The official said that the locker (No. 128) was traced in Sheikh Hasina’s name with one of the two keys still in her possession.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday filed four cases against 19 people including former prime minister's ex-defence adviser Tareq Ahmed Siddiqui on charge of embezzling TK 812 crore from three airport development projects. ACC Director General Md. Akhter Hossain revealed this during a briefing held at its headquarters. Former senior secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Mohibul Haque, and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) chairman M. Mofidur Rahman were among the accused. The cases were filed under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The accused also include Janendranath Sarkar, former joint secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Abdul Malek, former chief engineer of CAAB; Habibur Rahman, former superintendent engineer of CAAB; project directors of the respective projects; and heads of the contracting firms involved. ACC finds foreign currency, gold, FDR documents in Sur’s lockers According to the case statements, around Tk 200 crore was misappropriated during the construction of a radar under the "Installation of RADAR with CNS-ATM (Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance-Air Traffic Management)" project at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. Another Tk 250 crore was embezzled from the third terminal expansion project of the same airport. In addition, Tk 212 crore was allegedly embezzled from the expansion project of Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, and Tk 150 crore from the terminal construction and runway development project at Cox's Bazar International Airport.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has said that if India refuses to return Sheikh Hasina, it would constitute a violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India. "We have written a letter for extradition. If India does not extradite Sheikh Hasina, it will be a clear violation of the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India," he said at a views-exchange meeting with reporters at the Secretariat on Tuesday. In that case, he said, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take necessary steps to address the matter within the international community.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also making efforts and a red alert has already been issued, he added. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser "We are doing everything we can. The government will continue all efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back. If necessary, international support will be sought,” said the law adviser. Referring to the trial of July mass killings, the adviser said a second tribunal will be formed, if needed, to expedite the trial of those involved in the massacre. Election as soon as possible after essential reforms: Law Adviser “There is no conflict between the trial of the July mass killing criminals and the upcoming elections. The trial will proceed at its own pace. We will finish the trial work as quickly as possible. If necessary, international judges will be appointed,” he said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said they have no information whether former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken any Indian citizenship. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam came up with the remarks while responding to a question at the ministry’s weekly briefing. He also said it is a matter to be considered by the Indian government on what status she is staying in India. India extends Hasina’s visa amid Bangladesh’s extradition demand The spokesperson also said Dhaka is waiting for India’s reply regarding Bangladesh’s new High Commissioner to India as Bangladesh sought agrimo (recognition). “We are waiting for India’s reply. I don’t think it is taking more time than usual. There is no specific timeframe but usually it is by 3 to 4 months,” said the spokesperson. Regarding the signed deals between Bangladesh and India, he said these all documents are already in the public domain. Apparently referring to deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s reported visa extension, the interim government recently said visa issue does not exist once passport is cancelled. Earlier, the Department of Immigration and Passports revoked the passports of 97 people, including Hasina, due to their alleged involvement in the July killings and alleged involvement in enforced disappearances. Hasina’s visa extension not taken positively by people: Rizvi However, the Hindustan Times, a major national daily of India, reported that Hasina’s visa extension was recently approved, facilitated by India’s Union Home Ministry through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Hasina, 77, has been residing in India since fleeing her country in August last year, following widespread protests that culminated in her resignation. The spokesperson also said they have not yet received a response to the letter (note verbale) sent to India requesting Hasina's extradition. Hasina among 75 whose passports stripped over July killings

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.

The Anti- Corruption Commission ( ACC) on Thursday decided to investigate the irregularities in the allocation of 60 kathas plot at Purbachal new city project of Rajuk in the name of ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members . ACC spokesperson Aktarul Islam informed media about the development of the investigation. The ousted ex-prime minister allegedly became the owner of plots for herself and the members of her family at Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Purbachal New Town Project secretly.  Her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, Hasina's younger sister Sheikh Rehana, and her two children reportedly received up to 10 katha of land each.  ACC to reinvestigate Padma Bridge corruption case against Sheikh Hasina The family reportedly took possession of a total of 60 katha plots in 2022 after which the matter was classified as highly confidential.  According to the final allocation letter signed by Naib Ali Sharif, deputy director (Estate and Land-3) of Rajuk, the price for a one-katha plot was set at Tk 3 lakh per katha, totaling Tk 30 lakh for a 10-katha plot. Sheikh Hasina took plot No-9 on Road No-203 in Sector-27 of the proposed diplomatic zone within the Purbachal project. The allocation letter in her name was issued on August 3, 2022.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said India does not endorse ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s criticism of Bangladesh's interim government describing it a pinprick in India-Bangladesh relationship. Addressing the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday, Misri reaffirmed India’s focus on strengthening ties with Bangladeshi people rather than aligning with any specific political party or government, reports The Hindu. Misri said Hasina was using “private communication channels’ to air her views, and India had not provided her with any platform or facility to carry out political activities from its soil. He underscored India's longstanding policy of non-interference in the internal matters of other countries. The briefing came against the backdrop of Sheikh Hasina's recent video messages criticising Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. Japan reaffirms commitment to support Bangladesh’s reform agenda and economic growth Misri told the committee that during his visit to Dhaka earlier this week, he conveyed to the interim government that India’s relation with Bangladesh went beyond “a particular political party” or a particular government and that India prioritised relations with the people of Bangladesh and would engage with the government of the day. Vikram Misri visited Dhaka on Monday to hold several meetings in Dhaka, including Foreign Office Consultations, aiming to address mutual concerns. After Foreign Office Consultations with his Bangladesh counterpart, Md Jashim Uddin, and his courtesy meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain he expressed India’s desire to see a "positive, constructive and mutually beneficial" relationship with Bangladesh. He said there is no reason why this mutually beneficial relationship should not continue to deliver in the interest of people. During these meetings, Misri highlighted India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. Foreign Adviser calls for increased Norwegian investment in Bangladesh The Indian Foreign Secretary emphasized that people are the main stakeholders in India-Bangladesh relations, and noted that India’s development cooperation and multifaceted engagements with Bangladesh, including in the areas of connectivity, trade, power, energy and capacity building, are all geared towards the benefit of the people of Bangladesh.

BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Sunday said deposed Awami League President Sheikh Hasina would not be able to reorganise her party's leaders and workers with her empty statements from India. “Sheikh Hasina has left (the country) but her ghosts are still plotting. I’ve heard they (AL leaders and workers) may take out a procession today (Sunday) You (Hasina) are not in the country. You’ll never be able to reorganise them with these rubbish assertions,” he said.  Speaking at a rally, the BNP leader also said Sheikh Hasina’s associates destroyed Bangladesh and its economy through widespread plundering. BNP leaders, activists stage protests at Noor Hossain square, AL office He also said those who had embezzled crores of taka through fraudulent business dealings and sent the money abroad also fled the country. “They too are no longer with you, having fled the country just like you. Those who remain in the country will never have the courage to take to the streets. So, don’t mislead the people with such false calls (over the phone),” the BNP leader observed. The Jatiyatabadi Ganatantrik Party organised the rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the withdrawal of all false cases against Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman. Farroque, also a former opposition chief whip in parliament, called upon the interim government to swiftly hold a credible national election after completing the necessary state reforms. “Lay out an election roadmap in consultation with political parties, instead of buying time under the guise of reforms. Reforms will continue, and so will the preparations for the elections,” he said, directing his remarks at the government. The BNP leader also said it is crucial to establish a government formed by the elected representatives of the people and hold a national election to thwart all forms of conspiracies by the Awami League and its cohorts. “Where are those who ruled the country for 16 years… the Awami League has destroyed the constitution and ruined constitutional institutions…Sheikh Hasina has turned all these institutions into mere hangout clubs for her party,” Farroque said. He also said the leaders and activists of the BNP and its front organisations, alongside like-minded political parties and under the guidance of Tarique Rahman, put up a strong resistance against Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule. “Later, we, together with the students and the people, managed to oust Sheikh Hasina from power.”  

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday alleged that India is supporting crimes and pampering killers by providing refuge to Sheikh Hasina. “Our neighbouring country yesterday (Thursday) clearly said Sheikh Hasina is there. Their statement seems like they behaved like a Big Brother,” he said. Talking to reporters at Ziaur Rahman’s grave, Rizvi described Sheikh Hasina as the greatest terrorist and murderer. “Who could be a greater terrorist than one who can drink children’s blood? Sheltering her (Hasina) means supporting crime, injustice, and pampering murderers,” he said. Stating Bangladesh has signed the extradition treaty with India, the BNP leader said the interim government can take steps to bring Hasina back home through diplomatic efforts since a warrant for her arrest has been issued by a court. Read: Hasina continues to be in India for safety reasons: MEA Spokesperson “Such a matter can be resolved through diplomatic discussions for her extradition. If not, the top terrorists in Bangladesh will find opportunities to take shelter in India and other countries,” he said. On the occasion of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation's silver jubilee, Rizvi, together with members of the organisation, paid homage to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman by placing a wreath at his grave. India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal at a press briefing on Thursday said they have seen reports about the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh issuing a warrant for the arrest of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising but declined to offer any comment. Read more: Bangladesh to take steps to bring Hasina back following arrest warrant: Foreign Adviser “She (Hasina) had come here on a short notice. No change in her status. She continues to stay here,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said they will take necessary steps and try to bring former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back home as the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today issued arrest warrant against her and top Awami League leaders. "We just have come to know this. We will try and take necessary preparations," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Warrant issued for arrest of Hasina, 45 others The adviser said they have one month time in hand. "I don't want to say anything further," he said when asked for further details. The International Crimes Tribunal also directed the authorities concerned to produce the 46 accused, including Sheikh Hasina, before it after arresting them by November 18.