Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks about Bangladesh minorities are ‘serious’, says interim foreign minister Touhid
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain has underlined US Intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks on “persecution, killing and abuse of religious minorities in Bangladesh being a concern for her government” as “a serious statement”. On Tuesday, he said the interim government had already responded to her statement. In response to comments made by the US Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) expressed deep concern, saying the comments were "not based on evidence”. In a statement on Monday night, the CAO said Gabbard's comments were not based on any evidence or specific allegations that paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush. “This statement is both misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh.”Touhid’s colleague in the advisory council, Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, said there would be "no problem" in economic relations between the two countries over Gabbard's remarks about "religious minorities being persecuted in Bangladesh and the US's concern over it”.
Source:bd News24
March 18, 2025 16:11 UTC
Jaya wins ‘Traditional Queen of the Year’ at Filmfare Awards Bangla 2025
Jaya Ahsan, a celebrated actress in both Bengal and India, has won the “Traditional Queen of the Year” award at the Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards ceremony in Kolkata, West Bengal. Jaya took to Facebook and Instagram to break the news, expressing gratitude towards Filmfare for the recognition. Jaya has also been nominated in the Best Actress category at this year’s Filmfare Awards Bangla for her role in “Bhootpori”. Ahsan has also been nominated in the Best Actress category at this year’s Filmfare Awards Bangla for her role in “Bhootpori”. Over the past decade and a half, she has received seven consecutive nominations at the Filmfare Awards Bangla, securing four wins along the way.
Source:bd News24
March 18, 2025 15:44 UTC
Chief Advisor Yunus seeks US senator’s help to counter ‘misinformation’ on minority attacks
He says interim government is committed to protecting human rights amid concerns over attacks on minoritiesChief Advisor Yunus seeks US senator’s help to counter ‘misinformation’ on minority attacksChief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has sought the support of US Senator Gary Peters to counter “misinformation" surrounding recent attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Senator Peters told Yunus that many Bangladeshi-origin residents in his constituency, including those in Detroit, Michigan, had expressed concerns over recent attacks on minorities. Reassuring the US senator, Yunus said his government is committed to upholding the human rights of every citizen, regardless of race, religion, gender, or social identity. The chief advisor invited Senator Peters to visit different cities and towns across Bangladesh to witness the state of religious harmony firsthand. Senator Peters also enquired about the interim government’s reform initiatives, key commission reports, and plans for free and fair elections.
Source:bd News24
March 18, 2025 15:13 UTC
EC employees suspend ‘operational halt’ protest over NID services
Officials and employees of the Election Commission (EC), who have been opposing the government’s initiative to transfer control of National Identity Card (NID) services away from the commission, have suspended their “operational halt” programme. The government has decided to establish a separate authority, the “Civil Registration Commission”, to oversee NID services in the country. In response, employees of the EC voiced strong opposition to the proposals, arguing that the NID services should remain under the commission's purview. “It has formally communicated to the government and the consensus commission that NID services should remain under the EC. A 2023 initiative sought to place NID services under the Ministry of Home Affairs' Security Services Division through legislative action.
Source:bd News24
March 18, 2025 11:06 UTC
Economy has been pulled back from the brink, says finance advisor
“[The economy] was on the brink of a pit. The advisor said, "Bangladesh's economy is no longer on the brink. Since taking office, the advisor has consistently spoken of the country’s state of economic distress. The finance advisor now says the economy is turning around as the prices of goods have eased somewhat during the current month of Ramadan. Approval was also given to purchase 50,000 tonnes of non-basmati rice from India for the Directorate General of Food.
Source:bd News24
March 18, 2025 08:59 UTC
US Intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks about Bangladesh lack evidence, says Chief Advisor’s Office
Bangladesh strongly condemns any efforts to link the country to any form of Islamist caliphate, the statement readsThe Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) has responded to US Intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard’s comments alleging persecution and killing of religious minorities in Bangladesh and that the threat of Islamic terrorists in the country is aimed at establishing an Islamist caliphate. "This obviously affects people of any other religion, other than the one that they find acceptable, and they chose to carry this out with terror and violent ways and means." The CAO said, “Bangladesh is a nation whose traditional practice of Islam has been famously inclusive and peaceful and that has made remarkable strides in its fight against extremism and terrorism. “Gabbard's comments are not based on any evidence or specific allegations that paint an entire nation with a broad and unjustified brush. “Groundlessly linking Bangladesh to the idea of an ‘Islamist caliphate’ undermines the hard work of countless Bangladeshis and their friends and partners around the world who are committed to peace, stability, and progress.
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 20:50 UTC
NBR chairman reveals taxpayer brought Tk 7.30 billion under tax-free remittance facility
A taxpayer has brought Tk 7.30 billion into Bangladesh, taking advantage of the legal tax-free remittance facility for expatriates, National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan has revealed. We currently have 11.3 million taxpayers. There are no hassles for those who don’t file returns, while those who do face complications. He also said, "Out of 11.3 million Taxpayer Identification Number holders, only 4 million file tax returns, while around 8 million do not. The NBR chairman also expressed hope that in the future, tax information would be automatically collected by integrating an Application Programming Interface (API) with banks.
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 19:43 UTC
'Minority persecution’ in Bangladesh a 'major concern’ for US, says Tulsi Gabbard
Trump’s new cabinet has begun talks with the Bangladesh government, she says'Minority persecution’ in Bangladesh a 'major concern’ for US, says Tulsi GabbardUS Intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard has said the "persecution of religious minorities" in Bangladesh is a "major area of concern" for the United States. Gabbard was also asked to comment on the rise of “Islamic extremism” and terrorist elements in Bangladesh. She replied, “The talks are just beginning between President Trump's new cabinet and the Bangladesh interim government, but this continues to remain a central focus area of concern." US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Gabbard is on a three-day visit to India. She will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during the visit.
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 18:35 UTC
Shrine in Barguna's Amtali set on fire
"But after midnight, some 250 to 300 people, led by Omar Farooq, president of the Amtali branch of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, attacked the shrine," Babul said. "They vandalised the place, set it on fire, and threw away the cooked food. "The shrine was established in 1996 by Mostafizur Rahman Babul, and for years, it has been a site of bid'ah and shirk," he said, using terms that denote religious innovation and idolatry. "The deputy commissioner has met with both parties, and they have agreed to maintain peace," said Ariful. "The government will oversee the restoration of the shrine."
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 18:27 UTC
Schools, colleges to mark Independence Day with speacial programmes
All secondary and higher secondary educational institutions across the country will organise discussion sessions to emphasise the significance of Mar 26, which Bangladesh observes as its Independence Day.Similarly, on Mar 25, observed as Genocide Day, schools, colleges, and other institutions will host remembrance sessions featuring distinguished figures and freedom fighters, who will share their experiences and insights on the genocide and the Liberation War.In an order issued on Monday, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, or DSHE, instructed all government and non-government schools, colleges, teachers' training colleges and higher secondary teacher training institutes to arrange these programmes at a convenient time to mark both occasions.The order is in line with a decision made at an inter-ministerial meeting on Jan 29 to finalise the agenda for the two occasions.Several nationwide events have been planned for Mar 26, including the hoisting of the national flag, singing of the national anthem, and student assemblies and parades at divisional, district, and Upazila levels.Between Mar 20 and 25, national-level essay and recitation competitions will be organised to commemorate Independence and National Day.The national flag will also be raised at sunrise on all government, non-government, semi-government, and autonomous buildings.Various sporting events, including football, T20 cricket, and kabaddi tournaments, will be held at the district and Upazila levels, involving students from schools and colleges.In a separate order issued by the DSHE's General Administration branch, all educational institutions have been directed to implement these initiatives in keeping with the guidelines set by the Secondary and Higher Education Division.The programmes are aimed at instilling patriotism and awareness among students about the nation's history and sacrifices. �"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 18:25 UTC
Italy, Spain not ready to back EU plan to boost Ukraine military aid
US President Trump said he would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about ending the war. Italy, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus are among those to have given the least, having provided less than 0.5 percent of their GDP. Albares said Spain had already committed to providing 1 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine this year. During the ministers’ discussion on Ukraine, Slovakia signalled it would not obstruct the plan but also would decline to contribute, according to three EU diplomats. Both Hungary and Slovakia do not provide military aid to Ukraine but EU officials say they should not be able to block the proposal as contributions would be voluntary.
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 17:41 UTC
Lawyer challenges validity of EC’s notice for new party registration
He believes it was improper to issue a public notice before implementing the reform commission’s recommendationA lawyer has filed a writ petition challenging the validity of the public notice issued by the Election Commission (EC) relating to registration for new political parties. He told bdnews24.com: “A request has been made to issue a rule asking why the public notice should not be scrapped. “The EC issued the public notice per the Political Parties Registration Act 2008. “Additionally, according to the notice, the registration requires committees in 22 districts and 100 Upazilas. New ones who are seeking registration as a political party can apply to us by meeting the stipulated conditions until Apr 20."
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 15:52 UTC
ACC probes Salman F Rahman over Tk 220bn 'embezzlement' in COVID vaccine procurement
"The commission has decided to investigate allegations that an unscrupulous syndicate, including Salman F Rahman, Beximco Pharma Ltd, and others, misappropriated Tk 220 billion in state funds under the guise of COVID-19 vaccine procurement," he said. Had the government directly purchased from Serum, it could have saved costs and secured an additional 6.8 million doses. Beximco Pharma allegedly netted a profit of Tk 77 per dose after importing 70 million doses at a market price of Tk 425 per dose, which cost the government around Tk 2.97 billion. Irregularities were also flagged in the procurement of 3.15 million doses of China’s Sinopharm vaccine. It further alleges that Bangladesh's locally developed COVID-19 vaccine, Bangavax, faced repeated red tapes in securing approval.
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 15:37 UTC
No viable alternative to 'proxy voting' for expats: EC Sanaullah
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah believes that proxy voting is likely the most effective solution to ensure that expatriates can vote. Online, postal ballots, and proxy voting are all being considered in an attempt to ensure that expatriates can take part in the polls. EC Sanaullah said, “In our country, a person who is physically challenged can vote with the help of another person. We even had discussions today regarding a possible online system. They started online voting and then stopped it.”“The representative from Pakistan said that their initial experience was good, but they are not in a position to fully launch an online process.”
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 09:56 UTC
Schools, colleges to mark Independence Day with special programmes
All secondary and higher secondary educational institutions across the country will organise discussion sessions to emphasise the significance of March 26, which Bangladesh observes as its Independence Day. Similarly, on March 25, observed as Genocide Day, schools, colleges, and other institutions will host remembrance sessions featuring distinguished figures and freedom fighters, who will share their experiences and insights on the genocide and the Liberation War. In an order issued on Monday, the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, or DSHE, instructed all government and non-government schools, colleges, teachers' training colleges and higher secondary teacher training institutes to arrange these programmes at a convenient time to mark both occasions, bdnews24.com reports. Between March 20 and 25, national-level essay and recitation competitions will be organised to commemorate Independence and National Day. Various sporting events, including football, T20 cricket, and kabaddi tournaments, will be held at the district and Upazila levels, involving students from schools and colleges.
Source:bd News24
March 17, 2025 07:56 UTC