Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has voiced serious concern regarding the persistent deliberate attacks on journalists and the media, lawsuits motivated by personal grievances, and malicious actions by ulterior motives that are intended to harass. TIB cautions that these actions are not conducive to the establishment of an anti-discriminatory ‘New Bangladesh’.

In a press release issued today, TIB called on the interim government to implement strong measures to protect journalistic freedom, creating a secure and fearless environment for the media. TIB posed a challenging question: "Is media freedom just a hollow promise?"

Expressing profound concern regarding the assaults and restrictions imposed on numerous media outlets by self-serving entities, along with the rampant lawsuits and intimidation faced by journalists, TIB Executive Director, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated, “Throughout the period of the fallen authoritarian regime, Bangladesh’s position in the World Press Freedom Index fell by 42 steps over 14 years, with all standards of media freedom consistently declining.”

The tragic loss of life and the sacrifices made by students present a unique opportunity for the advancement of a new Bangladesh. The interim government has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that media freedom is upheld and that journalism is safeguarded from external influences. However, TIB notes with deep concern that various self-interested groups are intensifying attacks on certain media organizations, engaging in slander, threats, and intimidation. It appears that attempts are being made to suppress the media, harass journalists, or manipulate coverage whenever it challenges the interests of powerful factions. Such incidents serve as a troubling signal for the future of a free press in Bangladesh.”

Dr. Zaman expressed concern that attacks on journalists reflect negatively on the ‘New Bangladesh’.

He elaborated, “Arbitrary threats, attacks, sieges, and, in certain instances, trivial lawsuits designed to resolve personal disputes or the complete revocation of accreditation cards are unmistakable indicators of an anti-people authoritarian regime. TIB contends that efforts to regulate the media, echoing the practices of the fallen authoritarian regime, contradict the ethos of free thought and the anti-discrimination principles that characterize the ‘New Bangladesh,’ a nation forged through the remarkable sacrifices of its students.

TIB draws attention to that the suppression of dissent and the insecurity experienced by media will inevitably lead to the resurgence of authoritarianism. We urge the interim government to act swiftly and forcefully to establish a fearless atmosphere for independent journalists. If not, there is a serious chance that media freedom may turn into an empty promise.”

TIB ED said, “TIB thinks that journalists accused of specific criminal acts or those actively involved in authoritarianism should be thoroughly probed. However, incidents such as arbitrary cases against journalists labelling them as the associates of the fallen authoritarian government; the cancellation of permanent and temporary press accreditation cards given by the Press Information Department; threats; and dismissals; do not convey any positive message regarding media freedom in the country. Rather, they serve the interests of those who follow the perilous theory that "dissent is the friend of tyranny." To be very clear, TIB does not believe that any journalist should be penalized for engaging in journalism. Simultaneously, TIB urges journalists and the media to maintain ethical journalistic standards and prevent the abuse of their authority.”

Dhaka: The number of flights of Biman Bangladesh Airlines on the Dhaka-London route is being increased to 5. For this, the management authority of Biman has applied to the Heathrow Airport Authority for a 5th frequency. If it is approved, 5 flights will be operated on this route soon.

According to Biman sources, the management authority of the company is mainly increasing the number of flights on profitable routes to make the national flag carrier more dynamic. At the same time, the number of flights on loss-making routes is being reduced. In the meantime, the number of flights on the profitable Dhaka-Toronto route has been increased to three.

Meanwhile, the number of flights on the loss-making Dhaka-Narita and Dhaka-Manchester routes has been reduced by one each. In addition, the number of flights on the Dhaka-Kolkata and Dhaka-Delhi routes has been reduced.

Investigations have revealed that Biman is losing Tk. 1 crore 10 lakh on the Dhaka-Manchester route, Tk. 88 lakh on the Dhaka-Rome route and Tk. 20 crore on Narita every month. Until its closure in August 2006, each Dhaka-New York flight was losing Tk. 50 lakh. At that time, Biman had closed loss-making routes like Paris, Netherlands, Manchester, Frankfurt, Narita, and Rome. Later, the Rome, Narita, and Frankfurt routes were reopened.

The Rome flight was closed in two phases due to losses. This route was recently reopened. Frankfurt was reopened in 2014 and closed again within a few days.

Along with this, the number of routes has been reduced in some places to increase the efficiency of the existing routes. Basically, the number of flights has been increased on routes where there are fewer passengers or less demand, while the number of flights has been increased on routes where there is more demand. As a result, Biman's marketing department hopes that the airline's income will increase in the future on profitable routes.

Biman's management authorities said from previous bitter experiences that it is very important to operate the airline's current routes more efficiently. From now on, proper market research will be required in launching any new route. No steps will be taken to launch or expand routes without research.

In addition, Biman is keeping a special eye on promising destinations like Maldives. To increase the connectivity of the Dhaka-Rome route, it is working to enter into code sharing partnerships with various domestic routes from Rome to Italy and various parts of Europe. In the meantime, Biman has finalized an SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement) agreement with Italy's flag carrier ITA Airways. Biman is also preparing to enter into an SPA with Japan Airlines.

Meanwhile, Biman is planning to land in Rome, Italy, instead of a stopover in Istanbul for efficient crew management. This is because the Istanbul airport authorities have already informed Biman to use a nearby airport instead of the main Istanbul airport.

The Quota Review Committee has recommended the cancellation of the freedom fighter's grandchildren quota from the Dhaka University admission exam for the 2024-25 academic year.

From this year, only children of freedom fighters will be able to apply for the freedom fighter's children quota.

If the seats are not filled in the prescribed quota, the seats will be filled in accordance with the merit list.

These decisions were taken at the meeting of the Review Committee formed to add and amend the freedom fighter quota, ward quota and player quota among the admission quotas for undergraduate programs at Dhaka University on Tuesday (November 5).

This information was given in a notification sent by the University's Public Relations Office.

The notification mentioned about the decision of the meeting:

1. It is recommended to consider only the children of freedom fighters in the freedom fighter's children quota. It is recommended not to consider the grandchildren of freedom fighters in this quota.

2. In the past years, as per the practice prevalent in Dhaka University, if any seat is not filled in any of the prescribed quotas, it is recommended to fill the vacant seats in the order of the original merit list.

It is to be noted here that the above recommendations 1 and 2 are in line with the quota policy for recruitment to various posts issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on 23 July 2024. It is also to be noted here that this notification has been made in the light of the judgment of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal No. 2516, 2538/2024) announced earlier.

3. In accordance with the decision of Agenda 5 of the General Admission Committee meeting held on 21 October 2024, it is recommended to implement these recommendations from the academic year 2024-25 and to make necessary amendments in the admission notification to implement it.

The convener of the Review Committee is Professor Dr. Mohammad Ikramul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Law. The meeting, chaired by Mohammad Ikramul Haque, was attended by Rasheda Irshad Nasir, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor ABM Shahidul Islam, Chairman of the Marketing Department, Professor Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, Convener of the Online Admission Committee, and the Legal Advisor of Dhaka University.

Cox’s Bazar: The Arakan Army, a rebel group from Myanmar's Rakhine State, has abducted 20 fishermen from the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar.

The fishermen were abducted from the Jaliapang Naf River in Teknaf on Tuesday (November 5) evening.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury confirmed the matter to Barta24.com.

He said that he has learned that the Arakan Army has abducted 20 fishermen while fishing in the Naf River. The BGB is working to rescue them.

The names and identities of the fishermen were not immediately available.

Earlier, on October 9, the Myanmar Navy abducted 58 fishermen along with 6 trawlers from the Bangladesh side of the Bay of Bengal between St. Martin's Island and Myanmar. Among them, one died and 2 were injured in the firing by the Myanmar Navy. Later, on October 10, the Myanmar Navy returned the fishermen in two batches, along with the body of one. In this regard, Teknaf-2 BGB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed said, "We have been informed about the capture of 20 fishermen along with a fishing trawler. We are in contact with the Myanmar authorities regarding this incident. Efforts are underway to bring them back."