The Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, said, we will not go to the world, but we have to build the country in such a way that the world comes to Bangladesh.

He said these things while participating in a seminar of the Physics Department of Dhaka University at the Hotel Intercontinental in the capital at 10 am on Thursday (November 7).

Commenting that people have gained new freedom of thought after the revolution of the students and the masses, the Chief Adviser sought everyone’s advice on state reforms to reap the benefits of the revolution.

At this time, the Chief Adviser also said that the government is determined to make the necessary reforms to advance the practice of science. For this, work will be done on the demand for reforms from all concerned, said Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Education Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan and former professor of SNBNCBS, Kolkata, Partha Ghosh, among others, also spoke at the event.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has brought back 20 Bangladeshi fishermen detained by Myanmar's separatist armed group Arakan Army.

On Thursday (November 7) at 4 pm, Myanmar's Arakan Army handed over the detained fishermen to the BGB through the Naf River border area.

The matter was confirmed by Teknaf Battalion (2 BGB) commander Lt. Col. Md. Mohiuddin Ahmed.

On November 5, at 4 pm, 20 Bangladeshi fishermen went to fish in the Bay of Bengal from Shahparirdwip Trawler Ghat in Teknaf in 15 hand-operated and 2 engine-operated boats. While fishing, they mistakenly crossed the zero line of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and entered Myanmar's waters. At that time, Myanmar's armed rebel group Arakan Army detained them along with their boats for illegal intrusion.

Through the relentless efforts of the BGB and effective communication with the Arakan Army, it has been possible to bring back 20 detained fishermen to Bangladesh today.

The fishermen who returned included: Shah Alam (28), Asmat Ullah (18), Abdus Shukkur (32), Abul Hosn (45), Ayub Khan (48), Nur Hosn (45), Md. Belal (29), Salim (35), Abdul Quader (25), Md. Hashim (35), Md. Hosn (28), Mohi Uddin (26), Enayet Ullah (30), Nur Hafez (40), Md. Yasin (35), Abdu Rahim (44), Hasan Ali (53), Osman Gani (30), Innamin (27) of Maheshkhali and Abdus Shukkur (46) of Ukhiya.

Later, the BGB handed over the detainees to their families through their close relatives.

Dhaka: The government has sent 9 senior officers, including an additional police superintendent of Bangladesh Police, on compulsory retirement.

They were sent on retirement in separate notifications by the Home Ministry on Wednesday (November 6).

Among the officers sent on retirement are an additional police superintendent and eight assistant police superintendent-rank officers.

The notification signed by Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen, Senior Secretary of the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry, on the orders of the President, said that the members of the BCS (Police) cadre have been retired from service in the public interest as per the provisions of Section 45 of the Government Service Act, 2018 (Act No. 57 of 2018). They will be entitled to retirement benefits as per the rules.

The officers sent on compulsory retirement are - Additional Superintendent of Police Bhuiyan Mahbub Hasan of APBN, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mehedi Hasan Jhantu of CID, Md. Ziaur Rahman of CID (ordered to transfer to APBN), Assistant Superintendent of Police Abu Md. Fazlul Karim of SB, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ranjit Kumar Barua of Industrial Area Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police Appella Raju Naha of Betbunia PSTS, Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Aktaruzzaman of CID, Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman of Sylhet SMP and Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Azizur Rahman Sarkar of Madhabpur Circle.

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.”