SECOND EDITION

DHA K A F RI DAY AUGUS T 1 6, 2024

Regd. No. DA 781 Vol. XXXIV No. 204 Bhadra 1, 1431 BS Safar 10, 1446 Hijri 20 Pages: Tk 15.00

LOANS FROM JANATA, NBL Hasina faces

S Alam, Nassa got another
ICT case
Tk 2,544cr waiver 2 more murder cases
filed against her

in breach of rules COURT CORRESPONDENT

Another complaint was

MD MEHEDI HASAN filed with the investigation
agency of the International
Chattogram-based conglomerate S Alam Group and garment Crimes Tribunal yesterday
manufacturer Nassa Group were given interest waivers amounting to against former prime
Tk 2,544 crore bypassing banking rules, in a testament to the outsize minister Sheikh Hasina
influence oligarchs had on the banking sector during the Awami accusing her of committing
League-led government of the past 15 years. crimes against humanity
What is more baffling is that the central bank provided the no- and genocide during the
objection certificate (NOC) in favour of the two business giants, who are people’s uprising.
led by individuals with easy access She was also accused
to former prime minister Sheikh in two more murder cases
Hasina, for getting the waiver filed yesterday with two
facility. What is more Dhaka courts.
Founded in 1985 by Saiful Alam, baffling is that The complaint at the
a relative of former AL politician International Crimes
Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury the central bank Tribunal was filed by
Babu and former Land Minister provided the Muhammad Sanaullah, a
Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, S Alam no-objection resident of Baro Roypara
Group has grown into one of the certificate (NOC) area of Munshiganj’s
largest conglomerates in Bangladesh. in favour of the Gazaria.
The business giant owns controlling The complaint said
stakes in eight banks. two business Sanaullah’s son Mehedi
Nassa Group is led by Nazrul Islam giants, who are PHOTO: RASHED SHUMON was killed during student
Mazumder, who is the chairman led by individuals Students and people beating up a man at Russell Square yesterday. They stopped pedestrians, checked their phones, and beat protests near Dhaka-
of Exim Bank and the private with easy access up people they thought were going to Dhanmondi-32 to pay homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. SEE PAGE 2 COL 1
bank owners’ forum Bangladesh to former
Association of Banks since 2008.
As per the central bank rules, prime minister
banks can waive the partial or whole
interest in the case of the death of
Sheikh Hasina,
for getting the
Provide info on More advisers to People beaten
the borrower or the closure of the waiver facility. bank accounts up, harassed at
project due to natural calamity,
pandemic, flood or any other act of
God. of S Alam, family
be sworn in today Dhanmondi-32
Besides, a Bangladesh Bank notice on April 21, 2022 barred the waiver Wahiduddin Mahmud, Ali Imam
NBR directs banks Their phones checked;
of interest that had already been transferred to their income segment.
But the companies of S Alam Group and Nassa Group that were given
Majumdar, Fouzul Kabir Khan journos stopped from
the interest waiver facilities were operational; no natural disaster took STAFF CORRESPONDENT invited to take oath taking photos; student
place in that time.
And the lenders -- National Bank in the case of S Alam Group and The National Board of Revenue (NBR) leaders condemn it
Janata in the case of Nassa Group -- waived the interest by halting the has asked for bank account details STAFF CORRESPONDENT
income segment, which was a violation of the banking rules. of Chattogram-based businessman
On December 22, 2021, the central bank provided NOC through Mohammed Saiful Alam and his family On the 49th death anniversary of
seven letters to National Bank for allowing the interest waiver facility members to check if they have been Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,
to the loans, taken from the bank’s Khatunganj branch in Chattogram paying their taxes properly. students and people took control of
The NBR wrote to 91 banks and Dhanmondi Road-32 and obstructed
SEE PAGE 2 COL 2
financial institutions to this effect those who they believed wanted to pay
on Wednesday, said Ahsan Habib, tribute to the leader.
commissioner of taxes, Tax Zone-15, Hundreds of students and members
an NBR field office in Dhaka, yesterday, Wahiduddin Mahmud Ali Imam Majumdar Fouzul Kabir Khan of the public were at the area. They
stopped pedestrians, questioned them,
FROM QUOTA REFORM TO REGIME CHANGE adding that the move was part of their
“routine job”.
STAFF CORRESPONDENT economist Prof Wahiduddin
Mahmud, who was an adviser to checked their identification documents
In the letters, information on the bank The interim government’s caretaker government in 1996, and phones, and prevented people from
Use the QR code to access accounts and credit cards of S Alam, his advisory council is set to expand said he got the invitation to take taking photos of what they were doing.
Several people were beaten up, tied up,
brother Mohammed Abdullah Hasan, as more advisers will be sworn in oath as an adviser of this interim
The Daily Star’s timeline mother Chemon Ara Begum, and wife today. government. and handed over to law enforcers.
The Daily Star reporters and
Farzana Parveen have been requested. The oath-taking will take Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad
chronicling the students’ quota Additionally, details about any place at the Darbar Hall of Yunus was also an adviser to the
photographers on the spot observed at
least 25 people being beaten up by people
movement that led to the end personal or business accounts jointly
held in the names of S Alam’s sister,
the Bangabhaban at 4:00pm,
according to a press release from
1996 caretaker government.
Sources said Ali Imam
wielding sticks and rods. Some of them
were tied up and dragged around before
of Sheikh Hasina’s 15 year rule. daughter, or son have been sought. the Bangabhaban yesterday.
Last night, people close to
Majumdar, former cabinet being handed over to law enforcers.
SEE PAGE 2 COL 5 SEE PAGE 2 COL 1 SEE PAGE 2 COL 2

STUDENT PROTEST DHAKA WASA MD

UN team to fly Never-ending
in next week to
probe atrocities tenure of
STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The United Nations will send a fact-

Taqsem ends!
finding team to Bangladesh next week to
probe atrocities committed during the
student-led protests in July and earlier
this month.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk
announced the move when he called
Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad
Yunus on Wednesday, the press wing of
the CA’s office said yesterday.
This will be the first UN fact-
finding mission to Bangladesh since
its independence in 1971 to investigate
widespread human rights abuses in the
country, according to a UN official.
During the phone conversation,
Volker Türk said a UN-led investigation
would be launched very soon to probe
the killing of the protesters during the HELEMUL ALAM
“Student Revolution” and that a team of
UN experts would soon visit the country Taqsem A Khan resigned as the managing director of
to set up the investigation. Dhaka Wasa on Wednesday after being at the helm of the
Yunus thanked him for supporting the state-owned agency for nearly 15 years marked by many
students’ revolution and championing allegations of irregularities.
their rights during the “unprecedented and Taqsem resigned over an email, stating that health
devastating killing of student protesters”. problems had rendered him unable to work.
The 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner said The Local Government Division (LGD) yesterday issued
human rights would be the cornerstone an order mentioning that Taqsem’s tenure has ended and
of his administration, and the protection AKM Sahid Uddin, a senior deputy managing director of
of every citizen is the utmost priority of A man dashes to board a train at Kamalapur Railway Station. After nearly a month of suspension, intercity train services resumed Dhaka Wasa, would be the new managing director.
the interim government. across the country yesterday, providing relief to travellers and bringing back some sense of normalcy. PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED SEE PAGE 2 COL 5
 NEWS
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024

2 BHADRA 1, 1431 BS City

AL leader hacked Foreign ministry

to death in Sylhet recalls seven envoys
OUR CORRESPONDENT, Sylhet
Five other officials posted
An Awami League leader was hacked overseas also ordered to return
to death while he was returning
home after praying at a local mosque DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
in Sylhet’s Bishwanath upazila on
Wednesday night. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called back
Md Maniruzzaman Lilu, 50, was seven of Bangladesh’s ambassadors who are on
the vice president of Awami League’s contractual postings overseas.
Rampasha union unit in the upazila. In addition, orders to return home have been
He was also a businessman and a issued for five other officials who are on contract
resident of Nawdhar village. or deputation abroad.
Around 8:30pm, Maniruzzaman The development is part of the interim
government’s decision to make personnel changes
was returning home alone after
in various ministries.
offering Esha prayers in the village
The foreign ministry yesterday issued separate
mosque when a group of assailants orders in this regard.
swopped on him with sharp weapons, The envoys who were asked to return to Dhaka
police and locals said. are Mohammad Imran, ambassador to the US;
Hearing his screams, locals Kamrul Hasan, ambassador to Russia; Rear
rushed to the spot and took him to Admiral SM Abul Kalam Azad, ambassador to the
Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Maldives; Javed Patwary, ambassador to Saudi
Hospital, where the duty doctor Arabia; Shahabuddin Ahmed, ambassador to
declared him dead. Japan; Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, ambassador to
His nephew, Abu Foyez, said, “We Germany; and Abu Zafar, ambassador to the UAE.
do not know whether he had previous The five other officials who were ordered
enmities, so anyone could have killed to return are Wahiduzzaman Noor and Arifa
him.” Rahman Ruma, first secretary and counsellor
Rama Prasad, officer-in-charge of at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington;
Bishwanath Police Station, said, “The Aparna Rani Pal and Mobashira Farzana Mithila,
body was handed over to family after PHOTO: RASHED SHUMON counsellors at the Bangladesh Embassy in Ottawa;
an autopsy. We will take the necessary BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir addresses a programme in front of the party’s Nayapaltan office in the capital and Asib Uddin Ahmed, third secretary at the
action after a case is filed.” yesterday. At the event, he demanded that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her aides be tried on mass killing charges. Bangladesh consulate in New York.

More advisers to S Alam, Nassa Metro service

be sworn in today FROM PAGE 1
and Gulshan branch in Dhaka in
Thanks to the huge interest waiver
to S Alam Group, National Bank, one
August 31, 2021, as per the meeting
minutes.
FROM PAGE 16
-- Mirpur-10 and Kazipara -- halting the
DMTCL Managing Director MAN
Siddique and Abdur Rouf for comments
FROM PAGE 1 2003. of the earliest private sector banks in The central bank in June of metro rail operations. over phone.
secretary, who was appointed as The ailing National Bank waived Bangladesh, logged a loss of Tk 3,260 2021 rejected the facility as Janata The government directed DMTCL However, sources said the employees
special assistant to this interim Tk 2,283 crore as interest on the loans crore for 2022. The lender is yet to on August 11 to complete necessary of grade 10 to 20 have been on strike
approved the waiver violating technical checks within seven days to
government’s chief adviser on August of eight companies of S Alam Group: recover from this hit, according to since August 6 to press home their six-
banking norms. BB later walked back resume the service. point demand, including pay hike.
12, and Muhammad Fouzul Kabir S Alam Super Edible Oil got Tk 715 National Bank officials informed with on the decision and approved the However, the operation of the two The top officials of DMTCL and even
Khan, former power secretary, also crore interest waiver, S Alam and the proceedings. interest waiver. stations will remain suspended until the immediate past secretary of the
received the invitation. Company got Tk 456 crore, S Alam “As far as I know, S Alam Group Md Abdul Jabbar, current MD those are repaired. Road Transport and Highways Division
Officials of the Cabinet Division Vegetable Oil got Tk 322.77 crore, do not have any loan in our bank,” of Janata Bank, and Md Abdus On the same day, the advisory talked to the employees and assured
and the Bangabhaban could not NAF Trading Tk 249.96 crore, Adil said Touhidul Alam Khan, managing Salam Azad, former MD, could not council of the interim government them of meeting the demands, but they
Corporation Tk 185.23 crore, Pusti director of National Bank. be reached for comment despite decided to resume metro rail service refused to call off the strike, the sources
disclose the number and names of
Vegetable Ghee Tk 158 crore; Fairy The companies have repaid all tomorrow. said.
new advisers. repeated attempts.
Trade international Tk 122.87 crore their loans and closed the accounts “But due to unavoidable situation, “So, the operation is not going to
“I don’t know the new advisers’ “The interest waiver facility by
and S Alam Brothers Tk 73.14 crore. with the bank, said Khan, who joined it was not possible to start necessary resume from Saturday [tomorrow],” an
names,” Joynal Abedin, press As a result, S Alam Group ended up violating rules creates a bad example technical checks,” reads the press
the lender on January 25 this year official said, wishing to be unnamed.
secretary of President Mohammed repaying the principal amount of Tk from Premier Bank. in the banking industry and other release signed by Mohammad Abdur Responding to a query, the official
Shahabuddin, told The Daily Star. 4,928 crore and no interest, according Similarly, at the 654th board borrowers are motivated by the Rouf, company secretary of DMTCL. said once the employees withdraw
However, state-run news agency to central bank documents. meeting of Janata Bank in 2021, a Tk example,” said Anis A Khan, the “In this situation, it would not be their work abstention, it would take at
BSS reported that “four to five more Some companies of Sikder Group, 261 crore interest waiver facility was former chairman of the Association possible to resume metro rail operation least five days to complete necessary
advisers” are set to take oath. which held controlling stakes in approved for two companies of Nassa of Bankers Bangladesh, a platform of as per plan. DMTCL regrets for it preparation, so it is not possible to
National Bank then, had loans in three Group: Nassa Taipei Spinners and banks’ chief executives. cordially,” it added. say when the metro rail operation will
The interim government is going The Daily Star could not reach
Shariah-based banks controlled by Nassa Spinners. This practice goes against good restart.
to expand its advisory council a week
after its advisers took the oath of the S Alam Group and National Bank Janata had acquired the Tk governance in the banking sector,
office.
Besides Prof Yunus, 16 advisers are
provided the interest waiver facility
to S Alam Group on the assurance
that Sikder Group would be afforded
120 crore loans of the two Nassa
companies in 2008 from Southeast
Bank and Islami Bank.
said Khan, also a former MD of
Mutual Trust Bank.
The Daily Star could not reach
Never-ending
now in this government. Prof Yunus FROM PAGE 1 buying dirty and smelly water, facing
the same facility in the Islamic banks, The state-owned bank gave Alam and Mazumder for comment, Taqsem was appointed Wasa MD on acute shortage of drinking water, being
and 13 other advisers -- Salehuddin
The Daily Star has learnt from people Nassa Taipei the facility subject to while BB declined the request for October 14, 2009. His tenure was deprived of access to the sewerage
Ahmed, Asif Nazrul, Adilur Rahman, with knowledge of the tacit deal. the collection of Tk 156.12 crore by comment. extended for the seventh time on October network, and encountering the same old
Hassan Ariff, Touhid Hossain, Syeda 14, 2023. water logging.
Rizwana Hasan, Sharmeen Murshid,
Brig Gen (retd) Sakhawat Hossain,
AFM Khalid Hossain, Farida Akhter,
People beaten up, harassed at Dhanmondi-32 There are allegations that Wasa
supplied contaminated water and
overspent funds on projects that did not
Mizanur Rahman, a resident of
Jurain’s Mistir Dokan area, said many
of around two lakh residents of Purba
Nurjahan Begum, Nahid Islam and
FROM PAGE 1 brother of mine, and I was not going to about repeating this in the future. bear fruit while Taqsem was at the helm.
The media were also being obstructed Jurain are still facing similar problems
Dhanmondi-32. I was just passing by,” “We have also heard that the media Many say that the cost of Dhaka Wasa
Asif Mahmud -- were sworn in on from doing their duty. Several and some do not even have running
he told this reporter. have been obstructed from taking water increased 16 times because of him. water.
August 8, four days after the fall of journalists, including those of this Police and army personnel were photos and filming. We believe in the In May 2023, former Wasa chairman Mizanur is one of a few hundred
Hasina-led government amid an newspaper, were harassed and made present there but did not intervene. independence of the press. We criticise Gholam Mostofa wrote a letter to the
uprising. residents from Jurain, Shyampur,
to delete photos they took. A man Md Azim, a student, said they were those who had harassed journalists.” LGD, highlighting the irregularities at
Supradeep Chakma and Bidhan Madhya Badda, Rampura and Tejgaon
announced on a loudspeaker, “Do not holding the ground to prevent the In past years, Awami League Wasa. who demonstrated in front of the Wasa’s
Ranjan Roy Poddar took oath as take photos and videos. Those inside Awami League from using this as an leaders and workers of every level The ministry then responded by Karwan Bazar headquarters on April 23,
advisers on August 11 and Farooq-e- buildings looking down, do not take opportunity to organise. “We have been thronged Dhanmondi-32, often with promptly removing Mostafa from his 2019.
Azam the next day. out your phones.” here since morning. If anyone tries to camerapersons in tow, to lay wreaths at post and keeping Taqsem, a US citizen, as The image of him carrying a jug full of
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus himself Kader Siddique Bir Uttam, the take away the freedom we earned with the mural in front of the Bangabandhu the MD. dirty water as a sarcastic gift of “sherbet”
president of the Krishak Sramik our blood, we will resist.” museum. This visit of homage was Mostafa told this newspaper at that
is overseeing 24 ministries and to Taqsem is still fresh in the minds of
Janata League, was attacked when he The students’ platform against mandatory to prove allegiance to the time that Taqsem’s monthly salary Dhaka residents.
divisions, including Cabinet Division, increased by 421 percent over the years
and ministries of defence, education, attempted to pay his respects. discrimination had announced party. Mizanur and several others held a
Kader Siddique told The Daily Star, “I “resistance week” centring the day. The museum was torched after the and stood at Tk 6.25 lakh. Even during
and road transport and bridges. human chain in front of Wasa yesterday
went to pay respect [to Bangabandhu] the Covid-19 pandemic, his salary was
ICT Adviser of the interim fall of the Hasina-led government on demanding that Taqsem be arrested and
at 7 in the morning, but I couldn’t. It bumped by Tk 1.75 lakh.
government Nahid Islam in a Facebook August 5. Talking to reporters at his office punished.
HIGH TREASON felt nice that a few people respectfully post yesterday evening condemned the The interim government on August yesterday, LGRD Adviser AF Hassan Ariff The city dwellers did not get the
asked me to go back… I was inside the act of checking phones and swooping 13 withdrew the public holiday. benefit of Wasa’s treatment plants due to
Russia jails US- car. However, some people threw stones on unarmed innocent people. The national flag was at full-mast
said, “The stories of his corruption are
known to people.” absence of a supply network, experts say.
and vandalised the car. After that, I left. “Our revolution is based on justice at Bangladesh Secretariat yesterday, The corrupt individuals who used to Widespread corruption and delays
Russian woman Today, I saw some people tied up with and principles. The aim of our student- unlike previous years when it was at surround Taqsem are still active, he said. in project implementation also plagued
Wasa, said a report of the Anti-Corruption
ropes [near the Dhanmondi 32 area], citizen revolution was to abolish the half-mast. “We will take legal action against
for 12 years which is unacceptable.” fascist system, establish security of Even though there were no them,” he added. Commission in July 2019.
The ACC report said Wasa kept
The officer-in-charge of Dhanmondi life and justice in society. We have to government programmes to mark the In 2019, Taqsem caused public outrage
AFP, Moscow Police Station, Emran Hossain, said continue the resistance, on the other day, there were small events organised after saying that Wasa water was fully safe extending deadlines and increasing
that 16 people were handed over to hand we have to uphold our spirit of by some organisations. for drinking. the costs of projects to create room for
A Russian court yesterday jailed US- policemen and some were injured and the rebellion,” read his post. The Communist Party of Bangladesh He made the claim at a press corruption.
Russian citizen Ksenia Karelina for needed medical attention. One of the central leaders of the held a discussion marking the National conference arranged to refute allegations Corruption and irregularities also
12 years after she was found guilty of Sohel, 45, was beaten up by the students’ platform, Hasnat Abdullah, Day of Mourning at its party office in made by Transparency International took place during the selection of
“high treason” for giving about $50 people. He was left reeling with split Bangladesh (TIB). consultants and contractors during
on his social media page said, Paltan.
to a pro-Ukraine charity in a case knuckles and knees, and a swollen left TIB, after a year-long study titled revenue collection and overtime bill
“Bangladesh Chhatra League members CPB President Shah Alam presided disbursements, said the report.
slammed as “vindictive cruelty” by the arm he could not move. A rickshaw- used to stop us and check our phones over the meeting while General “Dhaka Wasa: Challenges of Good
puller rescued him. Governance and Way Forward”, revealed Manual metre reading is also an
US presidency. to find evidence of resistance. Today Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince and area where cartels have been formed
“I am from Panchagarh. I came their findings in April 2019, mentioning
The 32-year-old ballet dancer we heard that students, claiming to be economist MM Akash took part in the how 91 percent of the 2,728 service to misappropriate money and deny
and spa worker from Los Angeles to Dhaka because my son just got from the Anti-discrimination Student discussion. the government its revenue, said the
recipients of Dhaka Wasa water had to
was detained in the Urals city of admitted to Notre Dame College Movement, had been checking phones Udichi Shilpigoshthi too organised report that identified eight projects and
boil the water to make it drinkable.
Yekaterinburg in January while and I wanted to drop him off. I was and violating the privacy of the people. a discussion at their central office to In the process, they burnt gas worth Tk three areas in Dhaka where corruption
visiting family. on the back of a motorcycle with a We protest against this and warn them mark the day. 332 crore a year. took place, and made a 12-point
But many Dhaka dwellers are still recommendation to prevent graft.

Hasina faces another ICT case Provide info on bank accounts

FROM PAGE 1 Prosecutor’s Office of the tribunal so The other accused are Obaidul accusing Hasina, 10 named, and
Chittagong highway in Narayanganj FROM PAGE 1 Sheikh Hasina to step down, ending her
that the next procedures can begin. Quader, former ministers several unnamed others of killing S Alam Group was founded by Saiful
on July 20. 15-year rule.
On Wednesday, Supreme Court Asaduzzaman, Anisul, Tajul Islam, Shahabuddin, 35, in the capital’s Alam in 1985, and has since risen to There have been various allegations,
Eight others accused in the lawyer Gazi MH Tamim filed a similar Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Hasan Agargaon on August 5. become one of Bangladesh’s largest including money laundering, against
complaint are Obaidul Quader, Awami complaint on behalf of Bulbul Kabir, Mahmud and Mohammad A Arafat, The case was filed with the court conglomerates. S Alam Group, which was one of the
League general secretary and former father of Alif Ahmed Siam, a 9th former private industry affairs of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate The group’s business interests range industrial groups to benefit during the
road transport minister; Asaduzzaman grader who, as per the complaint, was adviser to the prime minister Faraha Diba Chanda. from commodity trade to fishing, tenure of the ousted Awami League
Khan Kamal, former home minister; shot dead by police in Savar. Salman F Rahman, former lawmaker The other accused are Quader, building materials to real estate, textiles government.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former state to media, intercity buses to shipping, A year ago, an investigation by The
The Hasina-led government in Mostofa Jalal Mohiuddin, former IGP Asaduzzaman, Anisul, Hasan and power and energy to banking and
minister for telecommunications and Daily Star found, S Alam built a business
March 2010 formed the International Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, Mahmud, Arafat, Salman, insurance.
IT; Mohammad Ali Arafat, former state empire in Singapore worth at least $1
Crimes Tribunal to try those who former Rab DG Harun, former DMP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, S Alam’s wife Farzana and brother
minister for information; Chowdhury billion, although there is no record of him
committed crimes in 1971. commissioner Habibur, former Habibur Rahman, Harun Or Rashid Hasan are directors of S Alam Luxury
Abdullah Al Mamun, former inspector taking any permission from Bangladesh
One of yesterday’s two murder additional IGP Kh Mahid Uddin, (DB) and Biplob Kumar Sarker. Chair Coach Service and S Alam Cold
general of police; Harun Or Rashid, Bank to invest or transfer any funds
cases against Hasina was filed by former DB chief Harun, former DMP The magistrate recorded the Rolled Steel Limited. S Alam’s mother,
former additional commissioner Chemon Ara Begum, on the other hand, abroad.
(DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Tejgaon resident Abdullah Abu Sayeed joint commissioner Biplob Kumar complainant’s statement and Two days later, on August 6, 2023, the
is a director of S Alam Luxury Chair
(DMP); Habibur Rahman, former DMP Bhuiyan who accused Hasina and 15 Sarker, and several unnamed Rab directed the officer-in-charge of Coach Service. High Court, on a suo motu (voluntary)
commissioner; and Harun Ar Rashid, other named and several unnamed members. Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station to The NBR asked banks that the move, directed the authorities concerned
former director general of Rab. people of killing Jobaid Hossain Imon, After a hearing, the magistrate register the complaint. information be provided as soon as to conduct an inquiry into the allegations
12, in the capital’s Mohammadpur on recorded the complainant’s The previous government fell after possible. against S Alam and submit reports in two
Investigation of this complaint and
July 19. statement and directed the officer- Hasina on August 5 fled to India S Alam he did not pick up our calls months.
the one filed on Wednesday will be However, on August 23, the Supreme
held simultaneously, Ataur Rahman, The complaint said the boy was shot in-charge of Mohammadpur Police amid a mass uprising that began as a yesterday. Subrata Kumar Bhowmick, an
executive director of S Alam Group, could Court chamber judge put on hold the
deputy director (admin) of the dead by police during the protests for Station to register the complaint as student protest for reforming quotas inquiry against S Alam.
not be reached over the phone. He also
investigation agency, told The Daily reforming quotas in government jobs. a first information report (FIR), said in government jobs. did not respond to text messages. Later, on February 4, 2024, the
Star last night. The case was filed with the court Nur Alam, an employee of the court. Over 550 people, including The move by the NBR’s field office Appellate Division of the Supreme Court
Once the probe is done, the agency of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sher-e-Bangla Nagar resident students and law enforcers, were comes in less than two weeks after a mass discharged the High Court Division’s suo
will submit the report to the Chief Rajesh Chowdhury. Abul Kalam filed the other case killed in violence during the uprising. uprising forced former prime minister moto rule.
 2nd Edition

DHAKA 3
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

Don’t publish We will resist all

or air Hasina’s
pictures: Dulu counter-revolution
The BNP chief’s
adviser says media
attempts: Sarjis
STAR CORRESPONDENT
outlets to be set on
Sarjis Alam, a key organiser of the Anti-Discrimination
fire if they do so Student Movement, issued a stern warning yesterday
OUR CORRESPONDENT, against those attempting to launch a counter-revolution,
Natore saying their existence will be erased.
“Let us be clear: if anyone dares to do this [mount
If any a counter-revolution] again or if we witness any such
telev i s ion attempts, you will not live to see the consequences from
channel or the students and people,” he declared.
newspaper Sarjis further warned, “If you wish to preserve your
airs or existence, do not dare to utter a single word against the
publishes students and people.”
pictures He made these remarks to reporters during a
of Sheikh Hasina, those demonstration in front of the National Museum as part
media outlets will be set of “Resistance Week”, which was called for thwarting any
on fire, said Ruhul Quddus potential counter-revolution on August 15.
Talukder Dulu, adviser Sarjis said the government ruled and exploited the
to the BNP Chairperson, people for the last 16 years, and the student and people
yesterday. unitedly made this revolution.
Dulu made the remark “In these circumstances, if someone mistakenly
while speaking as the tries to speak against the revolution, they are declaring
chief guest at a sit-in in themselves against the entire student body and the
front of the BNP office in masses of Bangladesh. We want to make it clear that those
the Alaipur area of Natore who are doing this do not have honest intentions. Their
town. The district BNP motives are not aligned with the interests of the students
organised the programme. and the people of the country, but rather with exploiting
He said once Tarique the country and its people…
Rahman’s picture and “Their goal is to hand over some of their interests to
speech could not be malevolent forces outside the country, potentially selling
shown or printed on TV or this country, either partially or wholly, to them. We
newspapers. Students under the banner of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement hold a rally in front of National Museum in Shahbagh yesterday as part understand that,” he added.
“If Jamaat is banned of their “Resistance Week” programme. SEE PAGE 4 COL 2
PHOTO: FIROZ AHMED
for genocide, then why
shouldn’t the Awami
League be banned for
brutally killing students?
We demand that the Awami
League is banned as soon
as possible,” he said.
RICE PRICE RISES AL observes
August 15 in
three districts
ELEVATED EXPRESSWAY
Banani ramp
Dulu claimed
Hasina is plotting a
that
So do prices of other essentials; traders point STAR REPORT opens, Mohakhali
counter-coup. The at supply shortage, rising production costs
students and the people
of this country will build a SUKANTA HALDER Coarse rice is being sold at Tk Meanwhile, the prices of
Awami League supporters
and grassroots yesterday
to open in a week
resistance once again, he 52-55, while the price was Tk 50- soybean oil and palm oil increased observed National STAFF CORRESPONDENT
added. Prices of several daily essentials, 54 in the last week, he added. by Tk 100 per drum (204 litres) Mourning Day, marking
“They have no chance of including rice, soybean oil, The vegetable and broiler over the last week, said Alam the 49th anniversary The authority of Dhaka Elevated Expressway
coming to power,” he said. and sugar, have surged in the chicken markets have also Sheikh, a wholesaler at the Mirpur of the assassination of yesterday opened the entrance ramp at Banani,
capital’s kitchen markets, causing witnessed a significant surge in 1 kitchen market. Bangabandhu Sheikh around a month after the tollbooth was torched
Mujibur Rahman, in at
Intercity hardships for the city residents,
particularly the lower and middle-
prices.
Abdul Mannan, a vegetable
The prices of potatoes, onions,
eggs, garlic, ginger, and pangas least three districts.
amid violence centring the student movement.
“We opened one of the four tollbooths at
train services income ones.
Apart from those, prices of
seller at Karwan Bazar kitchen fish have decreased, while the price In Gopalganj, AL men
offered prayers in the
the ramp at 5:00pm today and is collecting toll
market, said the price of eggplant of tilapia remains unchanged. manually,” Captain (retd) Hasib Hasan Khan,
resume after palm oil, broiler chicken, green increased from Tk 30 to Tk 40 per Amid the situation, consumers morning at the mausoleum
of Bangabandhu in
manager (operations and maintenance) of First
chillies, eggplant, and tomatoes kg over the past week, while green are facing severe challenges. Dhaka Elevated Expressway Company Ltd (FDEE),
nearly a month have also increased. Tungipara.
which operates the expressway, told The Daily Star.
During visits to the kitchen They placed floral
UNB, Dhaka He said they will open manual operation of
markets in Duaripara, Mirpur 1, wreaths at Bangabandhu’s
portrait, while several three other booths there within a few days.
Karwan Bazar, and Mohammadpur Hasib mentioned that they were optimistic
After nearly a month of hundred partymen held a
Krishi Market yesterday, The Daily SEE PAGE 4 COL 4
suspension, intercity train rally there.
Star found these products to be
services resumed across the They also vowed to bring
sold at increased prices.
country yesterday. Sheikh Hasina -- who fled
According to data from Trading
The services resumed
Corporation of Bangladesh, the the country on August 5 -- DHAKA-MOSCOW TIES
with the departure of back home and demanded
price of medium rice increased
Mohanganj Express from
Kamalapur Rail Station in
by 2.68 percent, coarse rice by
2.88 percent, soybean oil by about
punishment for
perpetrators who torched
the
Bangladesh needs
Dhaka around 1:15pm.
Other intercity trains
have been departing as
1 percent, and sugar by about 2
percent in the past week.
the Bangabandhu Memorial
Museum at Dhanmondi 32
in the capital.
to follow a safe path
Traders attributed the price
per schedule from various
destinations for Dhaka.
hikes to a supply shortage,
In Narayanganj, city
corporation Mayor Salina
Says foreign affairs adviser
rising production costs, and Hayat Ivy paid homage to DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
Passengers expressed
the country’s volatile economic Bangabandhu by placing
satisfaction at the full
situation. chilli prices rose from Tk 200 to According to the Bangladesh wreaths at his portrait at Bangladesh will have to take a safe path in
restoration of train services
Mohammad Jashim Uddin, a Tk 240, potatoes from Tk 55 to Tk Bureau of Statistics, the consumer the office of Narayanganj its cooperation with Russia as it faces many
after the long hiatus.
rice wholesaler at Mohammadpur 60, and cabbage from Tk 30 to Tk price index, which includes food district unit AL in the city. sanctions, said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid
The Bangladesh Railway
Krishi Market in Dhaka, reported 50 per piece. and non-food inflation, rose by Ivy, senior vice president Hossain after a meeting with Russian Ambassador
suspended operations of
that the price of coarse rice The price of tomatoes increased 1.94 percentage points to 11.66 of the district unit AL, was to Bangladesh Alexander Mantytskiy yesterday.
passenger trains on July 19
increased by Tk 2-3 per kg last from Tk 140 to Tk 180 per kg, he percent in July, amid the recent accompanied by a few party UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis and
amid the violence centring
week, citing millers’ claims that added. unrest. leaders and activists. Japanese Ambassador Iwama Kiminori also called
the quota reform movement.
higher paddy prices were driving Mohammad Zafar, a retailer at Meanwhile, food inflation In Shariatpur, Jazira on the foreign affairs adviser yesterday.
Although operations of
up rice costs. Duaripara Bazar in the Rupnagar surpassed 14 percent in July, the upazila AL also observed “Our position is that we will not fight any war. I
passenger trains resumed
In the retail market, medium area, said the price of broiler highest in 13 years, driven in part the day. said, as there are sanctions against Russia, we will
on a limited scale on August
rice is being sold at Tk 55-60 per chicken rose from Tk 160 to Tk 170 by a nationwide supply chain The day was observed at do whatever interaction and cooperation we can
1, the authorities on August
kg, while the price was Tk 54-58 per kg within the same period. disruption caused by weeks of a time when most of the AL have,” said Touhid.
3 suspended it for August
a week ago, said Mehedi Hasan, a Wholesale traders attributed protests ahead of the fall of Sheikh men across the country have Mantytskiy sought the interim government’s
4 and later halted the
retailer at Karwan Bazar kitchen the increase in broiler chicken Hasina. been on the run since the fall support so that the work on Rooppur nuclear
operations of all kinds of
market. prices to higher production costs. SEE PAGE 4 COL 1 of Hasina on August 5. SEE PAGE 4 COL 2
trains until further notice.

Power outage hits

rural areas
ASIFUR RAHMAN and SUKANTA HALDER meaning they stay without electricity for
six hours during daytime.
The country, especially the rural areas, is It stabilises after 11:00pm. However,
experiencing frequent power cuts over power cuts sometimes happen at midnight
the last couple of days due to insufficient as well, she added.
electricity production from coal-based Officials said they have been getting
power plants, alongside the prolonged insufficient electricity from the coal-based
delay in increasing LNG regasification power plants due to various technical
facilities. issues, while gas shortage became a
According to the data of Power Grid regular scenario.
Bangladesh PLC, the average generation At least 10,000MW of generation
shortage stood capacity has been
as high as 1,500 sitting idle due
megawatts (MW) to fuel shortage
a day for the last or maintenance
week. The country -- 6,100MW for
has been producing fuel shortage
around 13,500MW and 3,800MW
to 14,000MW daily, for maintenance.
while the demand is Compared to last
over 15,000MW. month, idle power
Shiuly Akhter, a capacity due to fuel
resident of CO Bazar area in Rangpur, said shortage has increased significantly.
frequent power cuts started there about a Among the 6,100MW -- at least
week ago after a three-week respite. 4,079MW are caused due to shortage in gas
“The situation stays normal from supply, according to data of Bangladesh
midnight till 6:00am. Then the power Power Development Board (PDB). The
goes out at one or two-hour intervals country has a total of 11,428MW installed
throughout the day,” she said, adding that capacity from gas sources.
it was unbearable amid the sweltering heat. The data shows that at least 25 gas-
Ayesha Begum, a resident of Habiganj fired power plants remain closed due to
Sadar area, said the power cut happens gas shortage since May 27, when cyclone Members of Gram Police Bahini (village police force) bring out a procession in front of the Supreme Court yesterday, demanding an end to wage
every alternate hour for the entire day -- SEE PAGE 4 COL 5 disparity. They also sought a national pay scale for them. PHOTO: STAR
 2nd Edition

NEWS
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024

4 BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

Constable Power outage hits rural areas

injured on FROM PAGE 3 weather and sea single power producer August 13 for a technical
Remal hit the coastal conditions, Summit -- 1,500MW Adani Power issue.”
Aug 5 dies areas. One of the country’s anticipates completing Plant, located in India’s “We regret any
STAFF CORRESPONDENT two floating storage and the repositioning and the Jharkhand, has shut inconvenience caused by
regasification units (FSRU) reconnection of the DTM one of two units due to this technical fault. We are
A police member, who was damaged, reducing the (Disconnectable Turret fresh technical glitches, working hard to fix the
was beaten and pushed off LNG regasification capacity Mooring) plug by the end according to PDB officials. issue at the earliest and
the rooftop of Shyampur to 600 million cubic feet of August 2024 and for the Khandaker Mokammel restore the full capacity of
Police Station during per day (mmcfd) from 1,100 ship-to-ship transfer to be Hossain, PDB member power generation,” reads
clashes with protesters on mmcfd. ready in September 2024.” (generation), said Adani the statement.
August 5, died at a hospital The affected Summit- Due to adverse power plant was shut once Besides, Hossain said
PHOTO: STAR
in Dhaka yesterday run FSRU was repaired weather conditions at due to a leak in a valve of the Matarbari power
evening. later from abroad, but it is sea and almost zero the boiler circulating pump plant, which was under
The deceased was yet to start operations due underwater visibility, the last month. trial run, but providing
identified as Khalilur to technical glitches in damage identified by the “It was repaired later and great support amid the gas
Rahman, 53, a constable of the subsea landing pad in internationally licensed the production increased. shortage, has also stopped
the police station. Cox’s Bazar’s Moheshkhali subsea diving team has But a new leakage was production recently.
On the afternoon of area. It was supposed to posed significant obstacles identified on August 13, Also, one out of two
August 5, a group of be completed by July 15, as to rectify the issue in July, leaving half of its unit units of Chattogram’s SS
people beat him up and per the then-government Summit noted. shut,” he said. power plant is also under
threw him off the roof of announcement. But still “We have contracted Contacted, Adani maintenance.
the police station. With the Summit Group said it ‘Oriental Dragon’, a Diving Group shared a statement The PDB data shows
severe injuries, he was RAJBARI GOVT POULTRY FARM will take more time.
Summit Corporation
Support Vessel (DSV) for through a PR agency that currently around
admitted to a private a stronger and higher in Bangladesh, saying, 2,300MW -- or one

28 years of neglect
hospital in Dhanmondi, International in a capacity crane to move the “Adani Power supplied third of total coal power
where he breathed his statement told The Daily DTM, which is expected to 769MW to Bangladesh capacity of 6,604MW --
last around 5:00pm, his Star that it may take up to reach Moheshkhali from today [yesterday] from an remain idle.
colleague, Sub-Inspector September to resume ship- Singapore on August 22,” alternate unit, as one unit The country’s total
Torgul Hasan, mentioned
SUZIT DAS, from Rajbari An official said, “If the sheds are to-ship transfer. it added. of the Adani Power plant power generation capacity
in the inquest report. made operational again, the farm could “Assuming favourable Besides, the highest had to be shut down on is 26,947MW.
Established in the 1981-82 fiscal year, produce 100,000 chicks, rear 18,000-
The body was sent to the Rajbari Government Poultry Farm, 20,000 chickens for meat, and raise
Dhaka Medical College
Hospital
autopsy.
morgue for
spanning 2.88 acres in the Bhabanipur
area of Rajbari town, was once a beacon
150,000 egg-laying hens annually.
However, only two sheds are currently It’s radio silence in Khulna
of hope for the local meat industry. in use, with around 12,000-14,000 FROM PAGE 5 heartbreaking. They were damaged, and broadcasts the facility, but it will take
Along with him, at It aimed to alleviate poverty by were destroyed. The scene
least 43 police personnel Fayoumi and Sonali chicks being reared.” not just tools but symbols have been suspended for time.”
encouraging chicken rearing among The farm, which requires 13 workers was chaotic; you can’t of our cultural heritage,” over a week. Khulna Betar, which
were killed so far during locals. imagine the fear we felt.”
the mass protests, during to function smoothly, is currently he said. Bangladesh Betar began with a modest
However, the farm’s hatchery operating with only four. A CULTURAL AND Prof Anwarul Kadir, a Director General 10 kW transmitter on
which many police operations have been non-functional HISTORICAL LOSS
stations and offices Local poultry farmer Jasim Mondal prominent educationist Rabindrashri Barua December 4, 1970, and
since 1996 due to mismanagement, said Sonali chicks from the farm are The destruction is not just and civic leader in Khulna, visited the site on expanded to 100 kW
across the country were negligence, and a severe shortage of physical but also cultural.
attacked and looted as significantly cheaper than those from condemned the attack. August 13, vowing to by 1981, had earned the
workers. private farms, costing Tk 15 per chick Nikhil Krishna “This was not a random restore operations as affection of listeners not
law enforcers opened fire Now, the farm imports chicks from Majumdar, a renowned
indiscriminately, killing compared to Tk 35-50 elsewhere. act. Many documents and soon as possible. “We are only in Bangladesh but
government hatcheries in Kushtia and However, supply is inconsistent, flute player and artefacts related to our committed to resuming also in West Bengal, India.
many protesters. neighbouring districts, and sells them instrument maker, lost
Over 500 people, often leaving buyers empty-handed. folk music and history broadcasting, either by It started its journey in
to locals after 28-50 days at Tk 80-100 Md Kamal Bashar, the acting his collection of musical were destroyed. This loss renovating the damaged the administrative building
including many students, each. instruments, which had
were killed during the manager of the farm, said, “The annual is irreplaceable and deeply building or setting up of Khulna University in
The warehouse, residential quarters, demand for chicken in Rajbari is been housed in a museum disturbing.” operations elsewhere,” Gallamari, a suburb in
protests, which eventually water tank, hatchery shed, and two of at the station.
forced prime minister 20,000, but we receive only 10,000- THE ROAD AHEAD Barua said. Khulna city.
the four chicken rearing sheds are in 12,000 chickens yearly. We have “I’ve been making The attack has left over 200 Netai Kumar Its programmes
Sheikh Hasina to resign a state of disrepair. The only vehicle and playing instruments
and flee the country on requested an increased budgetary staff members, including 16 Bhattacharje, its regional were a lifeline, offering
available for farm operations has been allocation to ensure a regular supply of for Khulna Betar officers, in disarray. The director, said, “Everything everything from news to
August 5. out of order for a long time. since 1985. The loss
chicks and meet local demand.” centre’s infrastructure, in the centre was reduced entertainment, and its
of those instruments equipment, and archived to ashes. Our immediate loss is deeply felt by the
and documents is data are irreparably goal is to clean and repair community.
Rice price Bangladesh needs to follow a safe
FROM PAGE 3
Golam Rabbani, a private FROM PAGE 3 Meanwhile, the Japanese independent experts would
sector employee shopping power project can continue ambassador told Hossain visit Dhaka next week to
at Mirpur-1 kitchen without being hampered. that under the “Strategic investigate the killings
market, said the prices “I said we will definitely Partnership,” Japan will during the students’
of many essential items continue it. A big continue its support for protest.
have remained high for investment has been made Bangladesh’s development “They will assist us so
over a year, as the previous there. If it is not completed, and prosperity, and stand that we can rightly probe
government failed to curb we will not get its result,” by its side during the the killings and punish
the high prices. Touhid Hossain said. transition process. those responsible,” Hossain
“I am forced to buy less Mantytskiy also handed He said Japan will told the media.
than what we need, as there’s over a letter from Russian keep up with the existing They also discussed
no other option,” he said. Foreign Minister Sergey projects related to the economic cooperation, LDC
On Wednesday, Lavrov to Touhid Hossain, Rohingya refugees. graduation, climate change,
Salehuddin Ahmed, congratulating him on his The UN resident and the ongoing UN
finance and planning appointment as foreign coordinator told the humanitarian operations
adviser to the interim adviser. media that a UN team of concerning Bangladesh.
government, stated that
inflation in Bangladesh is
expected to decline within We will resist all counter
a reasonable timeframe. FROM PAGE 3 members involved in “You [Sajeeb Wazed
On the same day, newly “During its tenure, the wrongdoing will also be Joy] don’t have the right
appointed Bangladesh Awami League did not have held accountable. to make decisions about
Bank Governor Ahsan H the courage to allow any “They need to answer the country while sitting in
Mansur said the burden of other party to legitimately for the torture inflicted the US. Your boat [electoral
rising prices may be reduced win 50 seats in Bangladesh. on the people over these symbol of the Awami
to tolerable levels within the Like thieves and robbers, 16 years. They must face League] leaked a long time
next five to six months. they have placed their punishment. Then the ago. You no longer have a
The government will members or candidates in people will decide whether boat, so there is no point in
focus on improving supply all 300 seats, without any AL can vie in the next finding a baitha [a wooden
and production to curb actual election in every election or not,” he added. stick used to steer a boat].
inflation, he said after a constituency. Additionally, Another key Do not expect that you will
meeting at the Secretariat. they have placed their coordinator, Hasnat run the boat of Bangladesh
patrons in the 50 reserved Abdullah, said members of through Modi’s baitha,” he
seats as well.” the AL-led government and added.
“Those who occupied its associated bodies have
these 350 seats are fascists smuggled thousands of
and nurturers of a fascist
ideology,” he said, adding
crores of taka abroad over
the last 16 years, with some
Banani ramp
FROM PAGE 3
that the AL, Jubo League, portion of the money being
about opening the
and Chhatra League used to spread propaganda.
Mohakhali entrance ramp
within a week. Tolls will
be collected manually, he
added.
He, however, could not
say when the exit ramp
at the FDC gate (Karwan
Bazar) could be opened as
one of the pillars there was
torched.
Miscreants torched the
Banani toll booth on July
18 and the Mohakhali toll
booth the following day
amid unrest centring the
quota reform movement,
causing the suspension of
its service.
The authority resumed
the operation of the
expressway, except for the
three ramps, from August 11.
Before the suspension,
over 50,000 vehicles used
the flyover daily on average,
and the number of users
remains almost the same
now, he said.

PRAYER
TIMING
AUGUST 16
Fazr Juma Asr Maghrib Esha
AZAN 4-25 12-30 4-45 6-38 8-00
JAMAAT 5-00 1-15 5-00 6-41 8-30
SOURCE: ISLAMIC FOUNDATION
 2nd Edition

CITY 5
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

IT’S RADIO
SILENCE IN
KHULNA
Arson attack on August 5
leaves Betar centre in ruins
DIPANKAR ROY, Khulna

In the heart of Khulna, the Bangladesh Betar centre stood

as a beacon of community, culture, and information.
Established in 1970, it quickly became a cherished
institution, bridging gaps between rural life and broader
societal developments.
But on the afternoon of August 5, this vibrant hub was
devastated by an arson attack that left it in ruins, silencing
its broadcasts and disrupting the lives of countless
listeners and staff.
A LIFELONG CONNECTION TO RADIO
For Proshad Roy, a farmer from Khalashibunia in
Batiaghata upazila, Khulna Betar was more than just a
radio station. Since the age of 12, Roy has been an avid
listener, following in the footsteps of a family tradition
that began with Santosh Radio of India.
This radio tradition has been a cornerstone of Roy’s
life, offering him and many others vital information on
agricultural practices and local affairs.
“I’ve always been a regular listener to Khulna Betar.
Programmes like ‘Hridoye Bangladesh,’ which delves into
our Liberation War history, and ‘Unstoppable Agrajatra
Bangladesh,’ which highlights regional development, have
been crucial for my understanding of our community and PHOTO: HABIBUR RAHMAN
country,” Roy said.
A DEVASTATING BLOW
On August 5, after the fall of Sheikh Hasina, a group of
people attacked the centre.
They ransacked the centre, setting fire to the reception
room, artists’ lounge, research room, officers’ lounge,
and multiple studios. The fire consumed over 39 rooms,
reducing everything from office furniture to musical
instruments to ashes. The looting and vandalism left
the centre unrecognisable and halted all broadcasting
operations.
Sudip Kumar Kundu, an announcer at the station,
said, “I was on duty with my colleagues when the attack
occurred. We managed to escape, but all our belongings
SEE PAGE 4 COL 5

Nabiganj’s vanishing hills Three more

die of dengue
UNB, Dhaka
155 AL activists
sued for attacking
Illegal razing puts locals at risk, raises environmental concerns
MINTU DESHWARA, Moulvibazar and trucks to extract soil and transport it to Poribesh Andolon’s Habiganj unit, said, “Not
Three more deaths were
reported from dengue
student protest
in 24 hours till yesterday
Athangiri in Moulvibazar Sadar upazila. only in Nabiganj upazila, but also Bahubal, OUR CORRESPONDENT, Moulvibazar
morning, raising the
Unabated hill cutting by unscrupulous Contacted, Sohel Mia said Abdur Rahim, Chunarughat, and Madhabpur upazilas number of fatalities from
syndicates has become a serious concern in owner of the hill, is razing it have been witnessing hill razing over the A case has been filed against 155 Awami League
the mosquito-borne leaders and activists, including two former
Nabiganj upazila of Habiganj. to build a house at its years, causing irreparable damage to the disease in Bangladesh to
Local communities residing at the base. He, however, environment and biodiversity.” lawmakers, and 200 other unidentified individuals in
74 this year. connection with an attack on an anti-discrimination
base of the hills are also living amid could not show Tofazzal called for urgent action to protect During the period,
the escalating risk of landslides. any documents the environment and hold those negligent in student movement in Moulvibazar on August 4.
228 more patients were Abdul Qadir Talukder, a coordinator of the
Visiting the upazila’s hospitalised with viral
Debpara, Ghaznaipur, Visiting the upazila’s Debpara, student movement, filed the complaint with
fever, according to Moulvibazar Police Station on Wednesday night,
Paniumda unions, and the the Directorate
hilly areas of Dinarpur Ghaznaipur, Paniumda unions, and the Officer-in-Charge KM Nazrul Islam told The Daily
hilly areas of Dinarpur Pargana recently, General of Star yesterday.
Pargana recently, this H e a l t h
correspondent observed this correspondent observed that a According to Abdul Qadir, the incident
Services occurred when general students, as part of a
that a number of hills are
being razed, ignoring a
number of hills are being razed, ignoring a (DGHS). central programme, took out a procession in the
2017 High Court order to preserve the hills S o m e district town on August 4.
2017 High Court order to 881 patients
preserve the hills in the in the district that directed the authorities Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra
are receiving League leaders and activists, allegedly acting on
district that directed the concerned to take steps to this end. treatment in
authorities concerned to take instructions from former lawmakers Zillur Rahman
different hospitals and Neshar Ahmad, intercepted the procession.
steps to this end. across the country.
Locals alleged that soil is supporting his their duties accountable. A total of 8,930 dengue
being extracted from the razed claim. Contacted, Shaheen Delwar, assistant
hills and sold to different companies
at high prices.
Oli Mia, Mubed
Mia, Pabel Ahmed, and
commissioner (land) in Nabiganj upazila,
attributed the matter to the ongoing situation
cases have been reported
since January 1, 2024.
Last year, 1,705 people
3 organisers hurt
A contractor named Sohel Mia from
Bahubal upazila has been cutting a hill owned
by Abdur Rahim of Shatak village on Janata
Aminur Rahman, residents of
Shatak village, said they formally complained
to the Nabiganj UNO, requesting immediate
of unrest. He suggested contacting the army
for further assistance.
“We are aware of the matter. A patrol team
lost their lives due to
dengue, making it the in BCL attack
deadliest year on record. OUR CORRESPONDENT, Tangail
Bazar-Moulvibazar road in Ghaznaipur administrative intervention to halt the illegal has already visited the site. The owner did not The DGHS recorded
union, putting residents adjacent to the hill hill cutting. have permission from the DC in this regard... 3,21,179 dengue cases and
at risk. Three coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination
Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary and We are looking into the issue,” said Major SM 3,18,749 recoveries last
The contractor has deployed excavators Student Movement were injured in an attack by
central executive member of Bangladesh Tanvir Islam, commander of Nabiganj camp. year. Chhatra League activists in Tangail’s Mirzapur
upazila yesterday.
The injured are Md Mujahid, 18; Imon Siddique,
Mother, son 23; and Md Zakir. 24.
The incident took place on the premises of
die as covered- Shaheed Bhabani Prasad Saha Government
College around 12:15pm.
van hits bike Some students under the banner of the Anti-
OUR CORRESPONDENT,
Discrimination Student Movement were on the
Cumilla field since 10:00am in the morning. Later, a group
of 15-20 BCL men swooped on them and left the
A mother and her son were three coordinators injured.
killed and her husband The students detained one BCL activist during
was injured as a motorbike the attack and later handed him to over to
carrying them was hit by Mirzapur Police Station.
a covered-van in Cumilla “We are trying to nab other culprits involved in
yesterday. the attack,” said Salah Uddin, officer-in-charge of
The incident occurred the police station.
on Dhaka-Chattogram
highway in Sadar South
upazila around 1:30pm,
said police.
Five hurt in BNP
The deceased were
identified as Mariam Akter
Mitu, 20, of Chauddagram
infighting
upazila, and her one-year- OUR CORRESPONDENT, Pabna
old son Alvi.
During the incident, the At least five people were injured as two rival groups
motorbike was crossing the of BNP clashed over previous enmity in Koroitola
highway near the upazila area of Pabna’s Ishwardi upazila yesterday.
headquarters, said Iqbal The incident took place at around 12:30pm when
Bahar, officer-in-charge of a group of pro-BNP men and Swechchhasebak Dal
Mainamati Highway Police activists brought out a procession in the area and
Station. a group of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal men suddenly
The injured Yeasin, who attacked them, ensuing a clash.
was driving the motorbike, Of the five injured, Md Sajal, an activist of
was admitted to Cumilla Swechchhasebak Dal, was later admitted to the
Sadar South Upazila Health upazila health complex in critical condition.
Complex. During the clash, a few motorbikes and shops
PHOTO: STAR
The OC said the bodies of pro-BNP men were vandalised in the area.
Despite a High Court ban, unabated hill cutting continues in Nabiganj upazila of Habiganj. Locals say some unscrupulous syndicates are were handed over to their Police are investigating the incident, said Md
involved in this illegal activity. Meanwhile, people residing at the base of the hills are also living amid the escalating risk of landslides. family after the legal process. Monirul Islam, OC of Ishwardi Police Station.
 CITY

6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

What good is fame,

if I can’t speak for

PHOTOS: COLLECTED
the people: Badhan
Badhan RAKSHANDA RAHMAN MISHA expressing herself by penning her Madhyam Shilpi Shomaj” (Visual hijab, wrapped myself in the Bangladeshi flag,
walked from emotions that time. Yet, the tragic Artiste’s Society), decided to protest and joined my friends in Banani, Kamal Ataturk,”
“The state that fires upon innocent civilians and losses of Abu Sayed and Riya Gope profoundly in front of Sangsad Bhaban. she shared.
Mirpur 11/5 issues arbitrary orders for mass arrests cannot shook her, causing her to overcome her fear and “When we arrived at Kamarbari, the police On that very day, widespread looting and
to Banani, truly embody democracy,” her voice trembled as break free from the shackles of oppression. forbade us from protesting at the Sangsad vandalism targeted Hindu homes and temples.
reaching she spoke through the megaphone. “Abu Sayed’s and Riya Gope’s deaths Bhaban without permission. When Mamunur Indian media, however, falsely portrayed the
around “My daughter might have been among those devastated me. Amid the protests, my daughter Rashid bhai arrived, the DC preferred to situation as “mass genocide” and “widespread
1:30pm. children killed in the protests; I could have been and father would often loiter around the terrace negotiate with him, thinking he might be more rape of Hindu women” linked to the student
among those harmed. This gover n men t while we were confined indoors. The helicopters’ pliable, but we pressed on and successfully held
“Upon has failed to protect fires could have claimed their lives,
protests.
our procession at Farmgate. Despite being barred To counter these false claims, Badhan spoke
learning that us and must be held or I might have from displaying placards and banners, I was
Sheikh Hasina with Kolkata’s media to explain the truth. Despite
accountable. If I take to been the mother supported by Rajib bhaiya, Piplu bhai, Dhrubo
her efforts, manipulated videos of her circulated
had fled, I the streets to assert my who perished at
on X, falsely alleging that Hindu women were
discarded rights, no one should the window. The
use violence against me. thought broke my being coerced to convert to Islam or leave the
my burka I demand my rights. country. In response, she posted:
heart, leaving me
and hijab, I have no passport unable to write or
As the rain soaked her “I must address the blatant lies and propaganda
wrapped to another land; this speak during those through, cascading like spread by Indian media and far-right groups about
myself in the country is my home. times,” she revealed. tears from a grieving sky, Bangladesh. As a proud Bangladeshi, I’m sharing
Bangladeshi I refuse to live under “On July 25, I my video from a recent protest where I advocated
it did nothing to dampen for student rights and condemned the Hasina
flag, and oppression, and I will changed my profile
not let my children and cover photos the searing fury and regime. Yet, Indian media continues to distort
joined my grow up in such a to black, replacing a sorrow that burned deeply the truth, spreading falsehoods and escalating
friends in hostile environment. previous image with in her heart on that day. tensions by manipulating videos like mine.”
Banani, This country is ours, former prime minister “In the past few days, I’ve done my best to
Kamal and together we will Sheikh Hasina. Many present my perspective, talking with various
Ataturk,” she bring about change,” warned me that this Kolkata-based channels. Despite this, they
declared Azmeri act and using a VPN continue pushing a narrative involving the
shared. Haque Badhan as might lead to arrest. bhai, Akram bhai, Monem bhai, and Lima apa. former PM and her son, likely for political reasons
the artistes rallied in On July 26, I posted: On August 3, students consolidated their that I’m unaware of. My Indian friends in Kolkata
demand for justice ‘The accountability demands to a single point: the resignation of
frequently check on me for updates, and Tabu
on August 1. system of our Sheikh Hasina.
ji has also expressed concern for my safety. I’ve
As the rain democratic country “I received numerous threats, one even
threatening to throw acid on my face. When tried to clarify the situation from my viewpoint,”
soaked her through, has been shattered.
the police tried to block students in Shahbagh, the actress stated.
cascading like tears As a Bangladeshi
from a grieving sky, I intervened, standing in their way and insisting Regarding the new interim government,
citizen, I am devastated,
it did nothing to dampen the traumatised, and that the protest continue. The strict curfew on Badhan is hopeful for significant reforms,
searing fury and sorrow that burned deeply in unsafe.’ Despite threats of August 4 deeply distressed me, fearing that the particularly the scrapping of the DSA, which
her heart on that day. Adorned in a black salwar arrest under the Digital Security Act (DSA), I was former PM might not resign despite the danger. the former PM used to harass journalists, actors,
kameez with a bright red scarf draped around her determined to speak out,” she said. My family was anxious and begged me to stay directors, and cartoonists. “The torture Nawshaba
neck, her eyes blazed with fierce determination On July 27, director Akram Khan urged home on August 5, but I promised to attend faced in 2018 was unjust and horrible. They tried
as she denounced the horrific acts sanctioned by artistes on a WhatsApp group which consisted the march disguised in a burka,” said the Esha to control artistes by threatening them with
the tyrannical regime. of 900 people, to support the student protests. Murder famed actress. similar treatment. I deeply regret the injustice
During the protest, many netizens criticised While younger actors were eager, many seniors Badhan walked from Mirpur 11/5 to Banani, Nawshaba suffered; she was blacklisted and even
the silence of celebrities. Badhan, tormented hesitated, fearing arrest if they supported the reaching around 1:30pm. “Upon learning that denied housing. As an artiste, I strongly condemn
by depression, simply couldn’t comprehend nine-point demand. The platform, titled “Drissho Sheikh Hasina had fled, I discarded my burka and such acts,” affirmed the Khufiya actress.

NEWS
Dhaka to decide whether to seek
FROM PAGE 16 on the charges against her. He said the interim’s government
Will back new govt as long as it stands at the Dhanmondi-32 residence and activists to surrender.
FROM PAGE 16
“That creates an embarrassing Hossain, a retired diplomat, is priority is to bring “irreversible” “They [the conspirators] should be of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur “For your own good, stop causing
situation for the Indian government,” the adviser on foreign affairs in the reforms, “because our system has dismissed from their duties. Those Rahman. trouble and surrender. Those of
he said, adding India “knows this and interim government led by Nobel been thoroughly corrupted and the identified as terrorists who have acted “Even today, you went to you still outside, hiding here and
I am sure they will take care of it”. He laureate Muhammad Yunus, which institutions have been destroyed and in favour of the last government must Dhanmondi-32 to lay flowers. No there, take a look at what happened
did not elaborate. was sworn in last week after Hasina’s they have to be restored.” be arrested and brought to book,” he one objected, but the students yesterday. See how the [former] law
India’s foreign ministry did not ouster. The council of advisers includes Once elections are announced, he added. didn’t let it happen because no one minister and [former] advisor to [the
immediately respond to a request other retired officials, lawyers, student said, “we fade away”, referring to senior About the former prime minister wants to see that person anymore. prime minister] were taken to court,”
seeking comment. leaders of the protests and some members of the interim government. Sheikh Hasina, Fakhrul said, “Hasina People no longer want to see he added.
Hasina fled the country for India on opposition politicians. “None of us have any political crossed the line. What arrogance she Hasina’s face.” Demanding that those responsible
Aug 5 after a violent uprising against her In his first interview to ambitions.” had! She had to flee back to the place Fakhrul said, “Using the minority for human rights violations be
where her roots belong.” community as a shield, the Awami brought to justice, he said, “These
led to nearly 300 people getting killed, international media since taking over, ROHINGYA REFUGEES
“I am telling the Awami League, League is trying to create instability...” people must be tried under
including many students. She has been Hossain said Yunus is “very unhappy Hossain also asked India, and “Their main goal is to create international laws for crimes against
there is still time; stop stirring up
named in two murder cases already, along about the way the statements are other countries, to take in more instability within the country, hoping humanity.”
trouble. If you continue like this, you
with senior members of her cabinet. coming from India, from the former Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, as won’t survive,” he added. that if they can secure India’s help BNP Standing Committee member
Ataur Rahman, deputy director of prime minister” and he conveyed this Bangladesh was not in a position to Fakhrul also criticised the again, they might be saved.” Mirza Abbas, Selima Rahman, and
the investigation cell of International to the Indian envoy in a meeting on accept any more. attempt by AL leaders to lay flowers Fakhrul urged the AL party leader other leaders also spoke at the event.
Crimes Tribunal, a domestic court, Wednesday. Hossain said other countries need
said it had launched a third case - He added that Dhaka wants good to put pressure on the Arakan Army
an investigation against ten people,
including Hasina, for murder, torture
ties with everyone, including India,
China and the US.
rebel group in Myanmar to “ensure
this does not happen”, referring to
Ex-home boss faces ACC probe
and genocide during the period of Discussing possible elections in attacks on Rohingyas in their native FROM PAGE 16 from the police, the Department collecting or withdrawing the money.
the protests. Bangladesh, the adviser said that Rakhine state. Public Relations Officer Akhtarul of Narcotics Control, and the Fire It is alleged that the Kamal-Harun
At least three of Hasina’s former there will be more clarity on the “The world community has to Islam said a five-member investigation Service. syndicate embezzled thousands of
committee was formed yesterday, led It says then Harun-ur-Rashid Biswas, crores of taka and sent the money
ministers and advisers have already timeline by September. create a situation that they (the
by Jahangir Alam, deputy director of additional secretary, led the syndicate. abroad, it added.
been arrested in Bangladesh. “Because everyone, all my Rohingya) can go back,” he said. Other members of the syndicate There are also allegations that
the ACC, to investigate the allegations.
In her only statement since her colleagues in the council of advisers, “It is a humanitarian issue that included Joint Secretary Dhananjay the syndicate took bribes for
According to the complaint,
ouster, Hasina has demanded a probe they are extremely busy with bringing involves the entire world, not only Asaduzzaman Khan and his Kumar Das, the minister’s Assistant appointments to key positions. A list
into the killings and vandalism during back normalcy” which should be Bangladesh. We have done more than associates ran a syndicate that Personal Secretary (APS) Monir of candidates used to be sent from
the protests. She has not commented restored by early September, he said. our share,” Hossain said. used to take bribes. After assuming Hossain, Public Relations Officer Sharif the minister’s office to respective
responsibility of the ministry, he Mahmud Apu, and Administrative departments under the home
Palak, Tuku US in touch allegedly took bags full of money as
bribes. These funds were collected
Officer Molla Ibrahim Hossain.
Harun played a key role in
ministry after recruitment circulars,
according to the allegations.
FROM PAGE 16 A day after the killing on July 20, with India
Magistrate Md Rashidul Alam passed
the order after investigation officer
Mohammad Yusuf, a sub-inspector
the victim’s wife Fatema Khatun, 36,
lodged the case with Paltan Model
Police Station against unidentified
FROM PAGE 16
“On the topic of Bangladesh, we
Salman used clout to help UK, Singapore
FROM PAGE 16
have been in touch with our Indian FROM PAGE 16 collapse if it failed to run its business will be crucial in navigating the
of Paltan Model Police Station, assailants. Salman had recommended loans for in full swing because of a lack of multiple challenges faced by the
produced them before the court with Kamal, 39, was a resident of partners as well as other countries in
GJSP from the state-run bank at the funds. Janata Bank then approved nation.”
a 10-day remand appeal, said a court Shantinagar, the region to discuss recent events,” the loans, documents show.
height of the coronavirus pandemic. Singapore Prime Minister
staffer. According to the case statement, Patel said. He wrote a letter to the chairman The board of directors of the
“Our push for an end to violence Lawrence Wong also congratulated
In the remand application, Fatema came to know around of Janata Bank on August 9, 2020, bank was always positive about some Yunus in a letter yesterday.
investigator Yusuf said involvement 7:30pm on July 19 that her husband, in Bangladesh as well as for recommending Tk 250 crore loans as influential clients, including Salman, “In this period of transition, your
of the accused in the incident was who was waiting for passengers near accountability and the respect for working capital for GJSP. against whom it had not taken any interim government has resolutely
primarily found. Moreover, as per the VIP Road intersection in Paltan, rule of law is on,” he said. GJSP is a Bangladeshi brave move, officials said. undertaken the crucial task of
their directives, the other accused was hit by bullets and lying on the Asked about the two letters sent by conglomerate whose business Contacted for comment yesterday, restoring stability,” he wrote.
committed such offences. street. two Indian American congressmen interests range from construction its Chairman SM Mahfuzur Rahman Wong said he is confident that
He said the three need to be Fatema and her daughter took -- Raja Krishnamoorthi and Shri to engineering, electrical cables, claimed Salman’s letter had not
under the leadership of Yunus,
question in remand to find out where Kamal to Dhaka Medical College Thanedar -- to US Secretary of information technology, printing and influenced the board’s decision to
Bangladesh will return to a path
the other accused are. Hospital, but doctors declared media. approve loans for GJSP.
State Antony Blinken seeking his The board receives thousands of of peace and prosperity, where all
The defence lawyers sought him dead around 7:55pm, said the In the letter, Salman wrote that communities co-exist harmoniously.
intervention in protecting the lives GJSP was forced to take loans because such recommendations for credit
bail along with cancellation of the statement. of Hindus in Bangladesh, he said he He wished every success of the
of the adverse effects of “dishonest but its decisions are not based on
remand appeal. Fatema later went to the spot and is aware of them. government.
political actions”. these, Mahfuzur told The Daily
In the courtroom, pro-BNP- learnt from locals that quota reform “I’m not going to get into Star. Wong said Singapore and
The loans were not enough to
Jamaat lawyers chanted slogans protesters gathered at VIP Road Zereen Altaf, chief executive officer Bangladesh enjoy a “warm and
specific letters or engagements…. meet GJSP’s requirements, a fact that
demanding their execution. intersection on July 19. caused the company to default in of Globe Janakantha Shilpa Paribar, longstanding” friendship that spans a
We welcome Dr Yunus’s call for
Army, BGB, and additional police At one stage, miscreants opened 2018, he said. said she did not have any information wide range of sectors, including trade
personnel were deployed on the court fire at police personnel and the cops calm and an end to the violence… and investment, labour, renewable
We welcome the new government’s However, the loans were on Salman’s recommendation for the
premises. fired shots in the air. As the two regularised with a low-interest loans. energy, infrastructure, and port
On Wednesday, police arrested sides chased and counter-chased, focus on restoring security and As Salman is in police custody, The management.
incentive package provided by the
Tuku, Palak, and Shaikat from the her husband was hit and he fell the protection of members of government amid the pandemic, Daily Star contacted Beximco Group “I look forward to working with
capital’s Nikunja residential area in on the street, Fatema said in the minority communities as well,” he according to the letter. which declined the newspaper’s you to further strengthen the close
Khilkhet. complaint. added. Salman warned that GJSP would request for comment. ties between our countries.”
EDITORIAL 7
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

FOUNDER EDITOR: LATE S. M. ALI

Taste of freedom regained
A magnificent opportunity with potential pitfalls
Justice, equal rights THE THIRD VIEW as the most shameful capitulation
of the judiciary to the executive in
Bangladesh’s history. All Appellate
the students crushed the barriers and
opened them all. A fresh wind of change
is now blowing through Bangladesh.
vital for minorities Mahfuz Anam
is the editor and publisher of The Daily Star.
Division judges were called by the
president, on returning from which
New hope, new expectations and,
most importantly, new possibilities are
the group declared that they would no coming before us.
Take stern action so that none can longer sit in any bench or participate We must remember that just as
exploit their vulnerability in any deliberations where the chief
justice would be present. In effect, all
we are good at fighting for justice,
defeating the autocrats, and driving the
MAHFUZ ANAM
That there have been a number of attacks, including looting the judges expressed “no confidence” in military back to the barracks, so also we
and arson, targeting the homes, businesses, and places of the chief justice. But on what grounds? have a sad record of not being able to
worship of minority communities after the fall of the Awami The student-led people’s movement from under their feet when the student- No explanation was given. reach the goals that inspired us to fight
League government cannot be denied, nor should questions toppling an autocratic government led movement started. This one instance in which the mere the oppressor.
like who orchestrated the attacks or what political motives reminds me of a song by Sabina Yasmin: The question that keeps on wish of the prime minister led to the We missed the opportunity to
might be behind them be allowed to overshadow the “Shob kota janala khule dao na, ami churning in my mind is: how did we sacking of the highest judge of the build Sonar Bangla, first due to
importance of security, justice, and equal rights for these gaibo gaibo bijoyeri gaan” (Open all go there? Why couldn’t we prevent this highest court, with not even a demur Bangabandhu’s fatal mistake of
vulnerable groups. According to the chief of army staff, windows, I want to sing the song of from happening? Did we protest as we by so many senior judges, sealed, in my launching BAKSAL and then because
there were around 30 crimes against minority communities victory). Though it was in praise of our saw our freedoms being erased? Here view, any chance of independence of of his brutal murder along with his
in 20 districts. The number provided by the Bangladesh Liberation War, it resonates in my heart comes the issue of moral bankruptcy the judiciary. But it was brought on by family and the consequent entry of the
Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) is much today. Suddenly, we are living in a world of our intellectuals in general. As we the judges themselves. Couldn’t a single military to run the country.
higher. Only a thorough and impartial investigation can without barriers of thought. Many of
clear up the confusion, and lead to justice, which is vitally us had forgotten how to speak freely.
We would always either switch off or
needed.
put our mobile phone in the adjoining
In Bangladesh, minorities—religious or ethnic—are often
room, because of the surveillance
among the first to suffer during political upheavals. Even regime that we lived under. Self-
during normal times, we have seen how dodgy political censorship became embedded in our
elements exploited their vulnerability. Many persecuted subconscious. A small minority of print
minority families also had to flee their homes and even media tried to hold power to account
leave the country. However, this time, their response has while the rest competed with each other
been markedly different. Members of minority communities to genuflecting themselves to power.
chose to stand their ground and protest against the violence. They opted for “lapdog” journalism
The BHBCUC also presented an eight-point demand, vowing rather than being the “watchdog.”
to continue their protests until the attacks ceased. Although Fear of saying anything other than the
the protests were later suspended following assurances from koshered version was so prevalent that
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, tensions still remain. frank opinions were only expressed in
True, the sensitivities of the issue under the present the most intimate of settings. Anybody
circumstance made it something of a political minefield speaking to us as journalists would
requiring caution, but we should be able to unequivocally preface their comments by saying “not
denounce any attack on minorities and demand their to be quoted.”
protection from further assaults. We were heartened by the For the last 10 years or more, nothing
message given by Dr Yunus—that all people in Bangladesh could be said against Sheikh Hasina or
any member of her family. Expressions
are members of one family—and the solidarity of student
like “powers that be,” “highest level of
protesters and ordinary citizens who guarded the homes
decision-making,” etc were used while
and places of worship of minorities. This show of positivity referring to the former prime minister.
and solidarity must continue. And the interim government A law was enacted, under the guise of
must honour its commitment to provide security to all showing respect to the father of the
members of minority communities. nation, that made punishable even
But since the minority question keeps surfacing under the slightest criticism of any member
new realities, we should also critically think about what of Sheikh Hasina and her family.
we are doing wrong, and what we should do to address it. Throughout her tenure, the use of ILLUSTRATION: BIPLOB CHAKROBORTY
In the new Bangladesh that we hope to build, minorities cartoons of the former PM, her sister,
must enjoy the same rights and protection as everyone son, daughter, niece and nephew, or saw Sheikh Hasina get more and more judge resign to protect the dignity of The second opportunity was missed
any negative comment about them, entrenched in power, we became more the judiciary? with the fall of General Ershad and
else. Some of the demands forwarded by BHBCUC—
however well-documented, was not and more amenable to compromise. When the judiciary succumbed the restoration of an elected and
including the introduction of a law to protect minority
permitted, and harassment including The Awami League led a group of 14 without clamour, all the other representative government. There
communities, full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord, parties in which some very renowned
jail term could not be ruled out. institutions and the people within them was a well-thought-out plan by all the
and greater participation and representation of religious politicians were involved. These
Anything but the “family” was the norm lost hope. One by one, most institutions political parties that came together to
and ethnic minorities in government—deserve immediate politicians spent their lives in trade collapsed—and often with our own help. topple Ershad’s autocratic government.
in our storytelling.
consideration. Through these and other sociopolitical union movements, fought for peasants’ Judged against the background But when BNP came to power in 1991,
Rigged elections in 2014, 2018
reforms, we must eradicate their vulnerability so that no rights, women’s rights, anti-extremism of total institutional collapse, the that plan was ignored. When the Awami
and 2024, and Sheikh Hasina and
vested groups can ever exploit them. the Awami League getting away with and democracy. But as a part of the then crucial significance of the student-led League came to power in 1996, it did
it, served to demoralise us the most. ruling party alliance, they all got sucked uprising cannot be overestimated. The the same. Thus, instead of the politics
In every democracy, however flawed, into the world of privilege, wealth and chief of the interim government Prof of unity, development and peace, we
State bodies must elections serve to be an occasion for
robust expression of the public will.
power. How could these leaders not see
the rot that was setting in?
Muhammad Yunus most appropriately
termed the uprising our second
entered a phase that The Economist
termed “the battle of the Begums.”
This the people of Bangladesh, save Over the 15 years of Sheikh Hasina’s “liberation.” It is truly so. We now Now we have a third opportunity.
perform better those belonging to the ruling party
and its allies, were deprived of. Also,
tenure, we didn’t hear of a single
resignation from any post within the
have a genuine chance of undertaking
fundamental reforms that we so
Usually, nations are not so lucky. How
we make the best use of this occasion
by repeatedly manipulating elections, government or outside. No minister, no desperately need. will be our biggest challenge. The
Govt should take steps to depoliticise the Hasina government deprived itself MP, no academic, no professor, no vice- The student-mass uprising most urgent task is to unify the nation.
them, ensure accountability of the vital feedback that free and fair
elections usually give, as evidenced
chancellor, no judge ever had the moral
courage to stand up and say, “Enough.
has broken down all structures of
oppression. It has opened the door for
We must not lapse into the same
destructive culture of relegating the
Continued poor governance in various sectors has long by the last election results in India. By I will not take this anymore and will be all of us to dream again. Freedom is interest of the country behind that of
been a thorn in the side of Bangladesh, and this is where manipulating elections, Sheikh Hasina, guided by my conscience.” in the air and our right to free speech the party and putting the interest of the
critical focus must be given as we begin a new journey after her government and her party never The way the highest tier of judges seems to have been regained. What party behind that of the leader. We have
the recent mass uprising. Experts and business community got the real message and, as such, fell in line to oust the then chief justice, the students have taught us is to never suffered enormously because of it, and
leaders have also called on the interim government to take suddenly found the ground shifted Surendra Kumar Sinha, will remain lose hope. When all doors were shut, it is true for us all.
comprehensive measures to address the underlying issues in
these sectors.
Top among them is the banking sector which has long
been plagued by various regulatory and policy failures.
Nepotism and political interests weakened the central bank
to such an extent that it failed to perform its monitoring
Proposition for a national
role and take actions against the banks ignoring rules and
norms to cater to the needs of a select few, often politically
connected influentials. Bangladesh Bank also sometimes
resorted to whitewashing malpractices by adopting
youth parliament
incorrect accounting practices. We witnessed similar Nishat Farzana represent this age group. The former Additionally, there are a few mock
shenanigans in the capital market, and hardly anyone was recently worked on youth political National Parliament of Bangladesh did Youth Parliaments organised by social
participation issues in the Asia Pacific as a
held accountable for committing financial crimes. While UN volunteer specialist with UNDP. not have any MPs under the age of 30. development agencies to enable short-
default loans and money laundering kept on rising, revenue So, who could have represented the term discussions. However, the policy
collection by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) came concerns of the youth in the nation’s recommendations from these forums
nowhere near expected levels. Rather, NBR repeatedly came most important legislative body? rarely reach decision-makers. The
to the limelight for the corruption of its officials. In the Asia-Pacific region, political system needs to be revisited
Apart from the financial sector, there have been damning many countries have established and restructured to accommodate a
reports of corruption in various other state institutions government-facilitated institutions youth parliament that can serve as a
NISHAT FARZANA to enable youth civic engagement policy-making body on major issues.
including Petrobangla and Bangladesh Telecommunications
Company Limited. The power and energy sector is another in political and decision-making Establishing a youth parliament in
industry bedevilled by corruption, irregularities, and In July and August, Bangladesh country’s population. These young processes. Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Bangladesh has always been complex
witnessed an incredible demonstration people face numerous challenges, Nepal have strong national youth and fraught with technicalities.
mismanagement. While many state-owned power plants lay
of grit and determination from its including unemployment, poverty, councils. Vietnam and the Philippines The current situation presents an
idle or inoperative, consumers kept paying exorbitantly for have youth councils that also serve opportune moment to establish
power from private rental units. Another sector straining youth. Historically, the youth have administrative and regulatory
always been at the forefront of major barriers to accessing financial as policy-making bodies to the a national youth parliament as a
our wallets and pushing many below the poverty line is government. Bhutan’s National Youth testament to the power of Bangladeshi
healthcare. A total disregard for policy and accountability movements in Bangladesh, such as the services, and difficulties in obtaining
Assembly includes Women, Children, youth. A well-structured youth
has turned basic healthcare into a luxury for many citizens. Language Movement of 1952. Earlier quality education. Young people in
and Youth Standing Committees, while parliament can transform the mindset
Unfortunately, while all this was happening, the oversight this month, the youth of this fairly the underdeveloped and climate-
India and Pakistan have temporary of the country’s young people by
bodies responsible for checking corruption and irregularities young nation once again changed vulnerable regions are the worst victims National Youth Parliament schemes equipping them with the knowledge
its course by leading a massive of the prevailing socio-economic and that provide short-term platforms for and experience of parliamentary
did little to prevent them. Even institutions in charge of
movement against the discrimination environmental problems. debate on timely issues. processes. Such a parliament can
investigation, such as the Anti-Corruption Commission,
in government jobs, which ultimately To capitalise on the demographic These youth structures typically bridge generations by encouraging
were themselves bogged down by irregularities.
resulted in the resignation of the dividend, it is essential to address engage in activities such as dialogues, veteran leaders to collaborate with
Under these circumstances, we urge the interim former prime minister. the problems faced by young people;
government to take immediate steps to investigate and debates, and training on topics like the new generation, ensuring that
It is now crucial to incorporate otherwise, these issues will become entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership wisdom is passed on.
publish white papers on the actual conditions of all key the voices of the youth in the problems for the entire country. skill development. If a youth parliament is successfully
sectors. The government, with the help of experts, should country’s decision-making processes. Policymakers must actively engage Bangladesh has a Standing established, it must ensure diversity
also try to revive the ailing sectors, particularly banking, Bangladesh can achieve this by with the youth, listen to their concerns Committee in Parliament on the and inclusivity in participation,
ensure transparency and accountability in NBR, build a more establishing its own youth parliament, sincerely, and establishing a youth Ministry of Youth and Sports, but sustainability and transparency in the
business-friendly environment, create a commission to look which would serve as a meaningful parliament is the most systematic way the actual presence of youth in this engagement process, and authenticity
into the issues of the health sector, and empower oversight policy-making platform solely led by to do so. committee has been lacking. We in its operations. If the country’s
bodies so that they can enforce rules and regulations strictly. the youth, for the youth. On a global scale, date from the Inter also have a National Youth Council. politicians are unwilling to pass the
The government should also take measures to prevent any Bangladesh is experiencing a rise Parliamentary Union shows that half However, this government-affiliated baton to new faces, the nation will face
politicisation of law enforcement agencies and all other in its youth population. As of 2023, the world’s population is under 30, yet council has been perceived as inactive periodic setbacks in its development
public institutions. youths account for 28 percent of the only 1.74 percent of MPs in South Asia and largely absent on youth issues. journey.

The Daily Star EDITOR & PUBLISHER: Mahfuz Anam Registered & Head Offices: The Daily Star Centre Newsroom: Fax- 58156306 Advertisement: 01711623910 Subscription: thedailystar.net
Reg. No. DA 781 Printed by him on behalf of Mediaworld Ltd at Transcraft Ltd, 229, 64-65 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka-1215 reporting@thedailystar.net advertisement@thedailystar.net 01711623906 bangla.thedailystar.net/
Tejgaon Industrial Area, editor@thedailystar.net Phone: 09610222222 GPO Box: 3257
8 OPINION
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

The legality of the interim government

Analysis from constitutional and international legal perspectives
Dr Muhammad Ekramul Haque outside of the periphery of what exists parties and the state organs have generally large—proves this interim government to be
is professor of comparative constitutional law at the Department
of Law in the University of Dhaka, and senior research fellow at
as constitutional law in Bangladesh, it accepted it. Moreover, Articles 57 (3) and the de facto government as well. Moreover,
the Constitutional Studies Program in the University of Texas at necessitates the actions of the president, 58 (4) of the constitution stipulate that the the recognition of the international
Austin, US. He can be reached at ekram.haque@du.ac.bd. and if need be, the collaboration with the prime minister and the cabinet of ministers community—the United Nations as well as
chief justice in conjunction with Article 106 will continue to hold their offices until their various countries—and their willingness
of the constitution, in formulating a new successors have entered the offices. The to work with this new government is also
interpretation of constitutional principles word “successor” is critical as it does not a very important characteristic of a valid
that deal with the situation and pave a path explicitly mandate a new prime minister or government of a country in this era of
MUHAMMAD EKRAMUL HAQUE forward. a cabinet of ministers to be appointed. From modern international law.
There is a misconception that following this perspective, their “successors” in the This column does not aim to solve all the

The constitutionality of the current interim leaders of the student-led mass uprising, key
government of Bangladesh can be analysed members of the civil society, etc. that led to
from two perspectives: firstly in consonance the formation of the council of advisers of
with Kelsen’s Grundnorm theory following this interim government.
a revolution and the drastic change in Hence, in tandem with the legality through
circumstances that follow, and secondly in the shift and stabilisation of the Grundnorm
light of the present constitution. towards the interim government, and
The Constitution of the People’s Republic through the application of the effective
of Bangladesh is the supreme law of the land control theory where all the state’s
and, as its Article 7 (2) states, it is the solemn machineries are under effective control of
expression of the will of the people. Reading the interim government, this government
as such, along with Kelsen’s Grundnorm is not just legal but also constitutional. A
theory, which enunciates that the law of successful revolution may lead to changes in
the land emanates from a Grundnorm or the law of a country (“When and why does
the basic rule that births all other rules the Grundnorm change?”; The Cambridge
found in that legal system, it means that Law Journal).
the Grundnorm is the will of the people. Under the present constitution, for
The evolution, or change of a Grundnorm, the sake of debate, to entertain Article 57
occurs at the instance of a successful (3) pertaining to the ability of the prime
revolution. Following the revolutionary minister, after resigning, to still hold office
events in Bangladesh in the months of July until the next prime minister takes office,
and August in 2024, it is safe to say that both such application would be null and void
a revolution and a significant shift in the will given the fact that the prime minister is
of the people have occurred. not present in the country, or at her office
This shift can be identified through two following her resignation. Hence, the
lenses: i) academic; and ii) political or through question of whether she holds office till
the naked eye. From an academic standpoint, the next prime minister comes is irrelevant,
the rallying of people against a tyrant regime since she left her office invariably for another
and the subsequent resignation of the then country, rendering herself unavailable as
prime minister is a mark of revolution from a opposed to the constitutionally prescribed
procedural and academic standpoint. In the method of resigning. This created a unique
naked eye, the people flooding the streets situation which neither happened in our
in visible jubilation following the fall of the history, nor does our constitution explicitly
despotic regime as a result of weeks-long provide for it. The former prime minister’s
mass protests, unrest, and bloodshed is an fleeing from Bangladesh made it practically
invariable display of the shift of public will— impossible for her to hold the office till
the mark of a successful revolution and the the appointment of her successor. In such
subsequent shift, in other words the creation a unique situation, which seemingly lays
of a new Grundnorm. Dr Muhammad Yunus takes oath as the chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh on August 8, 2024. FILE PHOTO: STAR
The characterisation of these events as
a revolution may be concretised by two key The Constitution of the the prime minister’s departure from the newly formed interim government, which problems that have arisen out of the current
factors: the fact that the prime minister People’s Republic of country either by resignation or otherwise, the president appointed after taking the constitutional crisis, but to raise relevant
resigned, and that she left for another Bangladesh is the supreme there was no government in the country, advisory opinion of the Supreme Court, gain issues in concordance with the current
country in search of refuge. Following her whereas in the absence of the prime legitimacy under the present constitutional situation so that they may be penultimately
resignation and subsequent departure, the
law of the land and, as its
minister, the president was still in office, scheme too. pondered over, researched, articulated
law enforcement agencies, which had done Article 7 (2) states, it is the
therefore there evidently was a government. In international law, there are two and then implemented as suitable concrete
her bidding even till the very last minute of solemn expression of the The formation of the interim government different terms used to describe different solutions in the future. There is no one side
her stay inside the country, were nowhere will of the people. Reading led by Dr Muhammad Yunus was overseen governments: de jure and de facto. De taken throughout this text, rather multiple
to be found. Meanwhile the army, which as such, along with Kelsen’s by the president, which goes in line with the jure is recognition by law and de facto analyses made from a bird’s eye view of
was deployed on the streets, expressed
support to the people on the streets. And
Grundnorm theory, which aforementioned constitutional law principle, is control in fact. The president, with the the situation, taking into consideration
even more so, as evidence of a successful enunciates that the law of since the vacuum created by the absence of utmost responsibility of the state, swearing the plethora of factors and circumstances
revolution, two student leaders took seats the land emanates from a the prime minister altogether elevates the in this interim government gives it legality, relevant to it.
in the newly formed interim government Grundnorm or the basic duties of the president, thus instating this enunciating it as a de jure government, The legality of the present interim
as representatives of the movement. government as legal and de jure. Another while consequently the effective control government is justified based on both Kelsen’s
rule that births all other significant characteristic of this government the interim government gained over state theory and the existing constitutional law of
Furthermore, the formation of the interim rules found in that legal
government was not based on the will of is that there has been no opposition to machinery—whether it be through the Bangladesh. Thus, this government’s legality
any particular group of people. It was the system, it means that the the formation and operation of this new controlling of civil servants, law enforcement can be established from jurisprudential,
collective expression of the representatives Grundnorm is the will of government, which clearly shows that the agencies or otherwise and through the constitutional and international legal
of the major political parties in the country, the people. people of Bangladesh including all political emphatic and visible support of the people at perspectives.

Can the interim govt make progress with

the CHT Accord? Mangal Kumar Chakma the rules of the commission; and cancellation machineries designed to be anti-accord and the accord may be identified in the meetings
is information and publicity secretary
at Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati
of all leases of lands given to the non- counterproductive to the interest of the of the committee. It is most urgent that a
Samiti (PCJSS). residents. Jumma people have been strengthened. time-bound roadmap for the implementation
They also include withdrawal of all Consequently, it has become a routine for of the unimplemented provisions be adopted
temporary camps, including the “Operation the Jumma people to witness arbitrary in the sessions of the committee. Then the
Uttaran”; ensuring proper rehabilitation arrests, jailing, extrajudicial killings, enforced interim government can follow the roadmap
of the India-returnee Jumma refugees disappearances and abduction, forceful to fully implement the accord.
and internally displaced Jumma families occupation of lands, forced eviction of people In this case, the crucial role of the Ministry
MANGAL KUMAR CHAKMA after getting back their dispossessed lands; from their own land and homesteads, false of CHT Affairs is undeniable. During the
appointment of permanent residents in all cases, communal attacks, arson in houses, reign of the Sheikh Hasina government,
violence against women, etc.
the ministry was never seen playing a
The quota reform protests that turned into the The commitment of ensuring the Jumma
anti-discrimination movement of students, positive role in the matter of the accord’s
people’s rights given through the signing
followed by the uprising of students and mass implementation, when it was formed under
of the accord was heinously breached by
people, has caused the downfall of the Sheikh the Hasina-led government. It was a case the provision of the accord. It is hoped that
Hasina-led Awami League government. In of extreme deception with the Jumma the interim government will undertake
its aftermath, an interim government has people. The institutions of CHT Accord proper measures to bring the ministry back
been formed in Bangladesh. The main spirit Implementation and Monitoring Committee, on track leading to the full implementation
of the movement was to bring a reform in CHT Land Dispute Resolution Commission, of the accord.
the state systems through the eradication of a task force for the rehabilitation of India- Whenever it comes to the issues of
discriminatory functioning of the state. returnee Jumma refugees and internally democratic and human rights of the people,
Needless to say, it is the vulnerable and displaced persons, the CHT Regional Council the Sheikh Hasina-led government would
marginalised communities who fall prey to and the three hill district councils were made focus on describing how it was going to
any form of discrimination. In Bangladesh, totally dysfunctional, indeed. uplift the country among the ranks of
the Indigenous people living in plainlands It may be noted that in the case of the CHT middle-income countries; it used to conceal
and the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) are Accord’s implementation, which was signed its autocratic tendencies and lack of rule of
no exception. It is especially due to the without any third party, the CHT Accord law in the country. Similarly, in the case with
continuous repression of the Indigenous Implementation and Monitoring Committee CHT, the Hasina-led government used to tell
Jumma people for decades that there has is the the only recognised authority the tale of its development programmes and
been continuing mass movement in the acceptable to both the parties, the decisions strived to conceal its failure in implementing
CHT since the 1960s. To bring resolution, the and recommendations of which are obligatory the accord and its oppressive actions against
historic CHT Accord was signed in 1997 to to both the Bangladesh government and the the Jumma people. The hill people expect
ensure a perennial solution to the CHT crisis The CHT Accord was signed on December 2, 1997. FILE PHOTO: STAR Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samity
that the interim government will be able to
through peaceful and political means. (PCJSS) as the signatories. But the Hasina-led
etc. to the CHT Regional Council and three available jobs in the CHT with preference to set the state systems on the right path, and
After signing the accord, the then Awami government didn’t undertake any initiative to
hill district councils established under the Jumma people; bringing amendment to make them pro-people, eco-friendly, and
League government implemented some of implement any of the decisions taken in the
its provisions, but did not go ahead with the the special governance system within the all the laws, rules and regulations applicable meetings of the committee. The committee friendly to the culture of Indigenous peoples.
implementation of two-thirds of the accord, accord’s purview; holding elections to the to CHT in consonance with the CHT Accord; became an institution only in name. It is also hoped that the interim
including the core issues. The provisions that councils after formulation of election rules and relocation of Bangalee settlers from the Against this backdrop, for the sake of the government will be able to realise the
were left unimplemented include: stepping and enumeration of the permanent residents lands and homesteads of the Jumma people. implementation of the accord, it is necessary discrimination and deprivation of the
up lawful and administrative measures to of CHT in the electoral roll; formation of a hill It is worth mentioning that due to non- to appoint a competent person for the post of Jumma people in depth and as a part of
preserve the tribal-inhabited feature of the police force with the permanent residents of implementation of most of the accord, convener of the CHT Accord Implementation the reforms in the state systems, it will take
CHT region; devolving the subjects of general CHT; returning the dispossessed lands of the no political and peaceful solution to the and Monitoring Committee by the interim firm steps to end the discrimination existent
administration, law and order, police (local), Jumma people to the owners by settling the CHT crisis has been achieved; rather, government in consultation with the PCJSS in the CHT region. Ending the plight of the
land management, forest and environment, land disputes through the CHT Land Dispute discrimination and deprivation of the Jumma immediately. After the appointment of the Jumma people lies in the proper, speedy and
development of communication system, Resolution Commission and formulation of people have intensified. The activities of state convener, the unimplemented provisions of fullest implementation of the CHT Accord.
OPINION 9
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

Poison Tree of
Partition Naeem Mohaiemen After 1975, the Chittagong
is associate professor of Visual Arts at
Columbia University, New York. He can
Hill Tracts became the site of the
be reached at naeem.mohaiemen@ Adivasi guerrilla war, led by the
gmail.com. Shanti Bahini—met with force by
the military and accompanied by
Bengali settlers. The equations
of 1971 were inverted when India
allowed the Shanti Bahini to set
NAEEM MOHAIEMEN up clandestine camps, repeating
the Agartala scenario. The huge
number of Adivasis who had
In 1953, my grandfather Maulvi from India and West Pakistan) were crossed into India after 1965, and
Emdad Ali made a point to tell trapped into the geographically then again with dramatic force
visitors to our Rankin Street home inaccurate “Bihari” category after 1976, was the Indian state’s
that it was not acquired through and “left behind” by the new
raison d’etre for interference, just
a “distress sale.” A small dhvaja- Pakistan state (Dina Siddiqi, 2013) Once I earn the minority tag, my worth is always less than another person who sees themselves as part of the
as the tidal wave of Bengali refugees
stambha structure in the garden . The moment of independence
was in 1971. The occupation of majority. VISUAL: ALIZA HRIDULA
marked the home’s pre-1947 that we commemorate was also
non-majority populations’ land
provenance as a Hindu household. accompanied by looting and
There was a residual stigma for
new Muslim elites of East Pakistan
about gaining property through
the despair of departing Hindus.
occupation, this time of Urdu
speakers’ land (Seuty Sabur, 2020).
In 1972, the “Bangladesh Vesting of
Property and Assets Order” merged
has been a bipartisan, as well
as a civilian-military project for
53 years, no matter what sweet
cultural ceremonies are presented
I reject the minority tag.
Here is why
Our family patriarch wanted to the abandoned property of those to visiting dignitaries. Even the
mark himself as a fair purchaser who had left for Pakistan with popular slogan of “Tumi Ke?
of property—hence his additional those who had left for India. This Ami Ke? Bangali, Bangali!” erases
references to having a British was further solidified in the “Vested Adivasis and Urdu speakers, and
Indian Civil Service job before 1947. and Non-Resident Property Act” privileges “the Bengali sense of
Partition literature, from Toba of 1974. Thus, both Urdu speakers’ victimhood” (Rahnuma Ahmed, Bishakha Devnath However, surmising that everyone
is the business editor of
Tek Singh (Saadat Hasan Manto, and Hindu land could be targeted 2010). The Financial Express.
belonging to a particular religion
1955) to Vatan Aur Desh (Yashpal for takeover. The saintly aura we invest in shares an identical political belief is
Singh, 1960) to Kalo Borof Back in 1965, the Pakistan our people creates lethal blind nothing but preposterous.
(Mahmudul Haque, 1977), has state had also discovered another spots. The desire to take by force The face of the minority keeps
circumnavigated dramatic changes vulnerable population whose land from vulnerable populations exists changing depending on national
in family fortunes during rupture could be used for the magic of in all people, and after rupture borders. The oppressors in
and collapse (Sayeed Ferdous, “development”—the indigenous events, that is what stays in our Bangladesh become the oppressed
2022). In our encircled geography of Adivasi people in southeast memory as a collective stain, BISHAKHA DEVNATH in India. Muslims, who account
intense land scarcity, it has been the Bangladesh who depended while the moments of courage for nearly 15 percent of India’s
property under your neighbour’s on customary rights for land and community get forgotten. The population, are subject to communal
feet, not the rituals in their temples ownership. Supported by American People from all backgrounds stood image elicits a sense of helplessness, attacks, including arson, looting,
media fans the flames, but it is our
or mosques, that have been the engineering technology, the Kaptai shoulder to shoulder supporting vulnerability, and a need for and vandalism of houses, shops, and
denial of contradictory histories,
target of sudden acquisition. Riots, Hydroelectric Dam was built in the the students’ anti-discrimination protection. That makes one meek, mosques by Hindus. The majority,
and the continuance of unjust movement for the fall of autocracy, on the edge of getting down to
intimidating people into crossing Chittagong Hill Tracts, flooding laws and practices, that creates whoever they are, get provoked and
borders or going into hiding were Adivasi villages and the Chakma absolutism, and totalitarianism, one’s knees for sympathy instead emboldened by divisive political
the opportunity for hostile eyes. that the just ousted government had of fighting for rights, equality, and campaigns. In India, both Congress
established during its 15-year rule. justice. If the approach becomes and the incumbent Bharatiya Janata
However, as soon as celebrations collective in nature, any community Party used political strategies along
began, those who stood united constituting less than 50 percent of religious lines to come to power,
started seeking out enemies within; a society tends to accept repression
even though secularism is enshrined
enemies who may look different, by those from the majority.
in the constitution. The BJP’s third
and may have different views about That’s the reason why after
consecutive term after its win this
things other than the regime that each episode of arson, killing,
year is feared to consolidate further
they brought down together. and vandalism carried out
divisions between Hindus and
So, another chapter within a against Hindus, Buddhists, or any
Muslims in India.
chapter began—where, on one other “minority” community in
The gathering on August 9 and 10
side, celebration went on of the Bangladesh, victims have pleaded
at the Shahbagh intersection calling
movement’s success while, on the for support, scrambled to rebuild
for minority rights is probably the
other, some people found themselves their lives, or fled the country. But
in another battle for their existence. they hardly summoned the courage biggest of its kind in years, if not
In other words, some were subject to fight back and demand actions decades, in Bangladesh. They have
to the very notion of discrimination against the attackers. Bureaucrats put forth an eight-point demand. I,
that they had been up against. And and politicians make pledges to heal however, find myself opposing the
they were labelled a minority. the wounds, but the repressed know demand for a minority protection
According to the United Nations, well those are just hollow words. commission and a separate ministry
minorities are groups of people who Over time, the absence of justice for for minorities. When humanity
have either religion, language, or attacks on the communities tears is advancing toward equality, the
culture in common or a combination up threads of social harmony. minority label would drag us behind.
of those, but they comprise less This time around though, I see Equal rights, respect, and justice are
than half of a country’s population. people from the Hindu community imperative for social and economic
As per the definition, I belong to a take to the streets in the capital progress. Those who are small in
minority group. I was born a Hindu and in other district headquarters, number would not appear weak if
in Bangladesh, a country where raising their voices against the we can sow seeds for an egalitarian
more than 90 percent of the people “reprisal” attacks on them after society to take root.
adhere to Islam. Hindus make up the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina- If we look back at history, we
only about eight percent of the 170 led government. The anger of the would realise that it is always the
VISUAL: NAEEM MOHAIEMEN, RANKIN STREET 1953 (BLUEPRINTS), COURTESY OF EXPERIMENTER GALLERY. million people living in the country. attackers has supposedly emanated weak who get the minority tag. The
But let me be clear what the from the predominant perception number does not count. During
the first steps in this process of royal palace. The oral history of the time of serfdom, landlords and
Bengali Hindus, Adivasi Paharis majority-minority dichotomy means that the Hindus support the Awami
land acquisition. this event, a micro-scale “Nakba” kings were few in numbers, yet
or plainland Indigenous dwellers, to me. The minority label carries far League, and that Hasina had enjoyed
The Government of East for the Adivasi peoples, is recorded they were ruling over vast swathes
Urdu speakers, Ahmadiyyas, more weight than just a number. It all-out support of India, where
Pakistan, after 1947, needed a in Samari Chakma’s Bor Porong of land. Even today, the richest of
Shi’a—all vulnerable communities brings everything—one’s hard work, Hindus are a majority.
set of laws to acquire property (2018). The Adivasis saw their crisis the rich are in the top one percent
have faced our wrath, always identity, pride, social dignity, and These reasons are merely
for accommodation of new as limited to the Pakistan state, but
twinned with a gimlet eye on their self-esteem—down to nothing but weaponised to justify communal across the globe. They are not called
government servants and setting in 1972, they received a new system
land. Underneath are laws with that label; so much significance hatred. It would be foolish to believe a minority.
up offices. “Requisition of Property shock when the constitution of
a seventy-five-year legacy, that on the insignificant labelling of a that Hindus in Bangladesh have The minority tag will only
Act” (Act XIII of 1948) gave the right Bangladesh defined only “Bengalis”
facilitate “distress” transfer and person, a human life! any control over India’s stance perpetuate violence and
to take over property “needful for
purposes of the state.” This flowed theft of land. If India and Pakistan Once I earn the minority tag, my regarding Bangladesh. When it discrimination. It is something we
The Adivasis saw their are Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s worth is always less than another comes to supporting a political need to forgo to forge a Bangladesh
into the “East Bengal Evacuees
Act” (1951). In 1964, new riots
crisis as limited to the Children” (1981), Bangladesh person who sees themselves as part party, everyone should have the where I am no less because of my
after the Hazrat Bal incident in Pakistan state, but emerged as what I call “Midnight’s of the majority. The quantifiable freedom to choose who they vote for. religious or cultural identity.
Kashmir led to the “East Pakistan in 1972, they received Third Child” (Mohaiemen, 2023).
Disturbed Persons Rehabilitation a new system shock Our independent nation-state
Ordinance” (1964). This new has survived and grown despite
regulation restricted the transfer of when the constitution setbacks and interference, but we
“immovable property of minority of Bangladesh defined are yet to escape the forever poison
community” without permission only “Bengalis” as the tree of 1947.
of the authorities. This meant that “people” of the nation.
any Bengali Hindu wishing to leave References:
East Bengal for any reason would The first defiance of
Ahmed, Rahnuma. “The Bengali
now face barriers to even the lawful the new Bangladesh Sense of Victimhood,” in Naeem
sale of their property. government was Mohaiemen ed. Between Ashes
The 1965 Indo-Pak war ended Manabendra Larma’s and Hope: Chittagong Hill Tracts
after 17 days and left behind the in the Blind Spot of Bangladesh
poisonous “Enemy Property Order” remarks on the
Nationalism, Dhaka: Manusher
(1965). This was matched by a Parliament floor: Jonno Foundation/Drishtipat,
reciprocal “Enemy Property Act” “Under no definition or 2010.
(1968) in India. Demonstrating a
logic can a Chakma be Chakma, Samari. Bor Porong,
civilian-military joint project to
a Bengali, or a Bengali Chittagong: Comrade Rupak
continue expropriating land, after
Chakma Memorial Trust, 2018.
the pan-Pakistan uprisings of be a Chakma” (his
Ferdous, Sayeed. Partition as
1969 led to the lifting of military remarks also erased
emergency, the government Border-making: East Bengal, East
immediately passed the “Enemy
the many non-Chakma Pakistan and Bangladesh, London:
Property (Continuance of Adivasi peoples). Routledge, 2022.
Emergency Provisions) Ordinance” Mohaiemen, Naeem. Midnight’s
(1969). Again, following the 1971 as the “people” of the nation. The Third Child, Dhaka: Nokta, 2023.
liberation of Bangladesh, this first defiance of the new Bangladesh Sabur, Seuty. “Saidpur to
law miraculously survived via the government was Manabendra Shahabag: Uneasy Intersections
“Laws of Continuance Enforcement Larma’s remarks on the Parliament and the Politics of Forgetting”,
Order” (1971). floor: “Under no definition or logic South Asia Chronicles. 10/2020.
On December 17, 1971, a new can a Chakma be a Bengali, or a Siddiqi, Dina Mahnaz. “Left
enemy population was born, as Bengali be a Chakma” (his remarks behind by the nation: ‘stranded
the Urdu speakers of East Pakistan also erased the many non-Chakma Pakistanis’ in Bangladesh.” Sites 10, I see people from the Hindu community raising their voices against the ‘reprisal’ attacks on them after the ouster of
(former refugees and transplants Adivasi peoples). no. 2 (2013): 150-183, 2013. the Sheikh Hasina-led government. PHOTO: STAR
10 OPINION
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADR 1, 1431 BS

The Bangladesh we want

Lessons learnt as we rise from the ashes of our past
Mir Nadia Nivin what exactly this “muktijuddher chetona” between the haves and the have nots. Almost 53 years on, it is
is an international governance and institutional reform specialist
having served previously with the UN in many countries around
had devolved into over the past decade—an Another major factor towards growing time that we let go of this
unspoken password to signal Awami League frustration and anger amongst people has
the world helping strengthen governance and implementing cult culture around our
reforms. She can be reached at nadia.nivin@gmail.com party allegiance. Anyone not subscribing to been Awami League’s blatant and continued
muktijuddher chetona was then a razakar or reuse of political tactics that usually have independence movement,
a potential anti-state element needing to be an expiry date—for obvious reasons—after this obsession towards
dealt with. being deployed a few times. The most notable slotting people either
This segues to the third factor, which is of these has been the party machinery as freedom fighters
MIR NADIA NIVIN Hasina effectively creating a party state. perpetuating some form of horrific violence or “razakars” and
This is largely an aging political strategy themselves and then blaming the opposition
the weaponisation of
whereby the only way to have access to better or some other targeted rival groups for it. The
Every Bangladeshi has a clear understanding internalising the significance of the national opportunities is if one is part of the ruling AL has been known to use this repeatedly “muktijuddher chetona.”
of what went wrong in the past 15 years: youth demographics vis-a-vis creating a party. The ruling party, also known as the and for multiple purposes, such as to divert Let us pay due respect to
blatant disregard for basic democratic culture and personality cult around her “winner,” owns and is entitled to all social attention from itself on some issue or other, our history and to those
values and principles, complete dissolution father Shiekh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh and economic perks and the only “easy” way to evade accountability or most commonly to who gave us the gift of
of systemic checks and balances through has a youth bulge of over 28 percent to live a potentially better life is to join the try and generate an excuse to persecute the independence and focus on
the decline of democratic institutions, which translates to almost 46 million party ranks. Once in, real perks only start to opposition. Volumes can be written on it. The
unprecedented levels of kleptocracy leading
restoring our society.
people between the ages of 15 and 29. This come in when you rise through the ranks; loss of lives, waste of national resources and
to economic destabilisation, law enforcement under-30 population has never seen Mujib and to do so, the only currency that works in the ensuing violence notwithstanding, the
agencies co-opted as ruling party apparatus,
violation of human rights and, of course, was instructed to keep the general grassroots
unparalleled brutality. society “in line.” The merciless brutality that
Prior to 2009, though not perfect, these groups have perpetuated on the people
Bangladeshis had been living with their own of Bangladesh over the past decade and a
brand of democracy. Both major political half will not be forgotten from our collective
parties and their coalitions had experienced minds anytime soon. Murder, torture,
being voted in and out, with the usual extortion, scams, kidnapping, communal
barrage of corruption, cronyism etc. in play violence—Chhatra and Jubo leagues have
during their times. In any case, pre-2009, our openly done it all and never been called
expectations from democracy were relatively to order by its parent party. Given such
low to begin with. So how did things get to
actions, it was really fate accompli that the
these unprecedented depths?
people would eventually push back once the
The idea here is not so much to rehash the
proverbial last straw broke the camel’s back.
very obvious democratic and institutional
Moving forward, as we grab with relief
failings as stated earlier, which certainly
a chance to rebuild our nation, we must
crafted a path for its demise, but to examine
learn from this and take corrective actions
from an anthropological perspective, if one
to ensure we never ever find ourselves, as a
may, the deeper contributing factors to see
nation, in a remotely similar place again.
what lessons we can draw from it. As we
delve into some of these underlying factors Starting with the reversal of the draconian
that in effect, served as catalysts for a second laws, we will need to ringfence our freedom
independence movement, it appears as of expression and other basic rights in such
though Shiekh Hasina failed to understand a way that it cannot be dismantled so easily
the basic socioeconomic DNA of her own by any ruling regime.
people. Almost 53 years on, it is time that we
The first factor taps into perhaps let go of this cult culture around our
one of the most defining features of us independence movement, this obsession
Bangladeshis as a people—and that is the towards slotting people either as freedom
deep-rooted need for us to be able to express fighters or “razakars” and the weaponisation
ourselves, our thoughts and our opinions. of “muktijuddher chetona.” Let us pay due
Freedom of expression is a right close to respect to our history and to those who gave
our hearts, deeply intertwined with the very us the gift of independence and focus on
essence of our identity. History also stands restoring our society.
witness to the fact that the 1952 Language Also moving forward, we can’t have
Movement led by students, the vehicle for any more party states. Guardrails within
our expression, was the first step towards the institutional processes will need to be put
formation of Bangladeshi nationalism. in place such that every appointment in the
Over the past 15 years, through the civil service and other state services must
enactment of repressive and draconian be merit-based with rigorous due process
laws, the use of politicised state institutions followed. All appointed government officials
and the violent ruling party student wing, will need to declare (similar to declaration of
extraordinary levels of brutal suppression assets) if they or their immediate relation is a
were perpetrated by the government to curb Protesters shout slogans as they vandalise a mural of Sheikh Hasina with paint and mud, demanding her resignation at Teacher registered member of any political party.
any form of expression that was not single- Student Center area of University of Dhaka in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 3, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS And finally, political party reforms will
minded praise of the prime minister and need to be proposed to abolish the political
her regime. People have been indefinitely party affiliated student wings. Our apolitical
detained, tortured in custody, falsely or been a part of the 1971 independence this system is loyalty and the demonstration hubris and the condescension demonstrated student movement has shown us that we do
accused of crimes just for sharing or liking movement and, as such, does not share thereof. Depending on the level, loyalty is in assuming that a whole nation of people not need political student wings to bring
a social media post. Had Sheikh Hasina been the same emotional connection the way demonstrated by carrying out, orchestrating are completely devoid of being able to read about political change. Over the years,
able to learn from history or comprehend the older generation does. Therefore, or supervising all manners of nefarious such obvious ploy is inexcusable. political party student wings have only
the essence of her people (in modern terms the “muktijuddher chetona,” a concept activities that violate human rights, Lastly and possibly the single most deciding served to politicise education institutions
we call this emotional intelligence), she may leveraged by Hasina et al. to evoke and exploit undermine democracy, further kleptocracy factor leading to this mass uprising has been and be instrumentalised by parent parties as
have been able to predict that this would emotions attached to the hard struggle that etc. Thus continues the vicious cycle: the the continued use by the AL leadership of necessary.
only serve to fuel anger and nationalism in brought freedom, did not lend itself to the more you demonstrate loyalty, the higher its student wing—the Chhatra and Jubo Like a phoenix, as we rise from the ashes
peoples’ hearts until the moment it erupts, same extent of emotional manipulation of you rise, and the higher you rise, the more leagues—as ruthless tools for oppression and of our past selves, it is important that we
taking down everything in its path. the younger generation. In fact, Bangladeshi engaged you become in corruption. This suppression. Given immeasurable powers take some time for collective introspection
The second factor is the PM not really youth saw more clearly than its elders did eventually results in a society that is split and zero accountability, the student wing to chart a strategic way forward.

When will we democratise the political

parties of Bangladesh?
Rashedur Chowdhury while ignoring political party reform risks independent body, through constitutional agendas, rather than being provided with free
is professor of business and management at Essex Business repeating past mistakes. Without addressing changes, can rigorously scrutinise whether and fair spaces for dialogue and education.
School (EBS). He can be reached at: rc22489@essex.ac.uk
internal party dynamics, the same autocratic these parties uphold and practice democratic Decentralising the abuse of power at the
and oligarchic behaviours are likely to values, providing all members a fair chance to local party level is also crucial. Committees in
resurface. Therefore, any reforms initiated by run for leadership at all levels. villages and towns, as well as in major cities,
the interim government must prioritise the Imposing term limits on party leaders and should be elected by grassroots members and
internal revolutionisation of political parties. their families is also necessary to prevent local public, rather than being handpicked by
The biggest hurdle is the undue influence entrenched autocracy. For example, the main central leaders who are often disconnected
that a few families exert over their political leader and their family members should only from local issues. This may help reduce the
RASHEDUR CHOWDHURY parties. They hold undemocratic power and be allowed to run for office twice. Without bribery and nepotism rampant within parties
and obstruct internal democratisation.
Revolutions spark dramatic changes, but the In Bangladesh, the structure of political Marginalising alternative voices within the
Imposing term limits on party leaders and their families parties prevents those who could contribute
real test lies in the reform strategies that can parties, characterised by a lack of internal
steer a country toward justice. With numerous democracy, raises doubts about the long-term
is also necessary to prevent entrenched autocracy. For to greater democratic rights and values
success of student-led revolutions. While the example, the main leader and their family members should from being heard, both within the party and
pressing issues, prioritising the right reforms
student movement has achieved a significant only be allowed to run for office twice. Without such limits, among the public.
is crucial. Recent upheavals, such as the Arab
All this may sound radical to the existing
Spring, illustrate how popular movements victory, true success remains elusive. the old guards will find excuses to stifle new leaders and parties, especially when they are in a hurry
can falter and revert to oppressive practices Discussing reforms in public institutions maintain their grip on power. The current political vacuum for an election, but they must be honest with
under new regimes. This makes future like the justice system, law enforcement, and clearly shows that parties have hardly allowed any members themselves before convincing the public
protests even more challenging, particularly the election commission is insufficient. For
to consider running for leadership, let alone pursue the that the old ways are acceptable. The old
in poorer nations with less experienced lasting justice, peace, and socio-economic politics of violence and revenge are no longer
protesters. well-being, we must prioritise internal democratisation of their parties.
acceptable. Current acts of vandalism against
Revolutions are rare, and missing the democracy within political parties. Internal public and private properties, along with
opportunity can mean losing it forever. democracy is a fundamental cornerstone monopolise their parties. Sheikh Hasina such limits, the old guards will find excuses to communal violence, all indicate why reform
While a revolution can ignite immense hope, of any democracy, yet Bangladeshi political had total control of her party, with family stifle new leaders and maintain their grip on is urgently needed as the transition of power
without proper reforms, it risks descending parties have consistently evaded it, bringing members and close associates installed in key power. The current political vacuum clearly to a democratic party hopefully occurs in due
into chaos rather than improving people’s us back to square one repeatedly. For instance, positions, thereby protecting her dominance, shows that parties have hardly allowed any course.
lives. Marginalised groups, including workers, from the fall of the former President Hussain and avoiding criticism. The lack of internal members to consider running for leadership, Though the interim government and the
farmers, and minorities, have historically Muhammad Ershad to the fall of former democracy and dialogue has further silenced let alone pursue the democratisation of their spirit of the movement face a tough task,
been promised the benefits of democracy Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, including the dissent through state machinery. parties. they must ensure political parties undergo
but have rarely seen these promises fulfilled. end of the last BNP government, people have To break free, political parties must Furthermore, separating student politics necessary radical democratic reforms, just
Time and again, they have been betrayed been disappointed by autocratic attitudes, democratise. They need to be free from from party politics is essential for genuine like public institutions. Otherwise, history
by politicians who prioritise self-interest, governance, and rampant corruption. These dominant family politics, which often reform. Students should have the freedom will repeat itself, and the real freedom and
profiteering, and looting of the state. This parties have often suppressed dissent and function like mafia operations. Leaders should to engage politically through student union well-being of the people will suffer.
has often created distrust and anxiety among alternative voices through intimidation, be elected, not selected, and internal election elections, but this involvement should not At this critical moment, the revolution
the general populace, who lack the means abductions, and extrajudicial killings, processes must be genuine and observed by be swayed by the direct influence of political must serve every citizen, not just a few
to voice their concerns through legitimate perpetuating a cycle of abuse. an independent body to prevent them from parties. So far, students have been used by politicians or oligarchs who seek to govern
institutional mechanisms. Focusing solely on public institutions becoming mere box-ticking exercises. An all political parties to pursue their political without accountability or transparency.
ADVERTISEMENT DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024, BHADRA 1, 1431 BS
11
12 INTERNATIONAL
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

China
promises aid
Indian protests
for polls in over medic’s
Myanmar murder grow
REUTERS
PM demands swift justice
China has promised AFP, Kolkata
technical support and aid
to military-run Myanmar Thousands took to the streets of Kolkata early yesterday
for conducting a census, morning to condemn the rape and murder of a medic
followed by an election, that has triggered protests across India demanding better
state media said yesterday, safety for women.
signalling Beijing’s backing The discovery of the 31-year-old’s brutalised body
to a junta cornered by an last week at a state-run hospital has sparked widespread
armed rebellion. outrage, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding
Chinese Foreign swift punishment for those who commit “monstrous
Minister Wang Yi met junta deeds” against women
leader Min Aung Hlaing on Large crowds marched through the streets of Kolkata
Wednesday during a visit in West Bengal to condemn the killing, with a candlelight
to the capital Naypyitaw rally at midnight coinciding with the start of India’s
where they held discussions independence day celebrations yesterday.
to conduct an “all-inclusive The protesters in Kolkata, who marched under the
election”, Global New Light slogan “reclaim the night”, called for a wider tackling of
of Myanmar said. violence against women and held up handwritten signs
“Necessary technological demanding action.
assistance will be provided “We want justice,” read one sign at the rally. “Hang the
for Myanmar to conduct the rapist, save the women,” read another.
census-taking process,” the “The atrocities against women do not stop,” midnight
state-run publication said. marcher Monalisa Guha told Kolkata’s The Telegraph
“Moreover, essential aid will newspaper. “We face harassment almost on a daily basis,”
be given for the election.” another marcher, Sangeeta Halder, told the daily. “But not
Myanmar’s generals stepping out because of fear is not the solution.”
last month extended Doctors in government hospitals across several
emergency rule for another states on Monday halted elective services “indefinitely”,
six months to allow more Palestinians react as they wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis in the northern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. demanding speedy justice and better workplace security.
time to put together census An estimated 495,000 people in Gaza – or 22 percent of the population – are “experiencing an extreme lack of food,” according to an Protests have since occurred in several other hospitals
data for voter lists. Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report. PHOTO: REUTERS
across the country, including in the capital.

WHO declares
mpox a global Israel intensifying GRAFT CASE
Pakistan’s
SRI LANKA ELECTION
Polls panel approves
army arrests
emergency
AFP, Geneva attacks on Gaza schools three more
Wickremesinghe for
The World Health Says UN as data shows 564 schools have been directly hit or ex-officers presidential race
Organization on
Wednesday declared the damaged since the offensive began REUTERS, Islamabad REUTERS, Colombo
mpox surge in Africa
a global public health AGENCIES Pakistan’s military said Sri Lanka’s election panel yesterday gave approval
emergency, sounding its yesterday it had arrested for President Ranil Wickremesinghe to contest a
highest possible alarm over Last week more than 100 people three more retired officers presidential poll set for September 21 in the Indian
the worsening situation. were killed after Israel hit a school following the arrest of Ocean nation, grappling with the fallout of its
Worried by the rise in in Gaza City sheltering displaced former spy chief Faiz worst financial crisis in decades.
cases in the Democratic Palestinians, as the United Nations Hameed, who faces a court Wickremesinghe was among 39 candidates to
Republic of Congo and the accused Israel of intensifying martial on charges of submit nominations for the vote, key to charting
spread to nearby countries, attacks on schools. corruption and misuse of Sri Lanka’s way out of a crisis unleashed after
the WHO hastily convened The targeting of al-Talbin power. exhausting its foreign reserves, sending the
a meeting of experts to School on Saturday during dawn The arrests were in economy into freefall and defaulting on foreign
study the outbreak. prayers triggered global outrage. connection with the debt in 2022.
“Today, the emergency Paramedics at the scene proceedings against “We have to stabilise the economy,”
committee met and described the carnage as horrific, Hameed, who formerly led Wickremesinghe told reporters after his candidacy
advised me that in its view, with “bodies ripped to pieces”. premier spy agency Inter- was announced.
the situation constitutes a Israel claimed that Hamas and services Intelligence (ISI), “What we are saying is, ‘Let’s go ahead and
public health emergency Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters for “actions prejudicial to finish this job.’ That’s why I’m asking for your
of international concern. were operating from the school – a military discipline”, the support.”
I have accepted that claim that was rejected by Hamas. more than 179 people and injuring The UN’s special rapporteur on military said. Two Buddhist monks were
advice,” WHO chief Tedros Israel has repeatedly attacked scores more. the occupied Palestinian territory, In a statement, it added among those who registered, in
Adhanom Ghebreyesus Gaza’s schools, hospitals and At least 15 people were killed Francesca Albanese, condemned that the military continued one of the highest such figures
told a press conference. universities, claiming the buildings and more than 29 injured in the attack. to investigate some on record, to contest the vote,
A PHEIC is the highest were used for military purposes an Israeli strike on the Dalal al- “Israel is genociding the retired officers and their in which about 17 million Sri
level of alarm under the without providing any proof. Mughrabi School on August 1, Palestinians, one neighbourhood accomplices for “fomenting Lankans are eligible to cast
International Health According to data compiled according to officials. at the time, one hospital at the instability at the behest ballots.
Regulations, which are by the United Nations Children’s Two days later, strikes on time, one school at the time, one of, and in collusion with, Wickremesinghe,
legally binding on 196 Fund (Unicef), up to July 6, 564 Hamama and al-Huda schools refugee camp at the time, one ‘safe vested political interests”. opposition leader Sajith
countries. schools in the Gaza Strip have killed 17 and injured more than 60 zone’ at the time. With US and Political parties and Premadasa and Marxist-
“The detection and rapid been directly hit or damaged by people, reports Al Jazeera online. European weapons,” she posted critics often accuse that leaning parliamentarian Anura
spread of a new clade of Israeli attacks. On August 4, at least 30 people on X. the spy agency interferes Kumara Dissanayake are seen as
mpox in eastern DRC, its With numerous evacuation were killed and 19 others injured In July, a similar cluster in politics and government. frontrunners.
detection in neighbouring orders since the offensive in Gaza after Israel struck Nassr and campaign targeting school Hameed, a general, served “This is an opportunity for the people to bring
countries that had not began on October 7, schools have Hassan Salameh schools in the shelters across the Gaza Strip as the ISI chief from 2019 about genuine change and create a new political
previously reported often been used to shelter nearly Nassr neighbourhood in Gaza City. killed nearly 50 people within a to 2021 during the tenure culture,” Dissanayake, whom analysts consider
mpox, and the potential two million displaced Palestinians Israel bombed Abdul Fattah week. of former Prime Minister a dark horse contender, said while leaving the
for further spread within in the besieged enclave. Hamouda and az-Zahra schools, Almost 85 percent of school Imran Khan, who is now in Election Commission after it approved his
Africa and beyond is very Under the Fourth Geneva killing 17 and injuring dozens buildings in Gaza have been jail. candidacy.
worrying,” said Tedros. Convention, schools are more on August 8. damaged, with nearly all schools in Khan has said he did not “That is our aim and I’m confident we can win.”
“It’s clear that a considered civilian objects and The worst attack in recent North Gaza either being “directly want to relieve Hameed of After being elected by parliament in July 2022,
coordinated international should be protected from attacks. weeks was on al-Tabin School, hit” or damaged. This is followed his role at the spy agency Wickremesinghe, 75, has shepherded the island
response is essential to However, within a 10-day period which Al Jazeera’s Hind by Gaza City, where more than 90 after he was transferred through the crisis, which triggered widespread
stop these outbreaks and in August, Israeli forces struck Khoudary said was hit by at least percent of the schools have been elsewhere by his army chief, protests and forced his predecessor, Gotabaya
save lives. five schools in Gaza City, killing three missile attacks. damaged or destroyed. Qamar Javed Bajwa. Rajapaksa, to resign.

FALSE CONVICTION
Antarctica winter
US man gets
experiences $7m after 48
prolonged heatwave years in jail
AFP, Paris AFP, Washington

Antarctica, the world’s coldest continent, is A 71-year-old man who

experiencing an exceptionally long heatwave during its spent nearly five decades in
winter, according to Britain’s national polar research prison for a murder he did
institute. not commit is to receive a
Temperature anomalies are not unusual on the $7.15 million settlement
continent known as “The Ice” but “the longevity of from the US city that
the warm period is unusual”, Thomas Caton Harrison, convicted him.
Polar Climate Scientist at British Antarctic Survey, said Glynn Simmons, who
to AFP this week. is Black, served more time
Provisional figures indicate the Antarctic-wide July behind bars before being
2024 average near-surface temperature was 3.1 degrees exonerated than any other
Celsius above normal for the month. inmate in US history.
Calculated over land and land ice, this makes it the Simmons was released
second warmest July in Antarctica since records began last year after serving a total
in 1979 -- the warmest was in July 1981. of 48 years, one month and
Average daily temperatures ranged from -34.68C on 18 days in prison.
July 15 to -28.12C on July 31, according to data posted On Monday, councillors
online by the University of Maine. in Edmond, Oklahoma,
It was -26.6C on average on the continent on August voted to proceed with a
7, the latest date available. settlement for Simmons
The July average temperature anomaly even reached to resolve claims against
9-10C over limited parts of Dronning Maud Land and the city and one of the
part of the eastern Weddell Sea offshore. detectives who helped put
Daily temperature anomalies often occur during him away.
the Antarctica’s winter, but “what is remarkable is Lawyers for Simmons said
prolonged high temperatures”, said Caton Harrison. the payment represented a
“Very early figures suggest it could be on track to be “partial settlement” of his
an exceptionally warm Antarctic winter,” he added. lawsuit “against the cities
“The Ice” is the coldest, windiest, and least and police who falsified
populated continent on the planet, but it too is A US helicopter, part of a Nato peacekeeping mission makes a water drop, as a wildfire burns in Prevalle, Kosovo on Wednesday. The challenge evidence... to frame him for
impacted by global warming. is to stop slow burning trees which can ignite again with a more destructive fire. PHOTO: REUTERS murder.”
INTERNATIONAL 13
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

I-DAY SPEECH
1.4m girls banned
India’s Modi
renews push from Afghan
for common schools since
civil code Taliban return
AFP, New Delhi
Says Unesco
Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi said AFP, Paris
yesterday he wanted to
press ahead with a national At least 1.4 million girls in Afghanistan have been
common civil code of law, a denied access to secondary education since the
proposal bitterly opposed Taliban returned to power in 2021, with the future
by Muslim activists as an of an entire generation now “in jeopardy”, the
attack on their faith. United Nations’ cultural agency said yesterday.
India’s 1.4 billion people Access to primary education has also fallen
are subject to a common sharply, with 1.1 million fewer girls and boys
criminal law but rules vary attending school, Unesco said in a statement as
on personal matters. the Taliban authorities marked three years since
The proposed civil retaking Afghanistan on August 15, 2021.
code would standardise “Unesco is alarmed by the harmful
laws across all religious consequences of this increasingly massive drop-
communities but has been out rate, which could lead to a rise in child labour
bitterly opposed by Muslim and early marriage,” the agency said.
activists and liberals as “In just three years, the de facto authorities have
an attack on the largest almost wiped out two decades of steady progress
religious minority. for education in Afghanistan, and the future of an
However, Modi entire generation is now in jeopardy.”
said during an annual There are now nearly 2.5 million girls deprived
Independence Day address: of their right to education, representing 80
“Those laws that divide percent of Afghan school-age girls, the UN agency
the country on the basis said.
of religion, that become The Taliban administration, which is not
reason for inequality, recognised by any other country, has imposed
should have no place in a War-displaced people receive humanitarian aid at a Russian Red Cross distribution point in Kursk yesterday, following Ukraine’s offensive restrictions on women that the UN has described
modern society.” into Russia’s western Kursk region. PHOTO: AFP as “gender apartheid.”

UN report on
vote ‘rife with Ukraine’s forces pushing Colonel dies
after coalition
THAI POLITICAL CRISIS

Pheu Thai
lies’
Says Venezuelan along border front strike in Syria
Says Iran party chooses
electoral council Says Russia; Kyiv creates buffer zone to protect population AFP, Tehran
AFP, Caracas
REUTERS, Moscow Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps yesterday said
Shinawatra as
Venezuela’s CNE electoral
council, under fire after
declaring a widely rejected
A senior Russian commander said
yesterday that Ukrainian forces
had been pushed out of one village
one of its colonels has died
of wounds suffered in an
air strike it blamed on the
PM candidate
election victory for
in Russia’s border region but that US-led coalition in Syria. AFP, Bangkok
President Nicolas Maduro,
on Wednesday described Kyiv’s forces were still probing Ahmadreza Afshari
a UN report disputing the along the front more than nine of the IRGC’s “aerospace Thailand’s Pheu Thai party has chosen 37-year-
outcome as “rife with lies.” days since the lightning incursion advisory forces” in Syria old Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of
The CNE proclaimed into Russia. was “martyred because of billionaire ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, as its
Maduro the winner with 52 The biggest foreign attack injuries caused by aerial candidate for prime minister, it announced
percent of votes cast in a July on sovereign Russian territory bombardment”, Guards’ yesterday, a day after a court
28 poll, without providing a since World War Two unfurled chief Hossein Salami said dismissed the incumbent
detailed breakdown. on August 6 when thousands in a statement carried by premier in an ethics case.
Maduro’s victory has of Ukrainian troops smashed state news agency IRNA. “We decide to
been rejected by the through Russia’s western border in The colonel was nominate Paetongtarn
opposition, the United an embarrassment for the Russian transferred from Syria Shinawatra,”
States, European Union top military brass. to Iran for treatment party secretary
and several Latin American Ukrainian President Volodymyr following the air strike, the general Sorawong
countries. Zelensky said on Wednesday that statement said, indicating Thienthong told a
Anti-Maduro protests his forces had advanced a few sending in more forces into the forces and a lack of clarity on the incident occurred two press conference in
in Venezuela have claimed kilometers and that the goal of Russian region but that the shift in whose forces were where. to three weeks ago. Bangkok.
25 lives so far, with dozens replenishing an ‘exchange fund’ of Ukraine’s incursion appeared In late July, the Syrian L aw m a ke r s
resources was weakening Ukrainian
injured and more than prisoners of war was being achieved. aimed at forcing Moscow to slow Observatory for Human will vote today in
forces at other parts of the front.
2,400 arrested. One Ukrainian official said Kyiv was its advance along the rest of the Rights war monitor said an parliament -- where
“The enemy is pushing, he
A preliminary report carving out a buffer zone to protect front inside Ukraine, though the air strike killed three pro- Pheu Thai heads a
is trying to get through from
published Tuesday by a its population against attack. Russian defence ministry also Iran fighters in Syria’s Deir governing coalition -- on
everywhere, push through,” whether to approve Paetongtarn
panel of UN elections experts Major General Apti Alaudinov, Alaudinov said, admitting that reported intense battles along the Ezzor province, where Iran
found the CNE “fell short of who commands Chechnya’s Ukraine front and said that its wields significant influence. as prime minister.
initiative was still with Ukraine. The vote comes after Thailand’s Constitutional
the basic transparency and Akhmat special forces who are troops had taken better positions The area is regularly
“But every day the enemy’s forces Court sacked premier Srettha Thavisin on
integrity measures.” fighting in Kursk, said that Russian at several points. targeted by Israel and
are melting.” Wednesday after ruling he had breached
The CNE hit back forces had forced out Ukraine from Ukraine said there was no sign sometimes by the United
The Russian town of Sudzha, States. Responsibility regulations by appointing a cabinet minister
Wednesday, saying the UN Martynovka about 18 km (11 miles) Russian military pressure was
report was “rife with lies from the border. a transhipment hub for Russian receding along the eastern front for the strike was not with a criminal conviction.
and contradictions” and “We have burned everything natural gas flowing to Europe inside its borders yesterday and immediately claimed. Srettha was the third prime minister from
insisting a “cyber terrorist that moves, everything that we via Ukraine, was not under full reported the heaviest fighting in A spokesman for the Pheu Thai to be kicked out by the Constitutional
attack” has prevented have been able to find,” Alaudinov Ukrainian control, he said. Ukraine weeks near Pokrovsk. Supported US-led military coalition Court and leaves office after less than a year.
it from disclosing a full told Russian state television from on Wednesday said it was fully by swarms of drones, heavy formed in 2014 to fight Thai politics has endured two decades of
breakdown of polling- Kursk region, reminding viewers under Ukrainian control. artillery and tanks, Ukrainian the Islamic State jihadist chronic instability marked by coups, street
station-level results of Russia’s defeat of Napoleon’s Alaudinov also spoke of the units have since carved out a sliver group said at the time protests and court orders.
after what it termed 1812 invasion of Russia. chaotic battlefield situation in of the world’s biggest nuclear that “neither the coalition Much of it has been fuelled by the long-
an “impeccable and Alaudinov, a close ally of the region when his forces arrived power and battles were ongoing nor US forces carried out running battle by the military and pro-royalist
transparent electoral Chechen President Ramzan shortly after the incursion, with along a front about 18 km inside overnight strikes in Deir establishment against progressive parties linked
process.” Kadyrov, said that Ukraine was forests teaming with Ukrainian Russian territory yesterday. Ezzor”. to Thaksin.

Iran hackers target Record

number of
Harris, Trump forest fires in
campaigns: Google Brazil Amazon
AFP, San Francisco AFP, Manaus

Google has confirmed that hackers backed by Iran are The Brazilian Amazon
targeting the campaigns of US presidential rivals Kamala has recorded more than
Harris and Donald Trump. 37,000 forest fires so far
A hacker group known as “APT42” linked to Iran’s this year, the worst number
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps went after high- in nearly two decades,
profile individuals and organizations in Israel and according to satellite data
the United States, including government officials and released Wednesday.
political campaigns, according to a threat report released The number was 111
by Google on Tuesday. percent higher than in the
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’s same period of 2023, said
campaign said Tuesday it had been targeted by foreign Brazil’s National Institute
hackers, days after rival Donald Trump’s campaign for Space Research (INPE).
suggested that it had been hacked by Iran. Since the INPE started
“In July, the campaign legal and security teams were collecting data in 1998,
notified by the FBI that we were targeted by a foreign actor more fires were recorded
influence operation,” a Harris campaign official told AFP. in the same period only in
“We have robust cybersecurity measures in place and 2005, 2004 and 2003.
are not aware of any security breaches of our systems
From January 1 to
resulting from those efforts.”
August 13, a total of 37,835
Google’s threat analysis group continues to see
unsuccessful attempts from APT42 to compromise personal fires were noted in the
accounts of individuals affiliated with President Joe Biden, Brazilian Amazon this year.
Vice President Harris and Trump, the report said. The Amazon suffered a
The hacking group works by gleaning information historic drought between
about targets and tailoring “phishing” efforts to dupe June and November last
victims into revealing log-in information for accounts like year, conducive to fires
Gmail. that have also affected
Examples given in the report included posing as a the Pantanal, one of the
think tank or other credible contact to lure victims to fake world’s largest tropical
video meeting landing pages, where log-in credentials are A drone view shows a bridge submerged by the flooded La Plata River in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ernesto in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico on wetlands which lies south
needed to take part. Wednesday. PHOTO: REUTERS of the rainforest.
14 LAW & OUR RIGHTS
DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024
BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

LAW OPINION

Bangladesh’s Interim Government: LAW REVIEW

A critical
What should be its tenure? look into our
Although KHANDAKAR QUDRAT-I ELAHI
government
tenure is
How long can the Bangladesh Interim
Government (BIG) led by Dr. Muhammad
Ombudsman
a political
issue, it must
be examined
Yunus, stay in office? Several political parties,
including BNP, have demanded that the 13th
parliamentary elections be held as soon as
law
from the possible, preferably within three months. This MD. NAFIS ANOWAR SANTO
political attitude is nothing to be surprised
constitutional about. ‘Ombudsman’ is a Swedish term meaning
perspective Although government tenure is a ‘representative of the people’. The Swedish
because the political issue, it must be examined from parliamentary Ombudsman was instituted
Constitution the constitutional perspective because the in 1809. Since then, the Ombudsman
determines Constitution determines the terms and function has taken many different forms
conditions of political appointments. More and various purposes. ‘Ombudsman’, in
the terms and importantly, the BIG’s terms and conditions terms of utility, means a ‘watchdog of
conditions are particularly critical as it was formed the administration’. The Ombudsman
of political through a revolution. Therefore, materialising is an officer of the parliament, having
appointments. the revolution’s mission and vision critically as his/her primary function, the duty of
More depends on the public perception about BIG’s acting as an agent for the parliament, to
role and functions. safeguard citizens against abuse or misuse
importantly, Bangladesh has a parliamentary system of of administrative power by the Executive.
the BIG’s democracy. According to the Constitution, an The framers of the Constitution of
terms and independent election commission conducts the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
conditions are general elections every five years to determine made the constitutional framework
particularly the political leadership of the government. for the establishment of the office of
The 12th parliament was sworn in on 9 January the ombudsman in the country under
critical as it 2024, meaning the 13th parliamentary elections article 77. The expression “may” used in
was formed must be held within three months of January clause (1) of the article indicates that the
through 9, 2029. AL could not stay in power mostly Constitution did not make it mandatory
a mass because its administrative policy and its for the Parliament to establish the office of
revolution. leaders’ attitude angered the general student the Ombudsman but left it to the wisdom
community. They eventually succeeded in people of Bangladesh, having proclaimed our suggest that general elections are the only and discretion of Parliament. As per the
Therefore, toppling Prime Minister Hasina’s government. independence on March 26, 1971 and through civic method by which people can exercise provisions of the article, the Ombudsman
materialising The president dissolved the Parliament and a historic struggle for national liberation, their sovereign authority. In other words, shall exercise such powers and perform
the administered oaths to an interim government established the independent, sovereign Bangladesh’s Constitution does not permit such functions as enshrined in the law,
revolution’s as recommended by the student leaders. People’s Republic of Bangladesh. people’s revolution to change the government including the power to investigate any
mission The Constitution does not contain any The Preamble is the most fundamental leadership no matter how it behaves. action taken by a Ministry, a public officer,
provision for the formation of this type of part of our Constitution for two reasons. Alternately, the student force which caused or a statutory public authority. The office
and vision First, it ordains the democratic nature of our the revolution is not part of Bangladeshi shall also prepare an annual
government. This is a constitutional vacuum
critically that has sparked significant confusion and Constitution: The people are collectively the voters. On the contrary, if we accept the BIG’s report concerning the
depends on controversy in some circles about the BIG’s owners of the sovereign republic of Bangladesh. legitimacy, then in my view, it is supposed to discharge of functions,
the public tenure and its constitutional legitimacy. In This sovereign power is vested in the political enjoy the same tenurial status the Constitution and such report shall be
perception my view, the said confusion has resulted from organisation called government. The modern prescribes for an elected government. laid before Parliament.
our failure to distinguish between an ordinary government is a complex service-giving The intellectual issue before the nation
about BIG’s public institution equipped with different is abundantly apparent. We must convince
interim government and the current Interim
role and Government. An ordinary interim government, kinds of professionals recruited, trained, ourselves about the nature of the July
functions. variously called a caretaker, provisional, or and promoted. Because the people own this Revolution, which was led by our ordinary
transitional government, refers to a temporary institution, they choose its leadership through student community: Did the mass join this
public administration system that operates general elections. Indeed, the meaning and the movement voluntarily? If the answer is
between two regular governments appointed message conveyed by the Preamble, cannot affirmative, then the BIG is constitutionally
through general elections. Thus, an interim be changed if the constitution’s democratic legitimate. In that case, it will enjoy most,
government is part and parcel of a democratic nature is to be retained. if not all, of the powers and privileges that
system of government. Bangladeshi citizens exercised this an elected government is entitled to. It is
The current interim government, however, citizenship right on January 7 and gave AL a constitutionally constrained to arrange
is a very interesting legal and political mandate to rule for five years. Unfortunately, the 13th parliamentary elections from 09
phenomenon. On the one hand, its tenure the people had to force it to resign only November 2028 to 08 January 2029. However, Following
cannot be restricted to three months because it after six months and appoint an interim like any elected government, it will have the the constitutional
is different. On the other hand, our constitution government. The truth most of us overlook freedom to decide whether to hold elections provision, the
does not contain any provision by which it can is that people have made both government before this deadline. relevant provisions
be rendered constitutionality. To resolve this leadership changes, one through election and of the Ombudsman Act 1980
paradox, we need to look at the Constitution’s the other through revolution. If we describe The writer is retired faculty member of empowers the state to establish the
Preamble, whose first paragraph reads: We, the the BIG as unconstitutional, then it would Bangladesh Agricultural University. office of the Ombudsman to investigate
complaints of maladministration against
public authorities. The Act is insufficient
and so the Law Commission published
a report on 9 July 2000 recommending
LAW VISION some amendments to the existing Act.
The Commission also prepared another

Rethinking our parliamentary

report on the law relating to the forfeiture
of illegally acquired properties of public
functionaries termed as the Corrupt
Public Functionaries (Forfeiture of
Property) Act 2000 which is an enactment

accountability supplementary to the Ombudsman Act.

There is a widespread public suspicion of
administrative corruption in Bangladesh
which has very much undermined
A sustainable MEHER NIGAR the concept of collective responsibility of a Ministry and may require it to furnish, public confidence in the administration.
parliamentary ineffective. through an authorised representative, Therefore, if the administrator knows that
Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy Article 70 of the Constitution states that relevant information and to answer the decisions taken are subject to scrutiny
democracy in with a constitutional mandate for if a member of Parliament belonging to a questions, orally or in writing. Based on by an independent authority, he/she will
Bangladesh responsible government. Responsible political party resigns or votes against the its investigation, it will prepare a report to be more careful in making decisions and
requires an government is a conception of a system that party under which he is elected, he shall submit to the Parliament. The idea behind be less tempted to misuse powers and
accountable embodies the principle of parliamentary vacate his seat. Because of this article, it is the Parliament will consider the report show undue favours to anyone. Pertinently
government and accountability. Theoretically, Bangladesh is the lawmakers belonging to the ruling and will take action as the report suggests, however, the “acts of corruption” and
a performance- able to practice collective responsibility by party, who usually tend to be the majority ranging from making the minister resign “illegal acquisition of property” are kept
deploying ‘no confidence motion’. Article in number, are prevented from casting or taking action against concerned officials out of the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.
oriented, 55 of the Constitution of Bangladesh (COB) their votes against their party in the ‘no and thereby holding them accountable. Section 3(2) of the Act provides that
impartial civil clearly states that the Cabinet shall be confidence motion.’ Consequently, it is not Unfortunately, this report does not have any the Ombudsman shall be a person of
service, both of collectively responsible to the Parliament, possible to hold the Cabinet accountable to binding effect, and ultimately it is rare in the known legal or administrative ability and
which can only which implies that if any matters go against the Parliament. history of Bangladesh that any significant conspicuous integrity. But in reality, the
be achieved their constitutional promise, the Parliament One may argue that Parliament may hold action has ever been taken against anyone Ombudsman must have legal as well as
through has the authority to move a motion of no the administration accountable through based on such report. administrative expertise. The fact that
confidence and force the Prime Minister, the parliamentary standing committees. The Constitution strategised many this provision does not mandate both
reforming and even the entire regime, to resign from It is mandated in rule 246 of the Rules mechanisms which in the end creates the requirements is a problem with the
the present office. To pass the ‘no confidence motion’, of Procedure of Bangladesh Parliament a space for the Parliament to hold the provision.
system of a majority vote from the Parliament is that every Ministry must have a standing ministers answerable but not accountable Section 13 of the Act provides that if a
parliamentary required. But, here article 70 of the COB committee. Article 76 of the COB states in the true sense. An effective accountability person obstructs the Ombudsman from
accountability. remains a bar to obtain the necessary that the committee shall investigate or mechanism requires the guarantee carrying out his duties without lawful
majority votes and ultimately renders inquire into the activities or administration of two elements— answerability and excuse, the Ombudsman shall have the
consequences, and here, in Bangladesh power to punish that person with simple
the answerability element is in place but imprisonment which may extend to three
there is no mechanism to make them face months, or with fine which may extend to
consequences. Consequently, we see that two thousand Taka, or with both. According
our democratic system gets compromised. to the current scenario, consideration
It is imperative to give these concerns should be made to review the extent of
priority. In this case, powerful standing punishment.
committees with the ability to make binding Moreover, according to section 15 of
decisions would be useful. Article 70 of the Act, the Government may exempt any
the Bangladesh Constitution ought to be public officer or class of public officers from
changed to allow parliamentarians to vote the operation of all or any of the provisions
against their party. Only then would it be of the Act. This provision empowers the
possible to pass a “no confidence motion” Government to limit the jurisdiction of the
against the ruling government, which would Ombudsman. The Act also does not clarify
hold them accountable for their actions. Side financial independence to the Ombudsman.
by side, mechanisms should be developed to Despite many limitations, the
hold the ministers personally accountable Ombudsman Act 1980 came into
for any actions in their ministry. In sum, effect on 6 January 2002. However, no
a sustainable parliamentary democracy Ombudsman has been appointed yet.
in Bangladesh requires an accountable Necessary measures should be taken to
government and a performance-oriented, amend the Ombudsman Act so that the
impartial civil service, both of which can only Ombudsman can serve as a bridge between
be achieved through reforming the present the Government and its citizens, ensuring
system of parliamentary accountability. that public institutions operate in the best
interests of the people.
The writer is Assistant Professor, Premier The writer is student of law, University of
University, Chittagong. Dhaka.
 DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024, BHADRA 1, 1431 BS
Star Sports Select HD1
English Premier League
Manchester United vs
Fulham
Live from 1:00 am
(Saturday)

United in action as Five new signings to watch

Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal) ago. Now the pressure is on Solanke, Stamford Bridge. The
The Gunners beat who comes fresh from his best-ever Portugal winger has

Premier League kicks off off stiff competition

from
giants
Serie A
Juventus
scoring season at Bournemouth last
season in which he scored 19 times.
Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester
joined from Wolves
for a fee of £54
million.
AGENCIES surgery on his foot injury. This adds to to land the Italian United) Yet he faces
United’s defensive worries, which were defender following Dutch international stiff competition just to get into the
Manchester United kick-off the
2024/25 Premier League season at
one of the main concerns last season. his impressive 2023/24 season for De Ligt has been side with Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo
United faced the second most shots Bologna. reunited with Erik
home to Fulham on Friday as United (667) of all top-flight teams in 2023- Mudryk Noni Madueke, and Chelsea’s
boss Erik ten Hag looks to make the Calafiori was also a shining light ten Hag, who helped best player last season Cole Palmer
24, with only rock-bottom Sheffield
best use of another year at the helm. in Italy’s otherwise pitiful defence of the centre-back rise among the other wingers available to
United (678) – widely considered one
Ten Hag failed to capitalise on the of the worst sides in Premier League the European Championship in June. to fame at Ajax as Enzo Maresca.
assured strides he had made in his first history – conceding more. The 22-year’s arrival, for a a teenager. Manchester United have Niclas Fuellkrug (West Ham)
season at United and looked likely to reported £42 million ($53 million), signed Bayern Munich pair De Ligt
New signings De Ligt and Mazraoui The signing
be sacked after the end of last season might have to start from the onset certainly boosts Arteta’s wealth of and Noussair Mazraoui in a move that
of German
before an impressive 2-1 FA Cup win start to the new campaign to dispel and Argentine centre-back Lisandro defensive options as Arsenal aim to could cost nearly £60m.
over Manchester City gave the Dutch doubts he is the man to lead the club Martinez, who arrived late to training end a 21-year wait to win the title. After big money moves to international
coach a lifeline. forward. following the competition of his Copa Dominic Solanke (Tottenham) Juventus and then Bayern Munich, De Fuellkrug from
The Dutchman has been backed Fulham won at Old Trafford for the America duties, may also start. Spurs are hoping Ligt’s career has stalled as he fell out Borussia Dortmund
by United’s new football operations first time in 20 years in February. At the attacking front, United have Solanke, who could of favour for both club and country for £27m has been
hierarchy, led by British billionaire Jim Any repeat on Friday will have several big names ready to go but be the club’s record over the past year. the highlight of a busy summer for
Ratcliffe, and was handed a contract United fans fearing another season to quite a few of them are on a mission to West Ham.
forget.
signing as his deal His arrival is just part of a
extension to 2026. rescue their United careers at United. After spending his peak years
Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs Injuries have yet again started to Exhibit A in this regard is Marcus
could rise to £65m defensive overhaul as United have
with add-ons, can also recruited French teenager Leny rising through the ranks of German
De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have haunt United, with left-back Luke Rashford who failed to build on his
arrived to strengthen Ten Hag’s squad Shaw being the latest name added to best individual season and is back in fire them back into the Champions Yoro and De Ligt’s Bayern team-mate football at Hannover and Werder
for around £150 million. the list of forced absentees ahead of the corner where he finds the likes of League and maybe even end a 16- Mazraoui. Bremen, Fuellkrug scored 16 goals in
But after finishing eighth last their league opener. Meanwhile, Yoro Jadon Sancho and Antony, who are year trophy drought. Pedro Neto (Chelsea) his sole season at Borussia Dortmund
season -- United’s worst-ever Premier is set to return to action in about trying to rediscover their form and Spurs did not sign a replacement Neto is so far the standout signing to help them reach last season’s
League finish -- Ten Hag needs a fast three months following successful fighting for their futures at the club. when Harry Kane departed a year from another chaotic window at Champions League final.

ICC to continue talks ‘Focus is on cricket’ HP pick up

after Aug 15 deadline SPORTS REPORTER one another,” he said, hoping to see more
collaboration in grass-root programmes between
second win in
SPORTS REPORTER Bangladesh spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed the two boards.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will continue assessing the

situation in Bangladesh before making a decision on the Women’s T20
World Cup. The sport’s governing body had initially set a deadline of
on Thursday said that the players have recovered What the condition would be like in the first
from the effects of the chaotic situation in the Test in Rawalpindi is already a major point of
country and are focusing on cricket. discussion in Pakistan.
Top End T20
The Tigers completed their second day of Bangladesh are no longer a side overtly SPORTS REPORTER
15th August to choose a host country, following unrest in the region, practice in Lahore yesterday, preparing for the dependent on their spinners as the ongoing pace
according to a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official. first of the two Tests against Pakistan, set to start revolution has given them the belief that they can Ripon Mondol picked up three wickets and Jishan
The BCB are understood to have requested the ICC to keep assessing in Rawalpindi on August 21. do well in away tours with their fast bowlers. Alam hit a half-century as the Bangladesh Cricket
the situation and have been granted additional time. The national team players have had a difficult However, Mushtaq feels that Board (BCB) High Performance Unit defeated
“There was a deadline today [from the ICC], but they are continuing build up to the Pakistan tour, spinners will play a key role even Australian Capital Territory (ACT) by six wickets,
with communications, hoping to resolve it as quickly as as their preparation camp was if the Rawalpindi surface ends up notching up their second win in the Top End T20
possible. The Bangladesh Army has hampered by the political unrest being more conducive to pacers. series at the TIO Stadium in Darwin, Australia
assured that they will provide in Bangladesh. “You always need spinners in yesterday.
security for the World Cup, which But Mushtaq relayed that Tests. It’s not only about taking Sent to field, HP Unit restricted ACT to 124-
was one of the major hurdles the senior players have revived wickets because apart from 9 with Ripon finishing with 3-26 and Abu Hider
the tournament had to the mood inside the dressing wickets, you also need to give your Rony picking up 2-26. Left-arm spinners Mahfuzur
overcome,” a BCB official told room since the team arrived in fast bowlers some rest. In Tests,
The Daily Star on condition Pakistan on Tuesday. Rahman Rabby and Rakibul Hasan claimed one
spinners dry up runs at one end wicket each while conceding just 14 and 21 runs
of anonymity. “I think all the boys are and give the main strike bowler
BCB sources relayed happy and very excited to play respectively in their four overs.
rest. So, their [spinners’] role is For ACT, Mikey McNamara was the lone batter
that the board has sought the first Test in Rawalpindi. The important whether they take two-
guidelines from relevant effect of the situation has been to get into the 30s, making 36 off 26 balls before
three wickets or six. getting stumped off Rabby.
authorities on how to operate removed quite a bit. I credit the “I think all the
boys are happy and “With the experience that Taijul In reply, opener Jishan’s 36-ball 50 catapulted
with many directors absent. management who have been [Islam] and Mehedi [Hasan Miraz]
They are also understood to be very good with the players. very excited to play the HP Unit to 125-4 in just 16.3 overs.
the first Test in possess, they are match winners
in talks with Bangladesh’s interim “Players like Shakib [Al Jishan formed two important partnerships for
Rawalpindi... I credit and have won Bangladesh many
government regarding the current Hasan] are playing a good the first two wickets, a 51-run opening stand off
the management games. They are very good guys
travel restrictions from several countries. positive role. Senior players such 31 balls with Tanzid Tamim (18 off 15 balls) and a
who have been and they are coachable people,
BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury conveyed that discussions with as Mushy [Mushfiqur Rahim], then a 44-run partnership off 38 balls with Parvez
very good with the meaning they are good listeners.
the ICC are ongoing. Taskin [Ahmed] are playing a Hopefully I can make a difference Hossain Emon (23 off 24 balls), to set up the easy
“Yes, there was a date [for discussion] on 15th August [with the good positive role. When you players.” with them.” win.
ICC], and they are possibly going to look into it further. We are still in come to play a series, focus is Bangladesh have four fast Jishan, who hit two sixes and a four, departed
communication, and it’s being done in a positive way,” Nizamuddin on cricket,” Mushtaq told the reporters during a bowlers and fours spinners, including Shakib, in the 14th over when the HP Unit were 19 runs
said. press conference on Thursday. in their squad for the Rawalpindi Test. The away from victory. Skipper Akbar Ali and Shamim
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that the ICC are considering the Mushtaq also credited the Pakistan Cricket Tigers are likely to go in with three pacers in the Hossain remained unbeaten on five and one
UAE, India, and Sri Lanka as back-up venues to host the World Cup in Board (PCB) for proposing and then helping the match, however, Mushtaq said the management respectively to complete the chase.
case they are forced to move the tournament from Bangladesh. Bangladesh team arrive in Pakistan earlier than will take the final call after seeing the wicket. Earlier, the HP Unit thrashed the Melbourne
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah told scheduled to prepare adequately. “Firstly, you have to see the condition first and Renegades by 88 runs in their opening game,
TOI yesterday that they have informed the ICC of their unwillingness “There were security issues and also concerns then make your mind. We will get an idea of the before suffering a five-wicket defeat to Tasmania
to host the tournament. over what pitches we will get. PCB has to be condition after we go there [Rawalpindi]. We will and an eight-wicket drubbing against Adelaide
“They had asked the BCCI if we could host the event, but I flatly credited and it’s a great relationship [between see the pitch and then we will be able to tell the Strikers. They will next face Pakistan ‘A’ at the
refused,” the BCCI secretary was quoted as saying. PCB and BCB], if they keep looking out for combination.” same venue on today.

PSG prepare for post

Mbappe era
AFP, Paris previously starred in Ligue 1 for Lille,
has been linked with a move to the
Paris Saint-Germain are beginning French capital, although it is unclear
a new era following the departure whether he would fit in with Luis
of Kylian Mbappe and the reigning Enrique’s preferred style of football.
French champions have so far kept Meanwhile, Mbappe apart, the
a low profile as they prepare for life Parisians have kept hold of the spine
without the superstar forward. of their team from last season and
Mbappe moved to Real Madrid have also incorporated teenage
when his contract expired in June, Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Moscardo
ending a prolific seven-year association after signing him from Corinthians in
with the Qatar-owned club in which will have to adjust after losing their all- January but allowing him to stay there
he struck a remarkable 256 goals to time record goalscorer, but pointed to on loan for six more months.
become their all-time top scorer. the wealth of attacking options in his French wingers Ousmane Dembele
The France captain therefore leaves squad. and Bradley Barcola will be expected
an enormous void, so big that PSG “We will have to change things to build on impressive performances
appear to have decided there is no compared to last season. Before, we last season, while the hope is that
one player who could possibly fill it went towards goal and we all looked Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo
adequately. for the same player, Kylian, who had a Ramos -- scorers of 23 goals between
“He is obviously a different player natural ability to score. Now a range of them in the last campaign -- will step
and we can’t replace him with one possibilities are open,” he said. up to help fans forget Mbappe.
single player. Forget it. There is no PSG have nevertheless spent The days of signing veteran stars
substitute for Kylian Mbappe,” coach money in Europe’s summer transfer like Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos
Luis Enrique admitted in May. window, with an estimated 125 million are a thing of the past, and captain
Enrique takes his team to euros ($132.2m) invested on three Marquinhos, 30, is likely to be the
Normandy to face Le Havre on Friday players -- 19-year-old Portuguese oldest member of the starting line-up
on the opening night of the new Ligue midfield prodigy Joao Neves, 22-year- this season.
1 campaign without any glitzy new old centre-back Willian Pacho and Enrique’s aim will be to get his On a memorable night for Real Madrid and their star signing Kylian Mbappe, Los Blancos claimed a record
signing having arrived to directly Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, side in peak condition by the time sixth UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 win over Atalanta on Wednesday in Warsaw. After Federico Valverde broke
replace Mbappe. 25. And they may still move for a top- the Champions League begins in the deadlock from close range for the Champions League holders in the 59th minute, Mbappe, on his debut,
Meanwhile, when Enrique spoke class striker before the deadline at the September, by which time a new sealed the game when he rifled home in the 68th minute from a Jude Bellingham pass. The win also meant
at the pre-match press conference on end of the month. attacking option may have been that 38-year-old Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, who came from the bench in the second half, has now won
Thursday, he accepted that his side Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who added. 27 titles at the club to become the most decorated player in Real Madrid history. PHOTO: REUTERS
 CITY

16 DHAKA FRIDAY AUGUST 16, 2024, BHADRA 1, 1431 BS

Salman used clout Palak, Tuku

to help businesses placed on 10-
secure loans day remand
MD MEHEDI HASAN COURT CORRESPONDENT
Salman F Rahman is known for using his influence to A Dhaka court
get bank loans for Beximco Group by bending rules, but
yesterday placed
documents seen by this newspaper have revealed how he
three people,
helped others secure credit, or at least tried to.
including former
The Beximco boss who worked for Sheikh Hasina
deputy speaker
as one of her trusted advisers until the downfall of the
Awami League government was overly influential in the Shamsul Haque
financial sector of Bangladesh. Tuku and ex-
state minister Palak
His clout grew so large in the 15
years of Hasina’s regime that his for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, on
recommendations were difficult a 10-day remand in a case filed
for anyone to disobey, said current over the death of rickshaw-puller
and former chief executives of three Kamal Mia in the city’s Paltan
commercial banks who sought area on July 19.
anonymity in fear of reprisal. The other accused is Tanbir
Salman is now a disgraced suspect Hasan Shaikat, Dhaka University
held in police custody over the Chhatra League general
killing of a shop employee during secretary.
the violent student-led protests that toppled the Hasina
government.
The current administration has not yet charged him
with financial misconduct linked to Beximco, for which
DEER DASH! Dhaka

BRIBERY ALLEGATION
Metropolitan
SEE PAGE 6 COL 1

he has long been known.

Having been the chairman of the privately owned IFIC
Bank, Salman had mostly picked state-run banks for his A male axis deer or spotted deer, locally known as Chittra horin, dashes through a waterbody in the Sundarbans. Known to be Ex-home
one of the gems of the Sundarbans, axis deer are beloved to all Bangladeshis, so much so, that their local name is often used
endeavour to facilitate loans for other companies.
One such company Salman had helped, or tried to help,
is Globe Janakantha Shilpa Paribar (GJSP), which sought
as a complement for beauty. Globally too, they are considered the most beautiful deer species. The timid mammals prefer to boss faces
live in territories with woody vegetation for cover and open grasslands for food – grass, plants, fruits and flowers. As they are
and secured loans from scam-hit Janata Bank.
A document obtained by The Daily Star shows that
not as nocturnal as other deer species, they usually feed after sunrise and then a few hours before sunset. Matriarchal herds
are common among Axis deer and, like the males, females can engage in aggressive behaviour when there is over-crowding at
ACC probe
feeding sites. STAFF CORRESPONDENT
SEE PAGE 6 COL 4 PHOTO: TIMU HOSSAIN

The Anti-Corruption
Commission (ACC) has

Gaza death toll India will

always help
‘Will back new govt launched an investigation
into the allegations of bribery

Bangladesh’s as long as it stands against former Home Minister

tops 40,000
Asaduzzaman Khan and his
aides.

Says Hamas-run health ministry as new

growth: Modi
AGENCIES
for democracy’ According to a complaint
submitted to the ACC, they have
been accused of taking millions
round of ceasefire talks begin in Qatar Amid reports of attacks
Says Mirza Fakhrul of takas in bribes through
a syndicate for transfers,
on Hindus and minorities promotions, and recruitment
in Bangladesh, Indian STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Dhaka to decide AGENCIES
Prime Minister Narendra
within various departments
under the Ministry of Home
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
whether to Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed at least
40,005 Palestinians since October 7, the Palestinian enclave’s
Modi, speaking from the
ramparts of the Red Fort on said yesterday that the interim government would have
Affairs.
ACC’s Deputy Director and
seek Hasina’s health ministry said yesterday, as there was no let-up in Israeli the 78th Independence Day the party’s continued support as long as it stood for
democracy and handed over power in a democratic SEE PAGE 6 COL 4
strikes across the enclave. of India yesterday, called
extradition A total of 40 Palestinians have been killed and 107 wounded for peace. manner.
“This government is the result of our movement. We will
Says foreign adviser
as cases against the
in the past 24 hours, the ministry said in a statement.
Pressure built for a ceasefire to be agreed at talks which
“I hope things will soon
be normal in Bangladesh. assist them as long as they stay in favour of democracy and
transfer power through a democratic process,” Fakhrul
US in touch
resumed yesterday in Qatar to avert a wider war involving Iran, 140-crore people want that
ousted leader mount
REUTERS, Dhaka
after months of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
In a veiled warning to Iran, Hamas and Israel, United States
Hindus, and minorities
there be safe. We want that
said during a sit-in programme
in front of the party’s Nayapaltan
with India on
As cases rise against
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Qatar’s Prime Minister
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Wednesday
our neighbouring countries
tread the path of peace and
office in the capital.
BNP organised the developments
her, including murder happiness,” Modi said. programme as part of its two-
accusations, Bangladesh
will decide whether to ask
said “no party in the region should take actions that would
undermine efforts to reach a deal,” the US State Department said.
In a telephone call, the two discussed “efforts to calm
Modi added that India
will always be supportive of
day event demanding that
former prime minister Sheikh
in Bangladesh
India to extradite former tensions in the region and the importance of finalising a Bangladesh’s growth and Hasina and her aides be tried on Says US State Dept
prime minister Sheikh ceasefire in Gaza,” it said. development. charges of carrying out a mass
Hasina, who resigned Israel’s delegation includes spy chief David Barnea, head of According to Indian killing during the recent student DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
and fled to New Delhi last the domestic security service Ronen Bar, and the military’s Express, Hindus have faced protests.
week, the country’s Foreign hostages chief Nitzan Alon, defence officials said on Wednesday. more than 200 attacks Fakhrul said, “We want a The United States is in touch
Affairs Adviser Mohammad CIA Director Bill Burns and US Middle East envoy Brett in 50-odd districts since change in government through elections. [For which] we with India and other countries in
Touhid Hossain said McGurk represented Washington at the talks, convened by the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s are also willing to give a reasonable time to the interim the region regarding the recent
yesterday. Qatari prime minister, with Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Awami League government government. developments in Bangladesh and
Hossain, in an interview, Kamel also in Doha. on August 5. “Let me be clear, there is no alternative to democracy. is seeking an end to the violence
said he did not want to Hamas officials, who have accused Israel of stalling, did not According to There is no alternative to voting. We are fighting for that there, said a State Department
speculate, but noted that join yesterday’s talks. However, mediators planned to consult Bangladesh’s 2022 census, a democracy.” official.
Hasina was facing “so many with Hamas’ Doha-based negotiating team after the meeting, little more than 13.1 million Expressing gratitude to the interim government, the Vedant Patel, principal deputy
cases”. the official briefed on the talks told Reuters. Hindus reside in the country, BNP leader hoped that the interim government would spokesperson of the department,
If the country’s home In Gaza, where almost the entire population is displaced making up for 7.96 percent hold a free and fair election and that people would vote in said this at a briefing yesterday
and law ministries decide, and much of the territory’s housing and other infrastructure of the country’s population. the polls to form the government. when he was asked on the security
“we have to ask for her... destroyed, rescuers said air strikes killed three people. Other minorities (Buddhists, He called for the removal of the “conspirators within situation, human rights issues,
return to Bangladesh”, he An Israeli air strike on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank Christians, etc.) together the government,” who he claimed are working against and the process of restoration of
said. killed two Palestinians yesterday as Jewish worshippers visited a constituted less than 1 country people. democracy in Bangladesh.
SEE PAGE 6 COL 1 nearby disputed holy site, Palestinian sources and Israeli army said. percent. SEE PAGE 6 COL 4 SEE PAGE 6 COL 3

UK, Singapore Metro service

won’t resume
pledge support tomorrow
to interim govt STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Metro rail operation will not

DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT resume tomorrow, as per the
earlier announcement, as the
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has assured authorities could not complete
Bangladesh’s interim government of supporting its necessary technical tests.
efforts to restore law and order for a peaceful transition Dhaka Mass Transit Company
to democracy. Ltd (DMTCL), the operating
“The British government wants to support you as you agency of metro rail, issued a press
work to restore peace, law and order, and prosperity to release in the regard last night.
Bangladesh,” Starmer wrote in a letter to Chief Adviser It, however, did not mention
Prof Muhammad Yunus. when the service will resume.
“We look forward to working with you and the interim Although the DMTCL did not
government as it creates a peaceful transition to an state any reason, sources said
inclusive, democratic future,” the British PM added in the the authorities failed to start
letter dated August 14, according to the chief adviser’s the trial runs due to the ongoing
press wing. work abstention by a group of
The UK values its “strong and enduring” relationship DMTCL employees.
with Bangladesh, cemented by “deep” people-to-people Operations of metro rail have
ties and shared Commonwealth values, Starmer said. remained suspended since July
“As friends, we have been deeply saddened by the 18 amid violence centring the
violence and loss of life in recent weeks. We recognise quota reform protest, which
the bravery of the students and many others who, later turned into an uprising
through peaceful protest, called for a different future for that toppled the Hasina-led
Bangladesh,” said the UK prime minister. government on August 5.
“I warmly welcome your appointment as chief adviser On July 19, attackers
to the interim government in Bangladesh. At such a vandalised two metro stations
pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history, your leadership PHOTO: REUTERS SEE PAGE 2 COL 5

SEE PAGE 6 COL 6 A displaced Palestinian woman and a child take shelter in a cemetery in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday.