U.S. Congress Raises Concerns Over Party Suspension in Letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser

Five lawmakers of the United States have written a letter to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government. In the letter, they said that it is extremely important for the interim government to work with all political parties to ensure the holding of a free and fair national election in an environment of freedom and fairness next February.

Brother of Osman Hadi Accuses Government of Using Killing to Sabotage Election

Sharif Omar bin Hadi, brother of Sharif Osman Hadi, the convener of Inquilab Mancha, has said that "You are the ones who had Hadi killed, and now you are trying to use it as an issue to derail the election."

Singing for Resistance: Chhayanaut’s Protest

A leading cultural organization in Bangladesh has expressed concern over the recent vandalism at the Chhayanaut Cultural Center in the capital city. Chhayanaut stated that such incidents are not merely acts of property damage, but also attacks on the long-standing cultural practices and free-thinking traditions of the Bengali people.

Savings Certificate Profit Rates to Be Reduced Again from January

The Ministry of Finance has taken an initiative to reduce the profit rates on savings certificates once again starting from January. Once the proposal of the Finance Division under the Ministry of Finance receives approval from the Finance Adviser, the new rates will come into effect. Subsequently, the Internal Resources Division (IRD) will issue an official circular.

Chhayanaut Organises Song-Based Solidarity Rally to Protest Attacks on Bengali Culture

In protest against attacks on the age-old Bengali culture, a solidarity gathering through songs is being organised. To protest violent attacks on culture, Chhayanaut is organising a solidarity assembly through songs.

Russia Urges Dhaka to Ease Internal Tensions

Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin on Monday emphasized the need to reduce tensions in Bangladesh to ensure a conducive environment ahead of the next national election, scheduled for February 12 next year. He also underscored the importance of easing tensions between Bangladesh and its neighbouring country India, saying that such efforts should be taken as soon as possible.

Statistics Bureau Survey: More than half of the country’s population is still outside internet access

Despite the expansion of digital services and smartphone usage, more than half of the people in Bangladesh are still outside internet access. According to the latest survey of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), 51.1 percent of the country’s population currently does not use the internet. Stakeholders in the sector have described this situation as disappointing.

All of Ayesha’s dreams were burned to ashes

“Ayesha was her father’s beloved child. He always looked after her. She used to call him ‘Baba’ and talk a lot with him. She had many dreams—all of them were burned to ashes. I just want to see her face one last time.” Saying this, Nazma Akhtar, the mother of seven-year-old Ayesha who died after being burned in a fire, was crying inconsolably.

Train Fares Increased on Six Routes

Sometimes directly, sometimes tactically, the railway authorities are increasing ticket prices. This time, instead of directly raising fares, the authority has increased train fares on six routes including Dhaka–Cox’s Bazar by imposing a “pontage charge” or levy. Passengers traveling on trains under Bangladesh Railway’s eastern zone will now have to pay higher fares.

Passing of Liberation War Deputy Commander A. K. Khandker

Liberation War Deputy Commander, former Air Force Chief and former Minister A. K. Khandker, Bir Uttom, is no more; he was about 96 years old.