Kamal Ahmed Says Media Reform Momentum Lost as Mob Violence Emerges as New Threat
Veteran journalist and media analyst Kamal Ahmed has said that while journalists in Bangladesh now enjoy greater freedom to criticise the government following the July 2024 uprising, the country’s media sector is facing a new and more unpredictable threat in the form of organised mob violence.
Denied Parole After Family Deaths: 39 Citizens Condemn ‘Inhumane’ State Conduct
Thirty-nine eminent citizens of the country have expressed strong anger and condemnation over the incident in which Jewel Hossain Saddam was not granted parole, as provided by law, to attend the funeral of his wife and infant child, and instead was forced to see their bodies at the prison gate.
Dhaka Faces Severe Gas and LPG Shortage, Residents Struggle to Cook
The gas and LPG crisis in the capital Dhaka and nearby cities has reached alarming levels. For more than three weeks, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been unavailable in the market. Even though prices have doubled, supply has not met demand. On top of this, there is a shortage of pipeline gas. As a result, ordinary people are struggling to cook.
Sarba Mitra Chakma Makes Teenagers Do Sit-Ups While Holding Their Ears at DU Central Field
A video showing Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Executive Member Sarba Mitra Chakma Makes Teenagers Do Sit-Ups While Holding Their Ears at DU Central Field forcing several teenagers who had come to play to do sit-ups while holding their ears, with a stick in his hand, has spread on social media. The video has since sparked widespread discussion in various quarters.
Hindu Mechanic Burned to Death in Narsingdi, Suspected Arson Sparks Minority Safety Concerns
In Narsingdi town, Bangladesh, 23-year-old Hindu mechanic Chanchal Chandra Bhowmik was fatally burned on January 23 when miscreants allegedly set fire to the car repair workshop where he was sleeping. The incident has reignited concerns over Bangladesh’s law-and-order situation under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
No Non-Believing MP Can Exist in a Country with 80% Muslims
A speech given by a candidate nominated by Jamaat-e-Islami for the Barguna-2 constituency at an election rally has gone viral on social media. In the speech, he said, “In a country where 80 percent are Muslims, there can be no non-believing or indecent parliamentary representatives.” This remark has sparked intense discussion both locally and online.
India and EU on Verge of Landmark FTA, Opening Billion-Dollar Markets for Trade
The long-discussed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) has reached the threshold of a final announcement. Citing relevant government sources, Reuters reported that a political announcement of the agreement may come on January 27, which, if implemented, would usher in a new chapter in the economic and strategic relationship between the two sides.
Denial of Parole Despite Application Is a Direct Violation of Civil Rights: ASK
The denial of permission to Jewel Hasan Saddam, President of Bagherhat Sadar Upazila Chhatra League and currently imprisoned at Jashore Central Jail, to attend the funeral prayers and burial of his deceased wife and nine-month-old infant child has been described as a direct violation of civil rights by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).
Awami League Supporters in a Boycotting Mode Toward National Elections
As Bangladesh heads toward its next national election, supporters of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina effectively the entire Awami League voter base are boycotting the polls in protest against her removal from power and the party’s ban, leaving millions politically sidelined.
Amnesty Warns Bangladesh Falling Short on Human Rights Ahead of 2026 Election
Amnesty International has called on political parties to place human rights reform at the core of their political agendas ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. In a 10-page report titled “Human Rights Priorities Ahead of National Election”, the organization urges all contesting political parties to take concrete steps to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights during the pre-election, election-period, and post-election phases.