Media Commission Ordinance Is Interim Government’s “Parting Mockery,” Says TIB
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has described the draft ordinances for the “National Media Commission” and the “Broadcast Commission” as a “parting mockery” by the interim government of public expectations for the development of a free media environment in the country.
Deaths from Mob Violence Rise from 10 to 21 in January, Rights Group Warns
The Human Rights Culture Foundation (MSF) has expressed deep concern over the severe deterioration of the country’s overall human rights situation. According to the organization’s latest report, the number of deaths caused by mob violence doubled in January compared to December. At the same time, incidents involving the recovery of unidentified bodies and persecution of minorities increased at an alarming rate.
Rice Prices Remain High Despite Stable Vegetable, Chicken and Egg Markets
Prices of Miniket rice and locally produced Nazirshail rice have remained elevated in the capital’s kitchen markets over the past few weeks. Newly arrived Miniket and Nazirshail rice are being sold at Tk 70–75 per kilogram, while older stocks are priced higher at Tk 75–85 per kilogram.
Sheikh Hasina Seen Healthy and Confident
A delegation of the UK Awami League recently met with former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. The five-member delegation, which traveled from London, held a nearly five-hour-long meeting with Sheikh Hasina on January 21. They returned to the United Kingdom on January 26 after completing their visit.
Amnesty Flags Abuse of Anti-Terror Laws Targeting Journalists in Bangladesh
Human rights organization Amnesty International has raised concerns over the misuse of anti-terror laws in Bangladesh, particularly against journalists, ahead of the country’s upcoming February 12 elections.
SAJF Condemns Violent Attack on Journalists in Narsingdi, Calls for Full Investigation and Protection
The South Asia Journalists Federation (SAJF) has strongly condemned the brutal attack on members of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, on Monday evening, which left at least ten journalists injured. Among those hurt were journalists Shahed, Mohsin, Sakhawat Kausar, and CRAB staff member Lal.
Sheikh Hasina Comments on Bangladesh’s Upcoming Election While in Exile
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, currently residing abroad, has expressed her concerns over Bangladesh’s forthcoming national election, highlighting the exclusion of her political party from the electoral process.
Non-Functional Human Rights and Information Commissions
Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission and Information Commission have remained largely inactive for over a year, creating institutional gaps in human rights protection and access to information, while recent steps signal limited progress toward reconstitution.
Adani’s Power Supply to Bangladesh Increases Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Despite strained relations between Dhaka and New Delhi, visa complications, and security concerns, India’s industrial conglomerate Adani Group has increased its electricity supply to Bangladesh. Power exports from Adani Power’s coal-based Godda power plant in Jharkhand, owned by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, to Bangladesh have risen significantly in recent months.
Government will not issue a GO for Bangladeshi journalists’ trip to India
Mahbub ul Alam, the Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has said that no government order (GO) will be issued by the government for Bangladeshi journalists to travel to India to cover the T-20 World Cup. He also said that if journalists are personally satisfied about security, the government has no objection to their travel to India.