Arrest of A K M Jamal Uddin Sparks Debate Over Freedom of Expression in Bangladesh
The arrest of A K M Jamal Uddin while he was participating in a peaceful program at Gulistan Zero Point in Dhaka has raised new questions about freedom of expression and the right to hold political programs in a democratic country.
When Will the Imprisoned Journalists Be Released?
The Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) has called on the government of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to release journalists who were arrested during the tenure of the interim government. In a recent statement, the organization said, “We demand the immediate release of journalists who have been in prison for more than a year on various false charges, including murder, which violate fundamental rights.”
At Least 40 Houses Attacked or Burned After Killing in Madaripur
At least 20 residential houses were attacked, vandalised, and looted following a killing over local dominance in Madaripur. During the violence, at least another 20 houses were set on fire. Law enforcement agencies are trying to bring the situation under control after receiving the news.
Ongoing Middle East Conflict Disrupts Dhaka Flights, 391 Cancelled So Far
Due to security risks amid the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan temporarily closed their airspace starting 28 February. The decision had a direct impact on Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
India and China Express Interest in Providing Energy Support to Bangladesh
India and China have expressed interest in jointly cooperating to help Bangladesh address its ongoing energy crisis. On Monday, the ambassadors of the two countries conveyed this positive stance after holding separate meetings at the Secretariat with Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, the Finance Minister, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, the Minister for Power and Energy.
2,653 Injured, 12 Killed in 700 Election-Related Clashes Across Bangladesh: HRSS
More than 2,653 people were injured and 12 killed in over 700 incidents of election-related violence surrounding Bangladesh’s 13th parliamentary election, according to a report by Human Rights Support Society (HRSS).
Shortage of Bottled Soybean Oil Triggers Market Instability
As soon as the month of Ramadan begins, a tendency for the prices of essential commodities to rise is usually seen in the country. This time has been no exception. Over the past week, complaints have emerged about a decline in the supply of bottled soybean oil in the market, creating concern among consumers and retail traders.
Potato Prices Crash in Rangpur Division, Farmers Facing Heavy Losses
A sharp price drop has been observed in the potato market in the Rangpur Region. Although the government has officially fixed the price of potatoes at 22 taka per kilogram, there is no reflection of that price in the actual market. After deducting cold storage and other costs, farmers are receiving only about five taka, causing growers to suffer significant losses.
February Inflation Reaches 10-Month High Due to Rising Food Prices
Inflation in Bangladesh rose again in February, surpassing 9 percent. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported that the overall inflation rate stood at 9.13 percent, which is the highest in the last 10 months.
Bangladesh Government Reinstates Controversial Ex-DMP DC Kohinur Mia After 16 Years
Former Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the West Zone of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Md. Kohinur Mia, who had been dismissed after being accused of numerous controversial activities including severe torture and repression against opposition party leaders and activists during the rule of the BNP–Jamaat alliance government, has been reinstated by the government after the cancellation of his dismissal order.