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A Norwegian delegation led by State Secretary Steine Renate Håheim met with Bangladesh's environmental adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Tuesday. Hasan reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to protecting its rivers and forests, noting that a significant portion of climate funds is allocated for this purpose. “Our goal is to restore ecological balance through reforestation and land recovery,” she said. The progress of small cold storage construction for farmers was also discussed. Concerns over shipbreaking workers' safety, waste management, and pollution were raised. Håheim expressed Norway’s interest in investing in renewable energy and eco-friendly projects in Bangladesh. “We are eager to collaborate for sustainable development,” she said.
Norwegian State Secretary Meets Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan
BNP leader Nazrul Islam Khan stressed that restoring democracy is now a pressing need. “There are political and social forces that want to delay the democratic process for their own interests,” he said. He reiterated that BNP has no objections to holding local elections under a caretaker government but emphasized that such a government must also oversee the national elections first. “It's not technically feasible otherwise,” he said. He also called for justice against those who aided the authoritarian regime and demanded both reform and swift national elections.
Restoration of Democracy Is Now a National Necessity: Nazrul Islam Khan
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that a dark shadow has fallen over Bangladesh's path to democracy. “A conspiracy is underway to delay elections and distance the people from the process through a renewed politics of division,” he said. “Institutions are being turned against each other. The government is deliberately creating internal discord.” He urged BNP members to remain vigilant and stand firm against all conspiracies. “We must not let the country’s independence and sovereignty be compromised,” he added.
Politics of Division Returns, Institutions Being Pitted Against Each Other: Fakhrul
Braving heavy rain, members of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal blocked Shahbagh intersection demanding the arrest of those responsible for the murder of Samya. Protesters shouted slogans such as "Why is the killer free while my brother lies in a grave?" and "We want justice!" Samya was fatally stabbed near Suhrawardy Udyan on May 13 around 11 PM while riding a motorcycle. He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
JCD Blocks Shahbagh in Rain, Demands Justice for Samya's Murder
Following a rise in administrative disorder after the fall of the Hasina government, the Ministry of Public Administration has drafted an amendment to the Government Service Act 2018. The amendment aims to bypass lengthy procedures and allow for swift dismissal of civil servants for negligence or misconduct. Cases must be resolved within 25 working days from the date charges are framed. Currently, disciplinary actions can take up to five years. The draft has already been finalized.
Govt Moves to Fast-Track Dismissal of Civil Servants for Misconduct or Negligence
The High Court has concluded the hearing on a writ petition challenging the delay in administering the oath to BNP’s Ishraq Hossain as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The bench of Justices Md. Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Debashish Roy Chowdhury has scheduled the verdict for Wednesday. On March 27, an election tribunal declared Ishraq the lawful mayor and directed the Election Commission to publish the official gazette within 10 days, which was done on April 27.
Hearing Ends on Ishraq’s Oath-Taking Petition, Verdict Expected Wednesday
Islami Chhatra Shibir has condemned attacks by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Polytechnic Institute students. On May 18, several JCD members allegedly checked the phone of student Rakibul Islam and issued threats. Later that night, 8–10 individuals identifying themselves as 2023–24 session students forcibly took Rakibul from his dorm room, held him captive, and brutally tortured him. They also recorded photos and videos of him in a compromised state and threatened to leak them. Similar attacks reportedly occurred in Cox’s Bazar, where JCD, along with outsiders, targeted polytechnic students. Chhatra Shibir demanded immediate justice.
Islami Chhatra Shibir Demands Justice for Attack on Polytechnic Students by JCD Members
Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, Advocate Tureen Afroz, stated that courtrooms have been equipped with digital technology to handle trials related to crimes against humanity committed in July–August. Any stage of the trial can be broadcast live or recorded for media and social media with court approval. Meanwhile, the High Court has issued a rule asking why important public interest and constitutional cases should not be broadcast live from the Supreme Court.
Tribunal Trials Can Be Broadcast Live with Court Approval: Chief Prosecutor
BNP leader Shamsuzzaman Dudu criticized India, saying, “If India were truly a civilized country, it wouldn't block visas or transit facilities to Bangladesh, nor would it kill civilians at the border or withhold Teesta River water.” He accused India and the ruling Awami League of perpetuating a culture of political vengeance. “Even after being elected, Ishraq was not allowed to assume office as mayor. Despite a court ruling in his favor, he still hasn't been sworn in.” He expressed concern over growing distrust in the country's political direction and called on Nobel laureate Dr. Yunus to facilitate a fair election. “If Dr. Yunus fails, we urge the Supreme Court to restore the democratic framework,” he added.
A Civilized India Wouldn’t Kill at the Border or Block Transit: Shamsuzzaman
Adviser Asif Mahmud stated that personal attacks against him are futile, as the legal dispute must be resolved in court. “We have sought the opinion of the Ministry of Law regarding the complexities involved. Since they are the experts, we will reach a decision based on their input,” he said. He clarified that the matter of Ishraq becoming mayor is not his individual decision, but one handled by the government. “And when the government takes action, it does so institutionally, not personally,” he added.
No Use Attacking Me—The Legal Battle Must Be Fought in Court: Adviser Asif
In a humanitarian gesture, senior BNP leader Tarique Rahman has reached out to the family of Rakibul Hasan, a protester injured in the 2024 uprising. Representatives from the "We Are BNP Family" initiative visited Rakibul’s home to inquire about his health and convey Rahman's message of solidarity and support. They also assured the family of assistance if needed. BNP leader Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi was present during the visit.
Tarique Rahman Sends Support to Injured Protester Rakibul’s Family
The Co-op, one of the UK’s largest retail chains, has voted to boycott all Israeli products in response to ongoing atrocities in Gaza. If implemented, it will become the first major UK retailer to fully sever trade ties with Israel. The proposal passed with 73% support among employees, urging the board to take a morally courageous stand. A company spokesperson stated that Co-op continuously reviews its policies to align with the values and principles of its members.
UK’s Co-op Supermarket Chain to Boycott All Israeli Products Over Gaza Genocide
Base Fashions Limited, a ready-made garment factory in Tongi’s Satish area, has been shut down indefinitely following worker unrest. Tensions escalated after a worker was dismissed on May 18, prompting laborers to go on strike. In response, management posted a notice at the factory gate announcing the closure without prior warning. Workers blocked the Gazipura–Satish road in protest and later gathered in front of the factory as police moved them from the road. The factory employs around 800 workers.
RMG Factory in Tongi Shuts Down Indefinitely Amid Worker Protests
Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed announced that a dearness allowance will be introduced in the upcoming 2025–26 fiscal year. Speaking after a meeting of the Government Purchase Advisory Committee at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he stated that while the allowance has been confirmed in principle, details such as the percentage and timeline are still under consideration. Budget allocations will be made accordingly.
New Fiscal Year Will Include Dearness Allowance, But Implementation May Take Time: Economic Adviser
BNP leader Ishraq Hossain issued a public message urging protesters and supporters not to disrespect leaders of other political parties, aside from those directly associated with what he called the “fascist Hasina regime.” He called for respectful language, even in criticism, and emphasized the importance of focusing the movement on restoring electoral rights and democracy through lawful means. Ishraq also stressed the need for a clear electoral roadmap and the resignation of controversial advisers, vowing to continue democratic protests without resorting to hate speech.
Ishraq Urges Protesters to Maintain Decorum, Avoid Disrespecting Opposition Leaders
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