The BNP government is set to transform the interim government’s “anti-terrorism ordinance,” which banned the activities of the Awami League, into law. The proposed legislation includes punitive measures. During the interim government, the BNP had opposed the idea of banning any political party through executive orders, stating that the public should decide. However, after coming to power, the government is taking steps to convert the ordinance into law. Until the executive order is officially revoked, the Awami League remains under restrictions. Once the law, including punitive provisions, is enacted, the party will face even greater limitations in carrying out political activities.

The 133rd ordinance issued by the interim government was introduced in the 13th Parliament on March 13. On that day, a 14-member special committee was formed to review the ordinances. Under Article 93 of the Constitution, an ordinance lapses if not passed by Parliament within 30 days, which in this case would have been April 12.

Last Thursday, the special committee recommended that 98 ordinances be converted into law without any changes. Fifteen ordinances were proposed for amendments before being presented as bills. Sixteen ordinances are not to be introduced at this time, and four were repealed based on recommendations from Hefazat.

Among the 15 ordinances recommended for amendment and presentation as bills is the “Anti-Terrorism Ordinance” issued on May 11, 2025. This ordinance, by amending Sections 18 and 20 of the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act, banned the activities of the Awami League and all its affiliated organizations. The same law had banned the activities of the student wing, Chhatra League, in October 2024.

On May 9 last year, NCP leaders staged a protest at the residence of then Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, demanding the ban on the Awami League. Later, other parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Islami Andolon, AB Party, and Bangladesh Khalafat Majlis, joined the movement.

On the night of May 11, an emergency meeting of the advisory council at Yunus’ residence amended two sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act. It allowed the government to ban the activities of individuals or organizations involved in terrorism through executive orders. On the same day, a government notification stated that the Awami League’s activities would remain banned until trials in the International Crimes Tribunal concluded.

The interim government did not directly ban the Awami League. However, under the restrictions of Section 20 of the ordinance, the party cannot hold rallies, meetings, or assemblies; its offices must remain closed; bank accounts can be frozen; posters and banners cannot be displayed; press releases cannot be issued; and the party is barred from publishing in media or social platforms and holding press conferences.

The law proposes that banned organizations conducting activities could face four to 14 years of imprisonment. The ordinance itself did not specify penalties for violations, meaning the Awami League had been under restriction without legal consequences for noncompliance.

The parliamentary special committee, consulting with relevant ministries, recommended the passage of the anti-terrorism ordinance as law. The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that “the ordinance does not contain any penal provisions for banned organizations, but punitive measures can be added.”

Although it is unclear what specific penalties will be included, government sources indicate that existing provisions under Section 16 of the law would apply to restricted organizations. Awami League leaders have refrained from making formal statements on the matter. However, Presidium member and former minister Abdur Rahman told reporters that the public will ultimately decide. He added that facing restrictions is not new for the Awami League, as the party has navigated such challenges in the past.

When asked whether the Awami League would challenge the validity of the ordinance in court, Abdur Rahman said the party would take legal or protest action wherever necessary.

Desk Report : In the wake of a massive public uprising that toppled the Awami League government, Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus responded to the call of movement leaders and assumed a leadership role in the interim government, citing “national rescue” as his mission. At the time, the nation’s hopes were pinned on him, with many believing that his leadership could elevate Bangladesh’s global standing, enhance citizens’ dignity, and unlock long-suppressed potential.

However, from August 8, 2024, when he assumed office, until February 12, 2026, when power was transferred via election, how much of the public’s expectations were actually fulfilled by the Nobel laureate? Kaler Kantho launched an investigation to answer this question.

The inquiry revealed that during his roughly 18-month tenure, Dr. Yunus leveraged his position to secure extensive personal and institutional advantages. One notable example was the rapid approval of Grameen University, a project of the Grameen Trust founded by Dr. Yunus. While 22 other private universities had pending applications for years, Grameen University received approval within just three months—an unusually fast process, facilitated by Dr. Yunus’ role as chief adviser to the interim government.

Further findings indicate that he granted tax exemptions to Grameen Bank for five years, potentially costing the government over BDT 1,000 crore in revenue. In addition, the Grameen Welfare Trust reportedly received BDT 1,043 crore in tax exemptions, and another BDT 666 crore was waived under other financial arrangements. Beyond financial benefits, he used his authority to settle seven ongoing lawsuits against himself, including high-profile corruption cases, and expedited licenses for recruitment agencies and e-wallet services linked to Grameen Trust.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Manzil Morshed told Kaler Kantho, “Anyone taking office to run the state must ensure there is no conflict between public duty and personal interest. Officials are expected to relinquish profitable positions before assuming government roles. Dr. Yunus, while serving as chief adviser, engaged in activities that raised serious questions about conflicts of interest, potentially violating his oath and deceiving the public.”

The approval of Grameen University raised further concerns. According to the Private University Act of 2010, a minimum reserved fund of BDT 5 crore is required to establish a university in Dhaka. However, the approval for Grameen University cited only BDT 1.5 crore, prompting questions of legality and fairness. Officials from the Ministry of Education and UGC could not provide clear explanations, with some claiming they were not in office at the time, and others saying they could not recall details. The university, meanwhile, insisted that all financial requirements were met and that the initiative was nonprofit.

Additionally, the interim government period saw significant deterioration in law and order, the economy, investment, and public safety. Incidents of mob violence, political clashes, murders, arson, looting, and attacks on journalists reportedly surged. Nonperforming loans, foreign debt, interest rates, and investment stagnation increased, while high inflation affected ordinary citizens’ daily lives. Major development projects stalled, foreign agreements sparked controversy, and no meaningful progress was made on the Rohingya issue. Overall, this period negatively impacted stability, economic momentum, and citizen security.

Legal experts argue that using state authority to benefit personal or affiliated institutions constitutes a conflict of interest and a breach of the oath of office. Dr. Yunus’ actions—rapid license approvals, settlement of pending lawsuits, tax exemptions, and other privileges—have drawn criticism for transparency, accountability, and fairness.

Senior lawyer Manzil Morshed emphasized, “Decisions taken for personal gain while holding a constitutional office constitute a conflict of interest and violation of the oath. Such actions should be annulled, and legal steps taken where necessary.” Similarly, lawyer Dr. Shahdeen Malik noted that under Article 147 of the Constitution, holding profitable engagements while in office is prohibited, raising further questions about the legality of benefits obtained by Dr. Yunus and his affiliated institutions.

In summary, experts conclude that the interim government period witnessed significant concerns regarding ethics, accountability, and constitutional limits in the actions of the chief adviser and related institutions. (Kalerkantha)

Desk Report: Drones have been spotted flying near Bangladesh’s airspace close to Saint Martin’s Island in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, raising concerns among residents in the border area. On Thursday around 7:00 PM, two drones, colored red and green, were seen hovering in the eastern sky near the island’s jetty for almost an hour. The sighting caused alarm among the local population. Residents suspect that the drones may have been launched from Myanmar for surveillance of the border area.

Foyezul Islam, chairman of the Saint Martin Union Parishad, said, “Two drones were seen flying in the eastern sky near the jetty at night. It is believed that they came from the direction of Myanmar and may be part of the Arakan Army’s border monitoring. In this situation, it is crucial to strengthen our border security.”

Local fisherman Mohammad Azim added, “People gathered after seeing two drones flying in the sky at night. The matter was then reported to the authorities. Many are speculating that the drones came from Myanmar and could belong to the Arakan Army.”

Residents expressed concern over such drone activity, especially given the recent rise in instability along the border. They have called for an immediate investigation and necessary measures, including enhanced border surveillance, to ensure the security of Bangladesh’s airspace.

News Desk: A prominent London-based law firm has challenged the prosecution and death sentence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, directly contesting the legality and fairness of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) proceedings. Kingsley Napley, known for its work in criminal litigation, extradition and white-collar crime, has filed a detailed objection against the proceedings of the ICT, which on Nov 17, 2025 sentenced Hasina to death in absentia.

The three-member ICT bench, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, found her guilty of crimes against humanity linked to the violent state crackdown on student-led protests in July and August 2024.

The conviction covered multiple charges, including incitement, ordering killings and failing to prevent atrocities. In a 10-page letter sent on Monday, Kingsley Napley described the trial as “fundamentally incompatible with basic international standards for fairness and due process”.

Acting on Hasina’s behalf, the firm argued the case unfolded in a “hostile environment”, pointing to the banning of the Awami League’s political activities under anti-terror legislation in May 2025 and alleged intimidation of its legal team. The letter reads, “Sheikh Hasina has been prosecuted and sentenced in absentia for capital offences in proceedings that… violate her fundamental rights under international law.

“This correspondence does not constitute acceptance of, submission to, or recognition of the legitimacy of these proceedings as currently constituted.”

A central claim in the filing is the alleged lack of judicial independence. The firm says the ICT bench was reconstituted in October 2024 with judges said to have “overt political affiliations to opposition parties”.

It highlights Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud’s appointment to the High Court just six days before joining the tribunal, alleging he had “pre-determined Sheikh Hasina’s guilt”.

Citing a reported August 2025 courtroom exchange, the lawyers say Justice Shafiul told state-appointed defence counsel, “You’ll try your best to save your clients from the gallows”, arguing this suggests the verdict was a “foregone conclusion”.

The firm also questions the neutrality of former chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam, noting his past role as defence counsel for senior Jamaat-e-Islami figures and his participation in rallies calling for an Awami League ban during the trial.

Beyond alleged bias, the objection challenges the ICT’s jurisdiction. It argues amendments made in August 2024 to extend the tribunal’s mandate beyond 1971 war crimes to include the July-August 2024 protests amount to an “unlawful expansion” and a “legal impossibility”.

Kingsley Napley says such cases should be handled under the regular criminal justice system, warning that imposing the death penalty after flawed proceedings amounts to “summary execution” under international law.

The firm has demanded the verdict be “immediately set aside as legally void” and sought a response within 14 days, cautioning that Hasina may pursue remedies through international human rights bodies. Authorities have defended the trial as essential for justice over the July killings.

SANGSAD BHABAN – Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said the government has started preliminary work to fulfill its commitments to the people as they are the source of all political power. “Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) believes that the people of this country are the source of all political power. The present government has already started the preliminary work to implement the promises made to them,” he said.

The premier said this while replying to a supplementary question from treasury bench member from Patuakhali-4 constituency ABM Mosharrof Hossain in the House with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair. Highlighting the role of elected public representatives, he said all programmes will be presented gradually in parliament by the lawmakers, who have been elected through a neutral election and to be implemented accordingly.

Criticizing past political parties for making empty promises, the Leader of the House said, “In the past, many political parties made various promises, and some even distributed tickets”.

“However, the mandate given by the people in the last election has proven that people have spontaneously supported BNP’s welfare-oriented plans, including ‘Family Card’ and ‘Farmer Card’,” he added. Expressing gratitude to the countrymen, Tarique Rahman said, the government will fully honour the trust placed by the people on it. “We are firmly committed to fulfilling every promise made to them with our highest efforts,” he added.

DHAKA – The newly-formed government of Bangladesh has received congratulations and full support from 47 countries during discussions on Bangladesh at the 356th Governing Body session of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. The countries expressed their commitment to work in cooperation with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government, which assumed office with a public mandate through a free, fair and credible election, according to a message received here Today.

The discussion also addressed a case filed in June 2019 under Article 26 of the ILO Constitution by five worker representatives of the International Trade Union Confederation, accusing the then government of failing to comply with Conventions 81, 87, and 98.

In response, the previous government submitted a five-year labour sector reform roadmap to the ILO Governing Body in 2021. Progress on the roadmap has been reviewed in eight Governing Body sessions over the past five years, and the current government today presented the ninth progress report.

Representatives from all participating countries voiced their support for the current government. Of the 56-member Governing Body, 19 member states, 28 countries from two regional groups, and employers’ representatives praised the new government’s strong commitment to legal and administrative reforms in the labour sector and urged the rapid settlement of the ongoing case.

Bangladesh’s delegation included Minister of Labour, Employment, and Expatriates’ Welfare Ariful Haque Chowdhury and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Labour, Employment, and Education Mahdi Amin. Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to Geneva Nahida Sobhan and Secretary of Labour Abdur Rahman Tarafdar were also present.

At the outset of the discussion, Adviser Mahdi Amin conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to all Governing Body members and highlighted the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to labour rights, worker protection, and social justice. He noted that the Bangladeshi people had given the government a strong electoral mandate emphasizing citizens’ rights, human rights, rule of law, freedom of speech, broad-based employment creation, quality education, skills development, and merit-based growth. The adviser said these priorities align with the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda.

He also informed the session that a parliamentary special committee had been formed to enact the Bangladesh Labour Law Amendment Ordinance 2025 and assured that the government would expedite the process. He stressed that the government is positively disposed toward amendments developed through tripartite discussions, which will enable inclusive, sustainable, and employment-driven development.

Reaffirming Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s firm commitment to institutionalizing democracy, strengthening democratic values, and ensuring workers’ rights, the adviser sought continued support from the ILO and other stakeholders. After extensive discussions, it was unanimously decided that the next session on the case will be held in March next year.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called on athletes not to be affiliated with any political party or group during professional sports tenure, saying rather they should represent the country through sporting excellence. “In your (sports persons) professional sports career, you should not get involved with any political party or group, rather represent the country through your sporting excellence,” he said.

The prime minister was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the sports card and allowance distribution programme at his office here this morning. Tarique Rahman also urged the sports persons to lead Bangladesh to a higher position in the global sports arena by winning games at home and abroad. “I believe that if you have patriotism, a strong will, and team spirit, no one can stand in your way of successful progress,” he said.

The premier said that sports is no longer just a matter of hobby, entertainment, or physical exercise, but is now recognized as a profession worldwide. “Bangladesh will also not lag behind. Before the 2026 national election, we pledged in our party manifesto that if the BNP gets the opportunity to run the state through people’s mandate, we would establish sports as a profession. The implementation phase of that promise formally began today,” he added.

Noting that defeat does not mean losing, but is part of victory, Tarique Rahman quoted Albert Einstein as saying: “A person who has never been defeated has never done anything”.

He said the government has started implementing a plan to bring sportspersons under a structured salary framework based on a specific policy so that they can pursue sports professionally without financial uncertainty for themselves and their families.

“For the first time in the country’s history, athletes are being brought under a salary structure and provided with sports allowances,” the premier said.

Highlighting the government’s other initiatives to improve the living standards of the countrymen, he said his government has already introduced Family Card, honorarium allowances for imams, khatibs and religious leaders of other faiths, and a nationwide canal excavation programme.

The prime minister also said that the government is set to launch the ‘Farmers Card’ programme on April 14 from Tangail district. Stating that the government is implementing its commitments step by step, he said, “As part of that continuity, the ‘Sports Card’ has been launched today”.

Tarique Rahman said physically challenged individuals who are capable of contributing to sports will also receive sports cards. Under the theme “Sports for All”, he said the government has taken all initiatives to ensure facilities for underprivileged groups and persons with special needs, who want to participate in sports, both at home and abroad.

Highlighting the government’s plans, the premier said a wide range of programmes has been undertaken to establish sports as a profession. Noting that cricket and football are currently the most popular sports in the country, he said apart from these, there are many other sports like archery, boxing, yoga, gymnastics, carrom, weightlifting, wushu, swimming, para swimming, athletics, para athletics, karate, sepak takraw, table tennis, kabaddi, volleyball, wheelchair basketball, bridge, futsal and badminton.

“If these sports are supported by the government and private sector, those also can bring honor to the country,” he said. Tarique Rahman also mentioned that Bangladesh recently became champions in SAFF women’s futsal for the first time. He said the government has started implementing short, medium, and long-term plans to develop sports as profession. A plan has been taken to make sports compulsory from grade four in the education curriculum to ensure involvement of interested students in sports along with their studies, the premier added.

“We want our children to become interested and skilled in sports alongside their studies,” he said, adding that the Education Ministry has already begun revising the curriculum accordingly. Stating that ‘Notun Kuri Sports’, a talent hunt programme, is going to be launched nationwide in a new format, the prime minister said, “In independent Bangladesh, ‘Notun Kuri’ was initiated in 1976 to find out talented children and adolescents in different fields,”.

Although this popular programme of Bangladesh Television (BTV) was closed for many years at one point, the programme has now been re-launched on BTV, he said. ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ is going to be launched nationwide from Sylhet on April 30 to find sports talent among children and adolescents in a different way, he added.

Earlier, the premier inaugurated the sports card and allowance programmes around 10:30am. He launched the allowance programme by pressing a button on a laptop when an amount of Taka 100,000 was instantly transferred to each athlete’s accounts through Sonali Bank’s online system.

On the occasion, Tarique Rahman handed over sports cards to 129 athletes and honoured athletes who achieved success at the international level. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the function as the guest of honour with State Minister for Sports and Youth Md Aminul Haque in the chair. Sports and Youth Secretary Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam delivered the welcome address.

Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Md Ismail Zabiullah, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam and BNP Vice Chairman Dr Asaduzzaman Ripon were present on the occasion, among others. After the inaugural ceremony, the prime minister took part in a photo session with the athletes outside the Shapla Hall.

DHAKA – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said that alongside the iconic children’s talent hunt programme ‘Notun Kuri’, his government is now planning to introduce another nationwide programme named ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ aimed at hunting new talents in the sports arena.

“As you know, we pledged in our party’s election manifesto that we want to create new players for various sports in Bangladesh’s sports arena and to give the sports a professional shape,” he said.

“Therefore, alongside the “Notun Kuri” programme, we have decided to introduce ‘Notun Kuri Sports’. We have a plan to introduce interclass sports competition in every school in every district, upazila, and union level,” the premier added.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while distributing prize of a friendly football match at the national stadium here this afternoon. Bangladesh Football Federation organized the match on the occasion of the Independence and National Day. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the match and along with his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman enjoyed the game.

The premier greeted everyone on the occasion of Independence and National Day. Noting that the government has a goal to ensure that Bangladesh can bring more honor in international sports forums, he said his government has a plan and effort to develop skilled players so that the country can achieve better results in international competitions.

On the occasion of Independence Day, Tarique Rahman called upon everyone, especially those who are directly or indirectly involved in sports, to take a collective decision and work together to develop the sports sector.

He said that efforts should be made to build the sports sector of Bangladesh in a beautiful and inclusive manner, beyond difference of party or opinion. “I believe that sports have the ability to create bonds of friendship and brotherhood among us, just as it can bring honour for the country,” the Prime Minister said.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division and Railways Ministry Habibur Rashid, State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Dhaka City South BNP Convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present at the function.

DHAKA – Independence and National Day Parade 2026 was held with great pomp at the National Parade Square today after 18 years. President Mohammed Shahabuddin attended as the chief guest and took the salute during the parade. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also witnessed the colorful parade.

Earlier, the premier along with Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister Ishraque Hossain, Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan received the President at the parade ground.

Jatiya Sangsad speaker, cabinet members, members of parliament, senior military and civil officials, foreign diplomats and media personalities were present on the occasion. The parade was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs with the support of the Armed Forces Division and overall management of the 9th Infantry Division. Freedom fighters, armed forces, paramilitary forces and members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence took part in the parade.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar Area Major General SM Asadul Haque performed as the parade commander while Commander of the 71 Mechanized Brigade Brigadier General Mohammad Shafqat-Ul-Islam served as the deputy commander.

A total of 25 contingents from different forces gave salute to the President. Commander of 9 Artillery Brigade Brigadier General Md Anwar Uz Zaman led the combined mechanized contingent. The mechanized display included significant military weapons. In addition, decorated vehicles carried freedom fighters who gave salute to the President.

Fly-pasts by Army Aviation, Naval Aviation, BGB Air Wing and RAB Forces and freefall jumps by adventurous Para Commando members made the parade more interesting. After the mechanized display, Bangladesh Air Force conducted a spectacular fly-past and aerobatic display. Air Commodore Mehedi Hasan led the aerial formation. State-owned Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV channels and radio stations live telecast the parade.

According to the ISPR, in order to uphold the true history of the great independence and Liberation War to the new generation, a significant number of banners and billboards containing the spirit of the great Independence and National Day were displayed on two sides of the city roads and the National Parade Square.

These banners and billboards reflected the great Liberation War and the immortal history and heritage of the Bangalee nation. In addition, pictures of notable activities of all the forces participating in the parade have been displayed on the parade ground.

DHAKA – The government has issued directives to properly follow the National Flag Rules enacted in 1972 (amended in 2010) as it is the duty of every citizen to follow the guidelines for the proper use of the national flag. An official handout issued today said hoisting of the national flag is mandatory on the Great Independence and National Day as well as on other days designated by the government.

According to constitution, the national flag shall consist of a red circle on a green background. The flag rules further specify that the color of the flag shall be dark green with a red circle in the middle. The flag shall be rectangular in shape with proportions of 10×6 (length × width), featuring the red circle centered within the dark green field.

The radius of the circle shall be one-fifth of the length of the flag. Depending on the size of buildings, three standard flag sizes are used: 10×6, 5×3, and 2.5×1.5. The rules state that the flag must not be used to cover any part of motor vehicles, trains, or vessels, including their body, front, or rear. No other flag or colored flag may be flown above the national flag of Bangladesh. When displayed on a wall (other than on a pole), the flag must be placed flat against the surface.

In public auditoriums or meetings, the flag should be positioned behind the speaker at a higher level. If displayed across a street, it must be hung vertically. The national flag must not be lowered or allowed to touch the ground, including in cemeteries.

It must never be carried horizontally or flat; it should always be held aloft and free. The flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered with due respect. During formal flag hoisting ceremonies, the national anthem must be sung simultaneously. When the anthem is played and the flag is displayed, all present must stand facing the flag, while uniformed personnel should salute. When displayed on a motor vehicle, the flagstaff must be securely fixed to the chassis or radiator cap clamp. Nothing may be written or inscribed on the national flag.