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Zeauddin Ahmed

  • Economist

Former Managing Director of Bangladesh Bank and Former Managing Director of The Security Printing Corporation (Bangladesh) Limited, or Takshal 

Take swift action to prevent domestic violence
domestic violence
State and Politics

Take swift action to prevent domestic violence

A mother and father killed their own daughter in an attempt to frame the opposing party over a land dispute in Kurigram Sadar upazila on May 10, 2025. Late at night, with the help of the brother’s wife, the parents hacked their daughter Jannati Khatun, a ninth-grade student, to death using an iron rod and a machete, then left her body in a cornfield. To divert the case, they set fire to a haystack near the house. Exactly one year earlier, on February 8, 2024, an eight-year-old girl named Mariam was killed by her own mother and uncle for the same reason, a land dispute, at Ramballav village under Betagi Sankipur union of Dashmina upazila in Patuakhali. The mother, Rina Begum, dressed her daughter in new clothes and told her they were going to visit a neighbor’s house. Instead, she took her to an abandoned homestead next to their house, tied her mouth with a scarf, and the uncle beat her to death with a stick.

Doubtful whether Rohingya repatriation will happen at all
Doubtful whether Rohingya repatriation will happen at all
State and Politics

Doubtful whether Rohingya repatriation will happen at all

In the international arena, Dr Yunus's reputation is sky-high. At his call, UN Secretary-General António Guterres rushed to Bangladesh, wore traditional pajama-panjabi during Ramadan, and even had iftar with the Rohingyas. Dr Yunus announced that they would work jointly with the UN so that the Rohingyas can celebrate Eid next year in Myanmar’s Rakhine State. On the other hand, Dr Khalilur Rahman, the high representative of the chief adviser, said that arrangements could be made to repatriate 180,000 Rohingyas selected by the Myanmar government during the Awami League government. But after this announcement, it was heard that in the last year alone, another 118,000 Rohingyas have newly entered Bangladesh. Yet, seeing the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and the interim government, we hoped that something would finally happen. Something did happen—Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus, delivering a speech in the Chattogram regional dialect at a Rohingya gathering, reminded the world of the emotional bond between the people of Chattogram and the Rohingya.

If interim government doesn’t set an example in reform, it won't happen again
interim government
State and Politics

If interim government doesn’t set an example in reform, it won't happen again

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government, has placed excessive emphasis on reform. He clearly stated, “Not flimsy reform, not superficial reform, but fundamental reform. We will do it in such a way that no one will be able to undo it.” He also remarked, “My only concern is reform. Debate all you want about what the reforms will be, but let’s not hold an election without reform… Don't miss this opportunity.” His words are commendable; however, they are not grounded in the realities of the situation. He dreams, but in trying to realize those dreams, he faces disillusionment. His claim that he will make reform irreversible is rooted more in emotion than in practical reality.

When will Bangladesh overcome the culture of denial?
overcome the culture of denial.
State and Politics

When will Bangladesh overcome the culture of denial?

On April 1, 2025, The New York Times published a report titled “Islamist Hardliners Seize Opportunity to Shape New Bangladesh.” The Press Wing of the interim government’s Chief Advisor termed the report “misleading,” claiming it highlighted selective incidents without considering the broader reality of Bangladesh’s current situation, thereby creating confusion on the global stage.

Attacks on foreign brands have ruined the country's image
Attacks on foreign brands have ruined the country's image
Diplomacy

Attacks on foreign brands have ruined the country's image

Of course, Hamas has driven this violent man crazy. Due to its excessive confidence and belief in its own power, Hamas has suddenly attacked inside Israel and killed, tortured, and taken hostage Israeli civilians. In retaliation, Israeli soldiers are shooting wherever there is movement inside Gaza, silencing it. There is no hesitation in the words of the Israeli soldiers, Hamas fighters killed them in October 2023, now they are killing Palestinians. One soldier said, ‘We came to kill them. We are killing their wives, children, dogs, cats - everything.'

The date of receiving new notes
The date of receiving new notes
Bank

The date of receiving new notes

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh Bank has suspended the exchange of fresh notes. The reason behind this is that they no longer want to issue notes bearing the portrait of Bangabandhu. While this decision aligns with the spirit of the mass uprising, it has left people without fresh notes this Eid, which contradicts the new spirit of the movement. Relatives and friends are constantly requesting fresh notes, assuming that, as a former employee of Bangladesh Bank, I might be able to procure some despite the restrictions. Even ardent supporters of the uprising desire fresh notes and have no objections to those bearing Bangabandhu’s portrait. The people of Chattogram, in particular, have a high demand for fresh notes; to them, fresh notes are as essential as their traditional Mezban feast. The tradition of giving and receiving Eidi during Eid feels incomplete without fresh notes, as old and worn-out notes are considered unsuitable and unacceptable for this practice. Children, too, may miss out on Eidi this year due to the unavailability of fresh notes. Consequently, Bangladesh Bank’s decision has disrupted the long-standing tradition of fresh note exchanges during the Eid festival.

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