Dr Muhammad Yunus
Dr. Yunus’s Speech: Lofty vision or recycled reassurance?
One year after the July Uprising, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus delivered a speech to the nation outlining an ambitious vision for the country’s future. At first glance, it might appear that this government genuinely intends to bring about change. However, as the colorful narrative of hope unfolded, it also triggered a sense of déjà vu—we’ve heard these promises before. Different governments, different faces, and different regimes have repeatedly assured the people of new beginnings, only to abandon those very beginnings when it no longer served their interests. Rooted in that collective experience, the people today listen not with hope, but with skepticism. The question naturally arises: Is this yet another version of the old game, only with a new spokesperson?
Clear the path for reform and economic progress
“Reform, reform, reform”—Dr Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government, repeated the word three times to emphasise the importance of reform. He called upon everyone to jump into reform initiatives and repeatedly urged for more and more discussion and review on the subject. Driven by a strong desire for reform, he quickly formed several reform commissions. These commissions submitted their reports, and opinions from various political parties have been taken—and are still being taken—regarding several of the commissions’ recommendations. Based on these opinions, the “July Charter” will be formulated, which will include the signatures of political parties. But all these activities are unrealistic and dreams that cannot be implemented. The ideological difference between the left and the right is as vast as the distance between the North Pole and the South Pole. Therefore, the reforms that come through the “July Charter” will be very limited and will not be able to prevent the emergence of an autocratic government.
Shaheed Abu Sayeed, you are not a failure, nor the cry of your soul
Abu Sayeed was born in 2001 in Babonpur village of Pirganj upazila in Rangpur. His father is Mokbul Hossain, his mother Monowara Begum. Abu Sayeed had six brothers and three sisters; he was the youngest of nine siblings. He passed the fifth grade from the local Jafor Para Government Primary School with a talent pool scholarship. Afterwards, he passed SSC from the local Khalashpir Dimukhi High School with a Golden GPA-5. In 2018, he passed intermediate with GPA-5 from Rangpur Government College. Later in 2020, he got admitted to the Department of English at Begum Rokeya University. He was a student of the 12th batch (2024) of the English department at Rokeya University. Abu Sayeed was a spirited, talented young student. People in his area had dreams centred around him. It is unbearably painful to bring back the body of that same Sayeed.
Starlink gets BTRC nod for 50,000 kits, already 594 connections active
Starlink, the satellite internet venture of Elon Musk's SpaceX, is set to officially launch its services in Bangladesh, marking a major step toward expanding high-speed internet access across the country.
Reevaluating agriculture sector and need for an agriculture commission
In recent years, the number of medium and large farmers has been declining, while the number of small farmers has been increasing. This trend has had a negative impact on overall crop production. According to the latest Agricultural Census (2018–19), the number of farms increased by 11.19 percent in 2019 compared to the 2008 census. However, land under the control of large farms decreased by 46.18 percent, while land held by medium farms declined by 36.06 percent. Conversely, small farms have taken control of 32.24 percent more land.
If interim govt lacks authority, country's dev will be hindered
The interim government's initiative to hand over the management of one of Chattogram Port’s nine terminals to a foreign company is drawing heavy criticism. During a recent visit to Chattogram, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus remarked that since Chattogram Port lags behind global standards, its management should be entrusted to one of the world’s top companies—and the public must be made to understand the necessity of this move. The government has already selected a foreign firm: DP World, a state-owned company from the UAE. Dr Yunus has met its CEO twice, both at home and abroad. The company’s proposed responsibilities include easing port congestion, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing efficiency at Bangladesh’s primary maritime gateway.
Why citizens still worried during interim govt period
We, the common citizens, have for the first time supported an interim government without a referendum - which may be somewhat controversial according to the constitution; but in terms of reality, we have had to accept it as necessary. Because, despite 54 years of independence, Bangladesh has never been able to build a complete, effective and sustainable democratic system. Instead, lust for power, corruption, enforced disappearances and murders, rape, extortion, and administrative failures of the country's political parties for a long time have pushed the nation into a deep pit of distrust.
How easy will it be for deposed AL to make a comeback after uprising?
The Awami League, the party that led Bangladesh’s Liberation War, has been ousted from power 53 years after independence through a mass uprising—an event with at least twenty contributing factors. While conspiracy theories and accusations of foreign interference continue to circulate, there is no denying that in recent years the Awami League became increasingly disconnected from the people due to rampant corruption, partisan favoritism, and nepotism.
'Inevitable reasons' for news shutdown and journalist's dismissal
Just four days before World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, on April 29th, what happened at three television channels in Bangladesh raised serious questions not only about the statements of the interim government's Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the former Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam but also about journalists' freedom to ask questions, their authority, and the boundaries of that freedom.
How significant is the UN secretary-general’s visit?
The visit of the UN Secretary-General to Bangladesh commenced on March 14 with a meeting with the head of the interim government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. During the meeting, the Chief Adviser briefed the UN Secretary-General on Bangladesh’s political situation, various reform initiatives undertaken by his government, the country’s economic status, the Rohingya issue, Bangladesh’s role in global peacekeeping, regional politics, and more. He also discussed the possible timing of the national elections, explaining that their timing—whether this year or the next—would depend on the implementation of ongoing reforms. The Chief Adviser reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, and participatory elections.