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First lady of Bangladesh Rebecca Sultana urges global community to ensure justice for Gaza
Online Desk
15 Nov 2023, 20:29
First Lady of Bangladesh Dr. Rebeka Sultana led the 7- member Bangladesh delegation to the summit of the spouses of heads of states and governments titled 'United for Peace in Palestine'' held today in Istanbul, Turkiye.
Chaired by Emine Erdogan, First Lady of Turkiye, the summit was attended by 16 delegates led by spouses of the heads of states/ governments from Muslim countries including Egypt, Qatar, UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Scotland and so on. The summit after exhaustive discussions, adopted a Joint Declaration.
The summit expressed deep concerns over the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine including deaths over 11,000 civilians, mostly children and women in Occupied Gaza and West Bank and underlined the need to take urgent actions to establish ceasefire and withdrawal of blockade and embargo imposed on Gaza in gross violations of international laws including HR accords. The Declaration also stated firm rejection of Israeli attempts to forcibly displace the civilian population by any quarter and called on the entire world to take immediate and collective action to stop the continued massacres in Gaza in addition to cessation of Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructures including hospitals, schools, refugee camps, UN facilities etc in Gaza.
In her remarks, First Lady of Bangladesh briefed the summit about the initiatives taken by Bangladesh Government at the domestic and international fronts including adoption of a general resolution in Bangladesh National Parliament demanding ceasefire in Gaza war, it's efforts in the UNSC, the UNGA, OIC Conference in Jeddah and the latest OIC Summit in Riyadh to de-escalate the conflict in addition to repeated calls by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stop violence and atrocities in Palestine.
She also expressed Bangladesh Government's firm support for the Palestinian's inalienable 'rights to self- determination' and independence against Israeli aggression and illegal occupation. Rejecting the Israeli justification of violence in Gaza in self-defence, she termed this on-going massacre as a genocide against humanity and stressed the need to bring Israel's atrocities to accountability under relevant international frameworks. She reiterated the government's position on the Palestinian's rightful demand of an independent state based on the UNSC Resolutions on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The remarks by the First Lady were warmly welcomed by the dignitaries and audience present in the Summit. First lady of Brazil, Venizuela and Azarbaizan also joined the summit online to express solidarity with the people in Gaza.
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Fakhrul Opposes Banning Awami League, Warns of Democratic Risks
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has opposed the idea of banning the Awami League from participating in the upcoming national election, despite describing the party as "politically bankrupt" and out of touch with the public, especially the youth. In an interview with UNB, Fakhrul argued that labeling the Awami League as a fascist party or barring it from elections would be detrimental to democratic norms.
He voiced concerns about the Awami League’s political future, pointing to its growing reliance on bureaucracy and state forces, which he claims has isolated the party from the public. Fakhrul emphasized that, while the party has been accused of undemocratic practices, banning any political organization, including the Awami League, would not solve the problem. He cited past failures, such as the banning of Jamaat-e-Islami, to support his point that such actions often lead to political re-emergence rather than resolution.
Referring to the proposal to amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, which could ban political parties for up to a decade for crimes against humanity, Fakhrul warned against using legal measures to eliminate political actors. Instead, he advocated for allowing democratic processes to determine a party's fate.
Fakhrul also raised concerns over potential depoliticization efforts, drawing parallels to the events of 1/11, when local and international actors attempted to disrupt political stability in Bangladesh. He urged all political parties to remain vigilant and avoid actions that could undermine democracy, warning that similar plots might be underway once again.
In the wake of a student-led movement that played a significant role in toppling the Awami League, Fakhrul believes the party's growing disconnection from the people, especially the younger generation, will make it difficult to regain public trust. He stressed that the only path forward for any political party should be through fair competition and democratic practice, not through exclusion.
(Source: UNB)
All Pakistani Goods Removed from Red List: NBR
Following a request from Pakistan, goods imported from the country have been removed from the "Red List." On September 29, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) had categorized most goods imported from Pakistan as "Red Listed."
This information was revealed through an NBR order on Wednesday (October 2).
The order, signed by NBR's Second Secretary Md. Abdul Kaiyum, stated that all goods arriving from Pakistan have been removed from the "Red Lane" of the ASYCUDA World system. Previously, only goods from Pakistan were subject to the "Red Lane." The decision to remove them came after these goods passed the National Selectivity Criteria test.
The order further mentioned that while maintaining strict control over prohibited items like narcotics, the NBR is simplifying the import and clearance process for essential goods. This aims to ensure that there are no complications in importing raw materials for production-oriented goods. All consignments from Pakistan were being selected for 100% physical inspection under the National Selectivity Criteria, leading to delays for assistant or deputy commissioner-level officials. Since no significant issues were found during physical inspections, the order instructed Dhaka Customs House to exclude these consignments from the National Criteria.
It has been decided that all consignments from Pakistan will no longer be subject to the National Criteria. However, customs houses will still implement risk management for specific goods from Pakistan based on local criteria and risk considerations.
Earlier, on September 10, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, met with Finance and Commerce Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed. The High Commissioner called for strengthening the weakened bilateral trade relations between the two countries. Salehuddin Ahmed noted that trade between the two nations had declined for various reasons over a long period, but Pakistan now seeks to resume trade.
It is noteworthy that after the Awami League came to power in 2009, trade activities between Pakistan and Bangladesh were limited. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, due to public discontent, relations between the two countries began to normalize once again.
Dr Yunus's Tk666cr Tax Payment Verdict Revoked
The court revoked the order to pay Tk666 crore demanded by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) from Yunus-owned Grameen Kalyan.
On Thursday (October 3), the relevant bench sources informed this. Justice Mohammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar and Justice Sardar Rashed Jahangir's High Court bench have withdrawn the verdict.
It is known that a judge of the High Court felt embarrassed while writing the judgment that the National Board of Revenue (NBR) should pay Tk 666 crore for the rural welfare of Muhammad Yunus. Later, the High Court revoked the judgment given on August 4. The document was then sent to the Chief Justice.
On August 4, Justice Mohammad Khurshid Alam Sarkar and Justice Sardar dismissed the petition challenging the legality of NBR's tax claim of 666 crore rupees. Rashed Jahangir High Court Bench. As a result, Dr. Yunus was required to pay Rs 666 crore to the government.
Incidentally, on March 11, the Appellate Division directed the High Court to settle the tax claim of Tk666 crore from Grameen Kalyan within 3 months.
Online Income Tax Return Filing Number Exceeded 50,000
From this system, taxpayers can pay taxes through Internet banking, card payment (debit or credit card), and mobile banking and get the facility of downloading and printing copies of submitted returns, receipts, income tax certificates, and TIN certificates. You can also download and print the e-return filed for the previous year.
Spontaneous and motivated taxpayers have already used the e-return option on the National Board of Revenue (NBR) portal till October 2 due to its ease and convenience. As a result, the number of online income tax return filings has crossed 50,000.
NBR Director (Public Relations) Syed A Mu'men told the media that the e-return registration process has already been made more tax-payer-friendly. A biometric SIM registered with a taxpayer's national identity card is required for successful registration. To verify whether the number used by the taxpayer is biometrically registered or not, dial *16001#.
NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan said that all transactions of NBR will be converted into digital form so that taxpayers can get fast and quality services. That is why our activities are ongoing.
He further said that NBR will work towards digital transformation in the coming months, e-return service center is a part of that.
NBR congratulates those taxpayers who have already successfully filed their income tax returns online. Besides, the organization has humbly requested other individual taxpayers to file income tax returns online using the portal on time.
Incidentally, the National Board of Revenue has set up a call center to assist taxpayers with any issues related to e-returns. Last September 12, taxpayers got immediate solutions to e-return-related queries by calling call center number 09643717171. Besides, taxpayers can report any problem related to e-return in writing and get solutions from the e-tax service option of www.etaxnbr.gov.bd.
Advisor Nahid Featured in Time's 2024 '100 Most Influential People' List
TIME begins, 'Nahid Islam didn’t have to reach beyond the age of 26 to help bring down one of the most powerful figures in the world.'
Md. Nahid Islam played a significant role in Bangladesh's recent anti-discrimination student movement, which led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. Following this, an interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus took charge, with Nahid appointed as an adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, as well as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Now, Nahid Islam has been included in Time Magazine’s 2024 "Time-100" list, which annually highlights the world’s 100 most influential individuals.
Time Magazine wrote about Nahid, stating, “Among many leaders of the movement, Nahid stands out. After enduring torture at the hands of Bangladesh’s notorious intelligence agencies, his public recognition soared.”
Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s interim government features two "Gen Z" advisers, one of whom is Nahid, while the other is Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan.
Time noted, “After 15 years of authoritarian rule that broke down Bangladesh’s democratic system, the new government now faces the challenge of rebuilding it.”
Commenting on the matter, Nahid said, “We must understand the pulse of the new generation. The cycle of violence among political parties in Bangladesh must come to an end. We need to move forward.”
Sajeeb Wazed Joy Hires U.S. Lobbyist for $200,000
Key Highlights:
Joy Hires U.S. Lobbyist: Sajeeb Wazed Joy hires a U.S. lobbyist for $200,000 to represent the Awami League
Six-Month Contract: The contract will focus on informing U.S. policymakers about Bangladesh’s situation
Lobbying in Politics: Both Awami League and BNP-Jamaat have used lobbyists to influence U.S. views on Bangladesh
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has hired a U.S. lobbyist for $200,000. The CEO of Wazed Incorporation, Joy signed a contract with Robert Stryk, Chairman of Stryk Global Diplomacy. The firm will represent the Awami League, presenting Bangladesh's recent situation to the U.S. executive and judicial branches. The contract is for six months.
Lobbyist contracts regarding Bangladesh are frequently discussed in the political arena. For over 15 years, Sheikh Hasina and other top Awami League leaders have accused the BNP-Jamaat alliance of hiring lobbyists to increase U.S. influence in Bangladesh's politics.
On August 5, Sheikh Hasina fled the country to India, with top Awami League leaders either in hiding or arrested. To address the situation, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, former ICT Advisor to the Prime Minister, hired a U.S. lobbyist. The contract with Stryk Global Diplomacy was published on the U.S. Department of Justice’s website.
Documents show that the firm will advocate for the Awami League and inform U.S. policymakers about the current situation in Bangladesh. The six-month contract, valued at $200,000, was signed on September 12.
In 2004, Sajeeb Wazed Joy first signed a contract with a lobbying firm called "Alcatel and Fa," which claimed that the BNP was promoting extremism and that the Awami League would counter it if in power. In 2019, the BNP signed contracts with several lobbying firms, including Bluelight Strategies, accusing the Awami League of undermining democracy.
Lobbyist firms in the U.S. play a key role in promoting markets, whether for tea, ready-made garments, or other products. The U.S. Department of Justice's website lists at least 376 lobbying files related to Bangladesh.
163 Villages Inundated in Sherpur, Mymensingh
Heavy rains and landslides caused flash floods in several parts of Sherpur and Mymensingh. At least 113 villages in Sherpur's Nalitabari, Sreebardi, and Jhenaigati upazilas and 50 villages in Mymensingh's Dhobaura were inundated. Bhogai and Chellakhali dams are breaking and water is overflowing.
The water level of both rivers started rising last Thursday evening. Garakanda and Nichpara areas of the municipality including Poragaon, Nayabil, Ramchandrakura, and Baghber Union were flooded during the night. Upazila Parishad Square, Sadar Bazar, and lower areas of 40 villages have been inundated in Jhenaigati.
On Friday, around 5,000 people were stranded due to an abnormal rise in the water in the Maharshi and Someswari rivers. About 2,000 people in 13 Rani Shimul and Singabaruna Union villages bordering Sreebardi Upazila of Sherpur have become waterlogged due to heavy rains and landslides. Many roads were submerged in torrential water and traffic was stopped. Aman paddy's fields are submerged.
Meanwhile, at least 50 villages of the upazila have been flooded due to heavy rains and landslides in Dhobaura of Mymensingh, breaking the Netai River dam.
Akhlaq Ul Jamil, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board, said that due to heavy rains, the Netai River dam was damaged and several areas were flooded. If the rain subsides, the area's water level will likely recede in the next two days. Later the damaged dam will be rebuilt.
Dhobaura Upazila Executive Officer Nishat Sharmin said that the people's representatives of the areas where water has entered have been asked to arrange shelter in primary schools. Actions will be taken to help the victims after the inquiry.
