Photo : Collected
All the advisers to the newly formed interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, who were sworn-in on Thursday, began their work at the Secretariat on Sunday. During their office hours, they addressed various current issues in response to questions from journalists.
‘Police must join work by Thursday or be deemed unwilling: M Sakhawat’
Adviser for Home Affairs Brigadier (retd) AKM Sakhawat Hossain has said that Bangladesh Police cannot be used for political purposes any more. Police will run according to the rules of the Police Commission from now on, he said.
He made the remark on Sunday while visiting injured police personnel undergoing treatment at Central Police Hospital in Dhaka.
“Police can no longer be used for political purposes. Police will operate according to the Police Commission. You give orders to the Police Commission, they (police) will abide by if the orders are good,” he said.
The Home Affairs Adviser also said those who used and exploited police force must face punishment.
He warned police personnel who are still not rejoining duty, saying that a date will be set from the Secretariat, asking them to join duty, otherwise they will be suspended.
The home affairs adviser to the interim government, Brig (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, said police members who have not yet joined office must join workplace by Thursday or else they will be deemed as reluctant to do the job.
M Sakhawat Hossain, also former election commissioner, made the remark while replying to a query by journalists at the secretariat.
He came to the secretariat for the first time on Sunday after being sworn-in as advisor to the home ministry.
“Everything that has happened in recent days will be subject to an investigation. The judiciary will adjudicate based on the investigation," he said.
"There is no need for anyone to be afraid. No innocent person will be harmed in any way," he added.
Addressing the public, he said, "Do not assault the police. You surely understand the necessity of the police.
"Whether it is the occurrence of robberies or the fear of them, please try to understand the need for the police," he added.
The Home Affairs Advisor also warned that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in extortion.
He said he had already discussed this matter with the Army chief.
"A political party linked to Bangabandhu and the history of the independence struggle is now in disarray, fleeing. The country is in a critical situation now, and you are taking advantage of it," he added.
"This needs to stop. I have received reports of extortion in Karwan Bazar and attempts to take over a bank by firing inside it. This cannot continue," the home affairs adviser said.
"I do what I say," he said, mentioning that he served in the army.
Addressing the public, Sakhawat Hossain said, "Do not give in to extortion. If someone asks for money, hold them."
He has warned the media against sycophancy.
He made the remarks while visiting police personnel injured in the recent violence at the Dhaka Central Police Hospital on Sunday.
“Sycophancy shown by any media will lead to its closure. I repeat, if the media is sycophantic, it will be shut down,” said the home advisor.
‘Those involved in internet shutdown will face action: Nahid’
Nahid Islam, adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, said action will be initiated against officials involved in internet shutdown during the recent student protests.
He said this while talking to journalists on the first day of joining his office at the Secretariat.
Nahid emphasised that those responsible for the internet shutdown during the protests will face consequences, with measures being taken as early as today.
He termed access to the internet a right, so disrupting or shutting down internet services is a violation of human rights.
He also mentioned that indiscriminate internet shutdowns will no longer be tolerated. The Information and Communication Technology Division plans to incorporate youth participation to fulfil the aspirations of the younger generation.
‘Action to be taken against those who shot near Islami Bank: Dr Salehuddin’
Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday said that those who were involved in the clashes and shootings in front of Islami Bank will soon be brought under law.
He said that the Islami Bank incident will be discussed with the law enforcement agencies. “Those who are guilty will not be spared.”
The Finance Adviser said this while speaking to reporters at the secretariat on Sunday in the Ministry of Finance.
Regarding the appointment of the new governor and the NBR chairman, the financial advisor said, "Now I am worried about the appointment of the governor, NBR is different."
“The chairman comes from the administrative service. The governor of central bank and the chairman of the Security and Exchange Commission will be appointed soon,” he said.
In response to a question from reporters -what criteria will be considered in appointing the governor — the finance adviser said, “These are being looked into”.
He also said that even if the governor is not present, the deputy governors can continue to work.
In response to the question of what message was given to the officials in today's meeting, the finance advisor said, "I told the officials to work for the people with dedication. Nothing can be left out. I also talked about ensuring transparency and accountability.”
Regarding setting a limit on withdrawing cash from banks, Dr Salehuddin said, “There is no shortage of money in banks, this is done due to insecurity. ATM booths were also attacked, for which there was apprehension. The finance secretary will look into the matter quickly.”
The finance adviser also said, “I know, bankers from Bangladesh Bank take money in big trunks every day. But now it is dangerous to transport that money by road. That's why it's done. The situation will return to normal soon.”
‘Do not approve exporting hilsa without providing the people of the country: Farida’
Farida Akhtar, the new advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, voiced strong opposition to exporting hilsa fish before ensuring it is available for domestic consumption. Speaking to journalists on August 11, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of the country's people over exports. Akhtar argued that hilsa, being a unique fish native to Bangladesh, should primarily benefit the local population rather than being exported. She expressed her commitment to making hilsa accessible to Bangladeshi consumers and addressing issues related to its pricing.
Regarding the control of prices for essential products like milk and eggs, Akhtar acknowledged the challenges but stressed the need to address them. She pointed out that various syndicates and extortion practices contribute to rising prices and that managing these issues requires coordination with other ministries, such as Planning and Finance. Akhtar committed to working on these issues and taking steps to reduce prices where possible.
Thirteen out of the total 16 advisors of Bangladesh's new interim government, led by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, took their oath of office on Thursday night at Bangabhaban.
President Mohammad Shahabuddin read out the oath sentences, while Dr Yunus and other advisors repeated it.
According to the Cabinet Division, two advisers took oath on Sunday. They are- Supradip Chakma and Bidhan Ranjan Roy.
The list of 16 advisors include- Saleh Uddin Ahmed, former governor of Bangladesh Bank, Dr Asif Nazrul, Professor of law department at Dhaka University, Adilur Rahman Khan, human rights activist and the founder of Odhikar, AF Hassan Arif, former caretaker advisor, Touhid Hossain, former Foreign Secretary, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Chief Executive of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Md Nahid Islam, HRD and National Coordinator, Students Against Discrimination Movement, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Coordinator, Students Against Discrimination Movement, Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, former Election Commissioner, Supradip Chakma, chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board, Farida Akhter, Founding executive director of UBINIG, Bidhan Ranjan Roy, former director of National Institute of Mental Health, AFM Khalid Hasan, former Naib e Amir of Hefazat, Nur Jahan Begum, former Managing Director of Grameen Bank, Sharmin Murshid, Chief Executive Officer of the election observation group Brotee, Faruk-e-Azam, freedom fighters representative.
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