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Wednesday, 13 November, 2024

Israel’s military kill 10 Palestinians in drone attack on “safe zone

Anti-Democracy Forces Still Conspiring, Warns Tarique Rahman

Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Tarique Rahman, issued a stark warning on Friday, emphasizing that anti-democratic forces continue conspiring to undermine the interim government. “Freedom-loving people must stay vigilant,” Rahman declared. “The conspiracy by anti-democratic forces has not ended. Allies of the fugitive dictator remain active both domestically and internationally, embedded in power and administration, working to destabilize the interim government,” he said.  His remarks were delivered via a virtual address to a massive gathering outside the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office on November 7, prior to a grand procession marking National Revolution and Solidarity Day. Highlighting the day's significance, Rahman praised the fall of fascism during the student-led mass uprising and underscored the people's mandate for a stable government. “The interim government must take pragmatic steps to fulfil the people’s aspirations. We cannot let their dreams be in vain,” he urged, adding that the will of thousands who joined the event should not be disregarded. Rahman called for unity among pro-Bangladeshi forces to safeguard national independence and sovereignty, identifying November 7, 1975, as a day that distinguished friend from foe. "Let us ensure that the march of the people is not in vain. With this expectation in mind, I declare the successful inauguration of this march."  Tarique said, "The 7th of November, 1975, was the day of recognising friend and foe. And the 5th of August, 2024, will be remembered as the day of identifying Bangladesh’s enemies. “As long as the pro-Bangladesh forces remain united, no one can endanger the country's independence,” he added. Following his address, a grand procession commenced from Nayapaltan, drawing tens of thousands of BNP leaders and supporters. The rally proceeded through major city streets, including Kakrail, Matsya Bhaban, Shahbagh, and Farmgate, concluding at Manik Mia Avenue. The spectacle was marked by colourful displays, party flags, and placards portraying scenes from the July mass uprising. A dramatic effigy of a caged, monstrous-looking depiction of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, adorned with horns, symbolized grievances against the Awami League regime. “Freedom-loving people must stay vigilant,” Rahman declared. “The conspiracy by anti-democratic forces has not ended. Allies of the fugitive dictator remain active both domestically and internationally, embedded in power and administration, working to destabilize the interim government,” Tarique Rahman said.  BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, and others, participated in the rally atop an open truck. Leaders and activists, donning party-themed apparel and chanting slogans like “Swadhinatar Ghoshok Zia” and “Tarique Rahman Birer Beshe, Ashbe Fire Bangladesh,” turned the streets into a sea of enthusiasm. The procession resonated with themes of resilience and a call for justice. Crowds on both sides of the route cheered, with BNP leaders acknowledging the applause with raised hands. Delegates from surrounding districts, including Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Tangail, joined the event, creating an atmosphere of solidarity. Identical processions were held simultaneously in divisional cities. Earlier, BNP leaders paid homage to party founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman at his grave in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. The observance also featured a cultural program at the Central Shaheed Minar, organized by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas). During the Awami League regime, rallies were held from Nayapaltan to Shantinagar intersection with the permission of the police. BNP brought out procession up to Manik Mia Avenue for the first time after more than an era.

Draft Ordinance Grants Legal Validity to Interim Government's Actions

A draft ordinance that grants legal validity to all actions taken by the interim government has received provisional approval. On September 19, the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, endorsed the draft, which now awaits gazette publication, according to sources from the concerned ministry. The proposed Interim Government Ordinance, 2024 outlines that the caretaker administration will remain in power until a new prime minister is appointed by the 13th Parliament, with no specific term limit defined. The draft ordinance specifies that no court, including the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, can challenge the legitimacy of any government action taken during this period. It further bars the filing of lawsuits concerning these actions, reinforcing the government’s immunity from judicial scrutiny. Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid commented on Friday, "The interim government will remain in place until a newly elected government takes office. Further details will be provided once the ordinance is formally issued." He added, “The draft was prepared after careful consideration of various factors. However, the law advisor is currently abroad, and further discussions will occur upon his return.” The interim government was established on August 8, following the resignation and departure of Sheikh Hasina to India on August 5. Parliament was dissolved shortly before the caretaker administration assumed office. Despite constitutional provisions mandating elections within 90 days of parliament’s dissolution—with a possible extension of 90 additional days if necessary—no clear timeline has been provided by the interim government. Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman told a foreign news outlet that elections might be held within 18 months, a statement the government dismissed as his personal opinion. Law Advisor Asif Nazrul suggested elections could take place in late 2025, while Religious Affairs Advisor AFM Khalid Hossain clarified that this was not an official stance. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for early elections, emphasizing that constitutional amendments should be decided by an elected parliament for enduring stability. Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami, initially favoring "reforms first, elections later," has revised its stance, now advocating for “quick reforms and immediate elections.” Sources indicate that the ordinance provides sweeping legal protection for the government's activities. It declares that all powers exercised, and all ordinances, regulations, notifications, and measures taken from the time of the government's formation until a new prime minister’s appointment, will be considered legally valid. This immunity extends to any errors in the formation of the government or the appointment of the chief advisor and other advisors, ensuring no action can be declared illegal or annulled. The ordinance further outlines the interim government's structure and functions: The chief advisor can appoint as many advisors as deemed necessary. The president will administer oaths to the chief advisor and advisors. The interim government will support the Election Commission in conducting a free and fair election. The chief advisor will enjoy the rank and privileges of a prime minister, while advisors will receive the rank and benefits of ministers. The chief advisor and advisors can resign by submitting written letters to the president. If the chief advisor’s position becomes vacant, the president may appoint a new chief advisor from among the existing advisors. During the interim government’s tenure, the president must act on the chief advisor’s advice, including when declaring a state of emergency, which requires the chief advisor’s countersignature. The ordinance represents a significant legal framework aimed at stabilizing governance during the transitional period, though concerns about democratic oversight remain high.

Adani Power Reduces Bangladesh Supply by Over 60% Amid Payment Dispute

India's Adani Power has further slashed electricity supply to neighboring Bangladesh as it seeks to recover over $800 million in unpaid dues, according to data from Bangladesh's grid operator and sources familiar with the matter. Adani Power, which supplies energy to Dhaka from its dedicated 1,600 megawatt (MW) Godda plant in Jharkhand, eastern India, had already reduced supply this month to 700 MW-750 MW, down from approximately 1,400-1,500 MW in early August. On Thursday evening, the supply was cut further to around 520 MW, as indicated by Power Grid Bangladesh data and a Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) official. "We are gradually paying the dues and will take alternative measures if anyone stops the supply. We will not let any power producer hold us hostage," Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, power and energy advisor in Bangladesh's caretaker government, told Reuters on Thursday. Bangladesh continues to get a reduced supply even though it has expedited the payment of dues and a Nov 7 payment deadline by Adani had been lifted, the BPDB official said. Reuters reported this week that the troubled South Asian country had opened a letter of credit for $170 million for Adani and was accelerating payments. Adani Power did not respond to queries from Reuters on the reduction in power supply and details of payments made by Dhaka. The power supply has been gradually reduced based on demand from Bangladesh as well as keeping payment dues in mind, a source at Adani Power told Reuters. The Bangladeshi board and Adani Power officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they are not authorised to speak to the media. Bangladesh has been grappling with payment difficulties since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which triggered a surge in fuel and goods import costs. The situation has been further exacerbated by the political turmoil following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August.       4o
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