EC Cancels Registration of 96 Local Election Monitoring Organizations

Lens Asia

17 July, 2025 04:29 AM

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The Election Commission (EC) has officially cancelled the registration of 96 domestic election observation organizations that were registered under the previous policy during the tenure of the Awami League government.

EC Director of Public Relations, Md. Shariful Alam, confirmed the development on Thursday. He stated, “A new policy has been issued, and the previous one has been repealed. As a result, all observer organizations registered under the old guidelines have had their registrations revoked.”

Among the cancelled organizations are several controversial groups, including JANIPOP and the SAARC Human Rights Foundation, both of which had drawn criticism for their partisan activities and alleged lack of credibility.

Sources within the EC indicate that, under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, several organizations with questionable qualifications were registered to monitor elections. These groups reportedly endorsed the credibility of the highly debated 12th National Parliamentary Election, as well as various other local elections, despite allegations of irregularities.

The move to revoke their registration is being seen as a step towards implementing greater transparency and accountability in election observation. However, political analysts warn that unless the new registration criteria are applied fairly and transparently, the decision may raise further questions about the EC’s impartiality.

The new election observer guidelines, which have not yet been fully disclosed to the public, are expected to introduce stricter qualifications for organizations seeking to monitor future elections in Bangladesh

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EC cancelled local registration observation organizations

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Bangladesh–Turkey sign cultural deal

Lens Asia

6 June, 2026 12:53 AM

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A cultural exchange Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Bangladesh and Turkey during a meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Dhaka. The meeting was held on Friday at Hotel InterContinental, where discussions also covered trade, investment, and regional cooperation.

At a joint press briefing after the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman said that Bangladesh and Turkey will work together in the areas of peace, trade, and investment. He also noted discussions on expanding free trade and increasing Turkish investment in special economic zones in Bangladesh.

He further stated that Bangladesh has sought Turkey’s support in strengthening cooperation in education and technology. Dhaka also urged Ankara to play a more active role in resolving the Rohingya crisis. Bangladesh expressed gratitude for Turkey’s support in the United Nations General Assembly.

On the other hand, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Bangladesh has entered a new chapter through its national elections. He also congratulated Bangladesh on being elected as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Regarding the Rohingya issue, Fidan said Bangladesh has shown strong humanitarian responsibility by hosting the displaced population. He assured that Turkey will continue to support efforts for their safe and dignified return.

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Bangladesh–Turkey sign cultural

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Verdict in High-Profile Ramisa Murder Case Set for June 7

Lens Asia

5 June, 2026 12:51 AM

Photo: collected picture

The verdict in the widely discussed rape and murder case of child victim Ramisa will be delivered on June 7. The court fixed the date after completing hearings within only a few days of formal charges being framed. Prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for the accused.

On Thursday, Judge Masrur Saleqin of the Dhaka Metropolitan Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal announced the verdict date following the conclusion of final arguments.

During the hearing, state prosecutors argued that the charges were proven through testimony from 16 witnesses and the confession of the main accused, Sohel Rana. They told the court that the brutality of the crime warrants the highest punishment under the law.

Defense lawyers appointed by the state, however, claimed the evidence was not strong enough to justify capital punishment. They argued that life imprisonment would be a more appropriate sentence in the case.

The trial officially began on June 1. The following day, the court recorded statements from 16 witnesses, including Ramisa’s family members, eyewitnesses, doctors, police personnel, and investigation officers. Later, Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Khatun presented their defense before the court.

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Ramisa Murder Case June 7

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Bangladesh Seeks New IMF Loan Support

Lens Asia

3 June, 2026 11:43 PM

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Bangladesh has requested a new financial assistance program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to continue its ongoing economic reform efforts, according to IMF Mission Chief for Bangladesh, Ivo Krznar.

In a statement released on Wednesday (June 3), the IMF said discussions are underway with Bangladeshi policymakers regarding the possibility of a new support package. The talks are focused on the country’s economic reform agenda and future policy priorities.

The statement noted that IMF loan programs approved in January 2023 helped support Bangladesh’s economy during a difficult period. However, major changes in the country’s economic and political landscape in recent times have created the need for deeper reforms aligned with the current reality.

According to the IMF, weaknesses in the banking sector and lower-than-expected revenue collection are now among Bangladesh’s key economic challenges. The organization said long-term and effective reform measures will be necessary to address these issues.

The IMF added that Bangladesh’s request for a new program creates an opportunity to establish a revised framework that reflects the current economic situation and gives importance to the government’s priorities.

The statement also mentioned that any potential new assistance program would require strong policy commitments, realistic reform plans, and approval from the IMF Executive Board.

The IMF further said that a staff mission may visit Bangladesh soon to review the latest economic conditions and hold discussions with policymakers on future challenges and necessary policy actions.

At the same time, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Bangladesh in achieving sustainable economic stability, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring inclusive growth.

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Bangladesh IMF Loan Support

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Rohingya Crisis Now a Threat to National Security: Home Minister

Lens Asia

23 May, 2026 11:58 PM

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Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that the Rohingya crisis has now turned into a complex and sensitive issue for the country.

He made the remarks on Saturday during a courtesy meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Carol Flore-Smereczniak at the Home Ministry office in the Secretariat.

During the meeting, both sides discussed law and order, the Rohingya issue, Bangladesh Police participation in UN peacekeeping missions, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as trade and investment matters.

The Home Minister said Bangladesh has always believed in peaceful and sustainable migration policies. However, he noted that the Rohingya situation is now posing a major challenge to national security.

He also stressed that international cooperation and the role of the United Nations are crucial in addressing the crisis. At the same time, he said the ongoing humanitarian assistance for the Rohingyas remains insufficient compared to the actual needs.

The UN Resident Coordinator said the organization would continue working as a partner in Bangladesh’s development journey, including efforts related to the Rohingya crisis. She also sought opinions on potential areas for expanding cooperation.

Highlighting the contributions of the Bangladesh Army and Police in UN peacekeeping missions, the Home Minister said their participation has enhanced the country’s image internationally.

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Rohingya Threat National Security Home Minister

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Bangladesh–US relations reach new heights: Shama Obaid

Lens Asia

20 May, 2026 12:18 AM

Shama Obaid. Photo: collected

During a brief visit to Washington DC and a series of meetings, Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid said that relations between Bangladesh and the United States are stronger than ever before. She noted that cooperation between the two countries continues to expand across trade and other sectors.

On Monday local time, she held meetings with senior officials of the US State Department, as well as top representatives of the International Republican Institute and the Atlantic Council. On the same day, she also discussed issues with the Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs.

At the beginning of the meetings, she highlighted the country’s political situation and the government’s position, saying that Bangladesh is being governed under a leadership elected by the people and is moving forward on a democratic path.

Shama Obaid further stated that the BNP’s foreign policy and development priorities are centered on national interests. She emphasized that Bangladesh and its people will always remain the top priority, and the government will not deviate from this stance.

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Bangladesh–US relation Shama Obaid

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RAB Wants to Become a Symbol of Public Trust: DG

Lens Asia

19 May, 2026 12:24 AM

Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Md. Ahsan Habib Palash. Photo: collected

Director General of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Md. Ahsan Habib Palash, has expressed his commitment to building the force into a more professional and respected institution. He said efforts would be made to place RAB in a dignified position at both national and international levels.

He stated that the force, comprising members from the armed forces, police, BGB, Coast Guard, and Ansar, has long been working to combat crimes such as drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, kidnapping, and robbery. He also mentioned that RAB is prepared to deal with any situation through modern technology-based operations.

The RAB chief said the force had faced controversy in the past due to certain activities, which he described as undesirable. He added that RAB now aims to further strengthen public trust through lawful and professional conduct in the future.

He further said that the force would be able to perform more effectively if it remains focused on special operations instead of being involved in every type of activity.

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RAB Public Trust DG Md. Ahsan Habib Palash

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Qatar Keen to Hire Bangladeshi Workers in Four Sectors

Lens Asia

19 May, 2026 12:20 AM

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Qatar has expressed interest in hiring skilled workers from Bangladesh, particularly in the sectors of electrical work, welding, air-conditioning technology, and plumbing.

The matter was discussed during a recent joint meeting between the two countries, where increasing the number of Bangladeshi workers in Qatar received significant attention.

Bangladesh also requested Qatar to raise the number of imam and muezzin recruitments, to which Qatar responded positively.

During the meeting, Qatar also conveyed its willingness to create more employment opportunities for Bangladeshi nationals in the future.

Meanwhile, Bangladeshi applicants are currently facing difficulties due to the presence of only one Qatari visa center in the country. As a result, Dhaka has requested approval for several additional visa centers.

Officials said Qatar will discuss the matter in a joint working group meeting before making a decision.

The relevant ministry in Bangladesh also stated that steps will be taken to ensure that institutions responsible for visa processing do not harass or inconvenience applicants.

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Qatar Bangladeshi Worker Four Sector

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Bangladesh–US sign energy cooperation agreement

Lens Asia

16 May, 2026 12:07 AM

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Bangladesh and the United States have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the energy sector. The agreement was signed on Thursday at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.

On behalf of Bangladesh, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman signed the MoU, while U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed on behalf of the United States. The Bangladesh Embassy in Washington confirmed the development.

The embassy said the initiative will play an important role in ensuring Bangladesh’s long-term energy security amid the global energy crisis and ongoing instability in the Middle East. It is also expected to help diversify energy sources and stabilize supply systems.

Under the agreement, the two countries will expand cooperation in research, technology exchange, and capacity building in oil, gas, geothermal, and bioenergy sectors. It will also facilitate the import of energy products such as LNG and LPG from the United States.

Speaking at the ceremony, Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman described the MoU as a new milestone in Bangladesh–US relations. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright also called it a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation.

Officials from the Bangladesh Embassy and senior representatives of the U.S. Department of Energy were also present at the event.

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Bangladesh–US sign energy cooperation agreement

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Parliament Sets April 5 Debate on July Charter Plan

Lens Asia

1 April, 2026 09:24 PM

Parliament session. Photo: Collected.

The Parliament will hold a discussion on April 5 regarding the implementation process of the “July National Charter 2025.” A motion for adjournment on this matter has been accepted, and it is scheduled to be discussed for about two hours during the final part of the session on the designated day.

On Wednesday (April 1), a member of the ruling party raised the motion in the National Parliament. The Speaker accepted it and fixed the date and time for the discussion.

According to the proposal, the “July National Charter” is an important document of political consensus, outlining directions for various reforms, including constitutional amendments. It emphasized that a detailed discussion in Parliament is necessary to ensure its effective implementation.

Parliament was also informed that the charter, formulated with the participation of different political parties, is being considered a significant roadmap for state reform and political stability.

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Parliament April 5 Debate July Charter Plan

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