United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh-born US Georgia State Senator Sheikh Rahman has called on the country’s interim government to implement essential reforms and strengthen key institutions ahead of the upcoming national election to ensure meaningful and lasting changes. While acknowledging Bangladesh’s significant development, the senator emphasised that critical challenges persist. He urged the government to implement minimum reforms and ensure exemplary punishment for the individuals responsible for misgovernance and corruption under previous administrations. “Law enforcement still remains unsatisfactory and corruption is deeply entrenched across various sectors. Unless these issues are addressed, genuine development will remain out of reach of the people,” he told UNB in Dhaka recently. Senator Sheikh Rahman visited Bangladesh on a personal trip to see his 97-year-old mother and celebrated Eid-ul-Azha at his birthplace in Sararchar village of Kishoreganj for the first time in 45 years. He left Bangladesh for the US on Wednesday, July 2. In addition to his personal engagements, Senator Sheikh Rahman held several meetings in Dhaka and Gazipur with Bangladeshi and US officials, as well as members of the business community. Advocacy Reforms On the political front, Senator Sheikh Rahman stressed that holding elections alone is not enough without structural reforms. “Reforms in law enforcement and the judiciary are essential. Reports of political harassment, including some from my own hometown, are deeply concerning,” he said. Referring to various reports about illicit financial outflows from Bangladesh, Senator Sheikh Rahman urged the government to sign the bilateral agreements to trace and recover the stolen assets. He also suggested utilising multinational organisations, of which Bangladesh is a member, to support efforts in tracking and repatriating the illicit funds. “Core reforms must be implemented before the elections. Remaining reforms can be addressed by the next elected government,” he added. Senator Sheikh Rahman emphasised the need for a long-term commitment to democratic governance. “Bangladesh must ensure smooth and transparent transfers of power -- not just for one election, but consistently over the next 25 to 30 years,” he said. The senior US politician, a member of the Democratic Party, urged Bangladeshi politicians, bureaucrats and business leaders to act with integrity. “State institutions need to be strengthened. Nepotism must be stopped. Only competent and ethical individuals should be entrusted with national responsibilities,” he said. Concern Over the Rohingya Crisis Senator Sheikh Rahman has expressed his grave concern over the ongoing Rohingya crisis, terming it a major humanitarian issue in Bangladesh. Though he was interested in visiting the Rohingya camps to witness the situation firsthand, the senator said that the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had not yet responded to his request. “This Rohingya crisis remains urgent, particularly due to declining external funding. If the Bangladesh government seeks my support, I’m ready to raise the issue with the US government, especially about the US funding,” he said. Call for Environmental Responsibility The senator emphasised the need for raising civic responsibility and environmental awareness among Bangladeshi people. “Wherever I go out, I see trash scattered at most of the places. Citizens must take their own initiatives to keep their surroundings neat and clean. A cleaner environment improves quality of life and boosts tourism. Bangladesh has enormous potential, and I’m very interested in promoting its tourism even in the US if environmental conditions improve,” he said. Family Reunion All of Senator Rahman’s family members, relatives, and friends gathered during his visit to his birthplace in Sararchar village and at his residence in Dhaka. They held a reunion at a community center in Dhaka, where they shared food and enjoyed each other’s company. The senator described the trip as “a very memorable and the best visit,” noting that it was a special occasion for his entire family to reunite after many years. Legislative Support In April, the Georgia State Senate passed a resolution introduced by Senator Rahman recognising the 2024 student-led movement in Bangladesh advocating for civil service quota reforms and broader democratic demands. The resolution extended best wishes to the interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, for its commitment to reform.   Md Owasim Uddin Bhuyan, Communication student at University of Texas  

I was scheduled to travel to Bogor, Indonesia, to attend the 4th meeting of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group from May 20-22, 1992. When I went to the visa office of the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka, the visa officer asked me about the purpose of my trip to Bogor. After hearing my explanation, he was surprised and asked, “Are there elephants in Bangladesh?” I replied, “Why are you so surprised?” He said, “Your country is so small, with so many people, how can elephants survive there?” I responded, “Your country also has a large population, yet elephants still survive there.” He said, “But our country is much bigger.” I explained, “We have been making continuous efforts to figure out how to share our country's limited space with wildlife.” I also mentioned, “Our government is very aware of this issue, and the people are quite enthusiastic about wildlife conservation.” I personally witnessed this enthusiasm among the people of Sherpur. There were no elephants in that area for many years. But when a herd of elephants descended from the hills of Meghalaya in India — returning to what could be called the homeland of their ancestors — the local people were so excited that they invited their relatives from Dhaka and elsewhere to come and see the elephants. However, that excitement faded once the elephants decided to stay, and eventually, conflicts began to emerge. In 2004, two elephants crossed over from India’s Jharkhand, entered Bangladesh through Meherpur, and made their way to Gopalganj after crossing the Padma River. I, along with the WildTeam team, possibly arrived in Gopalganj around 3 am on May 17, 2004. At that time, Md. Shamsur Rahman, the Conservator of Forests for the Wildlife Division of the Bangladesh Forest Department, informed me that the elephants had already moved on to Bagerhat. In just eight days, the two elephants had traveled through eight districts of Bangladesh, and people everywhere welcomed them warmly. Some even carried buckets of water to offer them. A 28-member team from India, including mahouts (elephant handlers) and experts, arrived with 'Kunki' elephants (trained elephants used to manage wild ones) and large trucks. The first elephant was tranquilized right after it had finished eating all the jackfruits from a tree in someone’s yard. I asked the elderly woman of the house, “Mother, doesn’t it feel sad that the elephant ate all the jackfruits from your tree?” She replied, “No, I am very happy that an elephant came to my house!”

Missiles streaking across the sky, cities on edge, and families fleeing their homes. On June 13, 2025, this became reality as Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a bold airstrike campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leadership. For 12 days, the Middle East held its breath as Iran fired back with missile barrages, and the conflict threatened to spiral into a regional catastrophe. It was a moment that tested the resilience of not only those in the region, but around the world. This war didn’t come out of nowhere. Its roots trace back decades, fueled by Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s resolve to stop them. The tension skyrocketed after the US pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, a move that left Israel feeling exposed and vulnerable. On that fateful June morning, Israel decided to act, launching strikes to cripple Iran’s nuclear program. Iran, defiant and unyielding, responded with missile barrages that shook Israeli cities. The US entered the fray on June 22, targeting Iranian nuclear sites, while the Houthis’ missile strikes on Israel added another layer of chaos. It was a powder keg, and for 12 days, it seemed the entire region might ignite. The ceasefire on June 23 offered a glimmer of hope, but for those who lived through the terror, parents shielding children, communities under siege, the scars remain raw—a stark reminder of war’s human toll The Human Cost: Lives and Homes Lost The toll of those 12 days is heartbreaking. In Israel, 29 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives, and over 3,200 were injured as Iranian missiles rained down. Over 8,000 Israelis were left homeless, their lives upended by the sudden violence. In Iran, the devastation was even more staggering. Official reports cite 610 deaths, but human rights groups like Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimate up to 974, with over 4,700 wounded. Tens of thousands of Iranians were displaced, their homes reduced to rubble. The war’s ripple effects touched neighboring regions. A Syrian woman was killed by a suspected Iranian drone, seven Jordanians were injured, and five Palestinians, including three children, were wounded by a Houthi missile. Iran’s military took a beating, losing 950 drones, over 200 ballistic missile launchers, eight helicopters, and several fighter jets. Israel lost two drones but maintained air superiority, a testament to its military edge. Yet, the civilian suffering on both sides underscores the war’s brutal cost. Who Came Out Ahead? Pinpointing a victor in this conflict is like trying to call a draw in a storm. Israel’s strikes hit hard, damaging Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan and killing key figures, including IRGC commanders. Social media buzzed with claims of Israel’s dominance, with posts on X noting air superiority over Tehran and crippled Iranian defenses. Israel declared its objectives met, but according to The New York Times, US intelligence paints a different picture: Iran’s nuclear program was only set back by a few months, with much of its enriched uranium enough for nine nuclear weapons, per some estimates, likely moved to safety before the strikes. Iran, meanwhile, showed resilience. Its missile barrages struck Israeli targets, and a retaliatory attack on a US airbase in Qatar, though intercepted, signaled defiance. Yet, Iran’s heavy losses of hundreds of drones, launchers, and aircraft left it vulnerable. Experts argue Israel gained a tactical edge but failed to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat long-term. Posts on social media reflected this split, with some calling it a “major victory” for Israel, while others saw Iran’s restraint as strategic, avoiding a wider war. The ceasefire, brokered by Trump and Qatar, suggests neither side wanted to risk further escalation. Both nations faced mounting losses and international pressure, with some condemning Israel’s strikes as illegal and others defending them as self-defense. It’s less about a clear winner and more about both sides stepping back from the brink. A Fragile Peace: Is the War Truly Over? As of June 25, 2025, the ceasefire holds, with Israel and Iran publicly committing to peace unless provoked. Reports confirm the truce took effect on June 23, with Iran halting attacks first, followed by Israel. Yet, the calm feels uneasy. Israel’s military chief hinted that operations against Iran aren’t fully concluded, raising fears of renewed conflict. On X, some speculate about a “pre-planned conclusion” tied to regional deals, while others warn of Iran’s potential retaliation. The world watches anxiously. Families in Tehran and Tel Aviv long for stability, but the unresolved nuclear issue and deep-seated rivalries loom large. Experts like David Albright note that Iran’s nuclear program, though damaged, remains under scrutiny, with risks of further strikes if rebuilding begins. The ceasefire is a reprieve, but it’s a fragile thread in a region frayed by conflict. Looking Ahead: Hope Amid Uncertainty For those who lived through these 12 days, whether huddling in shelters or mourning loved ones, the war’s end brings cautious relief. The ceasefire offers a chance to rebuild, but the path forward is murky. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel’s security fears, and the region’s volatile dynamics mean peace is no guarantee. As one X post put it, the conflict may have paused, but it’s left a “newly negotiated order” that could reshape the Middle East.

While everyone discusses the politics and the politicians behind the recent eruption of violence between Iran and Israel, what is the true cost of this war so far and where are we right now? Background of the Conflict The conflict ignited on June 12, 2025, when Israel launched a large-scale operation, codenamed "Operation Rising Lion," targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. Over 200 Israeli fighter jets, including F-35I "Adirs," struck more than 100 sites across Iran, focusing on the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility and military command centers. The operation aimed to disrupt Iran's nuclear program and eliminate key military figures, escalating tensions that have simmered since the 1979 Iranian Revolution and intensified through proxy conflicts involving groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. In response, Iran launched a series of retaliatory attacks starting on June 13, 2025, deploying over 150 ballistic missiles and 100 drones against Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Named "Operation Severe Punishment," these attacks aimed to counter Israel's strikes and caused significant damage despite Israel's robust defense systems. The conflict, ongoing as of June 15, 2025, represents the most intense direct confrontation between the two nations in decades. Destruction and Losses in Iran Infrastructure Damage Israel's airstrikes targeted critical infrastructure, notably Iran's nuclear facilities and military bases. The Natanz enrichment facility, a cornerstone of Iran's nuclear program, sustained significant damage, though no nuclear accidents occurred as working reactors like those in Bushehr and Tehran were spared. The strikes also hit military sites, including an underground command center, and energy infrastructure, causing minor damage to Iran's defense ministry building in Tehran. These attacks disrupted Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities and military operations, though much of the nuclear program remains intact. Casualties According to Iran's Fars News Agency, at least 78 people were killed and 329 injured during Israel's attacks on June 13, with the majority being civilians, as stated by Iran's UN ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani. Another source reported up to 90 deaths. Among the casualties were high-ranking military officials, including: Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of General StaffHossein Salami, IRGC Commander-in-ChiefGholam Ali Rashid, IRGC senior commanderAmir Ali Hajizadeh, IRGC Aerospace Force CommanderDavoud Shaykhian, IRGC air defense unit commanderTaher Pour, IRGC drone unit commanderAdditionally, nine nuclear scientists, including Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, were killed, significantly impacting Iran's scientific and military leadership. In East Azerbaijan province, 31 people, including 30 soldiers and one Red Crescent member, were reported killed. Total Deaths -- 78–90 (majority civilians, per Iran's UN ambassador),Total Injuries -- 329,Military Commanders -- 6 senior commanders, including Bagheri, Salami, Rashid, Hajizadeh, othersNuclear Scientists -- 9, including Fereydoon Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi TehranchiInfrastructure Damage -- Natanz nuclear facility, military bases, defense ministry building.

From 9 to 13 June 2025, France will be hosting the third United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (UNOC, or United Nations Ocean Conference). For this crucial event, some 100 Heads of State and Government will converge, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists and citizens from around the world. On this occasion, France’s aim will be clear: protecting the oceans through tangible action. The oceans belong to all of us. They feed and protect our peoples. They inspire dreams and enable travel. They offer sustainable energy, means to trade, resources and infinite scientific knowledge. One in three people relies on the oceans for their livelihood, yet the oceans are in danger. They remain little-known, with neither global governance nor the financing needed for their preservation. The numbers are worrying: more than eight million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year, according to a study in Science. Moreover, more than a third of fish stocks suffer overfishing, while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems gain pace, as direct consequences of climate change. We must act now. More than ever before, we must make sure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the oceans. Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, the third United Nations Ocean Conference is a historic opportunity. The “Nice Ocean Agreements” will form a genuine international compact for conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, fully in line with the sustainable development goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. To this end, the talks in Nice need to be very operational and action-focused, aiming for better governance, more financing and greater knowledge of the seas. When it comes to governance, the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is essential. The high seas, which represent more than 60% of the oceans, are currently the only space not governed by international law. The lack of oversight and common rules is causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques, and the taking of protected mammals. To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to be ratified by 60 countries, so as to come into force. We commend the ratification by Bangladesh in September 2024 of the BBNJ. It is a great contribution at speeding up the entry into force of this milestone Agreement. Together, committed to protecting the oceans, we will celebrate this great victory in Nice. The protection of the oceans also requires public and private financing and support for a sustainable blue economy. To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the oceans, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate. In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment. In preparation to the UNOC3 events, a 'Blue Talk' series has been organized by the French Embassy in Dhaka, in order to bring together relevant stakeholders and strengthen Bangladesh’s role in harnessing the full potential of the Bay of Bengal, in terms of exploration and sustainable exploitation of its coastal and marine resources. The first edition, held on 21st of November 2024, addressed the state of the blue economy in Bangladesh, cooperation with France, and future directions. The second edition, held on the 22nd of April 2025, focused on how to better leverage satellite technologies to support the blue economy in the northern Bay of Bengal. It was also an occasion for a team of our Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS) based in Colombo to introduce the Centre and explore future alleys of cooperation with Bangladesh. France and Bangladesh share a longstanding partnership in oceanography and, more broadly, in blue economy initiatives. France has been supporting, from its inception, the capacity-building of the Hydrographic Department of the Bangladesh Navy, and since 2023 the French Embassy has deployed an International Technical Expert in oceanography within the International Centre for Ocean Governance of Dhaka University to enhance their academic research and educational activities in the field of marine sciences.   In fact, how can we protect what we don’t know – or know insufficiently? We need to enhance our knowledge of the oceans and share it better. Today, we are capable of mapping the surface of the Moon or of Mars, but the depths of the oceans – which cover 70% of Earth’s surface – remain unknown. Together, we need to put science, innovation and education to work to better understand the oceans and raise public awareness. In the context of ever faster climate change and overexploitation of marine resources, the oceans are not just one more issue: they are everyone’s business. We must not forget our shared responsibility in the context of challenges to multilateralism. The oceans join us all together and are central to our future. Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet. Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh

When the European Union’s Ambassador, HE Michael Miller, stepped into the Sundarbans this April, he arrived not as a diplomat on a scripted tour, but as a man ready to be humbled. By the time he left, the forest had etched itself into his memory—not just as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but as a place where tigers, honeybees, and people weave a story of survival that defies the odds. From April 12–14, Ambassador Miller and his family—his wife, Philippa Wood, and their children, Katarina and James—embedded themselves at the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre (WCBC), affectionately known as TigerHouse, built with the support from the IUCN’s Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHCP), funded by German Cooperation and KfW Development Bank. The Millers didn’t just observe; they listened, tasted, and, at times, held their breath. At TigerHouse, the Ambassador and his family met the unsung guardians of the Sundarbans: The Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT). These are ordinary villagers trained to do extraordinary. When a tiger strays into human settlements, they don’t reach for guns; they reach for sticks, ropes, nets, and hard-won expertise to guide the big cat home. Bangladesh: A trip across the tides

One of the greatest joys and satisfactions of my life has been contributing to the development of Bangladesh’s infrastructure—particularly during a time when the country urgently needed modern port facilities. We built the first inland container depot, port-related infrastructure, and terminals for oil storage. That’s how it all began. My journey into Bangladesh’s energy sector started at a critical juncture in the nation’s development. At the time, the country’s most pressing issue was the lack of electricity. In 1995–96, only around 20% of the population had access to electricity. I vividly remember those days, and I am both humbled and happy that we began generating electricity at that time. Today, 100% of the population has access to electricity in Bangladesh. That I played a part in this transformation—that Summit was part of it—is my greatest satisfaction. Challenges Facing Bangladesh’s Energy Sector Despite the impressive progress in electricity coverage, Bangladesh still faces formidable energy challenges. I have identified several critical issues that could impede the country’s continued economic growth if not addressed effectively. First among these is the rising demand for electricity driven by technological advancement. I firmly believe that increased electricity consumption—spurred by the growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and related technologies—could soon outstrip supply. This is already happening in parts of the world, such as the U.S. and Europe, where large-scale AI deployment is underway. This observation mirrors global trends. In the U.S. alone, projections suggest that by 2030, data centres could consume up to 9% of the country’s total electricity output—double the current level. In Bangladesh, several factors are contributing to rising electricity demand: a growing population with increasing residential electricity needs; a surge in internet users driving the need for data centres; a wider adoption of household electrical appliances; and the increasing use of battery-powered vehicles, such as electric rickshaws. A second major challenge lies in Bangladesh’s limited capacity for renewable energy development within its borders, largely due to land constraints in this densely populated country. The Renewable Energy Imperative For Bangladesh to achieve sustainable growth, a transition to renewable energy is essential—though not without challenges. The country must diversify its energy sources while contending with geographic limitations that restrict domestic renewable development. With only 55,000 square miles of land, Bangladesh has little scope to generate sufficient green electricity within its own borders. However, just beyond our frontiers—particularly in India, Bhutan, and Nepal—there is enormous potential. Nepal, for instance, has an abundance of green hydropower. We must harness these regional sources and import clean energy into Bangladesh. This cross-border strategy represents the most viable path forward, as envisioned by Summit Group. We have been actively pursuing regional renewable partnerships, including plans to import up to 1,000 megawatts of green electricity from India. Ayesha Khan, Managing Director and CEO of Summit Power International, has explained: “It has to make economic sense. When renewables cost less than fossil fuel-based electricity, then people will switch to renewables. But the way renewables are heading, that is what is going to happen.” She rightly adds that Bangladesh remains “a very cost-sensitive economy” and cannot afford expensive energy solutions. The vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change further heightens the urgency of this renewable transition. The impact is already evident: we produce 45 million tonnes of rice each year in our 55,000 square miles, and up to 50% of that goes underwater during floods triggered by climate change. Financial Innovation and Global Partnerships Addressing these energy challenges requires not only technical solutions but also financial innovation. Summit Group’s decision to incorporate in Singapore in 2016 demonstrates the kind of financial engineering required to support major energy infrastructure projects. Our move to Singapore was driven by the need to access more favourable financial terms. Bangladesh holds tremendous potential for growth, but it lacks robust governance and a mature financial market—both of which are crucial for executing long-term infrastructure projects, which is precisely what we aim to do for Bangladesh. The Singapore incorporation has enabled Summit to secure financing at competitive rates, thereby helping to reduce electricity costs for Bangladeshi consumers. It also attracted major international partners, including Japan’s JERA Co., which acquired a 22% stake in Summit Power International in 2019 for $330 million. Summit’s dual identity—as a Bangladeshi company with deep local understanding and an internationally structured entity with access to global capital markets—offers a model for other energy firms in developing economies. Education as Infrastructure To me, infrastructure development goes beyond the physical. It also encompasses social progress—particularly education, which I view as fundamental to equality and opportunity. True equality comes through education. Education is the world’s greatest equaliser. Providing such opportunities is one of my proudest contributions. As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Summit Group has established schools in communities near its power plants, supporting the education of approximately 8,000 underprivileged children. This focus on education reflects my broader philosophy of corporate responsibility. The creation of wealth should not be solely for personal gain or pleasure—it should also serve the advancement of humanity. Summit Group’s Solutions Summit Group has proposed and implemented several solutions to meet Bangladesh’s energy needs. We continue to adopt cutting-edge technologies, including GE’s most efficient combined cycle gas turbines, and we are positioning ourselves to eventually utilise hydrogen fuel. Our approach reflects a careful balance between pragmatism and aspiration—meeting today’s urgent needs while pursuing long-term sustainability. As Bangladesh embarks on a complex energy transition, Summit Group is poised to play a pivotal role. The author is the founder and chairman of Summit Group. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of UNB.  

One of the first things I noticed, the night I arrived in Bangladesh, was that the moon lies on its side here as if it's smiling. This showed me how far away from home I was, closer to the equator, but also foreshadowed that the main thing the moon causes is stronger here: the tides. The first days in Dhaka were a flood of impressions. Fantastic impressions — of Iftars with the tastiest food — to playing guitar in the park. In such a bustling city, where at every street corner, something interesting seems to be going on. Then came the start of our cycling trip: through Dhaka towards the port. On Thursday afternoon (March 27), we criss-crossed through broad motorways surrounded by hordes of tuktuks, rikshaws, trucks, motors, making a chaotic symphony of honks, toots, and sirens, as well as narrow alleys full of shoppers, stalls, and all sorts of different shops. The people were leaving Dhaka for their hometowns to celebrate the final days of Ramadan, and we were right in between this high tide, flowing back into a sea of villages. Buzzing in my head on the boat/launch towards Barishal, catching any sleep was no easy feat, so it failed, but fueled by excitement around 6 am we arrived and started cycling. How far? Around 120 km. How long? Hopefully we'll be there before sunset. Now we were complete, four Bagh Bikers on their way towards the Sundarbans, and after some first kilometers on the main roads, we gathered the courage and curiosity to try out the little and adventurous roads. Finally, ebbed, because although we were biking slower now, we saw so much beauty along the way: beautiful landscapes, forest, fields, and little villages.

On the surface, Bangladesh’s new interim government-backed “fact-checking” platforms—CA Press Wing Facts and BanglaFact—might seem like a sensible response to rising misinformation. But look closer, and it becomes clear that these initiatives raise troubling questions—for press freedom, democratic accountability, and the Constitution itself. Launched on 24 October 2024 by the interim government’s Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, CA Press Wing Facts began as a Facebook page designed to counter so-called “misinformation and propaganda” surrounding government activities. In early 2025, BanglaFact was introduced by the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), ostensibly to enhance media research and verify information, particularly around politically sensitive issues. Sounds reasonable? Not quite. Article 39 of Bangladesh’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the press. While the Constitution allows for certain restrictions—such as for national security or public order—these must be lawful, proportionate, and subject to oversight. When the government itself assumes the power to decide what is “true” or “false,” with no independent checks, the risk is not just bias—it’s authoritarian overreach. Bangladesh has been down this road before. Under the Digital Security Act, journalists, students, and citizens faced harassment and arrest simply for what they posted online. Human rights groups repeatedly warned that the law became a tool not to protect the public, but to suppress dissent. Today’s government-led fact-checking efforts, dressed in the language of digital modernity, carry that same danger. CA Press Wing Facts has labeled reporting by The Daily Star, The Indian Express, and even most recently The New York Times as “misleading”—echoing the tone and structure of independent fact-checkers, yet offering none of the transparency, sourcing, or accountability that lend those organisations credibility. These platforms mimic the mechanisms of truth verification while answering only to the state. That’s where they fall short of international standards, such as those set by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN). Genuine fact-checkers operate under clear methodologies, cite sources, publish corrections, and act independently. CA Press Wing Facts and BanglaFact do none of this. Instead, they selectively present data that bolsters the government’s position and ignore or discredit dissenting views. This isn’t about fighting misinformation. It’s about managing the narrative. The government might argue these platforms aren’t fact-checkers at all—just ways to “present their side of the story.” But that defence collapses under scrutiny. If these are merely informational tools, why do they adopt the language and techniques of fact-checking organisations? Why label independent reporting as “fake” or “false” at all? You can’t claim neutrality while playing both referee and player. This behaviour doesn’t just undermine public trust—it may also be unconstitutional. Article 7 of the Constitution affirms that all power belongs to the people and must conform to constitutional principles. When the state begins policing truth without legal clarity or independent oversight, it breaches that social contract. Moreover, labeling certain news content as false, misleading, or extremist without due process risks not only suppressing critical voices but also endangering the safety of journalists. In environments where media freedom is already precarious, such stigmatization can lead to harassment, violence, or reprisals against reporters and editors associated with the targeted outlets—placing them in imminent and unjustified danger simply for doing their jobs. And Bangladesh isn’t alone. In neighbouring India, the Bombay High Court recently struck down similar rules that would have established a Press Information Bureau Fact Check Unit under the IT Rules, 2023. The court found the initiative unconstitutional, warning it posed a serious threat to India’s free expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and equality before the law (Article 14). While the Indian government had claimed the unit would only target misinformation, the court held its vague language risked chilling speech and stifling criticism. The parallels are unmistakable. So what should Bangladesh do instead? To fight misinformation effectively—especially in a region saturated with geopolitical disinformation and propaganda wars, including from neighboring India—the government should embrace transparency, not censorship. That means supporting (or creating) independent fact-checking bodies, not state-run ones masquerading as such. It means disclosing data, engaging with criticism, and investing in public media literacy. And crucially, it means countering cross-border influence campaigns with factual narratives grounded in verifiable evidence, not by silencing stories the government finds inconvenient. Most of all, it means remembering who this country belongs to. Not the interim administration. Not the bureaucracy. But the people. This is not the legacy of the students who gave their lives for democracy and free speech,nor Muhammad Yunus’. It’s certainly not consistent with the mission of the Media Reform Commission, which failed to raise a single concern over this dangerous slide. And it is a profound failure of leadership at the Press Institute of Bangladesh, which should have known better. If Bangladesh is to remain true to its constitutional promise, these government-run “fact-checking” initiatives must be subjected to judicial review. The courts should assess whether they meet the tests of legality, necessity, and proportionality under Article 39—and whether they violate Article 7 by concentrating unchecked power in the executive. At the same time, the Media Reform Commission must be held accountable for failing to address this. It must urgently revisit its mandate to ensure that any state's role in information verification is transparent, independent, and rights-respecting. Fact-checking should never be a smokescreen for censorship. It must serve the public—not the powerful. That is the real test of whether this democracy still belongs to its people. Redwan Ahmed is a journalist and former Visiting Scholar at the University of Southern California. He can be reached at thisisredwan@gmail.com

The road to saving the Sundarbans has always demanded more than just talk—it requires sweat, blisters, and the kind of stubborn hope that keeps you pedaling when the sun burns, and the path turns rough. On March 28-30, 2025, Dutch Ambassador Andre Carstens proved just that, trading diplomatic corridors for the dust and grit of a 163-kilometer cycling expedition from Barishal to the heart of tiger country: WildTeam’s Conservation Biology Centre, TigerHouse, in Joymoni in the Sundarbans. Accompanied by his son, Carstens Jacobus Hermanus, and two other Dutch friends, Niels van den Berge (former Member of Parliament in the Netherlands) and Jongman Karin, Andre wasn’t leading a polished delegation or a media caravan. This was a quiet, deliberate pilgrimage—one that mirrored a similar journey twelve years ago, when a ragtag team of conservationists, diplomats, and students pedaled rickshaws across Bangladesh to sound the alarm for the Bengal tiger. Back then, the mission was to drag the tiger’s plight into the spotlight. This time, it was about feeling the pulse of the Sundarbans firsthand—the heat, the whispers of the mangroves, and the weight of its fragile survival. Andre Carstens, along with the EU Deputy Head of Delegation, Dr. Bernd Spanier, visited the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre on January 10-11, 2025, for the first time. In less than 80 days, he returned to the same environment just to experience the challenges faced by Bengal tigers, their habitat, and the local communities while also raising awareness among national and international audiences. Andre feels that "People think the Sundarbans is just a forest, but it’s a living, breathing shield for Bangladesh. When you bike through it, you see how much it gives—and how much it’s losing."