United News of Bangladesh

The government has reassigned the responsibilities of three ministries following the resignations of Advisers Md Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain. The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Thursday evening detailing the changes. Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has been given charge of the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry, in addition to his existing portfolio. Asif Nazrul has been appointed Adviser of the Youth and Sports Ministry, previously managed by Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain. Meanwhile, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwan Hasan will now oversee the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, earlier handled by Nahid Islam and Md Mahfuj Alam. The resignations of Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain were submitted to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday extended his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the Election Commission for announcing the schedule, saying Bangladesh’s democratic journey has crossed an important milestone with the announcement of this election schedule. Prof Yunus said the election and referendum would strengthen the new path the country has embarked upon following the historic mass uprising, giving primacy to the people’s views and further consolidating the foundation of a new Bangladesh. “I believe that the Election Commission will discharge its constitutional duties independently, impartially and with the utmost professionalism,” he said in a message. Prof Yunus said the interim government would provide all necessary support to the Election Commission to conduct the elections and referendum in a ‘festive, participatory and completely fair’ manner. Prof Yunus hosts farewell luncheon for two outgoing Advisers Calling upon political parties, candidates, the media, civil society, and the people at large, the Chief Adviser said, “Take this election and referendum as an initiative of national unity. Respect for dissent, a peaceful environment, and democratic behavior will make our days ahead more stable.” He said Bangladesh stands on the threshold of a new future today. "It is my firm belief that through the active participation and responsible behavior of all of you, we will succeed in building a modern, just and prosperous state,” Prof Yunus added.    

The High Court on Thursday ordered that all marriage and divorce records in Bangladesh be compulsorily registered through a digital system. The HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan passed the order after hearing a writ petition. Advocate Ishrat Hasan stood for the petitioner. The HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan passed the order after hearing a writ petition. Advocate Ishrat Hasan stood for the petitioner. Ishrat Hasan said the decision would be a historic step for protecting families, safeguarding women, preventing child marriage, ensuring legal transparency and most importantly, curbing fraud related to marriage and divorce. She added that digital registration would significantly reduce issues such as secret marriages, hiding multiple marriages, concealing prior information and difficulties in proving divorces. The writ petition was filed on March 4, 2021, by three people including Rakib Hasan, former husband of cricketer Nasir’s wife Tamima Sultana and one organization seeking directives to implement digital registration of marriages and divorces. Other petitioners included Sohag Hossain from North Kamalapur, Dhaka, Kamrul Hasan from Kashipur, Noakhali, and the Aid for Man Foundation. The petition highlighted that the lack of technology-driven registration had led to fraudulent practices, with spouses sometimes concealing marriage information and entering into multiple marriages. The absence of a digital archive often caused uncertainty and disputes over children’s paternity, making digital registration essential to prevent fraud and uphold family honor. On March 23, 2021, the High Court issued a rule asking why a central website should not be created for the digital registration of marriages and divorces. Secretaries of the Law Ministry, Post, Telecommunications and ICT Ministry, Religious Affairs Ministry, and the BTRC chairman were directed to respond to the rule. The final hearing was held on November 20.

Bangladesh’s mangoes have been identified as a major opportunity for export growth, with experts urging urgent steps to overcome key challenges and strengthen the country’s global trade competitiveness. The findings were revealed at the launch of a research report titled ‘Advancing Mango Production & Forward Marketing in Bangladesh: From Local Garden to Global Markets’ at a hotel in Dhaka. The event was jointly organised by Sustainable Agriculture Foundation Bangladesh (SAF Bangladesh) and LightCastle Partners with support from HSBC Bangladesh. Nasir-Ud-Doula, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Department of Agricultural Marketing, said, ““As a representative of the government, it is our responsibility to expand mango exports. For this reason, we are placing strong emphasis on cultivating improved and high-quality mango varieties, and we remain fully committed to this effort” He further added, “No single organization can achieve this alone. A coordinated and comprehensive approach is essential. Effective collaboration among the Ministry, the National Board of Revenue, airlines, shipping lines, and the private sector is crucial. Only through such joint efforts can we create a competitive and enabling environment for mango exports.”Davesh Dayal Mathur, COO of HSBC Bank, noted that farmers are increasingly transforming into entrepreneurs, adding that this trend is encouraging for the sector. The report highlights that Bangladesh produces over 2 million metric tons of mangoes annually, ranking 8th globally in 2022, yet currently exports less than 0.05% of its total production. Global annual demand stands at around 2.4 million metric tons, with Mexico, Thailand, and Brazil as top suppliers. Experts said Bangladesh has strong potential to expand in traditional markets in Europe and the Middle East, as well as emerging markets like China. Key challenges identified include lack of Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, inadequate infrastructure for quality control, post-harvest treatment, processing, and cold-chain management, insufficient branding and market positioning, limited government-private sector collaboration, and inadequate policy prioritization for mangoes as a strategic agricultural export. The panel discussion, moderated by Abdur Rouf, Director of Program Development at SAF Bangladesh, included Ataus Sopan Malik, Managing Director of AR Malik; Kamruzzaman Kamal, Director (Marketing) of PRAAN-RFL Group; Professor M A Rahim, Head of Agricultural Science Department, Daffodil International University; and Mohammad Arifur Rahman, Project Director, Exportable Mango Production Project, Ministry of Agriculture. Experts said that focusing on diversifying mango varieties and improving quality standards could allow Bangladesh to significantly expand its presence in the U.S., EU, and Middle East markets in the coming years, boosting export earnings and supporting the country’s transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2026. Md Farhad Zamil, Executive Director of SAF Bangladesh; Davesh Dayal Mathur, COO of HSBC Bank; and Syeda Afzalun Nessa, Head of Sustainability at HSBC Bank, delivered welcome remarks.  

A high-level delegation of investors from various industrial sectors in China in a meeting with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) focused on joint investment in the diversified products sector. The meeting was held at the BGMEA Complex in the capital on Thursday. The BGMEA side was led by its Senior Vice President, Inamul Haq Khan, while the Chinese delegation was led by Frank Yi, Chairman of the global fashion partner BETTEX Industries Ltd. Among others were attended by BGMEA Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoza Chowdhury, and Directors Faisal Samad, Md. Hasib Uddin, Rumana Rashid, and Mohammad Sohel, said a pres release. The meeting focused on exploring trade and diversified investment opportunities between Bangladesh and China, particularly in the apparel industry's backward linkage sector. The Chinese delegation comprised representatives from diverse sectors, including: Textile, Fabrics, and Backward Linkage, IT, AI, and Supply Chain Technology, Hi-Tech Industry, Education and Technical Research, Legal Consultancy and Dispute Resolution. A major point of discussion was the potential for joint investment in key sectors, notably the backward linkage industry for apparel—including Man-Made Fiber (MMF) which is crucial for the industry. BGMEA leaders highlighted Bangladesh's increasing focus on upgrading technology and machinery to enhance its capacity for producing high-value products, especially MMF-based garments. BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan urged Chinese businesses to pursue joint investments in MMF-based textiles, chemicals, and renewable energy sectors. He said such investments would boost the industry’s competitiveness, reduce production costs, and shorten lead times. Furthermore, he sought Chinese cooperation in adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven supply chain solutions, integral supply chains, 3D prototyping, and Digital Product Passports to prepare for the challenges of LDC graduation. BGMEA Director Faisal Samad emphasized the importance of close communication between the businesses of both countries. He proposed a coordination meeting between BGMEA and Chinese businessmen in January, which would be organized in collaboration with BETTEX Industries Ltd. Samad also proposed signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) in China for education and research cooperation. Additionally, he suggested that a Chinese law firm could provide an effective platform for resolving commercial disputes that often arise between the two parties over the import of fabrics from China. BGMEA Instructs Factories Not to Respond to RSC Letters on Non-OSH Complaints The Chinese delegation expressed a strong interest in joint investment in critical areas, including renewable energy. They agreed to the proposed January meeting and extended an invitation to the BGMEA leaders to visit major fabric manufacturing centers in China. The Chinese delegation included YI, SHANWEI Chairman, Weihai Bettex and YI, RAN Project Manager, IT and Supply Chain experts LUO, FEI, Chairman, Beijing Mofeng Technology and GAO, BIN, President, Nanjing Zhiyi Network Technology.    

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasiruddin on Thursday urged the voters to cast their votes in the February-12 national election and the referendum without any hesitation, rising above fears and limitations. “Voting is not only your civic right but also a sacred trust and responsibility. I believe you will consciously carry out this responsibility. Exercise your right to vote without hesitation, rising above any fear, temptation, deception and limitations,” he said while announcing the election schedule. The CEC unveiled the schedule for the national election and the referendum on July National (state reform) Charter in his pre-recorded speech telecast by state-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar at 6 pm. He assured all that the institutions and forces concerned would work to ensure their safe and festive participation in the election. Bangladesh national election, referendum on Feb 12; schedule announced Nasir Uddin urged everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, group and gender, to participate in this ‘joyous event’. “Everyone, including the disabled, elderly and children of the family and expectant mothers, should come and vote. I hope that through your enthusiastic participation, the voting will turn into a festival event," he said According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22.    

The much-sought national election and a referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025 will simultaneously be held on February 12 (Thursday) under a non-political government after 18 years as the Election Commission announced the schedule on Thursday evening. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the schedule in his pre-recorded speech telecast by state-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar at 6 pm. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). DMP Commissioner calls for absolute neutrality from police during election The last date for submission of appeal against the decisions of the returning officers is January 11 and the appeals would be disposed of on January 12-18.  The returning officers will publish the final lists of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21. The balloting will be held from 7:30am to 4:30pm without any break on February 12. According to the final voter list published on November 18 last, a total of 12.76 crore (127,695,183 –64,814,907 males, 62,879,042 females and 1,234 third-gender) voters will have the opportunity to vote in more than 42,000 polling stations under the country's 300 constituencies in the 2026 general election and referendum. The national election along with a referendum is going to be held for the first time in the history of Bangladesh elections. This election is set to differ from previous general elections in several ways because the use of posters has been banned during the campaign, while digital campaigning and billboards are permitted. Though the postal balloting system has been in the laws for a long time, it was never practised in the previous elections. This is the first time the Election Commission has introduced an IT-supported hybrid postal balloting system, enabling expatriates, government staff, polling personnel, and the persons who will be in the legal custody to exercise their franchise through a combination of digital registration and manual voting. Read more: First step toward fair polls taken, many challenges remain: Golam Parwar No general election was held under a non-political administration after 2008 as the last three parliamentary elections were held in 2014, 2018 and 2028 under the Awami League government. The 9th parliamentary election was held on December 29, 2008 under the army-backed caretaker government. CEC’s Call for Fearless Voting  AMM Nasir Uddin urged the voters to cast their votes in the February-12 national election and the referendum without any hesitation, rising above fears and limitations. “Voting is not only your civic right but also a sacred trust and responsibility. I believe you will consciously carry out this responsibility. Exercise your right to vote without hesitation, rising above any fear, temptation, deception and limitations,” he said. He assured all that the institutions and forces concerned would work to ensure their safe and festive participation in the election. The CEC urged everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, group and gender, to participate in this ‘joyous event’. “Everyone, including the disabled, elderly and children of the family and expectant mothers, should come and vote. I hope that through your enthusiastic participation, the voting will turn into a festival event," he said. Unique Election The CEC also cited the reasons why this election is unique and important in the history of the nation. “This election is unique and important in the history of our nation for several reasons. (First) It is an election to decide on the desired reforms as well as the restoration of genuine democratic trends. This time, the parliamentary elections and the referendum will be held on the same day, which is a new experience,” he said. CEC Nasir urges voters to vote fearlessly Mentioning the second reason, he said this election is a unique opportunity for all relevant state and democratic institutions to prove their capabilities and restore their image.  After a long democratic movement and struggle, this election demands the introduction of the trend of a harmonious democratic competition among political parties for the sake of the country’s interests, he said as a third reason. “The almost ineffective postal voting system is being revamped and given an effective form to this election,” he said, citing the fourth reason. Postal Balloting More than 313,000 expatriate Bangladeshi voters from different countries across the world have already registered through a mobile app, ‘Postal Vote Bd’, since November 18 last to vote in the upcoming election. The out-of-country voting (OCV) registration process started on November 18 last, while the ICPV (In-Country Postal Voting) registration process will soon start. But the registration process for both groups will continue till December 25.   The CEC urged the expatriate voters to avail of this opportunity and exercise their rights to build the country. CEC Nasir warned against the growing trend of misinformation, especially AI-generated false content, on social media saying that necessary legal measures would be taken under existing laws to curb such activities. “My special request to you is, do not pay heed to any information spread for false or malicious purposes; do not accept it. Remember, sharing false information is also a punishable offense,” he said. Pointing at the aspirants and political parties, Nasir urged them to follow the code of conduct to ensure a peaceful and festive election atmosphere. “Your goal should be to earn the trust and confidence of voters by ensuring peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.” Talking about election officials, the CEC stressed maintaining transparency, impartiality and integrity without fear, saying no negligence would be tolerated. “The Election Commission is committed to carrying out its duties with transparency, impartiality and firmness. As part of the Commission, you should fearlessly carry out your duties with honesty and impartiality. Remember, no laxity or negligence will be tolerated in this regard,” he said. BNP hails election schedule as ‘new chapter’ in Bangladesh politics Noting that the vital role of the media and observers is enormous in the arrangement of a fair and credible election, he expressed hope that they would perform their duties with highest professionalism and objectivity. The CEC sought active cooperation of all political parties, candidates and voters in the election process. “I appeal to all to make the upcoming 13th National Parliament Election and Referendum a success and play a historic role in our democratic progress,” he said. In the beginning of his speech, the CEC extended greetings to the people of the country on the eve of the great Victory Day and paid tributes to the martyrs of the great Liberation War and the student-led July-August 2024 uprising. “Unfortunately, it is true that the absence of quality elections has often faded our traditions and collective expectations. It is in such a context that the 2024 mass uprising took place,” he said. Read more: Election 2026: 3 EC officials appointed as returning officers for first time

Speakers at a national dialogue in Dhaka on Thursday stressed that young people must be placed at the centre of Bangladesh’s migration narrative, noting that youth perspectives are vital for building future-ready and responsive migration systems. The event, titled “Youth and Migration: Voice, Vision and Action,” was organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh and with support from the European Union (EU). Young changemakers, policymakers and migration experts joined the discussion ahead of International Migrants Day 2025, being observed globally under the theme “My Great Story: Cultures and Development.” It was underlined that youth make up a large share of migrants worldwide, and their insights are key to creating safer pathways and stronger migration systems. The event focused on placing young people at the center of the country’s migration narrative and strengthening their engagement in policy, advocacy and community leadership. Global forums have increasingly recognised the importance of engaging youth as key partners in migration governance. With an estimated 1.8 billion young people worldwide, their perspectives are indispensable in shaping inclusive migration policies and narratives. Two panel discussions explored how youth can be more actively included in migration governance systems and how they contribute to national development through innovation, leadership and community engagement. Insights were also shared on how youth engagement can be leveraged in cultural initiatives to promote safe migration, labour market impacts, in addition to championing youth empowerment more broadly in migration and development. Distinguished speakers included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, youth led organizations, academia, UN agencies, the UN Youth Advisory Group (YAG) and development partners. Lance Bonneau, Chief of Mission of IOM Bangladesh, key government officials, academics and civil society leaders participated, including Sadman Sakib, Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Habibullah Tamim, Senior Manager, BYLC; Rahnuma Salam Khan, National Programme Manager, ILO; and Mr. Kamrul Kibria Ayon, Senior Manager, Resource Mobilization and Grants, Management, JAAGO Foundation. The event marks the beginning of a series of youth focused initiatives, including a forthcoming Youth and Migration Plan and a nationwide campaign aimed at improving access to accurate information and recognizing the contributions of young migrants. Aligned with the United Nations Youth 2030 strategy, youth engagement in migration promotes innovation, social cohesion, and more equitable outcomes. Youth participation not only strengthens accountability and inclusiveness but also ensures migration systems are future-ready and responsive to evolving global dynamics.

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday asked the Ministry of Public Administration to take measures to recruit two Executive Magistrates in each upazila or thana from the day after the announcement of the election schedule until two days after the polling day, to ensure election code of conduct. The Election Commission Secretariat sent a letter in this regard on Thursday. According to the notice, the EC, under the Mobile Court Act, 2009, a minimum of two (02) Executive Magistrates should be appointed in each upazila or thana from the day after the announcement of the election schedule until two days after the polling day to ensure strict enforcement of the code of conduct for the 13th Parliamentary Election. The much-sought schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and the national referendum will be announced at 6pm today.

A Dhaka court on Thursday placed senior journalist and former Jatiya Press Club president Shaukat Mahmood on a five-day remand in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Fahmida Khandaker Anna passed the order when he was produced before the court. On December 8, a Dhaka court sent journalist Shaukat to jail in the case. The investigation officer of the case, Inspector Akhtar Morshed of DB Police’s Ramna Zonal team, sought a 10-day remand for questioning. Shaukat was arrested on December 7 from Malibagh area of the capital in connection with a case filed against Bangladeshi-origin US citizen Enayet Karim Chowdhury over his involvement in a “conspiracy to topple” the interim government. Sub-Inspector Azizul Hakim of Ramna Police Station filed the case on September 14, a day after Enayet’s arrest from the capital’s Mintoo Road area for suspicious movement in a Land Cruiser Prado SUV. According to the case statement, Enayet, described as an agent of a foreign intelligence agency, was involved in a conspiracy to undermine public security and overthrow the interim government. Shaukat Mahmood, a former BNP vice-chairman expelled from the party on March 21, 2023, recently returned to politics through Janata Party Bangladesh formed on April 25 this year.