United News of Bangladesh

Police recovered the body of an easy-bike driver from Nundah Fazil Madrasa area in Nandigram upazila of Bogura district on Tuesday morning. The deceased was identified as Ripon, 50, son of Badiuzzaman of Garidah Talpotti Amin Bazar area under Sherpur Police Station of the district. He went out with his easy-bike around 8pm on Monday but did not return home as usual after dawn. His family said his phone was found switched off. Truck loses control on Fatullah overpass, rickshaw driver killed in chaos Later, they learned about the recovery of a body through social media and identified it as Ripon’s. Relatives alleged that miscreants killed him at night and took away his easy-bike. Injury marks were found on his neck and body, said Nuruzzaman, assistant superintendent of police (ASP) of Nandigram-Kahaloo Circle.

Science and Technology Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant would begin trial operations in December as the fuel for the plant has already arrived in the country. “We had written to Russia requesting a November launch but they have informed us it will begin in December (trial operations),” he said while speaking to journalists at his ministry office. Dr Salehuddin said a team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has inspected the facility and made several recommendations which are now being implemented. He said the per-unit price of electricity from the plant is yet to be determined. According to an IAEA review team that concluded its mission on 27 August, Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility at Rooppur has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational safety. The Pre-Operational Safety Review Team (Pre-OSART) visit, conducted at Dhaka’s request, assessed Unit 1 of the power plant ahead of its commercial launch, the IAEA said in a statement. Such missions benchmark nuclear facilities against global safety standards before they begin loading fuel. Located in Pabna on the banks of the Padma River, the twin-unit plant will add 2,400MW to Bangladesh’s grid once both Russian-built VVER-1200 reactors are operational. Unit 1 construction began in 2017, followed by Unit 2 in 2018. Notably, Bangladesh has successfully extended the Russian loan disbursement period for the power plant until 2027. The original intergovernmental agreement between Bangladesh and Russia stipulated a loan disbursement period from 2017 to 2024 (December), with loan repayment set to begin in March 2027 after a 10-year grace period. Under the new arrangement, repayments will now commence in September 2028. The Rooppur project, estimated to cost $12.65 billion, sees Russia providing 90% or $11.38 billion through state credit, with Bangladesh contributing the remaining 10%.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government is moving forward with reforms to stabilise the banking sector, rationalise subsidies in the power sector, and strengthen revenue mobilisation, while remaining cautious about growing foreign debt under the IMF programme. Briefing reporters after a meeting at the Secretariat, the adviser said syndicates and rent-seeking practices remain a challenge in the domestic market but stressed that enforcement measures have been intensified to reduce extortion and safeguard consumers. Dr Salehuddin, however, admitted that extortion has increased across the country since August 5 last year, saying the interim government alone cannot control the menace without political commitment and an elected government in place. The adviser said the problem has worsened in recent months. “Where previously one taka was being extorted, now it is one and a half or even two taka. After August 5, multiple groups became involved in extortion, while those who were active before are also still behind it. Many of those engaged in extortion are members of business organisations,” he said. Dr Salehuddin observed that extortion is fueling price hikes. “This is one of the reasons why commodity prices are increasing. But it is not the direct responsibility of my ministry to control this. The interim government does not follow a ‘catch this person, catch that person’ policy,” he explained. The adviser, however, expressed optimism that inflationary pressures will ease in the coming months. “By June next year, we expect inflation to come down to around 7 percent,” he said. Dr Salehuddin noted that although the banking sector went through a difficult period marked by liquidity pressures and complications in opening letters of credit (LCs), the situation has eased. “We are seeing greater stability now. LC-related barriers that disrupted imports last year are no longer acute. Weak banks are being supported to remain afloat, but we are not allowing irregularities to go unaddressed,” he said. Process to recover laundered money progressing gradually: Finance Adviser The adviser emphasised the urgent need to broaden the tax net. “The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has already rolled out the National Single Window digital system, which is streamlining customs and taxation processes. For the first time, many powerful individuals who had previously remained untouched are receiving tax notices,” he said, adding that strengthening a culture of compliance is central to restoring fiscal balance. Turning to the power sector, the adviser said subsidies have reached an unsustainable level. “The government has already spent massive amounts to keep electricity affordable. It will not be possible to increase subsidies further. Power companies must now work to reduce their own costs and improve efficiency,” he said, indicating that future tariff adjustments would have to be more carefully managed. Dr Salehuddin said that the government is reviewing pension reform models, including a “one pay, one pension” framework, but stressed that a universal pension system will take more time to materialise. “It will be a gradual process, requiring strong financial backing and careful implementation,” he explained. Commenting on the upcoming national election, the adviser observed that the political climate has been relatively calm. “Major parties have expressed interest in contesting, which is a positive sign. The army, along with other law enforcement agencies, will play a critical role in maintaining law and order during the electoral process,” Dr Salehuddin said. Finance Adviser stresses strengthening capital market to reduce bank dependency He also stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the country’s foreign reserves by prioritising payments to international investors and curbing capital flight. “Foreign reserves are lower compared to previous years, but the situation is not yet at a crisis level. Our commitment to honouring international payment obligations remains firm,” he noted. The finance adviser concluded by urging transparency, accountability, and continued reforms across economic sectors. “Bangladesh still has policy space to steer the economy, but sustaining reforms is essential to protect public trust and strengthen resilience against external shocks,” Dr Salehuddin said.

Police have recovered the hanging body of a 28-year-old woman from the third floor of a building in Purbo Goran area under Khilgaon Police Station on Tuesday morning. The deceased was identified as Jebunnisa, hailed from Dhormokurail Bazar area under Islampur Police Station in Jamalpur district. Khilgaon Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Md. Atikuzzaman said Jebunnisa’s body was recovered around 10 am on Monday and sent to Dhaka Medical College morgue for autopsy. She might have committed suicide over family feud, he said quoting family members. The exact cause of death would be confirmed after receiving the autopsy report, he added.

The Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase (ACCGP) on Tuesday approved several major proposals including the import of fertiliser under government-to-government (G2G) agreements and the expansion of a key highway. Chaired by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, the committee reviewed proposals placed by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Road Transport and Highways Division. The committee approved five separate proposals for the import of DAP and TSP fertilisers to meet the country’s demand through the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC). As per the decision, Banyan International Trading Limited, China will supply 40,000 metric tonnes of DAP fertiliser (3rd lot) at a total cost of Tk 378.83 crore, with each tonne priced at US$ 772.50. The OCP Nutricrops, Morocco will supply 30,000 metric tonnes of TSP fertiliser (6th lot) at Tk 215.28 crore (US$ 585.33 per tonne), 30,000 metric tonnes of TSP fertiliser (7th lot) at Tk 215.28 crore (US$ 585.33 per tonne), 40,000 metric tonnes of DAP fertiliser (5th lot) at Tk 372.86 crore (US$ 760.33 per tonne) and 40,000 metric tonnes of DAP fertiliser (6th optional 1st lot) at Tk 372.25 crore (US$ 760.33 per tonne). Officials said these imports are part of the government’s regular state-level agreements with China and Morocco to ensure smooth fertiliser supply for farmers. The ACCGP also approved a proposal from the Road Transport and Highways Division regarding the “Upgradation of Ashuganj River Port–Sarail–Dharkhar–Akhaura Land Port Highway to a 4-lane National Highway (1st revised)” project. Under Package No. WP-01 (Part-1), which covers the Ashuganj roundabout to Sarail roundabout (11.56 km) segment, the committee recommended approval of Variation Order-1 (VO-1). The original contract price was Tk 553.43 crore while variation order added Tk 163.83 crore with revised total contract value now stands at Tk 717.27 crore. The work will be carried out by Afcons Infrastructure Limited, Mumbai, India, the same contractor engaged under the original agreement. Officials said the additional cost involves changes in design and scope of work to ensure durability and quality improvement in line with revised project requirements.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday said that out of 1,760 cases filed over last year’s anti-discrimination movement, charge sheets have so far been submitted in only 55 cases, while the remaining cases are still under investigation. The IGP disclosed the information at a press briefing held at the police headquarters. He said police, under section 173-A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), have already recommended relief for 136 people found primarily innocent, and courts have granted them exemption from the charges. Applications for another 236 individuals are currently under consideration. Of the total cases, 766 are murder cases and 974 fall under other sections. Among the 55 cases where charge sheets have been filed, 18 are murder cases indicting 1,941 accused, while the remaining 37 cases involve 2,185 accused. The IGP said the charge sheets in the 18 murder cases were submitted in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sherpur, Feni, Chandpur, Noakhali, Pabna, Kurigram, Bogura and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) areas. The other 37 charge-sheeted cases are from Bogura, Chapainawabganj, Sirajganj, Naogaon, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Narsingdi and Barguna districts. Govt okays procurement of 40,000 body cameras for police use during polls He added that senior officers are supervising the investigations, while also mentoring junior officers who are not yet fully capable of handling complex probes on their own. On allegations of false cases and harassment, the IGP acknowledged that in some instances innocent people were wrongfully accused. “The government has introduced a legal provision to provide relief to such individuals even before charge sheets are filed.” He assured that police headquarters is taking measures to ensure no innocent person faces harassment, and warned that action would be taken against any officer found involved in malpractice. The IGP also urged those who consider themselves innocent to apply under section 173-A so their cases can be reviewed and forwarded to the court for exemption.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday said the highest level of security has been ensured across the country to ensure peaceful celebration of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community. A total of 31,606 mandaps have been set up nationwide and except for a few isolated incidents, festivities have been proceeding smoothly, he said at a press briefing at the police headquarters. “So far, police have taken cognisance of 49 incidents related to Durga Puja. A total of 15 cases have been filed and 19 people arrested in connection with those incidents,” he added. DMP vows foolproof security for Durga Puja celebrations Baharul Alam said security has been maintained at every mandap regardless of its risk level. “We are keeping strict vigilance to preserve the long-standing communal harmony of the country.” Regarding rumors, the IGP said false and outdated videos are often circulated on social media to incite communal unrest. “Our cyber unit is monitoring these matters closely and verifying incidents to prevent misinformation,” he added.

Three more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 198 this year. During the period, 556 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the total infected-case to 47, 342 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). According to the DGHS, new cases were reported as follows: 137 in Barishal Division (Out of CC), 70 in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), 79 in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), 101 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 113 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 28 in Mymensingh Division (Out of CC), 25 in Rajshahi Division (Out of CC), and 3 in Sylhet Division (Out of CC).  Dengue outbreak: 4 dead, 845 hospitalised in 24 hours Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. In 2023, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries in the same year.

Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) has announced three packages for performing hajj under private management this year fixing Tk 5.10 lakh as minimum cost. HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder announced the packages at a programme in the city on Tuesday. Under the packages, the maximum cost for each pilgrim will be at Tk 7.50 lakh, the general package cost will be Tk 5.50 lakh. Although food expenses are excluded from government-managed Hajj packages they are included in the private packages offering enhanced services, he said. He said the package costs have been calculated based on an exchange rate of 32.85 per Saudi Riyal and any future adjustments to the exchange rate will be reflected in the final package prices. On September 28, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain announced the government-managed Hajj packages for the upcoming year. Under Package-1, the cost has been fixed at Tk 6.90 lakh while under package-2 at Tk 5.58 lakh and under package-3 at Tk 4.67 lakh. The HAAB Secretary General said the general and economy packages have been made mandatory for private Hajj agencies. Govt unveils Hajj packages; minimum cost set at Tk 4.67 lakh However, agencies may offer customised versions of the special package, with slight variations in pricing and amenities. Payment and Registration Each pilgrim under private management must deposit a minimum of Tk 3,50,000 to initiate registration. Registration will remain open until October 12, 2025. The remaining balance of the Hajj packages must be paid by December 31, either through the agency’s designated bank account or at the agency’s office. Pilgrims must obtain and preserve an official money receipt. No transactions should be made through intermediaries, he warned. No airline will be allowed to carry Hajj pilgrims via scheduled flights this year—only dedicated flights will be permitted, he said. If the Saudi authorities increase any cost components after package announcements, the difference will be added to the package price and pilgrims will be required to pay the adjusted amount. Airfare reduced this year Hajj airfare was fixed at Tk 1,67,820, which has now been reduced by Tk 12,990, bringing it down to Tk 1,54,830 for this year. “For the past two years, airfare of Tk 2,00,000 was unfairly collected from pilgrims. That was an injustice and exploitation. At the time, the exchange rate was Tk 100 per USD, but despite this, fares were inflated. Now, with a dollar rate of Tk 122.50, airfare is significantly lower, which shows that nearly Tk 1,00,000 was excessively charged per pilgrim in past years,” said HAAB Secretary General Farid Ahmed.    

Police recovered the decomposed body of a 45-year-old woman and her daughter from their house at Madarganj in Sadar upazila of Thakurgaon district on Monday night. The deceased were identified as Samila Rani, wife of Jagadish Chandra Roy and her daughter Shapla Rani, 18 of the village. Quoting local people, Deen Mohammad, sub-inspector of Bhulli Police Station, said Shamila along with her physically challenged daughter Shapla used to live at the house as her husband lives with his second wife in a separate house. Nani Chandra, a neighbour of Samila, said the mother and daughter had not been seen outside their home for several days. Missing child’s body recovered in  Joypurhat On Monday, a field worker from a local NGO visited the house and called out to Samila but received no response. When locals peeped through the window after a long wait they found the bodies of the mother and daughter lying on the floor. Police were informed and recovered the decomposed bodies by breaking open the door at night. Police said the woman and her daughter might have died from electrocution. The exact cause of death will be confirmed once autopsy report is available, police said.