United News of Bangladesh

Keya Group has laid off 739 workers and employees from four of its units in Gazipur in the second phase of job cuts. A notice announcing the layoffs was put up at the main gate of the factories last night. The affected units are the group's Knit Composite Division, Spinning Division, Cotton Division and Keya Yarn Mills Limited, all located in the Jarun area of Konabari. The authorities said the factories had been under lay-off since June 6 due to various reasons, including banking complications. The lay-off period was subsequently extended several times. The management said all dues payable to the laid-off workers would be settled in accordance with the labour law. Mohammad Amzad Hossain, superintendent of industrial police, said industrial police personnel have been deployed at the main gate of the factories to maintain law and order following the layoffs. 

The government has issued the Special Solar Power Installation Ordinance, 2026, introducing strict penalties for theft of solar power and equipment damage, as it seeks to expand the use of solar energy, attract private investment and bring greater discipline to the sector. Under the ordinance, stealing solar power or its equipment is punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of Tk 50,000, or both. Damaging solar equipment carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail, a fine of Tk 5 lakh, or both. The ordinance was issued on Monday night by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The Cabinet gave policy and final approval to its draft at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani said solar power has long been important for Bangladesh but had become even more crucial in the wake of the ongoing energy crisis. “The impact of the war has shown how vulnerable Bangladesh could become in the energy sector when a war breaks out. For this reason, the government has placed additional emphasis on solar power,” he said. Under the ordinance, solar power systems can be installed on government buildings, residential rooftops, courtyards, vacant land adjacent to buildings and water bodies, with a maximum capacity of five megawatts. The provisions also cover solar-powered irrigation pumps, cold storage facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, tea gardens, floating solar installations and agrivoltaic systems that combine solar power generation with agricultural activities. However, large-scale ground-mounted solar power projects will remain outside the ordinance's scope. The government has introduced two investment models — operational expenditure (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX). Under the OPEX model, investors will bear the cost of installing solar power systems, while under the CAPEX model, customer organisations can finance projects themselves and retain ownership. The ordinance requires a tripartite agreement among customers, service providers and the competent authority. The agreement will cover equipment quality, safety, maintenance, electricity distribution, bill payments, ownership and dispute resolution. It also allows customers under the net-metering system to supply surplus electricity to the national grid after meeting their own needs. The electricity supplied to the grid will be adjusted against their bills, while customers may also receive payment for surplus power at government-determined tariffs. For procurement of goods and related services under the CAPEX model, the ordinance sets a maximum financial limit of Tk 5 crore for the limited tendering method, without making the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system mandatory. To guide policy and promote solar power, the ordinance also provides for the formation of a National Policy Council, along with technical and coordination committees at district and upazila levels. Sections 12 to 16 of the ordinance specify penalties for theft, damage to equipment, illegal connections, obstruction of work, and aiding or abetting offences. Buying, selling or possessing stolen solar equipment will carry the same penalties as theft. Illegal connections and obstruction of installation, inspection and maintenance work are punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of Tk 5 lakh, or both. Offences under the ordinance will be tried by courts of first-class magistrates or metropolitan magistrates. Cases involving offences listed in the schedule of the Mobile Court Act may also be tried by mobile courts.  

The Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) on Tuesday strongly protested the government's decision to “scrap the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project”, describing it as a "black day" in the history of sustainable, fuel-efficient and inclusive mass transit. In a statement signed by its General Secretary Prof Md Moslehuddin Hasan, the organisation said it learned from newspaper reports that the government has decided to cancel the BRT project and dissolve the agency concerned. It has also reportedly decided to convert the entire BRT infrastructure into a 3+3 lane highway. BIP expressed "deep shock and sorrow" at the decision, saying the government has chosen the "latest and worst" option for the BRT at the last cabinet meeting. The statement noted that the decision was not announced even at the regular post-meeting press briefing. This, BIP said, has created ample room for speculation that some of those involved in the decision are trying to conceal something. "We can clearly see a conflict of interest in this decision-making process," the statement said. BIP said the decision clearly serves private vehicle users and the construction lobby active both at home and abroad. It added that the move runs counter to the proposals of the Gazipur Transport Master Plan (GTMP) and the Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) for Dhaka. The planners' body also said the decision ignores the expectations and travel needs of residents of Gazipur and Uttara, who have suffered hardship for 14 years because of the project's construction work. BIP placed the six demands – withdrawing the decision to scrap the BRT project, forming a coordinated agency to manage the BRT, MRT and other related programmes, preparing a comprehensive BRT plan for the whole of Dhaka city and other metropolitan cities of the country, stopping project-based decision-making on transport infrastructure and adopting a plan-based approach, prioritising transport projects that save time and cost during implementation and serve more people, including women, short-distance commuters, persons with disabilities and people with limited mobility, and establishing the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) as the lead agency for any transport planning decision in the Greater Dhaka region and placing it directly under the Prime Minister's Office.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit on Monday said people of all faiths must work together to build a new Bangladesh. “Just as we develop mosques, we also develop temples. When we undertake the development of a graveyard, we also check whether there is a cremation ground in the area and develop that as well,” he said. He made the remarks while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community at Sri Sri Gopinath Jiu Temple in Kushtia town on the occasion of Durga Puja. The state minister said development initiatives were undertaken based on people's needs, irrespective of their religious identity. “When we build schools, colleges, roads or bridges, we never consider whether an area has a larger Muslim or Hindu population. Instead, we focus on how many people will benefit from the road, school or bridge,” he said. Amit said Bangladesh belonged to everyone and all citizens must work together to ensure the country's stability. He said the mass uprising of 2024 and the upcoming 12th national parliamentary election in 2026 had created an opportunity for people to join hands in building a new Bangladesh. Referring to development initiatives under the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he stressed the need to ensure the participation of people from all sections of society, including men, women, and people of all faiths—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. He also wished peace and well-being for all on the occasion of Durga Puja.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday warned against attempts to undermine religious harmony by spreading rumours and misinformation on social media, saying such attempts will be firmly resisted ahead of the upcoming Buddhist festivals of Prabarana Purnima and Kathin Chibar Dan. “Some people attempt to portray personal disputes, land-related conflicts or disagreements within management committees as religious attacks to spread propaganda. Such attempts will be firmly resisted,” he said while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with Buddhist religious leaders at the Secretariat. The minister also urged people not to pay heed to unverified information. The government will ensure maximum security and all-out cooperation for the two Buddhist festivals, reaffirming its commitment to religious harmony and the constitutional rights of people of all faiths. Prabarana Purnima, one of the major religious festivals of the Buddhist community, will be celebrated on October 25, followed by the month-long Kathin Chibar Dan festival. Referring to Article 28 of the Constitution, Salahuddin said discrimination on religious grounds is not permitted in Bangladesh, and every citizen has the constitutional right to observe religious ceremonies and worship freely and safely. The government remains committed to maintaining peace and law and order while respecting constitutional obligations and citizens' rights, he said. Besides, strict monitoring has been ordered to prevent any untoward incidents or deterioration of law and order during Prabarana Purnima, particularly the traditional evening lantern-flying celebrations, the minister added. Special attention will be given to Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, the three hill districts of Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Bandarban, as well as Patuakhali, Cumilla, Noakhali and Rangpur, he added. Speaking about security arrangements for the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, Salahuddin said surveillance was strengthened at puja mandaps through body-worn cameras, CCTV cameras and app-based monitoring. "No one will be spared if anyone attempts to create disorder, and nobody involved in any wrongdoing will be allowed to escape punishment," he said The minister said a police monitoring cell is keeping the situation under round-the-clock observation. Expressing optimism that the upcoming Buddhist festivals will be celebrated peacefully amid festivity, he said the government wants to ensure an environment similar to that prevailing during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations. During the meeting, Buddhist religious leaders highlighted the significance of Prabarana Purnima, emphasising self-restraint, purification of the mind and consciousness, and the religious importance of traditional lantern-flying ceremonies and Kathin Chibar Dan. They informed the minister that a list of Buddhist monasteries across the country will be provided to the ministry. Salahuddin said the list will be forwarded to the relevant law enforcement agencies and local administration for necessary security measures.

The Armed Police Battalion (APBn) rescued six missing children and recovered gold worth Tk 8.53 crore, along with 862 lost mobile phones and other valuables, during operations across the country in September. Additional DIG (Operations and Intelligence) Nurul Islam disclosed the information at a press conference held at APBn headquarters on Monday. APBn units recovered 4.344 kg of gold bars and ornaments worth an estimated Tk 8.53 crore and arrested 27 people in connection with 22 cases. The force also rescued 22 victims and arrested 15 people in related cases during the month. Using information technology, APBn recovered 862 lost mobile phones, three hacked Facebook accounts, two hacked WhatsApp accounts, three hacked email accounts and one hacked Telegram account. It also recovered Tk 2,22,280 lost in bKash and Nagad fraud. In anti-drug drives, APBn seized 33,468 yaba tablets, 6.058 kg of cannabis, 17.25 litres of alcohol and 673 cartons of cigarettes. Twelve people were arrested and 11 cases were filed in connection with the operations. The force also recovered one locally made firearm, one round of ammunition and two bullet casings, leading to one case and one arrest. Nurul Islam said APBn conducted operations against various crimes, including smuggling, illegal entry into Rohingya camps and other offences. The force also detained 22 vehicles for illegal entry into Rohingya camp areas and referred them to Shahpori Highway Police Station. APBn would continue technology-based operations and intelligence activities to control crime, maintain law and order, and improve public safety and services, he said.

A mosque and a Hindu temple standing just four feet apart in the same compound in Lalmonirhat town have become a remarkable symbol of religious harmony, with the two places of worship coexisting peacefully for 82 years through mutual respect and tolerance. Located in Kalibari area, Central Kalibari Shri Shri Durga and Kali Temple and the adjacent Jame Mosque present a unique scene during Durga Puja. Local residents said there has never been an untoward incident between the two religious communities during their decades of living side by side. As crowds of devotees gather at the temple during Durga Puja, prayers continue uninterrupted at the neighbouring mosque. Temple authorities stop playing musical instruments during prayer times to ensure that worshippers at the mosque can perform their religious duties without disturbance. Locals said the temple was established in 1838, while the mosque was built in 1943, about 105 years later. The two places of worship have thus stood side by side for 82 years. The temple occupies eight decimals of land and the mosque five decimals, while an adjoining plot of about 12 decimals belongs to another person.  

Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni on Monday called for concerted efforts by families, communities and relevant stakeholders to protect adolescent girls’ reproductive health, ensure continuity of their education and prevent child marriage. Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Reproductive Health and Adolescent Girls’ Health Protection and Prevention of Child Marriage” at the Patharghata Upazila Parishad auditorium in Barguna, he stressed the need for greater awareness and access to healthcare services. Moni said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken various initiatives to make women economically self-reliant and empower them. Through the Family Card programme, the government is working to strengthen women economically, while initiatives have also been taken to expand educational opportunities for girls and provide stipends, he said. The chief whip stressed the need to create an environment in which girls can pursue education and develop the skills to take leadership roles in society. He said raising awareness about reproductive health, ensuring access to healthcare services and prioritising education are essential to the healthy development of adolescent girls and securing their future. Moni also called for greater awareness among families and communities about the harmful consequences of child marriage. He also expressed a firm stance against drug abuse, extortion, illegal occupation and terrorism in Patharghata. The workshop was organised by the Strengthening Parliament’s Capacity in Integration of Population and Development Issues (SPCPD) project of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Patharghata upazila administration. Rafiqul Islam Jamal, MP, attended the event as a special guest with ANM Khalilur Rahman Khan, director general (Broadcasting and Information Technology) of the Parliament Secretariat, in the chair. Barguna Superintendent of Police Md Kudrat-E-Khuda, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Animesh Biswas, Parliament Secretariat Joint Secretary Md Al Mamun, and other officials and journalists were also present.

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Monday approved procurement  of 70,000 tonnes of urea fertiliser from local and foreign suppliers at a cost of Tk 364.55 crore to meet the country’s fertiliser demand in the 2026-27 fiscal year. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presided over the meeting. Of the total quantity, 30,000 tonnes of bagged granular urea will be procured from Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (KAFCO), Bangladesh, at Tk 151.30 crore. The purchase price has been set at US$408.375 per metric tonne . The committee also approved importing 40,000 tonnes of bulk granular urea fertiliser from Saudi Arabia’s SABIC Agri-nutrients Company at Tk 213.24 crore. The fertiliser, containing 10 percent nitrogen as specified in the proposal, will be imported at US$431.67 per metric tonne. The Ministry of Industries placed both proposals before the committee. The recommendations are aimed at ensuring the supply of urea fertiliser for the country’s agricultural needs during the fiscal year.  

Customs officials have seized 87,390 kg of yarn, including imported polyester and nylon yarn, worth an estimated Tk 3.2 crore from an unregistered warehouse in Narayanganj for lacking tax invoices. A preventive team of the Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Narayanganj, conducted a raid on the warehouse of SR Trade, owned by Rajib Saha, in Jimkhana, Tanbazar, Narayanganj Sadar, at 11:00am on Monday following a tip-off. During the search, according to a press release, the team found 77,390 kg of polyester and nylon yarn originating from China, Malaysia and Vietnam without the required tax invoices. Another 10,000 kg of locally produced yarn was also found without tax invoices. The customs officials seized all the yarn, whose estimated value is Tk 3.2 crore, according to a press release issued by the commissionerate. The authorities have initiated legal proceedings to realise the applicable government revenue.