United News of Bangladesh

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.

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.    

The authorities of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust) have expelled one student and suspended 24 others for several terms for ragging freshers. Fahim Muntasir, a 2nd year student of Economics Department of the university was expelled. The authorities took the decision at its syndicate meeting following an investigation, said Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Md Sajedul Karim on Monday.    

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday said the process of bringing back laundered money is advancing gradually through legal and institutional mechanisms  though it requires time and cannot be done overnight.  “Bringing the money back is not like calling up the Swiss Bank and asking them to hand it over. It has to go through international legal and financial procedures,” he said while talking to reporters after the meeting of the Advisers Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat. Some progress has been made in this regard and discussions are ongoing with several reputed law firms, he said. “We hope some results might come by February.” The adviser said those who siphon off money abroad are usually very shrewd and technically skilled which makes the task of recovering assets a lengthy and complex process. He informed that the government has already identified 11–12 high-priority cases of money laundering while investigations are ongoing into assets worth over Tk 200 crore. Bangladesh Bank has frozen assets abroad, identified foreign bank accounts and collected information on passports and residencies of the persons involved, the adviser added. Responding to a question about continuity if a new government takes over after the national election, Dr Salehuddin said, “They will be compelled to continue these processes, because without them money cannot be brought back. This is an international practice. If anyone sits idle, nothing will come back. The procedures we have set in motion must be maintained.” On food security, the adviser said the government has approved imports of rice as a precautionary measure despite having stocks. Import approvals have been given in principle, mainly from Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, so that there is no sudden shortage in case of unexpected disruptions, he explained. He said fertiliser imports, particularly DAP and urea, remain the top priority. “Fortunately, the global prices of fertiliser have eased somewhat. We are ensuring supply of essential items like fertiliser and rice to maintain market stability,” said Salehuddin. The adviser also referred to the latest Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) report which shows that 3 out of every 10 households are facing malnutrition and food insecurity. “We are particularly concerned about children and mothers. That’s why programmes like VGF and special allocations for marginal communities in coastal and haor regions are being strengthened. Fishermen, for example, will receive 20 kilograms of rice per household during the upcoming fishing ban,” he said. On the current market situation, Dr Salehuddin said rice prices have declined recently due to improved stock while vegetables and other perishables fluctuate seasonally. There are still issues in wholesale and retail markets because of manipulation by a section of traders, he said. “That’s why we cannot claim full success yet.” He refrained from making any comment when asked about allegations of extortion and its impact on the economy.  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday accused former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of mass murder, citing overwhelming evidence, and defended the ban on Awami League activities while warning that her defenders bear blood on their hands. "Sooner or later, this public veneration of one of the world’s most ruthless autocrats will ruin your reputation, if not your entire career. And like Ezra Pound — who ended up in a mental institution for supporting fascism — you, too, may one day find yourself seeking treatment for what we can only call Apa Syndrome," he said. In a post from his verified Facebook account, Alam said one can always debate whether the ban on the activities of Bangladesh Awami League was necessary. "We firmly believe it was," he said, mentioning that there is indisputable evidence that the AL activists were involved in the killing of July revolutionaries. Seeing ‘well-orchestrated move’ to foil polls, make it questionable: Shafiqul Alam Still, Alam said, one may argue that the ban was unnecessary or even counterproductive to their transition toward a truly democratic nation. "What is not up for debate, however, is the public glorification of Hasina, a mass murderer. This is non-negotiable. The evidence against her is overwhelming," the Press Secretary said. He said publicly praising someone responsible for such atrocities makes "you complicit in the brutality and carnage inflicted on our people." Alam said modern civilization, particularly the post–World War II order, is built on the principle that they must not legitimize mass murderers.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted light to moderate rains across the country including Dhaka division in the next 24 hours commencing 9 am on Tuesday. “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Mymensingh, Dhaka and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions with moderately heavy falls at places over the country,” said a Met office bulletin. Day temperature may remain nearly unchanged and night temperature may fall by 1-2°C over the country. Besides, a trough of low runs through East Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal to Assam across northern part of Bangladesh. Monsoon is less active over Bangladesh and moderate over North Bay. A low pressure area is likely to form over North Bay & adjoining Central Bay of Bengal during next 24 hours.