United News of Bangladesh

The national committee formed to review deals signed under the " Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act, 2010" during the Awami League regime has said it has found widespread corruption and fraud in the deals. The committee submitted its interim report to Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan at the Secretariat on Sunday. After handing over the report, committee chief retired Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, told reporters that the committee found unlimited corruption, collusion, fraud, and irregularities in the power purchase agreements during its review. He added that these were found in the process of signing contracts with independent power producers. “The report submitted was an interim one. We will submit our final report by mid-January next year,” he said.  

Chittagong Urea Fertiliser Limited (CUFL), a state-owned fertiliser factory in Anwara upazila of Chattogram, resumed production early Sunday after being closed for seven months. Factory officials said urea production at CUFL began again at 3:30 am on Sunday. The plant was shut down due to a gas shortage which caused production losses of about Tk 3 crore daily. Mizanur Rahman, managing director of CUFL, said that the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) stopped gas supply to the factory on April 11, completely halting production. Gas supply resumed at 11 am on October 19, and after completing necessary mechanical work. Urea fertiliser production will continue as long as gas supply remains steady and no mechanical issues arise. According to CUFL sources, the factory, which fully depends on gas, needs 48 to 52 million cubic feet of gas each day for full-scale production. Due to past gas shortages and mechanical problems, the factory produced about 2.5 million metric tons of urea fertiliser in the last financial year. Bangladesh’s annual demand for urea fertiliser is around 2.6 million metric tons. Of this, CUFL and other factories under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) produce about 1 million metric tons, while the remaining 1.6 million metric tons are imported at high cost. The government set up the CUFL factory on October 29, 1987 in Anwara Upazila on the south bank of the Karnaphuli River with technical help from Japan. The factory originally had a daily production capacity of 1,700 metric tons and an annual capacity of 561,000 metric tons of urea. It can now produce about 1,200 metric tons of urea daily along with 310,000 metric tons of ammonia each year.  

Production at Ghorashal-Palash urea fertiliser factory, the largest of its kind in southeast Asia, remained suspended since Thursday due to a technical glitch, raising concern among people over a potential fertiliser shortage. Sources at the factory, said the operation of the factory was halted around 2am on Thursday (October 30) following a technical fault, bringing urea production to a complete standstill. Since then the factory has been unable to produce its usual 2,800 metric tons of urea fertiliser per day. Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) Chairman Md Fazlur Rahman and Industries Secretary Mohammad Obaidur Rahman visited the factory on Saturday . Factory General Manager (Technical) Sarfaraz Khan said, “No urea has been produced since then. To identify the cause of the malfunction, a three-member investigation committee has been formed. The committee has been asked to submit its findings and recommendations within three days,” he said. General Manager (Commercial) Atikur Rahman Khan said the factory had around 24,000 metric tons of urea in stock — both bagged and loose — before production stopped. Last fiscal year, the factory had a target of producing 8 lakh metric tons but achieved 8.16 lakh metric tons ,he said. The plant has an annual production capacity of 10 lakh metric tons, he added. General Manager (Administration) Md Fakhrul Alam said the facility exceeded its production target last fiscal year despite being newly commissioned. Production was temporarily halted on Thursday due to a sudden technical fault. “We expect production to resume soon. Given the stockpile, the temporary shutdown is unlikely to cause any major fertiliser shortage,” he said.  The factory was officially inaugurated on November 12, 2023.    

Bangladesh Bank has proposed a significant elevation in the rank of its Governor, seeking to grant the position the full status and privileges of a Cabinet Minister. The central bank recently drafted the ‘Bangladesh Bank (Amendment) Ordinance (Amendment) 2025’ following recommendations from financial experts and has forwarded it to the Finance Division for review. If approved, the move would substantially boost the Governor’s official seniority and influence within the country’s governance structure. Currently, the Bangladesh Bank Governor holds the 15th position on the national Warrant of Precedence, 1986, placing the post below the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary but above other government secretaries. The rank is currently shared with officials such as the Attorney General. Granting ministerial status would signal greater independence and authority for the nation’s top financial regulator. The proposed status comes with an array of state-provided facilities and financial benefits, governed by existing laws for ministers. If enacted, the Governor would receive: A tax-exempt monthly salary of Tk 1,05,000, plus a daily allowance of Tk2,000 and a monthly regulatory allowance of Tk 10,000, access to a discretionary fund of Tk10 lakh, a fully-maintained, government-provided residence with all gas, electricity, water, and telephone bills covered by the state. Should the Governor opt out of a government residence, they receive Tk80,000 monthly rent allowance, along with coverage for all service sector bills. Multiple government-funded vehicles including a full-time car and an additional jeep for official travel outside Dhaka with all maintenance costs borne by the government.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has reduced the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for November. The price of a 12kg LPG cylinder has been decreased by Tk26, bringing it down to Tk1,215 from the previous Tk1,241. The new price, announced by BERC on Sunday (Nov 2), will take effect from this evening. The price of autogas, used in motor vehicles, has also been reduced—from Tk56.77 per litre to Tk55.58 per litre. In October, BERC had cut the price of the 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk29 to Tk1,241, while the price of autogas was reduced by Tk1.38 to Tk56.77 per litre. According to BERC, LPG and autogas prices have shown significant volatility throughout 2024. The prices were reduced four times (in April, May, June and November) and increased seven times (in January, February, March, July, August, September and October). The price remained unchanged in December 2024.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Sunday said that Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik can visit Bangladesh only with approval from the Home and Foreign Ministries. Talking to reporters after a meeting with representatives of two opposing Tabligh Jamaat factions at the Secretariat, the adviser said a delegation seeking to invite Zakir Naik had met him. “I told them this matter is not under my jurisdiction. It falls under the Home and Foreign Ministries,” he said. Dr Hossain said any visit by a foreign guest is handled by these ministries. “They will make the decision regarding Dr Zakir Naik. As Religious Affairs Adviser, I have no authority in this regard,” he said. Responding to a question on whether he personally supports Naik’s visit, he said, “My personal opinion is not important. If the relevant ministries issue the permit, he can come.” On the political front, Dr Hossain said the country is moving towards elections, expected in February. “The high command is in constant communication with political parties to ensure a free, fair and credible election.” Regarding the National Citizen Party’s (NCP’s) delay in signing the July Charter, he said, “Even if a door remains closed for a while, it will open soon through dialogue. Our intentions are transparent.” Asked about a possible liaison committee to bridge gaps between the government and political parties, he said he was not specifically aware of such a move but added, “Liaison committees always exist, and minor misunderstandings can be resolved through dialogue.”  

Diplomatic network of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) in Bangladesh on Sunday underscored the urgent need to ensure the safety and fundamental protection of journalists and media workers. In a statement marking the 11th International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the coalition highlighted the importance of advancing gender equality in the media sector, breaking down barriers that perpetuate discrimination and violence. It expressed concern over the rising threats of online harassment, disproportionately targeting female journalists and media professionals. The coalition also welcomed Bangladesh’s commitment to media sector reform, including the implementation of the Media Reform Commission’s recommendations aimed at safeguarding journalists’ rights. It called on all stakeholders to uphold accountability, end impunity for crimes against journalists and ensure freedom of the press. The 13 Foreign missions representing Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK issued the joint statement.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday emphasised the need for an integrated and balanced development of the country’s roads, railways, airways and waterways, urging that such progress must not come at the cost of nature, the environment, or rivers. “Our transport system is in a very fragile state. If we do not bring it under proper order soon, it could become a serious impediment to the economy,” he said at an inter-ministerial meeting on the Central Integrated Multimodal Transport Sector Master Plan of Bangladesh at State Guest House Jamuna. He stressed the need for implementing the plan without harming the environment. “We cannot damage the rivers. Water must remain calm. We must remember that water is a tremendous resource for us.” The Roads and Highways Department presented a preliminary strategic plan prepared in coordination with officials from relevant ministries. National unity must to defeat fascism: CA Prof Yunus The plan outlines how all transport modes in the country can be integrated and improved through limited upgrades and additions. The plan shows proper utilisation and slight expansion of the existing rail, road, and waterway networks could bring significant improvements. Expressing gratitude to the officials for preparing a coordinated plan, the Chief Adviser said the initiative provides a strong preliminary framework and stressed the need for immediate steps for its implementation. He said the plan should focus on economic growth while giving due attention to regional and global connectivity. “When we consider rivers as transport mode we must remember that rivers are our lifeline.” Cooperatives can help build an equal and self-reliant Bangladesh: Prof Yunus Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud said in some areas constructing a few small roads could bring entire regions under national connectivity, requiring swift planning. LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud said the ministry has initiated a planners’ wing to make local government projects more structured. Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashik Chowdhury said three new ports will be operational in Chattogram by 2030 and road connectivity from these ports must be ensured quickly and efficiently. Advisers to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges and the Ministry of Railways Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan; Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin and Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Sakhawat Hossain, among others, attended the meeting.    

Officials and employees of General Sales Agents (GSAs) of foreign airlines formed a human chain on Sunday, demanding that the existing GSA appointment law remain unchanged to prevent money laundering, ensure regulatory compliance of foreign carriers, protect local employment, and maintain quality passenger services. Speakers at the human chain held in front of the Jatiya Press Club, said nearly 50,000 people are directly or indirectly employed in the operations of foreign airlines’ GSAs. They warned that if the GSA appointment law is revoked to favor foreign airlines, thousands of local jobs could be lost and accountability of foreign carriers within Bangladesh’s legal framework would weaken, increasing passenger grievances. Rafiqul Islam, representing GSA officials and employees, said that violating the existing GSA appointment system could result in an annual revenue loss of over Tk 100 crore for the government. Saudia Airlines opens new ticketing office in Dhaka He cited past examples when airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Thai Airways, and Air India operated in Bangladesh without GSAs, leading to irregularities, mismanagement, and long ticket queues—particularly affecting Bangladeshi expatriates. The mandatory GSA system has significantly improved market operations and reduced ticket syndication, he said. Speakers also said GSAs serve as a critical link between airlines and passengers, providing local insights to foreign headquarters something foreign managers alone cannot achieve. Since the 1970s, GSAs have been instrumental in expanding international airline operations in Bangladesh, helping launch carriers like Pan Am, United, Lufthansa, and KLM in the country. After the human chain, memorandums were submitted to the Chief Adviser, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Ministry of Commerce.    

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Sunday said Biswa Ijtema will be held in February after the national election. The adviser came up with the information while talking to reporters after a meeting with the representatives of the two factions of the Tabligh Jamaat at the Secretariat. The exact date of the Ijtema would be finalised later in consultation with both sides, said the adviser. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Senior secretary to the Home Ministry Nasimul Ghani were present at the meeting.