United News of Bangladesh

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reconstituted the Ad Hoc Managing Board of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) through a circular issued on Sunday. Global health expert Dr Halida Hanum Akhter has been appointed Chairperson, said a media statement on Monday. Dr Tasnim Azim, Associate Professor at the James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, has been named Vice-Chairperson, while former Additional Secretary Md Rezaul Karim will serve as Treasurer. The seven-member Board also includes former Additional Secretary Md Afzalur Rahman; Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr Md Nasir Uddin Ahmed; Barrister Tanim Hussain Shawon; and public health specialist Dr Arefin Amal Islam. The Ad Hoc Managing Board will serve for a three-month term from the date of issuance of the circular. Its primary mandate is to oversee BDRCS operations and complete the election process for forming a regular Managing Board.

A two-day international symposium titled “Quality Assurance through Accreditation in Engineering Education” kicked off in Dhaka on Monday, aiming to elevate the standard of engineering education in Bangladesh to global levels. The 4th edition of the symposium, jointly organised by the Board of Accreditation for Engineering and Technical Education (BAETE) and the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), was inaugurated at 9am at the Grand Ballroom of the InterContinental Dhaka. The programme began with a welcome speech by BAETE Vice Chairman Prof Dr S. Reza Chowdhury, who highlighted the vital role of accreditation in ensuring internationally benchmarked education. “Accreditation is indispensable for global quality assurance. Through continuous improvement, institutional collaboration, and international partnerships, we can further strengthen the standard of engineering education in Bangladesh,” he said. Adviser to the Ministry of Industries and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Adilur Rahman Khan, attended the ceremony as chief guest. “Ensuring the quality of engineering education is a key prerequisite for sustainable development. Such international events will play a crucial role in making our education system aligned with global standards,” he said. Guests from home and abroad joined the symposium, including Prof Kai Sang Lock, Chair of the Washington Accord;  Daniela Iacona, Deputy Chair of the Sydney Accord and Director of International Engagement & Governance at ABET; and IEB President Engr Mohammad Rezaul Islam. Prof Kai Sang Lock noted that Bangladesh’s attainment of full signatory status in the Accord framework means accredited Bangladeshi engineering degrees will enjoy international recognition. “However, it is essential to maintain consistent quality to uphold this recognition. Only by ensuring high-quality education can Bangladeshi engineers compete successfully on the global stage,” he added. Daniela Iacona said, “International recognition plays a vital role in ensuring educational quality. Bangladesh’s efforts will bring long-term benefits for future generations.” IEB President Engr Mohammad Rezaul Islam emphasised the institution’s longstanding commitment to improving engineering education in the country. “This international symposium will further strengthen our ongoing efforts,” he said. The opening ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from BAETE Chairman Prof Dr Tanvir Manzur. “The core objective of this symposium is to ensure globally recognised engineering education. It will serve as an effective platform toward achieving that goal,” he said. According to organisers, the event will feature technical sessions, panel discussions, research presentations and knowledge-sharing segments with participation from national and international experts. They expressed hope that the symposium will reinforce Bangladesh’s global standing in engineering education and pave the way for enhanced quality assurance across the sector.

The Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday drew a strong comparison between the current economic management team assembled by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and the teams that steered Bangladesh’s reforms during the administrations of President Ziaur Rahman (from 1977 onward) and Begum Khaleda Zia (1991–1996). Speaking at a seminar marking the release of two key publications — “Bangladesh State of the Economy 2025” and “Sustainable Development Goals: Bangladesh Progress Report 2025” — at the NEC Conference Room of the Planning Commission at Sher-E-Bangla Nagar, Alam said the present economic team may in fact surpass those historical benchmarks. “I would say that the economic management team Professor Yunus has assembled is perhaps one of the finest Bangladesh has ever had,” the Press Secretary remarked. “I do not know whether the team of Khaleda Zia from 1991–96, or even the team under President Ziaur Rahman from 1977 onward, was stronger. In my view, this team may actually be better.” But the Press Secretary did not say anything about the BNP-Jamaat alliance government's 2001-2006 tenure. He said that while the present government has undertaken major reforms and stabilisation measures, it still faces “mixed messaging” and a lack of adequate support from segments of the business community, especially at a time when the administration is trying to modernise core economic infrastructure such as the Chattogram Port. Alam pointed out that the sectors that would benefit the most from port efficiency — particularly readymade garments — have not extended clear public support. “If the Chattogram Port becomes efficient, the garment sector benefits first. Yet we have not seen a single welcoming statement from BGMEA or BTMA,” he said, underscoring what he described as a reluctance among business associations to align with policy reforms that reduce logistics delays and financial losses. He criticised certain business leaders for what he called “motivated narratives” that misrepresent the state of the economy and overlook the administration’s achievements. Referring to recent comments from a major business association leader, Alam noted, “Somebody who never did business 40 years ago, and who today exports US$700 million, now claims this is the worst time for business in 40 years. Such statements have no meaningful basis.” He argued that these selective interpretations of data have clouded public understanding of economic realities. “We have consistently seen cherry-picking of data over the last 16 months,” he said, adding that achievements have often been ignored while isolated negative indicators are amplified in the media. Shakib shouldn't have run for AL; its leaders have blood on hands: Press Secy On poverty data, Alam reiterated that recent debates were framed in a misleading manner, attributing sudden increases in poverty rates solely to the current administration. He cited the World Bank’s assessment that poverty fell to around 21 percent by June and is projected to decline further. “Yet the framing was as if poverty jumped from 20 percent to 28 percent during this government — an entirely distorted picture,” he said. The Press Secretary also stressed that misrepresentation of issues such as gas supply shortages and port efficiency is undermining constructive economic debate. “Professor Yunus and his administration want a healthy national debate. But some voices amplified in newspapers and TV are not presenting the real picture,” he said. Alam emphasised that creating jobs remains the central economic priority, and that global investors repeatedly underscore the necessity of modernising the Chattogram Port for Bangladesh to become a competitive manufacturing hub. “Every country that has grown did this. Yet the debate here has been hijacked by tiny groups being amplified far beyond their actual relevance,” he added. He said that despite these challenges, the economic turnaround achieved within a short time under Professor Yunus’s leadership is “historic”, particularly given the extraordinary national transition of the past year. “I am certain history will treat this government fairly,” he said. “When people look back, they will recognise how Professor Yunus took over at an extraordinary moment and put the economy back on a path of growth.”    

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Monday said Bangladesh has already slipped into a form of debt trap, and the nation must confront this uncomfortable truth if it wants to restore stability. “despite wide-ranging debates on growth, inflation and economic management, the core challenge remains unchanged: Bangladesh must significantly increase domestic revenue to reduce its dependence on borrowing,” he said. He was Speaking at a seminar on the Bangladesh State of the Economy 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals: Bangladesh Progress Report 2025 as the chief guest at the NEC Conference Room in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area. The event was organised by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission in collaboration with UNICEF Bangladesh. The NBR chief said all indicators point to the same conclusion. “We have already gone into a long-term debt trajectory. The sooner we accept this reality, the sooner we can move forward,” he said. He noted that although revenue collection has expanded from Tk 168 crore in 1972 to Tk 3.78 lakh crore in the last fiscal year, the amount remains far below what the economy requires to operate without leaning on external financing. Khan expressed concern over the continuous decline in the tax-GDP ratio, which has dropped from above 10 percent a few years ago to just around seven percent at present. He described the trend as dangerous for an economy already struggling with limited fiscal space. He pointed out that even Uganda, often mentioned humorously in discussions, maintains a tax-GDP ratio of around 12.5 percent. According to him, Bangladesh’s deteriorating ratio reflects both structural problems in GDP measurement and large portions of economic activity that remain outside the tax net. The NBR chairman acknowledged that long-standing tax exemptions and distortions—especially in the VAT system—have weakened domestic mobilisation and pushed the country deeper into debt dependence. He noted that despite the intention of VAT being a consumer-borne tax, business groups have continued to demand exemptions, contributing to widespread distortions and revenue losses.  “Traders are simply collectors on behalf of the state. VAT is paid by the final consumer. But we have failed to make this understood,” he said. He warned that Bangladesh’s reliance on import duties for revenue is unsustainable, particularly in view of upcoming LDC graduation, when preferential duties will decline. This means the country must shift its focus to income tax and a clean, distortion-free VAT system. He suggested that Bangladesh may even need a completely new VAT law to ensure fair, uniform and efficient implementation. Khan further said that the weakness in revenue mobilisation has already forced Bangladesh into heavier borrowing, deepening concerns about a debt trap. Reduced development spending, stagnating imports, stress in the banking sector and leakage across tax streams have all contributed to falling tax intake. These weaknesses, he said, increase the government’s reliance on debt to finance essential operations. The NBR chief highlighted ongoing efforts to reverse the trend, including stricter enforcement in areas where revenue losses are high, expanded digitalisation across tax systems, automated audit selection and refund processes, and measures to discourage excessive cash transactions. He emphasised that digitalisation — both within NBR and across government systems — is essential for transparency and accountability, and for closing the loopholes that perpetuate revenue leakage. He also said that NBR will no longer issue tax exemptions on its own, as all exemptions will now require parliamentary approval under the newly adopted tax expenditure policy. NBR uncovers Tk 9 crore revenue evasion by United Tobacco  According to him, this approach will help bring discipline and reduce arbitrary tax waivers that have narrowed the revenue base. Khan confirmed that the process of separating tax policy from tax administration is nearing completion, and that two independent divisions headed by separate secretaries will soon be in operation. He said the reform is expected to bring fairness, reduce distortions and support sustainable revenue growth. Reiterating that debt pressures are already constraining the economy, Khan said Bangladesh must act decisively. “We cannot move forward by denying the truth. Our only remedy now is to strengthen domestic revenue, eliminate distortions, and restore discipline in the tax system.”  

A new study has found that 23 percent of children in Bangladesh face severe risks on online platforms, with Facebook identified as the most unsafe space for young users. The findings were revealed at a national workshop on Monday in Dhaka, focusing on preventing the online sexual exploitation of children, including those with disabilities. The research, titled Prevention of online sexual exploitation of children and children with disabilities in Bangladesh, shows that 8 percent of children face partial risks online, while 69 per cent remain only partially safe. Alarmingly, 77 per cent of children using Facebook are exposed to significant risks, followed by Instagram at 15 per cent, with other social media platforms also proving unsafe. The results were presented by Professor Dr. Md Ahsan Habib of Dhaka University at the workshop organised by Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH-NL). The function was chaired by TdH-NL Programme Coordinator Nurul Kabir. Senior officials, including Department of Social Services Director General Md Saidur Rahman Khan, DMP Deputy Commissioner (Women Support and Investigation) Farhana Yasmin, disability expert Shah Moazzem Hossain, Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organisation Executive Director Md Saidul Haque, and Access Bangladesh Foundation Chairperson Mohua Pal, also addressed the workshop. Professor Habib warned that rapid digital expansion—from urban centres to rural areas—has increased opportunities as well as various forms of online risks, particularly sexual harassment. Children are the most affected, he said, stressing the need for inclusive education, specialised teacher training and accessible justice systems to ensure safer online experiences. “No single initiative can solve this problem,” he added, urging greater inclusion of children with disabilities in online safety laws and policies. He called for coordinated action among disability programmes, digital literacy initiatives and child protection workers, as well as stronger advocacy to challenge stigma and push for community and policy-level change. Department of Social Services DG Saidur Rahman Khan noted that children remain vulnerable to both physical and psychological abuse, including visible and invisible dangers on the internet. He emphasised community participation and coordinated government–non-government efforts to ensure children’s well-being. He also said that a National Platform for Child Protection has already been formed to strengthen collaboration. In his concluding remarks, TdH-NL’s Nurul Kabir highlighted that children with disabilities remain among the most marginalised groups globally. While around 16 per cent of the world’s population lives with disabilities, Bangladesh’s official estimate is only 2.8 per cent—reflecting longstanding underreporting and persistent social stigma. Cultural and religious attitudes often limit access to education, mobility and equal participation, making life even more challenging for children.

The employees of the Election Commission’s ‘Identification System for Enhancing Access to Services (IDEA) Project-Phase II’ on Monday formed a human chain in front of Nirbachan Bhaban demanding their jobs to be regularised and shifted from outsourcing to the government’s revenue sector. They also demanded job renewal of 80 employees who have recently become jobless, claiming that they have been discharging all responsibilities with integrity, competence and sincerity for a long time. The project employees who are mostly data entry operators continued their programme till evening starting in the morning to press home their demands. The IDEA project staff claimed that their job integration to the government revenue sector is the only solution to their growing insecurity. “We have only one demand — the skilled and experienced workforce under the IDEA Phase II project must be brought into the revenue sector,” said Zahid Hossain, one of the participants. CEC Nasir, Election Commissioners in Jamuna for meeting with CA On November 30 last, the EC did not renew the services of 80 employees of the project and extended the services of its other employees by one year. The Election Commission is, however, taking a strict stance against the project employees who participated in Monday’s programme. According to an EC official, the Commission directed for preparation of the lists of the data entry operators who were absent from work without permission on Monday.  

A Dhaka court on Monday deferred the date for submitting the investigation report in the case filed over the Bangladesh Bank reserve heist to January 13. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam fixed the date as the Criminal Investigation Department failed to submit the report for the 91st time. International robbers stole $101 million from the Bangladesh Bank account with the Federal Reserve Bank through fraudulent instructions against their target of about $1 billion in February 2016. Bangladesh has so far recovered around $18 million of the $81 million transferred to the Philippines. It was later suspected that Dridex malware was used for the attack. On March 15, 2016, Deputy Director of Accounts and Budgeting Department of Bangladesh Bank Zubair Bin Huda lodged a case against unidentified people under the Money Laundering Prevention Act at Motijheel police station.

Begum Rokeya Day will be observed on Tuesday to commemorate the life and contributions of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a trailblazer in the fight for women’s rights and education in the Indian subcontinent. Born on December 9, 1880, at Pairaband village of Rangpur, Begum Rokeya passed away on the same date in 1932. To mark the day, the Women and Children Affairs Ministry, Begum Rokeya Foundation, and various socio-cultural and political organisations have arranged elaborate programmes. Dhaka University’s Rokeya Hall also hosted special events to honour her legacy. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a message paying tribute to Begum Rokeya.  “Through her extensive social movement for women’s emancipation and human rights, Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain led women from darkness to light. Her remarkable contributions to establishing the women of this region in their rightful place in society will always be remembered with respect by the nation. On this occasion of Begum Rokeya Day, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the memory of this great woman,” he said. In the conservative society of the 19th century, education was the key to the upliftment of disadvantaged women and recognising this, Begum Rokeya played a courageous and pioneering role in expanding women’s education, the Chief Adviser said. Following the path she began for women’s development, the interim government continues to work towards women’s empowerment, he added.  

Frustrated by prolonged gas shortages and ‘Titas Gas’s failure’ to provide any meaningful assurance, residents of Jatrabari on Monday staged protests, disrupting traffic on a key national highway. Residents of Shekdi area blocked parts of  Dhaka–Chattogram Highway including Shanir Akhra, Kajla, and Jatrabari, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill. The protest ended peacefully for the day but demonstrators warned they would resume their agitation on Wednesday if their demands are not met within 24 hours. “The ongoing protest has been peacefully concluded respecting the assurance given by the District Commissioner,” said Ali Fuaad, one of the organisers. Bangladesh to drill 3 new gas wells as govt clears Tk 1,136cr exploration plan Some residents of Shekdi area said they have been facing severe hardship due to a prolonged gas crisis and cooking has become nearly impossible, forcing many to rely on expensive alternatives. Several residents told UNB that despite repeated complaints both verbal and written to Titas Gas’s zonal offices and senior officials at the company’s headquarters no effective solution has been offered and the situation has gradually worsened.    

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) warned of a rapidly worsening antimicrobial resistance (AMR) situation in the country, as its Microbiology and Immunology Department recorded alarming levels of drug resistance in major pathogens after analyzing 46,279 clinical samples over the past year. The findings were revealed on Monday during the dissemination of the Antimicrobial Resistance Report 2024–25, organized to mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2025. According to the report, 24 percent (11,108) of the samples tested positive in culture, with urine samples accounting for the highest proportion, followed by blood. E. coli was found to be the dominant urinary pathogen, while Salmonella Typhi topped the list in bloodstream infections. BMU researchers reported high resistance to ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin in E. coli, while drugs such as meropenem and tigecycline remain effective but exhibit early signs of reduced susceptibility. Several Salmonella Typhi isolates also demonstrated resistance to ceftriaxone, prompting calls for genetic sequencing to detect possible clonal spread. Klebsiella spp. showed moderate to high resistance to ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin, though colistin and tigecycline continue to work in most cases. The situation is particularly difficult in hospital-acquired infections, with Acinetobacter spp. exhibiting resistance to nearly all commonly used antibiotics—including rising resistance to meropenem and tigecycline. Trend analysis from 2022–2025 shows a slight decline in MRSA and ESBL-producing E. coli, but carbapenemase-producing E. coli, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas have surged to worrying levels. Invasive ICU-related fungal infections were dominated by Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans, with significant fluconazole resistance across multiple species. Speaking at the event as the chief guest, BMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Shahinul Alam said universities must take responsibility for research, guideline development and implementation to curb AMR. “Challenges linked to antimicrobial resistance are not insurmountable. Universities must lead by finding solutions and offering hope to the nation,” he said. In a video message, Adviser to the Chief Adviser Prof Dr Md Sayedur Rahman warned that within the next 10–15 years, humanity could face a crisis similar to the pre-antibiotic era. “There will be medicines, but they will no longer work against bacteria,” he cautioned. Online ticketing service introduced at BMU to reduce patients’ hassles Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad said AMR has taken a “frightening turn”, urging immediate collective action. Chairing the event, Microbiology and Immunology Department chief Prof Dr Abu Naser Ibn Sattar said misuse, incomplete doses and overuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock are contributing to deadly resistance patterns. “We must commit to responsible antibiotic use, proper hygiene, vaccination and infection control,” he emphasised. Faculty members, department chairs and specialists from various BMU units attended the programme. Poster presentation winners were awarded at the end of the event.