United News of Bangladesh

A total of 13 members have been elected to the Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh (ICSB) for the 2025–2028 term. The election to the sixth Council of ICSB was held on Saturday at a city hotel under the provisions of the Chartered Secretaries Act, 2010. Out of 519 members who cast their votes in a festive mood, 30 candidates contested in the polls, from which 13 were elected as council members, said a press release on Sunday. The newly elected council members are: Mohammad Shahajahan, Hossain Sadat, Md. Sharif Hasan, Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, Md. Mizanur Rahman, Khondakar Nasir Uddin Mahmud, Md. Humayun Kabir, Md. Rafiqul Islam, Mohammed Harun-Ar-Rashid, M. Nurul Alam, Md. Robiul Islam and M. Mazedul Islam.

The interim government on Sunday dissolved the five-member advisory committee formed to initiate positive reforms in the National Board of Revenue (NBR). A gazette notification said that the activities of the NBR reform advisory committee have been terminated due to the promulgation of the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance 2025. The five-member advisory committee was formed on October 9, 2024 last year. The committee was supposed to provide recommendations on tax policy reforms, improvements in tax administration, automation and other related matters. The committee was included two former NBR chairman: Muhammad Abdul Mazid and Nasiruddin Ahmed. The other members were Delwar Hossain, Aminur Rahman, and Farid Uddin, all former members of the taxes and customs divisions.

Bangladesh Bank has revised the transaction hours for the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, the central bank’s instant and secure interbank payment mechanism. The Payment Systems Department of Bangladesh Bank issued a circular on Sunday announcing the changes, which will take effect from October 5. Under the new schedule, RTGS services will remain available on all working days, except weekends and government holidays. According to the revised timing, customer transactions will be conducted from 10 am to 5 pm, while foreign currency transactions will be available from 10 am to 4 pm. Interbank fund transfers have been set from 10 am to 5:15 pm, with foreign currency interbank transfers available between 10 am to 4:30 pm. The circular also noted that from 4 pm to 5 pm, customer transactions can only be carried out through online platforms, including internet banking, mobile apps, and corporate solutions. The central bank said the new schedule has been introduced to enhance customer service and ensure faster and more streamlined banking operations. All banks and financial institutions have been instructed to make necessary preparations to comply with the updated timings. RTGS is a payment system that enables high-value transactions to be completed instantly, securely, and accurately. Both public and private sector entities rely on the service for their day-to-day critical financial transactions.

Civil society leaders and teacher representatives on Sunday urged the Election Commission (EC) to take a firm stance and diligently fulfill its responsibilities to ensure that the next parliamentary election is conducted in a free, fair and credible manner. They also urged the Commission to remain cautious over the postal balloting system, abuse of AI, misinformation and disinformation on Social Media and to stand resolutely against any possible vote fraud. The recommendations came from two separate discussions--one with civil society members and another with teacher representatives --held at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin chaired both sessions. With Sunday’s discussions, the Commission formally opened a series of election dialogues with different stakeholders ahead of the next general election, which is planned to be held in early February 2026. “This election is a transition for Bangladesh. Through it, the country’s future direction will be determined. People want to see you carry out your responsibility sincerely despite the challenges. I believe you can deliver a good election,” said former ambassador M Humayun Kabir, speaking at the first discussion with civil society members. Former caretaker government adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury voiced deep concern over a reform proposal that would make it mandatory for political parties to nominate only 5-7 percent women candidates in direct elections. “Even after 55 years (since independence), hearing that women get only 5 to 7 percent of seats leaves me stunned. We cannot accept this. Our minimum demand is to ensure 33 percent of seats for women,” she said. Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Prof Muhammad Yeahia Akhter cautioned the EC against introducing proportional representation (PR) voting without sufficient research or public awareness. “In such a dangerous political climate, if the EC can deliver a fair election, its name will be written in golden letters in history. But experiments with PR voting without trials and public knowledge would not be wise,” he said, stressing that postal balloting must also be handled carefully to avoid controversy. Journalist and columnist Sohrab Hasan told the EC that if it felt a fair election was impossible, then it should step down. He warned that attempts to exclude certain parties from the election would undermine credibility. “The Chief Adviser has said it would be the best election. So how can it be the best election if you exclude someone?” he asked. Dhaka University’s Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Robaet Ferdous reminded the EC of the nation’s expectations. “If you have a backbone, if you can take challenges, then you will succeed. The entire nation is watching you,” he said. He recommended credible electoral rolls, unhindered media access and larger numbers of international observers. Jatiya Kabita Parishad President Mohan Raihan said the EC’s backbone must be strong to make the election fair and credible. “There are still ghosts of authoritarianism within the administration who may prevent a fair election. So, the EC must be vigilant about this issue,” he added. During the first discussion, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin said the Election Commission is making strong progress to ensure a free, fair and credible national election. “We have already moved far ahead in making the necessary preparations for holding this election in a fair and proper manner. We are committed to delivering a free, fair and credible election. Our honourable Chief Adviser has also expressed the same,” said the CEC. On the postal balloting system for expatriates, he said there has been a postal balloting system in the law. “It has been in the book, but not in practice,” he said. Although the rights of expatriates were recognised in the past, no effective mechanism existed for them to exercise their franchise, said the CEC. “We are now working vigorously to introduce IT-supported postal ballots for expatriates. After extensive studies and research, the Commission has developed the IT-supported postal ballot system,” he said. The CEC said the EC is seriously working to fight abuse of artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation and disinformation on social media during the upcoming national election. “We’ve been seriously working on this issue for a long time. InshAllah we’ll develop a central communication cell. We’re fully aware of the consequences of abuse of social media and AI,” he said. Noting that the Election Commission has brought back its authority to cancel the election of an entire constituency, (which was taken away in 2023), the CEC said, “If we see any problem, we’ll cancel the election of the whole constituency immediately.” Later in the afternoon, the Commission held talks with teacher representatives. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmad advised the EC to maximise media involvement in election monitoring. Drawing from his experience in the recent DUCSU election, he said, “We had journalists by our side. We talked to them all the time. Sometimes we had annoying conversations with them. But their support was invaluable. Their role was very important…and the observers were our lifesaver. If they watched the whole process closely, it would be very useful for us.” “Observers and journalists were our life-saving partners. Their role was invaluable, from ballot casting to counting. The more visible cameras and observers, the greater the credibility.” He also emphasised rigorous testing of IT systems to avoid breakdowns that could damage trust. DU Mass Communication and Journalism Professor Gitiara Nasreen warned the EC that now a lot of fake information, misinformation, fake images, and AI-based misleading contents are spreading. “Their impact will increase during the election,” she said. The CEC said the saboteurs might try to stop the election with all their strengths. “Those who want to sabotage the election, they will try with all their might to stop the election,” he said. About the cyber-attack or malware attack on the IT-based postal ballot system, he said, “We have to understand that where Bangladesh Bank's reserves are not safe, then how safe is my postal ballot?” Nasir Uddin said he was instructed to find out what challenges might be faced in the postal ballot. "IT supported postal ballots may raise debates. It might be debated later. It may raise a lot of questions as well. We know this ... .but They (IT consultants) assured me that they will take action." Only 13 out of 30 invitees from civil society joined the first session, while 15 out of 32 invitees attended the second session. Election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Md Anwarul Islam Sarker and Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present at the discussions moderated by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.  

The government has announced three official Hajj packages setting the lowest cost at Tk 4.67 lakh and the highest at Tk 6.90 lakh. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain disclosed the details at a press briefing at his ministry on Sunday. Hajj Package-1 (Special) offers accommodation within a maximum distance of 700 metres from the outer courtyard of the Haram Sharif in Makkah, and in the Markazia (Central) area of Madinah, said the adviser. Accommodation will be shared by a maximum of five people per room with six attached bathrooms. Pilgrims will stay in tents located in Zone-2 in Mina, with meals provided by the Moallem, along with D+ category services in Mina and Arafah. AFM Khalid  said Hajj Package-2 is slightly less expensive and pilgrims will be accommodated within 1.2 km to 1.8 km of the outer courtyard of the Haram Sharif in Makkah and in the Markazia area of Madinah. A maximum of six people will share each room, with attached bathrooms, he said. Tents will also be set up in Zone-2 in Mina with meals provided by the Moallem and D category services in Mina and Arafah and the estimated cost of this package is Tk 5,58,881, he added. Room upgrades to 2- or 3-seaters and short-stay package options in Makkah and Madinah are available under Packages 1 and 2, subject to payment of additional charges. The usual stay in Saudi Arabia for pilgrims will range from 35 to 47 days. However, for short-stay packages, the duration will be between 22 and 30 days. The adviser said Hajj Package-3 is newly introduced and a budget-friendly package that includes accommodation in the Azizia area in Makkah and outside the Markazia area in Madinah. Each room will house a maximum of six people and tents will be set up in Zone-5 in Mina, with food provided by the Moallem and D category services in Mina and Arafah, he said. Air-conditioned buses will be arranged for daily travel to the Haram Sharif for the five daily prayers. The adviser said that this is the first time the government has arranged accommodation for pilgrims in the Azizia area. In addition to the government-managed packages, a "General Hajj Package for Private Agencies" has also been finalised. The cost of this package is Tk 5.09 lakh per person. Private Hajj agencies adopting this government-approved package will be permitted to announce two additional packages of their own, said the adviser. The adviser also said that the minimum daily food expenditure per pilgrim is estimated at 35 Saudi Riyals. Pilgrims must carry the necessary funds to cover food expenses and make purchases independently, he said.      

The Dhaka and Chattogram stock markets ended the first trading day of the week in decline, as most company shares and overall turnover fell. From the start of early trading, the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) indices moved downward and maintained the trend until the session closed. The main index, DSEX, fell by 35 points. The other two indices — Shariah-based DSES 6 points and the blue-chip DS-30 declined by 17 points. Among the 396 companies traded, the majority saw their share prices fall. While 70 companies gained, 282 lost value, and 44 remained unchanged. Shares in categories A, B, and Z mostly declined. In category A, which includes companies with the highest dividends, 42 companies rose, 160 fell, and 16 remained unchanged. In the block market, 26 companies sold shares worth Tk 43 crore, with BRAC Bank leading at Tk 21 crore. The total turnover at the DSE stood at Tk 560 crore, down from Tk 708 crore in the previous session. First Security Islami Bank PLC topped the market with a 10% rise in share price, while Standard Ceramic Industries Limited dropped more than 7% to the lowest. Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw a decline, with the CASPI index falling 65 points. Among 206 traded companies, 52 shares rose, 135 fell, and 19 remained unchanged. The total turnover at CSE reached Tk 13 crore, down from Tk 21 crore in the previous session. Samorita Hospital Limited led the gainers with a 10% rise, while Union Capital Limited fell 10% to the bottom of the board.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Sunday filed a case against former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, his wife Rukmila Zaman and six others on charges of extorting Tk 42 crore from a businessman through intimidation. ACC deputy assistant director Md Rubel Hossain  filed the case at the ACC headquarters, said a press release. The other accused are —former UCBL director Syed Kamruzzaman; AGM of Rukmila’s company Armit and owner of Imperial Trading Md Abdul Aziz, owner of Classic Trading, Mohammad Jahangir Alam, an employee of Armit and owner of Model Trading Mohammad Mishabahul Alam, owner of Crescent Traders Syed Nurul Islam and owner of Radius Trading Md Farid Uddin. According to the case statement, the accused abused their power in collusion through fraud and deception. They intimidated Tarafdar Ruhul Amin, managing director of UCBL’s Mahakhali branch client firms Saif Powertec Ltd and E-Engineering PLC and took a total of Tk 41.75 crore in bribes in several installments. The complaint further stated that the money was later transferred, laundered abroad, and used for money laundering.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has finalised five proposed names as administrators for the Shariah-based banks that are under consideration for a merger. According to a source at Bangladesh Bank, the names were selected on Sunday. Md Shawkat Ullah Alam, Executive Director of the central bank, has been proposed as administrator for EXIM Bank, while another Executive Director, Muhammad Badiul Alam Didar, has been proposed for Social Islami Bank (SIBL). Three directors have been proposed for the remaining banks: Md Salahuddin for First Security Islami Bank (FSIBL), Mohammad Abul Hashem for Union Bank, and Maksudul Alam for Global Islami Bank. Officials said the central bank is moving ahead to appoint administrators and merge these banks to safeguard depositors’ money. These five Shariah-based banks have been facing severe financial crisis due to widespread irregularities and corruption during the previous government’s tenure. In response to the crisis and growing public concern, the Bangladesh Bank Board of Directors decided on September 16 to appoint administrators and initiate a potential merger process for the banks at a special meeting.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has for the first time set a maximum US$ 8.44 billion ceiling of foreign borrowing for Bangladesh. The global lender sets the external borrowing limit for the fiscal year 2025-26. The new condition was revealed in the IMF’s ‘Bangladesh Country Report,’ published recently after the approval and release of the fourth and fifth tranches of the loan, totaling $1.34 billion. This new limit is a key benchmark Bangladesh must meet to secure subsequent loan installments. The report stipulates quarterly ceilings to monitor the country's debt management closely. A maximum of $1.91 billion in external borrowing in the first three months, $3.34 billion by the six-month mark, $4.34 billion after nine months, and the overall limit of $8.44 billion for the full fiscal year. This borrowing limit was not part of the original $4.7 billion IMF loan program approved in 2023. However, with the approval of the fourth and fifth tranches in June, the overall loan amount was increased by $800 million, and the program's duration was extended by six months. Bangladesh has so far received $3.6 billion under this program. A senior official from the Finance Ministry informed the media that the limit was set based on the IMF’s latest Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA). The DSA has categorized Bangladesh as a 'medium-risk' country for two consecutive fiscal years, an escalation from its previous 'low-risk' status. This change reflects an increased debt-repayment burden relative to export and revenue earnings. According to the DSA, the debt-to-export ratio soared to 162.7 percent in the FY2023-24, significantly surpassing the projected 116-118 percent range. The foreign debt-to-revenue ratio has also climbed, consequently restricting the country’s capacity for new borrowing. The significant rise in foreign debt is largely attributed to spending on mega projects initiated by the now-ousted Awami League government. An Asian Development Bank (ADB) report previously noted that Bangladesh’s foreign debt more than tripled over the last 13 years, marking the fastest debt growth in South Asia. Official data indicate that foreign debt stood at only $2.03 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal year, which ballooned to $8.02 billion by FY2024-25. However, officials in the interim government claim that the trend of taking on new debt has slightly slowed down compared to the past.

Two brothers died from electrocution while trying to save each other in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat district on Sunday afternoon. The deceased were Nur Islam, 54, and Delwar Hossain, 42, of Bakalitari village of Chowlbala union. The deceased’s’ paternal uncle Sirajul Islam and nephew Yasin Ali were injured in the incident. Omor Faruk, deputy assistant medical officer of the health complex, said two of the four were brought dead and the remaining two are recovering. According to locals, Nur was electrocuted while connecting an irrigation pump near their home around 12pm. Madrasa student, 8, dies from electrocution in Gazaria, Munshiganj Delwar rushed to save him but got electrocuted. Yasin Ali and Sirajul Islam also went to rescue them suffered electric shock. Villagers later rescued all four and rushed them to Aditmari Upazila Health Complex where physicians declared Nur and Delwar dead on arrival.