United News of Bangladesh

Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) on Monday strongly condemned and protested against what it described as objectionable remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir about journalists, demanding that he withdraw his sweeping comments on their professional integrity and responsibility within 24 hours. The organisation warned that it would launch a strong, united programme with other journalist organisations if the remarks were not withdrawn within the stipulated time. At an event in Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Monday, the IGP said, “Journalists write that the police are ineffective when they do not receive money from drug dealers. Such reports are published in various national media outlets.” In a joint statement on Monday evening, CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal and General Secretary M M Badshah said such comments from a senior official holding the highest position in the police force were undesirable and concerning. They said ensuring an effective police role in eliminating drugs was essential, while independent journalism also played a crucial role in ensuring accountability for police activities. If any journalist is accused of taking money from drug dealers, the allegation can be investigated on the basis of specific evidence and legal action can be taken accordingly, the CRAB leaders said. However, making such allegations against journalists as a whole without any specific evidence does not reflect responsible conduct, they added. The leaders said journalists were responsible for monitoring the activities of the police and other state institutions, exposing irregularities and corruption, and bringing issues of public interest to the attention of the people. Portraying journalistic reports or criticism of police effectiveness as a reaction to not receiving money from drug dealers raises questions about the environment for independent journalism, they said. Such remarks could create negative perceptions of journalists among the public and put them in an embarrassing position while carrying out their professional duties, the statement added. The CRAB leaders called on the IGP to withdraw the remarks immediately and take a responsible position on the issue. Otherwise, they warned, the organisation would join hands with other journalist bodies to launch a united programme to protect journalists’ dignity, freedom and professional rights.

Police on Monday prevented cultural activists from holding a human chain in the capital’s Dhanmondi to protest the obstruction of female Baul singers in Sunamganj and other alleged attacks on cultural programmes across the country, detaining former Bangladesh Chhatra Union president Dipak Shil during a confrontation. The activists gathered in front of Meena Bazar at Dhanmondi 27 around 4 pm under the banner of ‘Protestive Artists and People’ (Protiabadi Shilpi Janata) to protest what they described as attacks and aggression by groups acting in the name of ‘Tawhidi Janata’ against Baul music and other cultural events. More than 100 police personnel were seen deployed in the area from around 3:30 pm ahead of the planned programme. Drama activist Sumona Islam approached the police to ask whether the activists would be allowed to hold the human chain. She was later joined by Dipak Shil, who was involved in a discussion with police officers. The officers were heard saying they had instructions from higher authorities to ensure that no provocative remarks or slogans were made during the programme. Police also referred to a previous human chain at the same location where participants had chanted ‘Joy Bangla’.   In response, Dipak reportedly asked, "Why has the slogan Joy Bangla become invalid? We chanted this slogan during the July uprising as well." Police then asked for his identity. Following a heated exchange, officers detained him and took him to a police vehicle. Dipak is a former president of both the Dhaka metropolitan unit and the central committee of Bangladesh Chhatra Union. Sumona Islam tried to prevent police from taking him away and alleged that officers behaved aggressively towards her and pulled her during the incident. "Police detained Dipak without any reason. We condemn this and demand his immediate release," she said. Contacted for comment, Mohammad Ibn Mizan, deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Tejgaon division, said the activists were asked not to use provocative slogans or make provocative remarks. "They responded by questioning whether the slogan Joy Bangla had become invalid. During the ensuing argument, one person was detained for preliminary questioning," he said. At around 4:20 pm, the activists stood together and chanted slogans, including ‘No place for fundamentalists in this Bengal’, ‘Rise up, Bengal, against attacks on culture’ and ‘Your and my address is the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna’. One of the organisers, Faruk H Khan, told journalists that the incident reflected an inability to tolerate even a peaceful programme. "If even this kind of sit-in programme cannot be tolerated, then there is nothing more we can do. Baul and Bengali culture are under attack across the country. We strongly condemn and protest these incidents," he said. The protesters left the area around 4:30 pm. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Chhatra Union’s Dhaka metropolitan unit issued a statement condemning Dipak’s arrest and demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The statement, dated October 26, said his detention over the alleged chanting of ‘Joy Bangla’ violated freedom of expression and democratic rights. It described the slogan as deeply connected to Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and the Liberation War, adding that no one should be arrested or harassed for using it. The organisation also expressed concern over reported attacks on Baul and folk artists, restrictions on cultural programmes and attempts to silence dissenting voices. It called on the authorities to ensure cultural freedom and freedom of expression for Baul performers, folk artists, cultural activists and citizens, and urged students, artists and progressive democratic forces to unite in defending these rights.

A fire that broke out at a scrap warehouse in Konabari of Gazipur city on Monday evening has been brought under control after one and a half hours. The fire originated at Babul Haji's warehouse at Deuliabari around 6:00pm and quickly spread throughout the facility. On information, two units of Konabari Modern Fire Station rushed to the spot and began efforts to douse the blaze. As the fire intensified, two more units from Sarabo Modern Fire Station joined the operation. Fire Service Warehouse Inspector Moinul Islam said the fire was brought under control around 7:30pm through the joint efforts of the four units. The exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage could not be immediately determined. No casualties were also reported.

Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) on Monday expressed deep concern and strong protest over the "objectionable" remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir regarding journalists, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum for him to withdraw his statement and offer a public apology. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel warned in a joint statement that the organisation would announce tough protest programmes if the police chief failed to apologise within 24 hours. Speaking at an event in Old Dhaka's Chawkbazar earlier on Monday, IGP Ali Hossain Fakir alleged that journalists write reports declaring the police ineffective when they do not receive drug money. Rejecting the statement, the DRU leaders called such generalized comments contrary to independent journalism and unacceptable coming from a top law enforcement official. They stressed that if any police officer has specific allegations against a journalist, it should be resolved through legal channels with concrete evidence, rather than making broad negative statements that undermine the dignity of the profession and public trust in the media.

Bangladesh is projected to surpass India in per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026, though the neighbouring country maintains a significantly stronger position in terms of overall economic size, purchasing power, and growth momentum, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF's World Economic Outlook, released in October, estimates that Bangladesh’s per capita GDP will reach $2,886 this year, compared to $2,749 for India. Bangladesh previously overtook India in per capita GDP calculations in 2020 before India regained the lead in subsequent years. Despite the per capita GDP milestone, experts note that a wide gap remains between the two nations regarding broader economic capacity and true living standards. India's economy is roughly eight times larger than Bangladesh's, with India's total GDP projected to hit $4.15 trillion in 2026, while Bangladesh's total GDP is expected to stand at $506.4 billion. Per capita GDP measures a country's total economic output divided by its population, serving as an aggregate financial indicator rather than a direct measure of individual personal income or national income, which incorporates export earnings and remittances. Over the past two decades, Bangladesh has achieved notable economic progress, driven primarily by the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, robust remittance inflows, and rising female participation in the labor force. However, this momentum currently faces economic pressure due to high inflation and a slower growth trajectory.

Imports of key Ramadan staples, including edible oil, sugar, chickpeas, lentils and dates, have risen sharply this fiscal year, improving the outlook for smooth supplies during the holy month, the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission said Monday. Prices of eggs, broiler chicken and lentils have fallen in local markets over the past month, while edible oil and sugar prices have held steady, according to data the commission presented at a meeting at the Commerce Ministry. The meeting reviewed the market situation for essentials, including edible oil, eggs, pulses, chickpeas, dates and sugar. The commission, however, urged close monitoring of international prices, import costs and the tariff structure. Imports surge From July 1 to Oct 25 of the current fiscal year, imports of all five items exceeded those of the same period last year, the commission said.   Edible oil imports reached 8.23 lakh tonnes, up 1.18 lakh tonnes from 7.05 lakh tonnes a year earlier, while LCs opened for edible oil stood at 8.05 lakh tonnes, 1.31 lakh tonnes more than last year. Soybean seed imports rose by 1.13 lakh tonnes to 5.01 lakh tonnes. Sugar imports totalled 6.87 lakh tonnes, up 1.53 lakh tonnes, with LCs opened for 8.10 lakh tonnes. Imports of chickpeas, a staple of iftar, jumped to about 82,000 tonnes from around 12,000 tonnes a year earlier, an increase of 70,000 tonnes, with LCs opened for 1.38 lakh tonnes. Lentil imports stood at 1.22 lakh tonnes, up 64,000 tonnes, with LCs opened for 1.14 lakh tonnes. Date imports rose to around 11,000 tonnes from 4,000 tonnes. Citing Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) data, the commission said retail egg prices dropped 7.62 percent in the past month. Eggs are now selling at Tk 47–50 per four, while broiler chicken fell 2.63 percent to Tk 180–190 per kg. Large-grain lentils fell 2.56 percent in a month and 7.32 percent year-on-year, and now sell at Tk 90–100 per kg. Medium-grain lentil prices are down 9.62 percent from a year ago. Bottled soybean oil remains stable at Tk 204 per litre, with a five-litre bottle priced at Tk 1,000. Sugar is unchanged at Tk 110–115 per kg. Ordinary-quality dates sell at Tk 350–550 per kg, depending on quality, unchanged for a month. Poultry sector Poultry sector representatives told the meeting that egg and chicken production is normal, with no significant disease outbreaks and no risk of major shortages. Farm-gate egg prices have fallen from Tk 11.5 per piece to below Tk 10, close to the cost of production, they said. They said egg demand may dip slightly during Ramadan because of changes in breakfast habits, while chicken demand could rise after Eid, potentially affecting prices. They also noted that under existing import policy, eggs and meat cannot be imported without special government permission. Date tariffs in focus Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, who chaired the meeting, stressed making the tariff structure for dates simple, transparent and rational, given differences in variety, quality and price across source countries. He said dates are imported from about a dozen countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Algeria, and that this diversity makes a uniform valuation method problematic. He called for a practical, easy-to-follow tariff system for importers. The minister noted that tariff fixation falls under the National Board of Revenue (NBR), but said coordination among the agencies concerned is essential for an effective solution. Officials said internal preparations to implement the existing tariff concession on dates have already been completed. A proposal was also discussed to assess duty on dates based on actual quality and value, rather than fixed values. Importers said ordinary-quality dates attract higher duties and import costs when valuations do not match actual import prices. They said regional conditions, alternative shipping routes, higher logistics costs and LC complications could add further pressure on supplies. Fruit importers also urged a more lenient tax structure, citing high duty rates and consumers' purchasing power. The authorities concerned assured them that necessary steps would be taken. Global prices The commission's review said international prices of edible oil and chickpeas have edged up, while lentil prices have fallen, underscoring the need to track global trends, import costs and local supply. Chickpeas and lentils currently attract no duties or taxes, the meeting heard. A rational adjustment of the existing duty structure on sugar and fruit could help keep prices affordable, it added. Fresh fruit prices in local markets have also fallen somewhat recently. Overall, higher imports and LC openings, easing prices of several key items and expectations of normal supplies point to a stable market in the lead-up to Ramadan, the review said.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md. Safiqul Islam Khan on Sunday said all tender activities of the city corporation are conducted through the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system in compliance with government rules, leaving no scope for political affiliation to influence the process. “All tender activities are conducted through e-GP and work orders are issued in accordance with government rules. There is no scope for partisan identity here,” he said. He made these remarks while inaugurating the ‘Urban Garden’ project, arranged by social development organisation Footsteps beneath the Moghbazar flyover in the capital. Criticising a recent media report on the issue, the DNCC Administrator said tenders are invited and work orders issued through a fully transparent e-GP process. Condemning what he described as baseless and false reporting, he urged all concerned to maintain responsible journalism and honesty. Speaking about the city corporation’s urban development initiatives, he said the DNCC and Footsteps were working together to make Dhaka a modern, green and livable city. He praised Footsteps for its longstanding contributions to environmental improvement and urban development, saying the garden at a long-neglected site beneath the Moghbazar flyover was an example of its efforts to improve the city’s environment. He said the DNCC is working to build a clean and green Dhaka in line with the vision announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Administrator also cited the renovation of Gulshan Lake, the painting of decorative graffiti, and improvements to the neglected 40-foot canal in Bosila, where benches, dustbins, and streetlights have been installed for pedestrians. He said a 45-day special program had been carried out to clean the Bosila canal. On eviction drives, he said the DNCC would continue removing illegal occupiers from footpaths to ease public movement and reduce traffic congestion. He said a footpath at Mirpur-10, which had reportedly remained occupied for 25 years, had been recovered. Footpaths built with taxpayers’ money are meant to ensure unhindered movement for citizens, he added. DNCC Chief Engineer Brig Gen Brig Gen Syed Raquibul Hasan and Chief Waste Management Officer Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, among others, attended the inauguration.

Ahsan Habib, who had been serving as acting chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for nearly four months, has been appointed chairman of the revenue authority. He has also been appointed secretary of the Internal Resources Division (IRD) on deputation under the 10 percent quota of the President, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Monday. Ahsan Habib will return to his parent cadre before retirement, the notification said. Earlier, on June 29, the government made Ashan Habib acting NBR chairman and acting IRD secretary.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to hold a bilateral summit with his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, in Tokyo on Tuesday to strengthen the strategic partnership, boost trade and investment, and expand cooperation in key sectors between Bangladesh and Japan. The meeting will begin at 11:45am local time at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, known as the Kantei, following a guard of honour to be given to Tarique Rahman from 11:30am to 11:40am. The two leaders will hold talks until 12:10pm, followed by a joint press announcement from 12:15pm to 12:25pm. Takaichi will then host a luncheon for the Bangladesh Prime Minister from 12:30pm to 1:10pm. At the beginning of the lunch, she is scheduled to deliver a brief welcome remark and propose a toast, followed by a short reply and return toast from Tarique Rahman. According to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, the two leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral relations, expanding business, trade and investment, Japanese cooperation in various sectors and international issues. At a curtain-raiser press conference back in Dhaka, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said the Prime Minister’s four-day visit is expected to open new avenues for bilateral cooperation and attract fresh Japanese private investment in Bangladesh. He said the talks would focus on the effective implementation of the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed in February 2026, expanding access for Bangladeshi products to the Japanese market and strengthening business engagement. The two sides are also expected to explore cooperation in renewable energy, agriculture, science and technology, digital transformation, skills development and human resource development. Siam said several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are being discussed for signing during the visit. Draft agreements cover agriculture, fisheries, human resource and skills development, domestic aviation, trade, environmental conservation and the modernisation of local government. “We hope that many of these MoUs will be signed during the visit,” he said. During the visit, Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Forum and meet Japanese business leaders. The Prime Minister arrived in Tokyo on Monday morning on a four-day visit at the invitation of Takaichi. He was received at Narita International Airport by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakasone Yasutaka. Tarique Rahman is leading a high-level delegation that includes Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, ICT and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad. Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, Foreign Secretary Siam, Secretary Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Economic Relations Division Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon are among other delegation members. Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General and Nezame Islam Party acting Secretary General Azizul Hoque Islamabadi, and Am Janata Dal General Secretary Md Tarek Rahman are also accompanying the Prime Minister. This is Tarique’s third state visit abroad since taking office on February 17 this year. He previously made state visits to Malaysia and China, and travelled to New York, the United States, in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The 11-day celebration marking the 1st Anniversary of The Artist Club Ltd. will start from November 11. A grand press briefing was held at Pearl Hall Room, Hotel InterContinental Dhaka to officially announce celebration. Sujit Mustafa, renowned singer & President of The Artist Club Ltd., Prof. Dr. A. H. M. Mustafizur Rahman, Chief Coordinator of the 1st Anniversary Celebration Committee, Mr. Frédéric INZA, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in Bangladesh, Singer Mahfuzar Rahman representing the Dhaka University Cultural Foundation (DUCF), and Olivier Loreaux, Director of Food & Beverage, Hotel InterContinental Dhaka were present. Delivering the main written keynote address on behalf of the organization, Chief Coordinator Prof. Dr. A. H. M. Mustafizur Rahman expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attending media friends and detailed the comprehensive 11-day festival itinerary.  He highlighted that The Artist Club Ltd. began its journey three years ago with a vision to nurture promising young talents of the new generation in Bangladesh, officially receiving registration in 2025, and has since successfully hosted over 200 episodes of its signature 'Friday Musical Performance'. On the occasion of the 1st Anniversary, the club has undertaken three major programs: firstly, a nationwide art competition titled 'Atelier Award: Young Painters of Tomorrow' for artists aged 20–35 from universities, art colleges, and freelancers to discover and empower promising young talents of the new generation; secondly, a 10-day Ethnic & Folk Music Festival (11–20 November 2026) in collaboration with Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, presenting the rich musical heritage of Baul, Bhatiyali, Bhawaiya, Gambhira, Lalon, Hason Raja, Manipuri, Chakma, Marma, Santal, Hajong, and other communities; and thirdly, the grand closing ceremony on 21 November 2026 at the Grand Ballroom, Hotel InterContinental Dhaka featuring a historic fusion of Bangladeshi Opera with French Opera. Renowned French Opera artist Véronique Pain and French pianist Mr. Fabrice Maître have accepted the invitation to perform live in Dhaka for the first time under the esteemed patronage of H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh, with high-level diplomatic coordination extended through the French Embassy. Addressing the press conference, Baptiste Lebret - Cultural Attaché, Embassy of France in Bangladesh, confirmed the full support of the French Embassy for the successful completion of the French Opera show for the first time in Bangladesh, reiterating their steadfast commitment to fostering bilateral cultural diplomacy and promoting international artistic exchanges between France and Bangladesh.  Sujit Mustafa shared introductory insights into the club's founding vision and extended a vote of thanks to the partners. He expressed deep gratitude to The Embassy of France in Bangladesh for their invaluable patronage, venue partner Hotel InterContinental Dhaka for their warm hospitality, and co-organizer Dhaka University Cultural Foundation (DUCF) for their all-out collaboration.  He emphasized that such grand international cultural exchanges require broader patronage and urged corporate houses, cultural organizations, and patrons to step forward and support these artistic initiatives. The press briefing concluded with an interactive Question & Answer (Q&A) session where the panel members responded to diverse queries from journalists regarding the festival schedule, artist lineups, and exhibition details, followed by cordial refreshments.