United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted light to moderate rains or thundershowers across the country including Dhaka division in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Tuesday. “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at a few places over Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions with moderately heavy falls at places over the country,” said a Met office bulletin. Day and night temperatures may rise slightly over the country. The low-pressure area over North Bay and adjoining area, now lies over Northwest Bay and adjoining coastal area of West Bengal. The axis of monsoon troughs runs through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, center of the low to Assam across southern part of Bangladesh. Monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over North Bay. Another low pressure area may form over East-central Bay and adjoining North Bay during next 48 hours.  

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday defended Bangladesh Bank’s recent move to mop up nearly $2 billion from the market, saying the central bank was right to keep the exchange rate stable even as demand for the US dollar has temporarily eased. Speaking to reporters after meetings of the Advisors Council Committee on Government Purchase and the Advisors Council Committee on Economic Affairs, he acknowledged concerns that importers—particularly those bringing in raw materials and capital machinery—might feel pressured by the central bank’s stance. “Some argue that if demand for the dollar goes down, the price should also fall. But if we let the exchange rate slide without restraint, it will send a bad signal to those who send remittances. Remittances are one of our strongest lifelines and we have to keep their interests in mind,” he said. Dr Salehuddin stressed the importance of maintaining sufficient reserves for emergencies. “Our reserve position is not yet self-sufficient. Suppose there is a crop failure—we would need to import immediately. What would we do then if we don’t have the cushion? Foreign exchange is not only for imports; it also provides a safeguard against unforeseen shocks,” he noted. He recalled the challenges of 2007-08 when Bangladesh weathered global and domestic pressures with the help of reserve buffers. “That experience reminds us why the central bank is acting prudently now.” Bangladesh Bank has recently stepped up efforts to stabilise the forex market purchasing nearly $2 billion from commercial banks. According to BB data, total dollar purchases through auctions have already reached $1.74 billion in the current fiscal year. Stronger remittances and exports, along with the central bank’s buying spree, have lifted reserves to $25.67 billion as of September 11, according to IMF calculations—up from $24.50 billion a year earlier. In the three years leading up to FY2024-25, the central bank sold over $25 billion from reserves to pay for fuel, fertiliser, and food imports. But after the fall of the Awami League-led government in August last year, it suspended dollar sales for government imports, citing depleted reserves. In May, BB adopted a floating exchange rate regime to meet IMF loan conditions, a year after introducing a crawling peg.  

The government on Tuesday approved procurement of around 40,000 body cameras for police personnel to be used during the upcoming national election, scheduled for February. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed disclosed the decision while briefing reporters after a meeting of the Advisors Council Committee on Government Purchase and the Advisors Council Committee on Economic Affairs. He said the procurement would be carried out through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to ensure quality, transparency, and neutrality in the process. “An estimated 40,000 body cameras will be provided to police. We have approved the proposal and the process will begin immediately. The procurement will be handled through UNDP, just like the way UNICEF facilitates vaccine procurement under the EPI programme,” the adviser said. He explained that purchase through UNDP will help avoid controversies over quality and pricing as international tenders will be floated and responsibility will lie with the agency. “This is government money earmarked for election purposes and the cameras will specifically be for police use during the election,” Dr Salehuddin said. Responding to a query on election preparations, the adviser clarified that the Election Commission is responsible for conducting polls while the government is supporting necessary logistical and security arrangements. “Our part is to ensure readiness on the financial and administrative side. The body cameras are one such measure,” he said. The adviser added that since the procurement is being done through UNDP, there will be no need for separate negotiations by the government. “UNDP will ensure supply of good quality cameras at competitive prices,” he said.    

The government will provide the best possible treatment and full support to the firefighters injured in the chemical warehouse fire in Tongi, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday. “The National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS) is providing international-standard treatment and the doctors here are doing everything they can. Please pray for their quick recovery. The Fire Service, Home Ministry and the government will provide all necessary support for their treatment,” he said. The adviser made the remarks while visiting the injured firefighters at NIBPS in Dhaka. Chemical fire in Tongi: Three burn victims critical Earlier, four members of the Fire Service sustained burn injuries in a fire at a chemical warehouse in Tongi on Monday. Two of them are in critical condition, while another suffered minor injuries, he said. Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Acting Director of NIBPS, said, “Among the four, two suffered 100% burn injuries, another received 42%, and one sustained 5% burns. We have categorised them based on severity and are treating them accordingly, as per the protocol. This is the same approach we take in all mass burn incidents.” Prof Nasir said three patients remain in critical condition and are being treated in the High Dependency Unit (HDU), while one is under intermediate care. “We are providing care in line with their conditions and planning necessary surgeries based on the patients’ evolving needs,” he said.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of Bangladeshi-origin US police officer Didarul Islam, killed in a gun attack in New York.  “I read about the incident in the newspaper, and I was shocked. I couldn’t realise how such a tragedy could happen. I also saw on television that thousands of people gathered in New York to bid him farewell. He received immense respect, love and condolences from so many. While planning this trip to New York, we felt it was important to meet you,” Prof Yunus told the family members who met him in New York on Monday.  The meeting was held at a hotel in New York, where Prof Yunus presented a crest to the family as a tribute to officer Islam’s bravery and sacrifice. Economy must move beyond narrow wealth accumulation: Prof Yunus Didarul Islam’s father Mohammad Abdur Rab, mother Minara Begum, sons Ayhan Islam and Azhan Islam, brother Kamrul Hasan, nephew Adian Hasan, sister Nadima Begum, and uncle Ahmed Jamal Uddin. Senior National Citizens Party (NCP) leaders Akhtar Hossen and Dr Tasnim Jara also attended.

Two people were killed and four others injured when a CNG-run auto-rickshaw hit a motorcycle in Narikelbag of Keraniganj upazila of Dhaka early Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Nayan, 25, a Bangladesh expatriate in Saudi Arabia and son of Anu Mia of Sonakanda village and Khairul Islam, 38, son of Yunus of Keraniganj area. Quoting witnesses, Inspector Faruk, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital police camp, said the accident occurred around 2:30 am when the CNG-run auto-rickshaw hit the motorcycle, leaving six people injured. Later, they were taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where the doctors declared two of them dead.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday conveyed the United States that Bangladesh is fully prepared for the next national election in the first half of February and the interim government is making "comprehensive preparations" to ensure a "free, fair, and peaceful" general election. "The election will be held in February. It will be free, fair and peaceful. The country is fully prepared," Prof Yunus told US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and the US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor during a meeting. Sergio Gor commended the Chief Adviser’s leadership and reiterated the United States’ willingness to support the country's efforts, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.  

Religious Affairs Adviser  AFM Khalid Hossain has said that journalists play a vital role in encouraging officials to perform their duties with sincerity and integrity, particularly through accurate and responsible reporting on his ministry. “I have received tremendous support from journalists since taking charge. We are more encouraged to do good work because they are reporting news about the Ministry of Religion correctly,” he said. The advisor made the remarks during a view-exchange meeting with the newly elected leaders of the Religious Reporters Forum (RRF), an organisation of religion-beat reporters, held at the Secretariat on Monday. Addressing past criticism, Khalid said that some officials appointed to the Ministry of Religious Affairs during the previous Awami League government have been accused of being aligned with authoritarian practices. “Many are demanding their removal from the ministry. But thousands of people are involved in this institution — it's not realistic to remove everyone. What matters is whether those currently in place are honest and committed. However, we are keeping a close watch to ensure no untoward incidents occur,” he said. He called on journalists to practise constructive criticism, especially when reporting on issues related to the ministry or the Hajj. Journalist assaulted over report on auto-rickshaw license irregularities in RCC “When covering news about the Ministry of Religion or Hajj, it is important to include the Ministry’s statement alongside the report. Otherwise, the news becomes one-sided,” he said. He assured reporters that the ministry will extend full cooperation in facilitating their work and news gathering.    

The price of gold has surged again in the local market, with Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association (BAJUS) setting a new record of Tk 191,196 per bhori (22-carat), up by Tk 1,574. BAJUS announced the revised rates in a press release on Monday night, saying the new prices will take effect from Tuesday. According to the release, the price of pure gold (tejabi) has increased in the local market.  Considering the overall situation, BAJUS has adjusted the rates accordingly. As per the new price chart, 22-carat gold will now cost Tk 191,196 per bhori (11.664 grams). Besides, the price of 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 182,495 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 156,426, and traditional method gold at Tk 129,797 per bhori. In addition to the sales price, buyers must also pay a government-fixed 5 percent VAT and a minimum making charge of 6 percent set by BAJUS.  Swinging gold price: BAJUS hikes rates just days after a cut But, the making charge may vary depending on design and quality of jewellery. Earlier, on September 20, BAJUS last revised gold prices, when the 22-carat rate was increased by Tk 1,155 to Tk 189,307 per bhori.

Fire Service and Civil Defence Director General Brigadier General Mohammad Jahed Kamal has assured that the officials injured in the Tongi chemical godown explosion will receive the highest level of medical care. Speaking to the media after visiting the burn victims at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery around 8:00pm on Monday, the DG said, “If needed, they will be sent abroad.” He said that as soon as the fire broke out, several units of the Fire Service responded to the scene. “While our personnel were working to control the blaze, three firefighters and a warehouse officer of the Fire Service sustained burn injuries in the explosion,” he said. Among the injured, two firefighters suffered 100 percent burns, one sustained 42 percent burns, and another suffered 5 percent burns, he confirmed. “They are receiving the highest possible treatment here, and we are prepared to take them abroad if necessary,” he added. Brig Gen Jahed Kamal also said a team from Tongi is still working on-site, and an investigation is underway to determine the nature of the chemicals stored in the warehouse and the cause of the incident. Chemical fire in Tongi: Three burn victims critical “All kinds of assistance will be provided to the injured by the Fire Service and Civil Defence,” he assured, adding that the Home Affairs Adviser is expected to visit the victims on Tuesday. Earlier, a fire broke out at a tin-shed chemical warehouse in Tongi’s Sahara Market around 3:30pm. On information, seven firefighting units rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control by 7pm.