United News of Bangladesh

Clearing massive outstanding dues owed to foreign energy suppliers has been the biggest achievement of the interim government in the energy sector, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said on Tuesday, marking his last working day in office. Speaking at a press conference at Bidyut Bhaban reviewing the interim government’s performance in the power and energy sector, the adviser said the sector had been burdened with huge liabilities when the government took office. “The biggest challenge was settling the dues. Within days of taking charge, I was told that LNG imports would not be possible unless payments were cleared. Late payment fees were also crippling the energy sector. Considering everything, we decided that settling the dues would be our top priority,” he said. According to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Petrobangla’s outstanding dues to various international oil and gas companies had stood at Tk 9,106 crore following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Between then and April 2025, Petrobangla paid energy bills worth Tk 35,700 crore, bringing its outstanding liabilities down to zero. The adviser said cost optimisation was another major focus of the interim government alongside debt repayment. Through lower premiums in both spot and long-term LNG purchases, around Tk 1,500 crore was saved in the first six months, he said. Petrobangla has signed new Master Sales and Purchase Agreements (MSPAs) with 24 companies, enabling LNG imports at reduced premiums. While the average premium stood at USD 1.28 per unit between July 2023 and August 2024, it has now dropped to 38 cents. Govt recommends procuring 53.87m units of Anti-TB drugs “Although we have little control over international gas index prices, significant savings were achieved through lower purchase premiums,” Fouzul said, adding that unnecessary expenditure in gas exploration drilling was also curtailed. He said the government repealed the Speedy Supply of Power and Energy (Special Provision) Act, 2010, and conducted drilling under the Public Procurement Act and Rules (PPR), ensuring transparency and competitive pricing. According to official estimates, significant cost savings were made in drilling five gas exploration wells in Bhola under BAPEX. Earlier projected costs of Tk 1,555 crore were reduced to Tk 907 crore. However, Fouzul acknowledged that gas discovery from the drilled wells fell short of expectations. “The amount of gas discovered is insufficient compared to the depletion rate. Exploration is a time-consuming process. Even feasibility tests take more than six months, and the interim government did not have enough time to complete many initiatives.” The adviser also said no major investment could be secured in the energy sector due to uncertainty over the government’s tenure. “Potential investors repeatedly asked about the government’s term. As we could not provide a clear answer, it was not possible to finalise major investment deals.” No decisions were taken on coal-based energy projects, leaving those to the elected government, he added. Fouzul also said document-related complexities of offshore bidding processes initiated during the previous government had been resolved. Outlining recommendations for the next government, he stressed the importance of offshore bidding for oil and gas exploration in maritime areas, along with plans to establish land-based LNG terminals and a fourth Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). To address the country’s gas crisis, the energy division has recommended drilling 100 wells by 2028, which could add an additional 900 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of gas to the national grid. On his final working day, the adviser said he would leave behind a written guideline for the next minister in charge. “I did not receive any roadmap when I took office. But the next person should know where to start and which direction to move in.” Senior officials of power and energy-related agencies, ministry officials, and public and private sector stakeholders were present at the press conference.

The interim government on Thursday said that law enforcement agencies did not fire any shots during the protest march organised by Inqilab Moncho near the state guest house Jamuna, demanding justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. In a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, the government said that despite a ban on all forms of protests, rallies and gatherings in and around Jamuna and adjacent areas, law enforcers initially did not use any force against the protesters who began their march on Friday afternoon. The statement said the situation escalated when protesters broke through police barricades and attempted to advance towards Jamuna. At one stage, some protesters climbed onto a water cannon, prompting law enforcement agencies to intervene to bring the situation under control. To disperse the crowd, sound grenades and water cannons were used. The government firmly stated that no bullets were fired at any point during the incident. It said that the restrictions around Jamuna have been imposed to maintain public order and ensure the security of the Chief Adviser. In this context, police acted in a lawful and procedural manner to disperse the protesters. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police also confirmed that no lethal weapons were used during the operation. Nearly 40 injured as security forces crackdown on Inqilab Moncho march towards Jamuna According to information received from doctors on duty at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a total of 23 people, including Inqilab Moncho Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, received medical treatment following the incident. However, doctors confirmed that none of the injured had sustained gunshot wounds. The government reiterated its firm commitment to ensuring justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. It said the legal aspects of conducting an investigation under the United Nations are being reviewed thoroughly and an official letter will be sent to the relevant UN body on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Rejecting allegations of excessive use of force against protesters, the government urged all concerned to exercise patience, restraint and responsibility during this sensitive political period ahead of the upcoming election. It also called upon citizens to cooperate in ensuring a peaceful, fair, inclusive and credible election, describing the forthcoming polls as a historic milestone in the country’s democratic journey.

BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Tuesday (4th November 2025) voiced deep concern that the interim government might resort to ‘unlawful means’ to secure victories for the two parties it now relies on — Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP). “The way this government is acting, it’s clear they have no strength of their own. This government survives by leaning towards two parties — one is a party they themselves created and the other is an old one,” he said while addressing a discussion and doa and milad mahfil. Abbas, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said the interim government does whatever these two parties tell it to do. “The latest proof is the (allocation of the NCP’s) election symbol. The government must do whatever they say. Who are these people? Where did they come from? What is their popular base? Do they have any support anywhere in Bangladesh?” he said. The BNP leader also said that if an election had been held, it would have become clear how many votes each side would receive. Fakhrul asks BNP leaders left out of candidate list to stay loyal “I am deeply worried that the government may resort to illegal means to ensure the victory of these parties. Just like the previous Awami League government that held midnight voting instead of daytime voting, this government may also indulge in any such acts,” he said. Dhaka South City unit BNP organised the programme at Nayapaltan Ananda Community Centre, marking the 6th death anniversary of former BNP Vice Chairman and the last mayor of undivided Dhaka city Sadeque Hossain Khoka. In an oblique reference to Jamaat, Abbas questioned whom the citizens of this country do not consider necessary, and are now making such long speeches. “Those who never wanted Bangladesh in the first place now want to rule it. I simply can’t understand that.” He said this party opposed the creation of Pakistan in 1947, opposed Bangladesh in 1971, and in 1996 and several other times spoke against the interests of the people. “Yet, they are now talking big. The BNP leader also accused Jamaat of trying to divide the nation by using religion in politics. “We will not let the nation be divided. But there is a section of people who want to split the nation for their own gain.” He said those who want to divide the nation also want to bring back the Awami fascist force that ruined the country. “The people of Bangladesh will never allow that to happen.” “Look closely, and you’ll see they are so excited because they assume they will get the Awami League’s votes. But that is not true. The people loyal to the Awami League will not vote for anyone else. They will vote for a patriotic party,” Abbas said. He lamented that the country is now in a terrible state for lack of good governance. "Who owns the country? Who runs it? It feels as if the country has no owner — no one is looking after it. Everyone is just busy talking about reform, reform, and reform! But what exactly are you reforming? I don’t understand that,” the BNP leader said. Election uncertainty may endanger democratic transition: Tarique He said many people are now coming to Dhaka in search of work due to rising unemployment across the country, making it difficult for pedestrians to even walk on the footpaths because of the huge crowds. The BNP leader said many people have set up shops on the pavements, causing problems for ordinary citizens. “If you pay attention — when you drive or take a bus — you’ll see there are now lots of battery-run rickshaws everywhere. These people are unemployed and looking for work, so they have turned to this.” Abbas said the interim government has no initiative to solve the problems of unemployed people in the country. “Instead, they have turned everything upside down, creating opportunities for a section of people to plunder the country. A new class is now thinking only of looting and destroying the nation.” He said those who never dared to raise their heads before are now speaking arrogantly. “Where did they get this boldness and power from?” About BNP’s announcement of 237 candidates for the upcoming national election, Abbas said many capable aspirants could not be nominated because of the presence of several similar candidates. He said those who did not get nomination are naturally disappointed, but urged everyone to work together to ensure the victory of the party’s candidates. Read more: NCP among three parties set to get EC’s registration

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday expressed confidence that the ongoing dialogue between political parties and the National Consensus Commission will lead to peaceful and comprehensive solutions to all political issues. “We think the discussion between the political leaders and the National Consensus Commission is still underway. We are hopeful that political parties’ discussions with the Commission will result in peaceful resolutions to all issues,” he said. Alam made the remarks in response to a journalist’s question regarding certain political parties’ plans to take to the streets to press their demands, and the interim government’s stance on the matter. He was briefing the media at the Foreign Service Academy following a meeting of the Council of Advisers, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present at the briefing. The interim government has already extended the tenure of the National Consensus Commission by one month. The Commission, formed through SRO No-55 Act, 2025 on February 12, will now continue its work until October 15. The seven-member Commission, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, was tasked with reviewing and adopting recommendations from the reform commissions. As part of its responsibilities, it has been engaging with political parties to reach agreements on reforms. Prof Dr Ali Riaz is serving as the Vice-President of the Commission. Other members include Dr M Aiyub Mia (Public Administration Reform Commission), Safar Raj Hossain (Police Administration Reform Commission), Badiul Alam Majumder (Election System Reform Commission), Justice Emdadul Huq (Judiciary Reform Commission), and Dr Iftekharuzzaman (Anti-Corruption Commission Reform Commission). Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), and six other political parties are set to announce a simultaneous programme with some demands, including the immediate implementation of the July Charter, media reported. Draft law approved to intensify EC’s authority to punish negligence in election duty Chief Adviser Prof Yunus, while presiding over the meeting of the Council of Advisers, instructed the ministries and divisions to inform the public about reforms they have undertaken on their own initiative, in addition to those recommended by the reform commissions formed under the interim government. Press Secretary Alam said the ministries have been implementing a wide range of meaningful reforms beyond the scope of commission proposals. “They have been instructed to compile a list as soon as possible,” he said, adding that they will be able to share this list within the next month in a booklet form and it will be distributed among all.  Of the 121 reform recommendations submitted by the commissions, 77 have been prioritised as very important. To date, 24 of these have been fully implemented while 14 proposals are partially implemented, with the remaining currently in progress. Responding to a question, Alam said the four political leaders will attend the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the invitation of the Chief Adviser. This is an important occasion and the political parties are the stakeholders of the government, he said. BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP leader Humayun Kabir, Nayeb-e-Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Syeed Abdullah Muhammad Taher and National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Akhter Hossen will be part of the Bangladesh delegation to the UNGA this year.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged everyone to remain vigilant so that no scope for conspiracy arises around Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community. He conveyed his sincere thanks and extended advance greetings when Hindu religious leaders met him at the State Guest House Jamuna. Leaders of various Puja Celebration Parishads invited the Chief Adviser to visit Puja mandaps during the upcoming Durga Puja. Hili land port to remain shut for 8 days during Durga Puja “Although I always want to meet you, I rarely get the chance. On the occasion of Puja, I at least get to meet you in person once a year and exchange views,” Prof Yunus told the leaders.

Home and Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday said no extortionist regardless of their influence or position will be spared. “Action is being taken against extortionists. They are being brought under the purview of law. No matter how powerful they are, measures will be taken against them,” he told reporters replying to a question after visiting Mohammadpur Krishi Market in the capital. About the national election, he said, it will be held in the scheduled month as announced by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. “If people remain election-oriented, no one will be able to stop it,” the adviser added. On the issue of commodity prices, Jahangir Alam said vegetable prices have gone up due to heavy rainfall. Over 80,000 army personnel to be deployed during election: Home Adviser “The market is largely stable, but the prices of leafy vegetables have increased. There is enough stock of potatoes. When the produce moves from wholesale to retail, the prices rise significantly. Unfortunately, farmers are not getting fair prices, while middlemen are making profits,” he added.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday sent a bouquet of flowers to BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, extending warm wishes on her birthday. “The Chief Adviser has sent a bouquet for Madam (Khaleda) this afternoon (Friday). His officials delivered it to her residence in Gulshan,” said party Standing Committee member Professor AZM Zahid Hossain. Zahid, who is also Khaleda’s personal physician, said the BNP chief herself was not celebrating her birthday. “She does not host any celebrations herself, but our party is holding milad and doa mahfils across the country,” he said. The bouquet was handed over to Khaleda Zia’s private secretary ABM Abdus Sattar at 4 pm by the Chief Adviser’s Private Secretary Shazeeb M Khairul Islam and Director of the Chief Adviser’s Office Mohammad Nazmul Islam. BNP Executive Committee member Belayet Hossain, Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan and officers from the Chairperson’s personal wing, including Masud Rahman, were also present. Abbas seeks justice for Khaleda, alleges harsh treatment in jail Earlier on Thursday evening, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka sent a floral bouquet on behalf of the Chinese Ambassador to the BNP chief to mark her birthday. Born on August 15, 1945, in Dinajpur, Khaleda Zia served three terms as Prime Minister of Bangladesh and became the country’s first female Prime Minister in 1991. The BNP organised a milad and doa mahfil at its central office in Nayapaltan and another at Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan office on the occasion of her 81st birthday. Khaleda’s birthday to be celebrated Friday in low-key manner In addition to the central programme in Dhaka, similar events were held in mosques, orphanages, and madrasas across the country, praying for Khaleda Zia’s good health and long life, as well as for the eternal peace of those martyred during the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 democratic movement, and the 2024 mass uprising.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Wednesday urged people to stay alert so that no one could delay the national election beyond February, warning that any such move would open the door for the return of fascism. “An acceptable, fair and transparent election is needed to restore democracy, and such an election has been announced for next February. People are happy and expect the election to be held within February,” he told a protest rally. The BNP leader said everyone at home and abroad, including experienced political parties and election experts in the country, knew there was enough opportunity to hold the election by December. “Dr Yunus, as the head of the government, expressed his wish to hold a historic election in February. Taking that into account, we accepted the shift from December to February. But we must remain cautious — under no circumstances should this February deadline be crossed,” he said. ‘Aparajeyo Bangladesh’ organised the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, protesting what they said is a plot to derail the national election. Election resistance threat an ‘echo of autocracy’, says BNP’s Dr Zahid Stating that the election must be held within the announced deadline, Dudu warned that any attempt to delay the polls would be an effort to bring back fascism and autocracy in the country. “Fascism is once again trying to raise its head. We can see, both inside and outside the country, how fascists and their collaborators are speaking in the media, moving around and giving signals that are ominous for democracy,” he said. The BNP leader cautioned that the fall of autocracy does not mean everything has been achieved. “Autocracy was removed for the sake of democracy, freedom, independence and rights--and these rights will only be regained by establishing democracy.” He said the people of the country will decide who will be elected in a credible election, but their voting rights must be restored. Dudu alleged that former autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina destroyed democracy in the country through the last three elections. “Not only that, this woman committed genocide, killed our sons and daughters, looted our wealth and smuggled it abroad.” He said the trials for genocide and the recovery of looted money are ongoing, and the election must be held while these processes continue. The BNP leader said a government must be formed to carry forward these trials, recover the stolen money and continue necessary reforms. Play your part in ensuring free elections: Fakhrul to BNP followers He made it clear that if anyone tries to block democracy or the election, it should be understood that they are attempting to bring back dictatorship and fascism. “That is why everyone must remain alert.” Dudu also urged all to remain united under the leadership of party chief Khaleda Zia and acting chairman Tarique Rahman. “Only then will we be able to achieve our desired goal.”

Noted economist Hossain Zillur Rahman on Sunday said time has come to become angry with the interim government. “I feel that time has come to become angry with the government and this will not be illogical, I will tell that anger will be holy one,” said the chairman of Power and Participation Research Centre, a think tank. He was speaking at the CPD Budget Dialogue 2025: An analysis of the National Budget for FY 2025-26 at a city hotel. Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Distinguished Fellow Mustafizur Rahman chaired the programme where Executive Director of CPD Fahmida Khatun presented the keynote presentation. Hossain Zillur, who was an adviser during the army-backed 1/11 government, said that this ‘holy anger’ is the anger that changes a society. “Time has come to be that angry,” he added. Tianjin Port advances as China’s premier smart shipping hub He alleged that there is a peculiar syndrome coming out to the surface of this government and that is “new form of Kumbhakarna Syndrome’. This is like listening without response, he said. Kumbhakarna is a prominent figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana, known as a powerful rakshasa (demon) and the younger brother of Ravana. He is characterised by his enormous size, immense strength, and a seemingly insatiable appetite and thirst, often depicted as sleeping for long periods.  Hossain Zillur  mentioned that the interim government is supposed to induce reforms in all major sectors like judiciary, education and health.  "But their entire reforms focused on the new constitution," he added. He claimed that the interim government is at present out of focus considering the reform issue.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said April is not a favourable time for the national election and hoped that the interim government will take the matter into account based on realities. “We have not taken any party decision on this issue (election in early April) yet. We hope that the government will consider this issue in light of reality,” he said while talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the time set by the interim government for the national election is not right. “We said on the first day that the time is not good for the election. The month of Ramadan will end, Eid will be over and then the election will be held a few days later. Just think about the conditions that candidates and political workers will have to endure throughout Ramadan,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said he is worried from now that he will have to arrange an Iftar party every day, which will contribute to making the election expenses double. He also highlighted the difficulties of running an election campaign during Ramadan, especially considering the extreme heat and the potential for rain and storms. Fakhrul finds December suitable for election, not April Besides, he said, it would be impossible to gather people for election rallies due to the severe heat. “Programmes will have to be held at night.” He also mentioned that all the national elections in Bangladesh, except two problematic ones, were held either in December or January. “Our party has said that the election is possible by December, and we firmly believe this is a viable option,” Fakhrul said In response to a question, he said BNP is prepared for elections at any time, as it is an election-oriented party.  “We’ve already said—if you can hold the election tomorrow, we’re ready tomorrow." "BNP is a party of elections. BNP is always ready for elections. “We are not a revolutionary party. We want to go to power through elections, with the people’s votes,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul refuted the misconception that BNP does not reform, describing it as "false propaganda." He recalled that it was the BNP which first advocated for the Vision-2030 agenda and later presented a 31-point outline for reforms well before the mass uprising. The BNP leader urged all, including political parties, organisations, and social media activists, to refrain from dividing the nation. “The nation is united on one point: we want democracy restored, and we want the country to be governed by a democratic system. We also want to cast our votes, elect our representatives, and see reforms. So, do not create unnecessary divisions,” he said. Fakhrul warned that any division within the nation would provide an opportunity for external forces and conspirators to harm the country. “I believe that during this transitional period for democracy, it is essential for all of us to act responsibly. We must choose our words carefully. Everything we say should contribute to overcoming the current challenges, not disrupt or undermine the transition process,” he said. The BNP leader said their party always advocated for national unity during their movement against the Awami League’s autocratic rule. “We are still emphasising that national unity is the most crucial requirement for moving the country forward.” He said the interim government may lack political experience, but not sincerity, as it is operating amid pressure and emerging political challenges. Fakhrul said rebuilding institutions after 15 years of the Awami League’s “destructive rule” poses a major national challenge and will require time. In response to a question on whether the interim government should transform into a caretaker government before the election, he replied, “I have said before, there should be a caretaker government to ensure free and impartial elections…The elections should be conducted under a caretaker government.” Fakhrul said his party wants the election to be held promptly, based on experience, as an elected government is essential for the proper functioning of the country and its economy. “Some time ago, a number of investors and major businessmen visited my residence to express their concerns. What are those concerns? They are not getting any direction… They are unsure of what steps to take, and the banks are not cooperating as expected. These matters are quite alarming…The root cause is the absence of an elected government. Foreigners are saying that without an elected government, they will not invest… these are the realities,” he observed. When asked whether the BNP would share seats with its political allies, Fakhrul said, “This is not unusual…This is entirely normal in parliamentary politics and it should happen. We have already committed to forming a national government after the elections.” Regarding discussions in the political arena about the BNP potentially sharing seats with Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) based on mutual understanding, he said he had no knowledge of such talks. “As the Secretary General of the party, I am not aware of any such discussions… In parliamentary democracy, there is no final word in politics.” When questioned about the possibility of an understanding with the Awami League, Fakhrul said there is currently no political activity by the deposed party. He said BNP did not oppose the ban on political activities of the Awami League. “We have said it was all right. However, our party believes that democracy should be allowed to function as democracy.” It’s people’s victory as HC clears way for Ishraque to take oath: Fakhrul