United News of Bangladesh

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday interrogated Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain’s former assistant private secretary Moazzem Hossain and Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum’s former personal officer Tuhin Farabi and current PO Mahmudul Hasan  over corruption charges. The commission also summoned National Citizen Party’s suspended joint member secretary Gazi Salauddin Ahmed Tanvir to question over graft charge. The anti-graft agency asked Tuhin and Mahmudul to appear at the commission headquarters on May 20, Tanvir on May 21 and Moazzem on May 22. The Commission interrogated three individuals for nearly two hours at its headquarters over allegations of corruption, including lobbying for transfers, tenders, and administrative favours involving crores of taka. Farabi and Hasan  were scheduled to appear before the ACC on Tuesday but failed to do so. Gazi Salauddin, whose appearance was set for today, complied with the summons. According to the ACC, both Farabi and Hasan are accused of amassing illicit wealth through unethical influence in doctor transfers, tender processes, and administrative lobbying. Farabi did not speak to the media after the questioning, while Hasan told reporters, “The allegations are baseless. I am also resigning from the position of Advisor’s Personal Officer.” ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Akterul Islam said the commission will evaluate the gathered evidence and the statements of the accused before making further decisions. No issue of Foreign Secretary’s removal; responsibilities to be changed: Adviser Hossain After emerging from the ACC office, Gazi Salauddin claimed innocence, saying, “I am innocent. I am ready to go to jail if the allegations are proven.” Meanwhile, the ACC has summoned Moazzem, the former APS to the local government adviser, for questioning on Thursday. Earlier, the ACC started an inquiry into  allegations of amassing illegal wealth through corruption including lobbying, tender manipulations, and recruitment and posting business against Moazzem. Tuhin and Mahmudul also allegedly embezzled hundreds of crores of taka through appointments and transfer of doctors, medical college principals, directors, deputy directors and civil surgeons. Amid the allegations of corruption, Moazzem and Tuhin resigned from their posts on April 21. The ACC is conducting an inquiry led by ACC assistant director SM Rashedul Hasan against NCP’s suspended leader Salauddin over allegations of amassing illegal wealth through abusing power, lobbying and tender manipulation. Amid graft allegations, the NCP suspended Salauddin on April 21.

Local Government, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Saturday emphasised the importance of identifying barriers to women’s participation in the ICT sector and framing policies accordingly. “The RMG sector is one of the most successful industries in our country, and a key reason behind its success is the significant participation of women. Likewise, it is important to identify barriers and shape policies to ensure women’s participation in ICT,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar marking World Telecommunication and Information Society Day at the BTRC in the capital. He further pointed out that women often fall victim to cyberbullying, harassment, or violence on social media platforms and the government has taken such issues into account. Among the special guests were Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser for Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology; Shish Haider Chowdhury, secretary of the ICT Division; Mahbuba Farzana, secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Faiz  said, “In various digital indicators—such as digital governance, e-learning, and internet access—women continue to lag behind. As policymakers, it is our duty to address this gap, and we are committed to ongoing efforts in this regard.” He stressed the need for collaboration among all industry stakeholders to eliminate gender disparities in the ICT sector. Prof Yunus for establishing dedicated ‘Microcredit Bank’ Highlighting government efforts, he mentioned a project titled ‘Nagorik Sheba’ aimed at bringing government services from urban centres to mobile devices and grassroots communities. “As part of this initiative, we have begun training entrepreneurs and have tried to ensure that around 50 per cent of trainees are women,” he said. On legal protections, he added, “We have included a gender-sensitive provision under Section 25 of the new Cyber Security Act. For the first time in the country’s legislative history, this provision ensures enhanced protection for women against sexual harassment, blackmail and the dissemination of obscene content.” He added that materials related to sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, sextortion and any form of cyberbullying are recognised as crimes under this law. Faiz noted that the law has already been approved by the Cabinet Division and is expected to be published in the official gazette in the coming weeks. During the event, BTRC also launched its e-licensing service by handing over e-licenses to a nationwide ISP and a divisional ISP.

The government has decided to establish two separate Public Service Commissions (PSCs) following discussions on delays and irregularities, according to Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyian, Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. "The most recent Cabinet meeting saw detailed discussions on the PSCs. After addressing concerns over delays and irregularities, the government decided to establish two PSCs," he wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday. He added, "I have conveyed their [student] demands to the authorities concerned. Although a meeting was scheduled with a team of protesters last Monday, unfortunately, it could not take place. Nevertheless, I have repeatedly forwarded their demands to the relevant authorities." Asif Mahmud further stated that in tackling unemployment, his ministry [LGRD] has issued the highest number of recruitment circulars after the police, and the recruitment process is ongoing. Over the next few months, at least 10,000 more appointments will be made, he wrote. The adviser added, “However, it is important to note that I do not hold the authority to make decisions or dictate matters regarding the PSC. I am doing everything within my capacity and will continue to do so, Insha'Allah." Regarding his engagement with student concerns, he said, "No matter how busy I am, addressing student issues remains my top priority. Nearly 10 days before the protests at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) escalated, a delegation visited me at my residence.” Dr Kamal urges vigilance against obstacles to nation-building effort He mentioned that he personally handed over their memorandum to the education adviser and worked to expedite the process of addressing their demands, adding, “It should not be assumed that work is not progressing simply because it is not being publicised on Facebook." He also wrote about his efforts during the ongoing protests at Dhaka University’s TSC, saying, "Many of those protesting at TSC are known to me personally. I did not hesitate to go there at 4–5am.” Additionally, he visited Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital to meet the family of Shaheed Jasim’s daughter, who tragically committed suicide; he said adding that he returned around dawn as very few people were present." Commenting on the rumours surrounding bail for the accused in the case, he clarified, "The news of the arrestees getting bail is incorrect. They are being held by the CID, and the Ministry of Law will ensure exemplary punishment." Finally, he added, "After office hours, I will visit the hunger-striking protesters at the Raju Sculpture. It is important to remember that the PSC is a constitutional, independent, and autonomous institution. Your demands have already been communicated, and I will again raise the matter with the concerned authorities."

Local Government, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Saturday stressed the need for maximum transparency in ministry-level recruitment processes, noting that sometimes officials discreetly inquire if candidates have any personal connections. Speaking to reporters after visiting the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University center where recruitment exams for the Rural Poverty Alleviation Foundation were held, Asif said, “It is from the demand for merit-based recruitment that the mass uprising happened. Therefore, ensuring that no irregularities take place remains our highest priority. We want the recruitment process to be as transparent as possible." When asked about his potential involvement in politics, he said, "Because I led from the front during the July mass uprising, there are public expectations that we will work for the country in the long term. However, it is not yet the time to decide which political party I may join." He further clarified that there is no reason to assume that he will be joining a new political party. Regarding the transfer of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) bank funds, Asif explained that some banks had been marked with red alerts by Bangladesh Bank, indicating risk. He was referring to Bangladesh Bank's stress testing of the banking sector that marked banks under 3 categories - green, yellow and red. Red indicated the riskiest banks that may have gone bust, putting deposits at risk.  Health sector reform commission to submit report after reviewing proposed tobacco law amendments Transferring the BCB's money from those banks was a good initiative, Asif said. "That’s why the money was shifted from one bank to another. However, we will review whether any internal procedures of BCB were violated in the process," he added. Addressing the news about his APS (Assistant Personal Secretary) being removed, Asif said, "A report surfaced claiming that he was removed. Both the Ministry of Public Administration and we have documentation showing that he resigned voluntarily and his resignation was accepted. Resignation and removal are not the same thing. It is unfortunate that the matter was portrayed in such a manner by some media outlets." Asif also alleged that there were efforts to spread misinformation through external pressure. "When we communicated with some media houses, they informed us that external parties were pressuring them to circulate such narratives. It feels like a media trial is underway," he said. On the issue of asset declarations, Asif clarified that he did not have a TIN (Tax Identification Number) before as he was a student. Govt trying to renegotiate rates with power plant operators: Energy Adviser “I have now obtained a TIN and plan to submit my income tax return next year. I will formally declare all my assets, including my bank accounts, after stepping down from my responsibilities. However, I am ready to disclose them even now if required." Regarding the allocation of cattle haat (makeshift markets) in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) area, the adviser said, "Many applicants did not fulfil the necessary criteria. Therefore, DNCC decided to lease these spaces as 'khas' (government-owned) land." He urged the North City Corporation's administrator to reconsider the decision to ensure that the government's revenue from the cattle markets is not hampered.

The government will soon take decision whether it will hold local government elections before the national polls, said Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Tuesday.  “Although discussions are in progress no final decision has been made yet. Either election will be held or administrators will be appointed to run local government institutions," he told reporters at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the final day of the Deputy Commissioners' (DC) Conference.  The adviser said officials who are currently managing local government institutions alongside their primary responsibilities are facing challenges. "Divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners are burdened with multiple works. I personally believe that electing public representatives is necessary to ensure proper governance," he said.  Adviser Rizwana directs DCs to protect rivers, hills and forests Responding to a question,  Asif Mahmud said that elected representatives would help maintain law and order and contribute to smoother election management. “However, the final decision rests with the government.”  Now a common complaint is the difficulty in obtaining birth, or death certificates due to the unavailability of dedicated officials, he said.

Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports, has called for a swift and transparent implementation of development projects, urging officials to stop all forms of corruption and nepotism. Speaking at a progress review meeting of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the financial year 2024-2025, he emphasized that the timely and efficient completion of projects is critical for maintaining the trust of development partners and fulfilling public expectations. “We must ensure that all projects are implemented properly and without delay,” Asif Mahmud stated during the meeting, which was attended by senior officials from the ministry and key project directors. He highlighted that lengthy project schedules have caused disillusionment among development partners, leading to a loss of enthusiasm for future collaborations. The adviser underscored the importance of working in close coordination with development partners in case of unavoidable delays, while maintaining integrity and transparency throughout the project cycle. “All forms of corruption and nepotism must be stopped in project implementation,” he insisted. Out of the total 230 ongoing projects in 19 departments, 62 are funded by foreign development partners, while 168 projects are government-funded. The total budget allocation for these projects is Taka 3,580,888. Asif Mahmud also noted that delays in appointing consultants have been a significant obstacle to the timely execution of projects, particularly in sectors like road construction and culvert works. He emphasized the need for reforms to streamline the consultant appointment process, ensuring quicker decisions and minimizing delays. The adviser further reminded ministry officials of their duty to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people in their work. “The blood of those who sacrificed for the creation of today’s Bangladesh should not go in vain. A new hope has been instilled in the people, and we must work to fulfill those hopes,” he said, urging all ministry staff to take their responsibilities seriously. The meeting was conducted by the Secretary of the Ministry, Md Nazrul Islam, and was attended by senior ministry officials, project directors, chief engineers, and executive engineers.