United News of Bangladesh

The Council of Advisers in a special meeting on Monday approved the drafts of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) Policy, 2026 and the National Fisheries Policy, 2026. The approvals came during the 10th special meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the Chief Advisers' Office (CAO) with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam later briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, highlighting the outcomes of the meeting. The Council also approved a proposal to ratify the implementing agreement between the Qatar Armed Forces and the Bangladesh Armed Forces concerning the deputation (secondment of officers, military personnel and civilians). Meanwhile, policy-level approval was given to recommendations submitted by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) from the report of a committee on the establishment of a Bangladesh Free Trade Zone. Explaining the BNQF Policy, Alam said the framework has been designed as a dynamic and inclusive qualification pathway. The key objectives of the policy are to clearly define qualifications across all streams of education-general, technical and madrasah-at every level. Prof Yunus sees renewed global confidence in Bangladesh democracy He said the policy aims to create an open and flexible qualification system that supports lifelong learning through recognition of prior learning and learning transfers, enhances employability and facilitates both vertical and horizontal mobility of workers across institutions, sectors and countries. The framework will ensure national, regional and international recognition of qualifications, enable comparability and equivalence of learning outcomes, and establish clear entry and exit pathways between different education systems. The BNQF Policy is intended to guide human capital development and help determine learners' education and career trajectories.

The Council of Advisers on Thursday officially annulled the directive, noting that during Sheikh Hasina's nearly 16-year long autocratic rule, a directive was reportedly issued requiring public officials to address her as ‘Sir’. This practice extended to other high-ranking female officials, who were and still are being called ‘Sir’ which is clearly odd, said the Chief Adviser's press wing. Council of Advisers discusses ongoing flood situation in Feni, Noakhali The Council of Advisers also discussed the necessity of changing other elaborate protocol directives issued by the cabinet. A committee comprising Energy, Road and Railway Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan and Environment and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has been formed to review the protocol directives and honorifics; and to recommend appropriate amendments for consideration by the Council of Advisers within one mont