United News of Bangladesh

In a moment charged with both enthusiasm and uncertainty amid deep political divides, the long-debated July Charter is set to be signed on Friday afternoon, a move the interim government hails as a 'turning point in the nation’s history'. The historic signing ceremony will take place around 4pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Ahead of the event, the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Thursday announced a ban on drone activity in the parliament area during the event, urging all parties to comply with the security measures. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, along with representatives from various political parties, is scheduled to attend the ceremony. Prof Yunus, who also heads the National Consensus Commission, expressed optimism, calling the event a significant step forward. “You have made possible what once seemed impossible. We will join Friday’s ceremony in a festive spirit. This is our hope and we will share it with the whole nation,” he said on Wednesday, reaffirming that the next national election will be held in February. Go live together Friday, we stand united: Prof Yunus urges media  The Chief Adviser called on all TV and online media to broadcast the July National Charter signing ceremony live on Friday. "To every Bangladeshi — wherever you are, at home or on the move, in your shops, factories, fields, or playgrounds — tune in and be part of this historic moment!," said Prof Yunus in a message on Thursday night.  "Despite our political, religious, or ethnic differences, we stand together as ONE UNITED NATION," he said. Prof Ali Riaz, Vice-Chair of the National Consensus Commission, said that any political party that chooses not to sign the July National Charter 2025 on Friday will still be allowed to do so at a later date. He made this statement in response to a journalist's question during a press conference on Thursday evening at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Khaleda, Tarique invited to July Charter signing ceremony Prof Yunus thanked political leaders and Commission members for their cooperation, calling the Charter “an end to a major chapter, and the beginning of a new one.” “The Charter will be remembered globally as an example where political leaders not only discussed but also resolved critical issues. As a citizen, I’m very proud,” he said. BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that his party will sign the Charter, but with a formal 'note of dissent'. “We’ve agreed to sign (it), but with a note of dissent clearly outlining the areas where disagreements remain,” he said. National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam was more reserved, noting that the NCP would not sign the Charter without a clear legal foundation. “Signing without confirming the legal framework will only worsen the situation,” he said. Meanwhile, seven political parties involved in the ongoing simultaneous movement, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, are scheduled to meet Thursday evening to decide their stance on the Charter. BNP to sign July Charter with note of dissents, says Salahuddin Prof Yunus said the Charter is a historic achievement and a national asset. “The people will remember this remarkable progress. Everyone who contributed will be honored for generations to come,” he said. The National Consensus Commission on Tuesday sent the final version of the July National Charter to political parties, seeking their firm commitment to its full implementation. In its preliminary draft released on July 28, the Commission had proposed that political parties pledge to complete all reforms within two years of forming the next government. The draft outlines that no one can serve as both the head of a political party and the prime minister at the same time, and it sets a ten-year limit on holding the office of prime minister. It also suggests forming a bicameral legislature to enhance democratic governance. Not all proposals received unanimous support, with certain parties expressing disagreement on specific points. July Charter signing to be an occasion of national celebrations, hopes Prof Yunus The final draft states that any recommendations deemed 'immediately implementable' must be carried out by the interim government and relevant authorities through prompt, effective and appropriate measures before the election. It, however, does not specify which recommendations fall into that category. The final draft incorporates the 84 issues of consensus reached during two rounds of dialogue between March 20 and July 31, along with dissenting views from BNP and several other parties over some particular points of several issues. The Consensus Commission is seeking eight commitments from the political parties, prioritising the context of the July Uprising. The charter states that all its proposals will be implemented as a reflection of the sacrifices made and the aspirations of the people in the July-August 2024 movement and uprising. It has been described as a framework for a new political settlement, which has been adopted on the basis of a consensus. The Commission stressed that the July-August 2024 uprising as the basis of the new political settlement, framing the Charter as a reflection of the sacrifices and aspirations of that movement. The National Consensus Commission on Thursday invited BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to the signing ceremony of the 'National July Charter 2025'. Commission members Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and journalist Monir Hayder, who is also a Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, handed over the invitation cards, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.

Heritage sites are cultural and natural treasures that provide a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of a country or region. These sites hold significant historical, architectural, or cultural value and are preserved for future generations. Bangladesh, a country brimming with captivating stories and ancient wonders, boasts a plethora of such heritage sites. Keep reading as we go over 15 must-visit heritage sites in Bangladesh. 15 Most Well-known Heritage Sites in Bangladesh Sundarbans The Sundarbans, located in Khulna, in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It covers approximately 10,000 square kilometres and is known for its rich biodiversity. Read more: 5 Sundarbans eco resorts to experience world’s largest mangrove forest

Six newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) took oath at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday.  Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (Jatiya Party) from Thakurgaon-3, AKM Rezaul Karim Tansen (JSD) from Bogura-4, Ragebul Ahsan (Awami League) from Bogura-6, Md Ziaur Rahman (AL) from Chapainawabganj-2, Md Abdul Wadud (AL) from Chapainawabganj-3 and Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan (independent) from Brahmanbaria-2 were elected in by-polls held on February 1. Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury administered the oath-taking ceremony at the Jatiya Sangsad, according to a press release from the Parliament Secretariat.  KM Abdus Salam, secretary of the Parliament  Secretariat, conducted the oath-taking ceremony. Chief Whip of Parliament Noor-e-Alam Chowdhury and Whip Iqbalur Rahim were present om the occasion.  Finally, the MPs signed the oath book as per custom.    

Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon on Monday came down heavily on a parliamentary standing committee for its recommendation to find alternatives to female upazila nirbahi officers' presence during the guard of honour ceremonies given to deceased freedom fighters at their funeral. Read:Standing against corruption is the ultimate tribute to Bangabandhu: Menon“Such humiliation [to females] cannot be acceptable,” he lamented, while participating in the discussion on the proposed budget for 2021-22 fiscal in Parliament.Menon said such a recommendation is tantamount to humiliating women who sacrificed their lives and were subjected to rape during the country’s Liberation War in 1971.The parliamentary standing committee on Liberation War Affairs Ministry on Sunday recommended taking necessary measures to find alternatives to a female upazila nirbahi officer's presence during the guard of honour given to valiant freedom fighters after their deaths. Read: Menon seeks special allowance for elderly journalistsThe parliamentary standing committee came up with the recommendation in a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with ruling Awami League lawmaker Shajahan Khan in the chair.Menon in his speech said that although the finance minister mentioned about the economic progress in his budget, but it is also true that structural weakness and corruption in health sector has been exposed for the last one year.Menon also criticised the budget for imposing VAT on private universities. Read: Menon slams govt for remaining ‘silent’ over Trump’s peace plan"The proposed budget is businessman-friendly," he said.

A relevant parliamentary committee on Wednesday recommended the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to take necessary steps for waiving import duty of sports items. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Youth and Sports Ministry made the recommendation in its 13th meeting in order to promote sports in the country. The meeting was held with committee chairman Abdullah Al Islam Jakob at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, said a handout of the parliament. Also read: Cabinet purchase body nods import of 50,000MT rice Suggestions were made to construct 178 Upazila Youth Training and Entertainment Centres in the first phase as part of the establishment of a centre in every upazila in line with the government’s electoral manifesto. It also recommended the ministry to send a development project proforma (DPP) over construction of some buildings, including an administrative building of the Directorate of Sports on the campus of Physical Education College in the city’s Mohammadpur area and academic building of the college, to the Planning Ministry. Also read: Purchase body okays 6 proposals including import of LNG, rice The parliamentary committee asked for sending a letter to the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry for handing over its land to Sheikh Hasina National Youth Development Institute for construction of its structures to implement the plans of the institute. Committee members Mahabub Ara Begum Gini (Gaibandha-2), Abdus Salam Murshedi (Khulna-4), Jewel Areng (Mymensingh-1), AM Naimur Rahman (Manikganj-1) and Zakia Tabassum attended the meeting.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has banned carrying firearms and holding rallies, processions or agitation in and around Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban ahead of the 12th session of the 11th parliament, scheduled to begin April 1. The DMP’s restrictions will be effective from 12am on Wednesday night, police said in a press release on Tuesday. DMP said the ban would be in force until the end of the session. The restrictions have been imposed to maintain law and order in and around the parliament area to ensure undisrupted holding of the coming session. The restricted areas are Mohakhali crossing of Mymensingh Road to Bangla Motor crossing via Old Airport Road, the western part of Bangla Motor Link Road to Saarc Fountain at Sonargaon crossing, the eastern part of Panthapath to Farmgate via Green Road Link Road, Shyamoli crossing to Dhanmondi 16 (old 27) Link Road on Mirpur Road, Rokeya Sarani Link Road to Bijoy Sarani Parjatan crossing via old 9th division (airplane) crossing, the eastern part of Indira Road to Manik Mia Avenue's western part, and restricted parts of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban and all the roads and lanes in the area.

The country celebrated Victory Day without any mass gatherings or the traditional parade  (that was last cancelled in 2013) due to the Coronavirus pandemic this year.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Shipping Ministry on Sunday recommended the government take legal action against river encroachers.

Some 2,560 stranded expatriate Bangladeshis were sent back to eight countries by special flights.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday witnessed a power-point presentation on different development plans and activities of the Jatiya Sangsad Complex.