United News of Bangladesh

The Council of Advisers of the interim government will continue to perform its regular duties until it hands over responsibility to the elected government, the government said in a statement on Monday. It also said that meetings of the Council will be held as usual during this period. The clarification came following remarks made by Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam at the ‘Meet-the-Reporters’ programme organised by Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Sunday. Govt clears Labour Law amendments to expand workers’ protections The government says that Alam’s remarks about the Council’s activities created some confusion after being reported in the media. The notion that the government’s reforms and policy formulation work must be completed by November is not correct, the statement said, adding that the reform process will continue in full swing.  

The government has further raised the house rent allowance for teachers and staff of non-government educational institutions enlisted under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) with effect from November 1 amid protests. The hike will be implemented in two phases. According to an official order, the allowance will be set at 7.5 percent of the basic salary (with a minimum of Tk 2,000) from 1 November 2025 while another 7.5 percent increase, bringing the total to 15 percent of the basic salary (minimum Tk 2,000)—will take effect from 1 July 2026. The Finance Division gave its consent to the rise despite the government’s existing budgetary limitations. Earlier, the government had approved a 5 percent (minimum Tk 2,000) increase in house rent allowance for MPO teachers and staff. The decision was, however, rejected by the teachers and staff who continued their protest demanding a higher increase. Education Adviser hopes protesting MPO teachers will return to classes The MPO teachers and staff started staging demonstrations from October 12 to press for three demands, including the house rent hike. According to the office order, the enhanced benefits must comply with relevant MPO policies, including the Non-Government Educational Institution (School and College) Manpower Structure and MPO Policy 2021, Madrasah MPO Policy 2018 (amended up to 23 November 2020), and Vocational, Business Management, Agriculture and Fisheries Diploma MPO Policy 2018 (amended up to 23 November 2020). It noted that the increase would not create any arrear claims for MPO-listed teachers and staff. All financial regulations must be strictly followed and any irregularities in expenditure will render the bill-approving authority liable. The order also directed the administrative ministry concerned to issue a government order (G.O.) and send four copies to the Finance Division for endorsement. Meanwhile, the Finance Division’s earlier circular has been cancelled with this new order.  

The government has formed a nine-member taskforce comprising prominent urban planners and academics to provide recommendations for integrating spatial planning into the country’s overall development process and to formulate strategies for preparing and implementing a National Spatial Plan (NSP). According to an office order issued by the Planning Commission, eminent urban planner Dr A.T.M. Nurul Amin, Emeritus Professor of the Asian Institute of Technology and Honorary Member of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), has been appointed as the chairperson of the taskforce. The other members are Professor Dr Selim Rashid, Emeritus Professor of the University of Illinois and Honorary Member of BIP; Professor Dr Adil Muhammad Khan, President of BIP; Sheikh Muhammad Mehedi Ahsan, General Secretary of BIP; Dr Farhana Ahmed of the Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS); A.K.M. Riaz Uddin, Member of BIP; Syed Shahriar Amin, Vice-President of BIP; and Professor Musleh Uddin Hasan of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Govt introduces new employee performance evaluation system GPMS A representative from the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission will serve as the Member Secretary of the taskforce. As per the terms of reference, the taskforce will submit a comprehensive report within two months after holding consultations with relevant stakeholders. It will also have the authority to include additional members if deemed necessary. The GED of the Planning Commission will provide secretarial and technical support to the taskforce.  

Alarmed by a sluggish start in development expenditure, the government will hold an inter-ministerial meeting next week to review why implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) in the first two months of FY2025-26 fell below last year’s level. Talking to reporters after the ECNEC meeting at the NEC conference room, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud on Wednesday said the ADP implementation in July–August this year stood at just 2.39 percent, slightly down from 2.57 percent in the same period of FY2024-25. Historically, the rate hovers between 3 and 4 percent in the first two months, raising concerns about the slower momentum this year. “We had expected a faster start this time, but that hasn’t happened. That is why we have convened an inter-ministerial meeting to identify the bottlenecks and find solutions,” the adviser said. Government scraps contract of BFIU head Shahinul Islam He pointed to several reasons behind the delay, including frequent revisions, transfers of project directors and contractors leaving projects midway. “Traditionally, project directors are drawn from government officials. But now many are unwilling to take on that role despite the added benefits, which is unusual.” The adviser also flagged instances of irregularities in certain projects—such as land acquisition without prior approval and unauthorized expenditure beyond sanctioned allocations. One project was recently shut down after spending a few crores of taka on land acquisition without clearance, although the government will still have to bear Tk 20 crore in costs. On a positive note, he said ministries and advisers in charge of large sectors like water resources, railways, public works, power, and energy are now taking extra time before inviting tenders. “They are waiting to apply the new forms and procedures we have introduced to ensure greater discipline and curb irregularities,” he noted. The government also plans to finalise the revised budget earlier this year—by mid-February—instead of the usual schedule, the adviser informed.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said they are working to build a broad national consensus around a renewed political system—one that delivers ‘inclusive, participatory and credible’ elections. "The goal is clear: to establish a society where all Bangladeshis can live in peace, with pride, with freedom, and with dignity," he said while speaking at the 'commemoration and dialogue event’, marking the anniversary of the July 2024 events. Prof Yunus said their work is far from finished. "Alongside our reform agenda, we are pursuing legal accountability for those responsible for gross violations." But, Prof Yunus said, justice is not only about punishment. "Justice is also about ensuring that state power can never again be used to suppress, silence, or destroy its own people," he said. Political representatives, representatives of victims’ families, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman also spoke at the event. Prof Yunus said as they reflect on this past year, they remember those who gave their lives in pursuit of that vision. "Their sacrifices paved the way for a new chapter in our history. They have created a new Bangladesh, one that is rooted in hope, human rights and democratic renewal," he said. Saudi Arabia invites Prof Yunus to attend ‘Future Investment Initiative’ The United Nations Human Rights Mission in Dhaka organised the event that brought together senior political leaders, civil society members, youth representatives and international partners. At the request of the Chief Adviser, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) undertook an independent fact-finding mission into the events of July-August 2024. The report of the mission, released on February 12, 2025, presented comprehensive findings and outlined key recommendations aimed at ensuring non-repetition of similar incidents. "On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, I thank the United Nations for standing with us in our darkest hour, and I look forward to the continued partnership as we move forward," Prof Yunus said. All gathered at the event to mark the first anniversary of the July Uprising—a moment of profound significance in Bangladesh history.   "It was a moment when thousands of Bangladeshi men and women—most of them young—stood up against tyranny and reclaimed the dignity and future of our country. Their courage spoke not only for our people, but for humanity," Prof Yunus said. He recognised the steadfast support of the international community, particularly the United Nations, which has always stood beside Bangladesh—from the War of Independence in 1971, to the Rohingya crisis and again during the dark days of July and August last year. In the aftermath of the Second World War, the United Nations set out to define and defend the inalienable rights of all human beings—irrespective of race, religion, sex, or status. "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged as a moral compass for our world, and its principles have long been embedded in our own constitution, Bangladesh’s Constitution," said Prof Yunus. Over the past 16 years, Prof Yunus said, these rights were repeatedly denied to the citizens. "Our institutions were captured. Freedoms were curtailed. Violence became the prime tool of governance. Last July, our society stood united in rejecting this reality," said the Chief Adviser, adding that the people of Bangladesh reclaimed their rights with clarity, resolve and immense bravery. Immediately after the establishment of the Interim Government in August last year, Prof Yunus formally requested the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to conduct an independent fact-finding mission to investigate allegations of human rights abuses between 1 July and 15 August. "We believed that an impartial and credible accounting of the truth was essential—not for justice alone, but also for healing," Prof Yunus said. The UN High Commissioner’s report, released in February 2025, revealed the staggering scale of the atrocities: an estimated 1,400 lives lost in just a few weeks. The report described the violence as systematic, directed and coordinated from the highest levels of the previous regime. "It raised urgent concerns about potential crimes against humanity," said Prof Yunus. These findings have been further corroborated by international investigative journalism, including reports by the BBC and Al Jazeera. "We are grateful to the office of the High Commissioner for not only documenting these abuses, but for offering a comprehensive set of recommendations to help ensure that such violations never, never happen again," said the Chief Adviser. He said they have taken these recommendations to heart—not out of obligation to others, but out of responsibility to ourselves. Since assuming office, our government has begun implementing wide-ranging reforms. CA Prof Yunus reviews law & order, election preparations "We have amended the Code of Criminal Procedure and acceded to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Earlier this month, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the OHCHR to establish a facilitating mission in Dhaka," he said. This Mission will provide technical support for reform initiatives, as well as capacity-building for government institutions, local authorities and civil society actors working to safeguard most precious thing, human rights. From the earliest days of the interim government, the United Nations has been a vital partner in our transition. "I thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his unwavering support and for his solidarity and his visit to Bangladesh in March of this year," Prof Yunus said. Prof Yunus urges KSA to set up production sector in Bangladesh He also extended his deep appreciation to High Commissioner Volker Türk, the members of the OHCHR Fact-Finding Team, Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator, and of course his friend Huma Khan, Senior Human Rights Adviser, for their extraordinary and historical contributions.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday called on all citizens to materialise the dream of building a country where all Bangladeshis can live in security and dignity. This, he said, is needed to act with self-discipline and to channel the people’s  energy into productive and peaceful efforts to support positive changes.  The government is working with the country’s security forces to preserve law and order and to protect the lives and property of all Bangladeshis, he said.  "If any attempt is made to destabilize the country through any kind of provocative activities, law enforcement agencies will immediately take strict action against anyone acting to create chaos and anarchy, which emphatically includes the destruction of property. The government will bring the responsible individuals and groups to justice," according to a statement shared by Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.  Security agencies must make maximum use of latest communication tools: Dr Yunus The chief adviser called on all citizens to immediately restore complete law and order and to ensure there will be no further attacks on property associated with the family of Sheikh Hasina and politicians of the fascist Awami League party or against any citizen on any pretext.  "The whole world is with us. Any deterioration of law and order will give a wrong message to the world," said the interim government.  The anger of the activists who have attacked properties is understandable because they and their relatives and friends lived through years of tyranny under Hasina, said the statement.  The government said it understands the activists’ sense of outrage that even from her refuge in New Delhi Hasina continues to try to mobilise her militants to hamper Bangladesh’s recovery from her years of abuse.   CA promises ‘safe and sound’ basis for next govt to work with Despite this understanding, the government appeals to the citizens to abide by the law to show the world "we are a nation that respects of the rule of law", said the CA's press wing.  Respecting the rule of law is what differentiates the new Bangladesh "we are working together to build from the old Bangladesh under the fascist regime". "Let us not undermine Bangladeshis’ sense of security and stability; any disregard for the law endangers the lives and property of citizens." For the citizens who rose up and overthrew the Hasina regime in July and August to realise their dreams for the country, it is imperative to prove to ourselves and our friends around the world that their commitment to their principles – respecting one another’s civil and human rights and acting under the law – is unshakable, the statement reads.  Vandalism across Bangladesh to be resisted: Govt Champions of a just new Bangladesh must never act in ways that could support any perceived equivalence, however unjust, between the behaviour of today’s institutions and those of the ousted autocrats, said the interim government.  The leaders of the fascist regime have left the country in complete ruins, the government said.  "They have no chance to come back as long as we remain alert and retain the moral high ground. Any attacks to their properties give them an excuse to draw international attention to themselves and dish out their fabricated stories. We are in the process of trying them for their crimes against humanity," said Yunus. Hasina’s “provocative remarks" fueled Dhanmondi-32 vandalism: Govt

The interim government has no plan to lift the prevailing bans on extremist groups Hizb ut-Tahrir and Ansarullah Bangla Team, according to the Chief Adviser's (CA) Press Wing. The clarification comes in response to a social media post by exiled writer Taslima Nasreen, who alleged that the interim government had lifted the ban on these groups. “Recently, Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen posted on Twitter, asserting that the interim government had lifted the ban on two specific groups. Her claim is not correct. The Bangladesh government has no intention of lifting the ban on these groups, which have been prohibited for decades, along with other extremist organizations,” Chief Adviser's Press Wing added. The interim government, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has upheld a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of extremism in the country.

Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Alim Akhter Khan on Tuesday said eggs must be sold at the government-fixed rates from Wednesday. During a meeting with egg producers and suppliers on Tuesday afternoon, the DG said from Wednesday, the price of each egg at the production level will be Tk 10.91, at the wholesale level Tk 11.01, and at the retail level Tk 11.87. Read: Govt permits import of 40.5 million eggs to stabilise market The consumers will get a dozen of egg at Tk 142.44 from now, he said. Alim said from now on, there will be no involvement of middlemen in the egg market.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the interim government, formed through a mass uprising of students-labourers-people, is firmly committed to identifying and solving the issues like negligence to children, child labour, malnutrition and child marriage that hinder the proper development of children. "If the children grow up with the spirit of love, compassion and free thinking, they will be able to play a positive role in building the future Bangladesh," he said, adding that today's children will become tomorrow's artists, writers, philosophers, economists, scientists, doctors and engineers. Prof Yunus made the remarks in a message marking the World Children's Day-2024 that is being observed on October 7. In 2024, World Children's Day calls on adults to listen to the future. "By listening to children, we can fulfil their right to self-expression, understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today," said UNESCO. Read: 105 children killed in July-Aug uprising: Adviser Sharmin Murshid On the occasion of the celebration of World Children's Day 2024' in Bangladesh, Prof Yunus expressed love and affection to all the children of the world including Bangladesh. At the dawn of the construction of a new Bangladesh, the importance of observing the World Children's Day has reached a new level, he said. "Children are the architects of prosperous Bangladesh. It is the responsibility of all of us to give importance to proper development of children to build Bangladesh anew," Prof Yunus said. Therefore, he said, there is no alternative to proper environment, education, safety, nutrition and healthy entertainment in the physical, mental and cultural development of children. Prof Yunus hoped that the programmes undertaken to celebrate 'World Children's Day 2024' will contribute to the overall development of children. Read more: 70% of children in Bangladesh face discrimination, says Kochi Konther Asar "May all the children of the world, including Bangladesh, grow up in safe and loving care - this is my hope today. I wish World Children's Day and Children's Rights Week 2024 a success," he said.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday alleged that the government itself is carrying out the fire incidents in different markets to mislead people. "You (govt) have failed (to ensure safety to public life and property) as you don’t monitor anything. There are fires everywhere every day. You are behind this fire,” he said. Speaking at a demonstration programme, the BNP leader said the government is trying to divert people’s attention from the people’s demand for lowering the prices of daily essentials, fertiliser, and the demand for credible election and the restoration of voting rights. “That’s why you (govt) are carrying out the fire incidents in different markets.” Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club to protest against the ‘unusual’ increase in the price of fertilisers. About the fire in New Super Market, Fakhrul said the government is trying to involve BNP in the fire to shift the blame onto the opposition party. Fakhrul said the affected traders of the New Super Market themselves told the media that some people wearing the uniform of Dhaka South City Corporation were demolishing the foot-over bridge in front of the market around 5:30am. “The traders said they saw for themselves that fire broke out from the electricity line being used by the City Corporation employees during the demolition work of the bridge.” He also the employees of the city corporation fled the scene after being failed to control the fire that spread to the market. “I am not saying this because it is the words of market traders. The person in charge of the City Corporation now belongs to the Awami League. So the Awami League and this government are completely responsible for the incident.” Quoting experts, Fakhrul said the incidents of fire are growing due to environmental hazards and wrong policies. “This government is allowing construction of buildings everywhere and turning any building into markets anywhere.’ He said the ruling party ‘cadres’ set up illegal shops in markets by taking extortion money, making the markets unsuitable for people to move. The BNP leader questioned who permitted to set up hundreds of shops on the second floor of the New Market where there is no fire extinguishing system. “The shops were set up by bribing the Awai League leaders there.” A massive fire broke out at Dhaka’s New Super Market --next to New Market-- around 5:40 am on Saturday and it gutted over 1,000 shops.