United News of Bangladesh

The government will provide support to expatriates amid visa expirations and flight cancellations, Expatriate Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said on Saturday. The government has launched a hotline so that expatriates facing such issues can contact the ministry and assistance will be provided according to the government’s capacity, he added. The minister made the remarks while speaking at a Holi festival programme organised by the For Manipuri Culture and Arts at Mirjagang, Sylhet city. “The government is committed to resolving the various problems faced by expatriates. As soon as news reached about those who were killed in the Middle East conflict, the governments of the concerned countries were immediately informed,” he said The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare is regularly monitoring the situation and the Prime Minister is overseeing it continuously. Expatriates remit Tk 200bn via bKash in 2025 He also assured that the government would take effective steps to address the issues faced by Manipuri people. Local dignitaries and members of the Manipuri community attended the programme.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has welcomed the government’s decision to release Tk 2,500 crore against outstanding cash incentives for the export-oriented ready-made garment (RMG) and related sectors. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan expressed deep gratitude and sincere thanks to the top levels of the government, including the Finance Minister, Commerce Minister, and the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, describing the move as a "critical and timely intervention" during the current crisis in the apparel industry. BGMEA pushes for quick release of Tk 5,700cr RMG incentives President Hasan noted that the fund allocation brings significant relief to factory owners who are facing immense pressure to clear workers' wages, allowances, and bonuses ahead of the upcoming Holy Eid-ul-Fitr, alongside settled utility bills for electricity and gas. The current BGMEA board recently held several rounds of productive discussions and meetings with high-level government officials, the Ministry of Finance, and Bangladesh Bank to secure the release of these stuck cash incentives. Following these efforts, the Tk 2,500 crore fund was approved within a very short timeframe. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the total allocation was granted in two phases under the first part of the third installment for the 2025-26 fiscal year: Tk 1,500 crore in the first phase and Tk 1,000 crore in the second. The BGMEA has urged its member factories to contact their respective banks to take the necessary steps to process the funds.

Amid a major administrative reshuffle, the government has removed five deputy commissioners (DCs) from districts across the country. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Sunday. According to the notification, the DCs of Gazipur, Panchagarh, Kushtia, Netrokona and Chapainawabganj have been withdrawn. Delay in regular promotion in public administration sparks discontent The officers, who hold the rank of Deputy Secretary, have been attached to the Ministry of Public Administration for further posting. The withdrawn officials are: Gazipur DC Mohammad Alam Hossain, Panchagarh DC Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman, Kushtia DC Md. Iqbal Hossain, Netrokona DC Md. Saifur Rahman and Chapainawabganj DC Md. Shahadat Hossain.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged the officials and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to work sincerely to change the fate of the country’s people. “The people of Bangladesh are looking up to the government with great expectations. You are also part of this government,” he said while addressing officials and staff of the PMO at a meeting. The prime minister mentioned that PMO officials and staff are part of the administration and said the government will perform well only if they extend full cooperation. “We consider this country our first and last address. So we must work ourselves to change the destiny of our people.” Tarique Rahman arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon at 10:15am and held his first meeting with officials and staff of the PMO since assuming office. The meeting was held at the Shapla Hall of the PMO in Tejgaon in the morning. Prime Minister’s advisers Mirza Abbas, Ismail Zabiullah, Humayun Kabir, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Brig Gen (retd) ATM Shamsul Islam and Zahedur Rahman were present, along with Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, according to a press release issued by the PMO. Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar delivered the welcome address and Director General of the PMO Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury gave a presentation on the structure and functions of the office. Addressing the meeting, Tarique said every political party has a manifesto and noted that through a fair election, people gave their mandate in favour of implementing the manifesto of the BNP.  “So, we must work in line with the commitments made in the manifesto,” he said. The Prime Minister sought the cooperation of government officials and employees in implementing the manifesto pledges, particularly in the health and education sectors, women’s education, employment generation, sports and other priority areas. Tarique stressed the need to ensure the security of citizens so that they feel safe. “If we all work together, we will certainly be able to achieve this goal,” he said. He also expressed hope that officials and employees would extend full support in eliminating corruption from the country. At the meeting, the prime minister instructed officials to maintain confidentiality where necessary in the interest of the state. He also emphasised strict adherence to government rules and regulations to build a disciplined and orderly nation. Heads of departments and agencies under the PMO, along with its officials and staff members, were present at the meeting. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended office on Saturday, although it was a public holiday Last Saturday, he worked at the PMO in Tejgaon for the first time.

The government has decided to reopen sick and closed industrial units in the country involving private entrepreneurs in a move aimed at creating employment. “The Prime Minister has directed the ministries concerned to take steps to reopen the sick and closed industrial units,” Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said on Tuesday. He said the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with private entrepreneurs so that new employment opportunities can be created. Abducted schoolboy freed within an hour after PM Tarique’s intervention Reopening sick and closed industrial units to generate jobs was one of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s election pledges. According to the directive, sick and closed jute mills and sugar mills will be reopened, keeping former workers in their jobs while also creating new employment opportunities. Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashik Chowdhury said the Prime Minister has given a clear instruction to create new jobs and take initiatives to reopen the closed and sick industrial units. He said a committee, led by the Ministry of Industries, has already started work in this regard.

The government has constituted the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), the country’s highest body for approving public investment projects, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as its chairman. The committee was formed through a gazette notification issued on Thursday, outlining its composition, supporting officials and scope of responsibilities. According to the notification, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman of ECNEC. Ecnec approves Tk 244.14 cr project to enhance disaster resilience The other members of the committee include Finance Minister, Housing and Public Works Minister, Foreign Minister, Industries, Housing and Public Works Minister, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Health and Family Welfare Minister, and Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister. The Planning Minister will serve as a member of the committee, while the Secretary of the Planning Division will act as the Member-Secretary. The gazette also specified a group of senior officials who will assist the committee in its functions. These include the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary or Secretary, Secretaries of the Finance Division, Economic Relations Division, Statistics and Informatics Division, Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division, and Planning Division. 1000-bed Bangladesh–China Friendship Hospital, 24 other projects get ECNEC nod Secretaries from relevant ministries and divisions will also participate in committee proceedings when required. ECNEC is empowered to review, consider and approve all development project proposals, including Development Project Proposals (DPPs), Technical Assistance Project Proposals (TPPs), and revised project proposals. It will also examine and approve investment projects involving government funding exceeding Tk 50 crore, based on recommendations from the relevant appraisal committees. Besides, the committee will review the implementation progress of ongoing development projects to ensure timely completion and effective utilisation of public funds. ECNEC will also consider investment proposals from private sector entities, joint ventures and state-owned enterprises that require government approval or policy support. As the apex executive body for approving development projects, ECNEC plays a crucial role in implementing the government’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) and advancing national economic priorities through coordinated planning and oversight.

The government has appointed private secretaries (PSs) to two ministers and assistant private secretaries (APSs) to five state ministers, according to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Monday. According to the notification, Md Moniruzzaman, a deputy secretary currently on OSD (officer on special duty), has been appointed PS to the minister of the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry. The ministry is headed by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Rabindra Chakma, deputy secretary and secretary of the Chattogram Development Authority, has been appointed PS to the minister of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry. Govt yet to appoint secretary to Public Administration Ministry Among the state ministers, Md Ibrahim Khalil has been appointed APS to the state minister for the Youth and Sports Ministry, Md Aminul Haque. Md Junaid has been appointed APS to the state minister for the Commerce; Textiles and Jute; and Industries ministries, which are overseen by Md Shariful Alam. Md Al Mamun has been appointed APS to the state minister for the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, MA Muhit. Md Shariful Islam has been appointed APS to the state minister for the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry as well as the Science and Technology Ministry. The portfolios are held by Fakir Mahbub Anam. Public Administration Secretary Mokhlesur removed Separately, Farhan Labib Jishan, assistant commissioner (land) of the Cantonment Revenue Circle, has been appointed PS to Mahadi Amin, adviser to the Prime Minister with the rank of state minister. The notification said the APS appointments were made in line with the wishes of the respective state ministers. The appointments will remain valid as long as the concerned state ministers hold office or wish to retain the officials in the APS positions, the notification added.

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Monday said the present government is determined to accelerate infrastructural development while preventing wastage in construction works for the sake of the greater interest of the country. “The overall interest must be prioritized by avoiding unethical practices. Everyone must be sincere in preventing waste in construction works. The current government is committed to make infrastructural development and prevent wastage,” he said. The minister made this remark while addressing the closing ceremony of a seven-day induction training course organised for 32 newly recruited officers of the 44th BCS (Roads and Highways) cadre at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division in the city. 'Not all collections in the road transport sector is extortion': Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister Congratulating the newly appointed officials, Shaikh Rabiul Alam asked them to fully engage themselves in their professional responsibilities soon after completing the training. “The state has developed you as engineers to serve its needs—this realisation must always remain in your minds,” he said. State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Habibur Rashid emphasised ensuring road safety to keep Bangladesh secure. “The closure of a single road causes immense suffering to tens of thousands of people. So, it needs to ensure uninterrupted traffic movement, maintain reasonable construction costs and guarantee safe infrastructure,” he said. Habibur Rashid expressed optimism that through the combined efforts of both new and senior officials, a safe and humane Bangladesh would be built under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Local people stage demo over alleged irregularities in road construction in Faridpur Another State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Md. Razib Ahsan also congratulated the new officers, expressing optimism that they would serve the country with their talent and professional competence. Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque presided over the closing ceremony attended, among others, by Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department Syed Moinul Hasan and Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited Faruk Ahmed, said a PID handout.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has said that today’s children are the future of the nation and proper development of their talents will help build a worthy generation. “If we can develop them properly, the country will have a capable and enlightened generation,” he said on Saturday while addressing a programme to distribute school bags among meritorious primary-level students. The event was held at the ground of Neura MI High School in Cumilla Sadar Dakshin Upazila, organised by the Haji Md Zahirul Islam Foundation, marking the Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day. The minister said Allah blesses people with wisdom before wealth, adding that the initiative taken by Zahirul Islam reflects his generous mindset, according to a PID handout. “Today’s initiative is undoubtedly a noble work which will play a positive role in shaping the future generation,” he said. He said that with the passage of time, the nature of education and the needs of students have changed. In the present era, providing necessary materials to students is very important. “A school bag may seem small, but it can be a great support for a student. Such initiatives inspire students to study and set a positive example in society,” he added. The minister urged wealthy members of society to come forward honestly and responsibly for the welfare of the country. “The students receiving assistance today will become the nation’s assets in the future and contribute to society,” he said. Speaking about his responsibilities, the minister said agriculture, fisheries, livestock and food sectors are closely linked to the country’s economy. Overall development of the country is possible only if the condition of farmers improves. He pledged to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Prime Minister with honesty and dedication. Haji Md Zahirul Islam chaired the event, which was attended by teachers and students of the school as well as local political leaders.

The government has approved a proposal to procure education services through UNICEF to improve pre-primary and primary education for forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (Rohingyas) living in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban districts, as well as Bhasan Char in Noakhali. The approved proposal involves an expenditure of Tk 203.87 crore, which will be implemented with funding from the government (GoB) and a World Bank grant. The approval was given at a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase held at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Env Adviser Rizwana, Unicef stress youth role in climate action The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education placed the proposal before the committee. The service procurement will be carried out under the SD-4 package of the project titled “ISO Component-One: Pre-Primary and Primary Education Improvement Project in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban Districts and Bhasan Char of Noakhali.” According to meeting sources, the initiative under Component-1 of the project aims to engage forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals in productive activities and help them acquire skills in their mother tongue through structured education services. To this end, UNICEF was invited under a single-source procurement method to submit a proposal for implementing the education programme. Following the submission, the proposal was jointly reviewed, evaluated and negotiated by the Directorate of Primary Education (DPE) and the World Bank’s education team. After completion of the negotiation process, a proposal was placed seeking approval to award the package to UNICEF at a cost of USD 18.45 million, equivalent to Tk 203.87 crore, based on the Development Project Proforma (DPP) exchange rate of Tk 110.502 per US dollar. The committee subsequently approved the proposal. The project was earlier approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on May 28, 2024. Its implementation period has been fixed from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027. Under the agreement, the World Bank will directly disburse the entire USD 18.45 million (Tk 203.87 crore) to UNICEF in US dollars. UNICEF welcomes Bangladesh’s decision  to establish separate children’s courts  Sources noted that while the approved DPP initially stipulated implementation through open tendering, the decision to engage UNICEF was taken in line with the conditions of the World Bank’s grant and loan agreements. Under the package, a total of 256,490 Rohingya students will receive education support in the Myanmar language. To deliver the programme, 4,106 volunteer teachers will be recruited during the first 12 months, followed by an additional 3,700 volunteers over the subsequent six months. The recruited teachers will receive honorariums at rates determined under the project framework.