United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the current government is putting importance on exploration of domestic gas resources, extraction of marine resources to develop the blue economy, expansion of green energy and diversification of energy sources for sustainable economic development. “Unless we extract the resources of the deep sea and harness the potential of the blue economy…..we will lag behind. Why not start it from today? That is why we have made plans,” he said. The home minister made the remark, while addressing a programme marking the 27th founding anniversary of Chattogram Journalist Forum Dhaka (CJFD) at the All Community Club in Gulshan on Friday night. Focusing on Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar based enormous potentials for the country’s economy, he said: "There is only one Matarbari, one Sonadia and one Cox’s Bazar that houses the country’s single marine drive road and the world's longest sandy beach. Still, it remains largely virgin. We have to develop it. Everything is there.” He said Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram should not be known only for tourism destinations but also for economic hubs. “It is not enough to know Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram as tourist destinations, rather we have to complete the process by turning them into economic hubs. We have to flourish and explore their potential,” the minister said. Noting that Bangladesh has yet to properly utilise its marine resources, he stressed the need for initiating a process now to extract marine resources in future. “How many marine resources do we extract? How much seaweed do we extract from the sea? Nothing (we extract). We could not extract the gas beneath the sea either. We have not been able to harness the other potential of the blue economy, including mineral resources,” Salahuddin said. He said the government has also decided to give greater attention to both offshore and onshore gas exploration. “We have focused on our own gas exploration, both offshore and onshore, and decisions have been taken in this regard. But it will take time,” he said. Salahuddin said even if exploration begins today, it could take at least seven to eight years to start commercial extraction and bring the gas into the national grid. “But if we do not start today, we will remain dependent on the same sources even after seven years,” he said. About green energy, he said the government has also set a target of generating between 5,000 and 10,000 megawatts of electricity from renewable energy by 2030. “We will gradually move towards green energy and renewable energy. For that, we have set a target of generating 5,000 to 10,000 megawatts from the renewable energy sector by 2030,” he said, adding that the government has relaxed its policies to attract foreign investment in this sector. The Minister also stressed the need to diversify Bangladesh's sources of gas and energy imports to reduce dependence on a single source. Citing that during the Awami League period, Bangladesh had become dependent on the single sources for gas, he said, “We became dependent on the Middle East and the Gulf,” he added. As the Ukraine war and the Iran-Israel war created crises, now Bangladesh still sometimes has to buy gas from the spot market at two or three times the price, he went on. “So, we’ve decided that there will be no single sourcing. We’re now trying to source gas from Malaysia, Indonesia and various other countries. Discussions are underway with them,” said the Minister. He said the government is preparing a long-term master plan to meet the country's growing energy and power demand in line with economic growth, industrialisation and increasing use by consumers. He said Bangladesh currently generates around 15,000 megawatts of electricity, while peak-hour demand reaches around 17,000 megawatts, leaving a shortage of around 2,000 megawatts, particularly after the evening. “We are meeting this shortage now, but gradually we have to take our generation capacity to 30,000 megawatts,” he said. The minister also said the government has a plan to build an expressway railway from Chattogram to Dhaka. “If this is implemented, it will be possible to travel from Chattogram to Dhaka in just two hours,” he said. The 27th founding anniversary of CJFD was celebrated in a festive atmosphere with the participation of its members. The programme included a discussion, cultural event, cake cutting and dinner. State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin joined the programme virtually as a special guest. Besides, Prime Minister's Speech Writer SAM Mahfuzur Rahman and Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, among others, spoke on the occasion. CJFD President Shamim Jahangir delivered the welcome address, while its General Secretary Touhidur Rahman conducted the event.

New Delhi’s desire for friendly relations is at odds with allowing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to make anti-Bangladesh statements or engage in political activities from Indian soil, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Saturday. “On the one hand, India wants friendly relations with Bangladesh while on the other, it allows a convict and fugitive accused, Sheikh Hasina, to make anti-Bangladesh statements or engage in political activities from Indian soil. These two positions are completely contradictory,” he said at a discussion as the chief guest at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building auditorium of Dhaka University. The minister expressed hope that the Indian government would understand the matter and stop playing the “Hasina card.” The discussion titled “The Role of University Teachers in the Fall of the Fascist Government” was organised jointly by Dhaka University’s Sada Dal Panel and the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising of 2024. Calling for the preservation of the spirit of the July uprising and “iron-clad national unity,” the home minister said Bangladesh must complete democratic reforms through democratic practices and tolerance while preventing any resurgence of “fascism”. He said the victory achieved through 17 years of democratic struggle and the sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of people could not be used as a tool by any particular group to monopolise the spirit of the movement. Salahuddin said the interim government formed on Aug 8, 2024, under Article 106 of the Constitution was the result of the aspirations of the country’s pro-democracy people. He said Sheikh Hasina’s fall came through the mass uprising against 17 years of repression, enforced disappearances, killings and deprivation of voting rights. “The politics of the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina has died in Dhaka and been buried in Delhi, ” he said adding people could no longer be misled through “politics of selling the spirit”.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said Awami League lacks the capability to carry out sabotage surrounding August 5, which is being observed as the July Mass Uprising Day. "I don't think Awami League has the capacity to do such things. It is a banned organisation and a mafia force. Occasionally they make attempts to attract attention from abroad, but beyond that I do not see any significant activity," he said in response to a question from reporters at the Secretariat. When asked whether intelligence reports have prompted authorities to instruct the police to remain on high alert, Salahuddin Ahmed said the directives were part of routine security procedures rather than a response to any specific threat. "This is standard practice within the police force. Officers are instructed not to leave unattended vehicles, not to have all team members leave their posts at the same time, and to ensure that at least one officer remains with official vehicles. These are regular precautionary measures and should not be interpreted otherwise," said the minister. Responding to a question on the election of a new President, the minister said the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission. Asked about the government's programmes marking August 5, Salahuddin Ahmed said a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday under his party's leadership, bringing together allies of the joint movement and representatives of other political parties at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh. He added that the Prime Minister is expected to attend the event,where the government's plans for observing the day will be outlined.  

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed, who was recently granted conditional bail in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), may hold passports from multiple countries, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday. “We have instructed our law firm to file a petition seeking cancellation of his bail because we suspect he may have passports from other countries as well,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. Salahuddin said the government has already contacted the law firm representing Bangladesh in the UAE, while the Home Secretary has also discussed the matter with the UAE Ambassador. “We are yet to know the details of the bail conditions. We are trying to obtain a certified copy of the bail order,” he said. The minister said the government has also requested its legal representatives to submit Bangladesh's extradition-related documents to the UAE court and seek cancellation of Benazir's bail. Asked why Benazir was granted bail despite Bangladesh's efforts to bring him back, Salahuddin said he would not comment on the court's decision without knowing the details of the order. On the recovery of bomb-like objects at Kamalapur and Ashulia, the home minister said people have no reason to be overly concerned. “A vested quarter attempted to disrupt communal harmony. However, our law enforcement agencies with the support of the Bomb Disposal Unit handled the situation successfully,” he said. He added that authorities are closely monitoring the situation and investigating to identify those responsible.

The government has appointed a law firm in Dubai to challenge the conditional bail granted to former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed by a Dubai court, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday. "We are trying to obtain a certified copy of the bail order. The Bangladesh government has appointed a law firm in Dubai to challenge the bail order," he added. The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after a view-exchange meeting with officials and members of Rajshahi Range Police and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police at Rajshahi Police Lines in the afternoon. "We have heard that Benazir Ahmed has been granted conditional bail by a Dubai court. We have spoken to Bangladesh's Ambassador in Dubai regarding the matter," he said. Salahuddin expressed hope that Benazir Ahmed could be brought back to Bangladesh soon through the legal process. Senior police officials including the deputy inspector general of Rajshahi Range and the commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police were present at the meeting. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) police in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh. On June 14, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the development in Parliament. He said the UAE authorities informed the Bangladesh government of the arrest on June 12. In April 2025, Interpol issued a red notice against the former police chief.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the police must not serve as an instrument of any political party or group but should instead become a true friend of people and a symbol of public security. The government's priority is to ensure public safety and build a modern, professional and people-oriented police force free from political influence, he said while addressing the graduation parade of the first phase of the 27th BCS (Police) batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi. He said the government has taken various steps to restore the morale of the police force which was undermined by excessive politicisation during the previous “fascist government”. The minister said a strict system of rewards for professionalism and disciplinary action for misconduct has been introduced to strengthen integrity and discipline within the force. Congratulating the newly appointed officers who took part in the parade, the minister said this joyous moment should have come much earlier in their lives. He said it was deeply painful that they had endured 18 years of severe deprivation and inhumane suffering as victims of the vindictive actions of the previous authoritarian and fascist government. The minister extended his heartfelt greetings to all the officers for regaining their rightful positions and due recognition following the fall of the authoritarian regime. He said they were beginning their careers at a historic time for the country and urged them to uphold equality before the law. “From political activists to marginal farmers, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. No one seeking police services should face discrimination,” he added. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the chain of command, discipline, loyalty and teamwork, while urging the officers to enhance their expertise in cyber security and criminal investigation to meet emerging challenges. Reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption, Salahuddin called on all police members to perform their duties with honesty and dedication. The minister expressed hope that members of the 27th BCS (Police) batch would use their knowledge and experience gained over the past 18 years in different professions to strengthen the Bangladesh Police. A total of 58 probationary ASPs — 57 from the first phase of the 27th BCS (Police) batch and one from the 28th batch — officially entered service through the parade. At the ceremony, Probationary ASP Dr Md Nurul Huda Bhuiyan won the Best in Field Activities award and was also named the Best Probationer. Probationary ASP ABM Mamun received the Best Shooter award, while Abu Numan Mohammad Khairul Islam won the Best Academic Award. During the ceremony, the minister inspected the parade, took the salute and distributed awards among the best-performing probationary officers. The event was attended as special guests by Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, local Members of Parliament, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, Principal of Bangladesh Police Academy G M Azizur Rahman, Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, and Rajshahi Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Md. Ashik Saeed. Senior military and civilian officials, local and foreign invited guests, guardians of the ASP probationers, and journalists from various media outlets were also present at the ceremony.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said currently the government sees no grounds to take legal action against former President Mohammed Shahabuddin and he would receive all legal privileges and security as entitled under the law. “There is nothing that we see as grounds for arresting the former president. He will get all the facilities he is entitled to under the law. He will also receive security,” the minister told reporters after a programme at the Secretariat where awards and honours were distributed among police members for bravery and commendable services. “He will receive security from SSF and PGR for six months. Besides, police and other agencies will also ensure his security according to the law,” he added. Responding to a question about ongoing demands by different quarters seeking the Shahabuddin’s arrest, the minister said people have the right to express their views and stage protests. “However we have not found any statement there that requires our consideration,” he said. The home minister said Shahabuddin performed his duties as president in accordance with the Constitution during his tenure. “He carried out constitutional responsibilities during the final period of the authoritarian government, the interim government and the current government. We received his cooperation,” he said. Referring to the constitutional immunity enjoyed by the president while in office, Salahuddin said Shahabuddin had such protection during his tenure as per the Constitution. “If anyone has any allegations regarding any period outside his official responsibilities, those will be dealt with according to the law,” he said. On a reported audio clip of an alleged phone conversation involving the former president, the minister said, “We have seen it in newspapers. We do not have any such information.” “In today’s internet era, the idea that someone would have to go to London to talk to someone seems unrealistic to me,” he added. On allegations of smuggling along the Sylhet border under political patronage, Salahuddin said he had no such information. “If we receive any complaint, we will certainly investigate it,” he said. Responding to a question on whether the recovery of an IED-like device near Motijheel metro station on the day of the Hindu community’s Ulta Rath Yatra had any motive, the minister said the government is not viewing the matter from that perspective. He said law enforcement agencies and intelligence organisations worked together to ensure the peaceful completion of the Rath Yatra and Ulta Rath Yatra. “The device was found coincidentally that day. I do not think it has any connection with the religious event,” he said. The minister said the device was detected due to the alertness of Ansar members. Later, police cordoned off the area and a bomb disposal unit neutralised it. He added that the Ansar members who identified the device would also be rewarded. At the programme, police members were given financial rewards and certificates for arresting robbery suspects and recovering stolen goods as well as for recovering a lost bag of an expatriate and ensuring it reached the airport in time. Salahuddin said such recognition would remain a lifelong achievement for the officers. “They realise that the state honours them for public service. It will increase respect for their families and their standing in society, encouraging them to do more,” he said. Asked why police medals were not awarded during this year’s Police Week, the minister said some irregularities were found while reviewing the list prepared in haste. “After verification, some errors were detected and in one or two cases, irregularities were also found. The medals will be awarded after proper scrutiny and refinement of the list,” he said.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday stressed the need for government officials and employees to remain completely free from political bias and discharge their duties with patriotism, integrity and professionalism to meet public expectations. “People have placed high expectations on the present government. Transparency and accountability must be ensured at every level of the administration to fulfil those expectations,” he said. The minister made the remarks while inaugurating a 4-day workshop titled “Efficient, Citizen-friendly and Accountable Public Administration: Strategies for Implementing the Government’s Commitments” at the BCS Administration Academy auditorium at Shahbagh, marking National Public Service Day 2026. He said the civil service, as the state's main driving force, must move away from the trend of politicisation witnessed over the past 17 years and transform itself into a true public service institution while ensuring transparency and accountability at every level of the administration. Salahuddin Ahmed said workshops should produce tangible benefits for the public instead of serving as ceremonial events or attracting the attention of higher authorities. The minister said the civil servants should consider themselves public servants rather than rulers. “You are among the most privileged sections of society. Do not see yourselves as rulers; dedicate yourselves to serving the people.” Salahuddin Ahmed also stressed the need for comprehensive reforms in the country's statistical system, alleging that key national statistics have been distorted for political purposes during the previous regime. He said inaccurate data were presented on the population census, agricultural production and per capita income, underscoring the need to strengthen the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) as one of the country's most important institutions for evidence-based policymaking. Highlighting economic priorities, Salahuddin Ahmed said agriculture and remittances should receive the highest attention to strengthen the country's economic foundation. He said Bangladesh still depends heavily on its farmers and agricultural sector and called for the development of agro-based industries by expanding agriculture, fisheries and livestock production. The Minister also emphasised the importance of vocational and technical education to transform the country's large population into a skilled workforce. He added that the government is also considering revitalising the Family Planning Department to address the country's rising birth rate. Salahuddin Ahmed said policy decisions are formulated by the government based on its political mandate, while civil servants are responsible for translating those policies into programmes, preparing projects and ensuring proper implementation through monitoring by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED). He instructed officials to strictly follow existing rules and regulations while implementing the elected government's election manifesto and its 31-point commitments, saying these represent the mandate given by people.

Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday said a vested quarter is attempting to exploit the ongoing protests of students to embarrass the government. "There are certainly some groups that want to embarrass the government. They are trying to exploit various issues by concealing their identities and fishing in troubled waters. That has become evident. It has also been seen that many of those taking part in the protests are, in fact, neither students nor examination candidates," said the minister He came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after attending an award and recognition ceremony for police personnel at the Secretariat. The minister said the Ministry of Education has already clarified its position. Candidates unable to sit for examinations due to inclement weather conditions would be given another opportunity, while students absent from the postponed Chattogram Education Board examinations would be allowed to take the tests using the same question papers once the examinations are rescheduled, he said. Besides an investigation committee has been formed over two erroneous questions in Physics examination paper and candidates would receive marks for those questions, he said. He also said that the Education Minister has expressed regret in Parliament. Asked if he had any message for the protesting students, Salahuddin said the government is not attaching much importance to the demonstrations as the number of protesters remained small in a few districts and outside Dhaka. A culture of entering the Secretariat to demand examination postponements or promotion without examinations emerged during the tenure of the interim government, but the current government would not take any decision that undermines the quality of education, he said. The government remained committed to holding examinations in a malpractice-free environment and restoring standards in the education sector, he said. He also blamed previous practices such as auto-promotion, awarding additional marks and widespread GPA-5 results for weakening educational standards. Referring to the efforts bring back former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said Bangladesh has sent the documents sought by India and an Interpol Red Notice has also been issued. “The government wants to bring her back under the Bangladesh-India extradition treaty to face trial. If returned, she would be arrested as a convicted person in accordance with the law before further legal proceedings,” he said. Regarding fugitives staying abroad, Salahuddin said legal procedures have been completed to bring back three accused from India and one from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Interpol Red Notices have been issued and the required documents were sent to the respective authorities. He expressed hope of receiving a positive response from the UAE authorities soon. Responding to a question about flags bearing the Islamic declaration of faith (Kalema), the minister said some individuals are trying to exploit religious sentiments for their own purposes. He also claimed that there are no militant groups operating in the country. On the number of those recognised as July martyrs, he said the official gazette of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs currently included more than 800 names. The number could increase based on DNA testing and new evidence. Cases filed on the basis of false information or by fake complainants would be reviewed and corrected, he said adding investigations would also seek to exclude innocent individuals from charge sheets.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said there would be no scope for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to surrender  as she would be arrested immediately upon return and the court verdict against her would be executed in accordance with the law. He said this at a discussion titled "The Day that Changed the Course of the Mass Uprising" at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University as the chief guest. The programme was organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal as part of its month-long observance marking the second anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. “We have always wanted her return through legal means. During the interim government’s tenure, a letter was sent(to Indian government) under the extradition treaty and we have also sent reminders. We want her brought back to Bangladesh so that the verdict against her can be executed," he added. Any extradition is a legal issue; it'll be dealt with accordingly, India says about Hasina The minister said he had made the government's position clear in Parliament a day earlier. Salahuddin Ahmed also said efforts were underway to bring back other former ministers, MPs and government officials who had supported the previous Awami League government and are now staying abroad. "We have issued Interpol arrest warrants against those who took shelter in different countries. Benazir Ahmed has already been arrested under that process. We hope to bring him back soon and face trial," he said. He said the government wanted to ensure justice for everyone. "Those involved in genocide and those who attacked freedom-loving people of Bangladesh like the Pakistani occupation forces also have the right to due process, and we will bring them to justice," he added. Addressing students, Salahuddin said Dhaka University historically led democratic movements beginning with the Language Movement of 1952 and continuing through the struggle for independence and democratic rights. "The students of DU have always been the driving force behind Bangladesh's democratic struggles. Across the world, students have played decisive roles in shaping history and bringing political change," he said. He paid tribute to Abu Sayeed, Wasim Akram, Mugdha and others who were killed during the July movement, describing the uprising as a chapter written in blood. Salahuddin Ahmed said preserving democracy would be more difficult than achieving it. "We do not want democracy to be suppressed by any authoritarian force again. That is why we want constitutional and state reforms," he said. He said BNP had earlier proposed its 31-point state reform outline which was later reflected in its election manifesto. He said the government wanted the political future of the Awami League to be determined through due judicial process rather than by executive order. "We do not believe in banning a political party through administrative orders. It must go through judicial and legal processes," he said. Drawing a comparison with the post-World War II Nuremberg Trials, Salahuddin said political organisations responsible for atrocities could also face legal consequences. Salahuddin Ahmed urged political forces not to use the spirit of July for partisan purposes. "July is our shared spirit and our collective strength. No single group can claim exclusive ownership of its achievements. The credit belongs to the people of Bangladesh who fought against fascism," he said. He stressed the importance of maintaining the unity forged during the anti-authoritarian movement to prevent the return of authoritarianism. BNP Joint Secretary General Habib Un Nabi Khan Sohel and Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni and BNP Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul attended the programme as special guests. Leaders of various student organisations were also present at the event.