United News of Bangladesh

The interim government is providing financial and housing assistance to Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten and burned to death in the Square Masterbari area of Bhaluka Upazila in Mymensingh district on December 18, 2025. Dipu Das was lynched by a mob, beaten severely, and later set on fire after being hung from a tree over allegations that he made an insulting remark. As Dipu Das was the sole breadwinner, the government has assured comprehensive financial assistance to ensure the family’s security, including the construction of a permanent home. 10 arrested for killing Dipu Chandra Das in M’singh The initiative will be implemented under the supervision of the UNO of Tarakanda Upazila, with Tk 25 lakh allocated for house construction through the National Housing Authority, based on the family’s needs, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Tuesday. In addition, the government will provide Tk 10 lakh in cash to Dipu Das’s father and wife each, while an FDR worth Tk 5 lakh will be created to secure the future of his child, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Following the directive of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Education Adviser Dr CR Abrar visited the home of the deceased on December 23, 2025, expressing condolences to the family on behalf of the government. Speaking on Tuesday, Education Adviser CR Abrar described the killing as a “brutal and inexcusable crime that has no place in our society.” He said that no amount of state assistance could compensate for the loss of a human life, but emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring justice. “The killing of Dipu Das through the spread of communal hysteria is a shame for the entire nation,” he said, adding that only justice can help overcome this collective disgrace. He said the state respects the peaceful right of people of all religions, ethnicities, and communities to express their opinions - provided it is done with mutual respect. “Even in moments of disagreement, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” he added. So far, 12 individuals directly involved in the incident have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing. The education adviser reaffirmed that all those responsible would be brought to justice through due legal process. Dipu’s killing in Mymensingh a heinous criminal act, reiterates govt

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday rated his own performance at ‘around 70 out of 100’, acknowledging that while significant initiatives were undertaken during his tenure, several key reforms remained unfinished due to structural and policy limitations. “I would give myself close to 70 – perhaps 70 or 80. If it is 80, I would say we at least started the work. We initiated programmes in the interest of the people and had no hidden agenda,” he said while talking to reporters after holding the Purchase Committee meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The adviser said he would not award himself full marks as many intended initiatives could not be fully implemented. Dr Salehuddin said although the government managed to launch a number of reforms, many could not be completed to the desired extent.  “There were expectations. Some of the plans we had could not be carried out, and even those we started could not be fully finalised,” he said, adding that this reality prevented him from claiming a perfect score. The adviser emphasised that the continuous annual development programme (ADP) process had become more functional and streamlined.  Dr Salehuddin, however, admitted that the “real work” lay in initiating deeper policy reforms, particularly in the policy divisions. On taxation, he said a comprehensive report had been prepared which would serve as a guideline for future reforms.  “We are leaving behind a tax policy report. It will function as a guideline going forward.” Responding to questions about the autonomy of Bangladesh Bank, the finance adviser said the issue had been considered carefully.  He acknowledged calls from various quarters to grant the central bank greater independence but noted that the matter was complex. “We thought about it extensively. It is a loaded issue,” he said, referring to the legal and operational dimensions involved. He explained that the Bangladesh Bank Order already outlines the structure and authority of the institution, and the question is not merely whether the governor or the ministry holds greater power.  “It is not simply about whether a particular governor or minister will exercise control. The key issue is how much operational independence exists within the framework.” The adviser suggested that any decision regarding central bank autonomy must be weighed against broader economic stability considerations. Revitalising trade, job creation top challenges for next govt: Dr Salehuddin Throughout his remarks, Dr Salehuddin maintained that the government’s economic measures were driven by public interest rather than political motives.  “In political affairs, one may try to avoid certain issues, but in economic management these matters cannot be sidestepped.” The Finance Adviser reiterated that while he was satisfied with initiating key reforms, unfinished tasks and unmet expectations justified a score below 100.

The Economic Relations Division (ERD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Monday signed two project documents — Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) Phase II and Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) — at the ERD office in the capital. ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller signed the documents on behalf of their respective organisations. TEPP Phase II will run from January 2026 to March 2028 with a total budget of around US$3.57 million, funded by the UK Government. Politically motivated arbitrary detentions persist under Bangladesh interim govt: HRW According to a UNDP press release, the programme will strengthen Bangladesh’s trade and investment policy ecosystem to support a competitive post-LDC transition. It will enhance trade negotiation capacity, promote evidence-based policy analysis, support institutional reforms and improve the investment climate through the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). The ISPAT project will be implemented from January 2026 to June 2027 with a budget of US$1.06 million, supported by the Australian Government. The initiative aims to strengthen and modernise the NGO Affairs Bureau through the introduction of digital systems, improved transparency and gender-responsive service delivery. It will also support policy reform and capacity development to enhance NGO oversight and engagement in national development priorities. Speaking at the event, ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky said, “These initiatives reflect our commitment to a holistic approach to institutional strengthening — building capacity, enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering evidence-based policymaking. Through these projects, we aim to develop confident and capable institutions and professionals who can effectively support good governance and Bangladesh’s economic transformation, particularly during the post-LDC transition.” UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller said, “These two projects are highly strategic and catalytic, strengthening the institutions and policy ecosystems that underpin Bangladesh’s economic transformation and governance reforms. Working closely with the government and development partners, UNDP remains committed to supporting nationally led, forward-looking reforms that will deliver long-term impact.” The signing of the two projects reaffirms the strong partnership between the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and development partners in advancing the country’s economic transition, strengthening public institutions and promoting transparent, technology-enabled and citizen-centric service delivery. Both TEPP Phase II and ISPAT are expected to play important roles in strengthening governance systems, fostering private sector competitiveness and supporting Bangladesh’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bangladesh govt urged to halt draft media ordinances, leave it to elected govt

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday said the interim government would hand over responsibility to the elected government as soon as possible following the national election, expressing optimism that the process would be completed by February 17 or 18. “The transfer of power will be done as soon as possible. If members of parliament are sworn in within three days, the leader of the majority party will be invited to take the oath as Prime Minister. This could happen by February 15 or 16, and I do not think it will be delayed beyond February 17 or 18,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. The 13th national parliamentary election is scheduled for February 12. A referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter will also be held on the same day. Meanwhile, the Council of Advisers decided that all government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous offices will operate from 9am to 3:30pm during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. The decision was taken at the meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the CAO with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus presiding. During office hours, a 15-minute break from 1:00pm to 1:15pm will be observed for Zohr prayers. According to the Islamic Foundation, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19, subject to the sighting of the moon. Press Secretary Alam said since assuming office in August 2024, the interim government has taken 526 decisions and issued 116 ordinances, with 439 decisions already implemented, reflecting an implementation rate of 83.46 percent. He said the figures were presented earlier in the day at the weekly meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO). The interim government held 68 regular weekly meetings between August 8, 2024, and January 31, 2026, with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair, and took 526 decisions. Of these, 439 have already been implemented, marking an implementation rate of 83.46 percent, Alam said. During this period, a total of 116 ordinances were issued, while 16 ordinances remain under process. Of the pending ordinances, three have already received policy-level approval, he added. The Press Secretary also said 30 policy-related instruments, including policies, guidelines, strategies, and action plans, were undertaken during this timeframe. Among them, 16 have been signed or ratified, while the remaining 14 are currently under implementation. In addition, the interim government has entered into 14 bilateral agreements during the same period. Govt requests UN rights office to undertake investigation into Hadi murder Highlighting the government’s performance, Alam said the implementation rate of decisions was exceptionally high compared with previous governments. He emphasised that the ordinances were not limited to minor or symbolic changes; rather, many involved substantive reforms expected to have far-reaching and transformative impacts on the lives of the people of Bangladesh. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad, and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were present at the briefing.  

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Wednesday said the interim government will hand over power to the elected representatives as soon as possible following the general election scheduled for February 12. Rejecting claims that the interim government intends to remain in office for another 180 working days after the election, Azad said such assertions are driven by 'dishonest intentions'. He said the same groups had attempted to cast doubts on the election process a few days earlier. “Now that it is evident the election will be held on schedule, they are spreading new conspiracy theories,” he added. Azad also said that even many highly educated individuals are being misled by this propaganda. Govt to restore stability before polls at any cost: CA’s deputy press secretary “In reality, there is no scope for such confusion,” he said. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently said Bangladesh is fully prepared to hold a 'free, fair, and peaceful' election on February 12.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the current interim government would leave Bangladesh’s economy in a “satisfactory and stable” position for the next elected government, though he acknowledged that significant challenges remain ahead. “I believe we are leaving the economy in a satisfactory place. The next government will not face major difficulties in continuing from here. The situation is stable now — not shaky like before,” he said. Speaking to reporters after the Government Purchase meeting at the Secretariat, Dr Salehuddin said the economy is no longer in a fragile or unstable condition, unlike earlier periods, and that the foundations have been stabilised to allow future governments to move forward. Responding to questions on whether the government had taken on record levels of debt, the finance adviser said while borrowing had increased, a substantial amount of external debt had also been repaid. “Yes, borrowing increased, but we also repaid around six billion dollars in external debt. Debt repayment is equally important,” he said, adding that many large, expensive infrastructure projects were deliberately avoided. “We did not go for costly mega projects like tunnels or projects worth thousands of crores through loans. That is why public debt pressure did not worsen further,” he said. He admitted that employment generation remained one of the government’s biggest challenges, largely because job creation requires sustained support for small and medium industries. “Our major challenge was employment. For that, small and medium enterprises are essential. But we did not have enough fiscal space. Large factories are not labour-intensive, and they come with many complexities,” he explained. Addressing concerns over contradictory statements about future economic risks, Dr Salehuddin clarified that while the economy is stable, reforms need to be consolidated and carried forward carefully. “What we have done is not a one-off solution. To take it forward, it needs to be strengthened further. That itself is a big challenge,” he said, noting that access to concessional foreign aid has declined, making future financing more difficult. He stressed that reforms require time, cooperation and procedural discipline, which are often difficult in Bangladesh’s complex administrative system. “Reform is not just about speeches. It requires process, cooperation and patience. Inside the system, procedures are extremely complicated. Without cooperation, it becomes very difficult,” he said. Highlighting governance reforms, the finance adviser said the government has made significant progress in digitising land records and khatian maps, making services cheaper and more accessible to citizens. “Porcha and land records are being digitised. Now people can get services for Tk20, which earlier cost Tk500. We are expanding digital access nationwide,” he said. He described the initiative as one of the most fundamental service delivery reforms, reducing harassment and improving transparency. Dr Salehuddin also confirmed that the government is preparing to face international arbitration over alleged financial disputes and money laundering allegations involving business interests linked to S Alam Group. He said a case has been filed at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a World Bank-affiliated arbitration body, following complaints lodged by the concerned party. “They have gone for arbitration at the World Bank forum. We have received notice and must respond. This is a very serious matter involving a large amount of money,” he said. The government has decided to engage international legal counsel to contest the case, he added. “We will engage a legal firm. This is not a simple issue. Legal preparation is essential,” he said, though he declined to disclose the name of the firm at this stage. A government team is expected to visit Washington, DC, to deal with the arbitration process, he said. On power sector reforms, the finance adviser said electricity tariffs are being rationalised rather than increased arbitrarily. “This is tariff restructuring, not a price hike. Money is being adjusted from one segment to another. It will not affect electricity supply,” he said, adding that efficiency issues at power plants such as Ashuganj are also under review. Dr Salehuddin said despite criticism, many fundamental reforms had been undertaken, even if they were not always visible. “People say nothing has been done because they only look for visible projects. But many fundamental procedural reforms have taken place. If someone does not want to see, they will not see,” he remarked. The government has appointed a British law firm to contest an international arbitration case filed by S Alam Group founder Saiful Alam and his family before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Sources familiar with the decision said the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement has approved the appointment of White & Case LLP, a UK-based international law firm, to represent Bangladesh in ICSID arbitration case No. ARB/25/52. The firm will be paid a fee of US$1,250 per hour for its legal services. The proposal to hire an international law firm was placed before the committee by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, citing the complexity and high financial stakes of the case. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said the arbitration was linked to allegations of money laundering. “S Alam has apparently filed a case in London and challenged Bangladesh at the World Bank’s ICSID. We need to engage an international legal firm to fight this case, as it involves a huge amount of money and has been brought before an organisation like the World Bank,” he said. When asked about the identity of the firm, the adviser said it was a British firm but did not name it at the time. Dr Salehuddin also said legal action was underway against S Alam over alleged money laundering.“When a government or a company is accused of obstructing business, ICSID arbitration is invoked. We have received the arbitration notice and must respond. This is a highly complicated legal process,” he added. In October last year, lawyers representing S Alam and his family formally filed the arbitration request at ICSID in Washington, alleging that asset freezes, confiscations and punitive measures taken by the Bangladesh government over money laundering allegations caused them losses worth hundreds of billions of dollars. In their filing, the S Alam family claimed that the interim government has deliberately targeted them through bank account freezes, asset seizures, “baseless investigations” into their businesses and a “provocative media campaign,” arguing that such actions violate international investment protection obligations. The arbitration has been filed under the 2004 Bangladesh–Singapore Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Documents show that members of the S Alam family renounced Bangladeshi citizenship in 2020 and obtained Singaporean citizenship between 2021 and 2023. They are currently residing in Singapore. As Singapore nationals, they claim entitlement to international investment protection under the BIT, as well as protection under Bangladesh’s Foreign Private Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 1980. Following the August 5, 2024 mass uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, an interim administration headed by Prof Muhammad Yunus initiated investigations and asset recovery efforts against major business groups and influential individuals accused of large-scale money laundering. An economic white paper published by the interim government in December 2024 estimated total illicit capital flight at around US$234 billion. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, who heads the asset recovery task force, has alleged that the S Alam family alone siphoned off nearly US$12 billion abroad. He accused S Alam and his associates of taking control of multiple banks with the help of military intelligence and transferring funds overseas through loan and import fraud, forcing the government to bail out six banks. S Alam Group has denied all allegations, saying the government has failed to present any credible evidence to support the claims.

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved six draft ordinances, three proposals, and one policy, including the draft Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and Educational Institutions Ordinance 2026. The Council also decided to open a new diplomatic mission in Georgetown, Guyana, a Caribbean nation. The mission will operate at the level of Chargé d’Affaires or First Secretary, with personnel deployed from existing foreign missions. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on the outcomes of the meeting, which was chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office. Alam said the Council discussed and approved 11 key agenda items. Among the approved draft ordinances are the Domestic Violence Prevention Ordinance 2026, the National Sports Council (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, the Bangladesh Animal and Animal Products Quarantine Ordinance 2026, the Narayanganj Development Authority Ordinance 2026, and the Cumilla Development Authority Ordinance 2026. The meeting also approved a proposal to declare March 23 as Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) Day, to be observed annually. Another proposal approved at the meeting was the withdrawal of Bangladesh’s declaration submitted under Article 14(1) of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). Cabinet receives final draft of ‘Dhaka Central University’ ordinance In addition, the Council approved a proposal for Bangladesh to become a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, 1980. It also approved the draft Import Policy Order 2025–2028. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were present at the briefing.

With the national election only two weeks away, the government on Thursday called on all political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. "Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process," said the interim government in a statement, expressing deep concerns over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, said the government. "The interim government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election," according to the statement shared by the Chief Adviser's press wing. The police in Sherpur have launched an investigation into the clashes and the murder. All perpetrators will be brought to justice. Security in the district has been stepped up, the government said. All parties, leaders, and campaigners must play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means, it said. The government said the future of the nation depends on calm, discipline and democratic conduct from all sides. Read More: EC estimates Tk 3100 cr cost for Feb-12 election, referendum A local leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami died after being injured in a clash between supporters of the BNP and Jamaat in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district on Wednesday evening. Rezaul Karim, general secretary of the Sreebardi Upazila unit, succumbed to his injuries around 9:30 pm while on the way to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, said Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan.

The government and people of Bangladesh have expressed surprise and shock that fugitive Sheikh Hasina, convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity, was permitted to make a statement at a public event in New Delhi on January 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday. In which, the MoFA in a statement said, she openly called for the removal of the government of Bangladesh and issued blatant incitements to her party loyalists and general public to carry out acts of terror in order to derail the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh. "The unabashed incitements by Awami League's leadership yet again demonstrated why the interim government had to ban its activities," said the interim government. Read More: Court sets Feb 2 for verdict in Rajuk plot scam case against Hasina, Tulip Bangladesh would hold this ‘outfit’ responsible for committing incidents of violence and terror in the run up to the elections and on the election day, and will take appropriate actions to foil its evil conspiracies, according to the statement. Bangladesh is deeply aggrieved that while India is yet to act on her obligations to hand Sheikh Hasina over to Bangladesh under the bilateral extradition agreement despite repeated requests by the Bangladesh government, she has instead been allowed to make such ‘inciteful’ pronouncements from its own soil, said the Ministry. "This clearly endangers Bangladesh's democratic transition and peace and security." Allowing the event to take place in the Indian capital and letting mass murderer Hasina to openly deliver her hate speech are contrary to the norms of inter-State relations, including the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference and good neighbourliness, and constitute a clear affront to the people and the government of Bangladesh, MoFA said. Read More: Hearing of appeal seeking death penalty of Hasina, Kamal on Jan 20 "It sets a dangerous precedent vis-a-vis the future of Bangladesh-India relations and may seriously impair the ability of the future elected polity in Bangladesh to engage, shape and nurture mutually beneficial bilateral relations," it said.

The government of Bangladesh on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) launched electronic bail bond or e-bail bond management system in eight districts if the country, aiming to make the bail bond submission process easier. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul inaugurated the programme virtually from the Secretariat. The new system has been introduced simultaneously in Manikganj, Bandarban, Meherpur, Joypurhat, Moulvibazar, Panchagarh, Jhalakathi and Sherpur following the successful pilot implementation in Narayanganj. The Adviser said the e-bail bond system was first launched on a trial basis in Narayanganj on October 15 last year and has been operating with cent percent success. Read more: Election 2026: 1967 candidates left standing after withdrawals, highest since 2008 “Based on this success, we have further improved the software. Today, the e-bail bond system has been launched in eight more districts,” he said. He said the new system will save time and costs for litigants, lawyers, prison authorities and all other stakeholders involved in the bail process. Before the introduction of e-bail bonds, people had to go through multiple steps even after bail was granted, the adviser said. “As a result, litigants had to endure unnecessary loss of time, money and mental distress. In many cases, people had to remain in jail for several days or even weeks despite being granted bail. There was a lack of transparency and accountability, and it was not possible to identify where delays were occurring,” he said. Dr Asif Nazrul said the government plans to introduce the system in all 64 districts. “We still have 20 to 25 days. We will try to launch it in a few more districts during this time. We hope that within the next six months, the system will be operational in all districts,” he added. Read More: Rule of law biggest challenge despite progress: Asif Nazrul Responding to a question on whether future governments would continue the initiative, the adviser said he believes the system will be maintained as it does not involve any political controversy.