United News of Bangladesh

The High Court on Sunday ordered the authorities concerned to keep the secondary schools closed during the whole month of Ramadan. The HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan passed the order after hearing a writ petition. Barrister AKM Foyez and Advocate Ilias Ali Mandal stood for the petitioner. High Court issues rule against CEC over contempt of court Advocate Ilias Ali Mandal, a Supreme Court lawyer, filed a writ petition seeking a closure order on secondary schools during the month of Ramadan last week. According to the petition, the government has taken a decision to close the Madrashas for the whole month of Ramadan but it also asked the authorities to continue academic activities of secondary schools both under government and private management till March 7, which is a discriminatory decision of the ministry. On January 5, Advocate Ilias served a legal notice to the secretaries of the Education Ministry, Primary and Mass Education Ministry seeking a closure notice of the educational institutions.  

Bangladesh’s premier literary event, Ekushey Book Fair, is set to open later this month amid mounting opposition from a large section of mainstream publishers who warn that holding the fair during Ramadan could inflict heavy financial losses on the industry. Bangla Academy has confirmed that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 20, even as more than 300 publishers have threatened to boycott the event if the schedule is not reconsidered. Dr Md Selim Reza, member secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee, told UNB that preparations are already well underway. “The lottery for allocation of stalls and pavilions was completed on Tuesday night. Allocation has already been finalised. Now publishers can start organising their allotted spaces,” he said. To facilitate confirmation of stall and pavilion allotments, Bangla Academy earlier extended the payment deadline from February 9 to February 11. According to organisers, a total of 662 stalls have been allotted this year, 133 more than in 2025. Of these, 24 new publishing houses have been allocated stalls. The number of pavilions stands at 23, including 11 for established publishing houses and 12 for new ones. Boycott Threat However, the decision to hold the 23-day fair from February 20 — during the fasting month of Ramadan — has triggered strong objections from publishers. In a press release signed by Mazharul Islam of Anyaprokash, a group of publishers said at least 321 publishing houses had demanded that the fair be held after Ramadan and would stay away if the schedule remained unchanged. Several publishers said they had raised concerns well in advance but received no positive response from the authorities. They argue that Ramadan typically brings shorter working hours and reduced consumer spending during daytime, which could significantly affect book sales. Many fear that participating under such conditions would result in substantial losses. Appeal to Tarique Rahman In a further escalation, the publishers’ platform Prokashok Oikk (Publishers’ Unity) has sent an open letter to Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh, seeking intervention. In the letter, the platform said nearly 90% of publishers believe that taking part in the fair during Ramadan would amount to ‘commercial suicide’. It claimed that more than 300 mainstream publishers have already expressed their inability to participate. The publishers said the industry has been under severe strain for the past one and a half years due to political and economic instability. Rising paper prices and increased production costs have intensified financial pressure, they said. They also noted that printing presses had remained largely preoccupied with election-related work over the past two months, effectively halting the publication of new titles. Against this backdrop, the publishers questioned why Bangla Academy remains firm on holding the fair despite repeated appeals for reconsideration. Call for Postponement The publishers stressed that they are not opposed to the book fair itself. Instead, they said they want a ‘successful and inclusive’ event that upholds the spirit and tradition of Amar Ekushey. Considering Ramadan and the post-election situation, they proposed holding the fair after Eid. In their letter, they placed two key demands before the new government led by Tarique Rahman: first, postponement of the fair scheduled to begin on 20 February; and second, organising the event in a festive and full-fledged manner after Eid. They expressed hope that a positive decision would protect the publishing industry from major losses and help preserve the legacy of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair — a cultural fixture that commemorates the Language Movement and remains one of the country’s most anticipated literary gatherings. For now, however, the fair appears set to go ahead as planned, setting the stage for a confrontation between organisers determined to maintain tradition and publishers wary of the economic realities they face.

Bangladesh Bank has set banking operation and transaction hours for the holy month of Ramadan. In a circular on Tuesday, the central bank said all banks will open at 9:30 am and close at 4 pm. Public transactions time will be ended at 2:30 pm to allow banks’ officials to complete the daily ancillary post transaction works. Bangladesh Bank lowers floor of interest rate corridor to boost interbank liquidity There will be a 15-minute Zohr prayers break for from 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm. Standard banking and office schedules will resume immediately after the conclusion of the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, it added.

Bangladesh’s markets have enough key food items ahead of Ramadan and traders say steady supplies should help keep prices stable during the fasting month. They made the remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting in Motijheel reviewing the import, stock, supply and price situation of essentials for Ramadan. At the meeting, the traders assured the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) that there is no scope for abnormal price hikes during the holy month. Leaders of retail and wholesale market associations said sufficient stocks of edible oil, sugar, onion, pulses and other daily necessities are available in the country. They noted that maintaining smooth supply would keep prices stable, while urging authorities to strictly curb extortion at different stages of the supply chain. Consumers were also requested not to engage in panic buying that could create artificial pressure on the market. Traders further appealed to the Ministry of Commerce and relevant authorities, through FBCCI, to stop harassment of retailers in the name of market monitoring during Ramadan, arguing that small traders are not responsible for market instability. They called on importers and large corporate entities to ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials. FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan said this year’s Ramadan is particularly important as it will begin just days after the 13th national parliamentary election. “Considering public interest, business leaders and trade bodies must act with greater responsibility,” Rahim said, adding that large industrial groups should ensure steady supply and market monitoring should not turn into harassment. He said FBCCI would place the meeting’s observations before the appropriate authorities. Bangladesh Sugar Traders Association President Md Abul Hashem said there would be no sugar shortage if mills ensure timely supply. He added that alongside corporate imports, government-led sugar imports would enhance competition and help keep prices affordable. Bangladesh Wholesale Edible Oil Traders Association President Md Golam Maula urged the government to strengthen oversight at the importer and large corporate level, rather than focusing market monitoring only on retailers, to keep prices stable. Meghna Group of Industries Deputy General Manager Taslim Shahriar said adequate stocks of edible oil and sugar are available to meet Ramadan demand. He, however, cautioned that port operations, transportation and customs clearance could face some disruption due to election-related holidays, though no other supply-chain constraints were anticipated. Leaders of kitchen market associations also indicated that prices of vegetables and other perishables would remain within consumers’ reach during Ramadan, noting that prices of all vegetables—except lemon—are currently normal. While traders expressed optimism, market analysts voiced caution; Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) General Secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan warned of potential risks, citing possible energy shortages during Ramadan and the post-election transition period, which could weaken market oversight and allow unscrupulous elements to exploit the situation. Representatives from FBCCI’s general council, various trade bodies, Bangladesh Bank, the Ministry of Commerce, National Board of Revenue, Trade and Tariff Commission, Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Competition Commission, TCB and several agriculture and livestock departments, along with industry representatives, were present at the meeting.

The government will sell milk, eggs, beef and dressed broiler meat at subsidised prices during the month of Ramadan to ensure that the general public can easily meet their demand for animal-based protein. Under this programme, dressed broiler meat will be sold at Tk 245 per kilogram, pasteurised milk at Tk 80 per liter, eggs at Tk 8 per piece and beef at Tk 650 per kilogramme. A meeting was held on Sunday at the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to determine measures for uninterrupted supply and price stability of meat, eggs, and milk during Ramadan. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter chaired the meeting. After detailed discussions, it was decided that from the day before Ramadan until the 25th day of Ramadan, a total of 26 days, these products will be sold at affordable prices through mobile sales centers. Market stable, prices likely to ease further in Ramadan: Adviser Bashir The meeting also decided that departmental directors and district livestock officers under the Department of Livestock Services will coordinate with district administrations to implement similar initiatives outside Dhaka in other divisional and district towns, taking local market conditions into account. Initially, the programme will be conducted at 25 key locations in Dhaka and city corporation areas, based on public demand. The proposed locations include Secretariat area (Abdul Gani Road), Khamarbari (Farmgate), 60 Feet Road (Mirpur), Azimpur Maternity Hospital, Naya Bazar (Old Dhaka), Uttara House Building, Rampura Bazar, Hazaribagh, Arambagh (Motijheel), Kalshi (Mirpur), Manik Nagar (Jatrabari), Shahjadpur (Badda), Korail slum (Banani), Kamrangirchar, Khilgaon Rail Crossing (South), Nakhalpara (Lucas Mor), Segunbagicha kitchen market, Mohammadpur (Babar Road), Mohammadpur (Bosila), Kakrail, Banasree, Mirpur-10, Kalyanpur, Tejgaon and Bangabazar in Old Dhaka. The number of mobile sales centers will be gradually increased by designating permanent spots for sales in coordination with local entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders.  

The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune and forgiveness, will be observed in the country on Tuesday with due religious solemnity and devotion. It is observed on the 15th night of the Arabic month of Sha'ban. According to Muslim belief, it is the night when Allah arranges the affairs of the following year. On this night, Allah writes the destinies of all his creations for the coming year by taking into account their past deeds. Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, reciting from the Holy Quran, and also hold religious gatherings seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind. Read More: Ramadan just a month away! Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of the night. Islamic Foundation has arranged various programmes at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Tuesday, including recitation from the Holy Quran, Hamd and Na’at, waz mahfils and special prayers. The programmes will begin after Maghrib prayers with a waz mahfil at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain will deliver a sermon around 8:30 pm on the teachings of Shab-e-Barat, including dos and don’ts, based on the Holy Quran and Hadith. Read More: No possibility of LPG shortage during Ramadan: BERC chairman The Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will remain open throughout the night for worshippers to perform individual nafl prayers and engage in zikr and azkar. Chief Adviser Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus issued a message on the occasion. In his message the Chief Adviser described Shab-e-Barat as a unique opportunity for mercy, forgiveness and spiritual purification. Calling upon people to observe Shab-e-Barat as an extraordinary opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy, the Chief Adviser urged everyone to pray for the welfare of the country and the nation and to dedicate themselves to the service of humanity. He also called for avoiding all injustice, unfairness, wrongdoing, and superstition and to illuminate individual, social and national life with the unique beauty of Islam, the religion of peace. Read More: Govt okays import of lentil, edible oil to stabilise Ramadan market

Jagannath University (JnU) authorities have decided to hold classes online from February 26 to March 9 In observance of the holy month of Ramadan, The decision was announced in a notice signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Gias Uddin on Wednesday. According to the notice, the decision was taken at the 76th meeting of the Academic Council of Jagannath University held on January 15. Shibir-backed panel sweeps top posts in Jagannath University students’ union elections As per the decision, all undergraduate and postgraduate classes of the university will be conducted online during the period.

The holy month of Ramadan is set to begin on February 19, according to the Islamic Foundation. The Islamic Foundation released the timings of Sehri, the meal consumed early in the morning by Muslims before fasting and Iftar, the meal eaten after sunset breaking during Ramadan on Tuesday. The image below shows the Islamic Foundation’s schedule of 2026 Ramadan timings.  

The government has reduced customs duty on the import of dates by 40 percent ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, aiming to ensure adequate supply and keep prices within the purchasing capacity of general consumers. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) said the existing customs duty on date imports has been lowered from 25 percent to 15 percent. The government issued a gazette notification on December 23, 2025 to this effect and it which will remain effective until March 31, 2026. The NBR noted that the decision has been taken to maintain market stability and prevent an unusual surge in prices during Ramadan, when demand for dates rises significantly as they are traditionally consumed to break the fast. In addition to the duty reduction, the NBR highlighted that amendments were made in the last budget to the provisions related to advance income tax (AIT) at the import stage. NBR chief calls for expanded VAT registration to cut reliance on imports Under the revised rules, the AIT applicable to the import of all fruits, including dates, has been reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent. Moreover, the 50 percent concession on advance income tax for date and fruit imports, which was introduced last year, has been retained for the current year as well, the revenue authority said.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said he, on behalf of the interim government, will send a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner so that the Election Commission can hold the national election before the next Ramadan in February next. "Now it is our turn to fulfill our final duty - holding the election. As I address you on this great day, we will enter our final and most important chapter. We will now begin the process of handing over responsibility to an elected government," Prof Yunus said, referring to the approaching election to be held in 2026. In a televised speech on the occasion of July Uprising Day, Prof Yunus hoped that the citizens of this country can successfully move forward in the efforts of building a 'New Bangladesh' by conducting the election successfully. The speech was broadcast simultaneously on Bangladesh Television, BTV News and Bangladesh Betar. "We, on behalf of the government, will provide all kinds of help and cooperation so that this election can be conducted in a fair, peaceful and festive manner," Prof Yunus said. Stating that the election is approaching, he urged all those who are now staying away from their constituencies to start visiting them regularly from now on—so that they can be well prepared to elect the best candidates. “As we cast our vote, let the faces of those who shed their fresh blood to restore this precious (voting) right appear before our eyes,” the Chief Adviser said. He said February is not too far away, and by the time preparations for the election get underway, the voting day will arrive. “For many years, no one of us could exercise our right to vote. This time, we all will cast our votes. No one will be left out. Let each of us be able to say, ‘I cast my vote to set the country on the path to building a new Bangladesh. It was my vote that helped the country take that path,’” Prof Yunus said, pointing at the voters. Tarique urges all to stay vigilant against fascism ahead of election “On this July Mass Uprising Day, I urge all citizens—let us pass the first major test of building a ‘New Bangladesh’ together,” he said. Prof Yunus said they will all start mental preparations and institutional arrangements from tomorrow to complete all the arrangements so that this election becomes a memorable event in the history of the country in terms of joy and celebrations, peace and order, voter turnout, harmony and sincerity. Prof Yunus said the desired goal has been achieved in terms of reforms, as under the coordination of the National Consensus Commission, all political parties in the country engaged in continuous discussions over a long period, and as a result, the 'July Charter' has reached its final stage. “The July Charter is a historic achievement. It will be remembered not only in our political history but also in the broader political arena. Not just the document itself, but the process of drafting it will also be remembered,” he said. On behalf of the nation, the Chief Adviser expressed his deepest gratitude and thanks to the leaders of all political parties and the members of the Consensus Commission—especially Professor Ali Riaz, who led this initiative. He said representatives of the political parties took part in the discussions of the Consensus Commission in a very cordial atmosphere. Election ‘date’ within days: Asif Nazrul Despite differences of opinion, the Chief Adviser said, there was a sincere effort from all parties to build consensus. “We hope that, based on this consensus, the political parties will soon sign the July Charter and also reach an agreement on its implementation.” He also hoped that the July Charter would ensure the smooth transfer of power in Bangladesh, strengthen the independence and capacity of accountable state institutions, guarantee the genuine implementation of citizens' rights, and ensure proper management of state resources and capabilities. “We must ensure that no future government can ever become fascist again. The state must be reformed in such a way that any sign of fascism, anywhere, can be immediately rooted out. We should not have to wait another 16 years, and many people should not have to sacrifice their lives again. We should not need another mass uprising,” Prof Yunus said. Election as per schedule, not a day’s of delay: CA’s press secretary He said the trial in the cases filed in connection with crimes against humanity in July-August last year is progressing firmly. “The formal hearing phase of the trial has also begun. Those involved in the brutal massacres in history will be brought to justice on the soil of this country.” The Chief Adviser said the trial process and its outcomes will gradually be disclosed to the people. “The entire trial procedure is being kept transparent and visible to the people of the country.”