United News of Bangladesh

Educational institutions in Bangladesh from primary to higher secondary levels are set to reopen on Sunday after a nearly 40-day closure for Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr. Although the holiday officially ended on Thursday (March 26) classes will resume on March 29 following the weekly Friday and Saturday holidays. According to the revised academic calendar, the vacation began on February 19 and continued until March 26. Earlier, on March 8, the Ministry of Education decided to keep all English-medium schools closed for the entire duration of the government-declared Ramadan and Eid holidays. The decision was taken at a meeting on policy formulation for English-medium schools and coaching centres, held at the Secondary and Higher Education Division and chaired by Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon. Officials said the move considered the difficulties faced by city residents during Ramadan, particularly in Dhaka and other major cities, as well as the prevailing global situation. During the closure, institutions were allowed to conduct only mandatory examinations in line with previously announced schedules. Besides, coaching centre activities—both Bangla- and English-medium—remained suspended during the same period. Meanwhile, universities across the country will also resume academic activities from Sunday. The government had earlier ordered the  suspension of academic activities of all public and private universities from March 9 to conserve electricity amid the ongoing global situation triggered by Middle East crisis resulting in an early start to Eid holidays. University authorities said classes and examinations remained suspended from March 9 to March 28 in line with the directive. To compensate for learning losses during the long break, government primary schools will hold classes on the next 10 Saturdays, which are usually weekly holidays. Accordingly, classes will also be held on Saturday, April 4.  

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud on Sunday said the elections to the city corporations will be held following the by-elections after Ramadan. “We hope the city corporation elections will be held shortly after the month of Ramadan. Before that several by-elections will be held. The schedules (for the by-polls) have already been announced. Those polls will be held in due time,” he said. The Election Commissioner made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the annual general meeting and election of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) held at the media centre of Nirbachan Bhaban in the city's Agargaon area. He said the Election Commission will remain busy throughout the year and also for the several coming years due to a series of upcoming local government elections. Masud said the EC has a legal obligation to conduct free and fair elections while the responsibility for enacting election-related laws lies with Parliament. He also said the Commission is awaiting Parliament’s decision on whether local government elections will be held with political party symbols. The Election Commissioner said the recently held 13th parliamentary election and referendum were conducted peacefully. Masud called upon journalists to perform their duties impartially while doing constructive criticism of the Election Commission’s activities.  

Prices of most vegetables and fruits have increased sharply in Lalmonirhat at the very beginning of the month of Ramadan, despite it being the peak season for many produce items. A visit to different kitchen markets in Lalmonirhat town on Sunday showed that green chilli was selling at Tk 130 to Tk 170 per kilogram, up from Tk 70 to Tk 90 three days before Ramadan. Cucumber prices have nearly doubled. Before Ramadan, cucumbers were selling at Tk 35 to Tk 40 per kg, but are now priced at Tk 60 while another local variety (khira) has jumped from Tk 30–40 to Tk 80 per kg. Quilt makers race against time as bone-chilling cold grips Lalmonirhat The price of eggplant has increased by Tk 20 to Tk 30 per kg. Previously available at Tk 30 to Tk 40, it is now being sold at Tk 70 per kg. Tomato prices, which were below Tk 40 before Ramadan and rose to Tk 80 at the beginning of the month, have slightly declined to Tk 60 per kg. Although bottle gourd, cabbage and cauliflower are still selling below Tk 30, overall market instability persists. Banana prices have risen abnormally with the start of Ramadan. Good quality bananas that previously sold at Tk 30 to Tk 40 per four-piece bunch are now being sold at Tk 60 to Tk 70. Rezaul Karim, a resident of the Tushbhandar market area, said bananas are a daily necessity in his household and are especially important during Ramadan for iftar. “Even at higher prices, we are compelled to buy. Not only bananas, almost all fruits have become expensive,” he said. Despite ample supply, winter vegetables costly in Lalmonirhat

Commerce  Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Friday said the government has adequate stocks of essential commodities to keep market prices stable during the holy month of Ramadan. “The main responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce is to ensure price stability of essential food items. This responsibility becomes even more important during Ramadan,” he told reporters in Sylhet.  The minister said when the current government assumed office, there was little scope to take special measures ahead of Ramadan.  “However, the positive aspect is that the amount of food stock we currently have is sufficient to maintain price stability in the market,” he added. Minister Muktadir speaking to journalists at Sylhet Osmani International Airport after exchanging greetings with officials of different government departments and party leaders. Responding to a question on development plans for Sylhet, the minister said he had highlighted these issues throughout his election campaign and manifesto.  “We want to implement initiatives that are directly linked to improving the quality of life of the people of Sylhet,” he said, adding that priority would be given to employment generation, expansion of IT-related professions and the establishment of an AI centre. The minister also said the government would work sincerely over the next five years, utilising every single day to move Bangladesh forward in the global arena. 'Not all collections in the road transport sector is extortion': Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister Replying to a question about job creation at the Sylhet IT Park, he said investment is essential to generate employment.  “To attract investment, we need to improve communication systems, reduce red tape and ensure a supportive environment, including political stability,” Muktadir said. He added that special policy support is needed for expatriate and local investors in Sylhet. “We are working on these issues and their implementation will be visible very soon." Among others present were Sylhet MP MA Malik, Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, Range DIG Md Mushfekur Rahman, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Acting President Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi and Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Qaiyum Chowdhury, along with leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its associate bodies.

Like previous years, customers can enjoy up to Tk 1,000 in discounts and cashbacks this Ramadan on shopping with bKash payment at top superstores across the country. This offer has been introduced to make grocery and daily essential shopping more affordable, hassle‑free, and safe during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid. Additionally, exciting discounts and cashbacks of various amounts are also available on bKash payment at renowned fashion brands, bakeries, iftar markets, home appliances, restaurants, hotels, e‑ticketing, and many other products and services. Tk 500 Discount at Superstores Customers can get discount by applying ‘D2’ coupon code in bKash app and making minimum bKash payment of Tk 1,500 at selected superstores. During Ramadan, customers can avail Tk 100 once per day, and up to Tk 500 in 5 transactions during the campaign period. This offer is available at different outlets of Agora, Unimart, Meena Bazar, Prince Bazar, Amana Big Bazar, Apon Family Mart, Big Bazar, Lavender, Mostafa Mart, Wholesale Club, Halishahar Mart, Khulshi Mart, Utsab Super Market, Bengal Meat, and several other superstores. Tk 300 Discount at Shwapno & Daily Shopping Meanwhile, customers can enjoy up to Tk 300 discount at ‘Shwapno’ and ‘Daily Shopping’ located nationwide by applying the ‘D3’ coupon code. The offer is applicable for minimum bKash payment of Tk 800. Customers can get Tk 100 discount once per day and up to Tk 300 in 3 transactions during the campaign. Tk 200 Cashback on Online Groceries For any order from online grocery platforms Chaldal, Daily Shopping, Meena Bazar, and Paragon, customers can get up to Tk 200 cashback by making a minimum bKash payment of Tk 1,200. Customers can receive 5% cashback up to Tk 100 once per day, and up to Tk 200 in 2 transactions during the campaign period. It is to be noted that the bKash payment offers on grocery shopping will remain valid till March 21, 2026. 

The government will provide protein-rich food at subsidised prices to around 10 lakh low-income families across the country during the holy month of Ramadan, said State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Thursday. He said the initiative, taken in line with the government’s commitment to public welfare under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, will ensure the supply of milk, eggs, meat and fish for low-income people at affordable prices. He made the remarks is morning while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a programme to sell milk, eggs and meat at affordable prices at the conference room of the Livestock Research Institute at Mohakhali. He said all concerned must work with honesty and dedication to fulfil the commitments made by the Prime Minister to the nation. PM Tarique urges market restraint ahead of Ramadan Collective efforts are essential to move the country towards development and prosperity, he said . The state minister noted that during Ramadan some unscrupulous traders hike prices of essential commodities, increasing hardships for low-income people. He said such government initiatives would help ease their suffering and there are plans to expand the programme further in the future. The programme was chaired by Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr Md Abu Sufian.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday urged traders to exercise restraint in the market as the holy month of Ramadan is set to begin across the country on Thursday, warning against profiteering that could increase public suffering. In a televised address to the nation at night, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a month of self-purification and stressed that its true spirit must be reflected in economic behaviour as well. “If we truly understand the essence of self-purification, there should be no increase in people’s suffering during this month,” he said. Observing that a tendency to make excessive profits is often noticed among some businesses during Ramadan, Tarique Rahman called upon traders not to treat the sacred month as an opportunity for higher profit. He urged businesspeople to remain cautious so that the prices of essential commodities do not go beyond the reach of ordinary citizens. The Prime Minister said the current government’s stance towards traders—small, medium or large—is simple and clear, adding that it intends to take necessary steps while protecting the interests of both businesspeople and consumers. Tarique said the government is ready to listen to any suggestions or complaints from stakeholders regarding measures that could help keep the market situation stable and safeguard the interests of buyers and sellers alike. PM orders steps to keep prices stable, ensure uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan “This government belongs to all—buyers and sellers. This government is yours. You have entrusted it with the responsibility of running the state through your votes. You are the strength of this government,” he added. Referring to the government’s political mandate, he said the administration assumed office with a commitment to uphold the rights of the people and dismantle mafia syndicates, following the fall of such a syndicate at the cost of thousands of lives. The BNP government is determined to break all syndicates involved in irregularities and corruption in every sector, he said, expressing hope that this pledge would be fulfilled. Extending his greetings to the nation on the occasion of the holy month, the Prime Minister said Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, discipline and responsibility. About the needs of fasting Muslims, he said worshippers expect uninterrupted gas, water and electricity supply during iftar, tarawih and sehri, and mentioned that he has already instructed the relevant authorities to ensure smooth supply during these periods. Emphasising austerity, the Prime Minister said preventing waste and practising restraint are part of a Muslim’s faith.  Avoiding unnecessary or excessive use of gas, electricity and water in offices and courts is also an act of worship, he added. Before calling upon government and private officials and the general public to practise austerity, the Prime Minister said he sought to set an example by encouraging ministers and BNP Members of Parliament to do so first.

Leader of the Opposition and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Wednesday greeted the nation on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, calling on Muslims to embrace the values of mercy, forgiveness and salvation. In a message on his Facebook page, he said the blessed month of Ramadan has arrived once again, offering an opportunity for spiritual purification and self-restrain. He urged the country’s Muslim community to learn, uphold and practise the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, which was revealed during this sacred month and to work together to build a society based on justice and compassion. Refusal to take reform oath disrespects ‘July’: Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed the hope that Ramadan would cleanse people of wrongdoings and moral lapses and inspire them to refrain from all forms of transgression. He also called upon people to extend support and kindness to the poor and underprivileged during the month of fasting. Seeking divine mercy for the country, he prayed for peace and stability and expressed the hope that the nation would move forward in line with the aspirations of its people. He conveyed his heartfelt greetings to Bangladeshis at home and abroad on the occasion of Ramadan.

The holy month of Ramadan will start on Thursday as the crescent moon was sighted in the sky over Bangladesh on Wednesday. The National Moon Sighting Committee took the decision at a meeting held at Islamic Foundation’s Baitul Mukarram office in Dhaka. Muslims are meant to fast from dawn to dusk during the month, a time of restraint and austerity. An overview of Ramadan and how Muslims observe the sacred month

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered keeping commodity prices stable, maintain law and order and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the holy month of Ramadan. The directives came at the first cabinet meeting of the newly formed BNP-led government held at the Secretariat in the afternoon. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan briefed reporters after the meeting. He said the cabinet sat at the Prime Minister’s call and discussed possible urgent national issues. In light of discussions, the Prime Minister advised all regarding the government’s immediate priorities, he said. He put special emphasis on uninterrupted power during Tarabih prayers and at iftar time so that people do not face any inconvenience, Swapan said. “Although today’s meeting was a courtesy one, these three issues have come up as our main priorities,” he added. Replying to a question on implementation, the minister said the respective ministers concerned would submit their action plans to the Prime Minister within the next couple of days. “Following further directives from the Prime Minister, we will take necessary steps accordingly,” he said. “We have calculated that addressing the urgent problems to a respectable level would require at least 180 days. A draft plan has already been prepared, and the nation will soon be informed through you,” he said . On a question about fulfilling political pledges, particularly media freedom, the minister said ensuring free flow of information and independence of the media is one of the government’s key commitments.