United News of Bangladesh

Once hailed as a gateway to economic transformation, the long-awaited Khulna–Mongla railway now stands as a symbol of unfulfilled promise. The 91-kilometre line, built to connect the country’s second seaport with the national rail network, was seen as a game changer for trade and industry. Yet, one and a half years on, the dream remains unfulfilled. Constructed at a cost of Tk 4,261 crore, the project was designed to provide a faster and more cost-effective route for transporting import and export goods through Mongla Port. Despite the impressive infrastructure, the line has so far failed to deliver on its economic promise. At present, the railway is being used only for passenger services, while freight operations remain almost idle. According to railway sources, goods have been transported just three times since the line was inaugurated in 2023 — on 6 February, 23 March, and 25 June of 2025 — carrying a total of around 19,000 metric tonnes from Chattogram to Sirajganj. No freight movement has taken place since then. Read more: Darshana Railway Station falls silent as cross-border trade grinds to a halt Initiated in 2010 with foreign loan support, the Khulna–Mongla railway was implemented by India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and IRCON International. It features a 5.13-kilometre railway bridge over the Rupsha River — the largest in the southwest — along with nine stations, 66 small bridges, and 246 culverts. On paper, it has all the elements of a transformative project. In reality, both locals and experts say it has fallen short of expectations. Local residents said regular freight train services could have generated jobs, spurred industrial growth, and strengthened the regional economy. Instead, they now see a costly piece of infrastructure sitting largely underused. Business owners echo similar frustrations, pointing to a lack of coordination between Mongla Port and the railway as a key reason behind the stagnation. “The infrastructure exists, but there is no effective coordination, so the potential remains untapped,” said Md Sajjadul Islam, Proprietor of Zain International. Several importers have blamed operational limitations at Mongla Port, including limited capacity for large vessels, outdated cranes, inadequate storage and container facilities, and slow unloading operations, for discouraging freight movement by rail. Read more: Bangladesh Railway sets sights on new locomotives to revamp services: Sheikh Moinuddin Despite these challenges, railway officials insist they are fully prepared to handle freight transport. “We have made all necessary preparations including rakes and engines. But due to the limited volume of goods at Mongla Port, we cannot yet run regular services,” said Farid Ahmed, Manager of Railway Western Zone. He said the railway authorities are holding meetings with industrialists, exporters, and importers to promote the benefits of rail-based transport and attract more freight users. Meanwhile, Mongla Port Authority Director (Traffic) Md Kamal Hossain said that efforts are underway to modernise port facilities and expand terminals. “We are considering various incentives to encourage importers and boost port activities,” he said. Experts say the project’s struggles reflect a broader issue, a lack of strategic coordination among key stakeholders. Economist Anwarul Qadir believes that the Khulna–Mongla railway had the potential to transform the Southwest’s economy if freight operations had started as planned. “This was a loan-funded project, and the interest burden is growing,” Prof Qadir warned. “To make it viable, the government must adopt a coordinated plan linking the port, railway, and commercial stakeholders. If regular freight movement begins, it could revitalise the entire southern economy,” Qadir added. Read more: Mongla Port exceeds net profit target by Tk 41.64 crore in FY25

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has warned that the future of democracy could be in jeopardy if the incoming government fails to effectively combat misinformation and disinformation. “The government that will run the country should brainstorm about tackling misinformation. Otherwise, failure to address it will lead the country towards political turmoil,” he said at a dialogue session titled ‘Media Freedom: The Issue of Political Commitments in Manifesto’, held on Thursday (6th November, 2025) at the CIRDAP Auditorium and organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS). Shafiqul Alam reflected on the long and shifting relationship between the government and the media since 1947, noting that it has alternated between periods of openness and restriction. “During Ayub Khan’s time, there was media freedom, but after 1990, journalists enjoyed the highest freedom under the caretaker government,” he said. “During the Awami League government, journalism reached its lowest point. However, efforts are now being made to recover from that decline under Hasina’s leadership,” Shafiqul Alam added. He said there is widespread fear of mobbing now but the current government has no intention of restricting the press. Now, the question is whether this culture will continue under a future political government? Read more: Govt watching Hasina’s actions; she’s Bengal's ‘butcher’: Press Secretary Even those who should know better, including university professors, are now spreading misinformation, he said. The press secretary pointed out that misinformation has posed significant challenges for the government, particularly false news surrounding Saint Martin’s Island and Milestone. “The amount of false information circulated about Chittagong Port was unimaginable,” he said. Unlike in many other countries where penalties are imposed for spreading misinformation, no such mechanisms exist here, he said. “False information is being spread daily on ‘Talk Shows’. We have urged Meta to take stronger action against misinformation on Facebook, but it remains a long-term process,” he added. Read more: No pressure to bring AL into polls: Press Secretary

BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Thursday (6th November 2025) urged people from all walks of life to extend their cooperation in holding the next national election in February next year, foiling all conspiracies to derail it. “It seems to us that there is no scope for deferring the election from February. So, we must hold the election within this timeframe. To that end, we seek the cooperation not only of political parties but also of all the people of the country,” he said. The BNP leader made the call while speaking at a discussion titled ‘Reimagining Bangladesh’s Political Future’. The Dhaka Forum Initiative organised the programme on the book ‘Tarique Rahman: Politics and Policies’ and the BBC Bangla Interview at a hotel in the capital. Mosharraf, a BNP Standing Committee member, said when the interim government took office, BNP supported it with the hope that it would hold the election as early as possible and hand over power to the people’s elected representatives. Fakhrul condemns gun attack on BNP’s Ctg candidate, calls it a plot He said the interim government itself also assured the nation through the media that it would hold the election early and then leave power. “The government has now firmly declared that the election will be held in early February next year, and we have welcomed that.” The BNP leader said his party is taking all necessary preparations for the upcoming polls. “You’ve seen our Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has already announced candidates for 236 out of 300 constituencies,” he said. Mosharraf alleged that some parties are trying to create confusion over the election by raising the demand for the proportional representation (PR) system, but they are not explaining how it can be adopted. He said such a system would lead to a situation where it would be impossible for any party to form a government. The BNP leader explained that under the PR system, even a party securing 40 percent of the vote would not achieve a majority of seats needed to form a government, while in the past, governments were formed with 35 to 40 percent of the vote share because they won a majority of constituencies. Seat-sharing with partners turns thorny for BNP as expectations clash with reality “Under the current system, voters elect their own representatives who are accountable to them. If MPs are chosen based on vote percentage under the PR system, they would be party MPs, not the people’s MPs. That cannot be acceptable,” he said. Mosharraf alleged that a section of people at home and abroad are plotting to delay or cancel the election. “Some who were linked with autocratic regimes in the past and some who fled abroad are involved in this plot. Certain people in Bangladesh are also trying to create a crisis by turning non-issues into major issues,” he pointed out. The BNP leader said their party’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon all political parties and citizens to work together to make the election a success so that people’s representatives can go to parliament and form a government. “Our Acting Chairman has made it clear, and we are also saying — there is no alternative to elections. Whether it is today or tomorrow, elections must be held,” Mosharraf said. He said the safest and most suitable time for the election is within this coming February, as after that Ramadan will begin, followed by the monsoon and floods, and then public examinations like SSC and HSC. The BNP leader also said the current interim government will be able to leave power with due dignity if the election is held in February next year. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury also addressed the discussion. Meanwhile, talking to reporters after the programme, Khosru urged the government to remain vigilant against those trying to foil or delay the upcoming national election. He said the clash in Chattogram took place between two rival criminal groups. “There was an existing conflict between them. The BNP is not taking the matter lightly,” he said. The BNP leader alleged that some quarters intending to obstruct or delay the election are trying to exploit this conflict. “Those who want to hinder the election are attempting to use the rivalry between these two groups,” he said. Khosru said it is the government’s duty to maintain law and order. “The situation must be brought under control. The government must be more cautious so that those who want to disrupt the election cannot carry out their ill motives.” Read more: Five BNP men wounded in Raozan gun attack

The government of Bangladesh is set to promulgate an ordinance amending the Civil Aviation Act, 2017, to curb the activities of airline ticket syndicates. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism has drafted the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, in this regard, according to sources at the ministry. Under the proposed amendment, any travel agency found charging passengers more than the approved fare will be required to pay up to three times the excess amount as compensation. Besides, hoarding air tickets to create an artificial crisis or selling them at inflated prices for profit will be treated as a criminal offence, punishable by a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, or a fine of up to Tk 50 lakh, or both. The draft also proposes the formation of a Civil Aviation Economic Commission to determine various fees, charges and tariffs. According to the draft, no ground operator will be permitted to operate in Bangladesh without proper registration. Biman flight cancelled as boarding bridge hits engine at Sylhet airport An official of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, seeking anonymity, said the draft of the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Ordinance has been prepared and that opinions from relevant stakeholders are being sought. Once finalised, it will be presented to the Council Advisers for approval. Sources said a powerful syndicate has developed around airline ticketing, particularly for routes to Middle Eastern countries where Bangladeshi migrant workers travel frequently. Due to long-standing irregularities, the government has often found it difficult to take effective action against such groups, prompting the decision to amend the law. The proposed law stipulates that charging passengers beyond the approved tariff will constitute an offence. The responsible travel agency will be required to refund up to three times the excess amount as compensation to the affected passenger. Regarding tariff submission and approval, the amendment states that all air operators must submit their minimum and maximum tariffs for every route and class to the chairman at regular intervals. Govt shares contact details for Biman passengers stuck in Kathmandu The chairman will approve the tariffs upon satisfaction. If monopolistic practices, abnormal price hikes or artificial shortages are observed on any route, the chairman may take necessary measures in the public interest to set reasonable fares. The newly proposed Civil Aviation Economic Commission will recommend to the government different types of fees, charges, royalties, premiums and rents based on factors such as airport location and the nature of aircraft and air operators. These recommendations will, however, not be binding on the government. Based on these recommendations, the government will fix the applicable fees and charges, which will be published in the schedule by the chairman under the Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2017. The commission will also have the authority to resolve disputes between air operators and the Civil Aviation Authority regarding fees, charges and other payments determined by the government. The ordinance also empowers the government to frame regulations concerning the appointment of General Sales Agents (GSAs) by foreign operators, Global Distribution Systems (GDS), air transport and environmental protection, and the functioning of the Civil Aviation Economic Commission. Experts call for strategy, skilled workforce to lift Biman from setbacks Under the current law, foreign air operators wishing to offer commercial air transport services in Bangladesh must appoint a GSA that is 100% owned and registered by a Bangladeshi citizen. The draft amendment proposes that any foreign air operator seeking to operate in Bangladesh may either establish its own office in the country or appoint one or more GSAs that are fully Bangladeshi-owned and registered. Domestic airlines may also appoint GSAs if deemed necessary. The ordinance further states that no ground operator will be allowed to operate in Bangladesh without registration. Operators must apply to the chairman following prescribed procedures, and registration certificates will be issued upon fulfillment of the necessary requirements. Similarly, no Global Distribution System (GDS) will be permitted to operate in Bangladesh without registration. Registered GDS operators must allow the chairman to audit and access booking and pricing data regularly. If any registered GDS is found to be misused against the public interest, the chairman may suspend or cancel its registration while ensuring that all existing bookings remain protected, according to the proposed ordinance. Read more: Air tickets must include agency name and price: Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry

Trading of shares of five Islamic banks has been suspended at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) as part of their ongoing merger process. In separate notices issued on Thursday (6th November 2025), the two bourses announced that trading in the shares of First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank (SIBL), EXIM Bank, Global Islami Bank, and Union Bank will remain suspended until further notice. The suspension follows the banks being declared non-operational under Section 15 of the Bank Resolution Ordinance, 2025, which took effect on November 5. Stocks tumble at opening as DSE, CSE see sharp decline According to the exchanges, Bangladesh Bank, in a letter issued on the same day, instructed that the five banks be brought under the provisions of the Bank Resolution Ordinance, 2025, and subsequently dissolved their respective boards of directors. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur said at a press conference on Wednesday that the shareholders’ equity value of these banks had fallen below zero. “The value of their shares is effectively zero, and no compensation will be provided to anyone,” he stated. Depositors of Bangladesh’s troubled banks still anxious despite security assurances

The US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) has said sustained dialogue, transparent election administration, and "credible participation by political parties" will be essential to mitigate polarisation and reinforce confidence in the transition. The Election Commission has introduced reforms to enhance participation and operational preparedness, including mechanisms for out-of-country voting, said the IRI on November 5. To strengthen election security, it plans to integrate the armed forces into the election security framework. Despite these efforts, the IRI said the pre-election environment remains fragile, with isolated yet politically significant episodes of violence, questions about the neutrality of local officials, and lingering distrust of security forces. The emergence of youth-led parties and the anticipated high turnout of first-time and diaspora voters signal a potential shift in political engagement and underscore the continued influence of youth activism on Bangladesh’s democratic renewal. Canada advocates for ‘free, participatory’ elections in Bangladesh However, challenges persist — candidate selection processes within political parties lack transparency, women remain underrepresented, and concerns are mounting that the growing appeal of extremist and hardline groups could embolden intolerant narratives and undermine Bangladesh’s secular political foundations, IRI said. It observed that while Bangladesh’s Election Commission and the Interim Government have taken commendable steps to enhance electoral credibility and ensure transparent election administration, maintaining public trust will require consistent communication and ongoing engagement with political and civic stakeholders. The IRI, an organisation dedicated to promoting freedom and democracy worldwide, deployed a pre-election assessment mission from October 20 to 24 to examine Bangladesh’s evolving political and electoral landscape ahead of the expected February 2026 parliamentary elections. The polls will mark the first major test of the country’s democratic transition following the July 2024 student-led protests and the formation of the interim government. This impartial assessment highlights the progress of the interim government’s reform agenda, including the creation of 11 reform commissions, renewed inter-party dialogue and broad consultations on the July National Charter,  a comprehensive framework of 84 proposals addressing nearly every aspect of Bangladesh’s democratic architecture, the IRI said in a statement on November 5. Ambassador Mushfiqul promotes Bangladesh-Mexico trade ties at Querétaro It noted that disputes over the Charter’s sequencing, referendum timing, and enforcement mechanisms underscore the challenges of building a broad-based political consensus. Political parties, the IRI observed, are actively shaping the transition by participating in reform dialogues and undertaking early electoral preparations such as candidate recruitment. Yet, they must continue strengthening internal structures, increasing responsiveness to citizens, and rebuilding public trust to foster meaningful political competition, said the organisation. The Institute said civil society organisations have re-emerged as key actors in promoting transparency and civic participation. Expanding civic space and ensuring that the media, watchdog groups, and grassroots movements can operate freely will be essential to sustaining reform momentum and public confidence. The assessment provides a non-partisan analysis of these dynamics, identifies key risks to electoral integrity, and offers actionable recommendations to support credible and peaceful elections as Bangladesh enters a new phase of democratic renewal. Statement of Findings and Recommendations The IRI conducted its pre-election assessment mission in Bangladesh from October 20–24, 2025, ahead of the expected February 2026 parliamentary elections. The mission, composed of international policy and election experts, met with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including the Election Commission, political parties, interim government officials, and civil society representatives, to evaluate the electoral environment and prospects for democratic renewal. Dhaka eyes new horizons in partnership with Kathmandu The interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, has launched an ambitious reform agenda through 11 commissions and the National Consensus Commission, culminating in the July National Charter, a framework of 84 proposals addressing nearly every aspect of Bangladesh’s democratic architecture. While the Charter has been broadly endorsed, its implementation remains uncertain due to procedural ambiguities and divergent party positions on timing and enforcement. The trajectory of the July National Charter and the extent to which political parties institutionalise democratic norms, including those advanced by the student movement, will determine the direction of Bangladesh’s democratic transition. As Bangladesh moves toward the expected February elections, the coming months will reveal whether the promise of the post-uprising reform movement can be institutionalised through credible and peaceful polls. The interim government’s success will depend on its ability to maintain neutrality, ensure security, and advance the National Consensus Commission’s reform agenda towards tangible implementation. The July National Charter provides a blueprint for democratic renewal, but much of its realisation will rest on the next parliament’s political will. Ireland offers support for police reform in Bangladesh The IRI pre-election assessment mission held 21 meetings with 59 stakeholders, including representatives from political parties, the Interim Government, the Election  Commission, the media, international organisations, and civil society, and expressed gratitude to all who shared their insights. Throughout 2025, the National Consensus Commission struggled to reconcile competing preferences over how and when to enact reforms. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) insists that the Charter should be implemented after the February 2026 elections to avoid what it describes as “procedural overreach” by the unelected interim government. In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami and several allied Islamist parties advocate holding a referendum before the election to ensure reforms become binding on the next parliament. Newer parties, such as the National Citizen Party (NCP), occupy an intermediate position, favoring simultaneous elections for the national parliament and the formation of a body with limited constituent authority. The NCP has further proposed renaming the Charter the “Bangladesh Constitution 2026”, requiring all public officials to take a renewed oath under it, a symbolic gesture aimed at reinforcing the break from past authoritarianism. French Ambassador presents credentials to President In October, the National Consensus Commission drafted an implementation plan requiring enforcement of the Charter’s provisions within nine months of the next parliament’s seating. The plan, however, does not yet define penalties for missed deadlines, leaving its enforceability uncertain. These procedural ambiguities underscore how the reform process remains dependent on post-election political will. With roughly four months remaining until the expected polls, the Election Commission has emerged as both a key institutional actor and a flashpoint for partisan criticism. The proposed Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 (RPO) includes significant changes aimed at enhancing transparency and rebuilding voter confidence. The revised RPO raises campaign spending limits, reintroduces the “No Vote” option, and empowers the Election Commission to annul constituency results in cases of irregularities. Following months of public consultation, the Election Commission also cancelled the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the upcoming election, citing operational challenges and concerns over credibility.

Once vibrant lifelines for northern Bangladesh, the Teesta, Dharla and Jamuneswari rivers are now being ruthlessly stripped of sand by illegal dredging syndicates operating under the shadow of political protection and administrative inaction. Despite a standing government ban on sand extraction from these ecologically sensitive rivers, dredgers continue to roar day and night, turning riverbeds into pits as deep as 60 to 70 feet in some areas and transforming others into barren, desert-like highlands. Locals allege that the trade in stolen sand thrives not just because of political shelter, but also due to police complicity and the negligence of local administrations. “Police and administration officials take commissions at night. Everyone gets their share,” said one sand lifter in Badarganj upazila, requesting anonymity. During a recent visit to the Rajarampur Kashiganj area in Rangpur’s Badarganj upazila, dredgers were seen extracting sand openly from the Jamuneswari River. Legal notice served to stop sand extraction from Kalidas Pahalia in Feni Local residents claimed the operation has continued for nearly six years — first under the influence of local Awami League leaders and now reportedly under a local BNP leader’s patronage, after ‘managing’ the police. “Even when the UNO raids in the morning, dredgers return by afternoon with police help,” said a villager. Local administration officials, however, insist that they are actively working to stop illegal dredging. “Sand extraction is completely prohibited. Mobile courts are being conducted wherever we receive reports,” said Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahid Islam. Gongachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan Mridha said several dredgers were recently seized and destroyed during operations in the Teesta. 26 dredging machines seized for illegal sand extraction from Feni River

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has directed the security forces to spare no effort in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators and to bring them swiftly to justice, stressing that violence and intimidation have no place in our political and social life. "The CMP has already launched a manhunt for the attackers," he said. The interim government on Wednesday (5th November 2025) strongly condemned the violent attack at an election campaign event of Ershad Ullah, the nominated candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for Chattogram-8. In a statement, the government called upon all political actors and their supporters to uphold calm, show restraint and ensure that the February general election takes place in an atmosphere of peace, dignity, and fairness. Read more: Five BNP men wounded in Raozan gun attack "The government will do its part by taking all necessary measures to guarantee the secure and peaceful conditions required for free, fair, credible and festive elections across Bangladesh," said the statement issued by the Chief Adviser's press wing. Immediate investigation by the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) indicates that Ershad Ullah was not the target of the attack, but a stray bullet hit and injured him.  The government wishes him an early recovery. A full probe has been ordered. The government expressed its deep concern at this criminal act and reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the safety and rights of all candidates and citizens participating in the democratic process. Read more: One killed, BNP candidate Ershad Ullah injured in Ctg gun attack

Bangladesh Police has announced cash rewards for anyone who helps recover missing police firearms and ammunition, according to a statement issued by the Police Headquarters on Wednesday (5th November 2025). As per the announcement , a reward of Tk 5 lakh will be given for each recovered Light Machine Gun (LMG), Tk 1.5 lakh for each Sub-Machine Gun (SMG), Tk 1 lakh for each China Rifle, and Tk 50,000 for each pistol or shotgun. Firearms, ammo seized at Airport Railway Station Besides, a Tk 500 will be rewarded for every round of ammunition recovered, the statement added.

With the national election approaching fast, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday (5th November 2025) said all necessary instructions have been given to the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure a free and fair election slated for February 2026. “No threats to the upcoming polls have been detected so far,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Gazipur. Addressing the role of voters in the polls, Jahangir Alam said attempts to disrupt the process are unlikely to succeed when voters are active and aware. Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ He also highlighted the responsibilities of participating political parties in maintaining law and order and said close coordination among the Election Commission, law enforcement and administration will prevent potential issues. Regarding security concerns, he warned that any Awami League leaders and activists released on bail who engage in criminal activity before the election will face strict action. He also acknowledged that miscreants and rumour may attempt to create unrest, assuring that comprehensive measures will be taken to prevent such actions. Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, Gazipur Metropolitan Police acting Commissioner Zahid Hossain, Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Jaber Sadeq, and senior officials from the army, fire service, and other administrative departments, attended the meeting. Read more: Action if police favour any political party, warns Home Adviser