United News of Bangladesh

Vice Chairman of the National Consensus Commission Prof Ali Riaz on Sunday stressed the need for the democratic forces to remain united to address the deep-rooted crisis Bangladesh has been facing for a long time. “There are attempts to address the deep-rooted crises Bangladesh has been facing for a long time. Implementing only the reports of reform commissions is not enough. What we need is to build a democratic state structure and practice democracy. And it is essential for the democratic forces to stay united,” he said while speaking at a dialogue with Ganasamhati Andolon in the morning. Whispers of Thunder: Unstable skies loom over Bangladesh A 10-member delegation of Ganasamhati Andolon, led by its Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, participated in the talks at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.  Presiding over the discussion, Prof Ali Riaz said the collective efforts of people compelled the fascist ruler to flee. “It’s now essential to uphold that unity and carry forward its spirit. This is not just our commitment—it is our obligation,” he said.  He recollected those who gave their lives, fought and were injured and killed in the July uprising and those who had fought against all kinds of oppression for the past 16 years before the uprising. “We owe a debt to all those who, over the past 53 years, have tried to establish a democratic, accountable and inclusive state in Bangladesh, and a state that ensures citizens’ rights,” he added. Terming the ongoing dialogue on reforms a step forward, Prof Riaz said they have been able to make progress at least to some extent. “But if we fail to uphold and carry forward it (this progress), all opportunities may slip away. To do so, it needs a collective effort.” He said they are making collective efforts to build Bangladesh as a democratic and accountable state for not only the present generation but also the future generations, and expressed the hope that a national charter can be prepared soon through the consensus of all political parties. Consensus Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar and Dr Iftekharuzzaman were present at the discussion moderated by Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haider. Daughter of July Movement martyr ‘commits suicide’ after rape  On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives. The commission has already held talks with 17 political parties, including BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party (NCP). Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.  

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecast temporary gusty winds and thunderstorms accompanied by rain in parts of the country. In its weather bulletin issued on Sunday, the department said temporary gusty winds along with lightning and rain or thundershowers are likely to occur in some areas of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. The forecast also mentioned that daytime temperatures across the country may fall by 2°C to 3°C, while nighttime temperatures are expected to drop slightly as well. Rains likely in Mymensingh and Sylhet in next 24hr: BMD Besides, it was noted that an extension of a low-pressure area stretches from West Bengal across the south-western part of Bangladesh to the North Bay of Bengal.      

General members of the Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) formed a human chain in front of the Probashi Kalyan Bhaban in Eskaton Garden on Thursday, demanding the reopening of labour markets including Malaysia. The programme was followed by the submission of a memorandum to the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser. Speakers at the human chain urged the government to take immediate steps to meet all the conditions set by the Malaysian authorities and reopen the labour market ‘at any cost’. In the memorandum, the BAIRA members said labour markets currently closed should be reopened giving priority to the interests of migrant workers and ensuring safe migration at low costs. ‘In the greater interest of the nation and migrant workers, we pledge to fully support any government initiative to open labour markets and to follow all official procedures in recruiting workers, it reads. Speakers said BAIRA members facilitate overseas employment for over one million workers each year, contributing nearly $24 billion in remittance and playing a vital role in the country’s economy. They said Malaysia is the second-largest labour market for Bangladeshi workers after Saudi Arabia. However, recruitment from all source countries has remained suspended since May 31, 2024, due to Malaysia’s internal policies. Prof Yunus, Qatar’s Energy Minister explore energy sector collaboration They also pointed out that other labour destinations like the UAE, Oman and Qatar remain closed or allow only limited worker intake. In this context, they demanded embassy-level reports on the reasons behind such closures and recommendations for reopening the markets. The memorandum also noted that Malaysia has recently resumed recruitment from 14 source countries, and a final decision regarding Bangladesh is expected following the upcoming Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting scheduled for May 21. Speakers expressed concern over attempts by a section of BAIRA, including suspended joint secretary Fakrul Islam, who allegedly oppose the reopening of the Malaysian labour market. Despite existing legal and formal frameworks, they continue to spread allegations of human trafficking and money laundering, potentially harming bilateral efforts and delaying the market’s reopening, they said.      

The number of contractual appointments to top administrative posts has reached an all-time high, reportedly slowing the pace of work across ministries and fuelling frustration among regular officials, according to insiders in the public administration. This growing trend has hindered promotion prospects for regular cadre officers, thereby dampening morale and reducing work efficiency across various ministries, they said. Officials in several ministries told UNB that many of the appointees had long been out of public service, and their sudden return after seven to eight years has disrupted workflow, as they often struggle to adapt to the current operational environment. Qatari PM to meet CA Prof Yunus today for bilateral talks This has also contributed to rising tensions between regular staff and contract appointees. According to the Ministry of Public Administration, there are currently 84 posts equivalent to secretaries or senior secretaries. Of these, 17 officials, including the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, are serving on a contractual basis, a number unprecedented in Bangladesh’s administrative history, said several officials. Twelve officials with the rank of secretary or senior secretary are currently posted as Officers on Special Duty (OSD). The total number of OSDs in the entire administration, however, has surpassed 500, creating an additional financial burden for the government. Palak faces legal heat in Natore arms case Officials currently serving on contract include: Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid; Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraj Uddin Mia; Home Secretary Nasimul Gani; Planning Commission Member (Senior Secretary) MA Akmal Hossain Azad; Public Administration Senior Secretary Md Mokhlesur Rahman; Roads and Highways Division Senior Secretary Md Ehshanul Haque; Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed; Expatriates’ Welfare Ministry Senior Secretary Md Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan; Land Ministry Senior Secretary ASM Saleh Ahmed; Secondary and Higher Education Division Senior Secretary Siddique Zobair; Shipping Ministry Senior Secretary Mohammad Yusuf; and Women and Children Affairs Ministry Senior Secretary Momtaz Ahmed. Besides, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, Land Reform Board Chairman AJM Salauddin Nagari, Planning Commission Member Kayyum Ara Begum, Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank Sharifa Khan, and Ambassador to Portugal Md Mahfuzul Haque are all serving on contract. Explaining the Surge Senior officials at the Ministry of Public Administration told UNB that many top-level officers had been kept as OSDs for years during the long tenure of the Awami League government, often sidelined for political reasons. Many were denied promotions, creating a backlog of deserving officers. Following the regime change, several of these sidelined officials were reinstated through contractual appointments. They added that numerous top bureaucrats aligned with the previous government were either sent into forced retirement or made OSDs after the interim government assumed power. Criticism from Former Bureaucrats ABM Abdus Sattar, president of the Anti-Discrimination Employees Unity Forum and a former secretary, said the administration is “crumbling under the burden of contractual appointments.” He said the current government has continued the trend set by what he termed the “fascist regime,” even reappointing some of the same individuals it had initially dismissed. “In some cases, appointments have been made without following any due process—sometimes even to foreign nationals or controversial officials aligned with the 1/11 government,” he said. Former secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder said excessive contractual appointments discourage officers aspiring to be promoted through the regular track. Search committee to appoint new Kuet VC, Pro-VC He also strongly criticised the OSD system, saying, “No other country has such a wasteful mechanism. It’s a massive burden on the state exchequer, as hundreds of officers draw full salaries without any responsibilities.” OSDs and Forced Retirements Currently, 12 officers holding the rank of secretary or senior secretary are OSDs, including: Md Mostafa Kamal, Md Mashiur Rahman, Md Manzur Hossain, Md Shamsul Arefin, Mohammad Salah Uddin, Md Azizur Rahman, Md Nurul Alam, Md Khairul Alam Sheikh, Farid Uddin Ahmed, Rehana Parvin, Shafiul Azim, and AKM Matiur Rahman. In January, the interim government also took action against deputy commissioners and police superintendents who had served in the controversial 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections under the Awami League regime. On 19 January, 33 such officials were made OSDs, while 22 were sent into forced retirement the following day due to their extended service record. According to the recruitment and promotion wing of the Ministry of Public Administration, many officers were labelled as BNP-Jamaat sympathisers during the Awami League’s rule and kept as OSDs for years without any specific charges. Some were even forced into retirement in silence. The previous government routinely prioritised political considerations over merit when granting contractual extensions, often as a reward for loyalty.  

Amid mounting global economic uncertainties, South Asia's growth outlook is showing signs of strain, with Bangladesh no exception, according to the latest assessment by the World Bank. The multilateral lender has warned that the region’s economic momentum is losing steam due to a confluence of external shocks, tightening financial conditions, and domestic vulnerabilities, casting a shadow over near-term development prospects. Bessent criticises IMF, World Bank; sees ‘big deal’ opportunity with China A significant decrease in export growth and low investment have contributed to economic slowdown in Bangladesh in FY24, but growth is expected to rebound in the medium term, says the World Bank in its twice-yearly update, released on Thursday. The latest Bangladesh Development Update highlights the recent economic developments and outlook for the medium term, with a special focus on financial sector stability. After a fall in real GDP growth to 4.2 percent in FY24 from 5.8 percent in FY23, economic activity slowed further in FY25. The economy continues to face significant challenges, including investment moderation, elevated inflation and vulnerabilities within the financial sector. Meanwhile, external sector pressures have apparently eased, with robust growth in remittance inflows and exports bolstering the current account balance in FY25. Reforms in key sectors could create millions of jobs in Bangladesh: World Bank Real GDP growth is projected to further moderate to 3.3 percent in FY25 due to declining private and public investment. Political uncertainty and rising costs associated with borrowing and inputs are expected to constrain private investment growth and keep industrial growth subdued. Public investment will decline as the government reduces capital expenditure in FY25. The fiscal deficit is expected to remain under 5 percent of GDP in the medium term, with capital expenditure increasing only gradually. Inflation is likely to remain elevated in the near term. World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia Martin Raiser said multiple shocks over the past decade have left South Asian countries with limited buffers to withstand an increasingly challenging global environment. “The region needs targeted reforms to strengthen economic resilience and unlock faster growth and job creation. Now is the time to open to trade, modernize agricultural sectors, and boost private sector dynamism.” World Bank Interim Country Director for Bangladesh Gayle Martin mentioned that the country will need bold and urgent reforms to bolster the financial sector, facilitate trade and enhance domestic revenue mobilization. Real GDP is expected to rise gradually in the medium term, if backed by critical reforms. Inflation is expected to gradually subside in the medium term on the back of tight monetary policy, fiscal consolidation and easing import restrictions on key food commodities. Rising trade uncertainties are expected to put pressure on the external sector. World Bank’s Senior Economist Dhruv Sharma, who is also the co-author of the report, said the risks to the outlook are on the downside as uncertainties related to trade, persistent inflationary pressure, weak demand in Bangladesh's major export markets and intensifying financial sector vulnerabilities could weigh on growth. The Bangladesh Development Update is a companion piece to the South Asia Development Update, a twice-a-year World Bank report that examines economic developments and prospects in the South Asia region and analyses policy challenges countries are facing. The April 2025 edition, Taxing Times, projects regional growth to slow to 5.8 percent in 2025—0.4 percentage points below October projections—before ticking up to 6.1 percent in 2026. This outlook is subject to heightened risks, including from a highly uncertain global landscape, combined with domestic vulnerabilities including constrained fiscal space. It includes a special chapter analysing the state of domestic resource mobilization in the region. Despite often higher tax rates, the region's tax revenues remain below the average for emerging markets and developing economies. The report outlines how countries can address inefficiencies in tax policy and administration to increase revenues so that they can enhance resilience amid an increasingly challenging global economic environment.  

The first session of the third day of the first Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe washed out due to rain, and following that, Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto guided the hosts to take the lead on Tuesday.  After the first innings of each team, Zimbabwe maintained an 82-run first innings lead. Bangladesh lost their first wicket early in the second innings when Shadman Islam fell prey to Blessing Muzarabani. Bangladesh ended the second day at 57 for one.  Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who was unbeaten overnight, could only manage five runs on day three before falling as the second wicket of Muzarabani.  After the fall of both openers, Mominul and Shanto paired up to guide Bangladesh.  At the end of 25 overs, Bangladesh were at 105 for two.  Table-topping Gujarat routs defending champion Kolkata in IPL Earlier, Zimbabwe made 273 in their first innings. Mehidy Hasan Miraz took a five-for, while Nahid Rana took three.  Bangladesh posted a 191 in their first innings after winning the toss. Mominul scored a fifty for the hosts, but the other batter failed to capitalise.  The second and final Test of this series will be played in Chattogram on April 28.           

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with China and described his recent visit to China as a turning point in the relationship between the two countries.  “This is just the beginning. We are so close, yet so far. Let’s change that,” said Prof Yunus, welcoming Governor Wang Yubo of Yunnan Province on his first visit to Bangladesh. “We hope you will visit us again soon — we want to be good neighbours, but more importantly, very close neighbours," he said during a high-level meeting with the Governor at the State Guest House Jamuna. The Chief Adviser recalled his recent visit to China, describing it as a turning point in the relationship between the two countries. He praised China for its warm hospitality and expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his encouraging words on strengthening ties between the two countries. Governor Yubo responded warmly, saying, “My visit is aimed at further strengthening our bilateral relationship. Yunnan is ready to serve as China’s open hub for South Asia.” The Chief Adviser and the Governor discussed a range of collaborative initiatives, including youth exchange, healthcare cooperation, education, and trade, said the Chief Adviser's press wing.  Governor Yubo noted that a Chinese bank in Yunnan had already adopted the microcredit system pioneered by Prof Yunus. “Many people in China are benefiting from this approach,” he said, highlighting shared social goals between the two nations. Governor Yubo proposed expanding cooperation in vocational training and digital and language education, as well as promoting trade in sectors like seafood, mango and agricultural products. “We should focus on people-to-people ties and bring our regions even closer,” Wang Yubo said.   The Chief Adviser endorsed the Governor's suggestions. “We agree on everything you said – from health and education to trade and training. We want to implement these things faster than ever. We want to become closer partners and true friends.” Yunnan Governor eyes stronger ties with Bangladesh in key sectors like health, education   Healthcare emerged as a key focus during the meeting.  The Chief Adviser expressed appreciation for China’s support in launching medical tourism, including the designation of four hospitals in Kunming for Bangladeshi patients. “This cooperation is a new chapter in our partnership,” he said. Both sides also agreed on the importance of enhancing educational exchanges. Currently, around 400 Bangladeshi students are studying in China, and Professor Yunus pledged to increase that number significantly. “We will encourage more of our youth to study in China and learn the language,” he emphasised. Mexican candidate for UNESCO meets Prof Yunus, lauds Bangladesh’s inclusive dev On the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties, the Chief Adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s desire to work with China even more closely to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for prosperity. The meeting was also attended by Senior Secretary and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.    

Bangladesh is heading towards a more affordable digital future with significant reductions in internet prices across multiple infrastructure layers, said Faiz Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.  Interim govt working hard to ensure no future internet shutdowns: Faiz Ahmad The announcement signals a promising shift towards greater internet accessibility for all. In a verified post on his official Facebook page, Taiyeb detailed the ongoing efforts to bring down internet costs in a structured and inclusive manner.  According to him, leading infrastructure provider Fiber@Home has already confirmed price reductions at three key levels: International Terrestrial Cable (ITC): 10% International Internet Gateway (IIG): 10% National Transmission Network (NTTN): 15% China launches test satellite for satellite internet technology “These steps reflect a coordinated national effort to ensure digital services are more affordable and accessible,” Taiyeb said. This latest initiative builds on recent commitments from the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), which has pledged to provide 10 Mbps internet at just Tk 500 — double the speed at the same price previously offered. Earlier, the Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) had also taken a strong step forward by reducing international gateway prices.  BSCCL slashed charges by 10% for all IIGs and ISPs, with wholesale clients receiving an even more generous 20% discount in total. With these collective moves, internet pricing has now been eased at nearly all stages of the country’s internet licensing regime — from international links to local access networks. Only one key area remains to be addressed: mobile internet.  Taiyeb acknowledged that while state-run Teletalk has already introduced a 10% discount on mobile internet services from Eid-ul-Fitr, the three private mobile network operators are yet to make any announcement. The government, however, has been proactive in supporting the mobile sector. “We’ve given mobile operators access to DWDM and dark fibre — facilities that significantly reduce operating costs. Given the support and the upstream price cuts already in place, there is no logical reason or excuse left for mobile operators not to reduce prices,” Taiyeb said. He expressed the confidence that private MNOs will soon respond positively and align themselves with the broader national objective.  The government is encouraging two key adjustments from them: 1. Withdrawal of the price increase imposed in March as part of a now-reversed SRO adjustment. 2. Proportionate reduction in consumer prices, in line with wholesale cuts made at ITC, IIG, and NTTN levels. Taiyeb also highlighted that reducing mobile internet prices would bring welcome relief to consumers amid ongoing inflation.  He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving both the affordability and quality of internet services in Bangladesh, ensuring that digital connectivity becomes a true enabler of progress for all citizens. “The time has come for private mobile operators to join this national initiative and stand with the people,” Taiyeb added.    

Bangladesh's batting line is struggling against the Zimbabwe bowling attack in the first Test of the two-match series in Sylhet on Sunday.  Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first in Sylhet, where the surface is traditionally helpful for the pace bowlers.  Bangladesh bat first in Sylhet Test vs Zimbabwe Bangladesh lost their openers in just 32 runs. Both of them fell prey to Victor Nyauchi.  In the third wicket, Mominul Haque and Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto formed a 68-run partnership, but they failed to carry on.  They fell to Blessing Muzarabani. Mominul posted 56, and Najmul made 40.  Wellington Masakadza bagged three wickets, including the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who just posted 4 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also failed to impress with the bat, dismissed for only 1.  Bangladesh lost seven wickets for 146 in 49 overs.  The second Test of the series will be played in Chattogram from April 28.         

Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will renew their Test rivalry as they meet in the first match of a two-Test series starting Sunday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The second Test will follow in Chattogram from April 28. The two teams have faced each other 18 times in Tests, with Bangladesh winning eight — their highest number of Test victories against any single opponent. However, Sylhet holds mixed memories for the hosts, who have won only once in three Tests at this venue. Their last meeting here in 2018 saw Zimbabwe secure a commanding 151-run win. Both teams arrive with questions hanging over their consistency in the longest format. Zimbabwe have played just four Tests in the past two years, losing three. Bangladesh, in contrast, played 13 and won five, but their top-order batting has remained a concern. “We have to be more consistent at the top. I personally got out after scoring 30 or 40 on several occasions last year, which is not acceptable. We’re trying to improve,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said ahead of the match.  “We want to play with the intent to win and post the runs necessary to take 20 wickets. The body language has to reflect that,” he added, expressing the importance of a shift in mindset.  With pace-friendly conditions expected in Sylhet, both teams are likely to lean on their fast bowlers. “There’s grass on the wicket. It looks pace-friendly. We’ve trained here for a couple of days and are confident with our preparations,” Craig Ervine, the Zimbabwe skipper, said.  Ervine also said Zimbabwe are embracing a no-fear attitude and looking at the series as an opportunity for young players to gain vital experience in subcontinental conditions. “We haven’t played a lot in Bangladesh, but that’s part of the learning curve. The players are keen to soak up knowledge and adapt,” he added.  Bangladesh’s young pacer Nahid Rana, who can bowl consistently over 140 km/h, has caught attention ahead of the match. “We’ve told him to keep bowling at that pace,” the Bangladesh captain said.  Bangladesh team: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Jaker Ali, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana. Zimbabwe team: Craig Ervine (capt), Ben Curran, Nyasha Mayavo, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nick Welch, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Trevor Gwandu, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Vincent Masekesa.