United News of Bangladesh

Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu on Wednesday told parliament that the government has taken a series of steps to curb irregularities and corruption at upazila-level land offices across the country. Replying to a written question from NCP lawmaker Akhter Hossen (Rangpur-4), the minister said e-mutation services have been made mandatory to eliminate the interference of middlemen. “Citizens are now required to submit applications online and they receive SMS notifications at every stage of the process such as notice issuance, hearings, and approvals to prevent any illicit intervention,” he said. Minu said the introduction of an online land development tax system has significantly reduced opportunities for cash-based irregularities at union land offices. He said  citizens can now pay land development taxes directly to the government treasury using their National ID through bKash, Nagad, Rocket, and other online banking platforms, bringing illegal financial transactions close to zero. The minister also said strict directives have been issued to ensure the presence and accountability of field-level officials. He added that regular surprise inspections are being conducted by deputy commissioners and upazila nirbahi officers alongside monitoring visits by ministry officials. “Immediate show-cause notices and departmental actions are being taken against officials found negligent or absent from duty,” he said. The minister added that citizens can lodge complaints directly by calling the hotline 16122 if they face bribery demands or harassment by broker syndicates. He said the hotline remains operational 24/7 and all complaints are monitored directly by the Ministry of Land. To prevent map or land record forgery, he said the government has launched pilot digital surveys using drones and modern technologies which will produce more accurate maps and reduce human error in record correction. “The initiative will gradually be expanded nationwide,” he added. The minister further said that citizens can receive services free of cost at the Tejgaon Citizen Service Centre in Dhaka. Through the official land service portal, he said people can access land records (khatian) of any mouza and obtain certified copies by post upon payment of prescribed fees, reducing dependence on middlemen and extra costs. He added that a land service mobile app, grievance redress system, land acquisition system, lease and settlement system, and other software solutions are being developed to enhance transparency and service delivery. “These initiatives are expected to further reduce corruption in the land sector,” he added.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid on Wednesday told Parliament that there is no scope for selling fertilisers at higher prices as the government is closely monitoring fertiliser management with highest priority. “The government is fully aware of the issue and fertiliser management is being monitored with utmost importance. However, no complaint has been received against any BCIC dealer for selling fertilisers at higher prices,” he said. The minister said this while replying to a scripted question from opposition (Jamaat) lawmaker Md Mujibur Rahman (Rajshahi-1) in the House. In his question, Mujibur Rahman alleged that chemical fertilisers were being sold at high prices—ranging between Tk 1,600 and Tk 2,000— at Tanore and Godagari areas in Rajshahi, instead of government-fixed rates. He also claimed that farmers were sometimes receiving less fertiliser than required. He wanted to know whether the government was aware of such irregularities, and if there were any plans to deploy special task forces or mobile courts to monitor the situation and ensure exemplary punishment, including licence cancellation of unscrupulous dealers. Responding to the question, the agriculture minister said fertiliser sales are being conducted in the presence of Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers at every dealer point. He added that government-fixed price lists are prominently displayed on red cloth or banners at visible places in each shop. He further said that fertiliser is being sold only after verifying genuine farmers, and details including name, address and mobile number are recorded in cash memos. The information is being verified during the shops by the authorities concerned, he said. Amin Ur Rashid also said that fertiliser and seed monitoring committees are active at both district and upazila levels to oversee the overall fertilizer situation, including fertiliser supply, storage, pricing situation, and dealer activities. District-level committees are chaired by Deputy Commissioners (DC), while Upazila-level committees are led by Upazila Nirbachi Officers (UNO). Besides, provisions are in place to deploy special task forces and mobile courts, with support from local administration , to directly monitor field-level situations and take action if any irregularities are found, he added.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo on Wednesday told Parliament that the government has undertaken a series of comprehensive measures to protect the country from the adverse impacts of climate change. The Minister said this in replying to a starred question from independent lawmaker elected from Brahmanbaria-2 Rumeen Farhana during the day’s question-answer session in the House. In absence of Rumeen Farhana, the question was raised by another independent lawmaker elected from Kishoreganj-5 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal. Mintoo said a Locally Led Adaptation Framework (LLAF) has been formulated to ensure grassroots participation in adaptation activities and their effective implementation. He also said the Ministry has prepared the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to strengthen climate resilience and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to implement mitigation actions. “These plans are being executed through relevant ministries, divisions and agencies,” he said. Besides, the Department of Environment has initiated the formulation of Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) to guide sustainable, low-carbon development. To enhance international climate financing, strengthen project development capacity and promote coordination among national and international partners, the government has established the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership (BCDP). Highlighting carbon market initiatives, Mintoo said a comprehensive framework has been developed under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to ensure transparent participation in international and voluntary carbon markets. “This is expected to attract foreign investment and boost climate financing through carbon credit trading,” he said. As part of immediate action, Mintoo said the government has undertaken projects across the country including Brahmanbaria district under a 180-day short-term plan. These include forest restoration in government forest areas, mangrove afforestation in coastal char regions, and plantation of 15 million saplings along roads, highways, embankments, rivers and canals, as well as other marginal lands. The Minister said priority has been given to research, innovation, training and extension activities to address climate change impacts, with necessary action plans being developed. He further said the government formed the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF) from its own resources to implement the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), 2009. The fund aims to enhance local capacity and promote climate-resilient technologies through various projects. From the fiscal year 2009–10 to 2025–26, the government has allocated a total of Tk 4,151.71 crore (approximately US$495 million) to the trust fund. As of March 2026, he said around Tk 4,383.95 crore has been earmarked for 985 projects—924 government and 61 non-government. Of these, 828 projects (771 government and 57 non-government) have already been completed, while 153 government projects are currently under implementation. The Minster said all approved projects are being implemented at district and upazila levels to strengthen climate resilience nationwide. Replying to a supplementary question from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal, Mintoo said the adverse impacts of climate change cannot be mitigated in a single day, emphasising that the government’s efforts to address the issue will continue in a sustained and planned manner. The Minister noted that climate change is a gradual process and therefore its remedies also require long-term, continuous initiatives. “As climate patterns evolve, the government will adopt new plans and strategies to reduce the negative consequences,” he said. He further added that the government’s process of taking adaptive and preventive measures remains ongoing to minimize climate-related risks.

The opposition in Parliament staged a walkout on Thursday accusing the ruling party of passing several ‘anti-people’ bills, ignoring their logical objections. The opposition lawmakers, led by Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman, left the House at around 6 pm after the passage of 24 bills. Among the bills, the opposition raised objections about several bills including the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Re-introduction) Bill, 2026 and the Supreme Court Secretariat (Repeal) Bill, 2026 and the Supreme Court Judges Appointment (Repeal) Bill, 2026. After completion of the passage of bills, Opposition Leader Dr Shafiqur Rahman took the floor on point of order and said it is unfortunate that several bills were passed despite having objections from the opposition. Cleared today, occupied tomorrow! Why can’t Dhaka keep its footpaths free? "It is unfortunate but true that we do not want to take responsibility for the number of anti-people bills that were passed today despite the logical obstacles of the opposition party. That is why we are now walking out of Parliament," he said. Responding to the opposition’s move, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed took the floor and said the opposition had actively participated in all stages of the legislative process. “I stood to thank them. They participated in the first reading, second reading, and third reading of the bills. Some even raised their hands in support. After taking part in the entire process, this walkout doesn’t make any sense,” he said. The minister thanked the opposition members for their participation and hoped that they would rejoin the session after the Maghrib prayers.

Parliament passed a total of 12 bills on Thursday including the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Re-introduction) Bill, 2026, in bid to endorse or repeal the relevant ordinances promulgated during the interim government. Of the bills, nine were passed keeping the provisions of the ordinances intact while three others were passed by repealing earlier ordinances. Among the three bills passed to repeal the ordinances, the House passed the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Re-introduction) Bill, 2026 in order to reinstate the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009, by repealing the relevant ordinance released during the interim government. The relevant ministers or state ministers placed and moved the bills in the House and the Speaker piloted the bills to votes. Later, Members of Parliament (MPs) passed the bills by voice votes. The nine bills passed retaining the interim government’s ordinances include: National Sports Council (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Bangabandhu Krirasebi Kalyan Foundation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Sheikh Hasina National Youth Development Institute (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Public Procurement (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Overseas Employment and Migrants (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Local Government (Union Parishad) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Legal Aid Services (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The two other bills passed to repeal the earlier ordinances are the Supreme Court Secretariat (Repeal) Bill, 2026 and the Supreme Court Judges Appointment (Repeal) Bill, 2026 – repealing the two relevant ordinances released during the interim government.

Parliament on Thursday passed the National Human Rights Commission (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, restoring the 2009 law despite strong objections from opposition lawmakers. The bill reinstates the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009 enacted during the Awami League government by repealing an ordinance promulgated under the interim government. However, actions taken under the repealed ordinance will remain valid. The bill was passed by voice vote. Earlier, an objection raised by NCP lawmaker from Cumilla-4, Hasnat Abdullah, was rejected through a voice vote. Opposition members argued that reviving the 2009 law could reopen the door to using the commission as a tool for political repression. They claimed that before the political changes of July 2024, even many ruling party members would have opposed reinstating the earlier framework. NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah warned that the move could push the country backwards, citing past allegations that the commission had been used to suppress dissent and opposition parties particularly BNP. He alleged that the commission earlier legitimised actions against opposition activists and questioned the neutrality of investigations under the 2009 law which requires prior government approval to probe security forces. He also linked the issue to other ordinances including those related to enforced disappearances and indemnity provisions following the July uprising, suggesting that repealing the 2025 ordinance would weaken those frameworks. Hasnat further criticised the structure of the selection committee under the 2009 law, claiming it was dominated by ruling party members, thereby undermining the independence of the commission. In response, Law Minister Asaduzzaman dismissed the opposition’s concerns, saying the remarks were more suited to political rallies than parliamentary debate. He argued that the 2025 ordinance contained significant ambiguities and provisions that could undermine victims’ rights, including Section 16, which he described as problematic. The minister said the ordinance required extensive review and consultation with stakeholders before it could be enacted into law. He warned that leaving the ordinance in its current form could weaken related legal frameworks, including laws concerning enforced disappearances. To avoid a vacuum in the country’s human rights oversight, the government opted to temporarily reinstate the 2009 law, he said. Asaduzzaman emphasised that the earlier law provides for an independent commission with enhanced authority and insisted there was no reason for concern. He also proposed forming a special parliamentary committee to consider constitutional amendments and broader human rights reforms, including consultations with victims and marginalised communities. Highlighting the government’s record, the minister claimed that no incidents of crossfire or enforced disappearances had occurred during the current administration’s 42 days in office, signalling its commitment to human rights protections. He further said members of the current ruling side had themselves been victims of human rights violations over the past 17 years, particularly citing the BNP and the Zia family, and pledged that the government would not pursue politics of revenge.

Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday told Parliament that the supply of 200 broad gauge coaches from India is expected to start within this year which would be added to the Bangladesh Railway fleet by December 2027. “Under Bangladesh Railway, the supply of 200 broad gauge coaches from India is supposed to begin this year with funding from the European Investment Bank. Under the project, it is expected that all 200 coaches will be added to the Bangladesh Railway fleet between June 2026 and December 2027,” he said. The minister disclosed this while responding to a tabled question from opposition (Jamaat) lawmaker Md Elias Molla (Faridpur-1) in the House. He said once the coaches are received, Bangladesh Railway will take initiatives to determine routes for operating new trains. Replying to another query from treasury bench lawmaker Md Mosharraf Hossain (Bogura-4), the minister said there is now a total of 3,428.09 kilometres of railway tracks across the country. Of these, 1,591.43 kilometres are metre gauge, 1,066.60 kilometres are broad gauge, and 770.06 kilometres are dual gauge, he said. He also said activities continue to expand the railway network through the installation of new broad gauge and dual gauge lines under various projects based on feasibility and demand. In response to a question from ruling party lawmaker Mohammad Shamim Kaiser (Gaibandha-4), the railways minister said currently 15 intercity trains are operating between Dhaka and the northern districts. Once the new coaches from India begin arriving, it will be possible to increase the number of intercity trains on some of these routes, he said. To ensure comfortable train journeys for passengers and to boost railway revenue through freight transport, the government is working on approving projects to procure 260 broad gauge passenger carriages, 46 broad gauge locomotives, and 50 metre gauge locomotives in the near future, said the Minister.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday told Parliament that a fare chart for air-conditioned (AC) buses and minibuses will be prepared soon and displayed digitally inside public transport. “Soon, a fare chart for AC buses and minibuses will be formulated and arrangements will be made to display it on digital screens inside public transport,” he said, while replying to a tabled question from independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2) in the House. Responding to a question from ruling party lawmaker Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui (Tangail-7), the minister said initiatives have been taken by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to introduce Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in public transports operating on roads and highways across the country. “Once GPS technology is introduced, the location and speed of public transport can be monitored easily. As a result, irregularities such as unauthorized stoppages and overcharging of fares can be controlled,” he said. He added that if any vehicle exceeds the speed limit or violates traffic laws, the system will automatically record the offence, enabling authorities to take legal action against the driver and the owner concerned. Focusing on measures taken to reduce road accidents through engineering, enforcement, technology, and management, the minister said accident-prone areas (black spots) are being identified and improved through geometric design corrections, road straightening, and installation of signs, signals, and markings. He also said road furniture such as guardrails, delineators, speed breakers, and signboards are being installed as well as overpasses, footbridges, zebra crossings, and service roads are being constructed, particularly in market and busy areas to ensure pedestrian safety. Raising other measures, Rabiul Alam said separate arrangement has also been introduced for non-motorised and slow-moving vehicles by keeping wider shoulders or dedicated lanes along roads. As part of modern technology adoption, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have been introduced including CCTV cameras, Vehicle Detection Systems (VDS), and Variable Message Signs (VMS). Noting that a speed enforcement system was already introduced on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, he said the government has a plan to expand the technology across other highways throughout the country. The minister said a specialised unit titled “Road Design & Safety Circle” has been formed for accident analysis, planning, and coordination. Replying to a question from NCP lawmaker Md Abul Hasnat (Hasnat Abdullah), the Road Transport Minister said a total of 81 contracting firms have been blacklisted based on evidence of fraudulent activities in procurement processes since January 1, 2024.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday told Parliament that 2,839 villages across the country still do not have any primary school. “No, not every village in the country has a primary school. The number of villages without primary school is 2,839 throughout the country,” he said while replying to a tabled question from treasury bench lawmaker Joynal Abdin (Feni-2). The Minister said the number of villages without primary school is 717 in Dhaka Division, 818 in Chattogram Division, 355 in Rajshahi Division, 37 in Rangpur Division, 341 in Khulna Division, 45 in Barishal Division, 260 in Sylhet Division and 266 in Mymensingh Division. He said the government would take steps to establish schools in these villages if proposals are received, considering all necessary conditions. In reply to another tabled question from opposition (Jamaat) lawmaker Gazi Enamul Haque (Jashore-5), the education minister said there are 24,320 educational institutions under the Secondary and Higher Education Division throughout the country. Of these, the number of institutions without  building (structures) constructed with government finance is 4,059. But the government has been implementing the infrastructural development in the unprivileged educational institutions gradually, he said. Ehsanul Hoque said a decision was taken to construct Bhaban (structure) in one school, one collage and one non-government Madrasha or non-government technical educational institution in every constituency in the current fiscal year. Responding to a scripted question from ruling party lawmaker Md Salim Bhuiyan (Cumilla-2), the education minister said the total number of educational institutes that are not listed under the Monthly Pay Order (Non-MPO schools) is 6,179 in the country. Of these, 3,798 non-MPO institutions –2,712 schools, 223 schools and colleges and 863 colleges—are under the Secondary and Higher Education Division. The remaining 2,381 ones – 1,092 Madrasas and 1,289 technical institutions—are under the Technical and Madrasa Division, he said. Ehsanul Hoque said the government has been taking steps to gradually include non-MPO educational institutions in the education sector in order to spread quality education and ensure financial security for teachers and employees. In this regard, the decision to include institutions in the list of MPO is taken in the context of receiving applications, verification and selection as per the policies, and the necessary financial resources, he said. Govt is positive about non-MPO institutions: Ehsanul Hoque In reply to another scripted question from opposition (Jamaat) lawmaker Md Amir Hamza (Khustia-3), the Education Minister said the government is positive to include the non-MPO educational institutions in the list of MPO. He said the process to bring non-MPO educational institutions under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) system in phases to expand education and improve quality at the secondary and higher secondary levels across the country. Through this process, eligible and necessary institutions are being brought under the purview of government financial assistance, so that the stability in the education system, including the payment of teachers' salaries and allowances, can be ensured, he added. "The government is positive about the fresh inclusion of non-MPO schools and colleges in the MPO. However, the institutions are selected subject to proper compliance with the specific policies and conditions for MPO inclusion - such as number of students, results, infrastructure, number of teachers, geographical requirements," he said. Ehsanul Hoque said that necessary measures will be taken to gradually include non-MPO educational institutions that meet all the conditions, subject to the government's policy decision.

Eight bills were passed in the Parliament Tuesday to turn the ordinances issued during Professor Muhammad Yunus led interim government into laws. There were no clause-wise amendment proposals in the bills. Therefore, there was no discussion on the bills in the parliament. After the relevant ministers raised them, the bills were passed directly by voice vote. Out of the 133 ordinances issued during the interim government, the special committee of the Parliament recommended approval in the parliament of 98 in their original form and 15 in amended form. Out of the remaining 20, a number of 4 bills were recommended to be repealed and 16 were recommended to be strengthened and new bills brought later. Regarding the 8 bills passed this morning, the special committee recommended that they be passed in their original form. Among the bills passed, the ‘Haor and Wetland Conservation Bill’ was proposed by Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie for passage in the parliament. The bill was passed by voice vote. Then, Law Minister Asaduzzaman proposed the passage of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, the Civil Courts (Amendment) Bill, the International Crimes (Tribunals) (Amendment) Bill and the Registration (Amendment) Bill in Parliament separately. The bills were passed separately by voice vote. While proposing the passage of the bill related to the International Crimes Tribunal, the Law Minister said that this is a bill in which enforced disappearance has been included in the definition of crimes against humanity. He advised those who say that the government does not want to enact a law on enforced disappearance to look at this law carefully. He said that the current government is determined to prosecute enforced disappearances, which is reflected in this law. After the bill was passed, Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman stood up for a point of order. He said that what the Law Minister said while proposing the passage of the bill was unnecessary. It would have been better if he had not said it. They will talk about it when the right time comes. In response, the Law Minister said that many outsiders have tried to question the government's goodwill in the trial of the disappearances. That is why before presenting this bill, he clarified how committed the government is to the trial of the disappearances. In response, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said, how many people outside talk how much. You limit the speech of the members of parliament during the discussion of the parliament. The speaker said that action will be taken on what will be adopted according to the law. Later, the speaker started the process of passing other bills. The other bills passed are related to the Ministry of Health. Basically, an ordinance was issued to amend the law by changing the name. The bill was passed to approve them. In the absence of the Health Minister, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed introduced three bills in the parliament in his absence. They are-Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (Amendment) Bill and Sheikh Hasina Medical University (Amendment). While raising the second bill, Salahuddin smiled slightly and said, "It is a very sad matter. What I have said so far, now I have to say it again, Sheikh Hasina." Later, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain proposed the passage of the 'Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Medical University, Sylhet (Amendment) Bill'. The bill was passed by voice vote.