United News of Bangladesh

The government is taking steps to purchase a new fleet of modern locomotives to make Bangladesh’s rail services more efficient and profitable, said Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Road Transport, Bridges and Railways. “We expect to complete the tender process within a month,” he said in an interview with UNB. “Passenger demand is not an issue — people want to travel by train. But we’re facing a shortage of locomotives which limits the frequency and reliability of services,” Moinuddin said. “If we can address that by procuring more locomotives, train operations will increase, travel will become more convenient, and costs will come down,” he said, adding that the ministry is moving ahead with a plan to buy more locomotives than currently required to ensure long-term service stability. Despite a notable decline in operational losses in recent years the railway sector has yet to become fully profitable, he said. Govt plans rail link for all economic zones starting with Mirsarai In many countries, Moinuddin said, public transport systems are not directly profit-making but efficient management and reduced operational costs can make them sustainable. “We need better administrative efficiency and more effective policy decisions to achieve that.” About other major infrastructure development plans he said a master plan includes reducing the Dhaka-Chattogram route distance by around 80 kilometers. “Work has already started in parts of Ishwardi to straighten the railway line which will significantly reduce travel time.” Regarding other projects, Moinuddin said the renovation of the old line under the Jamuna Train Project is underway and new project activities are expected to begin next month. He ruled out the immediate introduction of high-speed or underground trains. “Our infrastructure isn’t ready for that yet. Discussions are ongoing about a Green Railway initiative but it will take more time,” he said. Bangladesh Railway has been struggling with inadequate rolling stock, outdated signaling systems and delays in completing major projects. At present, the railway has 1,788 coaches, nearly half of which (47%) have exceeded their service life. Only 295 locomotives are operational. Dhaka-Ctg highway’s 10-lane expansion shelved; focus shifts to railway Against a required workforce of 47,600 in the railway, only 24,000 are currently employed. Over the past five years till 2024, more than 2,000 accidents have occurred, resulting in over 150 passenger deaths and around 500 injuries. In the past four months alone, 160 railway accidents and sabotage incidents were reported nationwide, causing 18 fatalities and 200 injuries. The Ministry of Railways’ 2022-23 annual report states that 315 passenger trains are currently operating nationwide, with 143 of them introduced in the last 15 years. During this period, 843 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid, and 1,391 kilometres of existing lines have been repaired. In 2024, the railway recorded a reduction in losses by over 20% due to improved ticketing systems and increased freight operations. Revenue from Bangladesh Railway is insufficient to cover its operational expenses, placing a financial burden that limits its growth and development. The 20-Year Railway Master Plan proposes 235 projects valued at Tk 2,33,944 crore. Key initiatives include extending the railway network by 2,877 kilometres, linking 44 districts, and standardising gauge systems to improve efficiency. The plan also emphasises integrating rail with road and inland water transport to establish a unified national transportation network.    

The Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday recommended two major proposals for policy approval, including the import of refined fuel oil through a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement for 2026 and the direct procurement of e-passport materials. The meeting of the committee, held at Bangladesh Secretariat, was virtually chaired by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.  The proposals came from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and the Ministry of Home Affairs, respectively. Under the first proposal, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division sought policy approval for the purchase and import of refined fuel oil under the direct purchase method through G2G arrangements for the period of January to December 2026.  After reviewing the submission, the committee recommended the proposal for policy approval, recognising the importance of ensuring a stable supply of fuel to meet the country’s energy demands. Govt forms taskforce for national spatial planning The second agenda item, placed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, concerned the ongoing project titled ‘Introduction of E-Passport and Automated Border Control Management in Bangladesh’.  The proposal sought policy approval for the direct contracting method to procure one crore e-passport raw materials—extendable up to 50 lakh additional raw materials in emergencies—alongside 57 lakh e-passport booklets and associated training packages. After detailed discussions, the committee recommended the proposal for policy approval, citing the project’s strategic importance in maintaining the continuity of e-passport issuance and enhancing border management efficiency. Both recommendations will now move forward for final approval by the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase. Official sources said these approvals are part of the administration’s broader efforts to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and modernise national identification and border control systems.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Sunday urged the government to expedite the reform process and then take steps to hold the national election as soon as possible. “I think we shouldn’t waste much time. A consensus must be reached quickly, prioritising the critical issues for political stability and a fair and proper election. Then it is necessary to arrange for an election to be held as soon as possible” he said. The Jamaat leader made the remarks during Jamaat’s second day talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. An 11-member Jamaat delegation, led by Taher, participated in the dialogue at 10:30am with National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Referring to recent developments in the country, Taher said several incidents since Jamaat's last meeting with the Consensus Commission (on April 26). “Some analysts think there might be conspiracies behind these incidents to destabilise the country. The ongoing process to create unrest in the country in many ways appears to be part of such plots,” he said. Jamaat joins talks with Consensus Commission for day 2 The Jamaat leader called on the interim government to tackle these things with firmness and accuracy, pledging Jamaat’s support for all positive initiatives.  “Our primary goal is to ensure the next election is free, fair, credible, and free from violence,” he said, adding that the last three elections were the main reasons behind the present situation of the country. A completely acceptable, fair and free election is the only solution to come out from this situation, he added. Taher said the failure to announce a clear election timeline was contributing to unrest within political parties. “That’s why I would like to request the Consensus Commission that…we should reach a consensus (over reform issues) on not consuming so much time here,” he said. He, however, expressed concern that the current environment still does not reflect the conditions needed for a fully credible and fair election as various problems have already surfaced in some constituencies.  “I personally think that the situation for the arrangement of the next election in a completely fair and just manner is not being observed yet,” he said. Jamaat’s registration: SC sets June 1 for delivering verdict Noting that Jamaat’s office in Pabna’s Atghoria was set on fire recently, and there were attacks on Jamaat supporters, he said though the date for election has not been announced yet, the competition for establishing dominance in different areas. Pointing at the head of the Election System Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar who was present in the meeting, the Jamaat leader said it should ensure a system that guarantees fair and proper elections.  “Whatever measures are necessary—be they hard or accommodative—must be taken. But elections should be very fair and acceptable,” he said. “It is our special request that we hold the election (next general election) as early as possible with these amendments and reforms,” said Taher. The Jamaat Nayeb-e Ameer also criticised the Election Commission, saying it appeared unable to take appropriate action in some cases.  He urged the government to ensure a level playing field well ahead of the election, tackling any potential threats of violence in advance. “The government should give this message to all political parties as well as the nation that it is committed to making the election proper and fair under any circumstances,” he continued. Mentioning that some recent actions of the interim government give an impression of lacking neutrality or efficiency, the Jamaat leader urged the government to pay attention to it. “The government must be completely neutral over it (election),” said Abdullah Mohammad Taher. Earlier on April 26, Jamaat-e-Islami participated in the dialogue with the Consensus Commission for the first day. During the first day's talks, Jamaat-e-Islami agreed to the proposals for the introduction of the proportional representation (PR) system, a bicameral parliament and the provision to prevent any individual from becoming Prime Minister more than twice. They discussed only the Constitution-related reform recommendations on the first day. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with more than 30 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). Ex-Jamaat leader Barrister Abdur Razzaq passes away 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 government is set to take legal action against 18 private universities for their failure to relocate to their permanent campuses, despite operating for over 12 years and receiving multiple deadline extensions. The Ministry of Education has recently instructed the University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman to take action against these universities for not complying with the requirement under the Private University Act, 2010. Rabindra University will be developed like Biswa Bharati: Planning Adviser UGC Member Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossen said, “These 18 universities have crossed the permitted time limits, some have taken 12, 15, even 20 years but still haven't shifted to their permanent campuses despite repeated reminders,” he said. “We wrote to the Ministry of Education three months ago regarding what action can be taken. In response, the ministry has directed us to take action against 16 universities, but the number under scrutiny will ultimately be 18,” he added. According to sources at the ministry, the Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Division wrote to the UGC chairman stating that the provisional approval period for 16 private universities has expired, yet they continue to operate without transferring academic activities to permanent campuses. The letter cited Section 12(1) of the Private University Act, 2010, as the legal basis for action, they said. When asked about the nature of action being considered, Dr Anwar Hossen said, “This will be decided in our upcoming monthly meeting, led by the UGC Chairman. Measures could include revoking approvals among other options.” BU students lock admin offices demanding VC’s removal He added that the deadline set earlier for moving to permanent campuses passed long ago, and even with fresh deadlines the universities may need another three to four years to complete the transition. “Some universities have taken over a decade—12, 15, or 20 years—and still haven’t shifted. We will consider a range of responses in the meeting, from warnings to granting additional time based on individual circumstances,” he said. Dr Anwar said among the 117 private universities currently operating in the country a large number still do not have permanent campuses. “Even so, many of them are still being given time,” he said. In January 2023, the UGC had issued letters to 18 universities asking them to move to permanent campuses by December 31 of that year. As they failed to comply with the directive student admissions were suspended at four universities, temporary campus admissions were halted at two others and the remaining 12 were given extended timeframes. Of the 18 universities under scrutiny, nine are located in Dhaka. Those are University of Development Alternative (Satmasjid Road), Stamford University Bangladesh (Siddheshwari), Millennium University (Rajarbagh), People’s University of Bangladesh (Mohammadpur), Presidency University (Gulshan), Primeasia University (Banani), ASA University Bangladesh (Shyamoli), Sonargaon University (Panthapath) and Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (Mirpur). The other universities are North East University Bangladesh (Sylhet), Isha Khan International University (Kishoreganj), North Western University (Khulna), Feni University (Feni), Port City International University (Chattogram), Chittagong Independent University (Chattogram) and Britannia University (Cumilla). In a hurried move, Sonargaon University recently inaugurated an incomplete permanent campus at Khilgaon’s Ward 75 in the capital last Saturday. KU authorities decide to expel student who attacked teacher; committee formed According to the Private University Act, 2010, universities must shift to permanent campuses within seven years of establishment with a five-year extension allowed. Failure to do so may result in penalties, including suspension of student enrollment.    

Officials who held key positions in the administration during the Awami League (AL) regime are now under heightened intelligence surveillance, sparking concerns about potential transfers and being made officers on special duty (OSD). The recent decision to place former Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs) and secretaries under surveillance has triggered tensions in the administration. Several officials working in various ministries and departments of the Secretariat told UNB that officials and employees who were in significant roles under the AL government are now in fear of being designated as officers on special duty (OSD) or being forced into retirement. Particularly, those who served as DCs, SPs and secretaries are now under scrutiny, as a major reshuffling within the administration is imminent. Dialysis Crisis: Manikganj Hospital left with only one working machine Bureaucratic Discontent Officials who had served in the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Division, Ministry of Public Administration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Local Government Division, personal secretaries to ministers, and divisional commissioners are increasingly anxious, sources said. The recent developments have further exacerbated fears of instability in the promotion and transfer process within the administration. Former DCs involved in the controversial elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 are particularly under the microscope. The interim government is taking punitive action against them. So far, 65 officers have either been sent on retirement or made OSD.  Among these, 22 former DCs (currently holding positions such as secretaries, additional secretaries, joint secretaries, and deputy secretaries) have completed 25 years of service and are being forced into retirement. Besides, 33 former DCs have been designated as OSD, and 12 more former DCs have already been made OSD earlier. Several secretaries have also been sent into OSD or retirement. After six years of struggling to find a job, Zahid finds success in strawberry farming Crackdown on Corruption The government is intensifying its efforts to probe officials linked to corruption during the AL government's tenure. According to official sources, action will be taken against officers who amassed illegal wealth during their time in power. Even those who have retired are not beyond the radar of investigation. A source at the Ministry of Public Administration told UNB that the government’s advisory committee has compiled a list of many officials who have worked in key government departments over the past 17 years. "Many officials who served as personal secretaries (PSs) to ministers during the last three terms of the AL government have already been made OSD. Decisions regarding them will be made shortly," said the source. Government Push for Efficiency Despite these measures, the desired level of momentum and efficiency has not yet returned to the administration. Due to lack of coordination, several high-level appointments, including secretaries, PSC members and DCs, are being canceled. To resolve this issue and streamline the process, the government has formed an advisory committee led by the finance adviser to manage promotions and transfers. Retrospective Benefits for Deprived Officials In an effort to address the grievances of officials who were deprived of promotions during the BNP-era and subsequently went into retirement, the government has formed a high-level committee led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan. This committee has been tasked with compensating these officers. A total of 764 officials have been granted backdated promotions and financial benefits. These include 119 promoted to the position of secretary, 528 to additional secretary, 41 to grade-1, 72 to joint secretary, and 4 to deputy secretary. Importers ‘hoarding goods’ at Chittagong Port to create artificial crisis Changes Expected in DC Positions Changes are also on the horizon for the DC positions. The government plans to appoint new DCs from the 24th batch of BCS officers. A new list of eligible candidates is being prepared by removing controversial officials, marking a significant shift in the local administration. Bigger Reshuffle in the Works There are reports of a significant reshuffling of officials across various ministries and departments. Vacant secretary positions in several ministries and divisions will be filled by regular officers from within the administration. Officials who held key positions under the previous government will gradually be moved to less significant roles or made OSD. Government’s Official Statement Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman confirmed the ongoing investigation into the DCs who were in charge of the returning officers during the 2024 elections. "We have provided the full list of those involved in the 2024 elections to the intelligence agencies. Based on their findings, those with less than 25 years of service will be made OSD, while those with more than 25 years of service will be forced into retirement," he said. Regarding DCs involved in the 2014 and 2018 elections, Mokhlesur said, "Those who have been made OSD or forced into retirement will face legal action if there are allegations of financial corruption. Others will not. Even after retirement, if there are allegations of corruption, there will be no exceptions. Cases will be filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).” The senior secretary assured that the government would not engage in injustice or biased actions. “If any officer involved in the elections during the Awami League's time is proven guilty, the advisory committee will decide on their matter. Decisions regarding OSD and forced retirement will be based on their crimes. However, the government will not engage in injustice against anyone,” he said.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President Col (retd) Oli Ahmed on Monday warned that they would launch a movement against the interim government if it does not take steps to arrange the next national election soon. “Today we are demanding that parliamentary elections be held first. If parliamentary elections are not held, we in unison will be forced to launch a movement against this government,” he said. Food Adviser calls for action against illegal food hoarding The LDP president sounded the note of warning at a press conference at his party’s office in the capital. “Those of us who are elected after the national elections will decide when and how the local government elections will be held,” he said. Oli Ahmed said the victory (of the mass uprising) was achieved on August 5 as a result of the sacrifices of the politicians who had been in movements for over 15 years. And then when students,  people and politicians in unison took to the streets, Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee, he added. The LDP chief said they also want reforms but the nation is disappointed because the reform works have not progressed as expected.  HC affirms legitimacy of interim government, cites public consensus The nation expected a lot from the interim government, he said. He said if this situation continues, the current government will face public anger. The current government's advisers are not performing their duties properly and efforts are being made to form a new political party with state sponsorship, said Oli Ahmed. LDP Secretary General Dr Redwan Ahmed and senior leaders were present.

Five Bangladesh mission officials of Pakistan, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Japan have been withdrawn and asked to return home. The Information Ministry issued a notification in this regard on Sunday. ‘Our overall focus on national polls, not any other polls’, says EC Sanaullah The officials are Md. Tayab Ali, (Press) counselor of Bangladesh High Commission in Pakistan, Sufi Abdullahil Maruf, first secretary of Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Md Arifur Rahman, (Press) first secretary of Consulate General of Bangladesh in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Asaduzzaman Khan, second secretary (Press) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Md. Imranul Hasan, (press) second secretary of  Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo, Japan. According to the notification, the officials of the press wings of Bangladesh missions abroad have been withdrawn and asked to return home within 15 working days for their next posting.

A significant restructuring is on the horizon for Nobel Prize-winning microfinance institution Grameen Bank, with plans to reduce the government’s ownership stake and reshape its board management structure. According to a draft ordinance recently published on the Financial Institutions Division's website under the Ministry of Finance, the government’s stake in Grameen Bank is set to decrease from 25 percent to 5 percent. The ordinance also proposes amendments to the Grameen Bank Act of 2013. NBR confirms five-year tax exemption for Grameen Bank to end discrimination The proposed amendment includes a reduction in the number of government-appointed directors on the bank’s board from three to one. Additionally, it eliminates the government’s authority to appoint the chairman of the bank. Instead, a 12-member board, which includes representatives of the microfinance borrowers, will elect the chairman independently. If implemented, these changes aim to strengthen Grameen Bank’s autonomy by limiting government interference, thereby increasing control for the bank’s microfinance recipients over its governance. Chinese Ambassador visits Grameen Bank's Jobra branch Grameen Bank, founded by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, has long been a symbol of empowerment for the rural poor through microfinance. Prof Yunus served as the bank’s managing director until 2011, when the Awami League government forced his resignation, citing his age as the reason. The move drew widespread criticism both domestically and internationally. The proposed reforms reflect a renewed emphasis on ensuring that Grameen Bank operates with greater independence. Professor Abdul Hannan made Grameen Bank chairman

Bangladesh’s public administration witnessed major turmoil and disruptions in its operations after the fall of the Awami League government in August and the chaos is not over yet as inter-cadre conflict intensified at the end of the year. Issues surrounding promotions, postings, and the appointment of deputy commissioners (DCs) and others who were reportedly deprived under the previous regime remained in discussion in the last four months and many decisions sparked controversy. The latest controversy arose following the recommendations of the Public Administration Reform Commission which has fueled significant discontent among various cadres of the civil service. Although the commission was initially formed to simplify public services it has now become entangled in disputes among officials’ own interest. On Sunday, administrative cadre officers expressed anger over the reform commission’s proposals and several hundred officers staged rare demonstrations outside the Ministry of Public Administration in protest. Education sector may get increased allocation in FY 25-26 The Inter-Cadre Disparity Resolution Council, representing 25 other cadres, has announced plans for demonstrations, including pen-down strikes, human chains, and rallies. The draft proposal recommends allocating 50% of deputy secretary positions to officials from the administration cadre and the remaining 50% to other cadres. Currently, 75% of these positions are reserved for the administration cadre and 25% for others. Chaos under the interim government The interim government, which took office on August 8 following the ouster of the Awami League government through an uprising, has yet to restore administrative discipline. Instances of disorder, such as frequent cancellation of transfer orders and inconsistencies in postings  reflect the lack of coordination. Bangladesh must boost investment to avoid economic crisis: Analysts The interim government canceled the contractual appointments made during the tenure of the previous government. Later this government appointed secretaries on a contractual basis in 14 ministries. Over the past four and a half months, the Ministry of Public Administration had to withdraw several significant transfer orders. They appointed secretaries on a contractual basis only to later cancel those appointments. Similarly, deputy commissioner (DC) appointments were made but had to be withdrawn following criticism. Slackened administrative activities Administrative activities have slowed significantly due to ongoing disruptions. Talking to UNB, officials from various ministries said normalcy may take longer to achieve under the current circumstances. BNP conveys a strong message against any ‘puppet party’ Mass promotions raise questions According to the Ministry of Public Administration, 537 officers got promoted in the past four months including 23 secretaries, 17 to grade-1, 135 made additional secretaries, 228 joint secretaries, and 134 deputy secretaries. Now questions have arisen regarding these promotion criteria, with allegations of favoritism and inclusion of officials facing graft allegations. Fear of arrest and uncertainty Fear of arrests gripped many as 12 high-ranking officials including former secretaries were arrested in the past four months. Cases have been filed against several others, further deepening tension among civil servants. Vacant secretary posts hamper activities Four critical ministries and divisions remain without secretaries -the Local Government Division, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, Cultural Affairs Ministry, and Bridge Division which is hampering operations and their activities. The reform committee has also recommended promoting 764 previously ‘deprived’ officials to various ranks including 119 to secretary positions.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated on Sunday that Syria's youth would oppose any new government formed after the fall of President Bashar Assad. He accused the United States and Israel of instigating instability in the country. Khamenei emphasized that Iran had supported Assad throughout Syria's 14-year civil war, which began with a violent crackdown on protests against his long-standing rule. Syria has also served as a vital link for Iranian support to Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. Rocket from Yemen Hits Tel Aviv, Injuring 16 People Addressing the situation, Khamenei said Syrian youth face insecurity after Assad’s ouster and must confront those responsible for the unrest. “They must resist with determination,” he asserted, expressing hope for their success. He further accused the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating Assad’s downfall to exploit Syria’s resources. “They believe they’ve achieved victory,” he said, referring to Washington, Israel, and their allies. Palestinian refugees return to Yarmouk, facing uncertainty in post-war Syria Khamenei dismissed claims that Iran uses regional militant groups as proxies, saying these groups act based on their own ideologies, not Iranian directives. “If we ever choose to act, we won’t need proxies,” he added.