Acting editor of Amar Desh newspaper, Mahmudur Rahman, has called on the interim government to keep the spirit of the July revolution alive. He made this demand at the Palashi intersection of the capital on Monday afternoon while attending a rally in remembrance of Buet student Abrar Fahad, who was killed by Chhatra League leaders and activists on October 7, 2019. Marking Abrar Fahad as a symbol of sacrifice and liberation, he said, “We want to remember Abrar Fahad like we remember Shaheed Titumir for his sacrifices.” “Abrar is a symbol of freedom against Indian hegemony. Like Titumir even after a hundred years we want to remember Abrar as a hero. On the other hand, Sheikh Mujib is the icon of Sheikh Hasina's fascism. That is why I have mentioned changing the name of Bangabandhu Avenue to Abrar Avenue in my 7-point demand to the government," he added. Referring to his meeting with government bodies, he said, “I requested them not to be an interim government. They made a mistake here. Be a revolutionary government. Run the country with a Council of Advisers with Yunus as President. Throw away Sheikh Hasina's constitution. The next elected government will come and draft a new constitution according to the message of the revolution.” The rally was attended by Abrar Fahad’s brother, Abrar Faiyaz, and his father, Borkot Ullah. Among those who addressed the program were convenor of the Jatiyo Nagorik Committee, Nasir Uddin Patwari; Coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, Hasnat Abdullah; DU Shibir president Md. Abu Shadik; and Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, joint member secretary of the AB Party. After the rally, the speakers and the audience of the Nirapad Bangladesh Program proceeded to the Palashi intersection to join another rally led by Akter Hossen, convener of the Abrar Fahad Memorial Union and member secretary of the Jatiyo Nagorik Committee. Later, Mahmudur Rahman and Akter Hossen laid the foundation stone named “Anti-Aggression Eight Pillars,” commemorating the sacrifices of Abrar Fahad.

Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud emphasised on Monday that the government is shifting its focus from the sheer volume of development expenditure to the quality and efficiency of spending. “We’re focusing more on the qualitative standard of development expenditure than its size,” said Dr. Mahmud during a press briefing at the NEC Conference Room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, following the day's ECNEC meeting. Responding to reporters' questions, Dr. Mahmud revealed that the government is preparing a comprehensive list of politically motivated projects undertaken in recent years. He explained that his office had been tasked with identifying such projects, especially those involving significant public expenditure. “After assuming office, I was directed to identify fully politically motivated projects and those with maximum expenditure. If a project has incurred significant costs, it should be completed to avoid wasting public funds,” he said, stressing the need for responsible financial management. Dr. Mahmud also noted that smaller projects with minimal expenditure but high potential could still be prioritized for completion if they prove beneficial. ADB delegation meets with Planning Adviser to discuss ongoing projects and economic strategy Highlighting the importance of efficiency, Dr. Mahmud praised the work of officials conducting the review of development projects. “I believe in the process and want to accelerate the scrutiny of these projects,” he added, signaling the government’s commitment to ensuring projects are completed with minimal waste. On the subject of the development budget, Dr. Mahmud acknowledged the challenges faced by both the Finance Adviser and the Bangladesh Bank Governor in managing the economy. He noted that with limited funds, an overly expansionary budget could exacerbate inflationary pressures. “We’re trying to minimize the development budget for their convenience,” he said, while emphasizing that the government must strike a balance between controlling inflation and maintaining economic momentum. “We have to manage both sides,” he added, stressing that stagnation is not an option for the economy. Dr. Mahmud also addressed the slowdown in private sector investment, noting that industrialists and bankers have hesitated to invest since the political power transition on August 5. “Industries, banking operations, and lending to the private sector have all slowed down,” he observed, indicating the broader economic impact of the transition. Public sector investment has also declined, with many development projects under scrutiny due to political motivations, further affecting overall economic activity, he added.

The government on Monday formed a special task force at the district level to monitor the market conditions and supply chains of essential goods. The Ministry of Commerce issued a notification regarding this initiative. The ten-member task force will be led by an additional deputy commissioner of the district, serving as its convener. The assistant director of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection will act as the member secretary, according to the notification. The eight other members will include the additional superintendent of police, the district food controller, the district animal resources officer, the district fisheries officer, the agricultural marketing officer, a representative of the Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB), and two student representatives. The ministry notification, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Md Mehedi Hasan, outlines the responsibilities of the special task force that will conduct regular inspections of markets, wholesale outlets, storage facilities, and other areas within the supply chain. The task force will ensure that the price differences between production, wholesale, and consumer levels remain minimal, as stated in the notification. After daily monitoring, the task force will submit a report to the Commodity Price Review and Forecast Cell of the Ministry of Commerce and the Central Control Room of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection. The Directorate will compile and review the reports from various districts and provide a summary to the Ministry of Commerce by 7 pm each day. Members of the task force may co-opt additional personnel as needed, according to the notification.  

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will not be involved in disappearances, extrajudicial killings, or any unlawful actions, assured RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman on Monday. Speaking at a meeting with Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) at the RAB headquarters, he firmly denied allegations of illegal activities within the elite force. "There is no such thing as 'Aina Ghar (mirror house)' in RAB, and there is no possibility of extrajudicial killings," said Rahman. He stressed that RAB operates strictly within the law and will continue to do so. "No one will be detained in a secret location after being taken into custody. RAB will act in accordance with the law," he reiterated. ‘Did not open fire on students, protesters’: RAB Shahidur Rahman also emphasized that disappearances and murders are serious criminal offenses and will not be tolerated within the force. "If any RAB member is found involved in such crimes, they will face strict consequences," he added. The RAB chief also spoke about the security measures in place for the upcoming Durga Puja festival. "RAB is working in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the smooth celebration of Durga Puja," said Rahman. He further noted that militants released on bail are being closely monitored, and any attempts to create unrest or spread rumors during the festival will be swiftly dealt with. When asked about the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission gathering information on alleged human rights abuses in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the anti-discrimination movement, Rahman confirmed that the RAB had fully cooperated with the UN. "The fact-finding team has already contacted and inspected the RAB. We have provided them with all requested information, and we will continue to do so as needed," he assured. The meeting also featured remarks from CRAB leadership, including General Secretary Sirajul Islam, who highlighted various aspects of the organization’s activities, and President Kamruzzaman Khan, who expressed gratitude for the ongoing cooperation between CRAB and RAB. RAB DG Shahidur Rahman acknowledged the valuable role journalists play in his work. Other CRAB members in attendance included Organizing Secretary Shahidul Islam Razi, Office Secretary Kamal Hossain Talukder, and Executive Committee members Ali Azam and Sheikh Kalimullah, all of whom participated in the discussion.

Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Monday said that single-use plastic will be banned on St. Martin’s island. Besides, she said measures would be taken to limit the number of tourists and restrict overnight stays on the island. She came up with the announcement at a press briefing in the Secretariat on eco-friendly tourism management and the conservation of biodiversity at St. Martin’s island. The Adviser mentioned that initiatives are being taken to free St. Martin’s, Cox’s Bazar, and Kuakata from single-use plastics. She put emphasis on the conservation of the uniqueness of St. Martin’s as the only coral island in Bangladesh for the future generations. Adviser Rizwana urged tourists to comply with previous guidelines regarding the ban on single-use plastics. She said discussions will be held with hotel owners, tour operators, and the Ministry of Tourism to finalize decisions in this regard before the upcoming tourist season. The environment secretary, additional Secretaries, Director General of the Department of Environment, among others, were present.    

The overall inflation decreased by 1.17 percent in August compared to last July, according to a report published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Sunday. According to BBS, the overall inflation was 11.66 percent in July, which declined to 10.49 percent in August. Besides, food inflation declined to 11.36 percent in August, from 14.10 percent in July. However, non-food sector inflation rose slightly. Inflation in this sector stood at 9.68 percent in July, which increased slightly to 9.74 percent in August. Inflation rate in Bangladesh eases to 9.92% in Sept   In July, inflation reached its highest level in the last 13 years, with overall inflation crossing double digits during the student quota reform movement. The overall inflation rose to 11.66 percent that month, compared to 9.72 percent in June. Similarly, food inflation reached 14 percent in July, the highest in the past 13 years. The previous peak was in April 2011, when food inflation was at 14.36 percent. Since then, food inflation has not surpassed 14 percent.

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban on former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Javed and his wife, Rukmila Zaman over allegations of corruption. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Ash Shams Mohammad Zoglul Hossain passed the order in response to a petition from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday. Saifuzzaman is accused of amassing and laundering thousands of crores of taka across various foreign states, particularly in the United Kingdom. The ACC's petition claimed that the former minister has allegedly acquired 350 properties in the UK, 228 in the UAE, and nine in the US, registered under his name and those of his family members. "Based on various records, it appears that Saifuzzaman has also created significant assets in the country through graft money. From reliable sources, we suspect that the accused and his wife may attempt to flee the country. Therefore, a travel ban should be imposed on them to ensure a thorough investigation," stated the ACC's plea. ACC Deputy Director Ram Prasad Mondal filed the petition and was presented to the court by public prosecutor Mir Ahmed Ali Salam.  

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a significant infrastructure project today: the construction of a Tk 11,560.77 crore rail-road bridge over the Karnaphuli River. The bridge in the Kalurghat area will facilitate uninterrupted transport between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar, enhancing both vehicular and rail connectivity in the region. The project was approved during the 3rd ECNEC meeting of the current fiscal year (FY25), chaired by Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus at his office in Dhaka. It was one of four projects cleared in the meeting, which collectively have an estimated cost of Tk 24,412.94 crore. A Much-Needed Replacement for the Aging Kalurghat Bridge Planning and Education Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud, who briefed reporters after the meeting, highlighted the necessity of replacing the old Kalurghat Bridge. The current bridge is in poor condition, limiting train speeds to just 10 kilometers per hour. This new bridge will not only improve local connectivity but also play a crucial role in advancing Cox’s Bazar as a premier tourist destination, he said. Dr. Wahiduddin also emphasized that the new bridge would support the growing importance of the Matarbari coal-based power plant and the surrounding economic zone. The project’s completion is targeted for December 2030. Out of the total cost of Tk 11,560.77 crore, Tk 4,435.62 crore will be funded by the government of Bangladesh, while the remaining Tk 7,125.15 crore will be sourced from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and the Economic Development Promotion Facility (EDPF) of Korea. Key Infrastructure to Support Regional Growth Ministry of Railways officials noted that the new bridge would enhance trade and commerce by creating an efficient link with the Dohazari-Cox’s Bazar rail line, which is part of a broader plan to connect Bangladesh to the Trans-Asian Railway network, linking with China, India, and Myanmar. The project will include the construction of a 700-meter bridge, a 6.20-kilometer viaduct, a 2.40-kilometer road viaduct, 4.54 kilometers of embankments, and the installation of 11.44 kilometers of rail track. The new bridge will also benefit industries located in Chattogram, which handles 70 percent of the country’s imports and exports. Improved transport links will facilitate the movement of goods to and from Chattogram Port, as well as support the region’s export processing zones and special economic zones. Other Projects Receive Approval In addition to the rail-road bridge, ECNEC also approved the second revision of the Matarbari Port Development Project, with an increased cost of Tk 6,573.96 crore. Other approved projects include the second revision of the SASEC Road Connectivity Project-2 (Elenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur Highway Four Lane Upgradation) with an additional Tk 376.99 crore, and the Resilient Urban and Territorial Development Project (REUTDP), valued at Tk 5,901.22 crore.  

Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, chief of the white paper committee on Bangladesh’s economy, on Monday said non-government organizations wanted recognition of their contributions to the development of the country. NGO representatives sought the recognition at a meeting with the white paper committee at NEC Bhaban of the Planning Commission in Dhaka. Some 80 representatives from local and international development organizations participated in the meeting. “They (NGOs representatives) think this issue of recognition of the non-government organizations to development needs to be considered with importance,” said Dr Bhattacharya at a press briefing after the meeting. Raising the views of the NGO representatives, he said though the non-government development organizations have a significant role in the government’s previous and present initiatives, they have no proper representation locally or nationally in the initiatives. ‘Country’s labour force deprived of fair wages over last decade’: Dr Debapriya Since people are faced with high inflation and other challenges, they think that government support and policy coordination are required to strengthen the role of non-government development partners to address the problems, he added. NGOs want removal of institutional barriers, corruption NGO representatives are of the view that various institutional barriers and corruption in the government institutions are among the biggest obstacles to properly run the activities of the non-government development organizations, said Dr Debapriya, also a distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). The institutional barriers are intentional in many cases. And the government policies and regulations become barriers in some cases, he said. They also mentioned specific names of the concerned institutions that oversee the non-government organizations, the names of the district administration and law enforcement agencies, he said. The NGO leaders suggested ensuring proper government management and freeing the institutions from corruption, said the white paper committee chief. Will investigate how GNI, inflation were estimated: Dr Debapriya Replying to a question, he said the meeting discussed the corruption that takes place when a non-government development organization goes to get registration, renew its registration certificate and get projects approved by the institutions concerned. More than one restrictive measure has been imposed recently against the non-government development organizations to limit their activities and role to raise voice in favor of the people, said Dr Debapriya, also the convenor of the Citizen's Platform for SDGs. The meeting also discussed corruption in the digital disbursement of microcredits as well as health, education and other allowances, he said. The interim government on August 28 formed a 12-member committee led by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya to prepare a comprehensive ‘white paper’ on the state of Bangladesh's economy.

 The government has decided to carry out an assessment of its fleet of vehicles to determine the exact number it owns and the current condition of those vehicles. The decision was made at the ECNEC meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, presided over by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.While briefing reporters at the NEC Conference Room about the outcome of the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said that the government possesses a large number of vehicles, with each project having its own fleet. Family planning, not microcredit, drove women’s workforce participation in the 1980s: Adviser Wahiduddin "Where do these vehicles go after a project is completed?" he questioned.Mahmud mentioned that many vehicles remain unused after the projects end."Often, other ministries take over these vehicles and it is not uncommon for a single public servant to hold 3-4 vehicles under his or her jurisdiction," he said. Employment generation takes priority over GDP growth: Planning Adviser Wahiduddin The adviser added that these vehicles do not last as long as those procured personally.“But since they belong to the government, their longevity is not like that of personal vehicles, which is another issue,” he mentioned.The advisers have decided to start identifying all government vehicles, starting from the upazila level, to understand their current usage and lifespan. “We will look into how these vehicles are being used and how long they last,” he stated.Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud said that the government aims to utilise these vehicles in other government offices to reduce public expenditure.