United News of Bangladesh

The government is taking steps to reduce production costs in the poultry sector to ensure poultry products are available to consumers at fair prices, State Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Sultan Salauddin Tuku said on Thursday. He made the remarks at a view-exchange meeting held at the PTI Bhaban in the Rajbari area of Gazipur city. The state minister said the government is working to reduce the costs of feed and other inputs so that farmers can produce poultry at lower costs. “If production costs can be reduced, both farmers and consumers will benefit,” he said. Representatives of the poultry industry and agro-farms from different upazilas of Gazipur attended the meeting and highlighted the current challenges facing the sector and the reasons behind rising production costs. The farmers and industry entrepreneurs demanded lower feed prices, affordable chick prices and reduced costs of other inputs to cut production expenses in the poultry sector. They also sought effective government support to make the poultry sector sustainable and profitable. In response, the state minister said production costs must be reduced to ensure safe and affordable poultry products for the people. Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan, Superintendent of Police Mohammed Jhasim Uddin, senior officials of the Department of Livestock Services, officials of various government agencies, poultry industry representatives and farmers were present at the meeting.

The government is continuing diplomatic and legal initiatives to bring Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh, according to the meeting of a parliamentary committee. The government’s stance over the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina was raised in the second meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The meeting was held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with its Chairman Jahrat Adib Chowdhury in the chair, said a press release. “The government's stance regarding bringing Sheikh Hasina back to the country was raised during the meeting. It was stated that the Government of Bangladesh is continuing the necessary diplomatic and legal initiatives to bring her back,” it said. The meeting stressed the need for maintaining a balanced foreign policy and partnerships with all countries while taking decisions by prioritising Bangladesh's national interests. It was also noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has attached importance to the “Bangladesh First” policy. A report on checking illegal migration and human trafficking was presented at the meeting. The meeting said there had been serious systemic weaknesses in the process of sending workers abroad in the past, and that the country is now dealing with longstanding problems caused by inadequate verification and screening. It stressed the need to ensure proper authentication of information and documents of migrant workers. The committee recommended developing a transparent and effective process, in coordination with the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, to send suitable and verified workers abroad through appropriate recruiting agencies. It also noted that a Migration Wing has been introduced at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the first time to ensure safe migration and protect the interests of expatriate workers. The committee recommended taking necessary steps to raise awareness at the grassroots level through social awareness campaigns and inform people about the legal process of migration to protect potential migrants from fraud of the brokers and unauthorised intermediaries. The meeting also reviewed progress in resolving the Rohingya crisis and expressed optimism that the committee would visit Rohingya camps in October. Committee members, including State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Md. Amanullah Aman, SK Azizul Baree, ABM Mosharrof Hossain and Sanjida Islam attended the meeting. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir also attended the meeting at the special invitation of the committee. The Foreign Secretary and senior officials from the Ministry and the Parliamentary Secretariat were also present.

The profit rate for subscribers to Universal Pension Scheme against their investments during the 2025-26 financial year has been set at 11.72 percent, up from the previously announced 11.68 percent. The decision was approved at the fourth meeting of the Board of the National Pension Authority (NPA) held at the Finance Division conference room on Thursday, with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. NPA Executive Chairman Dr Md Surajuzzaman, who is also the member-secretary of the board, conducted the meeting. The board reviewed the overall activities of the Universal Pension Scheme and discussed a number of proposals aimed at expanding benefits for subscribers and making investment and management of the pension funds more effective. The approval for distributing profits on investments made during FY2025-26 was one of the key agenda items. Following the approval, the profit at the approved rate will be credited to the accounts of eligible subscribers against their investments for the financial year. The meeting also decided to consider extending the period for which a nominee can receive pension after the death of a pensioner from 75 years to 80 years. The board also discussed a proposal to introduce Islamic versions of the four existing pension schemes — Probash, Progoti, Surakkha and Samata. The proposed versions would be operated through Shariah-compliant investment arrangements. The meeting discussed preparations and other related activities required to introduce such versions. The NPA expects that the introduction of Shariah-based pension schemes could encourage greater participation in the Universal Pension Scheme among sections of the Muslim population. The meeting also discussed allowing subscribers to withdraw money under certain special circumstances. A proposal was considered to allow subscribers who have contributed for at least five years to withdraw funds subject to prescribed conditions in cases such as physical or financial incapacity. The board decided that a specific proposal with recommendations and conditions should be prepared for further consideration. To increase subscriber enrolment, the meeting discussed raising the commission paid to Union Digital Centres for registration services. The existing commission of Tk15 has been proposed to be increased to Tk25. The meeting also discussed determining commissions for banks, the postal department, mobile financial service providers and other authorised institutions involved in providing pension-related services. The introduction of health insurance under the Universal Pension Scheme was another issue discussed at the meeting. The board also reviewed progress in implementing decisions taken at its previous meeting. The NPA said the Universal Pension Scheme is being implemented with the objective of bringing people from all sections of society under a long-term social and financial security system. It said measures are being taken to strengthen subscribers’ confidence, ensure that they receive returns from investments and introduce additional facilities to expand the scheme. The meeting was attended by the finance secretary, secretaries of different ministries, a representative of the Bangladesh Bank governor, the chairman of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, the administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), among others.

Although the water level of the Padma River has started receding in Daulatpur upazila, the sufferings of flood-hit people have increased, with a severe shortage of safe drinking water and reports of waterborne diseases. A vast tract of low-lying areas of the upazila have been inundated by the floodwater, damaging crops on more than 1,000 hectares of land. Around 50,000 people in Chilmari and Ramkrishnapur unions are still marooned and living in difficult conditions. According to the Kushtia Water Development Board (WDB), the Padma's water level has fallen by around 15 centimetres over the past three days. Although the situation has improved slightly, the hardships of people in the affected areas have not eased. Rather, their sufferings have intensified as the floodwater recedes. Abdul Majid, an elderly resident of Ramkrishnapur, said people are struggling to travel long distances to collect drinking water as nearby villages remain inundated. “We need dry food, drinking water and medical treatment immediately,” he said.  

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Thursday said incidents of enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing have been “almost nil” during the government’s first six months in office. “We are proud to announce that in our first six months, we have shown our zero tolerance for enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing. It is almost nil. There’s also no complaint that the police have filed any false cases against any political opponents,” he said. The minister made the remarks while addressing, as the chief guest, an event held at Dhaka University's Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban to mark US Constitution Day and commemorate 250 years of American democracy. The event was jointly organised by the DU Faculty of Law and the US Embassy in Dhaka. Asaduzzaman contrasted the current situation with what he described as abuses under the previous “fascist” regime, alleging that more than 4,500 BNP leaders and activists were victims of extrajudicial killings, around 700 were forcibly disappeared and around 60 lakh BNP leaders and activists faced false cases as part of political persecution. He alleged that most of the cases were filed by law enforcement agencies themselves. The minister also drew parallels between the constitutions of Bangladesh and the US, expressing gratitude for what he described as the founding principles of the US Constitution. “I especially pay my tribute to the people of the USA for showing us the path to having one of the finest constitutions in the world by the people of Bangladesh in 1972. In the US Constitution, which was adopted in September 1787, they started writing that ‘We, the people of America.’ And in 1972, we started writing ‘We, the people of Bangladesh’. Here is the similarity,” he said. Asaduzzaman said the two countries’ constitutions share basic democratic pillars. “The US Constitution was adopted, ratified, accepted, and enforced by the American people, keeping in mind that democracy and freedom are the basic pillars. Our Constitution is also based on some basic pillars and basic structures which are borrowed from the American Constitution. We are going through a regime, a time when our Constitution is our basic pillar for guiding us,” he said. The Constitution Day event featured a public ceremony, a panel discussion, an essay competition, a quiz contest and an exhibition from the American Founders Museum. Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen highlighted how constant debate, the continuous search for consensus, and the American Constitution’s emphasis on the separation of powers, judicial independence, and the right to keep adding amendments have resulted in a resilient Constitution that has inspired democracies around the world for over 200 years. The event was also attended by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Abdus Salam, Dean of the Faculty of Law Prof Dr Muhammad Ekramul Haque, constitutional experts, academics, and students.  

BRAC has appointed Arinjoy Dhar as its deputy executive director, overseeing microfinance, technology, education, skills development, migration programme, and operations. He brings diverse, multi-sectoral experience in senior leadership roles across the banking, microfinance, and technology sectors, with a proven track record of effectively driving digital transformation, operational excellence, and sustainable financial inclusion across Bangladesh and international markets, said a press release issued on Thursday. Arinjoy Dhar has played a central role in shaping the strategic direction of BRAC’s Microfinance programme and Technology. He joined BRAC in January 2022 as Senior Director of Microfinance, leading a comprehensive transformation that expanded the portfolio to serve 12 million clients across 3,300 branches, nearly doubling its size. “It is an honour to take on this responsibility at BRAC. As we navigate a rapidly changing development landscape, our focus must remain on staying close to the communities we serve, responding to their evolving needs, and finding practical and sustainable ways to create lasting impact. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across BRAC to strengthen our efforts and contribute to BRAC’s continued journey of impact and innovation,” said Arinjoy Dhar. Prior to joining BRAC, he spent over two decades with HSBC in top-tier executive and financial leadership roles across Hong Kong, Canada, China, and Bangladesh. Throughout his tenure at BRAC, he has pioneered key inclusive finance initiatives, bringing 1.5 million farmers under crop insurance coverage, and reaching 12 million policies through Credit Shield Insurance. A strong advocate for technology and gender equality, he led the digital transition of credit services through the Microfinance client app, now used by 1.7 million clients, while doubling female representation in leadership across an ecosystem where women constitute 89 percent of borrowers and more than 45 percent of the workforce. Arinjoy Dhar holds several key governance and advisory roles across corporate, academic, and non-profit institutions. He chairs BRACNet Limited and serves on the Boards of Directors of Guardian Life Insurance Company and BRAC IT Services. Besides, he serves in advisory capacities at BRAC University, the University of Galway, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He holds MSc from Lancaster University. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (UK), CPA Australia, and the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (Australia).  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday directed police to arrest all the accused in the killing of Special Branch (SB) Sub-Inspector Md Altaf Hossain in Aminbazar of Savar immediately. He gave the directive while speaking to reporters after family members of the deceased met him at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. During the meeting, Salahuddin assured the family of all-out efforts to ensure a speedy trial of the murder. He said Tk 6 lakh has already been provided to the family from the police welfare fund. The minister also announced that Community Bank Bangladesh Ltd will provide necessary loans and other assistance to help keep the deceased's family business operational. He further directed the authorities concerned to take steps to confer the posthumous police medal on Altaf in recognition of his integrity and courageous service during his career. Later, Salahuddin handed over the financial assistance to the deceased's wife, Sheuly Parvin. Altaf came under attack by a group of assailants at Baradeshi Paschimpara in Aminbazar on September 5 while trying to settle an argument over the parking of a private car. During the attack, he took shelter in his elder son's business establishment to save his life. Around 8:10pm, the attackers allegedly launched a violent assault there with locally made weapons, including rods, pipes, hammers and sticks. Altaf's younger son, Md Ariful Islam, was also seriously injured in the attack while attempting to save his father. Locals later rescued them and took them to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared Altaf dead. A murder case was filed with Savar Model Police Station against 15 people. Altaf joined Bangladesh Police as a constable from Sirajganj district in 1986. He had been serving with the Special Branch in Dhaka from 2011 until his death.

Two people were killed and two others injured in separate lightning strikes in Sadar and Daulatpur upazilas of Kushtia district on Thursday. Aroj Ali, 30, son of Abdur Razzak of Narayanpur village in Daulatpur upazila, was killed when a thunderbolt struck him while he was sitting near a water body around 1:15 pm, said Khalidur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Daulatpur Police Station. Meanwhile, Roushan Ali Nushu, 45, son of Moslem Uddin of Dahkola Karigorpara in Sadar upazila, was killed and two others were injured when a streak of thunderbolt struck them while they were working in a field at Dahkola around 2:30 pm amid rain. The injured were undergoing treatment at Kushtia Medical College and Hospital, said Mohammad Zakir, Officer-in-Charge of Kushtia Model Police Station.      

Gas supply will remain suspended for 24 hours in several areas of Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur and Manikganj from Friday morning for the tie-in work related to relocation of an existing gas pipeline under the Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway project. According to Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited, the supply suspension will continue until 8am on Saturday. The suspension will affect all categories of gas consumers in areas from Ashulia Bazar to Baipayl on both sides of the road, as well as Dhaka EPZ, Malancha Power Plant, Beximco DRS (Beximco Industrial Complex), Kashimpur, Sardaganj, Haji Market, Sreepur, Chandra and Chandra intersection. Other affected areas include Nabinagar, Savar Town, Savar Cantonment, Ulail, Bank Town, Savar Radio Colony, Kalma, Dosaid, Kumkumari, Akran, Charabag, Bara Ashulia, Tongabari, Kathgara, Zirabo, Gazirchat, Nayapara and Dewan Idris Road and adjacent areas. Gas supply will also remain suspended in Nayarhat, Balibhadrapur, Palli Bidyut, Denderbar, Bhadaile, Latifpur, Manikganj and adjoining areas. Titas Gas said gas pressure could remain low in surrounding areas during the period. The gas distribution company expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to consumers.  

Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly on Thursday said the government is committed to full media freedom, but such freedom does not mean “arbitrariness.” He said the limits of media freedom should not be determined by the government or individuals, and that the courts have the authority to make the final decision. The press secretary made the remarks while speaking at the “Meet the Reporters” programme organised by the Dhaka Reporters Unity. He said those working in the media should understand that freedom does not mean being arbitrary or writing whatever one wants. “Those of us who are in this profession now believe that the Bangladesh government is in favour of freedom, freedom of the press and freedom of the media. When we talk about freedom, we should not become arbitrary. Freedom does not mean that you can write whatever you want,” he said. Shibly said around 7 crore people use the internet in Bangladesh and anyone could write against another person simply because they want to. “But when you start writing against someone, that person also has a statement, does he not? If not, and if I have unrestricted freedom, I can write whatever I want against whoever I want. How will we get out of this situation? There is no way to get out of it,” he said. The press secretary said the practice of writing against someone simply because one dislikes the person is spreading “like an epidemic.” He called upon people working in the media, including those involved in mobile journalism, citizen journalism, newspapers and television, to introduce regular fact-checking programmes or reports. “If each of us hosts a programme, spanning 10-15 minutes, or if the print media publishes a report asking whether what we saw, heard and understood throughout the day after waking up was actually true, and if we conduct such a programme under any name such as fact-checking or verification of truth and falsehood, you will see that many people will benefit,” Shibly said. He said people could argue and debate the limits of freedom, but they must understand that freedom also has boundaries. “However, neither you nor I, nor the government, will determine those boundaries. The courts will determine them,” he said. The press secretary said the current government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is also trying to ensure that all institutions, including the courts, operate independently and according to their statutory rules and laws. He said it is also necessary to examine whether a newspaper or media owner has the capacity to run the organisation while paying salaries and allowances to its employees. Shibly urged people to remain cautious about misinformation circulated by unregistered online portals. He said the Prime Minister arrives at the office at 9:00am and a digital system is being followed to record when officials arrive and leave. “The system has been introduced not to merely monitor individuals, but also to understand how disciplined they have become and what they intend to do,” he said. The press secretary said the Prime Minister digitally confirms his own presence and does the same when he leaves at night. “The reason is that the person who is leading us, whom we are following, whether he himself follows it is important,” he said. He said people could see that the Prime Minister does first what he asks others to do. Turning to the country’s economy, Shibly said Bangladesh began its journey from a fragile economic position but is gradually recovering as the country has entered a phase of reconstruction. He said Bangladesh has now emerged as a highly safe and stable destination for foreign investment, overcoming various domestic and international risks. The press secretary acknowledged that not everyone in Bangladesh has become a BNP supporter and that not everyone supports the government, adding that there is no need for everyone to support the government. He said people do not, and should not, be expected to have identical opinions and perspectives. “But this country is ours. This state is ours. And the government is making every possible effort to become a government for everyone,” he said. Shibly said the government’s first priority is to establish human dignity. He said if someone commits an offence or crosses a legal limit, they should be tried under the law but should not face political persecution. “The government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman wants to build such a Bangladesh,” he said.