Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan Mansur is currently visiting London, with the tracing and recovery of funds laundered from Bangladesh by beneficiaries of the previous Awami League regime is a key agenda. It is widely believed that a significant portion of these funds have been invested in the UK property market . To that end, he has been meeting with relevant British government officials about initiating the process. On Monday, he held a meeting with the 47-strong all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on responsible tax and corruption. Prior to the meeting though, members of the APPG believe they may have been targeted by a “disinformation” campaign aimed at discrediting the man leading efforts to trace funds allegedly laundered from Bangladesh into the UK, reports The Guardian. MPs raised the alarm after receiving emails about Dr Mansur, who was installed as the governor of Bangladesh Bank last year, shortly after the Uprising that overthrew "the autocratic government of Sheikh Hasina," as The Guardian put it. Mansur has made no secret of his belief that some of the money stolen by the fallen regime's allies may have been used to buy UK property, and is seeking help from the British government as well as private companies to track down the tens of billions siphoned out of Bangladesh during the AL's prolonged spell in government, engineered by more than one controversial election. The MPs fear that Britain’s efforts to assist Bangladesh could be further clouded by an apparent smear campaign against Mansur involving "news articles by fake journalists," The Guardian said. Default loans rise to Tk3.45 lakh crore until December: Governor The method will be familiar to Bangladeshis who have faced the same sort of online campaign for opposing the AL. Indeed, it carries the signature of the CRI, the AL's now defunct think tank. The email's sender, who according to The Guardian claimed to be a journalist, sent links to a website called International Policy Digest, featuring two articles about apparent displays of wealth by Mansur’s daughter and questioning why she was not being investigated. Neither of the articles’ supposed authors appears to have any other profile as a journalist, according to The Guardian. They even found that the pictures of the journalists in their profiles on the site were actually stock images. Both Mansur and the MPs on the committee raised concerns that the emails were part of a concerted disinformation campaign. Mansur, a former IMF official, who previously lived and worked in Washington, told The Guardian he believed that people under investigation for money laundering were trying to “diminish my reputation and target me in various ways”. He added that his daughter was a US citizen who had little to do with Bangladesh. One APPG member, Rupa Huq, received a separate email from a UK public relations firm called Palatine Communications, also linking to the International Policy Digest content. The email said that if Mansur was prepared to “impugn the integrity of Tulip Siddiq”, then he and his family should also face scrutiny. Mansur has had no involvement in the cases against Tulip Siddiq. He told The Guardian he had never made any comments about Siddiq. Members of the APPG are reported to have referred the emails to parliamentary cyber security advisers, as well as to the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, which is investigating disinformation. “I urge the relevant parliamentary authorities to investigate thoroughly – we must get to the bottom of who paid for this, and why, in order to understand how we can best protect ourselves,” The Guardian quotes APPG member Phil Brickell as saying. A spokesperson for Palatine Communications told The Guardian: “We have nothing to do with, and know nothing of, the authorship of this article, but nor did we ever claim it represented the gospel truth." Finally a spokesperson for International Policy Digest told The Guardian that the person who had actually written the articles had “wished to remain anonymous”, adding that they were confident that the content was “fairly accurate”.

Bangladesh Bank has instructed commercial banks to keep adequate cash at ATMs and ensure smooth online banking without interruptions as they head into an unusually long closure of nine days for the Eid holidays. After it was decided to declare a holiday on April 3, it means most offices in the country will get a holiday stretching for 9 days on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr. That is why banks and financial institutions will be closed for these days. For this, the central bank has instructed banks to keep sufficient money in the automated teller machine (ATM) booths of the bank to facilitate smooth transactions. In addition, it has been asked to ensure that the point of sales (POS), online payment gateway, mobile financial service (MFS) are kept operational at all times. Bangladesh Bank lifts ban of foreign tour for NBFIs Bangladesh Bank issued a notification in this regard on Monday. It says that banks and financial institutions will have to ensure uninterrupted transactions through ATMs, point of sales (POS), QR codes, internet banking, online payment gateway and mobile financial service (MFS). In addition, the central bank has instructed banks and financial institutions to ensure round-the-clock service at the ATM booths and to resolve any technical errors in the ATM booths quickly and to ensure adequate supply of money. The central bank's instructions have been given to keep security personnel alert at the booths at all times and to inspect the booths of the officials of the concerned banks. The notification further states that in the case of Point of Sales (POS), round-the-clock POS and QR code services should be ensured and merchants and customers should be made aware to prevent fraud. In the case of internet banking, online payment gateways, two-factor authentication system should be kept in place for card-based 'card not present' transactions. At the same time, all banks or their subsidiary companies in MFS services should ensure uninterrupted transaction systems and adequate cash supply at the agent level.

A gang of robbers looted more than 20 mobile phones and over a lakh taka in cash during a robbery on a moving bus in the C&B area of Savar. The incident took place around 7:30pm on Monday on a Manikganj-bound Shubhojatra Paribahan bus departing from Dhaka. According to eyewitnesses, the robbers boarded the bus from the Radio Colony area of Savar. After traveling some distance, they brandished local weapons and knives to intimidate the passengers. Highway robbery on passenger bus in Kushtia, driver injured Forhad Ali, a passenger from Nalam village in Savar, said, "The robbers took around 20 mobile phones and over a lakh taka in cash from the passengers. At one point, the driver turned off the interior lights, causing panic among everyone." When the bus reached the Jahangirnagar University area, several students of the university, who were on board, took the bus to the campus and detained it, as the driver could not provide a clear reason for turning off the lights. Saugatul Alam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Savar Highway Police Station, said, "We have received reports of the incident and have seen a video circulating on social media. Our police team is inside the JU campus, and appropriate action will be taken once we verify the facts."

Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Local Government Division. A notification regarding his transfer to the Local Government Division was issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Monday (March 24). 196 deputy secretaries promoted to joint secretary Earlier, on October 6 last year, Rezaul Maksud Jahedi joined as the Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He joined Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Administration Cadre in 1994 as an Assistant Commissioner and Magistrate. He served as an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Public Administration before being appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Professor Dr. S. M. A. Fayez, has expressed optimism about finding a logical solution to the issues surrounding the seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University. He acknowledged the cooperation received from all stakeholders and stated that a well-structured resolution is expected soon. He made these remarks Monday at an Iftar organized by the Education Reporters Association, Bangladesh (ERAB) at Hotel La Vinci in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. Addressing ERAB, the UGC Chairman said, “You are a symbol of unity. At UGC, we work as a team, along with university vice-chancellors and others. If UGC has any success, it is because we stand together. Feel free to point out our mistakes and extend your support. We are a part of you and will continue to provide all necessary cooperation.” UGC asks private unis to conduct educational activities at permanent campuses During the event, Dr. K M Kabirul Islam emphasized the need to build a corruption-free and discrimination-free nation, urging journalists to contribute to this cause. Professor Dr. Md Anwar Hossain praised members of ERAB for their constructive criticism and news coverage, which he said helps in institutional improvement. National University VC Professor Dr. A. S. M. Amanullah acknowledged the vital role journalists played in stabilizing the National University’s situation post-August 5, stating that their support was crucial in overcoming challenges. The event was presided over by ERAB President Faruq Hossain and conducted by General Secretary Solamain Salman, with the participation of ERAB members.

Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman on Monday presented a financial assistance cheque to the family of martyr Abu Sayed, who lost his life during the July-August uprising. According to a Facebook post on the Bangladesh Army’s verified page, unarmed Abu Sayed was killed in police firing during the movement in Rangpur on July 16, 2024. "His selfless sacrifice for the motherland will be remembered forever," the post reads. Martyr Abu Sayed’s father admitted to Dhaka CMH On December 10 last year, Abu Sayed’s father suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was airlifted from Rangpur to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) by an army helicopter for emergency treatment. He later recovered. Responding to an invitation from the army chief, Abu Sayed’s father attended an iftar mahfil on March 23, hosted in honour of those injured in the July-August uprising.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani has dismissed as 'gossip' the speculation on declaration of emergency in the country. He made the comments on Monday at the signing event of the 'Standard Operating Procedure for the Return of Bangladeshi Citizens to Bangladesh' regarding the swift return of those illegally attempting to migrate from Bangladesh to Australia by sea. When asked whether there is a possibility or discussion regarding the declaration of a state of emergency, the senior secretary said, "I have no comments on this. These are gossips. A few people are talking, but I have no comments on this." "We will continue our work as we are doing. It will continue as usual," he added. Home Ministry issues fresh warning to undocumented foreign nationals in Bangladesh The Senior Secretary also said, "Two of our officers are patrolling the streets all night, observing. We are alert, the police are alert. We are all trying to ensure that the stability we have remains intact." Regarding security during Eid, Nasimul Gani emphasised, "We haven't reduced vigilance even a bit. It's not just the regular police patrols, we have a list from our ministry, and two officers check every night how the patrol is going on in Dhaka city. We remain alert." "All the security arrangements that are made during Eid will be implemented this time as well, InshaAllah. We will stay alert to ensure nothing unpleasant happens," he added.

Dhaka, Mar 24 (UNB)- Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud on Monday said the interim government is making strides through key reforms and enhanced regulatory measures, fostering optimism for economic stability and recovery. He also underscored the urgent need for structural reforms for quick recovery of the economic stability in the country. The Adviser warned that persistent governance failures, particularly in the banking sector, remain a major concern that must be urgently addressed. He said that the government has introduced measures to enhance transparency, including publishing project details online to foster greater accountability. He was Speaking at an Iftar event hosted by the Development Journalist Forum of Bangladesh (DJFB) at the NEC conference room. The Adviser warned that persistent governance failures, particularly in the banking sector, remain a major concern that must be urgently addressed. He said that the government has introduced measures to enhance transparency, including publishing project details online to foster greater accountability. He mentioned that foreign investment, which is crucial for economic growth, has yet to reach expected levels while the export sector has seen some positive growth. Mahmud emphasised that restoring investor confidence depends on ensuring greater transparency in project management. Planning adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud inaugurates AES Bangladesh consortium He also stressed the importance of sustainable foreign debt management to avoid future economic crises. “Debt repayment is increasing rapidly, and it will continue to rise in the coming years,” he cautioned. The Planning Adviser highlighted the urgency of reforms in the banking sector. He called for stronger oversight and swift action to curb the growing culture of loan defaults among institutions and entrepreneurs. Acknowledging a slight increase in remittance inflows, he noted that a significant portion of expatriate earnings continues to flow through informal channels, further straining foreign currency reserves. He put emphasis on stronger measures to channel remittance flows through formal banking avenues. To strengthen economic resilience, Wahiduddin Mahmud advocated for diversifying the export sector, reducing dependence on a narrow range of industries.  Addressing inflation, he pointed out that rising prices of essential commodities have significantly impacted lower and middle-income groups. Despite ongoing economic and governance challenges, Mahmud expressed hope that continued reforms and a commitment to transparency would help stabilise the economy and restore public confidence. END/UNB/FF/ssk

Two judges from the High Court Division have been appointed to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. They are Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Farah Mahbub. On Monday, the Ministry of Law issued a notification in this regard on the order of the president. Govt approves ordinance for transparent HC judge appointments The judges took oath of office at 10:30 am on Monday. Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed administered the oath at the Judges' Lounge of the Supreme Court. The notification states, "The President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, under the powers conferred by Article 95(1) of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, has appointed Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Farah Mahbub, Judges of the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, as Judges of the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court."

A Khulna court on Monday asked to freeze bank accounts, FDR and National Saving Certificates worth Tk 8.10 crore belonging to former Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque and his wife Habibun Nahar, former MP of Bagerhat-3 constituency . Khulna Metropolitan and Session Judge Sharif Hossain Haidar passed the order after hearing the petition filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said deputy director MD Abdul Wadud. During the investigations, ACC found Tk 8.10 crore at the bank of Khaleque and his wife in different banks including IFIC bank, BASIC bank, Agrani Bank and Standard Bank. ACC files cases against Saima Wazed, Exim Bank’s ex-chairman Besides, a number of FDRs, saving certificates were also found on their name. On December 24, 2024, a graft allegation was found against the removed former KCC Mayor. ACC on January 21, this year, formed a committee to investigate the graft allegation. Khaleque and his wife went into hiding after August 5. Khaleque was wanted in different cases.