United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rain or thundershowers in Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions over 24 hours, starting at 9 am today. "Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds are likely at most places in the Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions; at many places in Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions; at a few places in the Chattogram division; and at one or two places in the Khulna and Barishal divisions, with moderately heavy to very heavy falls expected in some areas," said a met office update. Day temperatures may fall slightly in the northern part of the country but remain nearly unchanged elsewhere. Night temperatures are expected to remain unchanged across Bangladesh. However, due to high moisture content, discomfort levels may persist. Meanwhile, a mild heatwave is affecting the Khulna division and the districts of Faridpur, Gopalganj, Pabna, Rajshahi, Sirajganj, Rangamati, Barishal, and Patuakhali, and it is likely to continue. A trough of low pressure extends up to the Northwest Bay. The monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderate elsewhere over the North Bay, according to the met office. The country's highest temperature over the past 24 hours was recorded in Jashore at 37.6 degrees Celsius, while the lowest temperature was in Tarash, Sirajganj, at 23 degrees Celsius. The highest rainfall, 93mm, was recorded in Joypurhat.

Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen on Wednesday said there is no government hospital or lab in the country that has international certificate. The Health Minister gave this information in response to the written question of Awami League MP elected from Noakhali-2 Constituency Morshed Alam in the Parliament. Health Minister calls for maintaining the global reputation set by Bangladesh's community clinics The Minister, however, said the National Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Reference Center is in the process of obtaining ISO certification. He said that in the future, initiatives will be taken to obtain international standard certificates from other government health service institutions respectively.

The government is set to introduce a new telecom law that aligns with technological advancements and promotes a business-friendly environment while ensuring public welfare, said State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, The draft, prepared by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, will undergo necessary amendments before the final legislation is enacted, he said. Palak revealed these updates at a seminar organised by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB) in collaboration with the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB). The seminar, titled "Reform of the Telecommunications Law, 2001," highlighted key changes needed in the draft law. He emphasized the importance of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) operating independently while aligning with the ministry. He assured that business and investment-friendly aspects of the draft law would be preserved and adjusted as necessary. "We will remove any provisions in the draft that could cause problems for stakeholders or the general public. We can look to the ICT laws of India and Vietnam for guidance in this regard," Palak stated. "Our goal is to create a timely law that fosters a business-friendly environment conducive to building a smart Bangladesh." He proposed removing Articles 7(3) and 26(ঙ) from the draft law, following criticisms. Article 7(3) grants the ministry the power to remove BTRC commissioners, which could hinder the commission's independent functioning. Article 26(ঙ) requires licenses from BTRC for operating social media and online platforms, complicating online businesses and innovations. Acknowledging these concerns, Palak committed to excluding these articles. To further refine the draft, Palak formed a seven-member committee tasked with reviewing stakeholders' recommendations and providing a report within seven days. He assured that the committee's suggestions would be seriously considered. BTRC Chairman Engr. Mohiuddin Ahmed, said "I believe in responsibility, not power. We must ensure that the new law does not create problems for anyone," he said, urging mobile operators to provide maximum service at minimal costs. Chaired by TRNB President Rashed Mehedi, the seminar saw participation from AMTOB President and Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman, Banglalink Acting CEO Taimur Rahman, Teletalk Managing Director Nurul Mabud Chowdhury, among others. Speakers stressed that with the realization of Digital Bangladesh and the transition to a Smart Bangladesh, it is crucial that the proposed telecom law encourages foreign investment. They raised concerns about provisions in the draft law, such as the inclusion of conflict resolution mechanisms despite an existing law from 2001, and high penalties of up to 300 crore Taka, which they deemed excessive. Industry stakeholders highlighted that administrative fines are punitive enough, and additional compensation proposals are not business-friendly. They pointed out that the draft considers offenses by service providers as non-bailable while granting immunity to the government and commission from legal accountability, which they argued is against constitutional rights.

Speakers at a seminar urged the government to ensure policy support to promote the plastic recycling industry in the country. They said such industries are growing fast. But they need a more supportive role from the government, so that they can get wholehearted cooperation and concerted action by all to boost the recycling industry. The speakers made the call at a Waste Management Expo and Seminar on "Plastic Waste Recycling for Sustainability and Investment" at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka on Wednesday. Plastic Products Business Promotion Council (PPBPC), Ministry of Commerce and Bangladesh Plastic Products Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) jointly organised the event, which was addressed by Commerce Secretary Md Salim Uddin; Chief Executive Officer of Business Promotion Council (BPC) and Joint Secretary of Ministry of Commerce Nahid Afroz and Md Amin Hilali, Senior Vice President of FBCCI. The speakers said that large industries in the plastic sector are doing waste management by setting up recycling plants in their own backyards. As a result, currently about 30 percent of plastic waste are being recycled. Dr Kazi Bayezid Kabir, professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering of BUET, presenting a keynote paper in the seminar, said that various recycling factories have already been established in the plastic sector. The recycling industry is developing in Bangladesh, which should increase more quickly. He said that various organisations are coming forward to invest in the waste management and the plastic recycling sector. He noted that Bangladesh is also exporting recycled grains to different countries of the world. On the other hand, recycling is producing products from raw materials and earning foreign exchange through export. BPGMEA President Samim Ahmed and Senior Vice President KM Iqbal Hossain also spoke on the occasion. Later, the guests visited a special showcasing with advanced and modern recycling products.

Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal on Wednesday said 34.33 per cent votes were cast in the 4th phase upazila parishad polls. The CEC said this at a press briefing held at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital’s Agargaon. National elections can be made more free, fair and acceptable if held in phases: CEC He said 28 people were arrested, nine were sentenced to different terms of jail and 21 were fined for various irregularities. Earlier, Election Commission Secretary Shafiul Azim told reporters that voter turnout was approximately 17.31 per cent in the first four hours. The CEC said elections to 22 upazilas will be held in June 9 as polls in those upazilas were postponed due to cyclone Remal. The voting began at 8:00am and continued till 4:00 pm without any break. Nearly 35 per cent vote cast in third phase upazila polls: CEC A total of 721 candidates are in the electoral race for 180 posts of  60 Upazila Parishads. They include 251 chairman contenders, 265 vice chairman and 205 women (reserved) vice chairman contestants.  Five candidates were elected unopposed against three posts.

Anwarul Azim Anar, a lawmaker of the ruling Awami League elected from Jhenaidah-4, is still alive, at least in the consideration of the Parliament. His name was not included in the condolence motion of the Parliament on Thursday. Anar Murder: Nepal police arrested suspects Siam, Jihad, says DB chief Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on May 22 expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of MP Anwarul Azim. On the same day, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told reporters that Anwarul Azim was brutally killed at a flat in New Town, near Kolkata. In today’s condolence motion, names of three former MPs were included. They are Manu Majumder, M Monjur Hossain and Professor Humayun Kabir Hiru. The matter was also discussed in Wednesday’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC) as AL MP Sheikh Fazlul Karim raised the issue. DB chief leading team in Nepal to investigate MP Anar murder According to the meeting sources, it was informed that the incident is exceptional. Such incidents have not happened in the past. That's why the Parliament wants to wait more. When a Parliament seat falls vacant due to death, resignation or any other reason, the seat is declared vacant (from the date of death) through gazette publication from the Parliament Secretariat. Later, the copy of the gazette is sent to the Election Commission Secretariat. The Election Commission organizes a by-election within 90 days in that vacant seat. India extending full support to Bangladesh regarding Anar case: MEA Spokesperson Recently, Speaker while talking to the reporters at her office also made the same statement.

Leaders of the newly elected committee of Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association (BFAA) led by its President Misha Sawdagar and General Secretary Monowar Hossain Dipjol on Wednesday met Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the latter’s office. At the meeting, the Foreign Minister greeted the newly elected leaders of the association. Hasan Mahmud reiterates interest in working together with partners to advance children’s rights They thanked the foreign minister for the formation of the Film Artistes Welfare Trust during his tenure as the Information and Broadcasting Minister, and the introduction of special tax on films with foreign artistes and models for the patronage of local artistes. Other members of the executive committee were present.

The first budget of the Awami League government's 6th term at Tk7.97 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 is set to be placed in the Parliament Thursday. The budget of the outgoing fiscal year was over Tk7.61 lakh crore. It means that the budget of FY 2-24-25 will see an increase by 4.6 percent. In Bangladesh, the fiscal year is counted from 1 July to 30 June, for the national budget. The proposed  2024-25 budget is the 53rd budget in the nation's history and the 25th budget of Awami League government in six terms. Parliament opens session to debate and approve national budget for FY25 Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali will place the first budget of his tenure for the FY2024-25 in the Parliament at 3.0 pm on Thursday. A 329-page budget speech has been prepared for the finance minister to present in the House. However, the finance minister does not have to read the entire budget document . He will present his budget summary in front of the parliamentarians through slides. According to the Ministry of Finance, as before, two-thirds of the budget around Tk4.69 lakh crore allocation goes to the non-productive sector to pay salaries, incentives, allowances, and subsidies. Besides, Tk1.13 lakh crore is to be allocated for payment of interest on government borrowing from banks through bills, bonds, and saving tools. The power-energy and agriculture sectors would get the highest allocation of subsidies. The budget is also slightly increasing the quantity of social safety network allowances. The government employees will get a 5 percent incentive with their salary with adjustment of inflation, while direct fiscal measures for curbing overall inflation is not visible so far. Finance Minister wants to make both businesses and common people happy in upcoming national budget  Dr. Mohammad Abdul Mazid, former chairman of NBR told UNB that the government has to raise allocation in different projects as their no option to back from half-done of a project.  But, the government has to be cautious in project allocation and enhance supervision and monitoring of budgetary money expenditure, he said. Though a contractionary budget is required to curb inflation, the budget is slightly expansionary which will impact little to control inflation, he pointed out. However, the proposed National Board of Revenue (NBR) gets an ambitious revenue target of Tk 4.8 lakh crore in the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. The finance ministry sources told UNB that in the upcoming budget total revenue target is set at Tk 5.41 lakh crore. Of which Tk4.8 lakh crore will be collected by NBR and the rest of the revenue will come from the non-tax sector. CPD's Moazzem holds up dire contradictions in economy during presentation on budget The government plans to borrow around Tk2.57 lakh crore from domestic and foreign sources to meet the deficit in the budget. The NBR has to collect Tk 4.8 lakh crore which is Tk 50,000 crore more than the budget target for the current fiscal year (FY2023-24). The revenue target is  Tk 70,000 crore more than the revised target. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget, NBRK was given a revenue target of Tk4.30 lakh crore. Later, under the pressure of NBR, the target was reduced to Tk 4.1 lakh crore. However, even though the target has been reduced, the revenue board is still far away from the revenue collection target. According to the latest NBR data, the revenue board has collected a total revenue of Tk 2.89 lakh crore in the first 10 months from July to April of FY 2023-24. The target for this period was Tk 3.13 lakh crore. The deficit is Tk 24206 crore. Although the NBR achieved a growth of 15.61 percent in revenue collection. The NBR will have to collect a revenue of Tk 96416 crore in the remaining two months of the FY 2023-24r, May and June. The revenue board concerned thinks that it is impossible. The revenue collection target is being raised every year without considering the revenue collection capacity. As a result, the government is facing a big challenge in financing the deficit budget. In this situation, the NBR stakeholders feel that the revenue of Tk5.41 lakh crore in the proposed budget to be presented on June 6 is a big challenge. The National Economic Council (NEC) earlier approved the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the fiscal year of 2024-2025 with an outlay of Tk 265,000 crores. Besides, the NEC approved some Tk13,288.91 crores of autonomous bodies or corporations.

The 12th Parliament went into the first budget session on Wednesday to debate and pass the proposed national budget for the fiscal 2024-2025. President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday summoned the 3rd session (budget session) of the 12th parliament, exercising the power bestowed upon him as per the Clause (1) of Article 72 of the Constitution. The parliamentary session, the 3rd in 2024, started at 5:07pm. The size of the next national budget of Bangladesh, for the fiscal year starting July 1, will be about Tk 8 lakh crore with a Tk 265,000-crore Annual Development Programme (ADP). The National Economic Council (NEC) already approved the ADP with an outlay of Tk 265,000 crores, keeping the highest allocation of Tk 70, 687.75 crore (26. 67pc of allocation) for transport and communication sector. Besides, the NEC approved some Tk 13,288.91-crore ADP of the autonomous bodies or corporations. So, with the 13,288.91 crore ADP for autonomous bodies or corporations, the total size of ADP for 2024-2025 has stood at Tk 278,288.91 crore. In the ADP, the total number of projects is 1,321 including 1,133 investment projects, 21 survey projects, 87 technical assistance projects and 80 projects from the autonomous bodies and corporations. Local Government Division among the ministries and divisions is going to receive the highest 10 allocation of some Tk 38,809 crore (15pc of allocation) in the ADP. On May 09 last, the second session of the 12th Parliament was prorogued after six working days, which started on May 02.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday said the law is taking its own course regarding the case against Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. “With due respect for Dr Yunus, I would say the law is taking its own course. Law is not being misused here. Rather, he is getting much sympathy from the court which other accused do not get,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while responding to a question. Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, the court granted him bail immediately and he was not even arrested for an hour. He said he has a doubt whether anyone else would get such sympathy for what Dr Yunus is getting. US says it will continue to encourage Bangladesh govt to ensure a fair legal process for Dr. Yunus Hasan made the remarks when a reporter drew his attention about the US remarks regarding the Yunus case. The United States has said it is closely monitoring the developments in the case against Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. “We will continue to encourage the Bangladeshi government to ensure a fair and transparent legal process for Dr. Yunus as the appeals process continues,” said Mathew Miller, spokesperson for the US Department of State, during a regular briefing on June 4. Miller expressed concerns that these cases might represent a “misuse” of Bangladesh’s labor laws to “harass and intimidate” Dr. Yunus. “We also worry that the perceived misuse of labor and anti-corruption laws could raise questions about the rule of law and dissuade foreign direct investment,” he added. Yunus speaks on humiliation of being made to stand inside cage in courtroom The government of Bangladesh has maintained that it is not a party to the case involving Dr. Muhammad Yunus and emphasized the independence and transparency of its judicial process. “With due respect to Dr. Yunus, I would like to say that the judicial process of Bangladesh is transparent. That's why many members of the ruling party face trials and even jail sentences,” Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud told journalists recently.