United News of Bangladesh

A Dhaka court on Sunday placed Hasanul Haq Inu, president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), on a four-day fresh remand in a case filed over the death of Ideal College student Khalid Hasan Saifullah during quota protests in the capital’s Lalbagh area. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mehera Mahbub passed the order following a seven-day remand plea of investigation officer Akkas Miah, also a sub-inspector of Lalbagh Police Station. With this, Hasanul Haq Inu will be on remand for 16 days in connection with three murder cases filed with different police stations. Khalid Hasan Saifullah, a first-year student of Ideal College, was shot dead in Lalbagh's Azimpur government residential area on July 18 during the anti-discrimination student movement. Later, a murder case was filed at Lalbagh police station following a complaint lodged by Saifullah’s father Kamrul Hasan on August 19 against 52 people including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A team of DB Police arrested Inu from a house in the capital’s Uttara on August 25. On August 26, the court granted his seven-day remand in the case of the murder of businessman Abdul Wadud in New Market of the capital. Later, on September 3, he was granted a 5-day remand in the case of the murder of Sujan, a truck driver of the capital's Mohammadpur area.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said they need to maintain good relations with India but that should be based on equity and fairness. “Sir (Prof Yunus) repeatedly said we need to maintain good relations with India but it needs to be based on equity and fairness,” Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying during a view-exchange meeting with students who played key roles in the student-led mass revolution. While briefing reporters at Foreign Service Academy, Mahfuj said issues related to Bangladesh-India relations came up during the discussion held at the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO). Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apurba Jahangir were present at the briefing. In his 20-minute speech, Prof Yunus reiterated what he said over the last one month and shared his plans, how they are proceeding, how and where reforms are required. Advisers Farida Akhter, Dr Asif Nazrul, Syeda Riawana Hasan, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud were also present at the view-exchange program.

The first meeting of the inquiry commission formed to identify and find the people who were forcibly disappeared by various intelligence and law enforcement agencies of the Government of Bangladesh, was held on Sunday. The meeting was held at the office of the commission in the capital's Gulshan area at 11am under the chairmanship of its president, retired Justice Moyeenul Islam Chowdhury. All members of the commission were present in the meeting, according to a press release signed by Tanvir Ahmed, deputy secretary of Cabinet Division. In the meeting, it was decided that a public notice will be issued to search for the missing persons. The proceedings of the commission will be conducted as usual from 10 am to 6 pm every day, except on public holidays. Earlier, the government formed a five-member commission of Inquiry to trace persons who have been forcibly disappeared by the members of law enforcement agencies. These agencies include Bangladesh Police, the Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh, Coast Guard, the Criminal Investigation Department, the Special Branch, the Ansar Battalion, National Security Intelligence, military forces, and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).

The USAID-funded Feed the Future Bangladesh Trade Activity held a validation workshop on the e-Appeal procedure, marking a pivotal advancement in the digitization of the country's Customs appeals system. The workshop brought together key figures from NBR and industry stakeholders to review and validate the newly developed e-Appeal modules aimed at transforming customs operations and streamlining the appeals process, according to a press release. The validation workshop highlighted the progress made in the development of the e-Appeal system, which currently includes eleven planned modules. These modules cover critical functions such as user registration, the e-appeal application, field office administration, reporting, and monitoring. Automated features such as system logs, security, and regular backups are also part of the design. Throughout the development, consultations with key stakeholders, including in-person and online presentations, were conducted to ensure both technical and legal compliance. The workshop included practical demonstrations of the e-Appeal system, offering participants an in-depth understanding of its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. This system promises to streamline the appeal process, reduce administrative burdens, and improve overall efficiency in Bangladesh’s Customs operations. In addition to the validation of the e-Appeal procedure, the workshop also featured the launching of the Post Clearance Audit Manual, jointly developed by NBR and the Trade Activity. The PCA Manual is an essential tool designed to enhance audit capabilities and ensure compliance with international standards, such as the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organization revised Kyoto Convention. It will play a key role in strengthening transparency and accountability in Customs operations. NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan expressed, “To overcome the challenges regarding operational expenditure, we need to invest in infrastructure, enhance our human resources, and modernize the NBR. We look forward to our development partners investing in these areas and bringing forward proposals that are best suited for Bangladesh’s needs.” The Trade Activity has taken the lead in digitizing the entire appeal process across Appeal Commissionerate offices and the Appellate Tribunal. This initiative began with a comprehensive review of the existing appeal procedures, comparing them against the new Customs Act and the WCO RKC to identify gaps.    

The National Citizens Committee made its debut on Sunday, as a platform to channel the hopes and aspirations of the various sections of society that came together led by the Anti-Discrimination Students movement, to topple the previous Awami League-led government last August 5. The 55-member committee announced today will work towards realising a political settlement among the various stakeholders and will remain committed to eradicating fascism in all its forms from society. To that end, it will act as a pressure group to restructure the state. Convenor Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwari announced the committee on behalf of the organization at an event at the Central Shaheed Minar in the afternoon. Nasiruddin has been a member of the Anti-Discrimination Students (ADS) movement's Liaison Committee. Akhtar Hossain, an ex-DUCSU secretary for social welfare, and central convener of Democratic Student Power (Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti), an alternative students' platform that was formed last year, will serve as the NCC's member secretary. Akhtar was a leading figure in the ADS movement.  Although he was careful to avoid the limelight, detectives eventually figured out his role and he was picked up by law enforcers on July 17. He would not be released till after Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country. Samantha Sharmin, a graduate of Dhaka University's Fine Arts Department who also played a leading role in the ADS movement, has been named as the NCC's  spokesperson. In a written statement coinciding with the launch of the NCC, Samantha said they  have started their work by forming a convening committee. They said they will initiate discussions with social, cultural and religious leaders, as well as people of various classes and professions who participated in the student-led uprising at all metropolitan, district and upazila levels very soon. 

Adviser of the interim government for Power and Energy Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has expressed Bangladesh’s keen interest in working jointly with Nepal in the power sector. He said that Bangladesh is also interested in increasing trade relations with the Himalayan nation. He made remarks when a 2-member delegation, led by Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari, met him in the conference room of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Sunday. Welcoming the Nepalese Ambassador, the adviser said that Nepal is a long-time neighbor of Bangladesh. They discussed various aspects of strengthening the relationship between the two countries through SAARC. Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari congratulated Power and Energy Adviser on his new responsibility and said that Nepal recognised the student movement from the beginning and expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. The Nepalese Envoy said that Nepal has good relations with Bangladesh from the beginning and expressed the hope that it will continue in the future. They also discussed the purchase of 40 MW of hydroelectric power from Nepal, the setting up of a 683 MW Sunkoshi-3 hydropower plant in a joint venture with Nepal and a Power Sale Agreement (PSA) for the import of 500 MW of power from Nepal's GMR Upper Karnali Hydropower Limited (GUKHL). During the meeting, Senior Secretary of Power Division Md. Habibur Rahman and Secretary of Railway Ministry Abdul Baki were present.

Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said the government is strictly against any mob justice, reiterating that the law will take its own course. “The government has a very clear position regarding mob justice. It can no way be allowed,” he said at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy.  The Special Assistant made the remarks when a reporter drew his attention against mob justice, including the killing of the BCL man. A former Bangladesh Chhatra League leader, who had a physical disability caused by violence in 2014, died early Sunday after being beaten by a mob in Rajshahi last night. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar and Apurba Jahangir were present at the briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy. Mahfuj said people will remain careful only to make sure that there is no compromise to hold perpetrators accountable. “People will only keep eyes so that there is no compromise (with the perpetrators) and no one betrays the martyrs and who got injured,” said the Special Assistant. Mahfuj said steps will be taken as per the law if anyone is found to be involved in any wrongdoing with the previous fascist government. He also mentioned about attacks on shrines and individuals      The Special Assistant said the government favours due process when a reporter wanted to know about wholesale cases that are being filed. Mahfuj said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus talked to the students on different issues, marking one month of the interim government. In his 20-minute speech, Prof Yunus reiterated what he said over the last one month and shared his plans, how they are proceeding, how and where reforms are required. “It was a kind of dialogue and discussion,” said the Special Assistant, adding that the Chief Adviser also explained things as asked by the students. Nearly 150 students from various educational institutions who played key roles on the ground were present at the opinion-exchange meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office. Mahfuj said issues related to Bangladesh-India relations also came up. “Sir (Prof Yunus) repeatedly said we need good relations with our neighbors but it needs to be based on equity and justice.” He said a student of Brac University raised the issue of using religions for politics but not religion based politics. On students’ politics, Mahfuj said there is an ongoing debate and discussion on various campuses which they encourage before taking any decision. Press Secretary Alam said there was an emotional atmosphere and they could not hold tears at one stage when Prof Yunus was sharing his experience based on what he saw in his eyes.

Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, a distinguished journalist known for his outspoken criticism of Sheikh Hasina's deposed authoritarian regime, is set to return to Bangladesh from the US on Thursday (Sept 12) after nearly a decade in exile. In a conversation with UNB, Mushfiq, a staunch advocate for press freedom and acclaimed for his fearless journalism, expressed his excitement about return home. “I’m thrilled to return home after such a long time. I am looking forward to reuniting with my loved ones, friends, and fellow journalists,” he said. Mushfiq reflected on his role as an international voice against the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina. “At last, the country has been liberated from despotic rule, paving the way for the restoration of democracy, freedom of expression, and other fundamental rights, thanks to the student-led mass uprising.” A leader from the pro-BNP faction of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists said a reception will be held in honor of Mushfiq at the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday evening to mark his return. Currently based in Washington, D.C., Ansarey continues his work as the White House and United Nations correspondent for JustNewsBD. He also serves as the Executive Director of the human rights organisation Right to Freedom and the Executive Editor of South Asia Perspectives, a foreign policy magazine. Through his work, Ansarey has consistently highlighted alleged human rights abuses, election fraud, and authoritarian governance in Bangladesh. Mushfiq’s critical journalism led to his exile in January 2013. Previously, he served as Assistant Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006 and held notable positions with various media outlets in Bangladesh, including The Daily Ittefaq and UNB. He also served as Chief Editor at JustNewsBD and anchored a programme on State Television, BTV, as well as hosted the popular TV show “Hello Excellency” on NTV, featuring numerous ambassadors and foreign dignitaries.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday urged students to keep up their efforts to build Bangladesh as a "dignified and unique" country. "Don’t give up until the task that you have taken up is completed," he told students at an opinion exchange meeting at the Chief Adviser's Office, alerting them that there might be efforts to isolate them from their nation-building work. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh did not get such an opportunity since its birth, and there will be no further if this opportunity is missed. "We will build a dignified and unique country together. People from the whole world would come and learn from you," he said, urging the students to keep up the momentum. "Don’t come out of your efforts," said Prof Yunus, adding that this is a collective dream that needs to be materialised. The Nobel Laureate said the young people who brought an opportunity to build a new Bangladesh are on the right track. “You are right and transparent in your thoughts. Write to us at least once in a month. Remind us repeatedly if anything remains undone. Keep reminding us so that we do not deviate from materializing your dream,” he said. Prof Yunus said the students have done an extraordinary job and they have no intention to deviate from doing whatever is necessary for building a new Bangladesh. He said the students did not only create a wave of change in the minds of people in Bangladesh but also in people around the world. Prof Yunus said this is the beginning of a new world led by the youth. “You are history.” Much of Dhaka has turned into the graffiti capital of the world. Young students and children aged as young as 12-13 have painted the walls of this 400 year old city with images of a new democratic environment-friendly Bangladesh. “This surprised me. Each word written on walls is important,” said Prof Yunus, adding that, “We are here to build a new Bangladesh. We need to do it together.” Nearly 150 students from various educational institutions who played key roles on the ground were present at the opinion-exchange meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said there was an emotional atmosphere and they could not hold tears at one stage when Prof Yunus was sharing his experience based on what he saw in his eyes. Advisers Farida Akhter, Dr Asif Nazrul, Syeda Riawana Hasan, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud were also present at the program.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has updated the online return filing system for individual taxpayers to file returns online for the year 2024-2025.  The updated online return filing system will be opened for taxpayers from September 9 (Monday), according to a press release from the NBR. It said that the NBR is determined to create a taxpayer-friendly, transparent and accountable tax administration.  To this end, it said, in the light of the Income Tax Act, 2023 and the Finance Act, 2024, the work of e-return system upgradation has been completed for filing of online returns for the tax year 2024-2025 of individual tax payers.  Individual tax payers use e-return system to prepare return themselves, file return online or take printout for offline filing return, pay tax through online banking, credit card/debit card or mobile financial services (Cash, Bikash, Rocket etc.), file return Get instant proof, income tax payment certificate and TIN certificate, copy of e-return filed for previous tax year, print or download proof of return filing. TIN and biometric verified mobile number in taxpayer's own name will be required to register in this system. After the National Board of Revenue launched the e-system in 2021, some 61,491 taxpayers filed e-returns in the fiscal year 2021-2022, 2,44,481 in the fiscal year 2022-2023 and 5,26,487 in the fiscal year 2023-2024. . Individual tax payers will be able to submit their e-returns for the tax year 2024-2025 by submitting their information on the National Board of Revenue's www.etaxnbr.gov.bd website from September 9.