United News of Bangladesh

At least 258 factories shut down over the past year, leaving more than 100,000 workers unemployed and heightening social and economic risks, according to a report by the Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA). Amrin Hossain Annie, Gender Officer of Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha, presented the findings at a dialogue titled “Actions Needed amid Technological Transition, Climate Change and Existing Labour Conditions” held at the National Press Club on Sunday. Presided over by labour leader Abul Hossain, the function was addressed, among others, by economist Prof MM Akash, Joint convenor of Sramik Karamchari Oikya Parishad Abdul Quader Howlader, President of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad Fouzia Moslem and Bangladesh Representative of AFWA Arifur Rahman. Speakers said the combined impact of technological transformation, climate change and fragile labour conditions had pushed the garment sector into a more complex and uncertain reality. They stressed the need for a coordinated roadmap integrating technology, climate resilience and labour rights to overcome the ongoing crisis. Amrin Hossain Annie said there was a clear disparity between the total profits generated by the garment industry and the wages received by workers. Despite Bangladesh’s critical position in the global supply chain, workers’ wages have yet to reach a living standard, she noted. Production costs and international competition are often shifted onto workers, limiting improvements in their quality of life. Currently, nearly four million workers are employed in the garment sector, more than 60 percent of them women. While women’s participation in the workforce is a major achievement for economic development, their access to safe employment, gender-sensitive workplaces and decision-making processes remains limited. Political instability, declining buyer confidence, export market competition, power and energy shortages, and the global economic slowdown have further deepened uncertainty in the sector, she added. Economist Professor MM Akash said resolving the crisis required coordinated action, including the declaration and enforcement of a humane, living national minimum wage. No worker’s wage should fall below the poverty line, he said, calling for rationing systems, training centres and the right to form trade unions across all sectors. He urged labour organisations to unite on a common platform to strengthen workers’ solidarity. In his closing remarks, labour leader Abul Hossain said resolving the industry’s problems required the participation of all stakeholders, including workers, owners and the government. He emphasised the need to address low wages and wage discrimination and to ensure healthy and safe working conditions in factories.  

Newly appointed Youth and Sports Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Sunday said action will be taken against corruption or irregularities in the Youth and Sports Ministry if there is any scope to act. “Two months is a very short time, yet I have set two priorities. One of them is to take steps against any form of corruption or irregularity if I get scope,” he told journalists during an introductory meeting with the ministry officials at its conference room at the Secretariat. Adviser Asif Nazrul was appointed to lead the Youth and Sports Ministry after the resignation of its adviser Asif Mahmud. Asif Nazrul said he was supposed to take charge on his first day with great enthusiasm and interest. “But now I could not say I am assuming responsibility with a joyful mind due to the shooting of Osman Hadi and the overall situation prevailing in the country afterward.” The adviser praised his predecessor Asif Mahmud saying he was a very successful adviser who did a lot of work, especially in the sports sector. He said the country has achieved several rare successes in sports under Asif Mahmud’s leadership that had not been achieved before. The adviser also mentioned the Youth Festival Fair as a very good programme and said he would maintain the continuity of the work done earlier while also looking into what new initiatives could be taken. He said he would try to activate stadiums outside Dhaka as well as various offices of the ministry in different districts.

The 'Restoring Mobility: Artificial Limb Support' initiative, a key component of the SMILE project supported by Chevron Bangladesh, concluded successfully in Sylhet, providing life-changing prosthetic and orthotic devices to 60 beneficiaries. The closing ceremony, held at a hotel in Sylhet, marked the culmination of the intervention implemented in collaboration with the Jalalabad Disabled Rehab Centre and Hospital (JDRCH). The project specifically targeted individuals from Sylhet and Nabiganj upazilas who had long struggled with physical disabilities and lacked access to affordable rehabilitation services. The event drew high-profile attendees, underscoring the strong public-private partnership behind the effort. The Additional Secretary of Coordination & Monitoring, Energy and Mineral Resources Division Md. Abdul Mannan was present at the event as the Chief Guest. Eric M. Walker, Managing Director and President, Chevron Bangladesh; Muhammad Imrul Kabir, Director, Corporate Affairs, Chevron Bangladesh; A K M Arif Akter, Head of Social Investment, Chevron Bangladesh; Helal Hussain, Country Director, Swisscontact; and Rtn. PP Engr. Shoaib Ahmed Matin, Chairman, Board of Trustees, JDRCH, were present on the occasion. The collaboration between Chevron Bangladesh, Swisscontact, and JDRCH was hailed as a powerful model for driving resilient and inclusive community development. Impact beyond medical assistance, the chief guest, Md. Abdul Mannan, highlighted that the artificial limb support goes far beyond medical aid, emphasizing its "broader social significance." “I sincerely appreciate Chevron Bangladesh, Swisscontact and JDRCH, whose collective partnership and expertise have improved mobility, and hope for persons with disabilities, demonstrating the power of collaborative action in creating meaningful societal change," he said. Eric M. Walker echoed this sentiment, noting that nearly 80 percent of people have limited access to such specialized support. He stated, "Every step taken by these beneficiaries is a strong step toward a better tomorrow." Helal Hussain of Swisscontact stressed the economic and social empowerment achieved: "This initiative was impactful and went beyond just mobility, it enabled them to return to work, continue education, actively engage in social life, and contribute economically while fostering greater inclusion within their communities.” Restoring Dignity and Livelihoods Muhammad Imrul Kabir reiterated Chevron's long-term commitment to Bangladesh, which extends beyond energy partnership. He noted that the SMILE project supports 9 out of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, including health, education, and inclusion for people with disabilities. The most moving part of the ceremony was the heartfelt testimonies from beneficiaries, who spoke about regaining independence and returning to work, education, and household responsibilities. The provision of prosthetic devices has stabilized household incomes and boosted personal confidence, creating a positive ripple effect that strengthens families and contributes to broader socio-economic development, the release concluded. Chevron Bangladesh and Swisscontact affirmed their continued efforts to improve livelihoods through sustainable and impactful development initiatives.

Bangladesh on Sunday observed the Martyred Intellectuals' Day paying rich tributes to a galaxy of intellectuals systematically killed by Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators just before the end of the Liberation War. Marking the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid homage to the nation's intellectuals at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur at 7am. Later, he stood there silently for a while. Followed by the President, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus also paid tribute to the nation's finest intellectuals and observed a silence for a while there. Family members of the martyred, freedom fighters and people from all walks of life paid tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreaths at the memorial in Mirpur and Rayerbazar Killing Ground in Mohammadpur. The government, socio-cultural, political organisations and different public universities observed the day with elaborate programmes. Dhaka University observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day through a series of programmes. On this occasion, black flags were hoisted at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and other important buildings of the university. Leaders and activists of different political and social organisations also paid homage to the martyred intellectuals at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard. Special doa and munajat are offered at mosques, temples and churches marking the day. Bangladesh Television and private television channels broadcasted special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. National dailies also published special supplements marking the day. On this day in 1971, some of the country’s renowned academicians, doctors, engineers, journalists, artists, teachers and other eminent personalities were dragged out of their homes, blindfolded and taken to unknown places. Their bodies were later found at Rayerbazar, Mirpur and some other killing fields in the capital. Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators committed the cold-blooded mass murder to cripple the emerging Bangladesh intellectually. Among the martyred intellectuals are Prof Munier Chowdhury, Dr Alim Chowdhury, Prof Muniruzzaman, Dr Fazle Rabbi, Sirajuddin Hossain, Shahidullah Kaiser, Prof GC Dev, JC Guha Thakurta, Prof Santosh Bhattacharya, Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury, journalists Khandaker Abu Taleb, Nizamuddin Ahmed, SA Mannan (Ladu Bhai), ANM Golam Mustafa, Syed Nazmul Haq and Selina Parvin.

Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain on Sunday said the labour law enacted under the interim government is the best Bangladesh has ever had, compared to all previous labour laws in the country’s history. “Considering all labour laws in Bangladesh’s history, it was not possible to have a better law than the one enacted during the interim government,” he said. Speaking at a programme organised by the Citizen’s Platform at city’s Agargaon, Sakhawat said major changes were brought to the Bangladesh Labour Act based on the recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission. “While there may be frustration over other reform commissions, we have introduced significant changes to the Labour Act following the labour reform commission’s recommendations. This law can truly be described as worker-friendly,” he said. Sakhawat said conflict of interest had long been a major obstacle to formulating a strong labour law, adding that although the law could have been improved further, the newly enacted law is the best possible within the limited time. The adviser said business leaders had accused him of prioritising workers alone. “That allegation is true. This labour law has been prepared keeping workers’ rights in mind. Chief Adviser gave me full freedom in drafting this law,” he said. The adviser said the International Labour Organization (ILO) has praised the new labour law, describing it as an ‘eye-opening law’. “The ILO said they never expected such a strong labour law from Bangladesh.” Expressing frustration over the state of public administration, Sakhawat said nearly every ministry is facing severe institutional collapse and has yet to fully recover. “In the few months I have worked across different ministries, I found all of them in a collapsed administrative state. Massive misappropriation of public funds takes place here. Being part of the cabinet, there are many things I want to say but cannot,” he said. The adviser expressed optimism that reforms initiated during the interim government’s tenure would be completed by an elected government. “When the interim government assumed office, the country was in a shattered state. It was not possible for this government to fix everything under such circumstances—this limitation cannot be denied,” he added.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday released the identities of Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed and injured in a terrorist drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Sudan’s Abyei region. The deceased peacekeepers are Corporal Md Masud Rana of the Army Service Corps from Natore; Soldier Md Mominul Islam (Bir) of Kurigram; Soldier Shamim Reza (Bir) of Rajbari; Soldier Shanta Mondol (Bir) of Kurigram; Mess Waiter Mohammad Jahangir Alam of Kishoreganj; and Laundry Worker Md Sabuj Mia of Gaibandha. Those injured are Lt Col Khondkar Khalekuzzaman, of the Ordnance Corps from Kushtia; Sergeant Md Mostakim Hossain (Bir) of Dinajpur; Corporal Afroza Parvin Iti of Signals from Dhaka; Lance Corporal Mohibul Islam of EME from Barguna; Soldier Md Mezbaul Kabir (Bir) of Kurigram; Soldier Umme Hani Akter of Engineering from Rangpur; Soldier Chumki Akter of Ordnance from Manikganj; and Soldier Md Manajir Ahsan (Bir) of Noakhali. The attack took place at the Kadugli Logistic Base under the UN peacekeeping mission between 3:40pm and 3:50pm (local time) on Saturday. According to the ISPR, a separatist armed group targeted the base by drones while Bangladeshi peacekeepers were on duty. The injured are receiving treatment while Mezbaul underwent a surgery and remains under close observation, according to the ISPR.  The rest of the injured were airlifted for advanced medical care and they are out of danger. Condemning the ‘heinous terrorist attack’ strongly, the Bangladesh Army said the sacrifice of the fallen peacekeepers would remain a proud testament to Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace. It also expressed deep condolences for the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly denounced the “horrific” drone attacks on a UN base in Sudan that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured eight others. He expressed his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Bangladesh as well as to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. “Attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and I remind all parties to the conflict of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians,” Guterres said in a statement. “Attacks as the one today in South Kordofan against peacekeepers are unjustifiable. There will need to be accountability.” The drone strikes targeted the UN logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, killing six and injuring eight peacekeepers, all members of the Bangladeshi contingent serving with the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, known as UNISFA. The oil-rich Abyei region lies between Sudan and South Sudan and has remained disputed since the two countries separated in 2011. Kadugli is the capital of South Kordofan state, where intense fighting has continued between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who have been locked in conflict for nearly three years. The Secretary-General also voiced solidarity with peacekeepers serving in high-risk missions worldwide. “I reiterate my call on the warring parties to agree on an immediate cessation of hostilities and to resume talks to reach a lasting ceasefire and a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process,” he said. In a separate social media post, the head of UN Peacekeeping, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, said he was “shocked by today’s horrific drone attack” and stressed that “UN peacekeepers are not a target,” adding that “this attack may constitute a war crime.” UNISFA was set up in 2011, with a mandate that includes strengthening the Abyei Police Service, monitoring and verifying the redeployment of forces, supporting humanitarian assistance, and protecting civilians. Nearly 4,000 military and police personnel, along with civilian staff, are currently serving with the mission.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman on Sunday said politicians and bureaucrats have failed to draw lessons from the July 2024 mass uprising. “Although the interim government formed several task forces, including six major commissions, with the aim of reforms, the key reforms could not be implemented due to bureaucrats. The first instance of mob violence in Bangladesh after July was created by bureaucrats at the Secretariat — within a week of the previous government’s fall, a mob situation emerged at the Secretariat at their behest. They are controlling everything,” he said. Iftekharuzzaman was speaking at an event organised by the Citizen’s Platform at city’s Agargaon. Iftekharuzzaman, who also heads the Anti-Corruption Reforms Commission, said the government has considered only three of the 47 recommendations submitted by him and the commission, while the fate of the remaining proposals remains unknown. “We proposed publishing the Anti-Corruption Commission’s report every six months, which would have enhanced transparency and accountability. But under pressure from bureaucrats, this proposal was not accepted. Most proposals capable of bringing reforms were dropped in this manner,” he said. Speaking on the Human Rights Commission ordinance, he said the government moved in the opposite direction of the recommendations made by the commission, adding that the ordinance has now become hostage to bureaucratic control. Politicians also face growing security concerns alongside citizens: Debapriya “Bangladesh was on the verge of getting a near-international-standard human rights law. But the entire process was ruined solely due to the mindset of bureaucrats,” he said. Alleging that the interim government resorted to secrecy over publishing the draft ordinance, Iftekharuzzaman said, “The government was repeatedly pressured to disclose the draft ordinance. But so far, it has not made any progress on the recommendations.” He also expressed concern that the Police Reform Commission may never see the light of day, citing the composition of the commission with several retired police officials and bureaucrats as a major reason. “I am an optimistic person. But it is not possible for us to besiege the Secretariat even if we want to. July was a major opportunity for positive change — but we failed to utilise it,” he added.

Industries and Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan on Sunday said the government would resist what he termed ‘remaining fascist forces’ in the country at any cost. He made the remarks at his office at the Local Government Ministry in the Secretariat on his first working day after assuming his new responsibilities. Replying to a question about the political environment ahead of the upcoming elections and the prospects of ensuring a fair atmosphere, Adilur said, “We will suppress the remaining fascist forces in the country and resist them. This government will stand by the July revolution fighters to protect the interests of the people of Bangladesh.” Speaking about his ministry’s activities ahead of the polls, he said there was a limited scope for undertaking major initiatives as the election schedule had already been announced. “Other than routine work, there is not much scope for new initiatives. We will try to carry out day-to-day activities and ensure that people receive the services they are entitled to,” he added. Asked about his plans after taking charge from the previous adviser, Adilur said discussions would be held with all concerned before deciding on future steps. “We will sit together, discuss matters and then decide the way forward. The two ministries have been operating in a certain manner, and we will try to continue that process,” he said. When asked about the shooting of an aspiring election candidate following the announcement of the election schedule, the adviser declined to comment.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the ‘conspiratorial fundamental changes’ to the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025. The process of forming the Commission under bureaucratic control has completely destroyed the possibility that had emerged for constituting the Commission independently of government influence, it said in a statement on Saturday. The organisation cited the fact that stakeholders involved in drafting the ordinance were kept in the dark, which illustrates how bureaucratic rigidity and even sabotage are holding the long-anticipated reform process hostage. The Cabinet Secretary was included on the Selection Committee solely to confirm government control of the process by maintaining authoritarian practices, said TIB. The organisation described these developments as embarrassing examples of the government’s surrender to bureaucrats with anti-reform interests. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “After the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance was published in gazette form, TIB and other stakeholders—despite identifying several weaknesses—had hoped that an opportunity had emerged to free the Commission from bureaucratic capture and to constitute it in line with public expectations and international standards. However, within just one month, on 9 December, the very Selection Committee that could have served as the cornerstone for preventing bureaucratic abuse of power has been transformed into an instrument of government control. The Human Rights Commission and other commissions in Bangladesh have long been ineffective due to government influence, and this change in the Selection Committee is essentially not an isolated incident but rather an example of a conspiratorial attempt to maintain the same process.” Describing this bureaucratic takeover of the Selection Committee—and the government’s acquiescence to it—as deeply disappointing, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that the amendment includes a commendable provision to establish a National Preventive Mechanism to prevent cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The inclusion of the Cabinet Secretary in the Selection Committee alone effectively undermines all prospects of the independence, impartiality, and effectiveness of the National Human Rights Commission and the very spirit of that provision. Dr. Zaman said replacing the obligation to inform the Commission of actions taken in cases of non-compliance with its orders with permissive wording such as “may be informed,” along with the addition of several similar provisions, has trampled all the positive potential that the ordinance was expected to deliver. TIB calls for election manifesto commitments to curb the misuse of powers and religion in politics TIB calls upon the government to immediately withdraw from this embarrassing position of surrender to a ‘sabotage-driven, anti-reform bureaucratic clique’ to repeal all imposed provisions in the ordinance—particularly the decision to include the Cabinet Secretary in the Selection Committee—and to completely overhaul the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance anew. It may be noted that Ordinance No. 62 for the formation of the National Human Rights Commission, which was published in the Gazette on 9 November 2025, did not include any representative of the bureaucracy in the Selection Committee as stipulated in Article 7. This demonstrated the government's and all stakeholders’ common understanding of the long-standing, difficult interaction with the National Human Rights Commission's inefficiency. However, in the subsequently amended Ordinance No. 74, published in the Gazette on 8 December, the Cabinet Secretary was unilaterally included in the Selection Committee—without informing any of the stakeholders involved in the drafting process—solely to ensure bureaucratic dominance over the committee, it added.