United News of Bangladesh

President Mohammed Shahabuddin expressed satisfaction over the preparations undertaken by the Election Commission (EC) ahead of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and the national referendum, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday (December 10, 2025). “The President expressed satisfaction after we informed him in detail,” Akhtar Ahmed said while talking to reporters after a meeting between Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, four election commissioners and the EC Secretary with the President at Bangabhaban. CEC briefs President on polls preparations announcement The Secretary said they informed the President about extending the balloting hours by one hour—now set from 7:30am to 4:30pm. “When we said that we extended the balloting hour by one hour from 7:30am to 4:30pm, he termed the decision logical and expressed his satisfaction,” he said. During the meeting, he said, they apprised the President of various preparatory activities, including the updating of electoral rolls and the registration of new political parties. The President was also briefed on the Commission’s plan to use two types of ballot papers—one for the national election and another for the referendum—to be held simultaneously on the same day, said Akhtar Ahmed. Election Commission to meet President Dec 10

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Wednesday briefed  President Mohammed Shahabuddin on the Commission’s overall preparations to hold the upcoming parliamentary elections and the referendum . The CEC along with other Election Commissioners met the President at Bangabhaban at noon ahead of the announcement of the schedule for the 13th national election, said a press release signed by Md Nesar Uddin Jewel, deputy secretary at the office of the president. The President expressed satisfaction over the Election Commission’s overall preparations, it said. Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat Md. Akhtar Ahmed; Secretary of the Public Division of the President’s Office Khan Md. Nurul Amin; and the Military Secretary to the President Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury  were present on the occasion. The election schedule is expected to be announced on Wednesday or Thursday. The EC also sent a letter to BTV and Bangladesh Betar to record the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) address on the same day.  

The Custom House, Chattogram has seized 4,200 kilograms of prohibited artificial sweetener Sodium Cyclamate from a container at Chattogram Port. According to an NBR press release, the intelligence wing of Chattogram Custom House conducted the operation based on secret information, with support from the Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) in Dhaka. The consignment was imported by Ejaz Trading, a Keraniganj-based firm, which had declared the shipment as Polyaluminium Chloride. The container carrying 22,088 kilograms of products from China arrived at the port on October 21. Acting on intelligence alerts, Customs officers suspended the release of the consignment and conducted a physical inspection on November 6. During the examination, officials found two different types of goods inside the container. Samples were collected and sent to the Customs laboratory for analysis. Laboratory tests confirmed that 17,800 kilograms matched the declared Polyaluminium Chloride while the remaining 4,200 kilograms were identified as Sodium Cyclamate — a sweetener banned in Bangladesh due to serious health risks. Sodium Cyclamate is 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar and is often misused in confectionery, processed food, beverages, chocolates and even baby food. Studies have linked the substance to cancer and severe kidney and liver complications. Customs authorities seized the undeclared sweetener under the Customs Act, 2023, and legal proceedings are underway. The NBR saidon September 16 and October 28, Customs intercepted two other consignments totalling nearly 100 tonnes of Sodium Cyclamate at Chattogram Port.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday described the upcoming national election as a historic opportunity to build a new Bangladesh, stressing that this post-uprising election must be made ‘memorable’ by ensuring it is conducted smoothly, peacefully and fairly. “We had seen elections before. Any sane person would say that the elections held in the past were not elections but fraud,” he said while giving instructions on election preparations to Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) across the country via video conference from the State Guest House Jamuna. All DCs and Cabinet Division officials were also connected online. Prof Yunus emphasised that the upcoming polls are far more than routine administrative responsibilities. “This is a historic responsibility. If we can fulfill it properly, the next election day will become historic for the people as well," he said. Prof Yunus congratulates youth hockey team on lifting Challenger title Mentioning that the election schedule will be announced soon, Prof Yunus urged the UNOs to plan and prepare now for when, how, and what work must be done until the election is completed. “History has given us a new opportunity. Another generation will not get this opportunity,” he said, adding, “If we can utilize it, we will be able to build a new Bangladesh. If we fail, the nation will be in trouble.” About UNOs, he said, “Only if you fulfill your responsibilities properly will the government be able to fulfil its responsibilities successfully.” Charting a path towards building equal society; strengthening democracy: Prof Yunus Prof Yunus highlighted the importance of both the upcoming national election and the referendum, calling each crucial for the nation’s future. “The election is for the next five years, and the referendum is for a hundred years.” Regarding the referendum, he said it carries the potential to permanently transform Bangladesh. “Through this, we can lay the foundation of the new Bangladesh we want to create.” He reminded newly appointed UNOs that their primary responsibility is to organise a peaceful and participatory election. He advised them to visit all polling stations in their respective areas, consult with stakeholders, local communities, and colleagues, and make thorough preparations for “a beautiful election." Stressing the need to raise voter awareness about the referendum, he said voters must understand that they should clearly decide whether they will vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. The Chief Adviser likened election officials to midwives. “If the midwives are good, the babies born are also good,” he said, underscoring the crucial role of administrators. He instructed officials to act creatively in handling any situation and to take effective measures to prevent misinformation and rumors. Emphasising the participation of women in the polls, he said it must be ensured that women can come to the polling stations safely and without difficulty. Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah, Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, and Public Administration Secretary Md Ehsanul Haque were also present.  

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Wednesday underscored the urgent need to curb VAT leakage, widen both VAT and income tax coverage, and modernise Bangladesh’s tax administration. “Bangladesh’s economic progress depends fundamentally on its ability to mobilise domestic resources rather than relying excessively on foreign loans and grants,”he said at a seminar organised at the Multipurpose Hall of the Revenue Building in the capital to mark VAT Day and VAT Week. The Adviser stressed that VAT remains one of the most powerful and modern forms of taxation worldwide, yet Bangladesh continues to collect far less VAT as a share of GDP compared to neighbouring countries even though the economy has expanded significantly. “There is no doubt about the need for VAT. In many countries, VAT contributes far more to national income. In our country, however, VAT collection remains extremely low compared to GDP,” he said. The Finance Adviser pointed out that a major obstacle is VAT leakage at the retail and business levels. “A very unfortunate reality in Bangladesh is that VAT sometimes does not reach the government’s treasury,” he said. He called for a fundamental shift in mindset among businesses and consumers so that both parties accept VAT as a national obligation and insist on proper documentation and compliance. He urged customers to demand VAT invoices and expect businesses to remit VAT properly. “People must be convinced that paying VAT ultimately benefits them—through improved public services,” he added. Dr Ahmed also expressed concern about the country’s chronically low tax-to-GDP ratio, saying Bangladesh cannot fulfill its development ambitions without strengthening domestic revenues. Priority sectors such as education, healthcare and social protection remain constrained when the state is forced to rely on external borrowing, he said. “The biggest challenge is that our tax-GDP ratio is extremely low. Without increasing our own resources, how will we carry out development work? Loans and grants restrict our flexibility and limit our ability to prioritise the needs of our people,” he said. “For people to pay tax willingly, the government must ensure that taxpayers receive services and trust that their money is used properly,” he said. The Finance Adviser urged the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to move swiftly to broaden the system, modernise processes and make tax compliance more convenient. He also suggested gradually reducing reliance on supplementary duties, increasing the share of income tax and VAT, and strengthening non-tax revenues. “If the system is made easier and modernised, people will not hesitate to pay VAT. We must expand good practices, reduce hassle, and strengthen enforcement to ensure that VAT reaches the treasury,” he said. He expressed optimism that if reforms continue over the next two months, a significantly modernised and streamlined system will be ready for the next government to take forward. Through rationalisation of tax expenditures, he said that the scope of VAT has expanded, which is reflected in this year’s budget. Revenue growth up to November has been 15%, a result the government had not even expected, he said. “This achievement comes at a time when government expenditure especially capital spending has been curtailed. Rising revenue alongside restrained expenditure indicates that the private sector’s contribution to economic growth is increasing,” he added. NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan said VAT is often misunderstood—businesses believe they pay VAT, but in reality they only collect it on behalf of the government from consumers. “They pay income tax, but VAT is not their tax; it is collected and deposited with the government. Import duties, too, ultimately fall on consumers.” He said no advanced country relies on trade-based taxes for major revenue, and Bangladesh must shift toward domestic sources. “Despite the potential of income tax, significant leakage exists. Ultimately, he said, most revenue should come from income tax, followed by VAT, while customs duties should play a minimal role. LDC graduation will make this shift unavoidable.” He said the VAT system has become unnecessarily complicated and needs simplification, especially ensuring that businesses understand the VAT credit mechanism. Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Economic Relations Division Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Financial Institutions Division Nazma Mobarek, FICCI Vice President Yasir Azman , ICCB president Mahbubur Rahman and Policy Research Institute chairman Dr Zaidi Sattar also spoke. NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan Presided over the seminar where NBR Member (VAT audit) Syed Mushfequr Rahman presented the keynote paper. NBR Member (VAT Policy) Md Azizur Rahman delivered the welcome address.  

Claiming that the election season is already underway across the country, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Wednesday said the upcoming national election will be held in a festive, fair and inclusive manner. He affirmed that the government is actively working to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process. The adviser made the remarks while talking to journalists at the inauguration of two model mosques in Natore. Addressing concerns about corruption, he warned that strict action would be taken if any irregularities or defects are found in the construction of model mosques. On the issue of electricity supply at mosques, he said discussions with the Ministry of Power are ongoing and solutions are expected soon. He also emphasised that no irregularities will be tolerated in Hajj management, noting that Tk 82.8 crore was refunded last year and that refunds will be ensured this year as well. Senior officials from the Public Works Department, Natore Deputy Commissioner Asma Shaheen, Superintendent of Police MA Wahab, and other government representatives were present at the event.  

Police on Wednesday (December 10, 2025) arrested Ayesha, the young domestic help who had been working at the flat for only four days, in connection with the murders. She was detained during a drive in Nalchity upazila of Jhalakathi around 1pm, said Abdullah Al Mamun, Assistant Commissioner (Mohammadpur zone) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police under the Tejgaon Division. The victims—Layla Afroz, 48, and her daughter, Nafisa Binte Aziz, 15—were found dead hours earlier by Layla’s husband, AZM Azizul Islam, who rushed home after failing to reach them. Read more: Mother, daughter found dead at Mohammadpur flat He filed a case with Mohammadpur Police Station that same night, launching an investigation now centred on the young domestic worker who had recently entered their lives. A Young Helper With Troubled Past According to the case statement, Ayesha had only just begun part-time work at the family’s flat. Police said that she originally hailed from Rangpur but had been staying with an uncle and aunt at Geneva Camp after reportedly losing both her parents in a fire—details that paint a portrait of a vulnerable girl navigating an uncertain life in the capital. Chilling Movements Captured on CCTV Investigators say building CCTV footage has emerged as a crucial piece of evidence. At 7:51am on Monday, Ayesha was seen entering the premises dressed in a burqa. Less than two hours later, at 9:35am, she appeared again—this time in the school uniform of Nafisa, wearing a mask and carrying the teenager’s school bag as she exited the building. Read more: Domestic help sued over Mohammadpur double murder The change of clothing and hurried departure have deepened suspicions about her role in the killings. Missing Valuables, Possible Motive The complainant told police that several items—including a mobile phone, laptop and gold jewellery—were missing from the flat. Investigators say the disappearance of valuables suggests that burglary may have been a motive, though the brutality of the killings points to a crime far more complex. Arrest in Jhalakathi Raises Questions Why Ayesha travelled to Nalchity upazila and who, if anyone, helped her flee remain part of the ongoing inquiry. Her arrest marks a significant breakthrough, but police say they are now focused on retracing her steps between the time she left the flat and her eventual capture. Read more: Mohammadpur Murders: Chilling details emerge as hunt for domestic help intensifies

A driver was killed in a head-on collision between two trucks in Jhenaidah district on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Rabiul Islam, 60, a resident of Shapahati village in Shalikha upazila of Magura district. The accident occurred around 9:30 pm near Markaz Mosque on Dhaka-Jhenaidah highway, on the outskirts of the town. According to police, a truck carrying sand from Panchagarh was heading toward Jashore when it collided head-on with another truck-loaded with paddy straw from Magura, leaving Rabiul who was driving the straw-laden truck, critically injured. On information, fire service personnel rescued him and rushed him to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital where doctors declared him dead. Dr. Hamidur Rahman Belal of Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital said the trucker succumbed due to excessive bleeding. Highway police seized both trucks, and the body was kept at the hospital morgue.

Health assistants on Tuesday continued their sit-in in front of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) for the 12th consecutive day, pressing for amendments to recruitment rules, removal of salary disparities and recognition of their technical status. Hundreds of health assistants filled the DGHS premises in Mohakhali with protest chants, accusing the authorities of decades of deprivation and repeated breaches of commitment. On December 7, health assistants from across the country held a daylong protest at the DGHS and later announced an extended sit-in in Dhaka with representatives from all 64 districts. From 10am on Wednesday, health assistants, assistant health inspectors and health inspectors — under the banner of the Bangladesh Health Assistant Association, representing 26,000 frontline workers — continued their full-day work abstention for the 12th straight day. Their six-point demand includes: amending recruitment rules to require a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and upgrading the post to Grade 14; granting Grade 11 and technical status to those who completed the in-service diploma; ensuring higher grades through sequential promotions; including all health assistants and inspectors in the graduate pay scale without requiring additional training; adding previously obtained time scale or higher scale benefits during pay scale revision; and granting equivalency recognition to those who completed the in-service diploma (SIT). The demonstrators said they never intended to disrupt essential health services at the grassroots level, but after 27 years of unfulfilled promises and no progress, they were ‘left with no choice’ but to intensify their agitation. They alleged that DGHS officials repeatedly forwarded ‘incorrect information’ to the ministry, causing the file to be returned multiple times. They also claimed that the original government order (G.O.) issued in 1985, which created the post of health assistant, has gone ‘missing’ from DGHS records. Around 2,200 health assistants who completed the SIT diploma said their qualification still remains unrecognised. They reiterated their demands for Grade 14, Grade 11 with technical status for diploma holders, recognition of equivalency, inclusion in the graduate scale, and structured promotion pathways. Health assistants play a key role in primary healthcare — conducting household visits; registering births and deaths; registering pregnant women and newborns; identifying tuberculosis patients; supervising DOTS medication; and organising courtyard meetings and mother gatherings. Despite these responsibilities, they said they receive just Tk 600 as travel allowance and a basic salary of Tk 9,700, while officials who once ranked below them have since progressed far ahead in grade and pay. Health Assistants Association's demo continues for second day Fazlul Haque Chowdhury, Member-Secretary of the Association’s Central Coordination Committee, said the sit-in would continue until the government issues the G.O. resolving their demands. “Our file has already been sent to the Ministry of Public Administration. We hope the government will seriously consider the demands of frontline workers who serve the grassroots. Once the G.O. is issued, we will return to our workplaces,” he said. The work abstention began on November 29 at the Shaheed Minar before shifting to the DGHS premises, drawing participation from health workers across all districts. Due to the ongoing protest, around 120,000 temporary vaccination centres remain closed, forcing mothers and children to return without receiving vaccines. Rural health services have also been severely disrupted. Health assistants warned that unless the crisis is resolved soon, mothers and children may face higher risks of infectious diseases.

A man, who suffered burn injuries in a gas leak explosion in the Kanchpur area of Sonargaon, Narayanganj on Saturday, died while undergoing treatment in Dhaka on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Alauddin, 35. He breathed his last around 8:30pm while receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dr Shawon Bin Rahman, resident surgeon of the institute, said. He said four people were brought to the institute early Saturday after a gas line leak triggered an explosion at their home around 3am. Body of unidentified man with burnt face recovered in Kushtia Of them, Alauddin sustained 40 percent burns, Jarina Begum 20 percent, Sathi Akter 12 percent, and four-year-old Saima 30 percent, the surgeon said. All three are currently receiving treatment at the institute, he added. The explosion occurred after gas accumulated inside the house, officials said.