United News of Bangladesh

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has outlined a wide range of legal and institutional reforms carried out by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs since the July mass uprising, amid criticism over his role. In a Facebook post, he said while the work was done collectively by the ministry, he had personally been involved in every initiative, often working long hours, including weekends, to ensure implementation. Responding to critics, he urged them to review the ministry’s work before passing judgment. South Plaza chosen for oath to honour July Uprising legacy: Asif Nazrul According to the post, the ministry implemented 22 legal reforms, 15 institutional reforms and digitalisation measures, recommended withdrawal of 23,866 politically motivated harassment cases, supported genocide trials related to the July uprising, and significantly increased daily administrative output. Legal Reforms Among the key reforms highlighted: The International Crimes (Tribunal) Ordinance was updated to align with international standards, incorporating enforced disappearance as a crime against humanity, ensuring witness protection, allowing international observers, introducing interim appeal provisions, and enabling victim compensation. The Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance established an independent Judicial Council to ensure merit-based appointments. The Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance ensured greater judicial independence by transferring administrative and financial authority over subordinate courts to the judiciary. A Commercial Courts Ordinance introduced specialised courts with documentary-based trials, expedited case disposal, mediation, virtual hearings and online case management. ‘World Cup boycott was govt’s  decision, I remain firm on this’: Asif Nazrul The National Human Rights Commission Ordinance, 2025 restructured the commission, enhancing its investigative and compensation powers and establishing a national preventive mechanism against torture under OPCAT. Commissioners were appointed through a public notice and interview process for the first time. The Prevention of Enforced Disappearance Ordinance, 2025 defined enforced disappearance, set maximum punishment including the death penalty, empowered the NHRC to investigate, mandated trial completion within 120 days, and provided compensation and property use provisions for victims’ families. The July Mass Uprising (Protection and Accountability) Ordinance provided protection to participants of the uprising while ensuring accountability for serious crimes. It also withdrew civil and criminal cases filed against protesters for political resistance and barred new such cases. Amendments to the Code of Civil Procedure introduced affidavit-based testimony, online summons and enforcement of decrees within the main suit. Criminal law reforms ensured transparency and accountability in arrest and remand processes, safeguarded accused persons’ rights, removed gender-insensitive terminology and addressed false case harassment. Mandatory pre-case mediation was introduced in certain disputes. In 20 districts, ADR initiatives led to a 339.86% increase in successful settlements between September and December 2025, while dowry cases fell by 79.74%. Amendments to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act set investigation and trial deadlines, introduced accountability for investigators, ensured witness protection, created separate tribunals for child rape cases and recognised abuse of male children as an offence. Two options under consideration for oath of new MPs: Asif Nazrul Reforms to the Representation of the People Order introduced postal ballots for expatriates and strengthened judicial oversight of election-related offences. The Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, formulated jointly with the ICT Ministry, repealed repressive provisions of the previous cyber law and cancelled related cases. Amendments to Power of Attorney rules simplified procedures for expatriates, allowing execution without a valid Bangladeshi passport if supported by “No Visa Required” status, birth certificate or NID. Marriage Registration Rules were amended to remove gender-discriminatory provisions and allow online marriage and divorce registration. The ministry also assisted other ministries in drafting ordinances related to the Anti-Corruption Commission, Police Reform Commission and amendments to telecommunications law. Institutional Reforms and Digitalisation The ministry reported adopting three separate rules to strengthen judicial service independence, granting the Supreme Court authority to create judicial posts and establishing clear posting and promotion rules. Information and Service Centres were established in all court premises nationwide to reduce harassment and provide case updates. Centralised recruitment through the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission was initiated to fill 2,733 vacant court positions. Asset declarations of subordinate court judges were collected and reviewed as part of anti-corruption measures. A Prosecution Monitoring Cell was formed to oversee cases related to crimes committed against students and civilians during July–August events. Oman to reopen work visas for Bangladesh soon: Asif Nazrul Digital initiatives included online testimony for government officials, regular e-cause list updates in 80% of courts, launch of e-Family Courts in Dhaka and Chattogram, introduction of e-bail bonds in nine districts reducing procedural steps from 14 to one, and full digitalisation of attestation services in the ministry. The National Legal Aid Directorate was established, introducing emergency legal assistance, expatriate support and a new hotline (16699). Civil court renaming removed confusion by replacing “Assistant Judge Court” with “Civil Judge Court” and “Senior Civil Judge Court.” Civil and criminal courts were separated, and a record 1,605 new courts were created. Registration services reforms introduced modern digital systems, with plans for biometric verification and online deed storage to prevent fraud. Withdrawal of Harassment Cases Following district-level review and ministry evaluation, 23,866 politically motivated cases were recommended for withdrawal. Public notices were issued to ensure affected individuals could apply. Additionally, 410 speech-related cases under cyber laws and nearly all cases filed against student protesters during the July–August uprising were withdrawn, benefiting several hundred thousand people. Genocide Trial Support The ministry facilitated appointment of judges and prosecutors of the International Crimes Tribunal for genocide cases linked to the July uprising, provided logistical support and oversaw prosecution work. Four verdicts have been delivered, at least six cases are in final stages, and trials including enforced disappearance cases have begun. Increased Administrative Output In the past one and a half years, 2,281 files were disposed of at the ministerial level compared to 1,235 during the same period under the previous government. The ministry provided 578 legal opinions to various ministries and departments (compared to 210 previously) and organised a record 15 stakeholder consultations on lawmaking. Rule of law biggest challenge despite progress: Asif Nazrul It also provided secretarial support to reform commissions on the Constitution, election system, judiciary, enforced disappearance investigations and the National Consensus Commission. For the first time, codification of rules and regulations has begun. A compilation of 127 ordinances and one order issued under the interim government has been published. Due to the departure of previously appointed law officers during the past regime, around 5,500 law officers were newly appointed over the last 18 months — a record in Bangladesh’s history. The ministry also provided secretarial assistance in appointing the Chief Justice and five Appellate Division judges, as well as 48 High Court Division judges. Asif Nazrul mentioned that the details of work done at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare would also be published before the nation in the near future.

Bangladesh Bank has rescheduled the office timings for all finance companies operating in observance of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. According to a circular issued by the Department of Financial Institutions and Markets (DFIM) on Monday, the new office timings to accommodate employees and clients during the fasting period. The central bank has directed that all finance companies follow the schedule below starting from the first of Ramadan. An overview of Ramadan and how Muslims observe the sacred month From Sunday to Thursday, office time set 9:30 am to 4:00 pm includes a 15-minute break from 1:15 PM to 1:30 PM for Zuhr prayers. The directive, signed by Director Syed Mahbubul Alam, specifies that office hours will revert to the standard pre-Ramadan schedule immediately following the conclusion of the holy month. All Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of banks and finance companies have been instructed to ensure the immediate implementation of these timings.

The Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation rate has remained at a five-year low in the first seven months of the running fiscal during the tenure of the interim government, continuing the trend observed over the past several months, according to the latest progress report. Data released by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the Ministry of Planning shows that the pace of spending and execution has slowed significantly compared to previous years, raising concerns about delays in development activities. NEC cuts ADP by Tk 30,000 crore The implementation progress during the July–January period remains subdued. In the first seven months of FY2025–26, total spending reached Tk 50,556.29 crore, representing 21.18 percent of the annual allocation. During the same period of FY2024–25, implementation stood at Tk 59,876.87 crore or 21.52 percent. In FY2023–24, the implementation rate for the July–January period was 27.11 percent with expenditure amounting to Tk 74,464.19 crore. The rate was 28.16 percent in FY2022–23 with spending of Tk 72,090.21 crore, while FY2021–22 recorded 30.21 percent implementation, with Tk 71,532.97 crore spent. However, For the current fiscal year 2025–26, the total ADP allocation stands at Tk 238695.64 crore. In comparison, allocations in recent years were Tk 278,888.90 crore in 2024–25, Tk 274,874.02 crore in 2023–24, Tk 265,003.27 crore in 2022–23 and Tk 236,793.09 crore in 2021–22. Officials said the current year’s rate is the lowest among the last five years for the corresponding period, indicating a continued slowdown in project execution. Monthly data also reflects the sluggish pace. In January alone, ADP implementation in FY2025–26 stood at Tk 8,679.42 crore, accounting for just 3.64 percent of the annual allocation. In January of the previous fiscal year, spending was slightly higher at Tk 9,874.53 crore, or 3.55 percent of the allocation. The persistent slowdown has been attributed to multiple factors, including administrative adjustments, cautious expenditure management and slower approval processes during the interim administration period. Project officials have also pointed to delays in procurement, land acquisition and fund release as key reasons behind the lower execution rate. Record low ADP implementation rate clouds Planning Ministry's performance in 2025 As per the economists, the ADP plays a critical role in driving economic activity, employment and infrastructure development. A sustained slowdown in implementation may affect overall growth momentum, especially in sectors reliant on public investment. Despite the lower execution rate, planning ministry officials expressed hope that spending would accelerate in the remaining months of the fiscal year as ministries and agencies traditionally speed up project implementation towards the end of the budget cycle. The ADP is the government’s primary development budget, financing major infrastructure, social sector and regional development projects. A higher implementation rate is generally seen as a sign of strong administrative capacity and efficient project management, while slower spending often signals bottlenecks in execution. With less than half the fiscal year remaining, the pace of implementation in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the government can narrow the gap with previous years or whether FY2025–26 will end with the lowest execution rate in recent times.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has brought back 73 Bangladeshi fishermen who were detained by the Arakan Army at different times while fishing in the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar district. The fishermen were returned through the Jaliapara transit ghat in Teknaf around 4:30pm on Monday following a series of negotiations with the Arakan Army, said Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed, commander of BGB’s Ramu Sector. The Arakan Army formally handed over the fishermen to the BGB at zero line of the Naf River. After completing necessary procedures, they were brought back to Bangladesh and handed over to their families through local administration, he said. Efforts are going on to secure the release of other detained fishermen, he added. At least 200 fishermen had reportedly been detained by the Arakan Army at different times from the Naf River and the Bay of Bengal areas.  

Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation and World Bank on Monday signed a US$150.75 million financing agreement to strengthen skills development and expand employment opportunities for the country’s youth. The agreement was signed by PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader and the World Bank’s Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, Jean Pesme. The funding will serve as additional financing for the Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) project being implemented by PKSF. The RAISE project was launched in 2022 with an initial financing of US$250 million and was originally scheduled for completion in June 2026. With the new financing, the project timeline will be extended until December 2030. The budget for the extended phase will reach US$280.65 million, while the remaining funds will be mobilised by PKSF and its partner organisations. Between 2022 and 2030, the total allocation for the RAISE project will now stand at US$536.50 million, equivalent to approximately Tk 61 billion. The project aims to raise incomes and enhance the skills of unemployed youth, micro-entrepreneurs and workers engaged in the informal sector. By December 2030, more than 400,000 people are expected to benefit directly, while four to five times as many may benefit indirectly. PKSF, BARC join hands to boost agricultural research and growth In the extended phase, special emphasis will be placed on supporting young people from remote and climate-vulnerable areas, including chars, haor regions and the hill tracts. To encourage greater participation of women in the informal sector, an initiative has been taken to establish home-based childcare centres. Under the project, young people are receiving market-oriented technical training. Through the traditional ustad-shagred model, participants gain practical, hands-on skills aligned with labour market needs, alongside support for job placement. At the same time, young micro-entrepreneurs are being provided with affordable credit and capacity-building support to help expand their businesses and generate additional employment.

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued traffic guidelines ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Members of Parliament (MP) and the newly formed cabinet, scheduled to be held on Tuesday. The swearing-in of the newly elected MPs will take place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, while members of the new cabinet will take oath at the South Plaza of the parliament complex. A large gathering is expected in and around the Parliament area throughout the day, forcing the authorities to impose restrictions in some key points from 8am to 7pm. No fear as voting proceeds peacefully despite rumours: DMP Commissioner The DMP has requested all drivers to avoid Manik Mia Avenue and Lake Road from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Feb 17 and to follow the diversion instruction to avoid traffic congestion. The vehicular movement will remain restricted from Khejur Bagan Crossing to Manik Mia Avenue and along Lake Road from July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum to Urojahaj Crossing during the event. To minimise temporary inconvenience caused by traffic control measures, DMP’s Traffic Division has arranged diversions to ensure smooth vehicular movement. Diversion points and alternative routes: Mirpur Road to Farmgate via Manik Mia Avenue: Vehicles coming from the northern parts via Mirpur Road towards Farmgate/Sonargaon will proceed through Defence Gap and proceed through China Friendship Conference Center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing towards Farmgate. 26,515 police deployed in capital for election security: DMP Dhanmondi to Farmgate: Vehicles from Dhanmondi 27 will move via Asad Gate–Defence Gap, turn right towards the conference center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing and then right towards Farmgate Crossing. Asad Gate to Farmgate Crossing: From Asad Gate, vehicles will turn left towards Ganabhaban Crossing (July Smriti Jadughar), proceed to Defence Gap, then turn right towards the conference center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing and finally right towards Farmgate Crossing. Elevated Expressway/Indira Road to Dhanmondi: Vehicles coming from the Elevated Expressway or Indira Road will move via Khejur Bagan Crossing, turn right towards Urojahaj Crossing, then left towards the conference center, left again at Defence Gap and proceed via Asad Gate to Dhanmondi. Mirpur Road to Dhanmondi: As the blockade on Manik Mia Avenue will be lifted, southbound vehicles from Mirpur Road will travel via Shyamoli–Shishu Mela–Ganabhaban (July Uprising Memorial Museum)–Asad Gate towards Dhanmondi 27. Elevated Expressway: To avoid congestion during the ceremony, commuters are advised to use the FDC (Hatirjheel) ramp instead of the Farmgate exit ramp. 37 Dhaka polling centres under risk watch: DMP Commissioner

Bangladesh Bank on Monday issued a special warning against the growing circulation and promotional use of ‘sample notes’ designed to resemble genuine currency, saying such practices risk fuelling counterfeit activities and destabilising the country’s monetary management system. In a notice, the central bank said misleading videos and images have recently been circulating on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, showing the use of oversised or replica ‘sample notes’ closely matching the design and dimensions of authentic banknotes for marketing campaigns and content creation. It also observed instances where papers resembling real currency are being used in public places and markets for various commercial promotions. Bangladesh Bank keeps policy rate at 10% as inflation risks persist The central bank cautioned that such activities could indirectly encourage the spread of counterfeit notes and pose risks to overall currency management. Bangladesh Bank said producing, using or distributing any document, paper or object that resembles a circulating banknote and is capable of causing confusion constitutes a punishable offence under Section 489(e) of the Penal Code, 1860. Legal action will be taken against individuals or institutions found involved in such activities, it warned. The bank also noted that disseminating false, misleading or rumour-based information through digital platforms may be considered a punishable offence under Section 25 of the Cyber Security Act, 2023. In this context, the central bank urged the public to remain vigilant to prevent the circulation of counterfeit notes and to refrain from creating or sharing misleading content or engaging in unauthorised promotional activities involving imitation currency. Calling for greater awareness, Bangladesh Bank advised people to recognise genuine banknotes, ensure secure transactions and visit its official website to learn about the security features of authentic currency notes. In recent times, many businesses have been distributing promotional leaflets designed to resemble currency notes in an effort to capture public attention. These sample notes, styled after Tk 500 or Tk 1,000 bills, typically feature an image of the note on one side and the company’s advertisement on the other. This unconventional marketing tactic has widely circulated across various social media platforms. Some individuals, out of novelty or during weddings and other social events, have been producing imitation notes and sharing videos of money being tossed in celebration. As these practices have come to the notice of Bangladesh Bank, the central bank has issued a warning on the matter.  

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will launch a large-scale mobile truck sales program across the country tomorrow, (February 17), to provide essential commodities at subsidized rates for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. According to a press release issued by the corporation today, the initiative is designed to support low-income individuals during the fasting month. A total of 450 mobile trucks will be deployed nationwide, covering the following areas: Dhaka Metropolitan:50 trucks  Chattogram Metropolitan: 20 trucks  Other Metropolitan Areas: 15 trucks each across 7 cities  Other Districts: 5 trucks each across the remaining 55 districts  The mobile truck sales will run for 20 days, from February 17 to March 12, 2026, excluding Fridays and public holidays. TCB aims to serve approximately 3.5 million beneficiaries by selling nearly 23,000 metric tons of goods through this channel. Notably, any consumer is eligible to purchase products directly from these trucks. 5 new products to be included in TCB sales from Nov: Commerce Adviser The TCB has fixed the prices and maximum purchase limits per consumer as follows: Edible Oil: Tk115 per litre (Max 2 litres)  Sugar: Tk80 per kg (Max 1 kg)  Lentils (Masoor Dal): Tk70 per kg (Max 2 kg)  Chickpeas (Chola): Tk60 per kg (Max 1 kg)  Dates: Tk160 per kg (Max 0.5 kg)  In addition to the truck sales, TCB will continue its regular distribution to 6.6 million Smart Family Cardholder families. These families will receive approximately 40,300 metric tons of goods in February and 33,000 metric tons in March. While prices for oil, sugar, and lentils remain unchanged for cardholders, they will also be able to purchase chickpeas at Tk60 per kg and dates at Tk160 per kg specifically for Ramadan.

Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is a land of mystery, danger, and constant risk. Yet it is here that the region’s traditional honey collectors, known as Mawalis, venture deep into the wilderness, often risking their lives to harvest honey. Their courage and resilience are at the heart of a new documentary titled Sahosei Bikash (Courage to Prosperity), said a media release on Monday. Released on 14 December marking ‘Sundarbans Day’, the three‑minute‑forty‑seven‑second documentary portrays the harsh realities of the honey collectors’ lives. It captures how they brave tigers, crocodiles, venomous snakes, unpredictable tides and the lurking threat of quicksand, all while gathering honey inside one of the world’s most unforgiving ecosystems. Expatriates remit Tk 200bn via bKash in 2025 The documentary also shows how the honey collectors often stay away from their families for weeks at a time. After risking their lives to earn an income, they now rely on the safety and convenience of mobile wallets to store their hard‑earned money and send money back home without hassle. Documentary reveals that even while working in remote forest areas, honey collectors prefer not to carry cash due to security concerns. Instead, they use their bKash accounts to conduct transactions, both for selling honey and for safeguarding their earnings. This digital access allows them to remain emotionally and financially connected with their families despite the physical distance. The film presents a powerful reflection of how technology is delivering reliability and safety to people living in some of the country’s most inaccessible regions. As a result, bKash has emerged as a trusted companion in their lives. Driven by the desire to ensure the well-being and happiness of their loved ones, the honey collectors repeatedly venture deep into the Sundarbans, risking their lives time and again with unwavering courage. Customers win Nepal, Cox’s Bazar tour thru travel payment with bKash The documentary on honey collectors life is available on Amar bKash Facebook page, Instagram page, and YouTube channel-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo0pxJHrvSk. For nearly fifteen years, bKash has been a trusted financial partner for millions of users across Bangladesh, serving people in cities, towns, villages, hills, coastal regions and remote areas. By offering simple, secure and time‑saving digital services, bKash continues to empower customers with freedom, capability and safety in their financial transactions.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday said false and misleading information is being circulated in its name regarding allegations of fake votes in the 13th parliamentary election. In a press release, the organisation said information presented at a press conference marking the release of its report titled ‘Observation of the 13th National Parliamentary Election Process and Affidavit-Based Analysis’ has been misinterpreted and wrongly disseminated, creating confusion among the public. TIB clarified that in its field-level research, conducted through a random sampling method, data were collected from 70 selected constituencies. Among those, information regarding incidents of one or more fake votes was found in 21.4 percent of the constituencies. “However, interpreting this finding to mean that 21.4 percent fake votes were cast nationwide is “completely incorrect, baseless and misleading,” the TIB said. TIB requested media outlets that have already misrepresented or incorrectly presented the information to publish appropriate corrections without delay. Otherwise, it said, such misleading representation would be considered intentional.