United News of Bangladesh

WildTeam has begun installing solar lights in forest-edge villages of Mongla as part of the continuation of its community-based Sundarbans conservation programme. Recently, 10 solar lights were installed in South Chila and Burburia. The initiative follows the recent launch of WildTeam’s Improved Cooking Stove (ICS) Distribution Programme at the WildTeam Conservation Biology Centre (WCBC) in Joymoni. The solar light installation is being implemented in the same programme areas under the Chandpai Range, including Joymonir Ghol, South Chila and Burburia, according to a media statement. The solar lighting intervention is being introduced as a practical night-time safety and conflict-risk reduction measure in forest-edge areas where visibility remains low and human-tiger conflict risks increase after dark. Solar lights are being installed at vulnerable points to create illuminated deterrent stretches so that tiger movement toward village areas can be reduced, communities can detect risks earlier, and emergency response can be safer and more organized. Locations are being prioritized using previous human-tiger conflict patterns and local risk information. The need for stronger protection measures in these villages is linked not only to community safety, but also to broader conservation risks in the Sundarbans landscape. Poaching and illegal killing remain major threats to tigers and their principal prey species, while the forest-edge setting and night-time movement create vulnerabilities that require better vigilance, information sharing and community engagement. In this context, improved lighting at selected points is expected to support safer local movement after dark and strengthen the overall protective environment around village edges. Local residents have already started describing the immediate importance of the installation. One villager said fishermen and other villagers often fear using dark village roads at night, and that solar lights would help them move more comfortably and with less fear. Anju Begum of Burburia said, “Sometimes our cattle are at risk at night as the Sundarbans is just opposite across the river. A tiger took my cow a few years ago. We used to forbid our children from going outside after dusk. Now that the solar lights are installed, I feel more confident about the safety of our cattle and our children.” Bijoy Biswas from Joymonir Thota said, “During cyclones and other natural disasters, the whole area goes under water and there is no electricity. On a new moon night, it becomes dark like a grave, and it is impossible to distinguish the end of the village from the river boundary. These lights will help us identify the last border of the village and help us navigate better during disaster periods.”

Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has sought the bank account details of Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, a former adviser to the interim government and a key leader of the July uprising. BFIU issued a directive to all banks and financial institutions on Monday, instructing them to submit all records related to Mahmud’s personal accounts within three working days. Asif Mahmud, a former adviser to Prof Yunus-led interim government, held portfolios in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and later the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives. He resigned on December 10 last year ahead of the 13th Parliamentary Election and is currently serving as the spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Response from Asif Mahmud Speaking to the media on Tuesday night, Asif Mahmud said, "As far as I know, the bank account details of four advisers including myself have been sought." However, the identities of the other three advisers  could not be immediately verified. In a social media post on Tuesday night, the former adviser  said he has already submitted his wealth amstatement to the Cabinet Division before resigning from his post. "I will open my bank statements to everyone tomorrow to ensure transparency," he wrote. The BFIU’s move comes amid ongoing financial scrutiny of individuals who held high-ranking positions following the political transition on August 5, 2024.

Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday said a significant part of the country’s workforce still falls within the informal sector. He emphasized that bringing all sectors gradually under a formal structure is essential for achieving sustainable and balanced national growth. The minister made the remarks during separate meetings of the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) and the RMG TCC at the CIRDAP International Centre in Dhaka. Factory workers’ arrears must be paid before Eid: Commerce Minister Highlighting government initiatives for low-income citizens, Muktadir said preparations for the ‘Family Card’ programme, outlined in the election manifesto, are progressing rapidly. Under the programme, each family will receive a card through which support worth BDT 2,500 per month will be provided. While not a direct ration system, the scheme is expected to largely meet ration-related needs. The minister stressed the importance of regular dialogue to address industrial and labor issues and instructed the labor secretary to hold TCC meetings consistently. He said, “Debates or heated exchanges during discussions are part of the democratic process. There is nothing to fear; sustainable solutions can be reached through dialogue.” Decision on US tariffs, trade deal after review: Commerce Minister Muktadir also warned that unless the labor sector is formalized, ensuring compliance with international standards and protecting workers’ rights would be difficult. The meetings, chaired by Labor and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, also discussed timely payment of wages and allowances and granting holidays to factory workers ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. The minister urged effective measures to prevent labor unrest in the RMG sector. State Minister for Labor and Expatriates’ Welfare Md Nurul Haque and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin attended as special guests. Other participants included Fazle Hasan Shamim of the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation and TCC Vice President Anwar Hossain. The sessions were conducted by Labor Secretary Md. Abdur Rahman Torfadar and attended by representatives of both employers and workers.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Md. Mustaqur Rahman on Tuesday affirmed that the operations of Sammilito Islami Bank, formed through the merger of five Shariah-based banks, will continue as planned. The Governor also sent a stern warning to those involved in the misappropriation of funds from these banks during the tenure of the fallen Awami League government, stating that the government will ensure they face legal punishment. Bangladesh Bank buys $25 million from banks to stabilize market Governor Rahman shared these directives during a meeting with the newly appointed administrators of the five banks and senior officials of the central bank at his office on Tuesday, according to meeting sources. During the meeting, the Governor instructed officials to expedite the appointment of a Managing Director for Sammilito Islami Bank. He confirmed that the current Board of Directors will remain in place to oversee the transition. In a move to stabilize the economy, the Governor emphasized the revival of industrial units under the jurisdiction of these five banks. New Bangladesh Bank Governor outlines vision for investment-led growth "Initiatives must be taken to restart factories that are currently non-functional. We must ensure these units return to production," he reportedly said, adding that the central bank would assist in clearing any outstanding foreign dues of these institutions to facilitate operations. Officials present at the meeting noted that the Governor’s clear stance has dispelled the prevailing confusion and rumors regarding the future of the merger. This follows a similar message delivered by the Governor on Sunday during a meeting with representatives from the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB). In that meeting, he asserted that ongoing reforms in the banking sector would continue unabated and that he would not succumb to any political pressure. Furthermore, in alignment with the current government’s electoral pledge to create 10 million jobs within the first 18 months, the Governor pledged policy support to revive factories that were shut down due to recent political shifts. Following the fall of the Awami League government, the interim administration merged five struggling banks—EXIM, Social Islami, First Security Islami, Union, and Global Islami Bank—to form Sammilito Islami Bank. The new entity began its journey with a total capital of Tk 35,000 crore. Of this, the government provided Tk 20,000 crore, while the remaining Tk 15,000 crore will be sourced from a dedicated fund for depositors. Additionally, an initiative is underway to pay out Tk 12,000 crore from the Deposit Insurance Fund to approximately 78 lakh depositors, with each receiving up to Tk 2 lakh.

Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society on Tuesday brought out a protest procession in front of Jatiya Press Club protesting the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society also formed a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club. Speakers at the rally alleged that the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in what they described as a ‘barbaric attack’ constitutes a clear violation of international law. Jamaat condemns Khamenei’s killing, holds protest rally in Dhaka They said the strikes by the United States and Israel, carried out in violation of Iran’s sovereignty and the authority of its people, pose a serious threat to global peace and stability. The ongoing spread of conflict across the Middle East could lead to devastating consequences, they said. The speakers also criticised the timing of the attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, alleging that the actions once again exposed what they termed the ‘terrorist nature’ of Israel and the United States. They described the strikes as a direct violation of international law, the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of sovereignty of independent states. The protesters urged the United Nations and other international forums to play an active role in safeguarding Iran’s sovereignty and to take immediate steps to stop the war. Later, a procession was brought out from the Jatiya Press Club which ended at Paltan.

Railway Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Tuesday announced a 25 percent fare concession for persons with disabilities, students and citizens aged above 65 on metro rail and all other railway services. “It may take some time for the concession to come into effect,” said the minister while talking to reporters at Secretariat. When asked whether freedom fighters would receive the same benefit, he said the issue was not discussed. 'Not all collections in the road transport sector is extortion': Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister Regarding online ticketing, the minister said the discount option will be available in the system. Passengers aged 65 and above will have to show their national ID card to avail 25 percent concession and they will also need to present ID during onboard checks, he said. Students must show valid student ID cards while persons with disabilities will need to display the government-issued disability card. Replying to another question, the minister said the government is working for the overall development of the railway sector including improving service quality and increasing train speeds to ensure shorter travel times. The minister said efforts are underway to operate 85 to 86 locomotives during Eid to maintain schedules and handle additional passenger pressure. “If we can operate that number of locomotives it will be possible to maintain schedules and carry extra passengers. There will be no scope for schedule disruption,” he added. The Minister also said there will be no opportunity to charge excess fares during Eid travel. He said meetings were held with bus and launch owners’ associations who pledged not to raise fares.  “We are keeping them under monitoring and this will be enforced at any cost,” he said, expressing hope that Eid travel will be comfortable with everyone’s cooperation.

The Election Commission (EC) has directed its field-level officials to expedite the disposal of pending voter registration applications submitted by Bangladeshi expatriates. The EC issued the directive to upazila and thana election offices, asking them to complete the local verification process of expatriate applicants without further delay. The applications remained pending mainly due to their engagement in the recent 13th parliamentary election. The directive was signed by Khan Abi Shahanur Khan, Director (Registration and Expatriates) of the EC’s NID Wing, on Tuesday (March 3),. The EC in an official letter already sent to all thana and upazila election officers said the 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12, and officials at all levels worked tirelessly to ensure a free, fair and credible election, which was widely accepted both locally and internationally. The EC expressed gratitude to field-level officers and staff for their tireless hard work to make the election fair and credible. However, it said that due to their involvement in election duties, the local verification activities of a significant number of expatriate voter applications remain pending. As biometric data are collected at Bangladesh High Commissions, embassies, consulates and mission offices abroad, the local investigation is carried out by the respective upazila and thana election offices in Bangladesh. The EC has now instructed the officials to treat the matter as “highly urgent” and complete the pending verifications promptly. According to EC officials, the commission has planned to expand the expatriate voter registration and National Identity (NID) services to 40 countries. The services now continue in 11 countries — the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Italy, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, Japan and the United States. So, the Commission has planned to expand the services in more 29 countries including Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Libya, Sudan, Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Egypt, Brunei, Mauritius, Iraq, Greece, Spain, Germany, South Africa, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, China, Indonesia, the Maldives, New Zealand, Russia, Türkiye and Cyprus.  

Administrators of Dhaka South, Dhaka North and Gazipur city corporations on Tuesday met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and briefed him on the acute financial strain facing the three bodies. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office at  Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Milton and Gazipur City Corporation Administrator Shawkat Hossain Sarkar attended the meeting. After the meeting, the administrators spoke to reporters. South seeks block allocation Abdus Salam said revenue collection over the past few months fell short of expectations compared to previous years, creating a cash crunch. “We have informed the honourable Prime Minister about the financial crisis. We have sought a block allocation to run the city corporation,” he said. Salam said he also requested the Prime Minister to instruct the Local Government Ministry to extend support for ongoing and planned projects. He alleged that a large number of work orders were issued by the previous administration without adequate funds. “If we proceed with those work orders in a blanket manner, the corporation will collapse. That cannot be allowed,” he said. North in fragile condition Shafiqul Islam Milton described Dhaka North City Corporation as being in a “fragile condition”. He said tenders worth Tk 1,470 crore were awarded and work orders were issued despite a shortage of funds. He said the former administrator signed 34 files involving bill payments just before leaving office on February 10, ahead of the February 12 election. “At present, we have around Tk 25 crore. The monthly salary requirement alone is about Tk 13 crore. You can judge how we will manage development work,” Milton said. He, however, said the Prime Minister assured them of support. “We are not disappointed. We will move forward and remain committed to serving the people,” he added. PM’s directives Abdus Salam said the Prime Minister put emphasis on three priorities — a clean Dhaka, a greener Dhaka and protection of residents from mosquito infestation. With the monsoon approaching and the risk of dengue likely to rise, he said the Prime Minister directed the authorities to bring mosquitoes under control at any cost and improve waste management. “Dhaka has turned into a dumping ground. We have to change that,” Salam quoted the Prime Minister as saying. He said the three city corporations—Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka North City Corporation and Gazipur City Corporation—are working together to improve waste management quickly. Steps have already been taken, including canal excavation programmes and cleanliness drives, Salam said, adding that a one-month crash programme has been launched in the south city to tackle mosquito breeding and improve sanitation.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its flights to six Middle Eastern destinations until further notice due to the prevailing security situation in the region. The national flag carrier said operations on Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Kuwait routes have been suspended following the Israel-US attack on Iran. Biman requested passengers travelling to these destinations to contact their nearest sales office or respective travel agency for further assistance. Biman reschedules Dhaka–Madinah, Dhaka–Jeddah flights for Sunday Passengers may also call Biman’s contact centre at 13636 or +88 09610913636 (international) for updated information, according to a notice issued by Biman. The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused, saying passenger safety remains its highest priority. Biman is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as circumstances evolve, said the notice.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen and two commissioners have resigned. The ACC commissioners are Miah Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi and Brigadier General (retd) Hafiz Ahsan Farid. Commissioner Miah Mohammad Ali Akbar Azizi told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that he along with the Chairman and the other commissioners have submitted resignation letters. When asked about his resignation, Abdul Momen declined to comment, saying, “Not here, go to the office.” Earlier, the Chairman and the commissioners arrived at the Secretariat. They were seen entering the Cabinet Division’s building No. 1 at 2:36 pm and submitted their resignation letters. The President appointed the ACC Chairman and the two commissioners on Dec 10, 2024. Their appointments were made in accordance with the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004. Under the law, the ACC is formed with three commissioners one of whom serves as chairman. The term of a commissioner is five years.