United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Bank Officers' Welfare Council has issued a seven-point demand to the authorities, calling for comprehensive legal reforms to establish the full autonomy of the central bank. The demands were formally presented during a press conference held at the central bank’s headquarters on Thursday (February 5). The council emphasized that the ‘Bank Company Act-1991,’ and other related regulations must be amended to ensure the central bank can function independently and enforce good governance across the financial sector. "To ensure an effective and independent role for the central bank, reforming the legal framework is essential," said in the briefing. The seven-point charter includes several critical administrative and policy changes. Such as- Cancellation of Contractual Appointments: The Council demanded the immediate termination of all advisors, consultants, and officials appointed on a contractual basis without transparent recruitment or proper evaluation. Institutional Protection: Ensuring legal and professional protection for officials who face harassment while performing their official duties. Promotion and Recruitment: Resolving the existing stagnation in the recruitment and promotion process for regular central bank staff. Focused Leadership: Ensuring the Governor devotes active time and attention specifically to the policy and interests of Bangladesh Bank. Curbing Misleading Statements: Urging officials to refrain from making inconsistent or whimsical remarks to the media regarding central banking policies. Bangladesh Bank buys another $196.5 million to stabilize forex market Golam Mostafa Srabon, General Secretary of the Officers' Welfare Council, noted that these demands are not new. A memorandum was first submitted to the Interim Government’s Finance Adviser, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, in August 2024. The Council followed up with the Governor on November 5 and again on December 23 of last year, specifically highlighting the need to cancel unnecessary contractual appointments. Despite repeated requests, the Council claims significant action has yet to be taken.  

Workers and employees of Chattogram Port have suspended their ongoing strike for two days following a meeting with Shipping Adviser (retd) Brigadier General M Sakhawat Hossain. Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Port Protection Sangram Oikya Parishad, said they decided to withdraw the strike for Friday and Saturday. However, he said the strike would be permanently withdrawn only if their demands are met. He alleged that the shipping adviser is not fully aware of the economic aspects of the agreement in question. An effort will be made to explain during discussions how the agreement goes against the country’s interests, he added. Kabir also said the adviser assured them that no anti-national agreement would be allowed. Meanwhile, port-related banks will remain open from 8:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, while five percent of customs operations will continue. Besides, five percent of port operations will remain functional on Friday. Those willing to take delivery of goods have been requested to participate in the limited operations. Speaking to reporters, the shipping adviser said launching such a movement by closing the port ahead of Ramadan was “inhuman and inappropriate,” noting that demands could have been placed without shutting down the port. He warned that the government would take strict action if the protest is not withdrawn by Thursday. He also said aviation fuel remained stuck due to the port closure, which is negatively affecting airline operations. The adviser announced the formation of a fact-finding committee and said the issue would be raised at the highest level, with a final decision to be taken through a specific committee. Earlier on Thursday, protesters blocked the convoy of the shipping adviser when he arrived at the port around 10:45am to assess the situation amid the ongoing strike. Hundreds of workers and employees surrounded the vehicles, chanted slogans and obstructed their movement. After about 15 minutes, police and port security personnel escorted the convoy into the port premises. The strike entered its fifth consecutive day on Thursday, protesting plans to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to global port operator DP World. The workers launched the indefinite strike, demanding cancellation of the leasing process and withdrawal of alleged harassment and transfer orders against protesting workers. Meanwhile, unprecedented security measures have been put in place at the port. Alongside police, members of the army and navy have been deployed. Several port gates have been closed, restricting workers’ access to the terminal. DCCI calls for immediate normalisation of Ctg port operations Cargo-laden vessels remain stranded at both the outer anchorage and jetties, while cargo delivery from yards and the movement of goods-carrying vehicles in and out of the port have remained halted. More than 11,000 export-oriented containers are currently stuck at the port.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) purchased an additional $196.5 million from 16 banks on Thursday, continuing its aggressive streak of dollar procurement to manage the country's foreign exchange market. The central bank executed the purchase at a cut-off rate of Tk 122.30 per US dollar, Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, confirmed this. With this latest move, the central bank’s total dollar purchases for the month of February have reached $586 million in just five days. The total acquisition for the current fiscal year FY2025–26 now stands at a substantial $4.51 billion. This week has seen consistent intervention by the central bank. Previously on Wednesday (Feb 4), $171 million was purchased from 16 banks. Before that on Sunday (Feb 2), another $218.50 million was purchased from 16 banks. The central bank has maintained a steady exchange rate of Tk 122.30 for most of its recent transactions. Earlier interventions in January included: Jan 29: $55 million from five banks. Jan 20: $45 million from two banks. Jan 12: $81 million from 10 banks. Jan 6: $223.50 million from 14 banks. Bangladesh Bank buys dollars worth $3.75 billion in 6 months to maintain exchange rate stability According to central bank sources, the primary goal is to stabilize the exchange rate and prevent the Taka from appreciating too rapidly due to a surge in remittance inflows and export earnings. By purchasing the "excess" supply of dollars from commercial banks, the central bank aims to strengthen foreign reserves, support exporters & remitters, and manage liquidity.  

Inqilab Moncho on Thursday staged a sit-in outside the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, demanding an impartial investigation under United Nations supervision into the killing of its spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The protest began around 5pm with Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, Fatima Tasnim Zuma, Hadi’s wife and a small number of activists participating in the programme. Addressing the gathering, Abdullah Al Jaber said they had deliberately limited the number of protesters considering possible security concerns. “We could have brought many more people if we wanted. We are waiting here with the wife of martyr Osman Hadi until we receive a clear assurance from the Chief Adviser. Without a full guarantee of justice, we will not withdraw from this sit-in,” he said. Stating their specific demand, Jaber said the programme would continue until the government formally announces a neutral investigation into Hadi’s killing under UN supervision. Zuma said Inqilab Moncho, along with Hadi’s wife, had taken position in front of Jamuna to press for the UN-monitored probe. She alleged that while the platform has cooperated with the government, administration and political parties, it has not received similar cooperation in return. Later in the evening, the Jamaat-backed 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency Nasiruddin Patwary visited the site and expressed solidarity with Inqilab Moncho. Hadi was also expected to contest the election from the same constituency. Hadi was shot by assailants on December 12 at Box Culvert Road under Paltan Model Police Station in Dhaka, a day after the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election and a referendum was announced. He was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, later to Evercare Hospital, and eventually flown to Singapore. Hadi died on the night of December 18 while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. Following the incident, Jaber filed a case of attempted murder with Paltan Police Station on December 14, which was later converted into a murder case. Hadi murder: Accused Rubel makes confessional statement

Joint forces in a drive arrested three people including a former Jubo Dal leader along with a large cache of locally made weapons from Ashulia area in Savar early Thursday. The arrestees were identified as Jahangir Alam Mandal, former joint secretary general of Dhaka district unit Jubo Dal, Swapan and Faizul. Tipped off, a team of police and army personnel, conducted a drive in Balibhadra Talpotti area and arrested them, said Rubel Hawladar, officer-in-charge of Ashulia Police Station. They also recovered huge locally made sharp weapons and crude bomb-like objects from their possession, he said. Read More: Jute trader shot attack in Savar

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman on Thursday visited an army camp at the National Stadium in Gulistan in Dhaka and held coordination meetings with civil administration and law enforcement officials to review security preparations for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for 2026. During the visit, the army chief inspected the army camp and exchanged views with senior military officials, representatives of the Dhaka metropolitan, divisional and district administrations, and members of various law enforcement agencies. At a meeting held at the National Stadium conference room, discussions focused on ensuring a peaceful, neutral and fair election through strong inter-agency coordination and comprehensive security management. Read More: British High Commissioner meets Army Chief  The army chief stressed the importance of professionalism, neutrality, discipline, patience and citizen-friendly conduct while performing election-related duties. He also observed the activities of army personnel deployed under the “in aid to the civil power” arrangement and provided necessary guidance on the ground. Senior military officials, including the General Officer Commanding of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, the GOC of the 9 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar Area, along with senior officers from Army Headquarters, Dhaka and Savar areas, were present during the visit. Senior officials from the civil administration, law enforcement agencies and representatives of various media outlets also attended the programme. According to ISPR, as part of efforts to strengthen coordination among all agencies involved in election duties, the army chief has been holding similar coordination meetings since January 22 across Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Rangpur, Bogura, Barishal, Jashore, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Ghatail and Savar areas with senior military officials, divisional and district administrations and law enforcement agencies. Read More: Army Chief urges officers to perform election duties impartially

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has dissolved the existing board of directors of Uttara Finance and Investments Limited and formed a new board to rescue the struggling non-bank financial institution (NBFI) from deep-rooted loan irregularities. The listed company shared this information through the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Thursday (February 5). Under the Financial Company Act, 2023, the central bank has appointed five new directors to the board. Md. Mukhtar Hossain has been named the new Chairman and will serve as an independent director. Read More: Bangladesh Bank reverses policy, allows depositors of merged banks to earn profits Other newly appointed independent directors include Mohammad Shafiul Azam, Md. Niamul Kabir, Md. Rafiqul Islam (FCS). Additionally, Md. Mahbub Alam has joined the board as a director. According to central bank sources, the move aims to ensure transparency and restore corporate governance within the institution. Uttara Finance has been under scrutiny for failing to publish regular financial reports since 2019. However, an audit report for the year 2020, released on October 6 last year, revealed a staggering financial decline. After taxes and expenses, the company recorded a net loss of Tk 435.54 crore in 2020. The annual operating loss stood at Tk 108.32 crore. By the end of 2020, the total capital shortfall reached Tk 711.55 crore. This includes a core capital deficit of Tk 59.34 crore and a risk-based capital deficit of Tk 652.21 crore. Central bank officials hope that the reconstitution of the board will bring positive changes to the management and financial health of the company, which has been reeling from years of mismanagement and unauthorized transactions. Read More: Bangladesh Bank buys $45mn from two banks to bolster reserves

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday said the attacks on the media houses - The Daily Star and Prothom Alo - are in no way acceptable and condemnable. "Such attacks are not acceptable. We condemn the attacks," he said, acknowledging that they could not prevent it. The Foreign Affairs Adviser, however, said the Home Ministry would be in a better position to talk about it further. Hossain made the comments at a farewell interaction with the media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said the media was able to speak freely after the formation of the interim government. When asked about the mob violence and attacks on the The Daily Star and Prothom Alo on the late night of December 18, he, however, said it was right to ask the Home Ministry about the mob violence. July Museum highlights climax of 36 days, Hasina’s misrule: Foreign Adviser  But, the adviser said, he condemns the attacks on the media houses, and those are in no way acceptable. Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the media briefing.  

In a move aimed at reducing public expenditure on electricity procurement the interim government has revised the tariffs of three state-run gas-based power plants in Ashuganj, Siddhirganj and Haripur. The officials concerned are expecting annual savings of about Tk 119.06 crore through this pragmatic move. The approvals were given at a recent meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase held at the Secretariat. According to the Power Division, the tariff rationalisation initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to ensure more efficient use of public funds, reduce the financial burden of power purchases on the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), and improve overall fiscal discipline in the energy sector. The committee approved the proposal to re-determine the levelised tariff of the 412MW Haripur Combined Cycle Power Plant operated by the Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh Limited (EGCB). Under the revised structure, the tariff has been reduced from Tk 4.7796 to Tk 4.7588 per kilowatt-hour, which will come into effect from August 2025. Once implemented, BPDB is expected to save around Tk 36.68 crore annually from electricity purchases from the plant. The Haripur plant currently supplies about 305.33 crore units of electricity each year, for which BPDB pays nearly Tk 1,453.01 crore annually. Over the remaining contract tenure of 13 years, 8 months and 5 days, BPDB will have to pay an estimated Tk 19,864.12 crore for electricity from this facility. EGCB is a government-owned generation company, with 95.80 per cent ownership under the Power Division and 4.20 per cent held by BPDB. Any profit generated by the company is treated as government revenue, making cost optimisation within such plants directly beneficial to the public exchequer. The committee also approved a proposal to revise the tariff of the 335MW Siddhirganj Combined Cycle Power Plant, also operated by EGCB. Following the revision, the tariff has been reduced from Tk 5.5216 to Tk 5.4204 per kilowatt-hour, effective from August 2025. The adjustment is expected to save BPDB approximately Tk 63.13 crore annually. The plant currently produces around 248.27 crore units of electricity each year, with BPDB spending about Tk 1,345.70 crore annually to procure power from the facility. Over the remaining contract period of 16 years, 1 month and 9 days, BPDB’s total payment obligation is estimated at Tk 21,675.03 crore. In another decision, the committee approved the re-determination of the levelised tariff for the 450MW Combined Cycle Power Plant operated by Ashuganj Power Station Company Limited (APSCL). Energy experts, economists oppose govt plan to raise electricity tariff The tariff has been reduced from Tk 5.7844 to Tk 5.7634 per kilowatt-hour. With the revised rate, BPDB is expected to save around Tk 19.25 crore annually. BPDB currently pays approximately Tk 1,593.17 crore each year to procure electricity from this plant. Over the remaining contract tenure of 14 years, 11 months and 22 days, total payments are projected to reach about Tk 23,880.02 crore. APSCL is also a government-owned power generation entity, and its earnings are treated as state revenue. Officials said the combined tariff revisions for the three plants will result in significant annual savings for the government while maintaining uninterrupted electricity supply from reliable, gas-based facilities. They noted that since the plants are operated by state-owned companies, the revised tariffs strike a balance between ensuring financial sustainability of the generation companies and reducing BPDB’s expenditure. The move is seen as part of the interim government’s broader strategy to rationalise energy costs, curb subsidy pressures, and safeguard public money through more efficient procurement decisions.

A Narayanganj court on Thursday sentenced a man to death for killing his mother-in-law in 2024. Narayanganj Senior District and Session Judge Abu Shamim Azad handed down the punishment. The condemned convict is identified as Nazmul Hossain Hira, 40, son of Mana Munshi of Fatulla area of the district. According to the prosecution, Ambia Khatun, wife of Samsul Haque of Uttar Narsinghapur area in Fatulla was killed by the convict Nazmul as she resisted him from stealing gold ornaments from the house on June 6, 2024. Saiful Islam Sajib, son of Ambia filed a murder case in this connection.