United News of Bangladesh

Home Affairs Adviser retired Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said there is no doubt that the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 will be free, fair and impartial. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting a mock polling centre at Tetuljhora High School in Savar in the afternoon. The mock polling exercise was organised ahead of the national election by the Savar Upazila administration in coordination with the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), RAB, Ansar, police, Fire Service, village police and Bangladesh Scouts. Home Adviser orders Coast Guard to maintain neutrality during election duties “The election will be held in a free, fair and neutral manner. There is not the slightest doubt about it,” the Home Affairs Adviser said. He also said those expressing doubts about the election represent only a small group. “They are speaking from abroad after fleeing the country. If they have the courage, they should come back and speak here,” he added. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury expressed confidence that voters across the country would turn out in large numbers and participate spontaneously in the polls. “When people go to the polling centres, those spreading confusion will be left embarrassed,” he said. Home Affairs Adviser directs strict action against election code violations The adviser also said efforts would be made to change the uniform of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in order to uphold the force’s dignity. Home Secretary Nasimul Gani, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam and other senior officials were present at the event.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has failed in many cases to properly recognise the government’s ongoing reform initiatives, arguing that not all reforms are immediately visible. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Secretariat after a meeting of the Advisers’ Council Committee on Government Procurement. Responding to a question about a recent TIB observation that the interim government’s reform and development efforts were less substantive than they appeared, Dr Salehuddin said the organisation’s assessment overlooked several fundamental changes. Read More: Banking sector reform can’t be done overnight: Salehuddin “TIB cannot see everything. They do not have divine vision or perfect sight. Even if they want to see, they cannot always see many things,” he said. He stressed that reforms should not be judged only by legislation, pointing to procedural and administrative simplifications carried out by the government. “Do not just look for reform laws. We have simplified many processes. For example, earlier one had to seek permission under the outward wage scheme. We are not saying it is automatic now, but the process has been eased. Why do people not see what we have done?” he asked. When journalists noted that Dr Salehuddin had previously praised TIB and that organisations often face criticism once governments come to power, he rejected the suggestion that he was attacking the watchdog. “No, no — I am not criticising or defaming TIB. I still acknowledge their role. But I am saying: look at the fundamental issues. If someone does not want to see, then many things can be ignored,” he said. He added that he had never engaged in baseless criticism while outside government and had always focused on core policy issues. Referring to the fact that TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman had been a member of the government’s reform commission, the finance adviser said public expectations regarding reforms were understandably high. “People definitely have expectations. We also thought we would carry reforms forward smoothly. But reform requires cooperation and a proper process,” he said. Drawing on his experience within the administration, Dr Salehuddin said systemic weaknesses and procedural flaws made reform implementation extremely difficult. Read More: Pay Commission recommendations need review before implementation: Dr Salehuddin “I have seen from inside how flawed the processes are — more than you can imagine. Still, we have pushed many things through the Ministry of Finance. The finance secretary and others worked quickly. I provided immediate solutions where possible,” he said, adding that several advisers were frustrated due to institutional constraints. He said his background in the civil service had helped him navigate the system more effectively than many others. “I was trained in the civil service. I know how things work. Not everyone has that experience. Without cooperation, reform becomes very difficult,” he said. Frankly acknowledging the challenges, Dr Salehuddin said working within Bangladesh’s administrative framework was particularly demanding. “This is a very difficult place to work. The processes are extremely complicated, with too many interventions. Untangling them is like solving a knot,” he said. When asked whether bureaucracy was the main obstacle, he said it was certainly a major factor, but not the only one. “There is definitely a bureaucratic element. But the system itself and the laws that were drafted earlier were not done properly,” he said. Citing the banking sector as an example, he said governance standards had weakened over time. “During my time, two or three directors from the same family were allowed in a bank. Later, that number suddenly increased to six or more. This is moving backwards instead of forwards,” he added. Read More: Long-term energy strategy prepared to ensure fuel security: Salehuddin

The government on Tuesday approved separate proposals for procuring some 2.10 lakh metric tons of fertilizer from various sources to meet the country’s agricultural demand during the upcoming crop seasons. The approvals came from the 5th meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase in this year held today at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. The Adviser also briefed reporters after the meeting. The committee approved the import of 40,000 metric tons of DAP fertilizer under the 11th optional lot from OCP Nutricrops of Morocco at a cost of Tk 319.51 crore, with a unit price of US$651 per metric ton. It also endorsed proposals for importing 30,000 metric tons of TSP fertilizer each under the 17th and 18th lots from the same supplier OCP Nutricrops, Morocco costing Tk 184.53 crore per lot. Besides, the committee recommended importing 40,000 metric tons of DAP fertilizer under the first lot of 2026 from MA’ADEN of Saudi Arabia at a cost of Tk 323.92 crore. Govt to procure 30,000 mt fertiliser, over 2.71 crore litres soybean oil In addition, proposals for importing 30,000 metric tons of bagged granular urea fertilizer from KAFCO, Bangladesh, with around Tk 153.08 crore and 40,000 metric tons of bulk granular urea fertilizer from SABIC Agri-nutrients Company of Saudi Arabia with around Tk 205.31 crore were also approved. Officials said the fertilizer imports would help ensure uninterrupted supply to farmers and support food security.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the current interim government would leave Bangladesh’s economy in a “satisfactory and stable” position for the next elected government, though he acknowledged that significant challenges remain ahead. “I believe we are leaving the economy in a satisfactory place. The next government will not face major difficulties in continuing from here. The situation is stable now — not shaky like before,” he said. Speaking to reporters after the Government Purchase meeting at the Secretariat, Dr Salehuddin said the economy is no longer in a fragile or unstable condition, unlike earlier periods, and that the foundations have been stabilised to allow future governments to move forward. Responding to questions on whether the government had taken on record levels of debt, the finance adviser said while borrowing had increased, a substantial amount of external debt had also been repaid. “Yes, borrowing increased, but we also repaid around six billion dollars in external debt. Debt repayment is equally important,” he said, adding that many large, expensive infrastructure projects were deliberately avoided. “We did not go for costly mega projects like tunnels or projects worth thousands of crores through loans. That is why public debt pressure did not worsen further,” he said. He admitted that employment generation remained one of the government’s biggest challenges, largely because job creation requires sustained support for small and medium industries. “Our major challenge was employment. For that, small and medium enterprises are essential. But we did not have enough fiscal space. Large factories are not labour-intensive, and they come with many complexities,” he explained. Addressing concerns over contradictory statements about future economic risks, Dr Salehuddin clarified that while the economy is stable, reforms need to be consolidated and carried forward carefully. “What we have done is not a one-off solution. To take it forward, it needs to be strengthened further. That itself is a big challenge,” he said, noting that access to concessional foreign aid has declined, making future financing more difficult. He stressed that reforms require time, cooperation and procedural discipline, which are often difficult in Bangladesh’s complex administrative system. “Reform is not just about speeches. It requires process, cooperation and patience. Inside the system, procedures are extremely complicated. Without cooperation, it becomes very difficult,” he said. Highlighting governance reforms, the finance adviser said the government has made significant progress in digitising land records and khatian maps, making services cheaper and more accessible to citizens. “Porcha and land records are being digitised. Now people can get services for Tk20, which earlier cost Tk500. We are expanding digital access nationwide,” he said. He described the initiative as one of the most fundamental service delivery reforms, reducing harassment and improving transparency. Dr Salehuddin also confirmed that the government is preparing to face international arbitration over alleged financial disputes and money laundering allegations involving business interests linked to S Alam Group. He said a case has been filed at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a World Bank-affiliated arbitration body, following complaints lodged by the concerned party. “They have gone for arbitration at the World Bank forum. We have received notice and must respond. This is a very serious matter involving a large amount of money,” he said. The government has decided to engage international legal counsel to contest the case, he added. “We will engage a legal firm. This is not a simple issue. Legal preparation is essential,” he said, though he declined to disclose the name of the firm at this stage. A government team is expected to visit Washington, DC, to deal with the arbitration process, he said. On power sector reforms, the finance adviser said electricity tariffs are being rationalised rather than increased arbitrarily. “This is tariff restructuring, not a price hike. Money is being adjusted from one segment to another. It will not affect electricity supply,” he said, adding that efficiency issues at power plants such as Ashuganj are also under review. Dr Salehuddin said despite criticism, many fundamental reforms had been undertaken, even if they were not always visible. “People say nothing has been done because they only look for visible projects. But many fundamental procedural reforms have taken place. If someone does not want to see, they will not see,” he remarked. The government has appointed a British law firm to contest an international arbitration case filed by S Alam Group founder Saiful Alam and his family before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Sources familiar with the decision said the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement has approved the appointment of White & Case LLP, a UK-based international law firm, to represent Bangladesh in ICSID arbitration case No. ARB/25/52. The firm will be paid a fee of US$1,250 per hour for its legal services. The proposal to hire an international law firm was placed before the committee by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, citing the complexity and high financial stakes of the case. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said the arbitration was linked to allegations of money laundering. “S Alam has apparently filed a case in London and challenged Bangladesh at the World Bank’s ICSID. We need to engage an international legal firm to fight this case, as it involves a huge amount of money and has been brought before an organisation like the World Bank,” he said. When asked about the identity of the firm, the adviser said it was a British firm but did not name it at the time. Dr Salehuddin also said legal action was underway against S Alam over alleged money laundering.“When a government or a company is accused of obstructing business, ICSID arbitration is invoked. We have received the arbitration notice and must respond. This is a highly complicated legal process,” he added. In October last year, lawyers representing S Alam and his family formally filed the arbitration request at ICSID in Washington, alleging that asset freezes, confiscations and punitive measures taken by the Bangladesh government over money laundering allegations caused them losses worth hundreds of billions of dollars. In their filing, the S Alam family claimed that the interim government has deliberately targeted them through bank account freezes, asset seizures, “baseless investigations” into their businesses and a “provocative media campaign,” arguing that such actions violate international investment protection obligations. The arbitration has been filed under the 2004 Bangladesh–Singapore Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Documents show that members of the S Alam family renounced Bangladeshi citizenship in 2020 and obtained Singaporean citizenship between 2021 and 2023. They are currently residing in Singapore. As Singapore nationals, they claim entitlement to international investment protection under the BIT, as well as protection under Bangladesh’s Foreign Private Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 1980. Following the August 5, 2024 mass uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, an interim administration headed by Prof Muhammad Yunus initiated investigations and asset recovery efforts against major business groups and influential individuals accused of large-scale money laundering. An economic white paper published by the interim government in December 2024 estimated total illicit capital flight at around US$234 billion. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, who heads the asset recovery task force, has alleged that the S Alam family alone siphoned off nearly US$12 billion abroad. He accused S Alam and his associates of taking control of multiple banks with the help of military intelligence and transferring funds overseas through loan and import fraud, forcing the government to bail out six banks. S Alam Group has denied all allegations, saying the government has failed to present any credible evidence to support the claims.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said that he has already surrendered his diplomatic passport, emphasising that the move is part of a standard procedure and not linked to any immediate travel plans. “I have already submitted it. I am not going anywhere. My health condition is not very good, as you know. I do not attend meetings unless they are extremely urgent,” he said. Speaking to reporters after the Advisers’ Council on Government Procurement meeting, Dr Salehuddin said he has no intention of travelling abroad unless it is absolutely necessary, citing health concerns. Read More: Economic situation stable, recovering steadily: Finance Adviser Responding to a question on whether other advisers had also surrendered their passports, he said several individuals had done so, noting that it was a requirement. “Many have submitted theirs. It has to be surrendered—it is a rule,” he added. He further said that advisers would now use ordinary passports like general citizens. “We will get new passports and move around with ordinary passports like you,” he remarked. Earlier, the Foreign Affairs Adviser had said that some advisers surrendered their diplomatic passports to facilitate visa applications using ordinary passports. Asked whether applying for visas using ordinary passports posed any difficulty, Dr Salehuddin dismissed such concerns, saying visa processing had never been an issue for him. “If you want a visa, you must apply independently. You cannot travel extensively first and then expect visas automatically. I have never faced any problem with visas,” he said, adding that he had previously travelled using an official (green) passport. The surrender of diplomatic passports by advisers is seen as part of an effort to standardise travel privileges and align them with existing regulations governing public office holders. Read More: Finance adviser urges patience on new pay scale, backs referendum Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday said reports claiming that he had surrendered his diplomatic passport are untrue, although he acknowledged that some of his colleagues have opted for ordinary passports to facilitate quicker visa processing due to travel-related issues. “Here is where misinformation comes in. Neither my wife nor I have surrendered our diplomatic passports. My passport is with me. It is highly unusual that the Foreign Adviser or any Minister would surrender his or her diplomatic passport while the tenure is still in effect,” he told reporters when asked about surrendering diplomatic passports by Advisers. Hossain, however, confirmed that some have taken new passports, noting that it can make obtaining visas easier in certain cases. But the Foreign Adviser did not mention who obtained the new passports.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will deploy 21 platoons in Bandarban district to ensure security during the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election. The decision was announced at a press briefing on Tuesday morning at Bandarban Government College by BGB Bandarban Sector Commander Col Muhammad Rubayat Jamil. He said BGB members would operate from 22 base camps across seven upazilas to maintain law and order and ensure voter safety. Read More:  BGB asked to avoid lethal weapons during election duty Security has been strengthened in border areas to prevent smuggling, illegal infiltration and militant activities, noting that mobile and static forces, along with reserve forces, dog squads, drone surveillance and quick response teams, would remain on standby. Colonel Rubayat Jamil expressed optimism that a peaceful and credible election would be held in the district. Among others, Balipara Battalion (38 BGB) and Zone Commander Lt Coll Md Yasir Arafat Hossain, Deputy Commander of Balipara Battalion Major Md Imam ul Azim, senior BGB officials, and journalists from print and electronic media were present at the briefing. Read More: BGB to deploy 134 platoons in Dhaka ahead of election

Bangladesh could have horn-free roads in the future if noise laws are properly enforced, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Information and Broadcasting, and Water Resources. She made the remark at a public program in Mazar Chattar, Dhaka, aimed at raising awareness against unnecessary honking. The event was organised jointly by the Department of Environment (DoE), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The adviser said the Noise Pollution Control Rules cover all sources of noise, but the current initiative focuses on controlling horn use. Manifestos should include clear environmental roadmaps: Rizwana Hasan She added that police have now been given the authority to fine offenders directly. “This has not happened in Bangladesh before,” she said, expressing hope that people’s habits will gradually change. The adviser instructed the police to prepare a six-month action plan to implement horn-free zones effectively. She also thanked officials of the DoE, DMP, BRTA, and DSCC for their cooperation. Other speakers at the program included Md Sarwar, Additional Police Commissioner of DMP; Md Mahmudul Hasan, Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation; Md Anisur Rahman, Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic); and Farid Ahmed, Project Director of the Noise Pollution Control Project.

A 48-year-old auto-rickshaw driver was killed when a private car hit his vehicle in Khilgaon area of the capital early Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Md Shaheen, son of Alauddin Mia of Lakhai upazila in Habiganj district. He used to live in Meradia of Khilgaon area. The accident occurred around 12:15am at Meradia in Khilgaon when a speeding car hit the auto-rickshaw from behind, leaving the driver dead on the spot, said Sub-Inspector Anoy Chandra Pal of Khilgaon Police Station. The body was sent to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue. Police arrested the car driver and seized the vehicle.  

Two motorcyclists were killed when their motorcycle crashed into the railing of a road divider on the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway at Kewatkhali in Munshiganj district on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Arif, 40, a resident of Mugda area in Dhaka and Mamun, 42, of Faridpur district. The accident occurred around 11:19am when the Dhaka-bound motorcycle carrying the duo lost control and slammed into the railing of the road divider, leaving them dead on the spot, said Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Assistant Director of Munshiganj Fire Service and Civil Defence. On information, local fire service rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies. Vehicular movement on the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway remained halted for about half an hour due to the accident.  

Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, on Tuesday said the book of the July Charter presented to the public may be printed in black and white, but every single word of it has been written with the blood of the country’s people. He made the remarks at an interactive meeting titled ‘Public Awareness Campaign on Referendum in Public and Private Universities’ held at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building auditorium of Dhaka University. Referring to the sacrifices of the July martyrs and injured, Ali Riaz said they did not seek to become prime minister or president; they wanted a dignified state. The July Charter, he said, is the recognition of that debt. “Do we have no responsibility? Will we deny the debt that allows us to speak here today?” he asked, adding that acknowledging this debt is precisely what the July Charter represents. He said the charter was prepared through discussions with political parties, civil society, various organisations, groups, and individuals. “When I open the book of the July Charter, I hear the cries of mothers who lost their children.” Ali Riaz also discussed the context behind the abolition of the caretaker government system. He said the July Charter includes safeguards to ensure that ‘one-person rule’ never returns to Bangladesh. “Everyone knows that the farce carried out in the name of three so-called elections in Bangladesh happened at the will of one individual. That became possible through the abolition of the caretaker government system.” Referring to the 2014 Election Commission, he said, “The President staged another drama.” He claimed that the name Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad was not on the search committee’s list, yet he was appointed Chief Election Commissioner at the Prime Minister’s behest, leading to a rigged election in 2014. “No conscientious person with democratic aspirations can say that such a situation should continue.” He said that through extensive dialogue, political parties have agreed in the July National Charter that future Election Commissions will be formed based on consultations among representatives of the ruling party, the main opposition party and the third party-the second-largest opposition party- in parliament. Ali Riaz highlighted the role of the Public Service Commission during the previous regime and said that if the July Charter is implemented, the President will no longer hold unilateral authority to grant pardons. He said the Constitution allows the ‘right to life’ to be violated during a state of emergency, but political parties have agreed that future emergencies will drop the term ‘internal disturbance’ and require cabinet approval with opposition representation. Mentioning past instances of constitutional amendments made for the benefit of a single individual, he said that any future constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds majority in the parliament, followed by the support of at least 51 members of a 100-member upper house. He also spoke about reforms related to the presidential election and changes to Article 70. “The situation created by forcing public representatives into party servitude has meant that our parliament has not even become a debating club,” he said. Awami League must face trial, seek apology before returning to politics: Ali Riaz Ali Riaz said all political parties have agreed that out of the standing committees of the parliament, four key committees will be chaired by members from the opposition. He urged all to work in support of the July Charter. Those present included the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar, University Grants Commission Chairman Dr SMA Fayez, DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Sayma Haque Bidisha, individuals injured in July, and vice-chancellors, teachers, students and officials from various universities.