United News of Bangladesh

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has announced a one-month extension for all types of entry visas that have expired or are nearing expiry, effective from February 28. The ministry said the extensions will be processed electronically and free of charge. Visa holders will not need to visit the relevant departments or submit additional applications to avail of the facility. However, the ministry noted that individuals with violations recorded prior to February 28 will be required to pay the applicable penalties, reports Doha News. The move is expected to provide relief to visitors whose visas have recently expired or are close to expiration.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has invited budget proposals from taxpayers and key stakeholders as it begins preparations for 2026-27 fiscal year, aiming to frame a participatory and pro-people revenue policy. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the revenue authority said it regularly formulates revenue policies for the national budget and as part of that process, consults stakeholders from different sectors to make the budget more inclusive and equitable. It has requested  taxpayers, industrial and business associations, trade bodies, professional organisations, research institutions and members of the intellectual community to submit their proposals and opinions on revenue measures for the upcoming fiscal year. NBR suspends eVAT services for system maintenance The board said it intends to make the revenue collection process for FY2026-27 more meaningful, analytical and representative through discussions and consultations. In order to facilitate the process, various chambers and associations have been requested to send their respective budget proposals in writing to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) by March 15, 2026. At the same time, stakeholders have been asked to send a soft copy of their proposals to the NBR via email at [email protected]. The NBR said all proposals received will be considered with due importance. Institutions, organisations or offices that are not members of any chamber or association have also been encouraged to send their budget proposals directly to the NBR through the same email address.

Gold prices have increased again in the country with the rate of 22-carat gold rising by Tk 3,324 per bhori (11.664 grams), Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) said on Tuesday. Following the latest adjustment, the price of 22-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 277,428 per bhori, according to a notification issued by  BAJUS. BAJUS said the new rate was determined in view of an increase in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market and the overall market situation. Under the revised pricing structure, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 264,773 per bhori while 18-carat gold has been set at Tk 226,981 per bhori. The price of gold produced under the traditional method has been fixed at Tk 185,749 per bhori. The last adjustment was made on March 2, when BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 5,424 per bhori to Tk 274,104. So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 36 times in the domestic market, raised on 24 occasions and reduced 12 times. Despite the hike in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is being sold at Tk 7,173 per bhori. In 2026, silver prices have been adjusted 21 times, with rates increased 14 times and reduced seven times.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday asked the Bangladesh Coast Guard to continue its public service and disaster response work to ensure peace and security. “The Prime Minister directed the Coast Guard to continue its public service and disaster response activities, particularly in the coastal and riverine areas to ensure peace, security and safeguard public interests,” said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister gave the directive when Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque paid a courtesy call on him at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Cabinet Division of Bangladesh Secretariat. Rumon said Tarique Rahman highly appreciated the patriotism and professionalism of the Bangladesh Coast Guard and their tireless efforts in serving the nation. He said the Prime Minister also urged the force to maintain the highest level of preparedness to protect the country’s sovereignty. The Director General briefed the Prime Minister on various development activities of the Coast Guard. The Prime Minister assured that the ongoing development initiatives of the force would continue in the future.  

Bangladesh Railway has started selling advance train tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims, from Tuesday ,aiming to ensure smooth and comfortable travel for homebound passengers. The advance tickets will be available online from March 3 to March 9, while return journey tickets will be sold from March 13 to March 18. All tickets are being sold exclusively through the online platform. Besides, the railway authorities will operate five pairs of special trains on different routes to handle the expected surge of passengers during the Eid rush. The special trains will run on Chattogram–Chandpur–Chattogram, Dhaka–Dewanganj–Dhaka, Bhairab Bazar–Kishoreganj–Bhairab Bazar, Mymensingh–Kishoreganj–Mymensingh and Joydebpur–Parbatipur–Joydebpur routes. The decision was taken at a preparatory meeting held on February 22 at Rail Bhaban to review overall arrangements for the upcoming festival. To facilitate uninterrupted services, weekly off-days of intercity trains will remain suspended from March 16 until the day before Eid. Divisional and zonal monitoring cells will be formed to ensure punctuality and passenger safety, while additional coaches will be attached to trains based on demand. Relief trains will also remain ready to tackle any emergency situation. Meanwhile, goods trains, except container and fuel-carrying trains, will remain suspended from midnight of March 19 to 6 pm on Eid day. Unrepaired Paturia terminals spark fears of Eid travel chaos Law enforcement agencies, including the Government Railway Police (GRP), RAB, BGB and local police, will remain vigilant at railway stations to prevent ticketless travel and maintain discipline. Passengers have been requested not to rely on social media links for purchasing tickets and to report any fraudulent sources to the authorities.

Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh hosted an iftar programme with journalists in Faridpur on Monday. The discussion, doa and iftar mahfil was held at the party’s office in Chakbazar area of the town. Faridpur district Jamaat Ameer Md Badruddin presided over the programme, while Central Shura Member Professor Abdut Tawab attended as the chief guest. Among others, Faridpur Press Club President Kabirul Islam Siddiqui, Central Shura Member Shamsul Islam Al Barati and Press Club Vice President Asaduzzaman Dulal addressed the event. Speakers said the role of journalists in nation-building is undeniable, adding that Jamaat-e-Islami has worked with journalists in the past and intends to continue cooperation in the future. They also noted that the party places special importance on the media. The speakers urged all to embrace the teachings of the holy month of Ramadan to build an ideal life. They also condemned killings and oppression against Muslims across the world and called for unity among the Muslim Ummah. Prior to the iftar, a special prayer was offered seeking peace and welfare for the country and its people.

Jahangirnagar University has announced a 19-day holiday for its students on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, Shab-e-Qadr, Jumatul Bida, Eid-ul-Fitr and the Independence and National Day. The decision was disclosed in a notification signed by the university’s Acting Registrar ABM Azizur Rahman on Monday. According to the notification, all classes and examinations of the university will remain suspended from March 10 to March 26, 2026. During this period, weekend and evening programmes will also remain closed. As March 27 and 28 fall on Friday and Saturday, the university’s weekly holidays, all academic and administrative activities will resume on March 29, the notice said. Including the declared holidays and weekly offs, the university will remain closed for a continuous 19 days, it added.

Readers’ interests at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair have become increasingly diverse, with visitors exploring a wide range of subjects beyond traditional literature. A visit to different stalls at the fair on Monday showed that readers are no longer limiting their choices to fiction alone. Alongside novels and short stories, many were seen browsing books on politics, history, economics, psychology, technology and self-development. Among young readers in particular, there is growing enthusiasm for books on contemporary global issues as well as translated works by renowned foreign authors. At the same time, fiction, thrillers and science fiction continue to enjoy strong popularity. The fair also features a vibrant section for children and adolescents. In addition to stories, rhymes and poetry, stalls are offering illustrated storybooks, science-based titles and various creative educational materials. Publishers say readers today are seeking more than entertainment. They want to learn, understand complex issues and prepare themselves for the future, leading to an expansion in the thematic range of published books. Nusaiba, who visited the fair with friends from Uttara, said she purchased “Othoijol” by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. “I haven’t explored all the stalls yet. After looking around, I will buy the books I like,” she said. PM promises UN recognition of Bangla, globalising Ekushey Book Fair Another visitor, Rakib Hasan, said translated literature now attracts him more. “I read these books to understand the thoughts and ideas of foreign writers,” he added. Durjoy Chandra Sarkar, a sales representative at the Batighar stall, said a wide range of titles is available at their outlet. “Short stories, thrillers, translated works and classics are selling the most,” he said. Arman Hossain, a salesperson at Janata Prokashoni, echoed the trend, noting that short story collections, science-related books and translated works of famous personalities are seeing higher sales at their stall. However, on the fifth day of the fair, overall attendance of readers and visitors remained relatively modest, similar to other non-holiday days. According to the information centre, 40 new titles were submitted to the fair on the day. At 3:00 pm, the main stage hosted a discussion titled ‘150th Birth Anniversary: Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.’ The keynote paper was presented by Hamim Kamrul Haque, while Parvez Hossain took part in the discussion. Shafiqunnabi Samadi chaired the session. Later, in the “Lekhok Bolchi” segment, writers Farsheem Mannan Mohammadi and Ejaz Yousufi spoke about their books.

Television actor Zaher Alvi has alleged that he will be killed if he returns to Dhaka. In a video message posted on social media on Monday night, Alvi said he had bought a ticket with Biman Bangladesh Airlines to return to the country to see his wife, Afra Ivnath Khan Ikra, for the last time after she reportedly died by suicide. “I bought a ticket for March 1 to return to Dhaka from Nepal, but I received so many threats that I cannot explain them. There was even information that people were positioned outside the airport. As soon as I entered, I would be attacked and killed,” he claimed. Alvi said he is ready to face the law if police detain him. “If the police arrest me, I will deal with it according to the law. But if I am killed, what will happen to my son?” he questioned. Addressing the public, he asked, “Would you want my son to lose his father as well?” He also blamed certain people for preventing him from seeing his wife for the last time. Alvi’s wife reportedly committed suicide at their residence in Mirpur DOHS in the capital on Saturday. Alvi and Ikra were married in 2010.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described the attack on Iran as “horrible.” “We are living in very difficult and unstable times. There is a terrible lack of morality in world politics,” he said. Mirza Fakhrul, also Secretary General of the BNP, made the remarks at the first death anniversary of BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council Member Professor Shahida Rafique, held at the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) auditorium in Dhanmondi on Monday afternoon. BNP sweeps Thakurgaon as Fakhrul praises peaceful polls He said, “Interfering with the sovereignty of a country without reason, killing the head of the state, and detaining its president in prison… this is a terrible situation.” Mirza Fakhrul added, “We, who have grown up in a democratic system, have always valued human rights, democracy, and the independence of every country. We are deeply concerned about what is happening around the world. Yet in Bangladesh, thanks to Allah, the people are still taking the right decisions despite the instability.” Paying tribute to Professor Shahida Rafique, he said, “She always spoke the truth. She faced many challenges but never gave up. I am sad that when there is a chance for better days, she is no longer with us.” Professor Shahida Rafique, former Dean of Dhaka University and founding chairman of the Institute of Science and Technology, passed away on 2 March last year. Referring to the country’s challenges, Mirza Fakhrul said, “We have a long way to go. Over the past 17–18 years, fascist forces have destroyed many institutions, especially the education system. “We need to rebuild our institutions, strengthen human rights, good governance, the rule of law, and the welfare state. Only then can we honour the work and wishes of Dr Shahida,” he added. He also expressed his continued support for the institution founded by Professor Shahida Rafique.