United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bank has found many banks are not complying with the instructions to ensure the security of bank outlets and branches. As a result, gold from bank lockers is disappearing and bank money is being looted by robbery. In such a situation, the BB has once again gave instructions to keep CCTV in operation at all times and sufficient armed guards for security in the bank branches. On Monday, the Banking Regulations and Policy Department (BRPD) of BB issued a directive and sent it to the top executives of banks to ensure the security of bank branches. According to this directive, to ensure the security of the bank outlet of all scheduled banks, the required number of CCTV or IP cameras or spy cameras should be installed at the entrance of the bank branch, inside the branch, outside the branch, and in all types of IT rooms. Effective measures should be taken to keep the CCTV or spy cameras connected to the central information network of the bank, keep them under continuous monitoring, and the nearest police station can obtain the video footage recorded in the cameras, the directive stated. The directive also states that a sufficient number of armed security guards should be kept for the security of the bank along with trained armed security guards should be arranged. But the central bank said that some banks are not following these instructions properly. In such a situation, the regulator has again given instructions to the banks to ensure the security of outlets and branches of the bank. The central bank issued the notification after missing a client's 149 bhori gold worth approximately Tk1.5 crore has allegedly went missing recently from a locker at Islami Bank's Chawkbazar branch in Chattogram.

Dr Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, is not suffering from a divine curse but from the consequences of deceiving 1.05 crore members of the Grameen Bank, according to Masud Akhtar, the bank's Chief Legal Advisor. In a conversation with reporters in front of the Supreme Court Annex Building on Monday, Masud claimed that Yunus had engaged in fraudulent activities against the bank's customers. "He did not take any personal or familial benefits, but he did issue work orders worth hundreds of crores of taka to his own printing press at rates 30%-40% higher than usual," Akhtar said. Yunus speaks on humiliation of being made to stand inside cage in courtroom He also accused Yunus of abusing a general manager who protested against these actions, keeping him under house arrest. The allegations of corruption against Yunus date back to 1997. Although he left Grameen Bank in 2011, Masud suggested that Yunus managed to keep his corrupt practices under wraps as his associates continued to run the bank. However, a 2020 audit revealed significant corruption, and more incriminating evidence surfaced in 2023. Court sets June 12 for decision on whether Yunus to go on trial in embezzlement case Masud emphasised that the bank has no personal vendetta against Yunus. "Our grievance lies with his actions and the undue familial benefits he secured. Yunus is suffering the consequences of his own greed. This is not fabricated – he deceived the customers of Grameen Bank, and now he is facing the repercussions," he stated. Yunus Centre refutes Grameen Bank allegations centring Packages Corporation

Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun on Monday asked the police force to ensure safe transporting of the sacrificial animals to their respective destinations ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. He also asked to ensure uninterrupted eid-journey for the homebound people. The IGP came up with the order while speaking at a meeting over the overall law and order situation including road, railways and waterways and traffic management on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. IGP in Sylhet: 'We are working to become Smart Police' Additional IGP Quamrul Ahsan, Additional IGP of Special Branch Manirul Islam, Additional IGPs of police headquarters and chief of different units of Dhaka police were present at the meeting. Besides, the Metropolitan police commissioners, range DIGs and superintendent of police of all districts joined the meeting virtually. The IGP directed the highway police and district police to ensure the movement of homebound people comfortably during Eid. Besides, the movement of vehicles without fitness and registration on the highways and roads will remain out ahead of Eid. The IGP also urged all to hang the banner of the designated cattle market in front of the vehicles or river vessels carrying sacrificial animals. He also asked people to make an emergency call at the national emergency service 999 if they face any obstacles in transporting sacrificial animals. Managed to effectively control militancy and terrorism with joint efforts: IGP IGP Abdullah also asked the policemen to provide necessary security for the cattle trader while dealing money. He also urged police to take steps against the dope gang who remained active during Eid. The police boss also requested people to refrain from travelling by any animal laden vehicles or trucks to avoid accidents. The IGP directed police to take adequate security measures at important Eid congregation centres.    

Just in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup excitement, youth-favourite smartphone brand realme launched the realme C63, featuring an unparalleled 45W fast charger that provides a one-hour cricket watch with only three minutes of charging. This remarkable feature is complemented by a 5000mAh battery which gets charged up to 20% in 10 minutes, 50% in 30 minutes and 100% in 79 minutes. A 60-second charge would give users a passage for a 60-minute call, said a press release issued on Monday. It is the only phone in its segment to receive the TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification, which guarantees that the charging system has undergone rigorous testing to meet the highest safety standards. Realme C63 also offers a vegan leather back cover which was previously preserved for flagship smartphones only. Alongside providing a luxurious texture, it also offers exceptional durability and resistance to stains. The coarse lychee pattern chosen for the vegan leather back shell enhances grip, ensuring both visual and tactile pleasure. Adding to its premium appeal, the realme C63 comes with the only metal lens deco in its price segment. The smartphone also brings several flagship-level AI features to its users. It introduces Air Gestures and Rainwater Smart Touch, previously available only in the realme numbers and GT series. These innovative features cater to everyday user needs, allowing seamless navigation without touching the screen. With Air Gestures, users can enjoy hands-free interactions while eating, exercising, or cooking, enabling them to watch videos and answer calls effortlessly. Rainwater Smart Touch ensures smooth operation even in rainy conditions or in the bathroom. The C63 also includes AI call noise reduction and the highly acclaimed Mini Capsule 2.0 function, enhancing the overall user experience. Powered by an advanced octa-core chip, the realme C63 delivers both performance and efficiency, making it a formidable contender in the mid-range smartphone market. Besides, the device also features the latest realme UI 14 version. The realme C63 will be available in two stunning colours, Leather Blue and Jade Green. The 6GB+128GB version is attractively priced at Tk 16,999, while the 8GB+128GB version costs Tk 18,999. Additionally, on Pickaboo's platform, there's a flash sale where the 6GB+128GB variant is available for TK 15,999 and the 8GB+128GB variant is priced at Tk 17,999. Realme is dedicated to maximizing quality and performance, ensuring that the realme C63 delivers a luxury-like experience to all its consumers. For further details on the realme C63 launch, users can visit the official realme Bangladesh Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/realmeBD/  

In a move aimed at preserving green spaces and enhancing the quality of life in Dhaka, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam announced that Anwara Park at Farmgate will remain a park and will not be subjected to any construction. "No construction will be allowed in Anwara Park at Farmgate, it will be kept open to the public as a park. It was once a park. Based on public demand, it must be returned as a park. I am with the people. No construction here, it will remain as a park," said the Mayor, emphasising his commitment to maintaining green spaces for public use. Drive against illegal occupiers to continue: Atiqul The announcement was made on Monday afternoon during a policy dialogue titled "Save Your Breath - Clean Air Imperatives," organised by the Shakti Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka.The dialogue highlighted the importance of data-driven solutions and effective implementation strategies to improve air quality. Mirpur's Paris canal will be revived : Mayor Atiqul Atiqul Islam also introduced five key measures to combat air pollution in Dhaka. The initiatives include: using covers at construction sites to prevent dust-borne air pollution, ensuring proper covering for vehicles transporting materials that disperse fine particles, banning unsuitable vehicles that emit black smoke, avoiding the unnecessary burning of leaves and waste and closing illegal sewerage lines in drains and canals. "Everyone needs to be aware to protect the city's environment. Various agencies need to work in coordination," the Mayor stated, underscoring the need for collective effort in tackling environmental issues. No cutting trees without permission in DNCC areas: Atiqul Islam He also highlighted the results of a survey conducted in the Gulshan and Baridhara areas, revealing that many buildings lack proper sanitation systems, leading to illegal sewage connections polluting the city's surface drains. "The water in Gulshan and Baridhara canals is polluted. Fish cannot be cultivated there. Mosquitoes are breeding instead," he noted, stressing the urgency of addressing these problems. The DNCC mayor also called for stricter measures to close illegal sewage connections, pointing out the irony of residents investing heavily in air conditioning while neglecting sewage management. "Indiscriminately connecting sewage to the city's canals and drains is polluting the water and air. This needs to stop," he asserted. The dialogue, moderated by Nahim Razzaq, lawmaker for Shariatpur-3 constituency, featured participants including RAJUK Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Siddiqur Rahman Sarkar; Chief Executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at Jahangirnagar University DrAkter Mahmud, among others.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Monday said that multiple factors are contributing to the continuation of air pollution in the country, and combined efforts in the battle against air pollution are necessary. “Air pollution is a silent killer. The Ministry has formulated rules to identify and tackle indoor and outdoor air pollution, and an all-government approach with active engagement of all stakeholders is the way forward,” he said. To underscore the importance of enforcing evidence-based solutions to improve air quality, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Shakti Foundation jointly organized a policy dialogue titled "Save Your Breath: Policy Dialogue on Clean Air Imperatives" at Hotel Sheraton on Monday, where the Minister spoke as the chief guest.

 UNICEF and children representatives from the Bangladesh Generation Parliament initiative highlighted on Monday the critical need for enhanced allocation and effective utilization of the national budget in key child welfare sectors during a parliamentary pre-briefing held at the Bangladesh National Parliament. This year, the “Safeguarding Children’s Interest in the National Budget: Pre-Budget Briefing” is jointly organized by UNICEF with the members of the ParliamentaryCaucus on Child Rights, Standing Committees on the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health and the Bangladesh Parliamentary Forum on Health & Wellbeing. This briefing follows the comprehensive analysis of the national budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 conducted by UNICEF and presented it to the parliamentarians,revealing concerning trends in budget allocation and utilization for key sectors, particularly education, health, and social protection. Tens of thousands of children in Afghanistan are affected by ongoing flash floods, UNICEF says The presentation also sheds light on the investment needs in the three key sectors for the upcoming budget and recommendations going forward. Children representing eight divisions of Bangladesh were present at the event and voiced their concerns and aspirations of their peers at the briefing. "If we can participate in budget discussions, it will help us express our opinions, the obstacles that we face in our everyday life and the needs related to our education, health and other areas”, said 11-year-old child journalist Owaiz Abtee from Kurigram. “Engaging children in pre-budget analysis is a powerful step towards fostering active citizenship and ensuring their voices are heard in shaping our nation's future. UNICEF's support in this initiative underscores our commitment to inclusive and participatory governance”, said the Chief Guest, Noor-E-Alam Chowdhury, Chief Whip in the Bangladesh National Parliament. Among other key issues, the briefing referred to the need of highlighting the underutilization of funds in critical sectors, which is complemented by the lackof allocation in other critical areas. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, despite an increase in the total budget size by 12.3 per cent compared to the previous year, the allocation for crucial sectors like health, education, and social protection has proportionally declined, posing a significant risk to the well-being of children and in achieving the country's development goals. UNICEF 'appalled' at Rohingya teacher's killing "Investing in our children is not just a moral obligation—it is a smart economic strategy that would bring high returns. Ensuring full utilization of the allocated budget for children is essential for sustaining the remarkable developmental strides Bangladesh has made," said Stanley Gwavuya, OIC Representative to UNICEF in Bangladesh, emphasising the importance of strategic investments in children. "It is our duty as policymakers to ensure that the allocation and execution of budgets reflect our commitment to the well-being and rights of every child in Bangladesh. Today’s discussion reiterates our collective responsibility to enhance the mechanisms of budget utilization,” said Shamsul Hoque Tuku, MP, the Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, and the Chair of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights echoing the need for legislative support. In the Health sector, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality and under-five mortality. However, the upcoming national budget needs to ensure 2 per cent of GDP investment in health with a special focus on access to universal health services for all, increasing the health workforce, medicines and equipment in primary healthcare facilities and increasing immunization financing. In Education, Bangladesh has achievednearly 100% enrolment in primary education with gender parity. It is crucial to ensure 3 per cent of GDP investment in education and focus on increasing students’ competencies in the primary and secondary levels, curriculum reform, strengthening the student assessment system, training teachers, and making schools heatproof, said UNICEF. In social protection, Mother and Child Benefit Programme is a critical intervention to ensure children’s nutrition in their early years. Though Bangladesh invests reasonable resources in social protection, benefits need to reach those in need. Additionally, UNICEF conducted a U-report poll involving over 28,000 young voices, to incorporate broader youth opinions. Around 84 per cent of the participants responded that it is important for the Government to spend more on health, education and social protection directly impacting children. This initiative is a testament to UNICEF's commitment to incorporating children's voices in policy dialogues that affect their lives directly.  

Shahbagh police station will be relocated from its current location to facilitate the implementation of the Shadhinata Stambha project at Suhrawardy Udayan in Dhaka. The decision came from the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the city. The Shahbagh Police Station Bhaban needs to be relocated due to the construction of Swadhinata Stambha (Independence Monument) Project in the historic Suhrawardy Udyan, said Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain while briefing reporters after the meeting. “The Cabinet has taken the decision that the police station will be shifted to the opposite side of the Hotel InterContinental and behind Sakura,” he said.  The relocation issue of the police station was placed before the Cabinet as the Liberation War Affairs Ministry and the Home Ministry failed to reach a decision in this regard.    

The government on Monday fixed the price of cowhide at Tk 55-60 per square feet in the capital and Tk 50-55 outside of it. The decision was taken at a meeting on fixing the rawhide prices on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha  at the Secretariat. Mohiuddin Ahmed Mahim, chairman of Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leather goods and Footwear Exporters Association, announced the price of cowhide in presence of the State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Tito at the meeting. According to the new price, the price of per piece cowhide has been fixed at Tk 1200 in the capital while Tk 1000 outside the capital.        

The government on Monday rearranged the office-timing from 9am to 5pm for government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous institutions of the country, which will be effective after the upcoming Eid-ul Azha. The decision for the new office hours was taken at the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the city. Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain informed the decision while briefing reporters after the meeting. The current office-hour from 9am to 4pm was made effective from  November 15, 2022 in order to save power and energy changing the usual office time from 9am to 5pm.