United News of Bangladesh

Following the brutal assassination of Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975, his name was removed from educational institutions, the media, and government organisations. Radwan Mujib Siddiq, Bangabandhu's grandson, witnessed this erasure firsthand during his childhood in Dhaka in the 1980s. Today marks Radwan Mujib's birthday. He was born on this day in 1980 to Bangabandhu's youngest daughter, Sheikh Rehana. A trustee of Centre for Research and Information (CRI), Radwan has spoken about his childhood experiences. He recalled how, at school, many had never heard of his grandfather. His classmates would ask, "Who is your Bangabandhu nana (grandfather)?" Teachers would react with fear, instructing him not to mention Bangabandhu's name. Determined to reintroduce Bangabandhu to the youth, Radwan initiated the creation of the graphic novel series “Mujib.” This 10-part series, based on Bangabandhu's unfinished autobiography, has captivated children, adolescents, and young adults alike, making the country's history accessible through engaging storytelling. The graphic novel's popularity led to the release of another based on Bangabandhu's “Amar Dekha Naya Chin” (The New China as I Saw It), which also garnered significant attention at the Ekushey Boi Mela. Radwan explained, "How will we teach the young generation, how will we reach them? The point is, we have to speak their language." Thus, a graphic novel was created to communicate Bangabandhu's legacy to the youth. ‘Leave no sector behind’: Radwan Mujib stresses in latest issue of WhiteBoard Radwan also played a crucial role in producing the docudrama “Hasina: A Daughter's Tale,” which chronicles how Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana survived the 1975 massacre and their journey back to Bangladesh driven by a sense of duty. The docudrama resonated deeply with young people and received international acclaim. Though Radwan prefers to work behind the scenes, his efforts have significantly inspired the youth. As a trustee of CRI, he empowers youth through the Young Bangla initiative, which boasts over 3 million members and organises events like the Joy Bangla Youth Award and the Joy Bangla Concert. Radwan Mujib: From Bangladesh’s darkest hour to reinstating its glorious history Radwan emphasises the need to give more responsibility to the youth, asserting that young people should be involved in all sectors, from business and politics to NGOs. Under Radwan's leadership, Young Bangla facilitates internship programs in various ministries, connecting young people with government activities. This initiative has been so successful that the Bangladesh Cabinet has issued a gazette to expand internship opportunities. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself has become a member of Young Bangla, underscoring its importance. Radwan Mujib takes a ride on Metro Rail, lauds it’s ‘healthy gender balance’ Radwan, who graduated in Governance and History from the London School of Economics and Political Science, also did his Masters in Comparative Politics from the same institution. Radwan Mujib is the editor-in-chief of the policy-based magazine “Whiteboard”, published by CRI.

Speakers at a discussion on Monday said challenges of extremism and violent extremism are everyday reality, not just for Bangladesh but for all countries across the South Asian region and in the world. "I think it is important for us as academicians, practitioners, and members of society to constantly learn how the nature of extremism is changing and to create effective countermeasures," said Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow, BIPSS, while moderating the discussion. Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organized the policy circle on “Extremism: Challenge for Society and Democracy” at a hotel in Dhaka. Dr. A. S. M. Ali Ashraf, Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka and Abul Kalam Azad, independent journalist and researcher, were the esteemed speakers who streamlined the conversation by contributing their insightful perspectives on the topic under discussion. The moderator of the event Shafqat Munir highlighted how extremism is affecting the society and the state. He also added that Bangladesh has faced significant challenges due to extremism, particularly violent extremism for decades. While the current situation is much better than before, he said, “The absence of a successful terrorist attack does not denote the absence of terrorism.” The primary questions that Munir addressed and highlighted for the policy circle was how to cope with the growing threat of extremism, how to handle this threat, and what tactics should be developed to combat extremism in the modern world. Abul Kalam Azad listed a few of the main causes of people's susceptibility to extremism. These consist of injustice, corruption, inequality, and discrimination, among others. Additionally, he said that the emergence of extremist ideologies in people was a direct result of personal experiences such as trauma and loss. He asserted that two of the main causes of extremism in local culture are the proliferation of hate speech and propaganda. Additionally, he said that extremism may impede a society's social, political, and economic advancement, where one of the main causes of developing extremism is misinterpretation of religion. In the age of technological innovation, Azad further stated that extremist organizations are using encrypted social media access as a means of communication and attack mobilization, greatly increasing the chances of harm caused by extremist assaults. In addition, social media use has recently made it easier to recruit and communicate with young people, brainwashing them into joining extremist groups.Dr. A. S. M. Ali Ashraf stated that between 1999 to 2024, terrorism has taken different trajectories. Because of his experience in the field of "terrorism and political violence," he frequently approaches problems from a theoretical standpoint. Thus, based on theoretical viewpoints, he discovered four distinct types of extremism in Bangladesh and around the world: left-wing extremism, right-wing extremism, faith-based extremism and extremism including ethno-national groups and political violence. He said, “Terrorism itself is a political violence, but Bangladesh has a different narrative and connotation for political violence.” Dr. Ali Ashraf also added that extremism poses a challenge for not only democracy but also to non-democratic ideologies as well. The application of cutting-edge technologies is both strengthening the hand of extremist organizations and creating new difficulties in both democracy and non-democracies in countering the violent attacks of the extremists. The moderator concluded, “If we had to have this conversation in 15 years or a decade from now, with the advent of artificial intelligence, greater integration of technology, the conversation would be different."

The Cabinet today approved the signing of the Apostille Convention. Once signed, this international convention will eliminate the need for further authentication of various certificates, documents, and affidavits of Bangladeshis going abroad if they have been duly authenticated in Bangladesh. This will save an estimated Tk 500 crore per year, Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said in response to a question from journalists at his ministry in Dhaka’s Segun Bagicha on Monday afternoon. The minister said, "This proposal was passed by the Cabinet on Monday. Once implemented, all documents that need to be authenticated for Bangladeshis going abroad, including students, workers, and those traveling to meet family members, will only need to be authenticated in this country." "Not all countries have embassies in Bangladesh. There are embassies of 90 countries in Delhi. To get authentication from there, one needs to obtain Indian visa. The money, time, and effort spent on all these will be saved if we join this convention, and we will save Tk 400 to 500 crore per year," said Hasan. Stating that it will take about six months for this to come into effect, the foreign minister said, "To join the Apostille Convention, we have to inform 126 member states, and there are some formalities."

Election Commissioner Md Alamgir has stated that there are no restrictions, rules, or regulations in national or local government polls regarding the percentage of votes cast required to deem an election acceptable. "The EC isn’t bothered about it. The EC will be satisfied with any percentage of votes," he said while speaking to journalists at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Monday. Addressing concerns about low voter turnout in the first phase of Upazila Parishad election, Election Commissioner Alamgir cited factors such as crop harvesting, inclement weather, and the absence of major opposition political parties as reasons for the unexpected voter turnout. "It is not a matter of trust or distrust in the EC. The decline in voter turnout is due to the non-availability of preferred candidates and natural calamities. However, there is no obligation for the EC regarding what percentage of voter turnout will be satisfactory," he added. He mentioned that the EC had taken all necessary preparations to ensure that the second phase of the Upazila Parishad election would be free, fair, acceptable, and violence-free. A significant number of law enforcement personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful election environment. "The EC is committed to holding credible elections. People are showing less interest in elections worldwide, and this is not a problem unique to our country," he noted. He further stated that BNP is distributing leaflets to encourage people not to go to the polling centres. "It is their political right, and they can do so. However, if they try to create any chaos, the EC will take action according to the law," he warned.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic deaths of Iranian President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Dr Hossein Amir Abdollahian, and their entourage in a helicopter crash. In a condolence message, he said the deaths of the Iranian President, Foreign Minister and other officials have deeply saddened the people of Bangladesh. “The death of Ebrahim Raisi is an irreparable loss for the Muslim world. He was an extraordinary statesman,” the BNP leader said. He prayed for the salvation of the departed souls of the Iranian President and other officials and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved families and well-wishers of the deceased. “May the Almighty Allah grant the families of the deceased, including President Raisi’s, and the people of Iran the ability to overcome the irreparable losses,” Fakhrul said. In another condolence message, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman also expressed profound shock over the demise of the Iranian President and other officials in the tragic helicopter crash. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country’s foreign minister were found dead on Monday, hours after their helicopter crashed in dense fog, leaving the Islamic Republic without two crucial leaders during a time of extraordinary tension gripping the Middle East. Iran has yet to provide an explanation for the crash or indicate any suspicion of sabotage causing the helicopter to go down. The aircraft descended into mountainous terrain amidst intense fog.

The Cabinet on Monday approved the draft of the "Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Remuneration and Privileges) Act, 2024", fixing their salaries. The approval came from the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office here in the city. According to the proposed law, the salary will be Tk 105,000 for the CEC and Tk 95,000 for an election commissioner. In addition to the salary, they will get other allowances, including a 50 percent special allowance. Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain briefed reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat after the meeting. “It basically determined the privileges and salaries of the CEC and other election commissioners. The previous law has been followed in designing the proposed law,” he said. Noting that the existing law is from 1983, he said that since there is a directive from the higher court to change the laws enacted during the military regimes, the draft law was designed.

The government is working to upgrade the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) into an international standards institution, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said on Monday. “Effective measures have been taken by the Ministry of Industries to increase the capacity of BSTI,” he said while addressing a discussion titled "We Measure Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow" organised on the occasion of World Metrology Day held at the BSTI meeting room in the capital's Tejgaon. He said that different initiatives, like the recruitment of skilled manpower, modernization of equipment, the establishment of world-class laboratories, and the launch of one-stop services, are being implemented in the institution. "If these programmes are fully implemented, BSTI will transform into an international standard institution," he stated. JICA, Power Division hold workshop for improving power quality He said that the BSTI, as an ISO member institution, has been running its operations successfully with the sole efforts of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman since its inception to ensure quality goods for the common consumers of the country. Humayun said that various initiatives and steps have been taken to modernise BSTI in the context of global and regional order. He further stated that work is on to establish 10 regional offices with laboratories for BSTI, Chattogram, and Khulna. BSTI offices are being upgraded into offices with modern laboratories to provide assistance in import and export trade. He said that some 68 new labs are being established while the existing labs are being modernised, BSTI halal certificates are being provided to boost the export of local products, and some 21 new labs are also being set up to provide modern services on weight and measurement. Besides, steps have been taken to expand the activities of BSTI from the division to the district level. Food Minister warns officials against negligence in OMS food distribution The minister said proper measurement is an important measure of the efforts of the United Nations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It plays a vital role in understanding and dealing with environmental challenges like climate change and air pollution. "Through proper calculation and monitoring, the amount of carbon in the environment will be known, which will in turn play a supporting role in preventing carbon pollution." Industries Ministry Senior Secretary Zakia Sultana, President of FBCCI Mahbubul Alam spoke as special guests. Among others, Director General of BSTI SM Ferdous Alam and Director (Metrology) Engineer Md. Nurul Islam also spoke.

The 12th parliament will go into the first budget session on June 5 next for the placement of the proposed national budget for the fiscal 2024-2025 on the following day there. President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday summoned the 3rd session (budget session) of the 12th parliament, exercising the power bestowed upon him as per the Clause (1) of Article 72 of the Constitution. The parliamentary session, the 3rd in 2024, will start at 5pm on June 05, said a parliament secretariat release. The size of the next national budget of Bangladesh, for the fiscal year 2024-25, will be Tk 8 lakh crore with a Tk 265,000-crore Annual Development Programme (ADP). The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday last approved the ADP with an outlay of Tk 265,000 crores, keeping the highest allocation of Tk 70, 687.75 crore (26. 67pc of allocation) for transport and communication sector. Besides, the NEC approved some Tk 13,288.91-crore ADP of the autonomous bodies or corporations. So, with the 13,288.91 crore ADP for autonomous bodies or corporations, the total size of ADP for 2024-2025 has stood at Tk 278,288.91 crore. In the ADP, the total number of projects is 1,321 including 1,133 investment projects, 21 survey projects, 87 technical assistance projects and 80 projects from the autonomous bodies and corporations. Local Government Division among the ministries and divisions is going to receive the highest 10 allocation of some Tk 38,809 crore (15pc of allocation) in the ADP. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has recently said her government will be able to place the budget properly and will implement it as well. On May 09 last, the second session of the 12th Parliament was prorogued after six working days, which started on May 02.

The government has decided to introduce the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Peace Medal for awarding an individual or organisation at local or international levels for their contribution to the establishment of peace. The cabinet on Monday approved the draft of "Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Shanti Padak (Peace Medal) Policy-2024" to introduce the award. The approval came from the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office here in the city. “The medal will be conferred every two years,” said Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain while briefing reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat after the meeting. He said one individual or organisation will usually be honoured with this prestigious medal each time. According to the policy, US$ 100,000, an 18-carat gold medal weighing 50 grammes, and a certificate will be given to the awardee. The name of the nominated individual or organisation will be announced on March 17, the birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day. But the medal may be conferred on or around May 23, as Bangabandhu had been honoured with the Julio Curie Medal of Peace on that date in 1973. Mahbub Hossain said the process of awarding this medal will start this year, and the conferment of this medal can start next year.

With a vision to improve nationwide power grid frequency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Power Division jointly organised a workshop at the Power Division on Monday. Md Habibur Rahman, senior secretary of Power Division, Md Mahbubur Rahman, chairman of Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and Ichiguchi Tomohide, chief representative of JICA Bangladesh office, attended the workshop along with relevant officials from the government and development partners. Following the grid failure and countrywide blackout incident on October 4, 2022, JICA conducted a study to prevent blackouts and improve grid stability. In the report, the JICA study team shared their findings and recommended several short-term, mid-term, and long-term countermeasures to improve power quality. The power grid of Bangladesh needs to be immediately prepared for more sophisticated power sources like the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, which is scheduled to evacuate about 2400 MW of power through the national grid in the coming years. According to the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan, a large number of grid- and household-level renewable energy sources are also expected, further adding to the complexity. At the workshop, participants discussed these issues, their proposed solutions, as mentioned in the report, and their practical implications. Upgradation of the National Load Dispatch Centre, capacity development of the officials, and several other mid- and long-term activities are also proposed in the report. During the workshop, Ichiguchi Tomohide said, “Reliable and quality power is vital to attracting foreign and domestic investors to expand their businesses in Bangladesh. “Hence, power stability is crucial for rapid industrialization and sustaining high economic growth for the country,” he said.