United News of Bangladesh

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said the change in the governorship of Bangladesh Bank was part of a broader administrative reshuffle undertaken by the new government to implement its priorities and policy agenda. “Changes have not taken place in Bangladesh Bank only; they have occurred in many places also,” he told reporters at the Secretariat in response to a question regarding the replacement of the central bank governor. Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru “After assuming office, a new government has its own priorities and programmes. Changes are being made where necessary to realise those priorities. This is a normal process,” he said. Responding to a query about the considerations behind the governor’s removal, the minister said there was nothing unusual about the decision. “A new government has come in with its own preferences and policy thinking. Naturally, adjustments will be made in different institutions to align with its programmes,” he said, adding that such changes are neither isolated nor exceptional. “It is not only Bangladesh Bank where changes have been made. Many other places have seen changes, and more may follow if required. This is very normal in the context of a new administration,” he said. Development benefits must reach people’s doorsteps: Khosru The minister emphasised that the government’s own programme, preferences and policy orientation would guide administrative decisions. “Wherever necessary to implement the government’s programme and thinking, changes will be brought.” Earlier, the government removed Ahsan H Mansur from the post of governor of Bangladesh Bank and appointed Md Mostakur Rahman as the new governor. The change comes as the government reiterates its commitment to pursuing its economic agenda in coordination with key financial institutions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, in which 57 army officers were killed, was a sinister attempt to undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty. “The Army is a symbol of our sovereignty. I believe the tragic incident at Pilkhana was an evil attempt to foil our sovereignty,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with the family members of the 57 army officers killed in the BDR carnage. The programme was held at the Army Multipurpose Hall in Dhaka Cantonment, marking Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas (National Martyred Army Day). PM Tarique Rahman chairs meeting on airport’s third terminal Tarique said the Bangladesh Army has a glorious history in the War of Independence and in nation-building in the post-independence period. Referring to the Pilkhana incident, the Prime Minister said weaknesses in the country’s national security structure were exposed through it. “So, in line with the changing global context, our national security framework needs to be made more modern, time-befitting and stronger. Our government will certainly work towards this goal,” he said. At the same time, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to establishing long-term protection measures to ensure the education, healthcare and rehabilitation of the children of martyred families of the army. He prayed to Almighty Allah that He would grant peace to the souls of the martyrs, give patience and strength to their families, and guide the state and its institutions on the path of justice, discipline, and responsibility. PM Tarique paid deep tribute to the 74 brave martyrs, including 57 patriotic army officers, who embraced martyrdom in the brutal killings that took place at Pilkhana on February 25 and 26, 2009. Third day at Secretariat, PM Tarique Rahman focuses on discipline He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and strength and patience for their bereaved families, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The Prime Minister said February 25 is a blood-stained and sorrowful day in the nation’s history. “When this day returns, nature seems to fall silent again under the weight of memory and grief, and the cries of those horrific moments seem to drift through the air. Our hearts become heavy with deep sorrow. The brutal events of February 25 and 26, 2009 created a deep wound in our national life, the pain of which continues to flow even after the passage of time,” he said. Seventeen years after the incident, the Prime Minister said his voice became heavy as he stood before the family members of victims of the Pilkhana tragedy with the memories of the martyrs. “I have appeared before you not only as a public representative, but as a member of a military family, like the child of a fellow soldier. In that horrific incident of 2009, a total of 74 lives were lost, including 57 talented and patriotic army officers. Each name is the story of a family’s light being extinguished, a painful chapter of losing a loved one, the history of a child becoming fatherless, an unfinished epic of a dream,” he said. Tarique mentioned that soon after returning to the country, he visited the Banani Military Graveyard. “Standing beside the graves of the martyred army officers, I realised the depth of your unbearable struggle over the past 17 years — your immense sacrifice and the painful suffering of going from door to door in search of justice, yet not getting it.” He expressed his belief that commemorating the Pilkhana tragedy with state dignity is a national responsibility. “If the incidents of 25 and 26 February are not given state recognition in our history, future generations will not forgive us.” In consultation with the Army and the families, the Prime Minister said his government will work to preserve the memory of February 25 and 26 with due honour. Tarique said the elected government, formed through the people’s mandate after a long struggle, is committed to strengthening the country’s border force. “We will modernise and further consolidate the border guarding force, InshaAllah,” he said, adding that its members will continue to serve the nation with patriotism and professional dedication.

In just three days, a string of suspected gas leak fires across at least four districts, including Chattogram, has exposed the alarming vulnerability of urban households, leaving five members of a single family dead and 15 others injured. A gas line explosion ripped through a flat on the third floor of a six-storey building at Halishahar in Chattogram early Monday, leaving nine of a family injured. Five of them — Shawkat Hossain, 49; Ashura Akter Pakhi, 30; Nurjahan Akter; her son Shawon; and her brother-in-law Sumon   succumbed to their injuries till Wednesday afternoon. 4 of a family burned in Hazaribagh ‘gas leak’ fire The other injured victims are undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic surgery in Dhaka. On the same day, four members of a family including a woman and a child sustained burn injuries in a gas leak explosion at their rented house in the capital’s Hazaribagh area. The victims — Sheikh Roman, 35; his wife Pinky Akter, 32; their three-year-old son Mayan; and Roman’s brother-in-law Apu, 23 — were living on the ground floor of a building in East Rayer Bazar. They were rushed to the burn institute in the early hours. In Cumilla’s Daudkandi, another family of four — Monowara, 60, Zill Haque, 37, Umme Humaira, 30, and two-year-old Hurram — suffered burns in a fire triggered by a suspected gas leak on Tuesday. Three shops gutted in Kushtia fire Hospital sources said they were admitted to the emergency department of the burn institute. In Chandpur’s Kachua upazila, three members of a family — Khadiza, 30, Mahmudul, 35, and Sheuli Akter, 40 — were injured in an explosion reportedly caused by a leaking gas line at around 8:30am on Wednesday. They, too, were later taken to Dhaka for treatment. Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain and Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu visited the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute on Tuesday morning to see victims of Chattogram and Cumilla fire incidents. The Health Minister told reporters that the best possible treatment would be provided to all injured patients. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said Industries, Health, and Disaster Management ministries will work together to bring expired gas cylinders under proper regulation. The ministers will hold a joint meeting soon to decide on measures to reduce such accidents, he said. Two separate probe bodies have been formed over the blast incident at Halishahar in Chattogram city that left five people dead. Mohammad Jashim Uddin, deputy-director of Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defense, said a five-member committee has been formed to look into the explosion. The committee has been asked to submit its report within next week. Meanwhile, Kabir Uddin Ahmed, General Manager of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) formed a three-member committee to probe the blast. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three working days.

The most notable achievement of the recent parliamentary election was that voters were able to cast their ballots freely and that political parties accepted the results, said Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN), on Wednesday. “Despite various questions surrounding the election, the most important point is that people were able to vote and exercise their franchise without obstruction and political parties accepted the outcome,” he said at a programme titled “Presentation of a research-based evaluation of the 13th Parliamentary Election and Referendum 2026,” organised by SHUJAN. Shujan accuses EC of hurriedly publishing election gazette He said allegations of some isolated irregularities have surfaced and should be examined through proper investigation. SHUJAN central committee member Ekram Hossain read out the written paper. Badiul Alam said that although the overall environment allowed voters to exercise their franchise without major obstacles, there were allegations of isolated irregularities which need to be examined through proper investigation. “If the legal framework is inadequate, the possibility of a fair election also diminishes.Elections held under party governments in the past failed to create a conducive environment for credible polls. He warned that similar questions would persist if existing legal provisions related to elections are not fully and strictly followed.” Nearly 35% of election candidates have no income tax Records: SHUJAN  He said the Election System Reform Commission had earlier placed several reform proposals. Had those recommendations been incorporated into law, controversies surrounding loan defaulters, dual citizenship and the eligibility of independent candidates could have been avoided, he said. On loan defaulters, he said the commission proposed that loans must be regularised at least six months before an election and that habitual defaulters should not be allowed to contest at all. The failure to implement these recommendations has once again led to debate. Regarding independent candidates, he said the commission had proposed collecting signatures from a fixed number of voters—500—instead of one percent of the electorate, which could have reduced allegations of collusion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday formally adorned the rank badge on newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir at his office in the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Home Secretary Monjur Morshed Chowdhury were present at the ceremony, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister congratulated the new police chief and wished him success in carrying out his responsibilities. Earlier on Tuesday, the government appointed Additional Inspector General of Police and chief of the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) Md Ali Hossain Fakir as the new IGP. Ali, a member of the 15th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Police) cadre, replaced Baharul Alam, who had been serving as IGP on a contractual basis since November 20, 2024.  

The government on Wednesday appointed Md Mostaqur Rahman as the new Governor of Bangladesh Bank for a four-year term, cancelling the remaining tenure of Dr Ahsan H Mansur with immediate effect. According to separate notifications issued by the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance, the appointment has been made under Article 10(5) of the Bangladesh Bank Order, 1972 (President’s Order No. 127 of 1972). The notification said Mostaqur Rahman will serve as Governor of Bangladesh Bank for four years from the date of his joining, subject to relinquishing all employment relationships with other institutions and organisations. New govt to continue reforms in banking sector: Bangladesh Bank governor During his tenure, he will draw salary, allowances and other benefits from Bangladesh Bank in accordance with the terms of a contract to be signed with the government. Other conditions of his appointment will also be determined by the contract, the notification added. The order appointing Mostaqur Rahman took immediate effect. Mostaqur Rahman, a fellow member of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (FCMA),  holds a B.Com (Hons) and Masters Degree from the Department of  Accounting, University of Dhaka. Mostaqur Rahman is a member of Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Real Estate and Housing Associations of Bangladesh (REHAB), Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) and Dhaka Chamber and Commerce and Industries (DCCI). Bangladesh Bank buys $123 million from 8 banks to bolster reserves Mostaqur Rahman is an entrepreneur and businessman, and a senior financial governance specialist with over 30 years of leadership experience in corporate finance, export economics, institutional governance, and financial systems management, according to Bangladesh Bank. In a separate notification, the Financial Institutions Division said the remaining tenure of Dr Ahsan H Mansur as Governor of Bangladesh Bank has been cancelled. Dr Mansur had earlier been appointed as Governor through a notification issued on 13 August 2024. The cancellation order has also been issued in the public interest and came into force immediately, the notification said.

Kaniz Fatima, wife of BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque, member of the party Chairman’s Advisory Council, passed away at a hospital in Dhaka on Wednesday. She was 73. Khaniz Fatema, a social worker, breathed her last around 10:40am while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, family members said. She left behind husband Zainul Abedin Farroque, daughter Tamanna Farroque and other relatives to mourn her death. According to the family, she was admitted to Evercare Hospital on February 17 due to illness and had been on life support in the ICU since February 20. The first namaz-e-janaza of Kaniz Fatema was held after Zuhr prayers in front of her residence in Nikunja of the capital. The second janaza will take place at 11am on Thursday at her village home in Senbagh upazila of Noakhali district. She will be buried at the family graveyard. LGRD Minsiter and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep shock over the demise of Kaniz Fatema. He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.  

The government has initiated the process to remove Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur and appoint a new chief of the central bank, according to officials at the Ministry of Finance. They said a proposal has already been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking approval for the appointment of a new governor. According to the sources, a faculty member from a US university is being considered for the post. The proposal is currently awaiting the final clearance, and the officials indicated that the appointment could be finalised later in the day once the formalities are completed. Meanwhile, Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek met the Finance Minister at his office at around 1:45pm, fuelling the speculation over the impending change in leadership at the central bank. New govt to continue reforms in banking sector: Bangladesh Bank governor When approached by reporters after the meeting, Nazma Mobarek declined to comment on the matter. “Please wait. I do not want to say anything right now. You will know if there is anything,” she said. There was no official statement from the Ministry of Finance or Bangladesh Bank regarding the development at the time of filing this report. Further details about the prospective appointee, including the individual’s identity and professional background, were not immediately available. Any change in the leadership of Bangladesh Bank is considered significant, given the central bank’s role in framing and implementing monetary policy, regulating banks and financial institutions, managing foreign exchange reserves and ensuring financial stability. While talking to an Adviser to the Prime Minister over telephone, he declined to comment on the matter, but he hinted that a change is imminent.

Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali has submitted his resignation, citing family reasons. According to police sources, Sajjat Ali signed an application seeking release from his duties at around 12:30 on Wednesday and forwarded it to the Police Headquarters. Confirming the development, DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman said the commissioner had sought release from his post on family grounds and had already sent the signed application to the authorities concerned. Sajjat Ali is serving on a contractual appointment that was due to run until November 21 this year. He, however, wants to step down before completing his tenure. There was no immediate indication from the government on whether the resignation had been accepted. His decision comes amid expectations of wider changes in law enforcement following the formation of a government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Multiple sources have suggested that major reshuffles could take place across key agencies, including the police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Ali Hossain Fakir takes charge as IGP Speculation over changes at the top of the police hierarchy intensified after the conclusion of the 13th national election. On February 15, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam submitted his resignation. He was subsequently replaced by Additional Inspector General of Police Ali Hossain Fakir, who was appointed as the new IGP on Tuesday and has since taken charge. Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali assumed office as the 38th DMP Commissioner on November 21, 2024. He took charge at a time when law and order in the capital was described by officials as fragile, following the events of 5 August 2024. During his tenure, he was credited by colleagues with helping restore stability in Dhaka through what they described as professional and firm leadership. No successor to the post of DMP Commissioner has yet been announced.

Police on Wednesday said there is no threat of mob violence at this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair, as extensive security measures remain in place to prevent any untoward incidents. Speaking at a press briefing at Suhrawardy Udyan, Additional Commissioner (Admin) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Sarwar said law enforcement agencies were fully prepared in this regard. “There is no apprehension of mob violence at the fair. However, police preparedness is in place,” he said. The annual book fair, organised by the Bangla Academy, is being held at Suhrawardy Udyan and adjacent areas of the university campus. Responding to a question about the possible display of religion-defaming or provocative books, Sarwar said intelligence agencies would maintain strict surveillance to ensure that no such publications entered the fair premises. He said the Dhaka Metropolitan Police had adopted multilayered security arrangements in and around the venue, including the Bangla Academy and nearby locations. Uniformed officers have been deployed alongside plainclothes personnel to ensure visitors’ safety and prevent unwanted incidents. A police control room has been set up inside the fairgrounds to monitor the area around the clock. Approximately 300 CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the venue to maintain constant surveillance. All entry gates are equipped with metal detectors and archways, while dog squads are conducting regular sweeping operations. Specialised units of the DMP, including SWAT, the Bomb Disposal Unit, the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit and the Detective Branch (DB), will remain on standby throughout the event. Additional measures will be enforced at weekends, when larger crowds are expected. Bangla Academy assures inclusive, safe Amar Ekushey Book Fair Sarwar said special arrangements had also been made to ensure the safety of women and children. Facilities at the fair include a lost-and-found centre, breastfeeding corners, childcare centres, primary medical services and ambulances. On traffic management, he said the traffic division had implemented diversion plans to ease congestion in the University of Dhaka area during the fair. Heavy vehicles will not be permitted to enter the area. The road from TSC to Doel Chattar may be opened or closed temporarily depending on crowd pressure. Visitors have been advised not to wait for transport directly outside the fair gates, but instead to disembark a short distance away and walk to the venue to help reduce congestion. Police have also issued strict instructions against parking vehicles in unauthorised locations. Meanwhile, Bangla Academy assured that this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair will be held in a more organised, inclusive and secure manner from February 26, despite various challenges, with the participation of the highest number of publishers. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the book fair at 2pm on Thursday.