United News of Bangladesh

Administrative action has been taken against officials found absent during surprise inspections conducted by State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md. Razib Ahsan, MP, at various offices under the Ministry of Shipping in Barishal and Dhaka. During the inspections, several officers and employees were found absent from their workplaces without prior approval from the competent authority. Many others were also seen arriving late beyond the official reporting time. Tight security measures in place to ensure safe Eid travel: Barishal range DIG Expressing strong dissatisfaction, the State Minister directed the concerned authorities to take immediate administrative action against those responsible for negligence of duty and violation of discipline. Following his directives, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) transferred 13 officials and employees from its Barishal office. Of them, nine were from the Dredging Department, two from the River Conservancy and Operations Department, one from the Port and Transport Department, and one from the Accounts Department. In addition, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) transferred three employees immediately. In total, 16 officials and employees were transferred (stand released) following the inspections. The State Minister instructed all officials and staff of the ministry and its subordinate bodies to perform duties with sincerity, responsibility, and strict adherence to office hours. He also said such surprise inspections will continue in future to ensure discipline, accountability and improved service delivery in government offices.

International half marathon “One Run” will be held in Hatirjheel of Dhaka tomorrow (Saturday) morning, where more than 1,000 running enthusiasts from Bangladesh and other countries are expected to participate. The event will be held for the second consecutive year in Bangladesh under the global initiative of “One Run” by Russian Hero League, with GamePlay Limited being the local organiser. Participants will be able to compete across four race categories – 1 km, 5 km, 10 km and 21.1 km half marathon – making the event open to both beginners and experienced runners. The race will begin at 4:00am with the 21.1 km category followed by 10 km at 5:30am, 5 km at 6:00am and 1 km (Kids Run) at 7:00am.

The British Council and the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements today launched a Research and Insight publication titled 'Sustainable Architecture Practice' at Bengal Shilpalay, House 42, Road No. 16, Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The event brought together architects, planners, built environment professionals, researchers, policymakers, and the wider public to mark the culmination of a nationwide research initiative on sustainable and climate-adaptive architecture in Bangladesh. The publication is the culmination of a nationwide research initiative commissioned by the British Council and led by the Bengal Institute. The research maps existing sustainable and climate-adaptive architectural practices across Bangladesh — spanning public, private, and grassroots levels — and offers policy recommendations to support the growth and recognition of this vital sector. The launch event featured introductory remarks by Professor Kazi Khaleed Ashraf, Director General of the Bengal Institute, the screening of a short documentary film produced as part of the project, and presentations by Professor Atiqur Rahman, Professor Ripin Kalra, and Architect Khondaker Hasibul Kabir, each highlighting key findings and case studies from the research. Speaking at the event, Professor Kazi Khaleed Ashraf said: "Sustainability presents a new paradigm in thinking and practice, especially in what we do as humans, on the Earth and to the Earth. What we might today call sustainable architecture has in fact existed for centuries — in how people lived across different geographies and climates, using distinctive materials and social resources to make their dwellings." Representatives from the British Council also addressed the gathering before the formal inauguration of the report. Maarya Rehman, Deputy Director, Bangladesh, British Council, said, "We are proud to support this crucial research initiative, which highlights Bangladesh's diverse and innovative approaches to sustainable architecture and reflects the strength of collaboration between UK and Bangladesh expertise in addressing climate challenges through design. This publication not only amplifies local knowledge and practice but also contributes to global conversations on climate resilience and the creative economy. We hope that, by showcasing practical, locally rooted solutions, it will help inform future policy and inspire innovation across the built environment sector." The publication documents and analyses practices from 2015 to the present through a scoping report, case studies of innovative sustainable design, and a policy report offering guidance from an advisory board of experts on sustainability and resilience in architecture. A series of public events, including this launch, is being organised to disseminate the findings broadly. This initiative is part of the British Council's commitment to the creative economy, the creative industries, and to promoting climate resilience, innovation, and capacity-building for professionals and policymakers in Bangladesh.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Friday expressed optimism that this year’s Eid-ul-Azha journey will be comfortable and smooth despite the challenge of transporting a huge number of passengers and sacrificial animals within a short period. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a cheque distribution programme for families of road accident victims at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium. The event was jointly organised by the Cumilla district administration and the Cumilla circle of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). At the programme, compensation cheques worth a total of Tk 4.89 crore were distributed among the families of 86 people killed, and 33 injured victims of road accidents. Families of the deceased received Tk 5 lakh each, while the injured received between Tk 2 lakh and Tk 3 lakh each. The minister said transporting nearly 2.5 crore people along with sacrificial animals within a limited time remains a major challenge during Eid-ul-Azha every year. “Due to limitations in the country’s infrastructure and transport system, Eid travel often becomes difficult. However, with public cooperation, awareness and favourable weather conditions, we hope this year’s Eid journey will be smooth and comfortable,” he said. Rabiul Alam also said work is underway to expand the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway into a 10-lane corridor, while development activities are continuing on other important highways across the country. Referring to road safety, he said around 4,500 people lose their lives in road accidents annually on average. “Driver inefficiency, unfit vehicles and lack of public awareness are the main reasons behind accidents. The government has taken various initiatives to reduce these incidents,” the minister added. State Minister for Railways, and Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid, Cumilla-6 lawmaker Md Manirul Haque Chowdhury, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque and BRTA Chairman Mohammad Habibur Rahman were also present.

Detectives have arrested two alleged members of an organised fraud ring accused of using the names of key ministries, including the Home Ministry, to extort money by promising government officials transfers, postings and promotions. The arrestees are M Aminur Rahman Shanta, 44, and Nilufa Sultana, 56, said Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police NM Nasiruddin on Friday. According to sources at the Detective Branch (DB) of DMP, on May 20, Kamrul Hasan, Assistant Private Secretary to the Home Minister, filed a written complaint with the DMP Commissioner after receiving reports of fraudulent activities using ministry identities. The complaint said a person had been contacting ministry officials via WhatsApp, claiming the ability to arrange postings, transfers and promotions in exchange for money. The individual also allegedly made repeated claims of influence over ministry decisions. Following the complaint, the DB Cyber and Special Crime (North) Division launched an investigation and arrested main suspect Shanta from a house in West Rampura around 9:35pm on Wednesday. His mobile phone and SIM card used in the fraud were also seized. During interrogation, Shanta reportedly confessed to his involvement and provided information about another member of the gang. Based on this information, Nilufa Sultana, who posed as a Personal Officer at the Ministry of Home Affairs, was also arrested. A case was filed at Ramna Police Station in this connection. Police said drives are ongoing to arrest other members of the fraud ring.

Students, parents and staff members formed a human chain and staged a protest song performance in front of Chhayanaut Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi on Thursday, demanding justice for seven-year-old schoolgirl Ramisa Akter, a second-grade student who was killed after rape in Pallabi.  

The government has appointed Mufit Muhammad Muhibbullahil Baki, pesh imam of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, as the Director General (DG) of the Islamic Foundation Bangladesh. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Thursday night, appointing him to the post for one year on a contractual basis. Muhibbullahil Baki will replace current Director General Abdus Salam Khan, a Senior District and Sessions Judge. For the first time, a religious scholar has been appointed as the chief of the Islamic Foundation. Previously, the post was usually held by senior officials from the administration cadre, judges, or other high-ranking government officers. According to the notification, the appointment will take effect from the date of his joining and is subject to his relinquishing any employment or professional engagement with any other profession, business, institution or organisation. Muhibbullahil Baki studied at Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Uloom Moinul Islam- Hathazari, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama in India, and the Department of Arabic at Dhaka University. He obtained first-class in Kamil (Alia system), Dawra-e-Hadith (Qawmi system) and postgraduate studies at the university level. Before this appointment, he served as a pesh imam of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and Andarkilla Shahi Jame Mosque in Chattogram, and as khatib at several prominent mosques across the country. He also served as Secretary General of the Central Shariah Council for Islamic Banks of Bangladesh.  

Engineer Mohammad Riazul Islam (Rizu), President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), has said Bangladesh has many laws and regulations on paper, but their practical implementation remains inadequate. He made the observation while addressing a programme titled “Strengthening Occupational Safety and Workforce Excellence in Bangladesh” organised by the Occupational Safety Board of Bangladesh (OSBB) under the IEB at its headquarters as the chief guest on Thursday. Referring to road safety, Riazul, also Chairman of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), said many motorcyclists still ride without helmets, while passengers often avoid wearing them even if drivers comply with safety rules. Likewise, many drivers do not use seat belts, increasing the risk of severe injury during accidents. He also pointed to poor fire safety practices in buildings, saying emergency exits are frequently blocked by stored materials, making evacuation difficult during emergencies and increasing the risk of major disasters. “Enacting laws alone is not enough; strict enforcement is equally important,” the IEB President said, adding that the government, professional bodies, social institutions, and media must work together to raise awareness and strengthen safety practices across society. In his welcome remarks, Prof Dr Engineer Md Sabbir Mostafa Khan,honorary General Secretary of IEB, highlighted weak occupational safety standards in Bangladesh’s shipbuilding industry. He said many workers continue to operate in hazardous environments without adequate protective equipment, leaving them vulnerable to accidents and fatalities. Sabbir Mostafa emphasised the importance of building a long-term safety culture, beginning with education at an early age. “Children should be taught safety awareness from an early stage so that responsible behaviour becomes part of their everyday practice,”he said. The IEB honorary General Secretary also stressed the need for regular training for workers and related personnel, particularly in the use of modern safety equipment, risk management, and emergency response procedures. Presenting the keynote paper, Prof Dr Engineer Syeda Sultana Razia, Chairman of OSBB who also presided over the programme, said skilled manpower and safe working environments are critical to Bangladesh’s economic progress, particularly in sectors such as ready-made garment,construction, power and energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. However, workplace accidents, fire hazards, occupational health risks, and skills shortages remain major challenges, she said. Sultana Razia urged industries to arrange regular safety training, drills, and awareness programmes and ensure mandatory use of personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, masks, and protective clothing. She said lack of skills and inadequate training remain among the leading causes of workplace accidents in Bangladesh. The OSBB Chairman stressed the importance of technology-driven training, technical education, and sector-specific skills development to prepare workers for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “Workers must develop expertise in automation, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies to remain globally competitive,” she said.

A new multi-country study has found that 69% of sexual harassment cases in media workplaces go unreported, while nearly one-third of media professionals have experienced harassment at work. The study also shows that women are disproportionately affected, facing 2.4 times more sexual harassment than men, said a press release issued on Thursday. The joint study was conducted by WAN-IFRA Women in News, City St George’s, University of London and BBC Media Action. It surveyed more than 2,800 media professionals across 21 countries in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Arab region and Ukraine. The study reveals that women are disproportionately affected globally facing on average 2.4 times more verbal sexual harassment than men and 1.8 times more likely to face online sexual harassment. Experiences of physical harassment and rape are lower but remain consistent threats. A quarter of all respondents reported instances of physical harassment, with 5 per cent of women and 4 per cent of men citing they were rape survivors. "Sexual harassment has a deeply negative impact on those who experience it and the general working atmosphere in newsrooms. Our research shows that no matter the type of harassment, experiencing it decreases job satisfaction, and increases risk of leaving the industry,” says Dr Lindsey Blumell of City St George's, University of London. According to the study, 29 per cent of respondents – nearly one in three - experienced sexual harassment at work and 69 per cent of survivors said they did not report the incidents. Organisations took action in only 65 per cent of reported incidents, often through informal or limited measures. Susan Makore, Managing Director of WAN-IFRA Women in News says, “When the majority of sexual harassment cases continue to go unreported, it signals a deeper failure of workplace culture, trust and accountability. Sexual harassment in media is not an isolated workplace issue, it is a structural barrier that shapes who feels safe to participate, stay, and lead within journalism.” The study found significant regional disparities, with the prevalence of sexual harassment highest in Africa at 33 per cent, followed by the Arab region at 31 per cent. Southeast Asia recorded 19 per cent, while Ukraine, included for the first time in such study, reported 12 per cent. It also includes countries not previously studied like Bangladesh, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Somalia and South Sudan, strengthening the global evidence on sexual harassment in media workplaces. According to the Bangladesh survey of 339 respondents, 17 per cent of media professionals experienced workplace sexual harassment, slightly below the Asian regional average of 19 per cent. The Bangladesh survey found that female journalists and media professionals were almost six times more likely than their male colleagues to face sexual harassment. Around 60 per cent of female respondents reported verbal sexual harassment, compared with 9 per cent of male, while 48 per cent experienced online sexual harassment linked to work, versus 15 per cent of male respondents. The study further found that 24 per cent of women responded experiencing physical sexual harassment, where 4 per cent of men faced the same. The survey also found that most survivors in Bangladesh did not report incidents, mainly due to fears of career repercussions. Among female media professionals who experienced verbal harassment, 52 per cent said they did not report abuse; in another 43 per cent of reported cases, employers were reported to have failed to take action. Valeria Perasso, Media Development Advisor at BBC Media Action says, “Sexual harassment is not only a matter of individual protection but of newsroom governance and journalistic integrity. The comprehensive picture that emerges from this study will help inform organisational action and leadership practices in individual newsrooms and across the media sector.” BBC Media Action has been working in Bangladesh to prevent harassment in the country’s media sector. Besides training female journalists, initiating discussions with media leaders and forming harassment response groups, BBC Media Action developed country’s first-ever sexual harassment response protocol for newsrooms. Through a formal launch event, the response protocol was unveiled in March this year.  

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad on Thursday said that protecting public health and strengthening tobacco control were among the important commitments of the current government’s election manifesto. He said this at a discussion meeting organized by Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP) held on Thursday at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, demanding effective taxation and price increases on all tobacco products in the upcoming national budget for FY 2026–27 to protect public health. He emphasized that alongside tobacco control laws, effective taxation and price increases on tobacco products are equally essential. Referring to the keynote findings, he noted that while prices of essential commodities increased by 27 to 89 percent between 2021 and 2023, cigarette prices across different tiers rose by only 6 to 15 percent during the same period. Consequently, cigarettes have become relatively cheaper and more accessible despite rising living costs, posing a serious threat to the health of young people and low-income communities. He further stated that tobacco companies strategically target youths to create long-term consumers. He assured participants that he would raise the issue of increasing tobacco prices and implementing effective taxation in Parliament and discuss it with relevant policymakers. The keynote paper presented at the event stated that Bangladesh currently has a four-tier cigarette pricing structure—low, medium, high, and premium. Around 90 percent of cigarettes sold in the market belong to the low and medium tiers, making tobacco products highly affordable and easily accessible, especially to young people and low-income populations. As a result, tobacco control efforts are becoming ineffective among these groups. The paper proposed merging the low and medium tiers and setting the minimum retail price at TK100 per 10-stick cigarette pack, while fixing prices at BDT 150 for the high tier and TK 200 for the premium tier. It also recommended maintaining a 67 percent supplementary duty across all tiers and imposing a specific tax of BDT 4 per pack. According to the presentation, implementing these proposals could discourage more than 372,000 youths from initiating smoking and prevent the premature deaths of over 185,000 young people in the long term. Special guest Sultana Jesmin Jui MP, expressed concern as a woman legislator that the harms of tobacco are not limited to users alone but also affect women, children, and entire families. She mentioned that Bangladesh has the highest tobacco use rate in South Asia and that nearly 200,000 people die prematurely every year from tobacco-related diseases. She also highlighted that in 2024, the economic burden of tobacco-related health and environmental damages amounted to nearly TK 87,000 crore, which is more than double the revenue generated from the tobacco sector. Referring to international experiences, she said that effective tobacco taxation can simultaneously reduce smoking and increase government revenue. She cited the example of the Philippines, where cigarette sales declined by 28.1 percent between 2012 and 2015 following the implementation of sin tax reforms and a unified tax structure, while government revenue more than tripled. She pledged to remain vocal in Parliament to protect public health and safeguard women, children, and youths from the harmful impacts of tobacco. S M Jahangir Hossain MP stated that the information presented in the discussion clearly showed that the existing tobacco tax structure is causing the government to lose nearly TK 44,000 crore in potential annual revenue. Supporting social movements on tobacco control, he said that this significant amount could contribute greatly to improving education, healthcare, and social protection programs. The seminar began with a welcome speech by DORP Founder and CEO AHM Noman. Closing remarks were delivered by Chairman Mohammad Nurul Amin, while the session was moderated by Deputy Executive Director Mohammad Zobayer Hasan. Among others present at the event were anti-tobacco youth representative Naima Ahmed, Imran Hasan, and other distinguished participants.