United News of Bangladesh

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called on political parties to clearly articulate their positions on the use of money, muscle power, and religion in politics and to reflect these commitments in their election manifestos. It also urged them to include firm commitments to preventing corruption, ensuring accountability and good governance in post-election governance, and upholding equality, human dignity, and social justice. Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, TIB released a set of 52 recommendations for inclusion in political party manifestos. The recommendations were unveiled at a press conference titled “Commitment to a Well-Governed, Inclusive, and Corruption-Free Bangladesh: TIB’s Recommendations for Political Party Manifestos in the 13th National Parliamentary Election” held at TIB’s Dhanmondi office on Sunday, said a handout. TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Management Advisor Professor Dr. Sumaiya Khair, Director of Outreach and Communication Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, and Director of Research and Policy Muhammad Badiuzzaman, were present. The recommendations were presented by TIB Senior Research Fellow (Qualitative) Md. Julkarnayeen. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said that the nation expects political parties to commit to building a discrimination-free Bangladesh, ensuring equal rights, harmony, and coexistence for marginalized communities; all genders including women and men; persons with physical and mental disabilities; and all social, cultural, and ethnic groups. “It is important that political parties clearly mention in their manifestos their commitment to implementing the spirit, objectives, and July Charter of the July Uprising, as well as their position on a national referendum,” he added. “The public expects political parties to pledge in their manifestos that they will continue investigating and prosecuting all killings, crimes, and human rights violations committed during the July Uprising and the authoritarian regime, and take effective measures to prevent such grave violations in the future. The parties must also clarify their position on granting state recognition to the martyrs of the July Uprising, providing adequate support to their families, and ensuring proper treatment and rehabilitation for the injured,” Dr. Zaman added. TIB’s recommendations proposed formulating an integrated and effective National Anti-Corruption Strategy Paper through constitutional amendments. The strategy should clearly outline the anti-corruption responsibilities of both state and non-state institutions and ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency. For political reform, TIB emphasized ensuring the representation of youth, women, Indigenous peoples, Dalits, and other marginalized communities in party committees and candidate nomination processes. In particular, parties must nominate at least one-third women in national elections to ensure meaningful and inclusive political representation. TIB called on parties to avoid “zero-sum politics” to foster mutual understanding and healthy competition. The recommendations also encouraged political parties to adopt transparent, accountable, and corruption-free development strategies, and highlighted the need for legal reforms to ensure “value for money” in all public procurement and development projects. TIB demanded constitutional recognition of Indigenous peoples and Dalits to protect their rights, including land and political rights. To strengthen governance in the banking and financial sector, TIB recommended forming an independent bank commission comprising neutral, reputable, conflict-free, and skilled experts; abolishing the Financial Institutions Division under the Ministry of Finance to end dual control over state-owned banks; and ensuring exemplary punishment for individuals—including officials of Bangladesh Bank and commercial banks—engaged in loan fraud, embezzlement, and other irregularities. TIB also called for the removal of politically connected individuals and vested-interest groups from the boards and management of Bangladesh Bank and all commercial banks, as well as investigating past corruption in the capital market and punishing those responsible to establish an independent, transparent, and accountable regulatory framework.  In the area of climate change and environmental protection, TIB recommended strengthening transparency and effective management of climate funds and urged the government to pursue climate compensation.

Nearly 3.5 million children in Bangladesh remain engaged in labour, with over one lakh of them involved in hazardous work, and an overwhelming 99 per cent still fall outside legal protection despite recent labour law reforms. The reason, experts say, is that the vast majority of these children work in the informal sector, where legal safeguards are weakest. These observations were made by Prof Dr Md Nazmuzzaman Bhuiyan, of University of Dhaka, while presenting the keynote paper at a policy-sharing event on strengthening child labour–related laws and policies in Bangladesh. The function was held on Sunday at a hotel in Dhaka, organised by Educo Bangladesh and the Child Labour Elimination Platform (CLAP). Educo Bangladesh Manager Afzal Kabir Khan presided over the session, which was moderated by Bangladesh Labour Foundation (BLF) Executive Director AKM Ashraf Uddin. Senior officials and rights advocates, including Labour Ministry Joint Secretary Mohammad Mozammel Haque, Child Labour Monitoring Council Co-chair Advocate Salma Ali, Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association (BNWLA) President Advocate Seema Zahir, and Educo Bangladesh Programme Director Abdur Rahim, also spoke at the event. In his presentation, Dr Bhuiyan highlighted the current state of child labour, gaps in existing laws and policies, and crucial interventions needed to eliminate the practice. He noted that the amended Labour Act does not set any minimum wage for workers in the informal sector, where 99 per cent of child labourers are employed. He recommended introducing a national minimum wage for children and adolescents working in both formal and informal sectors. Dr Bhuiyan further pointed out that the National Plan of Action (NPA) for eliminating child labour expired in 2016 without achieving its targets. The latest National Education Policy extends compulsory education from Class 5 (age 10) to Class 8 (age 14), but the law must be amended to activate this policy. Until then, he warned, children aged 11 to 14 remain the most vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour, often in activities harmful to their health and safety. He stressed the need for greater public awareness and behavioural change to eradicate child labour. Labour Ministry Joint Secretary Mohammad Mozammel Haque described child labour as one of the country’s major social challenges. Despite efforts from both government and non-government organisations, many children are still compelled to work for survival. He said the government is strongly committed to ending child labour and has been working to implement the NPA. He expressed hope that necessary amendments to relevant laws and policies will be undertaken to strengthen ongoing efforts.

Two more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Sunday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 396 this year. During the same period, 516 new patients were admitted to hospitals, raising the total number of dengue cases this year to 97,829, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new fatalities were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Last year, dengue claimed 575 lives, with 101,214 cases and 100,040 recoveries recorded during the same period.  

Since assuming his role as Religious Affairs Adviser, Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has overseen a series of development and reform initiatives at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. “These efforts — ranging from improved infrastructure to enhanced safety and facility upgrades — are already transforming the national mosque into a more conducive place of worship and service,” he said at a press conference at the mosque on Sunday. The Ministry of Religious Affairs organised the press conference to inform the countrymen about the overall ‘development and renovation of Baitul Mukarram Mosque.’ “We can’t change everything overnight as per our wishes… But we have already completed several development works, some works are ongoing, and some more will be started within the shortest possible time,” he mentioned. Dr Khalid said a new sub-station has been constructed and a high-power generator installed at a cost of Tk 11 crore to solve the electricity problem. “Besides, fire extinguishing systems have also been newly added and fire hydrants have been installed at 80 sensitive spots. In addition, a submersible pump has been installed to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the mosque. A modern and advanced sound system has also been added,” the adviser said. Dr Khalid said a new drainage system has been installed, while all 40 ACs inside the mosque and the women’s prayer rooms have been serviced and activated. He said 12,000 square feet of high-quality carpets have been added, and the prayer mats and carpets of the minar have been replaced at a cost of Tk 49.17 lakh. The adviser said that in the last one year, 120 new ceiling fans and 10 pedestal (stand) fans have been added to the 3rd and 4th floors of the mosque. Besides, an agreement has been signed with a private security company for round-the-clock cleaning, and 12 people have been appointed in this regard, he said. In addition, 30 toilets and ablution basins have been newly constructed on the east side with a modern and sustainable design, he added. As part of the development work, the adviser said four damaged gates on the south and east sides have been newly constructed, and overhead shoe boxes have been provided to the mosque. The adviser said Tk 2 crore in arrears has been collected from the Baitul Mukarram Mosque Market, and two shops have been recovered from illegal occupants. “The two car parking spaces in this market have generated revenue of Tk 70.50 lakh… In the last one year, the capital of the mosque and the market has increased from Tk 90 crore to Tk 110 crore,” he informed. Religious Affairs Secretary Md Kamal Uddin, Additional Secretary Imtiaz Ahmed, Islamic Foundation Director General A Salam Khan, WAQF Administrator Nur Alam, and other senior officials of the ministry were present.

A case has been filed against six people including Beximco Group Vice Chairman Salman F Rahman for embezzling Tk 1.20 crore. Three pilots of Beximco Aviation including Captain Md Mahbub Alam, Captain Mohammad Rashedul Amin and Captain Zahidur Rahman—filed the case with Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Sunday. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Nazneen Akter took the case into cognizance and asked the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to submit a probe report after investigation. The other accused were—Abdullah Khan Majlish of Beximco Aviation, his brother Emran Khan, Gulzar Hossain and Syed Samiul Wadud alias Shami Wadud. According to the case statement, the three pilots joined the Beximco Aviation Company in 2021 and during their tenure of service they received their salary and allowance. The three pilots have been terminated from the company without paying any dues or salary and through this the company embezzled Tk 1,20,55,000. Salman F Rahman, was arrested from Dhaka's Sadarghat area on August 13, 2024 and since then he has been in jail.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday reaffirmed that the interim government is moving forward to give the nation the best election in history in the first half of February next. "You (Election Commission) are in the driver's seat in this election that is awaited by the nation. We must reach the desired goal,” he said when Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin briefed the Chief Adviser about the preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections and referendum. The Election Commissioners, led by the Chief Election Commissioner, met Prof Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna and informed him about the progress of the election arrangements. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah were present in the meeting. CEC Nasir Uddin said all preparations for organising the elections are progressing properly and smoothly.

Detectives on Sunday detained senior journalist and former Jatiya Press Club president Shaukat Mahmood from the capital’s Malibagh area in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Deputy Commissioner of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division Talebur Rahman earlier confirmed that a team of the Detective Branch picked him up in the afternoon. However, he did not specify the case at that time. Later in the evening, DB Chief and Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam told UNB that Shaukat Mahmood had been arrested in connection with a case lodged with Ramna Police Station. Bangladeshi-origin US citizen Enayet Karim Chowdhury had been arrested earlier in the case. Sub-Inspector Azizul Hakim of Ramna Police Station filed the case on September 14, a day after Enayet’s arrest from the capital’s Mintoo Road area for suspicious movement in a Land Cruiser Prado SUV. According to the case statement, Enayet, described as an agent of a foreign intelligence agency, was allegedly involved in a conspiracy to undermine public security and overthrow the interim government. Shaukat Mahmood, a former BNP vice-chairman expelled from the party on March 21, 2023, recently returned to politics through the Janata Party Bangladesh, formed on April 25 this year. Actor Ilias Kanchan serves as the party’s chairman, while Shaukat was elected its secretary general.

The government is considering providing subsidies to potato farmers who suffered losses from last year’s cultivation, Agriculture Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sunday. “This year, potato farmers have suffered a lot. We are thinking about providing subsidy for potato growers,” he said speaking at a press briefing on overall agricultural issues at the Secretariat. The adviser said that the new potato harvest has started arriving in small quantities but is expected to be delayed by about 15 days. “If the old stock is cleared by then, it will be good. We have instructed cold storage operators to keep potatoes until December so that farmers can sell their entire stock,” he added. When asked about the subsidy process, Jahangir Alam said discussions are going on. He also highlighted a drop in potato seed prices compared to last year. “The price of a carton of seeds that cost Tk 40,000–42,000 last year is Tk 12,000 this time—much lower. I have asked officials to record the prices. If anyone manipulates prices anywhere, no exemption will be given,” he said.  

Depositors of the five Islamic banks undergoing the merger process are set to get their money back, with the refund process expected to start as early as this week, according to Bangladesh Bank (BB) sources. An assistant director conditioning anonymity told UNB on Sunday that under the management of the Bangladesh Bank's Deposit Insurance Fund, each eligible depositor will initially receive up to Tk2 lakh per bank account. The five troubled-Shariah banks are First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Exim Bank, and Union Bank. These banks are being acquired by the newly formed 'Sammilito Islami Bank PLC,' which has already started operation. Bangladesh Bank is currently finalizing a scheme detailing the process and eligibility criteria for the refunds, which will be published before the disbursement begins. Central Bank sources indicate that customers with account balances up to Tk2.0 lakh can withdraw their entire amount if they wish. For those with balances exceeding Tk2.0 lakh, they will receive a maximum of Tk2.0 lakh now. The fate of the remaining balance will be decided later by the Central Bank, and a new interest rate will be fixed for that remaining deposit amount. The primary aim of this initial step is to address the panic among small customers and meet their urgent financial needs. While all 75 lakh depositors of the five banks will eventually get all their money back, the immediate refund is capped at Tk2.0 lakh per account. To receive the funds, customers must meet several conditions set by Bangladesh Bank. Such as 1. Single Account Limit (Per Bank): A citizen holding multiple accounts in one of the merged banks will only be eligible for a refund against a single account, verified using their National ID (NID). 2. Valid NID: Accounts must have been opened using a valid National ID card. 3.Multiple Banks: A citizen holding one account in each of the five merged banks will be eligible to receive BDT 2 lakh against each of the five accounts. 4. Loan Adjustment: Customers with outstanding loans against their deposit will not receive the refund until the loan is adjusted. 5. Interest Rate: The interest rate on the remaining deposit balance (over BDT 2 lakh) will be newly determined. Bangladesh Bank's preliminary calculations estimate the total cost to pay out the initial customer refunds will be around Tk 12,000 crore. The paid-up capital of the newly established Sammilito Islami Bank has been set at Tk35,000 crore. The Government is contributing Tk20,000 crore (which has already been released). The Deposit Insurance Fund will provide the remaining Tk15,000 crore as capital. The total authorized capital has been fixed at BDT 40,000 crore. To strengthen the foundation of the unified bank, the Central Bank is undertaking several initiatives: Appointing skilled, experienced, and honest officers for top-tier management positions, including the Managing Director. Upgrading the bank's operational policies to meet international standards to build customer confidence.  

A Swechchhasebak Dal leader was killed and another one injured when a truck hit a motorbike on Chattogram-Khagrachhari road in Charia of Hathazari upazila of Chattogram district early Sunday. The deceased was identified as Muhammad Emran Chowdhury, president of Hathazari upazila unit Swechchhasebak Dal and son of Badsha Sarang of No 7 ward of Hathazari upazila. The accident occurred at Buripukur Par around 1:30 am when the wood-laden truck hit a motorbike carrying two people, leaving Emran killed on the spot and another injured, said Shahabuddin, officer-in-charge of Nazirhat Highway Police Station. The injured was taken to a local hospital.  Police are trying to arrest the truck driver, said OC.