United News of Bangladesh

A large number of people are leaving Dhaka ahead of the election holidays, creating heavy pressure on public transport as many operators charge nearly double the usual fares due to risisng demand. Visiting Abdullahpur bus terminal on Tuesday morning, UNB found a huge crowd of passengers waiting for buses amid an acute shortage of available seats. Monjurul Islam, a private sector employee, said he came to Abdullahpur from Narayanganj after failing to get a seat there.  “The situation here is almost the same. There are very few buses and most are already overcrowded. I have been waiting for more than two hours but still could not board a bus.” A woman travelling to Sirajganj alleged that transport operators are charging excessive fares by taking advantage of the rush. “Normally, the fare to Sirajganj is between Tk 300 and Tk 350. Today, they asked for more than double. After bargaining, I managed to buy a ticket for Tk 700,” she said. Bangladesh Polls: Electioneering ends as parties leave voters with promises When contacted, a driver of Sirajganj-bound OVI Enterprise declined to comment on the allegations of higher fares. A special holiday was declared on February 10 for workers and employees in industrial areas to facilitate voting. Meanwhile, the government announced holidays on February 11 and 12 for officials and employees of all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices, as well as teachers and staff of educational institutions across the country. The holidays will be followed by the regular weekly holidays on February 13 and 14. The Election Commission has announced limits on vehicle movement around the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum. According to a handout, the movement of taxis, pickups, microbuses and trucks will be restricted from 12am on 11 February until 12am on 12 February, the day of the polls. Besides, motorcycles will be barred from operating from 12am on 10 February through midnight on 13 February.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said he does not expect any legal problems after leaving office, as he acted within the law and exercised limited discretionary power. “I do not see such a situation from my side. As Finance Adviser, I did not use any extraordinary discretionary power. The matters that came to me were processed through proper channels,” he said. Responding to a question from reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase about the prevailing political culture in Bangladesh where former ministers often face legal cases after a change in government, Dr Salehuddin said he personally sees no cause for concern. He declined to comment on his colleagues, stating that he could only speak for himself.  “I will not comment on others. In my case, approvals, such as financial sanctions, were given in accordance with established procedures.” Dr Salehuddin cited a decision regarding the grading of primary school head teachers as an example of a complex matter handled within the legal framework.  “There was a difficult decision about upgrading the grade of primary school head teachers. We accommodated it within the law.” When asked whether he acknowledged any mistakes by the government, the Finance Adviser clarified that the administration had primarily focused on strengthening institutions and processes rather than claiming sweeping structural transformation. “The issue of ‘mistakes’ should be seen in context. We tried to put institutions in better order. That does not mean we were able to fully reform them,” he said. Adviser Salehuddin rates own performance at around 70 out of 100 He referred to key institutions such as Bangladesh Bank and the National Board of Revenue (NBR), stating that while complete institutional overhaul was not possible within the timeframe, significant improvements were made to operational processes. “Many processes in Bangladesh Bank have been improved. At the NBR, several procedures have been simplified. The National Single Window has been introduced. These are meaningful steps,” he said. According to him, while institutions themselves may not have been fundamentally transformed, the procedural reforms have made doing business comparatively easier and laid groundwork for the future. “We may not have been able to change institutions entirely, but processes have certainly improved to a considerable extent. Businesses have benefited to some degree,” he added. Dr Salehuddin expressed frustration at criticism suggesting that no progress had been made during the interim government’s tenure. “Sometimes I hear in talk shows that nothing has been achieved. Frankly speaking, I know many of those who say this. I do not see whether they have the intention or perspective to acknowledge what has been done,” he said. Dr Salehuddin suggested that many observers are unaware of the internal economic challenges the government had to manage. “You often do not know the internal situation of the economy,” he told reporters. The adviser also pointed to positive feedback from international partners with whom Bangladesh negotiated during his tenure. “Those we negotiated with externally never said that Bangladesh’s performance was very poor. They acknowledged the pressure and the challenges, but they also recognised the achievements,” he said. He admitted that while progress had been made, significant challenges remained. “There were pressures, and some challenges have become even more difficult,” he said. Revitalising trade, job creation top challenges for next govt: Dr Salehuddin Dr Salehuddin urged critics and the public to adopt a balanced approach in evaluating the government’s performance. “You may criticise—there is nothing wrong with that. But at least acknowledge what has been done, whether partially or as a beginning. It should not be said that nothing has been achieved,” he said. Reiterating his confidence, the finance adviser maintained that his actions were lawful and institutionally grounded, and that he does not anticipate legal entanglements after his tenure.

Bangladesh Police have taken comprehensive security measures for the national election considering past experiences as per the government directives and suggestions from different stakeholders, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam said on Tuesday. He made the remarks at a press briefing held at the Police Headquarters Media Centre on Abdul Gani Road in the capital. The IGP said all necessary measures have been taken from the police side to ensure that voting is held in a peaceful and festive manner. He said static police forces will be deployed at all 42,779 polling centres across the country. Besides, mobile police teams will be responsible for patrol and management while striking police forces will be deployed at various locations to deal with any emergency situation, said the IGP. About the use of technology in election security, the IGP said, under the initiative of the Election Commission, CCTV cameras have been installed in about 80 to 90 percent of polling centres through returning officers. From the police side, body cameras will be used at risky polling centres. Besides, superintendents of police will use drone cameras available to them based on capacity and necessity. The IGP said a total of 157,805 police personnel will be engaged in ensuring election security. Of them, 93,191 will be deployed as static forces at polling centres while the rest will perform duties as mobile and striking forces, he said. Apart from this, 29,798 police personnel will remain deployed at police stations across the country for various election-related support activities. A total of 187,603 police members will be deployed under the police security plan, IGP Baharul said. He also said that following the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs, licensed firearms are being deposited. Police to maintain neutrality, professionalism in national election: IGP So far, 27,995 licensed firearms have been submitted to police stations. Besides, members of the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Ansar will also take part in ensuring election security, he said. Ansar is the largest contingent deployed for election duty, numbering around six lakh members, he added. Coordination and control of all forces are being carried out through the offices of returning officers and assistant returning officers. Referring to the overall situation since the announcement of the election schedule, the IGP said that some tension and violence are seen every year during elections. According to police statistics, from December 11 to February 9, a total of 317 violent incidents occurred across the country, leaving 603 people injured and five killed. “We consider even a single death unfortunate. We always try to ensure that no death occurs. Still, throughout history, every election in our country has seen casualties. This time, we made our utmost efforts to reduce such incidents as much as possible,” the IGP said.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday rated his own performance at ‘around 70 out of 100’, acknowledging that while significant initiatives were undertaken during his tenure, several key reforms remained unfinished due to structural and policy limitations. “I would give myself close to 70 – perhaps 70 or 80. If it is 80, I would say we at least started the work. We initiated programmes in the interest of the people and had no hidden agenda,” he said while talking to reporters after holding the Purchase Committee meeting at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The adviser said he would not award himself full marks as many intended initiatives could not be fully implemented. Dr Salehuddin said although the government managed to launch a number of reforms, many could not be completed to the desired extent.  “There were expectations. Some of the plans we had could not be carried out, and even those we started could not be fully finalised,” he said, adding that this reality prevented him from claiming a perfect score. The adviser emphasised that the continuous annual development programme (ADP) process had become more functional and streamlined.  Dr Salehuddin, however, admitted that the “real work” lay in initiating deeper policy reforms, particularly in the policy divisions. On taxation, he said a comprehensive report had been prepared which would serve as a guideline for future reforms.  “We are leaving behind a tax policy report. It will function as a guideline going forward.” Responding to questions about the autonomy of Bangladesh Bank, the finance adviser said the issue had been considered carefully.  He acknowledged calls from various quarters to grant the central bank greater independence but noted that the matter was complex. “We thought about it extensively. It is a loaded issue,” he said, referring to the legal and operational dimensions involved. He explained that the Bangladesh Bank Order already outlines the structure and authority of the institution, and the question is not merely whether the governor or the ministry holds greater power.  “It is not simply about whether a particular governor or minister will exercise control. The key issue is how much operational independence exists within the framework.” The adviser suggested that any decision regarding central bank autonomy must be weighed against broader economic stability considerations. Revitalising trade, job creation top challenges for next govt: Dr Salehuddin Throughout his remarks, Dr Salehuddin maintained that the government’s economic measures were driven by public interest rather than political motives.  “In political affairs, one may try to avoid certain issues, but in economic management these matters cannot be sidestepped.” The Finance Adviser reiterated that while he was satisfied with initiating key reforms, unfinished tasks and unmet expectations justified a score below 100.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday outlined the key economic challenges the next government will face, stressing the need for revitalising trade and industry, generating employment and strengthening financial sector institutions. “If business does not expand, employment will not come. Without employment, people’s purchasing power will remain weak. This is one of the biggest challenges,” he said. Talking to reporters after the purchase committee meeting, he said one of the main challenges would be to revitalise business and industrial activities, as job creation depends on a vibrant private sector. He said Bangladesh still has a relatively small industrial base and remains heavily dependent on exports.  “Bangladesh cannot become another Hong Kong or Singapore. We need to build our own industrial strength, especially small and medium industries.” Dr Salehuddin said inflation continues to be a concern and cannot be tackled by monetary policy alone.  “Inflation is a multidimensional issue. We have tried to address it, but it needs broader measures.” On the banking sector, he said steps have been taken to reorganise it, but more difficult decisions lie ahead, and praised the central bank governor’s recent initiatives, though he acknowledged these were not enough.  “Credit supply is still limited and confidence has not fully returned, although deposits have started to increase recently.” Dr Salehuddin also highlighted the need to develop the capital market to reduce excessive dependence on banks for business financing.  “If we fail to develop the capital market, business and trade will not grow relying only on banks. Equity participation through the stock market and a strong bond market, especially for the private sector, are essential,” he said, noting that regulatory reforms face legal hurdles and court challenges. The adviser described the insurance sector as another sensitive area that needs improvement, saying efforts have been made but progress remains limited. Bangladesh economy stable despite challenges: Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin further identified energy as a major long-term challenge, stressing the importance of increasing domestic exploration.  “We need more drilling, including offshore. At the same time, we have not been able to develop solar energy to the extent needed,” he said.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday said the wealth statements of advisers to the interim government will be made public within the next couple of days. “As far as I know, all but one or two advisers have already submitted their wealth statements,” he told reporters, adding that the disclosures would be made public within a day or two. The interim government is led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and comprises a 21-member Council of Advisers. In addition, Special Assistants, the Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser, and the National Security Adviser hold the status of advisers. On February 2, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said despite the announcement to establish the practice of disclosing the asset statements of members of the Council of Advisers and government employees, a failure to set a positive example was observed. In a national address delivered two weeks after assuming office in August 2024, Prof Yunus pledged that his government would disclose the asset statements of all advisers at the earliest possible time.

The Economic Relations Division (ERD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Monday signed two project documents — Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP) Phase II and Institutional Strengthening for Promoting Accelerated Transformation (ISPAT) — at the ERD office in the capital. ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky and UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller signed the documents on behalf of their respective organisations. TEPP Phase II will run from January 2026 to March 2028 with a total budget of around US$3.57 million, funded by the UK Government. Politically motivated arbitrary detentions persist under Bangladesh interim govt: HRW According to a UNDP press release, the programme will strengthen Bangladesh’s trade and investment policy ecosystem to support a competitive post-LDC transition. It will enhance trade negotiation capacity, promote evidence-based policy analysis, support institutional reforms and improve the investment climate through the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). The ISPAT project will be implemented from January 2026 to June 2027 with a budget of US$1.06 million, supported by the Australian Government. The initiative aims to strengthen and modernise the NGO Affairs Bureau through the introduction of digital systems, improved transparency and gender-responsive service delivery. It will also support policy reform and capacity development to enhance NGO oversight and engagement in national development priorities. Speaking at the event, ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky said, “These initiatives reflect our commitment to a holistic approach to institutional strengthening — building capacity, enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering evidence-based policymaking. Through these projects, we aim to develop confident and capable institutions and professionals who can effectively support good governance and Bangladesh’s economic transformation, particularly during the post-LDC transition.” UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller said, “These two projects are highly strategic and catalytic, strengthening the institutions and policy ecosystems that underpin Bangladesh’s economic transformation and governance reforms. Working closely with the government and development partners, UNDP remains committed to supporting nationally led, forward-looking reforms that will deliver long-term impact.” The signing of the two projects reaffirms the strong partnership between the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP and development partners in advancing the country’s economic transition, strengthening public institutions and promoting transparent, technology-enabled and citizen-centric service delivery. Both TEPP Phase II and ISPAT are expected to play important roles in strengthening governance systems, fostering private sector competitiveness and supporting Bangladesh’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bangladesh govt urged to halt draft media ordinances, leave it to elected govt

In a strategic move to stimulate the interbank call money market, Bangladesh Bank has announced a reduction in the lower limit of its interest rate corridor. The decision, aimed at discouraging commercial banks from keeping idle funds with the central bank, was detailed in a circular issued by the Monetary Policy Department on February 9, 2026. According to the circular, the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate which acts as the floor of the corridor has been slashed by 50 basis points, moving from 8 percent to 7.50 percent. Bangladesh Bank buys another $196.5 million to stabilize forex market The central bank observed that many commercial banks were opting to park their excess liquidity in the SDF rather than lending to other banks or the private sector. This trend has been hindering the dynamism of the interbank call money market. By lowering the SDF rate, the central bank is making it less attractive for banks to hold cash at the central bank, effectively nudging them to provide credit elsewhere. The 113th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) finalized the structure for the interest rate corridor. The central bank expects this move to streamline liquidity management and ensure a more robust flow of funds within the financial system. These new rates are scheduled to officially come into effect on February 15, 2026. The circular was signed by Md. Shadrul Hassan, Director of the Monetary Policy Department, and has been dispatched to the Managing Directors and CEOs of all banks and financial institutions. Bangladesh Bank keeps policy rate at 10% as inflation risks persist

Bangladesh Navy, in a special drive, seized about five lakh pieces of Yaba tablets worth around Tk 25 crore from Hnila Union of Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar district. Acting on a tip-off, a Navy contingent chased a trafficking gang from the northern side of the Naf River and seized several bags containing the contraband, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate said on Monday. Subsequently, the Navy members searched the bags in the presence of officials from the Narcotics Control Department and recovered a total of five lakh pieces of Yaba tablets. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is about Tk 25 crore, according to the ISPR. Yaba is also sold on the street for as low as Tk 300, bringing the value of the haul at Tk 15 crore. 6 Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed, 8 injured in attack on UN Base in Sudan: ISPR However, no arrests were made in connection with the seizure, and necessary legal action is underway. The Bangladesh Navy continues its drives and patrols within its respective jurisdictions to strengthen the overall security system across the country, prevent criminal activities, and maintain law and order ahead of the upcoming 13th national election and referendum. The Navy remains vigilant in coastal and border areas against drug traffickers, and such operations will be intensified in the future, the ISPR added. Joint forces arrest 278 across Bangladesh in weeklong drive: ISPR

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday said that Bangladesh’s economy remains largely stable despite significant challenges, emphasising that sustained reforms, stronger institutions and political commitment from the next government are key for long-term growth. “The economy was at the verge of collapsing. We are managing the situation, but the challenges are real and require careful and consistent policy support,” he said. Speaking at a discussion meeting in the capital titled ‘Macroeconomic Insights: An Economic Reform Agenda for the Elected Government’ held at a hotel in the capital this afternoon, he said the country has managed to maintain overall macroeconomic stability amid multiple domestic and global pressures. He, however, warned that the challenges remain serious and should not be underestimated. The Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government jointly organised the event. Presided over by Chairman of the PRI Dr. Zaidi Sattar, Dr KAS Murshid, Former Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), Clinton Pobke, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of Australia to Bangladesh, spoke as special guests. Dr Ashikur Rahman, Principal Economist, PRI, made the keynote presentation.Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO, Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB), spoke as distinguished panelists. Dr Salehuddin noted that Bangladesh has shown resilience in the face of post-pandemic disruptions, geopolitical tensions, energy price volatility and tighter global financial conditions. He said prudent macroeconomic management has helped the country navigate a difficult period without slipping into a deeper crisis. Referring to inflationary pressure, balance of payments constraints and fiscal stress, the adviser said such issues are not unique to Bangladesh. “Many countries are going through similar problems. What matters most is how we respond through reforms and institutional strengthening,” he added. He said the interim government has prioritised stabilising the macroeconomy, maintaining fiscal discipline, managing foreign exchange pressures and ensuring that essential economic activities continue without major disruption. “We have tried to take balanced decisions so that the economy continues to function while also protecting vulnerable groups,” he said. Highlighting revenue mobilisation as a major concern, Dr Salehuddin pointed out that Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains very low compared to peer economies. He said this limits the government’s ability to finance development and public services. “It is extremely difficult to run a modern state with such a low level of revenue collection,” he said, stressing the need for comprehensive tax reforms, expansion of the tax base and improved compliance. The adviser also underscored institutional weaknesses and poor coordination among agencies as key barriers to reform implementation. “We write reports and make recommendations, but implementation remains the hardest part,” he observed, adding that strengthening institutions is far more challenging than drafting policies. He said without strong and accountable institutions, even well-designed policies fail to deliver the expected outcomes, emphasising the need for political consensus to carry forward meaningful reforms. Dr Salehuddin described the banking sector as one of the weakest areas of the economy, citing governance problems, high levels of non-performing loans and lack of accountability as factors that have eroded public confidence over the years. “These problems have accumulated over a long time. Fixing them will require time, strong oversight and political courage,” he said. On public expenditure, he stressed the importance of prioritisation, noting that limited resources require careful selection of projects and spending areas. “Everything cannot be done at once. We must decide what matters most for the country and move forward accordingly,” he said. The adviser said the government has tried to avoid populist measures and instead focus on maintaining stability and ensuring long-term sustainability. “Policy-making is never easy. Every decision involves trade-offs,” he added. He acknowledged that public expectations from the government remain high but warned that unrealistic expectations can create additional pressure. “Economic recovery and reform require patience, consistency and continuity,” he said. Dr Salehuddin also highlighted the importance of private sector development, saying entrepreneurs, like farmers, are hardworking and capable but need proper incentives, access to finance and a predictable policy environment to invest and expand. “The government must support productive investment and create conditions where businesses can grow.” He noted that Bangladesh has made significant progress over the years in poverty reduction, infrastructure development, export growth and improvements in social indicators, adding that these achievements provide a strong foundation for future advancement. Looking ahead, he said the next elected government will have to focus on deep structural reforms, strengthening governance, improving revenue collection, restoring discipline in the financial sector and enhancing policy coordination. “The next government must take tough decisions. There is no alternative to reform if we want sustainable growth and stability,” he said. Expressing optimism, the finance adviser said Bangladesh has the capacity to overcome its current challenges. “We have resilient people, a hardworking workforce and strong potential. With the right policies and political commitment, we can move forward.” He urged all stakeholders to act in the broader national interest and support necessary reforms, saying the country’s future depends on collective efforts rather than any single government or group.