United News of Bangladesh

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.  

Former Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr KAS Murshid on Monday warned weak reform delivery and institutional gaps remain major barriers to sustained development. “Ensuring macroeconomic stability in Bangladesh requires stronger attention to micro-level realities, institutions and implementation capacity,” he said. Speaking at a discussion titled “Macroeconomic Insights: An Economic Reform Agenda for the Elected Government”, he said policymakers often focus on macro indicators such as interest rates, inflation and balance of payments, but tend to overlook the “micro foundations” that underpin them. “In a development context, neglecting critical micro variables in the real sector, markets and institutions can quickly destabilise the broader economy,” he said. The Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government jointly organized the event. Murshid noted that sudden shocks at the micro level, such as a sharp rise in food imports, can significantly affect the country’s external balance, illustrating how closely linked macroeconomic stability is with sectoral performance and institutional efficiency. Highlighting Bangladesh’s reform experience, Dr Murshid observed that major policy reforms historically gained momentum mainly during periods of external pressure, particularly when backed by international financial institutions. Political economy constraints and fear of backlash often discourage governments from initiating difficult reforms independently, he said. However, with the country preparing for LDC graduation and facing gaps in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, he stressed that the need for urgent reforms will increasingly come from internal pressures rather than external compulsion. “Macroeconomic stability is far more complex than maintaining a few indicators. It depends on how effectively institutions, markets and the real sector function together,” he said. He emphasised that the main challenge is not identifying reforms but delivering them. While successive governments have spoken about initiatives such as one-stop services, special economic zones, financial sector restructuring and public service digitalisation, actual progress has been limited and often partial. Even in areas presented as successes, such as digitalisation, he said systems frequently revert to manual processes, undermining intended efficiency gains. To address implementation gaps, Dr Murshid suggested focusing on a limited number of core reforms instead of attempting sweeping changes across all sectors simultaneously. Demonstrating success through targeted efforts could build public confidence and create momentum for broader reforms, he said. He also proposed establishing an independent regulatory reform commission to research policy options, assess reform proposals and provide objective evaluations. According to him, the absence of a neutral third-party mechanism means the same institutions are responsible for designing, implementing and monitoring reforms, which weakens accountability. Another major gap, he said, is the lack of structured mechanisms within ministries to review policy recommendations coming from economists, researchers and the private sector. Although many proposals are submitted, there is often no systematic process to assess them or translate them into action. He stressed that reforms must clearly identify who benefits, whether youth, women, workers or specific income groups, rather than assuming that all projects help everyone equally. Policymakers also need to pinpoint the main constraints in each sector, such as access to credit, infrastructure deficits, skills shortages or political resistance. Pointing to resistance from vested interests, he said even relatively small changes, such as reforms in traffic management systems, can face strong pushback. Without proper stakeholder engagement and complementary policy measures, new initiatives risk failure. He suggested piloting reforms on a small scale to test effectiveness before scaling them up nationwide, especially when introducing new approaches. At the same time, the government can reactivate underperforming existing projects where spending has been high but outcomes remain limited. Restoring confidence in the economy will also be critical, he said, noting that uncertainty around elections and the broader political environment has held back private investment. Preventing instability and maintaining policy continuity will be key to encouraging investment in the coming months. He added that changing global geopolitics and economic shifts will require Bangladesh to diversify its economic base over time, although this transition will not be immediate. Beyond economic indicators, Dr Murshid warned that social challenges could undermine development gains if not addressed. Youth unemployment, growing social tensions and rising concerns over issues such as online gambling, gang activity and gender-based violence pose risks that can weaken the micro foundations of the economy. “These social dimensions are not separate from the economy. They shape the very base on which stability rests,” he said, adding that the next government will need to address these concerns alongside economic reforms to ensure sustainable progress.  

Remittance inflows to Bangladesh have seen a massive spike in February ahead of election and Ramadan, expatriates sent US $1.03 billion remittance in the first 8 days of the month. Arif Hossain Khan, spokesperson for Bangladesh Bank, told UNB on Monday, expatriates sent $1.03 billion in the first 8 days of February. In the same period of February in 2025, expatriates sent $671 million. It means remittance growth by 53.9 percent in 8 days February this year, compared to the previous (2025). Bangladesh so far in the current fiscal year FY2025-26, received $20.46 billion, which was $16.63 billion in FY 2024-25. It means remittance growth by 23 percent in 7 months of FY 2025-26. Bangladesh sees remittance surge to $2.71 billion in January

Bangladesh’s markets have enough key food items ahead of Ramadan and traders say steady supplies should help keep prices stable during the fasting month. They made the remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting in Motijheel reviewing the import, stock, supply and price situation of essentials for Ramadan. At the meeting, the traders assured the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) that there is no scope for abnormal price hikes during the holy month. Leaders of retail and wholesale market associations said sufficient stocks of edible oil, sugar, onion, pulses and other daily necessities are available in the country. They noted that maintaining smooth supply would keep prices stable, while urging authorities to strictly curb extortion at different stages of the supply chain. Consumers were also requested not to engage in panic buying that could create artificial pressure on the market. Traders further appealed to the Ministry of Commerce and relevant authorities, through FBCCI, to stop harassment of retailers in the name of market monitoring during Ramadan, arguing that small traders are not responsible for market instability. They called on importers and large corporate entities to ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials. FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan said this year’s Ramadan is particularly important as it will begin just days after the 13th national parliamentary election. “Considering public interest, business leaders and trade bodies must act with greater responsibility,” Rahim said, adding that large industrial groups should ensure steady supply and market monitoring should not turn into harassment. He said FBCCI would place the meeting’s observations before the appropriate authorities. Bangladesh Sugar Traders Association President Md Abul Hashem said there would be no sugar shortage if mills ensure timely supply. He added that alongside corporate imports, government-led sugar imports would enhance competition and help keep prices affordable. Bangladesh Wholesale Edible Oil Traders Association President Md Golam Maula urged the government to strengthen oversight at the importer and large corporate level, rather than focusing market monitoring only on retailers, to keep prices stable. Meghna Group of Industries Deputy General Manager Taslim Shahriar said adequate stocks of edible oil and sugar are available to meet Ramadan demand. He, however, cautioned that port operations, transportation and customs clearance could face some disruption due to election-related holidays, though no other supply-chain constraints were anticipated. Leaders of kitchen market associations also indicated that prices of vegetables and other perishables would remain within consumers’ reach during Ramadan, noting that prices of all vegetables—except lemon—are currently normal. While traders expressed optimism, market analysts voiced caution; Consumer Association of Bangladesh (CAB) General Secretary Advocate Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan warned of potential risks, citing possible energy shortages during Ramadan and the post-election transition period, which could weaken market oversight and allow unscrupulous elements to exploit the situation. Representatives from FBCCI’s general council, various trade bodies, Bangladesh Bank, the Ministry of Commerce, National Board of Revenue, Trade and Tariff Commission, Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, Competition Commission, TCB and several agriculture and livestock departments, along with industry representatives, were present at the meeting.

The Council of Advisers in a special meeting on Monday approved the drafts of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) Policy, 2026 and the National Fisheries Policy, 2026. The approvals came during the 10th special meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the Chief Advisers' Office (CAO) with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam later briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, highlighting the outcomes of the meeting. The Council also approved a proposal to ratify the implementing agreement between the Qatar Armed Forces and the Bangladesh Armed Forces concerning the deputation (secondment of officers, military personnel and civilians). Meanwhile, policy-level approval was given to recommendations submitted by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) from the report of a committee on the establishment of a Bangladesh Free Trade Zone. Explaining the BNQF Policy, Alam said the framework has been designed as a dynamic and inclusive qualification pathway. The key objectives of the policy are to clearly define qualifications across all streams of education-general, technical and madrasah-at every level. Prof Yunus sees renewed global confidence in Bangladesh democracy He said the policy aims to create an open and flexible qualification system that supports lifelong learning through recognition of prior learning and learning transfers, enhances employability and facilitates both vertical and horizontal mobility of workers across institutions, sectors and countries. The framework will ensure national, regional and international recognition of qualifications, enable comparability and equivalence of learning outcomes, and establish clear entry and exit pathways between different education systems. The BNQF Policy is intended to guide human capital development and help determine learners' education and career trajectories.

Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun on Monday underscored the need for comprehensive economic reforms, stronger institutions and a greater focus on employment generation to sustain Bangladesh’s development momentum. She said this while speaking at a programme titled “Macroeconomic Insights: An Economic Reform Agenda for the Elected Government” held at a hotel in the capital this afternoon. The Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government jointly organized the event. The discussion was attended by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed as chief guest, along with leading economists, policymakers and representatives from development partners. 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. M. Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO, Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB), spoke as distinguished panelists. Dr Khatun said Bangladesh’s development achievements over the years — including reductions in poverty, improvements in per capita income and social progress — had long been recognised internationally as a success story. Despite governance limitations, the country managed to make notable gains in economic and social indicators. “But the momentum weakened over time due to inherent structural weaknesses,” she said, pointing to low investment efficiency, a weak tax system and inadequate attention to reforms. She observed that reforms are often unpopular and require strong political commitment and bold leadership to implement successfully. Referring to ambitious economic targets set by political parties, she said achieving a one trillion-dollar economy by 2034 would require around 9 percent sustained annual growth for nearly a decade. Similarly, reaching a two trillion-dollar economy by 2040 would demand even higher growth over a longer period. She questioned whether Bangladesh currently has the institutional strength, governance standards, skilled human resources and technological readiness needed to sustain such high growth rates. “Without structural reforms, these targets will remain difficult to achieve and the economy will continue to move in circles,” she said. Highlighting key reform areas, Dr Fahmida Khatun mentioned public finance management, fiscal framework, trade and investment climate, and the financial sector. She, however, placed special emphasis on employment, describing it as one of the most pressing challenges. She said recent public movements had been largely driven by demands for jobs, noting that the public sector can absorb only about 5 percent of total job seekers, while the economy has failed to generate sufficient employment opportunities. “Growth without jobs has little meaning,” she said, adding that inequality has also increased alongside economic expansion. She referred to the Gini coefficient approaching 0.5, indicating widening income disparity. She pointed out that about 40 percent of the labour force is still engaged in agriculture, much of it seasonal and informal. While the service sector contributes over half of GDP, it has not created enough quality jobs. The manufacturing sector, which could provide stable and better-paid employment, has also fallen short in generating adequate opportunities. She noted that a significant portion of Bangladeshi migrant workers are employed abroad in low-skilled or semi-skilled roles, which limits income potential and long-term benefits. Stressing the need for labour market reform, she said the country must prioritise manufacturing expansion and skill development to create decent jobs. She also raised concerns about the mismatch between education and employment. Although about two million young people enter the job market each year, employers often struggle to find suitably skilled candidates. Youth unemployment remains significantly higher than the national average, and the rate among those not in employment, education or training is even higher. “The higher the level of education, the higher the unemployment rate in some cases. This shows a serious skills mismatch,” she said. Dr Fahmida Khatun called for increased budget allocations for education and improvements in quality, governance and training facilities. She made similar observations about the health sector, saying low spending and poor utilisation of resources weaken the workforce’s productivity. She also highlighted the importance of social protection, particularly at a time when inflation has remained high since 2023 while wages have not increased at the same pace. With investment slowing and job creation lagging, she said support for low-income groups is essential. However, she warned that expanding social protection requires adequate fiscal space. The declining tax-to-GDP ratio remains a major challenge in mobilising resources for social programmes. Referring to various election pledges, including family cards and farmer support schemes, she said such initiatives would require a strong fiscal strategy and comprehensive public finance reforms to ensure sustainable funding. Dr Fahmida Khatun concluded by stressing the need for an integrated reform agenda focused on employment, education, health and fiscal management to support long-term economic stability and inclusive growth.  

Deputy High Commissioner of the High Commission of Australia to Bangladesh Clinton Pobke has expressed strong optimism about Bangladesh’s economic prospects, saying the country has the potential to achieve sustained high growth if ongoing reforms are strengthened and institutionalised. Speaking at a discussion hosted by the Policy Research Institute (PRI) in Dhaka, Pobke praised the role of the think tank in generating data and policy analysis, describing its work as vital for informing policymakers and engaging the public. “It’s wonderful to see so many people here tonight for this discussion,” he said, noting that he had closely followed PRI’s activities over the past year. He said such events create space for open debate and allow diverse voices from across society to exchange ideas and perspectives. The Australian diplomat also acknowledged the contributions of Bangladesh’s economic community, including professionals in government, academia, think tanks, the private sector and industry groups, calling them a “true asset for the country.” While making it clear that it is not his role as a foreign diplomat to prescribe policy solutions, Pobke reflected on Bangladesh’s underlying economic potential and the significance of the country’s current moment. He described Bangladesh’s growth trajectory since independence as remarkable, pointing out that the country has consistently maintained annual growth rates of 5 to 6 percent despite various challenges and periods of instability. Referring to global development frameworks, he said several foundational policy elements often associated with strong economic performance were not historically prominent in Bangladesh, yet the country still achieved steady expansion. According to him, if a future government is able to strengthen these core foundations, Bangladesh could realistically sustain growth of 8 to 10 percent and emerge as a major economic powerhouse. Pobke highlighted several reform initiatives undertaken over the past 18 months, including changes in exchange rate management, regulatory steps in the banking sector such as the bank resolution regime, measures to reinforce central bank independence, reforms in the energy sector, and improvements in tax administration and governance. He also noted that judicial reforms, including the recent establishment of commercial courts, could have significant economic benefits by improving the business climate and strengthening confidence in the rule of law. However, he stressed that these measures should be seen as initial steps rather than final achievements. Implement bold economic reforms to stay globally competitive: Dr Zaidi “If Bangladesh is to reach 8, 9 or even 10 percent economic growth, these reforms must be locked in and carried forward,” he said, adding that one of the key challenges for any incoming elected government would be ensuring continuity. He cautioned that several reforms introduced through ordinances may expire unless they are formally placed before parliament and enacted into law, creating a pressing timeline for policymakers. At the same time, Pobke underlined that decisions about which reforms to continue or modify rest entirely with Bangladesh’s elected leadership. “It will be the democratic prerogative of an elected government what it does and how it does it,” he said. He expressed hope that the momentum for economic reform would not slow down but instead continue to build, helping the country unlock its full potential. Reaffirming Australia’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh, Pobke said his country would continue to assist where desired by the people and government of Bangladesh. He noted that Australia’s support through the World Bank is aligned with Bangladesh’s reform priorities, while collaboration through the International Finance Corporation aims to boost private sector development. He added that Australia would also continue to support the country’s think tank ecosystem to encourage informed public debate, and expand trade and investment ties through its strengthened trade engagement. Pobke wished Bangladesh success in what he described as an important phase in both its democratic and economic journey, expressing confidence in the country’s ability to move forward.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday filed a case against eight people over allegations of unethical, discriminatory and illegal allocation of luxury duplex flats of two former Commissioners of the Anti- Corruption Commission (ACC) under the “Grihayan Dhanmondi (Phase-1)” project of the National Housing Authority (NHA). ACC Deputy Director and Public Relations Officer Akhtarul Islam briefed the reporters in the headquarters of the Commission. Case statement explained that the flats—formed by combining D-12 and D-13, and C-12 and C-13—have areas of approximately 4,105.05 square feet and 4,308.68 square feet respectively. These duplex flats were allegedly approved and allocated in favour of Md Jahurul Haque, former retired judge and former commissioner of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the ACC, and Dr Md Mozammel Haque Khan, former senior secretary and former ACC commissioner. ACC files cases against former Bhandaria Upazila chairman, his wife ACC said that through discriminatory and unlawful decisions taken at the 222nd and 225th board meetings of the National Housing Authority, approvals were granted for the construction and allocation of two large duplex flats in the project located at House No-711 (new 63), Road No-13 (new 6/3), Dhanmondi Residential Area. The accused include Delwar Haidar, Chairman of the National Housing Authority;  Shahjahan Ali, Member (Administration and Finance); Dr Md Moinul Haque Ansari, Member (Land and Estate Management); Bijoy Kumar Mondal, Member (Planning, Design and Special Projects); and Kazi Wasif Ahmad, Project Official (Engineering and Coordination), all of the National Housing Authority. Former Registrar General (Senior District Judge) Syed Aminul Islam has also been named in the case for allegedly submitting false affidavits and being involved in the abuse of power. The ACC case said that the accused, while holding important public positions, committed criminal breach of trust, fraud and misconduct by misusing state resources and approving architectural designs in a discriminatory and unlawful manner. The case has been filed under Sections 409, 420 and 109 of the Penal Code, 1860, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. According to the case statement, while serving as public servants, several senior officials allegedly abused their power and acted in collusion to approve and allocate two duplex flats—each nearly double the size of standard flats—in violation of rules and regulations. 10 former senior officials under scanner ACC sought wealth statements from 10 individuals linked to allegations of irregularities in the “Grihayan Dhanmondi (Phase-1)” housing project, suspecting that they may possess undisclosed assets beyond known sources of income. According to ACC officials, there is a possibility that the accused individuals own or control additional properties. As it is not possible to verify the accurate amount and sources of their assets without official disclosures, the Commission has decided to invoke Section 26(1) of the ACC Act, 2004, directing the concerned individuals to submit detailed statements of their assets. The individuals who will be asked to submit wealth statements include Md Jahurul Haque, former retired judge and former commissioner of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and the ACC. Also on the list is Eunusur Rahman, former senior secretary of the Financial Institutions Division under the Ministry of Finance, currently serving as chairman of the board of directors of Jamuna Oil Company Limited. Former senior secretary and former ACC commissioner Dr Md Mozammel Haque Khan has also been included, along with MA Kader Sarker, former secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. The ACC will further seek asset details from Dr M Aslam Alam, former rector of BPATC, senior secretary to the government and current chairman of the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA), and Aktari Mamtaz, former secretary of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission. Other individuals named are Serajul Huq Khan, former secretary of the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Syed Aminul Islam, former Registrar General (Senior District Judge) and current member of the Judicial Reform Commission; and Anisur Rahman, former senior secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and former secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, who also served as an election commissioner during the 13th Election Commission led by Habibul Awal. The list also includes SM Golam Faruk, former senior secretary of the Local Government Division, former member of the Public Service Commission, former member of the Bangladesh Planning Commission, and former senior secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. The ACC said the move is aimed at ensuring transparency and verifying whether the individuals acquired assets beyond their known and lawful sources of income. ACC approves case against Essential Drugs ex-MD, 5 others