United News of Bangladesh

Expressing satisfaction over the peaceful election campaign across the country, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the presence of a large number of international observers coming from different countries reflects the renewed global confidence in Bangladesh’s democracy. He said it also demonstrates the international community’s serious approach towards the twin elections - the national election and referendum scheduled for February 12- in Bangladesh. “We expect that this election will be better than any other elections that the country witnessed in the past,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying during a get-together event with the senior secretaries and secretaries of the government. Prof Yunus happy over polls preparations, says next ‘week very crucial’ Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid presided over the function. The Chief Adviser said huge numbers of observers are coming from various countries which reflect that they got back the confidence in Bangladesh democracy. Press Secretary Alam, while briefing the reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, said the elections, held during the regime of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, did not have any legitimacy and no prominent election observers came to observe the elections at that time. Prof Yunus observed that so far there has been no significant tension surrounding the election and political parties carrying out campaigns peacefully across the country. "Election campaigns are taking place peacefully across the country. Political parties are playing a responsible role, and large public gatherings at campaign events are being conducted without violence or disorder," he said. The Chief Adviser if the ‘Yes’ vote wins in the referendum, the country will change fundamentally and mis-governance will not return. "If the ‘Yes’ vote wins in the referendum, Bangladesh’s future will be built in a more positive way," he said. Prof Yunus expressed optimism that the upcoming national election would be a free, fair, peaceful and festive one. Speaking about past elections, he said previous polls in Bangladesh could hardly be called elections, describing them instead as ‘mockery’ in the name of elections. Prof Yunus calls for ethical use of technology, rejects fraud for prosperity "In contrast, the forthcoming election will be held in a free, fair and peaceful manner. With only two days remaining, we have almost reached the destination (peaceful, credible election)," the Chief Adviser said. This election, he said, together with the referendum, would bring an unprecedented change to Bangladesh politics and structure. Prof Yunus said Bangladesh will continue to move forward and attract investors from around the world who will come to establish factories in the country and described Bangladesh’s young population as a vast and powerful resource. Referring to the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), he said this will encourage many foreign companies to set up production facilities in the country. The Chief Adviser reiterated that the Japan-Bangladesh EPA is the first of its kind and should be seen as a model, adding that Bangladesh will pursue more free trade and preferential trade agreements. Such agreements, Prof Yunus said, will open many new doors for the economy and for Bangladeshi products. The Chief Adviser highlighted that, for the first time, expatriate Bangladeshis have been formally included in the political process. He said their role in Bangladesh’s political movements and uprisings in the past is now being fully recognized, and going forward they will be able to play a stronger and more meaningful role in national affairs. The Chief Adviser highlighted the extensive use of technology in this election, saying it has made the process easier and more accessible for everyone. He said that a mobile app has been developed to guide voters on how to cast their votes, while election-related apps will be used to monitor security across nearly 43,000 polling centres across the country. The ‘Election Bondhu’ initiative has been introduced, body-worn cameras have been provided to around 25,700 law enforcement personnel, and CCTV cameras are being installed at polling centres, Prof Yunus said, expressing hope that this election would be better than any previous election held in the country. He thanked the secretaries for their performance over the past 18 months, particularly for their cooperation in expediting work related to around 130 ordinances issued during this period. The Chief Adviser said their support and efficiency have been critical to the government’s work. Later, the Chief Adviser posed for photographs with the senior secretaries and secretaries of the government. If employers lose trust, all skills development initiatives would fail: Prof Yunus

Chairman of Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh (PRI) Dr Zaidi Sattar on Monday called for bold, fundamental economic reforms similar to those undertaken in the early 1990s, warning that the country’s current situation demands urgent structural changes to sustain growth and remain competitive globally. “Bangladesh is at a critical juncture comparable to the reform period of 1990–91, when the country moved towards a more open, market-oriented economy,” he said. He was 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 organised 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 Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dr M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and CEO, Policy Exchange Bangladesh (PEB), spoke as distinguished panelists. The closing remark was made by Dr Ahmad Ahsan, Director, PRI. Policy reforms, ethical business key to competitiveness after LDC graduation: Business leaders Dr. Zaidi stressed that the present challenges offer a similar opportunity for political and economic transformation. According to PRI chairman, recent economic shocks have slowed growth to around 4 percent, but this does not reflect the country’s long-term potential. Without reforms, the economy’s intrinsic growth rate could return to about 5.5 to 6 percent once political stability is restored. With strong and timely structural reforms, growth could accelerate to 7 to 8 percent, he said. Dr Zaidi, however, cautioned that external developments are reshaping the global trade landscape and Bangladesh cannot continue with ‘business as usual’. Among recent developments, PRI chairman described the Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as a major milestone. The agreement, he said, based on asymmetrical reciprocity, offers Bangladesh significantly wider market access with relatively lower commitments in return. He credited the government’s negotiation efforts, noting that while a full free trade agreement (FTA) would have been more beneficial, complexities in Bangladesh’s tariff regime made that difficult at this stage. At the same time, Dr Zaidi flagged concerns over the India-EU free trade agreement, which it said could pose a serious challenge to Bangladesh’s exports, particularly garments. India’s improved market access and production-linked incentives could intensify competition in the European market, where Bangladesh currently enjoys duty-free access and holds a large share, he said. With Bangladesh set to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status, he stressed the urgency of pursuing an FTA with the European Union within the next two to three years. But he warned that the country’s “mountain-sized” tariff structure and complex trade regime remain major obstacles. The PRI chairman also highlighted the need for deep reforms in the National Board of Revenue (NBR), describing it as a key institution that requires restructuring to support economic transformation. He welcomed the recent initiative to split the NBR into separate policy and management divisions, though implementation has yet to begin. The institute chairman identified major weaknesses in the current tax system, including a narrow tax base, excessive reliance on manual administration and slow progress in automation. He noted that Bangladesh still depends heavily on indirect taxes, with a 70:30 ratio compared to direct taxes, making the system regressive. He recommended moving towards a 50:50 balance between direct and indirect taxation to ensure fairness and improve revenue mobilisation. He also pointed out that nearly 58 percent of revenue comes from trade taxes, a level much higher than peer countries. The PRI chief proposed reducing reliance on trade taxes from around 2.5 percent of GDP to about 1 percent over the next decade through tariff rationalisation and tax reforms. He further stressed that high and prolonged protection for domestic industries is discouraging exports and placing a burden on consumers. DCCI calls for immediate normalisation of Ctg port operations He argued that industrial protection should be time-bound and performance-based, rather than continuing for decades. The PRI chairman also raised concerns over limited export diversification and what they described as an “anti-export bias” created by high domestic protection, which makes local sales more profitable than exporting. He said modernising tariffs, expanding the tax base, digitising tax administration and aligning trade policies with global standards are essential for Bangladesh to integrate more deeply with global markets and negotiate future FTAs. He expressed hope that the next elected government would take decisive steps to implement structural reforms, noting that democratic administrations are generally better positioned to carry out major policy changes.

The government has appointed Surayya Akhtar Jahan, additional secretary of the Local Government Division, as the administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). The Local Government Division under the Local Government , Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry, issued a gazette notification in this regard on Monday. The notification said she has been given the responsibility under Section 25 A(1) of the Local Government (City Corporation) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 As administrator, Surayya Akhtar will exercise the powers and perform the duties of the DNCC mayor under further order in line with Section 25A(3) of the ordinance. She will carry out the responsibility in addition to her existing duties and will be entitled to any additional financial or other benefits as per rules. DNCC administrator Azaz faces travel ban The appointment will come into effect immediately. Mohammad Azaz had been serving as the administrator of DNCC and he will be replaced by Surayya Akhtar. The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives appointed Azaz as DNCC administrator on February 12 last year for a one-year term.

In a latest reshuffle in the police administration, a total of 153 police officials including 147 sub-inspectors and six sergeants have been promoted to the rank of Inspector. Bangladesh Police Headquarters issued separate notices, signed by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam, in this regard on Monday. 

Justice Naima Haider of the High Court has submitted her resignation which has been forwarded to the President. The Supreme Court disclosed the information in a press release on Monday. According to the release, Justice Naima Haider expressed her intention to resign last Thursday and submitted her resignation letter to the President through the Chief Justice of Bangladesh. Earlier, on February 2, High Court  Judge Justice Mamnun Rahman also submitted his resignation. Justice Naima Haider was enrolled as a lawyer in the district court in 1989 and later became an advocate of the High Court Division and the Appellate Division in 1989 and 1993 respectively. She was appointed as an additional judge of the High Court on June 30, 2009 and was made permanent judge of the same division on June 30, 2011.  

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Monday said they have put in place extensive security arrangements to ensure the national election and referendum scheduled for February 12 are held in a free, fair and peaceful manner. Briefing reporters at the DMP Media Centre, the DMP commissioner said a ‘foolproof’ security plan had been prepared and would be implemented with professionalism and neutrality. “We are working with dedication and sincerity. We want to set an example by ensuring a meaningful and widely acceptable election, overcoming the stigma associated with the misuse of law enforcement in past polls,” he said. The commissioner said the police would focus on maintaining law and order in electoral areas, ensuring security inside polling centres, protecting election officials and materials, safeguarding the offices of returning officers and enabling voters to cast their ballots without obstruction. He said peace at polling centres would be maintained through mobile and striking teams, while at least one police officer equipped with a body-worn camera would be deployed at sensitive centres. Joint operations and checkpoints would be carried out with other law enforcement agencies, and security would be provided to candidates and other election-related individuals. Despite limited resources and manpower, he said, the DMP was determined to deliver a “flawless and acceptable” election. For real-time monitoring, body-worn cameras will be used, while 180 striking teams and 510 mobile teams will be deployed across the capital. Eight control rooms have been set up across DMP’s eight crime divisions, along with four additional special control rooms. Special Reserve Force units will be stationed at strategic locations under the direct supervision of senior officers and will be mobilised rapidly if required. Elite units, including SWAT, the Bomb Disposal Unit, Dog Squad, Crime Scene Vans and mounted police, will also remain on standby. 37 Dhaka polling centres under risk watch: DMP Commissioner Calling on city residents to participate, the DMP mcommissioner urged voters to come to polling centres ‘fearlessly and peacefully’ to exercise their civic rights. On risk assessment, Sajjat Ali said polling centres in Dhaka had been categorised as ‘important’ and ‘general’ in line with Election Commission guidelines. A total of 1,614 centres have been identified as important and 517 as general. An additional 37 centres in hard-to-reach areas, including Kamrangirchar, Satarkul and Beraid, have been placed under special arrangements, with seven police officers to be deployed at each. Addressing concerns about possible threats, the commissioner said there was no security risk at present and that the overall law and order situation in Dhaka was “better than normal”. “There is no crime, no road blockade,” Sajjat Ali said, adding that law and order in the capital remained stable despite a population of about 36.6 million. On the issue of police neutrality, the DMP commissioner said that during his 15 months in office, the force had not worked in favour of any political party, and that its conduct reflected professional impartiality. He also said the security plan included protection for journalists, doctors, engineers and other professionals. Assuring media workers of their safety, he said there were no concerns regarding journalists’ security during the election period.  

Bangladesh Bank maintained a tight monetary stance for the second half of fiscal year 2025-26, keeping the policy rate unchanged at 10%, as the central bank seeks to contain inflation while pushing lenders for increasing private-sector credit. Governor Ahsan H Mansur unveiled the January–June monetary policy on Monday at a press conference at the central bank’s headquarters in Motijheel, marking the final policy statement under the interim government. While key interest rates were left unchanged, the central bank cut the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate by 50 basis points to 7.5% from 8%, a move aimed at discouraging banks from parking excess liquidity with the central bank and encouraging lending and inter-bank market activity. The Standing Lending Facility (SLF) rate was maintained at 11.50%. Keeping money at the central bank is now less profitable, Dr Mansur said, explaining that the SDF reduction is intended to push banks toward private-sector credit and the inter-bank market. Bangladesh Bank said inflation, although easing in recent months, remains above its 7% target and warned of renewed price pressures stemming from higher spending ahead of national elections and Ramadan, seasonal increases in essential commodity prices, and the possible implementation of a new public-sector salary structure. “Lowering the policy rate at this moment could put pressure on the Taka and reignite import-driven inflation,” the governor said. Bangladesh Bank buys another $196.5 million to stabilize forex market The banking sector has shown signs of recovery in deposits, with growth rising from below 7% in August 2024 to 11% by December 2025. However, officials noted a “flight to quality,” as depositors increasingly favour banks with stronger reputations. At the same time, non-performing loans surged to 36% as of September 2025. The central bank attributed the jump to the adoption of international standards requiring stricter loan classification and reporting. Bangladesh’s external position has strengthened, supported by a stabilised foreign-exchange market. Foreign exchange reserves increased to $33.2 billion in December 2025 from $25.6 billion in August 2024. For the first time in years, the central bank has not sold any dollars from its reserves since August 2024. Instead, it purchased $4.3 billion from the inter-bank market in FY26. Bangladesh Bank also cleared $3.5 billion in overdue payments to foreign lenders, a move it said significantly boosted international confidence in the economy. The press conference was attended by Deputy Governors Dr Habibur Rahman and Nurun Nahar, along with the head of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) and other senior executive directors.

At least 1,500 Rohingyas were detained in Ukhiya of Cox’s Bazar during a special drive carried out by an army-led joint force to strengthen security ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The operation began early Sunday and targeted areas outside the designated refugee camps where Rohingyas were reportedly living illegally after crossing camp boundaries. The drive was conducted in Balukhali and adjoining areas of Palongkhali union in Ukhiya upazila. As the operation was continuing, the number of detainees may increase further, sources concerned said. A senior official of the joint force said the drive was launched amid specific concerns that a section could attempt to misuse Rohingyas for political purposes ahead of the February 12 election. He said although Rohingyas have been assigned to designated camps, many have violated regulations by settling outside camp areas, in some cases occupying land belonging to local residents. “This is not only a violation of the law but also poses a serious security risk to the local community,” the official said. He added that law enforcement agencies remain on the highest level of alert to prevent any attempt to use the large number of undocumented Rohingyas in subversive activities, particularly during the election period. Fire risks still high in Rohingya camps: IOM The detained Rohingyas are being gathered at a designated location, where authorities are conducting thorough checks to determine why and with whose assistance they left the camps. Investigators are also examining whether any political group attempted to engage them ahead of the election. After completion of the preliminary screening and verification process, arrangements will be made to send them back to the designated refugee camps through the local administration and relevant authorities, the official said.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said the inspiration of the Liberation War must be passed on from generation to generation so that the country’s younger population understands where Bangladesh came from and how its independence was achieved. “We are not permanent. But the inspiration of the Liberation War is essential for the new generation. They must know where this country came from and how the war was fought. The War of Independence must remain a source of inspiration for generations,” he said. The chief adviser made the remarks while holding a meeting with leaders of the National Freedom Fighters Council, Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust and Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad at the state guest house Jamuna in the evening. Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam was present at the meeting. Prof Yunus said identifying genuine freedom fighters and detecting fake ones was a key priority immediately after the interim government assumed office. “The people of Bangladesh hold freedom fighters in the highest respect. In the past, many tried to exploit this respect for personal gain. We must ensure this never happens again,” he said. He noted that political interests had weakened the credibility of the freedom fighter institutions, turning them into tools rather than institutions. “Our effort was to restore them as proper institutions,” he added. Expressing gratitude for meeting the freedom fighters, the chief adviser said preserving history and introducing it to the younger generation is a sacred task. “Very soon, we will no longer be able to find new freedom fighters. But we must preserve their memories. We need to plan now so that the spirit of the Liberation War remains immortal in our nation,” he said. Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam said previous governments used the rhetoric of the Liberation War to create discrimination and deprived genuine freedom fighters. “Many freedom fighters were deeply hurt. Since assuming responsibility, we are trying collectively to clean up the sector and restore the lost dignity of freedom fighters,” he said. The freedom fighters thanked Prof Yunus for successfully leading the interim government, implementing reforms and arranging a referendum. They said if the July Charter is implemented, there will be no scope for fascism to return and the government will remain accountable to the people. They also said the July Charter would play a leading role in protecting Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty and taking the country forward. The freedom fighters noted that a defeat of the reforms in the referendum would be unfortunate for the country and said they would personally campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote.

Bangladesh Bank has directed all scheduled banks and mobile financial service (MFS) providers to suspend internet banking fund transfer (IBFT) transactions through the National Payment Switch Bangladesh (NPSB) for 96 hours ahead of the national election. The central bank, however, said MFS operations will continue on a limited scale during the period, allowing essential transactions while the temporary restriction on IBFT remains in place as part of election-time precautionary measures. According to the central bank’s directive issued on Sunday, the restrictions will take effect from 12:00am Monday night and remain in force until 11:59pm Thursday. During this period, all NPSB-based peer-to-peer (P2P) internet banking transactions will remain completely suspended. As a result, customers will not be able to use real-time internet banking services, which normally allow transfers of up to Tk 50,000 per transaction and a maximum of Tk 500,000 per day. Bangladesh Bank directs MFS providers to halt online gambling transactions MFS transactions, however, will continue with limitations. Under the temporary measures, customers will be allowed to send a maximum of Tk 1,000 per day to another user through P2P transfers, with a daily transaction cap of 10. These restrictions will not apply to merchant payments and utility bill payments, which will continue under existing rules. The directive, sent to the chief executive officers, managing directors and directors general of banks and MFS providers, also instructed MFS operators to form dedicated quick response cells to receive and resolve election-related complaints. Bangladesh Bank further asked MFS providers to keep all transactions under round-the-clock close monitoring during the restricted period and to promptly report any suspicious or unusual transactions to the respective police stations. While services for general customers will remain suspended or limited, banks and MFS providers have been instructed to extend necessary cooperation to the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies as required. The central bank said normal transaction facilities through these channels will be fully restored after the stipulated period.