United News of Bangladesh

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has observed that old patterns of the influence of money, religion, muscle power, patriarchy and majoritarian dominance have persisted in the elections, while imprudent actions by the government and the Election Commission have created unnecessary controversy surrounding the referendum. Although initial signs of healthy competition were visible, political parties and candidates have gradually maintained the old political settlements marked by violence in electoral activities. As a result, conflicts among parties and alliances, intra-party rivalries, unhealthy competition for power and violence have been increasing steadily. These remarks were made today at a press conference held at TIB’s Dhanmondi office to present “Pre-Election and Referendum Situation: TIB’s Observations.” TIB failed to recognise work on reforms: Finance Adviser The observations were presented today at a press conference organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), titled “Pre-Election and Referendum Situation: TIB’s Observations,” held at TIB’s Dhanmondi office. Speakers included TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman; Adviser–Executive Management Prof. Dr. Sumaiya Khair; Director, Research and Policy, Muhammad Badiuzzaman; and Director, Outreach and Communication, Mohammad Tauhidul Islam. A section of the report was presented by Senior Research Fellow Md. Mahfuzul Haque. According to TIB, alongside electoral violence, anti-election activities by fallen authoritarian forces have increased instability risks. Political parties and candidates not only continued using money, religion, muscle power, patriarchy, and majoritarian influence, but the use of money and religion has intensified. Violations of the electoral code of conduct persisted, reflecting the Election Commission’s lack of effective action. Despite the July Charter’s pledge for 5% women candidates, women were largely overlooked. Within 24 hours of the election schedule, a potential candidate was killed, and attacks, shootings, and killings of political activists and rivals continued nationwide, raising concerns over law enforcement inaction. Mismanagement by the Commission also temporarily exposed the personal data of 14,000 journalists applying for registration, threatening their safety.    Hasina named in 663 cases over July Uprising, 453 on murder charges: TIB According to TIB’s observations, well before the approved campaign period, political parties and candidates began electioneering in violation of the Wall Writing and Poster Control Act, 2012 (Sections 3 & 4) by putting up posters and campaign materials on walls, poles, vehicles, and other places. In other words, all candidates violated some aspect of the electoral code of conduct. Large amounts of money were spent by prospective candidates even before the official campaign period, and 33.8% of candidates have already exceeded the prescribed spending limit, averaging BDT 11,961,310 per candidate between 4 December 2025 and 1 February 2026. Allegations of cash distribution by influential political parties to sway voters have also emerged. Broadcast coverage of election-related campaigning shows dominance by one party, occupying about 67.25% of total coverage, while referendum campaigning received only 7.56% of coverage on BTV. Violence has also accompanied campaigning: in one constituency, clashes between two parties led to a death, and high-risk districts saw more frequent conflicts. In Barisal Division, the rate of clashes increased from 30.9% before the schedule announcement to 43.8% afterward; in Rajshahi, it dropped from 22.2% to 15.5%, and in Dhaka from 22.3% to 12.3%. Barisal recorded the highest level of clashes, while Sylhet recorded the lowest. Regarding the referendum, TIB observed that the government’s indecision—due to opposing positions of influential political parties—and the drafting of the ordinance aimed at pleasing both sides created confusion and controversy regarding the referendum and the concerns surrounding it. It is unclear whether any consultation or coordination occurred between the government and the Election Commission during the ordinance’s drafting and the promotion of a “Yes” vote. Further debate arose when, 18 days into the government’s campaign, the Election Commission issued instructions to government employees, raising questions about the legality and prudence of the directives. Had the Commission consulted the government before issuing the ordinance, its independence would not have been questioned and unnecessary confusion avoided.    Presenting TIB’s observations on the overall electoral environment, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “Election campaign expenditures of most candidates have exceeded the prescribed spending limits. At the same time, the misuse of religious content in campaign activities has been strongly evident, which is negatively affecting the values of Bangladesh. As a result, women’s political participation and, more broadly, the concept of equal rights for women have come under threat. Meanwhile, initiatives to ensure the safety and equal rights of marginalised communities, voters from diverse religious, ethnic, gender, social and cultural identities, as well as persons with disabilities, and to create an enabling environment for their participation in voting, have been jeopardised.” Dr. Zaman further stated, “Despite widespread violations of the code of conduct and various irregularities by parties and candidates at almost every stage of the election—including both online and offline campaigning—the Election Commission has largely overlooked these issues due to capacity constraints. Adequate coordination has not been established with digital platforms such as Meta or Google. Even when candidates have conducted campaigns in violation of the platforms’ own policies, the controversial content has not been removed, as business interests appear to be involved.” Reminding all stakeholders of their responsibilities during the election period, Dr. Zaman said, “In the past, people have been deprived of their voting rights; both ordinary citizens and political parties have been victims. Bearing this experience in mind, elections must be treated as genuine elections, and political parties must demonstrate the willingness to accept the people’s verdict. If our leaders—from the grassroots to the highest levels—embrace this spirit, we believe that the election can be conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. At the same time, it is expected that the Election Commission, the government, political parties and law enforcement agencies will properly fulfil their respective responsibilities to ensure that all voters—irrespective of ethnicity, religion, race, minority status, gender, age or disability—can exercise their voting rights free from fear, intimidation and security concerns.” Regarding the referendum, TIB ED further stated, “In accordance with the mandate provided by the July uprising, it is the responsibility of the government to play the necessary role in securing a ‘Yes’ verdict in the referendum on the July Charter. There was no legal or rational basis for the Election Commission’s disagreement in fulfilling this role. However, since government officials are legally under the authority of the Election Commission after the announcement of the election schedule, the government interfered unnecessarily in the Commission’s jurisdiction by issuing directives to promote a ‘Yes’ vote without obtaining prior consent from the Commission—even though such promotion was considered justified. As a result of this interference, or for other considerations, the Election Commission adopted unnecessary and controversial measures in this case based on a misinterpretation of the law. Moreover, by inappropriately imposing decisions on various stakeholders—including NGOs and banks alongside government officials—the government has called its own position into question. Overall, both the government and the Election Commission have demonstrated failure in performing their expected roles in organising the historic referendum in a proper and effective manner.” Noting that a significant majority of the proposals in the July Charter—written in blood—particularly those relating to the establishment of good governance, prevention of abuse of power and corruption, protection of political and civil rights, and the commitment to equal rights for all regardless of party affiliation, opinion, religion, ethnicity, gender or other forms of diversity—reflect TIB’s long-standing research-based expectations and policy advocacy, the Executive Director announced TIB’s position in favour of a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. TIB slams draft media ordinances as ‘mockery’ of free press

Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin on Sunday said the process of procuring 14 aircraft from US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing by 2035 is currently underway. He made the remarks at the Secretariat while briefing reporters on contemporary issues related to the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry. The adviser said a proposal to procure 25 Boeing aircraft has been under consideration since 2024. “More than 60 lakh passengers travelled through Bangladesh’s airports last year but Biman Bangladesh Airlines carried only about 20 lakh of them due to limited capacity,” he said. At present, Bangladesh has only 14 flyable aircraft while it will need 47 aircraft by 2035, said the adviser. Govt transparent over aircraft crash, spreading rumors serious offense: Law Adviser “We are discussing the purchase of just 14 aircraft from Boeing by that time. A techno-economic feasibility analysis comparing Boeing and Airbus has already been conducted and submitted,” he added. He said a negotiation team headed by Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud was formed by the Chief Adviser’s Office to conduct price negotiations with Boeing and discussions are still ongoing. “If we can complete this process, Alhamdulillah. If not, unfortunately, we will not be able to finalise the procurement,” he added. Bashir Uddin said Bangladesh’s export earnings from the US exceed Tk 1 lakh crore annually while the proposed aircraft purchase could cost between Tk 30,000 crore and Tk 35,000 crore, to be paid over 10 to 20 years. “Against our exports, we may need to pay only around Tk 1,500 crore to Tk 2,000 crore per year,” he said, adding that a previously imposed 37 percent tariff by the US has been negotiated down to 20 percent. He said the current government does not want to leave a burden for the next administration, especially where high export duties put 700,000 jobs or businesses worth Tk 1 lakh crore at risk. “While a country like India has promised $600 billion in US procurement, we are only talking about $3 billion,” he said. Earlier, in response to criticism over the government’s Boeing purchase plan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Nasreen Jahan said Biman Bangladesh Airlines currently has only 19 aircraft in its fleet. Four more planes (two Dash-8s and two Boeing 737-800s) will be retired by 2030, she said. Without new aircraft, regular flight operations on existing routes could be disrupted and launching new routes will be impossible, she added. The secretary said that in light of these challenges, the government and aviation authorities have taken a long-term plan to expand the fleet and network. Proposals were invited from Boeing and Airbus and technical and financial analyses have been completed. Negotiations with Boeing are ongoing, she said. She also said that, in view of the 37 per cent reciprocal tariff by the United States, a proposal to buy 25 Boeing aircraft has been made to reduce the trade deficit and increase employment.  “Although some media outlets have criticised the plan as hasty, the process has been ongoing since 2024 and is part of a long-term strategy,” she added.

Nearly five lakh people have been relieved of harassment cases filed during the tenure of the Awami League government against leaders and activists of various political parties. They have been relieved as the interim government recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 politically motivated cases filed against leaders and activists of various political parties including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam and Gano Odhikar Parishad, said a PID handout. The cases were filed between January 6, 2009 and August 5, 2024. Govt says so-called PASHA election observers not to get EC cards Earlier, on September 22, 2024, the interim government formed district-level committees headed by Deputy Commissioners along with an inter-ministerial committee led by Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, to review and withdraw such cases. The committees invited applications and petitions from political parties seeking the withdrawal of cases. In response, the inter-ministerial committee reviewed the applications through 39 meetings held at different times and recommended the withdrawal of 23,865 cases. The process of reviewing and withdrawing cases is still ongoing.

Highlighting the significant demand for Bangladeshi workers abroad, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said all forms of fraud, related to skills training certificates, must be stopped to unlock the country’s untapped employment potential overseas. “All these frauds must be stopped. The reputation of the country’s workforce is being undermined due to fraud and forgery related to skills training certificates,” he said, stressing that if employers lose trust, all skill development initiatives would fail. The Chief Adviser made the remarks while presiding over a meeting of the Governing Body of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) at his office. Prof Yunus instructed the concerned authorities to take effective measures to prevent the forgery of skill development training certificates and the use of fake credentials in order to safeguard Bangladesh’s reputation in the international labour market. Stressing the importance of building the country’s brand image, he said, “Employers should say that workers who come from Bangladesh will definitely do well.” Established in 2018, this was the second meeting of the NSDA Governing Body. The first meeting was held in 2022. Prof Yunus said the NSDA has provided a strong framework for developing skilled human resources in line with the needs of both national and international labour markets. With the growing demand for Bangladeshi workers abroad, he added, the role of the authority will become even more important. Expressing optimism, the Chief Adviser said the NSDA’s initiative to introduce a unified standard certification system across all training institutions would play a crucial role in preventing such fraud. “Our young generation is highly creative and full of potential. Our responsibility is to open doors of opportunity for them,” he said. Prof Yunus happy over polls preparations, says next ‘week very crucial’ Prof Yunus also emphasised the need for necessary initiatives and coordination to enable private entrepreneurs to operate in a more transparent and effective manner. The meeting reviewed the implementation progress of decisions taken at the previous Governing Body meeting and decided to establish an integrated skills ecosystem. Under this ecosystem, uniform curricula and standards will be ensured for training programmes conducted by different ministries. Once fully implemented, the system is expected to enhance the quality and credibility of certificates in the international market, reduce the wastage of public funds, and facilitate centralised and effective planning and implementation for assessing industrial labour demand and workforce development. The Governing Body approved the long-term goals of the NSDA to address global challenges following Bangladesh’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Key components of these long-term plans include conducting skills gap analyses in emerging sectors, bringing all development projects under NSDA curricula and competency standards, aligning the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF) with international benchmarks, and bringing the large informal-sector workforce under national skills certification through recognition of prior learning. Among other issues, the meeting discussed the provision of Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC) to students trained at the Institutes of Marine Technology (IMTs) under the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Dhaka, Beijing cooperation must continue with new govt: Prof Yunus Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah, NSDA Executive Chairman Dr Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury, secretaries of different ministries, and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Another fighter injured during the July–August uprising  in 2024 died at a hospital in the capital on Sunday. Thirty-two-year-old Ashraful succumbed to his injuries around 8:00 am while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Dhaka. Md Abu Shadik (Kayem), Vice-President of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), shared the information in a Facebook post in the afternoon. According to the post, Ashraful was shot in Mirpur-10 on August 5, 2024, during the uprising. He had been receiving medical treatment in Thailand for 14 months before being brought back to Bangladesh on February 4, 2026. He was then admitted to the ICU of the National Institute of Neurosciences, where he later died. Visit July Uprising Museum at Gonobhaban to witness brutal history: CA

The interim government will not lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal at Chattogram Port during its tenure, said the head of the country’s investment authority, dismissing the reported move over finalising a deal with global port operator DP World. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), told a press briefing in Dhaka on Sunday that DP World has asked for additional time to review a draft agreement, effectively ruling out the possibility of finalising any lease deal before the interim administration leaves office. “DP World has asked for time. As this government has no more than two working days left, it can be stated with certainty that no port lease agreement will be signed during the interim government’s tenure,” he said. Ashik said DP World sent a letter to the Chief Adviser’s Office on Sunday morning, expressing satisfaction with the discussions held so far with Bangladesh. “They are hopeful that the negotiations will move in the right direction in the future. We have sent them a draft agreement, which they want time to review. After the election and the end of this government’s term, negotiations will resume,” he said. Govt to take tough stance over Ctg port strike: Shipping Adviser He said discussions with DP World have been ongoing since 2019, with more intensive negotiations taking place over the past month at various levels of the government. “We hope the dialogue will continue in the days ahead.” Meanwhile, an indefinite strike has disrupted operations at Chittagong Port since Sunday morning, protesting any move to lease out the terminal. The strike, called by the Chittagong Port Protection Movement Council, has brought jetty and outer anchorage activities to a near standstill. According to port sources, 12 vessels are currently berthed at the main jetty, while more than 50 cargo vessels remain stranded at the outer anchorage, with unloading operations halted. Law enforcement agencies have been deployed in large numbers in and around the port area since morning. Port workers had earlier observed three days of eight-hour work stoppages from January 31, followed by continuous work abstention from last Tuesday, severely disrupting container transportation. The strike was suspended for two days after talks with the Shipping Adviser on Thursday, but resumed after port authorities sent letters seeking travel bans and asset probes against protest leaders. Earlier in the day, Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain told reporters that the DP World issue remains under discussion. “They have written to the Chief Adviser seeking more time. Negotiations will continue, even after the election if necessary.” Strike halts operations at Chattogram Port for second time Issuing a warning to the strikers, the adviser said a handful of people were trying to hold the entire port hostage. “They are holding 180 million people hostage. This cannot be allowed. The government has decided to take a hard line. Some have already been detained, and others will be arrested.” The protesters are continuing the strike pressing four demands, including cancellation of any lease deal, removal of the port chairman, withdrawal of punitive actions against protesting employees, and assurance that no legal action will be taken against the agitators.

Bangladesh’s point-to-point general inflation edged up slightly to 8.58 per cent in January 2026 from 8.49 per cent in December 2025, mainly due to higher food prices, according to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The BBS data showed food inflation rose to 8.29 per cent in January from 7.71 per cent in the previous month, while non-food inflation fell to 8.81 per cent from 9.13 per cent. Both rural and urban areas saw modest increases in overall inflation. In rural areas, the general point-to-point inflation stood at 8.63 per cent in January, up from 8.48 per cent in December 2025, though it was higher at 10.18 per cent in January 2025. Rural food inflation climbed to 8.18 per cent from 7.67 per cent while non-food inflation decreased to 9.04 per cent from 9.26 per cent. In January 2025, rural food and non-food inflation were 10.61 per cent and 9.77 per cent respectively. In urban areas, general inflation rose slightly to 8.57 per cent in January from 8.55 per cent in December. Urban food inflation increased to 8.61 per cent from 7.87 per cent, whereas non-food inflation fell to 8.54 per cent from 8.99 per cent. In January 2025, urban food and non-food inflation were 10.95 per cent and 9.25 per cent respectively.  

Bangladesh Navy and the United Kingdom have signed a government‑to‑government sales agreement for the former HMS Enterprise, an Echo‑class hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel. The sale of the HMS Enterprise highlights the UK’s continued partnership with Bangladesh in enhancing maritime security and contributing to a prosperous, stable, free and open Indo-Pacific and Bay of Bengal, said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Sunday. The signing ceremony was held at Bangladesh Navy Headquarters following extensive technical engagement between the Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence and Royal Navy. The vessel, known for its distinguished service in survey operations, humanitarian support, and disaster‑response missions, will now help strengthen Bangladesh’s maritime security and regional stability efforts, said the UK government. It will also provide hydrographic, oceanographic and scientific research capability and offer significant research opportunities for Bangladeshi universities. From the Bangladesh side, Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff, and Rear Admiral Jahangir Adil Samdany, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Logistics), were present.  

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain on Sunday said the government will take a hard line to end the ongoing strike at Chattogram Port. “The ongoing strike at Chattogram Port cannot be allowed to continue,” the adviser told reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat. An indefinite strike by Chattogram port workers resumed at 8am on Sunday in protest against the plan to lease the port’s New Mooring Container Terminal to a foreign company and to press four other demands. Sakhawat Hossain said a handful of people are trying to hold the entire port hostage at a time when Ramadan is approaching. “Chickpeas, lentils and edible oil are lying idle at the outer anchorage. They have taken 18 crore people hostage. This cannot be allowed to continue,” he added. He said several people have already been arrested and the rest will also be brought to book.  

The Election Working Alliance (EWA) on Sunday voiced deep concern over a sharp rise in violations of the electoral code of conduct, violence, intimidation, hate speech targeting women, and other threats as the polling day approaches. The concerns were raised at a roundtable titled “Ensuring a Violence-Free and Fair Election: Essential Responsibilities of the Election Commission and the Government,” organised by the organisation at the Jatiya Press Club. Presenting field-level data collected nationwide, Rafiquzzaman Ruman, head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Manarat International University, said at least 275 incidents involving code violations, violence, harassment, humiliation and attacks against women have been documented, supported by visual evidence. He said violations ahead of the election are geographically widespread and structurally repetitive, with incidents reported from more than 36 districts. Such developments  undermine the neutrality and equality of the electoral environment and threaten the safety of candidates, campaign workers, supporters and voters, he added. The discussion was chaired by former government secretary and EWA President Professor Dr Md Shariful Alam. Among the speakers were North South University Professor Dr Tawfiq M Haque, Professor Dr Waresul Karim Bulbul, former diplomat Abdul Motaleb Sarker and EWA Vice President Dr Golam Rahman Bhuiyan. Professor Dr Tawfiq M Haque said that while grassroots enthusiasm for the election is visible, several risks are emerging alongside it. To address these risks, he said, responsibility lies not only with the Election Commission but also with law enforcement agencies and political parties. Former diplomat Abdul Motaleb Sarker said the upcoming election is crucial not only domestically but also internationally. He stressed that all stakeholders in the electoral process, not just the Election Commission, must act responsibly, and urged the Commission to learn from past shortcomings and move quickly toward stricter enforcement. Several speakers expressed dissatisfaction with the recent role of law enforcement agencies, including their conduct toward media outlets, and called for professionalism and political neutrality. EWA President Professor Dr Md Shariful Alam said ensuring compliance with the electoral code of conduct is the Election Commission’s primary responsibility. “It is evident that the Election Commission is failing in this regard,” he said, adding that without a firm and impartial stance from the Commission, field administration and law enforcement agencies will not remain politically neutral. He said there is still time for the Election Commission to take a strong and neutral position and fulfil its constitutional duties.