United News of Bangladesh

The Council of Advisers in its meeting on Thursday approved six ordinances and three proposals and reviewed the performance of the interim government since its formation in August 2024. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed the media at the Foreign Service Academy, saying the Council discussed a number of agenda items and granted the approvals. The Council gavev the final approval to the draft ordinances of the Workplace and Educational Institutions Ordinance 2026, the Domestic Violence Prevention Ordinance 2026, the Bangladesh Gas (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, the Postal Service Ordinance 2026, the Bangladesh Forest Industries Development Corporation Ordinance 2026, and the Bangabandhu National Agriculture Award Trust (Amendment) Ordinance 2026. Alam said following the approval of the Bangabandhu National Agriculture Award Trust (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, the name of the award will be changed to the National Agriculture Award. Besides, the Council approved a proposal to exempt 7.5 percent VAT on locally produced LP gas at the production and trader levels, as well as a 2 percent advance tax on imports, while imposing only a 7.5 percent VAT at the import stage. Alam said the overall tax burden on LP gas will be reduced, which is expected to further lower LP gas prices in the domestic market. The Council also approved another proposal to establish the Urban Safety and Resilience Institute (USRI) Bangladesh as a public trust under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. Interim govt to handover power to elected govt by Feb 17-18 Although the name of the institution may be changed in the future, the Press Secretary said the proposal to establish it has been approved. The Advisers approved a proposal to fix office hours during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Thursday said the interim government would hand over responsibility to the elected government as soon as possible following the national election, expressing optimism that the process would be completed by February 17 or 18. “The transfer of power will be done as soon as possible. If members of parliament are sworn in within three days, the leader of the majority party will be invited to take the oath as Prime Minister. This could happen by February 15 or 16, and I do not think it will be delayed beyond February 17 or 18,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. The 13th national parliamentary election is scheduled for February 12. A referendum on the implementation of the July National Charter will also be held on the same day. Meanwhile, the Council of Advisers decided that all government, semi-government, autonomous, and semi-autonomous offices will operate from 9am to 3:30pm during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. The decision was taken at the meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the CAO with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus presiding. During office hours, a 15-minute break from 1:00pm to 1:15pm will be observed for Zohr prayers. According to the Islamic Foundation, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19, subject to the sighting of the moon. Press Secretary Alam said since assuming office in August 2024, the interim government has taken 526 decisions and issued 116 ordinances, with 439 decisions already implemented, reflecting an implementation rate of 83.46 percent. He said the figures were presented earlier in the day at the weekly meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the Chief Adviser’s Office (CAO). The interim government held 68 regular weekly meetings between August 8, 2024, and January 31, 2026, with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair, and took 526 decisions. Of these, 439 have already been implemented, marking an implementation rate of 83.46 percent, Alam said. During this period, a total of 116 ordinances were issued, while 16 ordinances remain under process. Of the pending ordinances, three have already received policy-level approval, he added. The Press Secretary also said 30 policy-related instruments, including policies, guidelines, strategies, and action plans, were undertaken during this timeframe. Among them, 16 have been signed or ratified, while the remaining 14 are currently under implementation. In addition, the interim government has entered into 14 bilateral agreements during the same period. Govt requests UN rights office to undertake investigation into Hadi murder Highlighting the government’s performance, Alam said the implementation rate of decisions was exceptionally high compared with previous governments. He emphasised that the ordinances were not limited to minor or symbolic changes; rather, many involved substantive reforms expected to have far-reaching and transformative impacts on the lives of the people of Bangladesh. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad, and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were present at the briefing.  

The grand finale of the “Marks Active School Genius” competition, organized by Marks Active School in collaboration with 10 Minute School, concluded successfully on Thursday, awarding nearly BDT 1.5 million in scholarships to top-performing students. The initiative is led by the Abul Khair Group, one of Bangladesh’s leading industrial conglomerates. Champions from each category received a trophy and BDT 150,000 in scholarships. First runners-up received trophies and BDT 100,000, while second runners-up were awarded trophies and BDT 50,000. Students placing fourth to tenth in each category received medals and scholarships of BDT 25,000 each. The competition, which began online in September 2025, attracted over 100,000 students nationwide. After several competitive rounds, 150 students from three categories—Junior (Grades 5–6), Intermediate (Grades 7–8), and Senior (Grades 9–10)—qualified for the grand finale. The final round assessed students’ skills in Bangla, English, ICT, AI, Fine Arts, and IQ. In the Junior category, Sadat Sharafat Hossain Chowdhury of BAF Shaheen College, Dhaka, secured first place, followed by Bayezid Islam of Kushtia Police Lines School and College in second place and Md. Nabeeh Hossain of St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in third place. In the Intermediate category, Titas Chowdhury of Milestone College won first place, Mahir Daiyan of Dhaka Residential Model College came second, and Jawwad Chowdhury of Rangpur Zilla School secured third place. In the Senior category, Ammar Ibnu Shamim of University Laboratory School and College topped the chart, with Md. Ridwanul Islam Riad of Tangail Police Lines Adarsha High School and Asif Mahmud of Government Science High School securing second and third places, respectively. The finale was hosted by Ayman Sadiq, Founder and CEO of 10 Minute School. Awards were presented by Bangladesh National Football Team Captain Jamal Bhuiyan and Ayman Sadiq. The event also marked the official launch of “Marks Active School Fortified Instant Milk,” enriched with extra vitamins and minerals to support school-going students’ nutritional needs. Organizers said the initiative has encouraged talented students across the country, boosting their confidence and knowledge. They expressed their commitment to continue such programs to inspire the next generation of learners.

The Bangladesh Bank Officers' Welfare Council has issued a seven-point demand to the authorities, calling for comprehensive legal reforms to establish the full autonomy of the central bank. The demands were formally presented during a press conference held at the central bank’s headquarters on Thursday (February 5). The council emphasized that the ‘Bank Company Act-1991,’ and other related regulations must be amended to ensure the central bank can function independently and enforce good governance across the financial sector. "To ensure an effective and independent role for the central bank, reforming the legal framework is essential," said in the briefing. The seven-point charter includes several critical administrative and policy changes. Such as- Cancellation of Contractual Appointments: The Council demanded the immediate termination of all advisors, consultants, and officials appointed on a contractual basis without transparent recruitment or proper evaluation. Institutional Protection: Ensuring legal and professional protection for officials who face harassment while performing their official duties. Promotion and Recruitment: Resolving the existing stagnation in the recruitment and promotion process for regular central bank staff. Focused Leadership: Ensuring the Governor devotes active time and attention specifically to the policy and interests of Bangladesh Bank. Curbing Misleading Statements: Urging officials to refrain from making inconsistent or whimsical remarks to the media regarding central banking policies. Bangladesh Bank buys another $196.5 million to stabilize forex market Golam Mostafa Srabon, General Secretary of the Officers' Welfare Council, noted that these demands are not new. A memorandum was first submitted to the Interim Government’s Finance Adviser, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, in August 2024. The Council followed up with the Governor on November 5 and again on December 23 of last year, specifically highlighting the need to cancel unnecessary contractual appointments. Despite repeated requests, the Council claims significant action has yet to be taken.  

Workers and employees of Chattogram Port have suspended their ongoing strike for two days following a meeting with Shipping Adviser (retd) Brigadier General M Sakhawat Hossain. Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Port Protection Sangram Oikya Parishad, said they decided to withdraw the strike for Friday and Saturday. However, he said the strike would be permanently withdrawn only if their demands are met. He alleged that the shipping adviser is not fully aware of the economic aspects of the agreement in question. An effort will be made to explain during discussions how the agreement goes against the country’s interests, he added. Kabir also said the adviser assured them that no anti-national agreement would be allowed. Meanwhile, port-related banks will remain open from 8:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, while five percent of customs operations will continue. Besides, five percent of port operations will remain functional on Friday. Those willing to take delivery of goods have been requested to participate in the limited operations. Speaking to reporters, the shipping adviser said launching such a movement by closing the port ahead of Ramadan was “inhuman and inappropriate,” noting that demands could have been placed without shutting down the port. He warned that the government would take strict action if the protest is not withdrawn by Thursday. He also said aviation fuel remained stuck due to the port closure, which is negatively affecting airline operations. The adviser announced the formation of a fact-finding committee and said the issue would be raised at the highest level, with a final decision to be taken through a specific committee. Earlier on Thursday, protesters blocked the convoy of the shipping adviser when he arrived at the port around 10:45am to assess the situation amid the ongoing strike. Hundreds of workers and employees surrounded the vehicles, chanted slogans and obstructed their movement. After about 15 minutes, police and port security personnel escorted the convoy into the port premises. The strike entered its fifth consecutive day on Thursday, protesting plans to lease out the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to global port operator DP World. The workers launched the indefinite strike, demanding cancellation of the leasing process and withdrawal of alleged harassment and transfer orders against protesting workers. Meanwhile, unprecedented security measures have been put in place at the port. Alongside police, members of the army and navy have been deployed. Several port gates have been closed, restricting workers’ access to the terminal. DCCI calls for immediate normalisation of Ctg port operations Cargo-laden vessels remain stranded at both the outer anchorage and jetties, while cargo delivery from yards and the movement of goods-carrying vehicles in and out of the port have remained halted. More than 11,000 export-oriented containers are currently stuck at the port.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) purchased an additional $196.5 million from 16 banks on Thursday, continuing its aggressive streak of dollar procurement to manage the country's foreign exchange market. The central bank executed the purchase at a cut-off rate of Tk 122.30 per US dollar, Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, confirmed this. With this latest move, the central bank’s total dollar purchases for the month of February have reached $586 million in just five days. The total acquisition for the current fiscal year FY2025–26 now stands at a substantial $4.51 billion. This week has seen consistent intervention by the central bank. Previously on Wednesday (Feb 4), $171 million was purchased from 16 banks. Before that on Sunday (Feb 2), another $218.50 million was purchased from 16 banks. The central bank has maintained a steady exchange rate of Tk 122.30 for most of its recent transactions. Earlier interventions in January included: Jan 29: $55 million from five banks. Jan 20: $45 million from two banks. Jan 12: $81 million from 10 banks. Jan 6: $223.50 million from 14 banks. Bangladesh Bank buys dollars worth $3.75 billion in 6 months to maintain exchange rate stability According to central bank sources, the primary goal is to stabilize the exchange rate and prevent the Taka from appreciating too rapidly due to a surge in remittance inflows and export earnings. By purchasing the "excess" supply of dollars from commercial banks, the central bank aims to strengthen foreign reserves, support exporters & remitters, and manage liquidity.  

Inqilab Moncho on Thursday staged a sit-in outside the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, demanding an impartial investigation under United Nations supervision into the killing of its spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. The protest began around 5pm with Inqilab Mancha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, Fatima Tasnim Zuma, Hadi’s wife and a small number of activists participating in the programme. Addressing the gathering, Abdullah Al Jaber said they had deliberately limited the number of protesters considering possible security concerns. “We could have brought many more people if we wanted. We are waiting here with the wife of martyr Osman Hadi until we receive a clear assurance from the Chief Adviser. Without a full guarantee of justice, we will not withdraw from this sit-in,” he said. Stating their specific demand, Jaber said the programme would continue until the government formally announces a neutral investigation into Hadi’s killing under UN supervision. Zuma said Inqilab Moncho, along with Hadi’s wife, had taken position in front of Jamuna to press for the UN-monitored probe. She alleged that while the platform has cooperated with the government, administration and political parties, it has not received similar cooperation in return. Later in the evening, the Jamaat-backed 11-party alliance candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency Nasiruddin Patwary visited the site and expressed solidarity with Inqilab Moncho. Hadi was also expected to contest the election from the same constituency. Hadi was shot by assailants on December 12 at Box Culvert Road under Paltan Model Police Station in Dhaka, a day after the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election and a referendum was announced. He was initially taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, later to Evercare Hospital, and eventually flown to Singapore. Hadi died on the night of December 18 while undergoing treatment at Singapore General Hospital. Following the incident, Jaber filed a case of attempted murder with Paltan Police Station on December 14, which was later converted into a murder case. Hadi murder: Accused Rubel makes confessional statement

Joint forces in a drive arrested three people including a former Jubo Dal leader along with a large cache of locally made weapons from Ashulia area in Savar early Thursday. The arrestees were identified as Jahangir Alam Mandal, former joint secretary general of Dhaka district unit Jubo Dal, Swapan and Faizul. Tipped off, a team of police and army personnel, conducted a drive in Balibhadra Talpotti area and arrested them, said Rubel Hawladar, officer-in-charge of Ashulia Police Station. They also recovered huge locally made sharp weapons and crude bomb-like objects from their possession, he said. Read More: Jute trader shot attack in Savar

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman on Thursday visited an army camp at the National Stadium in Gulistan in Dhaka and held coordination meetings with civil administration and law enforcement officials to review security preparations for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and referendum scheduled for 2026. During the visit, the army chief inspected the army camp and exchanged views with senior military officials, representatives of the Dhaka metropolitan, divisional and district administrations, and members of various law enforcement agencies. At a meeting held at the National Stadium conference room, discussions focused on ensuring a peaceful, neutral and fair election through strong inter-agency coordination and comprehensive security management. Read More: British High Commissioner meets Army Chief  The army chief stressed the importance of professionalism, neutrality, discipline, patience and citizen-friendly conduct while performing election-related duties. He also observed the activities of army personnel deployed under the “in aid to the civil power” arrangement and provided necessary guidance on the ground. Senior military officials, including the General Officer Commanding of the Army Training and Doctrine Command, the GOC of the 9 Infantry Division and Area Commander of Savar Area, along with senior officers from Army Headquarters, Dhaka and Savar areas, were present during the visit. Senior officials from the civil administration, law enforcement agencies and representatives of various media outlets also attended the programme. According to ISPR, as part of efforts to strengthen coordination among all agencies involved in election duties, the army chief has been holding similar coordination meetings since January 22 across Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Rangpur, Bogura, Barishal, Jashore, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Ghatail and Savar areas with senior military officials, divisional and district administrations and law enforcement agencies. Read More: Army Chief urges officers to perform election duties impartially

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has dissolved the existing board of directors of Uttara Finance and Investments Limited and formed a new board to rescue the struggling non-bank financial institution (NBFI) from deep-rooted loan irregularities. The listed company shared this information through the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Thursday (February 5). Under the Financial Company Act, 2023, the central bank has appointed five new directors to the board. Md. Mukhtar Hossain has been named the new Chairman and will serve as an independent director. Read More: Bangladesh Bank reverses policy, allows depositors of merged banks to earn profits Other newly appointed independent directors include Mohammad Shafiul Azam, Md. Niamul Kabir, Md. Rafiqul Islam (FCS). Additionally, Md. Mahbub Alam has joined the board as a director. According to central bank sources, the move aims to ensure transparency and restore corporate governance within the institution. Uttara Finance has been under scrutiny for failing to publish regular financial reports since 2019. However, an audit report for the year 2020, released on October 6 last year, revealed a staggering financial decline. After taxes and expenses, the company recorded a net loss of Tk 435.54 crore in 2020. The annual operating loss stood at Tk 108.32 crore. By the end of 2020, the total capital shortfall reached Tk 711.55 crore. This includes a core capital deficit of Tk 59.34 crore and a risk-based capital deficit of Tk 652.21 crore. Central bank officials hope that the reconstitution of the board will bring positive changes to the management and financial health of the company, which has been reeling from years of mismanagement and unauthorized transactions. Read More: Bangladesh Bank buys $45mn from two banks to bolster reserves