United News of Bangladesh

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has sought information on the country’s preparedness to deal with earthquakes, particularly in Dhaka and other cities. The committee made the request at its first meeting held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday, with committee Chairman Munshi Rafiqul Alam in the chair. It also recommended taking effective measures to ensure the rapid dissemination of early warnings to people in disaster-prone areas. The committee asked the ministry to prepare and present district-wise lists of shelters and volunteers at its next meeting and send the lists to local MPs. It stressed that project officials must discharge their responsibilities with honesty, dedication and accountability. The panel also recommended ensuring proper distribution of relief, assistance and allocations, and keeping shelters clean and fit for use. It called for close monitoring of construction work to prevent contractors from using substandard construction materials. A presentation on the activities of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and its subordinate departments and agencies was made at the meeting. The committee was also briefed on various activities undertaken by the ministry during the past six months.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Finance Ministry on Sunday stressed the need for bringing economic stability alongside ensuring transparency and accountability in the ministry’s activities. The committee also instructed the ministry to present clear data and information on the issue at its next meeting. The instruction came at the 4th meeting of the parliamentary body, held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with committee Chairman Mushfiqur Rahman in the chair. At the meeting, the ministry made a detailed presentation on the current state of financial institutions, particularly banks. Taking part in the discussion on the presentation, committee members stressed the need for ensuring transparency and accountability and bringing stability in the financial sector. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, other committee members Md Jalal Uddin, Moinul Islam Khan, Md. Shafiqul Rahman (Kiron), Md. Saiful Alam, Syed Joynul Abedin and Md. Abul Hasnat attended the meeting. Secretary of the Financial Institutions Division, Secretary of the Finance Division and senior officials from Bangladesh Bank and other concerned agencies, and the Parliament Secretariat were also present.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry on Wednesday stressed expanding affordable and reliable internet services, strengthening cyber security and improving digital services for citizens. The recommendations came at the committee’s first meeting held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with its chairman BNP MP of Sunamganj-5 Kalim Uddin Ahmed in the chair. The meeting discussed the manpower and functions of the departments and agencies under the ministry, their major achievements and future plans. Officials briefed the committee on policy formulation and implementation in the posts and telecommunications sectors, spectrum management, the telecommunications industry, parcel services and ongoing Wi-Fi services. The meeting was also informed about plans to provide Wi-Fi services at airports, improve the quality of land services, reduce the cost of internet services, make effective use of unused assets of Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) and increase parcel services by the postal department. The committee placed emphasis on accelerating initiatives to maintain the addresses of all citizens in the postal department’s database, expand broadband infrastructure and ensure reliable and affordable services. It also stressed promoting an AI-enabled Bangladesh, facilitating digital payments, resolving customer complaints through call centres and strengthening cyber security. The committee also called for faster implementation of projects aimed at ensuring safe internet use for children, adolescents and secondary-level students. It recommended taking necessary measures to ensure wider use of information and communication technology to develop the younger generation and create employment, while supporting the establishment of a knowledge-based society. The committee also recommended steps to improve the quality of services provided by state-owned mobile operator Teletalk. Committee members and senior officials of the ministry took part in an introductory session at the beginning of the meeting.  

Jamuna Fertiliser Factory produced fertiliser for only three days over the past two years due to gas shortages, while production at Ashuganj Fertiliser Factory has remained suspended for 19 months. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Undertakings at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Wednesday, with Chief Whip and committee chairman Nurul Islam Moni in the chair. The committee recommended taking necessary measures to increase domestic fertiliser production, reduce dependence on imports, ease fertiliser shortages and cut costs. The committee reviewed the activities of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) and its affiliated companies, as well as those of Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC). The meeting also discussed the production, storage and distribution of chemical fertilisers by BCIC and BADC. The committee sought information on the ministry’s future plans for paid-off  fertiliser factories and reopening closed fertiliser plants. It recommended increasing the production capacity of old fertiliser factories through modernisation. The committee also recommended taking necessary measures to make Bangladesh self-sufficient in seed production in line with the Prime Minister’s directives. It suggested reviewing measures to cancel the licences of dealers who create artificial shortages of fertiliser. The committee further recommended introducing a digital real-time monitoring system to ensure proper fertiliser supply-chain management. It also asked BADC to present detailed information at its next meeting on its future plans to increase food production in line with population growth.

The parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs on Monday recommended that the ministry prepare authentic lists of the martyred freedom fighters and the freedom fighters. It also recommended taking necessary measures to arrange treatment abroad, on a priority and phased basis, for injured July warriors. The parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs made the recommendations at its second meeting, chaired by committee chairman Md Manirul Haque Chowdhury at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, according to a press release issued by the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat. The committee confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting. The meeting also held detailed discussions on important activities undertaken by the ministry over the past six months and progress in their implementation. The committee recommended that the ministry prepare authentic lists of those who were martyred in the Liberation War and genuine freedom fighters and prepare reports on them. It also recommended taking necessary measures to ensure that genuine freedom fighters receive necessary benefits and facilities on a priority basis through the Muktijoddha Kalyan Trust. The committee advised taking necessary steps to keep the Muktijoddha Sangsad functional so that it can play an active role in national politics. It advised taking appropriate measures to present the accurate history of the Liberation War and remain attentive to ensuring that freedom fighters and July warriors receive the respect they deserve. Members of the committee and Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ahmed Aazam Khan, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain, Md Abdul Hannan MP and Rokeya Begum MP, attended the meeting. The secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, senior officials of the Directorate of July Mass Uprising, the concerned ministry and the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were also present.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recommended stopping bank financing for illegal brick kilns to curb air pollution and environmental degradation. The recommendation was made at the first meeting of the committee of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, held at the Cabinet Room of the Parliament complex on Saturday, with committee chairman and Whip G K Gouse presiding. The committee decided to send a letter to Bangladesh Bank regarding the recommendation to stop financing illegal brick kilns. The committee also instructed the Department of Environment to prepare a list of all legal and illegal brick kilns across the country. It recommended using blocks instead of traditional bricks in government infrastructure projects under construction. The meeting held a detailed discussion on measures to control environmental pollution and instructed the ministry to exercise caution so that its decisions do not cause environmental damage. The committee asked the ministry to present detailed information on 101 projects being implemented under the Climate Change Trust at its next meeting. It also sought information on how funds allocated to the ministry had been spent over the past 16 years. The committee members called for coordinated efforts to implement the current government’s election manifesto. The meeting also reviewed in detail the spending plan for the ministry’s budget allocation for the current fiscal year. The acting secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, additional secretary, senior officials of the Department of Environment and the Forest Department, and relevant senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat attended the meeting.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday expressed concern over the indiscriminate use of pesticides on soil and crops in the country. The committee discussed the need to move away from the conventional use of fertilisers and pesticides, and increase the use of organic fertilisers instead of chemical fertilisers to maintain soil quality. The issues were discussed at the maiden meeting of the committee held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with its Chairman Md Shahadat Hossain in the chair. Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid attended the meeting at the invitation of the committee chairman. In his remarks, the minister expressed optimism about reducing the country's dependence on imports of ginger, chillies, tomato, onion and various other agricultural and agro-based products by increasing domestic production and making the sector export-oriented. He also said the current government is the first to start working to maintain soil quality. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture informed the meeting that more fertiliser has been supplied to farmers at the field level this year compared to previous years. The minister said efforts were made to bring greater transparency into the appointment of fertiliser dealers and, to this end, the Fertiliser Dealer Appointment and Fertiliser Distribution Guidelines 2026 were issued. The meeting also discussed strengthening the monitoring system for fertiliser distribution, ensuring farmer-friendly fertiliser management, and establishing a flower research centre and a soil research centre at Godkhali in Jashore. Other issues that came up for discussion included cotton production on abandoned land in hilly and plain areas, cultivation of maize, sweet potato and groundnut on char lands, use of solar power in agriculture, sending farmers abroad for advanced training when necessary, ensuring fair prices for jute at the farmer level, and exports of jute and jute products. Committee Chairman Shahadat Hossain said many of the government’s successes depend on the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture. He expressed hope that the ministry will work more dynamically and called upon all concerned to work together to build a sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural system and enhance the government's image. Committee members Md Shohidul Islam, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Md Rokon Uddin Babul, Md Mujibur Rahman Choudhury, Sabira Sultana, Md Golam Rasul and Md Abdul Bari Sarder attended the meeting. The agriculture secretary, heads of the ministry’s subordinate departments and agencies were present.

Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday said they want to play a positive and constructive role in Parliament and will not act as a conventional opposition. “We want to play a positive role as a constructive opposition. We do not want to be a conventional opposition. If the government makes mistakes, we will not only protest but also forge resistance in some cases,” he said. Shafiqur made the remarks while addressing a view-exchange meeting with reporters at the LD Hall of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban following the prorogation of the third session of the 13th Parliament. He said the government must implement the commitments made to the people regarding the reforms and the referendum. “Two elections — the general election and the referendum — were held simultaneously on a single day. But they [the government] have backtracked on the promises they made before the nation,” the opposition leader said, adding that they will not leave this demand as long as we are in this Parliament. He also questioned why the BNP is not accepting the demand despite the party having faced significant repression and torture in the past. “If these reform initiatives are implemented, no political party will be able to establish an authoritarian rule in the future,” he said. Shafiqur said several laws were passed one after another during the session, but the opposition’s logical suggestions were not properly considered. SRB is just a change of bottle Commenting on the Special Response Battalion (SRB) Bill 2026 passed by Parliament on Thursday, the opposition leader said there is no fundamental difference between the proposed SRB and the existing Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). “There is no difference between SRB and the existing RAB. It is just a change of bottle,” he said. Shafiqur alleged that the government hurriedly passed the SRB Bill without adequately considering suggestions from the opposition. “The government did not accept any logical suggestion made by the opposition (about the bill),” he said. He also criticised the passage of the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Bill, 2026, claiming that law goes against the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Nahid criticises committee formation Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam said the parliamentary standing committees were not formed in line with the July Charter. He said committee chairmanships were not allocated to the opposition in proportion to its strength in Parliament. Nahid also alleged that BNP women MPs have been assigned to oversee development activities in constituencies where opposition MPs were elected. He said the opposition believes the government has failed to address the ongoing gas and power crisis as it could not provide immediate solutions to the problems.

Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday called for a visible drive to eradicate drugs and illegal arms from the country, describing them as serious concerns for the nation. “Drugs and illegal arms — we are very concerned about these two. We would call for their eradication, not merely control. The initiative to eradicate them should be visible,” he said. The opposition leader made the remarks while speaking in the House ahead of the prorogation of the third session of the current 13th Parliament. “There should not be any trace of them (drugs and arms). Those who are being ruined are our children. It is not only a problem for individuals and families; it is a problem for the entire nation,” he said. Bangladesh will never accept subordination to any country Referring to Bangladesh’s relations with neighbouring countries, Shafiqur, also Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer, said Bangladesh wants a sincere relationship with its neighbours, but such a relationship requires goodwill from both sides. “If we truly want to be sincere neighbours, both sides must express their goodwill,” he said. He said the people of Bangladesh no longer want to see bodies like Felani’s hanging from barbed-wire fences along the border, nor do they want Bangladeshi citizens to be picked up and killed indiscriminately at the border. The opposition leader said Bangladesh could no longer tolerate the suffering of people in northern Bangladesh caused by the unresolved Teesta water-sharing issue. He urged the government to pursue a strong and independent foreign policy in dealing with neighbouring countries, including over the renewal of water-sharing agreements. “There will be discussions, there will be struggles, but they will be on an equal footing. Bangladesh will never accept subordination to anyone. That chapter is closed. It will not be reopened. We have to stand firm on this,” Shafiqur said. Calls for implementation of referendum verdict The opposition leader said the parliamentary elections and referendum were held simultaneously on February 12 this year, but the referendum result has yet to be implemented. He claimed that 68.2 percent of voters voted “Yes” in the referendum and said the Prime Minister also supported a “Yes” vote during the election campaign. “The reforms should be completed, as we all agreed that fascist rule cannot return to our country. I think time has not yet run out,” Shafiqur said. He urged the government to respect the people’s verdict and implement their aspirations. The Jamaat chief said people should be selected for appropriate positions based on merit, skills, commitment and integrity. “We want to see it in this changed Bangladesh. The problem is visible everywhere,” he said. He said the government has also announced that a merit-based society will be built, but such a society was not visible in many areas. Corruption must be eradicated Shafiqur said corruption has spread throughout society and warned that no development plan will succeed unless it is brought under control. “People tell us, and surely tell you too, that the level of corruption has increased compared to before. If we cannot rein it in, no matter how many plans we make, none of them will ultimately see success,” he said. The opposition leader said the industrial and agricultural sectors are facing threats due to the power and fertiliser crises, raising concern among the public. He urged the government to prioritise measures to protect industries and agriculture, even if it requires reallocating funds from other areas. Shafiqur also urged the government not to arrange designated sitting rooms for MPs at upazila parishads in their respective constituencies.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Thursday urged all members of parliament to uphold parliamentary norms and traditions and avoid abusive language, stressing that differences of opinion are a normal feature of a democratic parliamentary system. “Differences of opinion are a normal feature of a democratic parliamentary system. Alongside expressing different views, active participation in parliamentary proceedings and maintaining an environment of mutual respect and cordiality enrich democratic practices,” he said while closing the third session of the 13th Parliament. The Speaker made the remarks shortly after Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman called on all sides to shun a culture of abusive language in parliament. “I hope all honourable members will uphold parliamentary rules and traditions in the coming sessions,” Hafiz Uddin Ahmad said. He urged MPs to play responsible roles by keeping the interests of the country above all else. The third session of the 13th Parliament began on Aug 27 and held nine sittings, the Speaker said. During the session, six bills were introduced and six bills were passed. Besides legislative business, 35 parliamentary committees were formed, while one special committee was reconstituted. Members also submitted notices on various important issues under different rules of parliamentary procedure, and the notices were disposed of in accordance with the rules. Some 144 questions were submitted for the Prime Minister, of which he answered 15. A total of 2,676 questions were submitted for answers by ministers of different ministries, of which ministers answered 1,678 during the session, the Speaker said. Hafiz Uddin Ahmad thanked the Prime Minister and Leader of the House, the Leader of the Opposition, cabinet members, chief whips and all MPs for their cooperation in conducting parliamentary proceedings. He also expressed gratitude to Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal and members of the panel of chairpersons for their wisdom, experience and cooperation in conducting the session smoothly. The Speaker thanked officials and employees of the Parliament Secretariat, government ministries, divisions and offices, law enforcement agencies, doctors, Fire Service, Public Works Department, power and telephone service providers for their support. He also thanked journalists and representatives of national dailies, news agencies, Bangladesh Betar, Sangsad Bangladesh Television and private television channels for covering parliamentary proceedings. “Maintaining mutual respect, tolerance and cordiality, and respecting parliamentary rules and procedures, we will strive to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said. The Speaker then read out the order of President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at about 8:23pm regarding the conclusion of the third session of the 13th Parliament.