United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Friday said the government is working to adopt more environmentally-friendly technologies in fisheries facilities across the country. “Initiatives will be taken to implement eco-friendly technologies in other government fish farms across the country in phases,” he said, during his visit at a government fish seed production farm in Tangail. The Minister also inaugurated a 20-kilowatt solar power system at the farm, according to a press release. He said, “This solar-powered initiative will make the farm's electricity management more sustainable and cost-effective.”

The government is reviewing 101 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements signed with India during the ousted Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni said on Friday. “We are reviewing the agreements that mean 101 MoUs and you will get its (review) result soon,” he said. The Chief Whip made the remarks replying to a question from reporters at a post-session press briefing at the Media Centre of the Jatiya Sangsad, following the third session of the 13th Parliament. Moni said the government wants to maintain friendly relations with neighbouring India while giving the highest priority to Bangladesh’s national interests first. Referring to arrangements involving Chattogram Port, Moni said the Awami League government had made agreements under which vessels belonging to a friendly country could allegedly receive preferential treatment over Bangladeshi vessels in case of unloading the vessels when both arrived at the port. “They (AL government) signed 101 MoUs. You can write it down and take a note of it that the figure is 101 MoUs,” he said.   Referring to a road constructed with a loan taken from them (India), the Chief Whip said Bangladesh was required to repay the loan with interest, though the vehicles of Bangladesh could not use the road. “Such agreement was made and it remains implemented. We are trying to come out of such situations,” he said. “We have no enemies. Everyone is our friend. But we want to ensure that protecting our national interests comes first,” he said. Turning to the third session of the 13th Parliament, the Chief Whip said six bills were passed during the session that continued for nine working days. A total of 1,678 questions from lawmakers were answered during the session, including 15 questions answered directly by the Prime Minister, he said. Regarding the Transfer of Property (Amendment) Bill, Moni said the legislation ensures parents’ lifetime usufruct rights to enjoy the property even after transferring or gifting it to their children during their lifetime. He said government lawmakers were saddened as opposition lawmakers walked out from the House in protest against the bill. On the country’s electricity situation, Moni said construction of a new 500-megawatt power plant takes at least two to two-and-a-half years. He alleged that the previous government spent huge amounts of money by paying capacity charges to various power plants even when electricity was not being generated. The current government has scrapped the previous indemnity arrangements (law) in this regard (over quick rental power plants,) he said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman, popularly known as Partho, said Thursday that the government will not impede press freedom or interfere in professional duties of journalists. “The government will not interfere in any way in the freedom of the media or the professional work of journalists,” he said while addressing a program arranged to mark the 31st founding anniversary of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital.  Yeaser Khan Chowdhury, the state minister for information and broadcasting, was also present at the program. “The media plays a significant role in Bangladesh's democratic journey, and the government is committed to ensuring an environment for a free and responsible press,” Partho said. “We are where we are today because the media exists. The media has always played a role, and because of that role, we have achieved what we have achieved,” he added. He went on to say that the media’s contribution to the country’s democratic development is comparable to that of other key stakeholders. Addressing the journalists present, Partho, who ascended to the ministry as part of a quite significant cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman last month, “InshaAllah, you will have free media during our time. We have no intention of interfering with the media or your journalism in any way.” State Minister Yeaser, meanwhile, disclosed that the government is taking an initiative to increase the allocation for the Journalist Welfare Trust from Tk 6 crore to Tk 25 crore. A proposal in this regard has already been sent, and discussions have been held, with the Finance Ministry, who vet such proposals for feasibility keeping the government's  DRU leaders and journalists working at different media outlets attended the program. The organisation was founded 31 years ago as the only professional body for all working reporters based in capital Dhaka.

The Cabinet on Monday approved a proposal to provide duty and tax waiver facilities for the import of machinery and spare parts for renewable solar power generation. The approval came at a Cabinet meeting held at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair, according to a Cabinet Division press release. Under the approved proposal, machinery and spare parts imported for setting up renewable solar power plants will be exempted from customs duty beyond 1 percent, entire regulatory duty, supplementary duty, value-added tax (VAT), advance tax and advance income tax for 180 days from the date of issuance of the notification. The government expects the measure to help meet electricity demand by facilitating faster expansion of renewable solar power generation, while reducing the difficulties caused by power shortages and supporting uninterrupted industrial production. The Cabinet also approved a proposal to amend a notification on the minimum price of low-tier cigarettes under the Value Added Tax and Supplementary Duty Act, 2012. Under the amendment, the maximum retail price of low-tier cigarettes will be reset at Tk 65 or above per 10 sticks, replacing the existing threshold of Tk 62 or above. The amendment is also expected to help reduce illegal cigarette trade and revenue losses. In another decision, the Cabinet approved a proposal to sign a Promotion and Protection of Investment Agreement between Bangladesh and Hong Kong. The agreement is aimed at strengthening existing economic ties between the two sides and attracting new investment, particularly in sectors such as garments and textiles. According to the proposal, the agreement will help ensure necessary security and protection for investments by both sides and contribute to industrialisation, employment generation, technology and knowledge transfer, and increased production capacity. The agreement will remain valid for 10 years, while a provision has been included allowing both sides to amend it three years after its signing. The agreement is also expected to establish an effective institutional framework to increase foreign investment flows between Bangladesh and Hong Kong.

A meeting of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, began at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Monday night. The meeting began around 8:45pm. Cabinet meetings are usually held on Thursdays at the Secretariat. However, as the Parliament session is currently underway, the meeting is being held at the Parliament complex following the day’s sitting. According to Cabinet sources, a number of important issues are expected to be discussed at the meeting, including the fuel oil and energy situation and related challenges.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury on Friday said the government believes in a free press and is committed to ensuring a safe working environment for journalists. “The government firmly believes in the full freedom of the media and has ensured a favorable environment for journalists to perform their professional duties without any fear or intimidation,” he said, while addressing the orientation of the 'Rafiq Hilali English Excellence Programme-2026' and a reception for outstanding SSC and Dakhil students as chief guest at Kendua Upazila Public Hall in Netrokona. He also said, “Along with ensuring press freedom the Press Council is also working to prevent ‘yellow journalism’ and misinformation to maintain professional standards.” He informed that an initiative has been taken to increase the budget allocation for the Journalist Welfare Trust to Tk 25 crore from the existing Tk 6 crore. “A proposal in this regard has already been sent to the Finance Ministry,” he added. Addressing the students, the state minister said merely achieving GPA-5 or good academic results is not enough; rather, they must grow up as humane and ideal citizens. “True success comes from practicing morality and showing respect to one's family, teachers, and the country,” he said. He mentioned that local playgrounds are being modernized to engage grassroots youth in sports and initiatives to teach Chinese and Arabic languages online and on television are also being launched. The program was chaired by Netrokona-3 (Kendua-Atpara) MP Dr Rafiqul Islam Hilali. Mymensingh-8 MP Lutfullahel Majed Babu, Netrokona Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Mun Mun Jahan Liza, Kendua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sanjida Chowdhury, and District Press Club Secretary Mahbubul Kibria Chowdhury Helim, among others, spoke at the event.

In the latest reshuffle in the public administration, the government has appointed new secretaries to the Ministry of Public Administration, Health Services Division, Health Education and Family Welfare Division, and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The Ministry of Public Administration issued separate notifications to this end on Wednesday. Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, secretary of the Health Services Division serving on a contractual basis, has been transferred to the Ministry of Public Administration as its secretary. Meanwhile, Senior Public Administration Secretary Md Ehsanul Hoque has been transferred to the Planning Commission as a member. He is currently serving on a contractual basis. Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, additional secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, has been appointed secretary of the Health Services Division after being promoted to the rank of secretary. AKM Benjamin Riazi, additional secretary of the Ministry of Industries, has been appointed secretary of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division following promotion. Yasmin Begum, additional secretary of the Cabinet Division, has been appointed secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs after being promoted to the rank of secretary. Meanwhile, Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula has been attached to the Ministry of Public Administration for further posting.

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Wednesday approved a series of procurement and import proposals involving a combined Tk 2,201 crore, including fertiliser, textbooks, lentils, palm olein, power infrastructure and construction projects. The approvals included importing 70,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser from Morocco for Tk 688.71 crore, procuring free textbooks for Class 8 and 9 students for the 2027 academic year at Tk 739.13 crore, and purchasing 10,000 metric tonnes of lentils and 20 million litres of refined palm olein for Tk 445.6 crore. Govt to procure 4 LNG cargoes to meet energy demand The committee also approved three contracts worth Tk 327.56 crore for construction of power substations, cargo handling services at Bhomra Land Port and construction of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) headquarters in Dhaka. Under the first proposal, the committee recommended awarding a contract worth Tk 134.66 crore to TSTL-FYP Consortium, comprising TS Transformers Limited and Fujian Yongfu Power Engineering Co Ltd, for construction of five new 33/11 kV 1x10/14 MVA GIS-type electrical substations. The project is aimed at strengthening the electricity distribution network in the Khulna Division and improving the capacity and reliability of power supply through new substations. The committee also recommended awarding a Tk 20.31 crore contract to M A Hashem & Sons of Mongla, Bagerhat, for providing manual cargo handling services at Bhomra Land Port under the Bangladesh Land Port Authority. Under the third proposal, the CCGP recommended awarding a Tk 171.90 crore contract to M Jamal & Company Limited for construction of the RAB headquarters in Dhaka. The project, to be implemented by the Public Works Department as delegated works, includes construction of an 11-storey RAB headquarters building with a 15-storey foundation, including the Director General’s office and three basement levels. The CCGP recommended approval of all three procurement proposals. Import of Fertiliser Under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and Morocco-based OCP NUTRICROPS, S.A., the committee recommended importing 40,000 metric tonnes of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser under the optional first lot. The DAP consignment will cost Tk 440.92 crore, with the price set at US$894 per metric tonne. OCP NUTRICROPS, S.A. was recommended as the supplier. In another proposal, the committee recommended importing 30,000 metric tonnes of triple super phosphate (TSP) fertiliser from the same Moroccan company under the seventh lot of the G2G agreement. The TSP fertiliser will cost Tk 247.79 crore, with the price fixed at US$669.33 per metric tonne. The two purchases will bring the total quantity of fertiliser to 70,000 metric tonnes, comprising 40,000 metric tonnes of DAP and 30,000 metric tonnes of TSP. Procurement of Textbooks The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) also approved proposals of the procurement of free textbooks worth Tk 739.13 crore for Class 8 and Class 9 students for the 2027 academic year. Of the total amount, Tk 244.22 crore will be spent on printing, binding and supplying 3.87 crore copies of textbooks for Class 8 students, while Tk 494.92 crore will be spent on 5.21 crore copies for Class 9 students. The textbooks will cover secondary-level Bangla and English versions, as well as Dakhil and technical education streams. The government provides free textbooks to students at different levels of education as part of its efforts to ensure access to education and reduce the financial burden on families. Lentils, palm olein The CCGP approved procuring 10,000 metric tonnes of lentils and 20 million litres of refined palm olein at a combined cost of Tk 445.6 crore. Palm olein is the liquid fraction obtained by separating whole palm oil through a controlled cooling and filtration process called fractionation. The approvals were made with the purchases proposed by the Ministry of Commerce under the local open tendering method (OTM). Under one proposal, the committee recommended the purchase of 10,000 metric tonnes of lentils, packed in 50-kg sacks, at a total cost of Tk 77.90 crore. The approved rate for the lentils is Tk 77.90 per kilogram. Banga Millars Ltd., PRAN-RFL Center, 105 Pragati Sarani, Middle Badda, Dhaka, was recommended as the supplier for the lentils. In another proposal, the CCGP recommended procuring 20 million litres, equivalent to 20,000 metric tonnes, of refined palm olein in 2-litre PET bottles at a total cost of Tk 367.70 crore. The price has been set at Tk 183.85 per litre. Under the proposal, Sonargaon Seeds Crushing Mills Ltd., Fresh Villa, House 15, Road 34, Gulshan-1, Dhaka, will supply 10 million litres of refined palm olein. Shabnam Vegetable Oil Industries Limited, T.K. Bhaban, 13 Kawran Bazar, Dhaka, will supply the remaining 10 million litres. The committee recommended approval of both procurement proposals. The purchases are part of the government’s efforts to maintain adequate supplies of essential food commodities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday launched the Repatriation Data Management System (RDMS) to streamline and better coordinate the process of bringing Bangladeshis who fall victim to human trafficking and illegal migration back home. The central digital platform was launched at a programme held at hotel InterContinental Dhaka in the morning, organised by the ministry with technical assistance from Justice and Care Bangladesh. Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, additional secretary (Political and Immigration) at the Ministry of Home Affairs, presided over the programme. Special guests included Special Branch chief Additional Inspector General Sardar Nurul Amin, SB Deputy Inspector General Jahangir Hossain and Australian High Commission Counsellor Ruben Grey. Joint Secretary Rebeka Khan delivered the welcome address, while Justice and Care Bangladesh Country Director Tariqul Islam highlighted the objectives and key features of the RDMS. Speaking at the programme, Ziauddin said the RDMS has already been linked to the National Identity Card (NID) database to preserve comprehensive information on returnees and survivors. “Work is also underway to integrate the system with birth and death registration and passport services to ensure accurate identification, particularly of children,” he said. The system will centrally store and manage repatriation-related case information, improve coordination among government agencies, speed up nationality and police-record verification, and enhance the accuracy, transparency and traceability of the repatriation process. It will also allow authorities to access case information more quickly, monitor progress in real time and generate reports, officials said. The initiative is expected to address delays in repatriation caused by the involvement of multiple agencies and the need to complete various steps, including nationality verification, police-record checks, preparation of documents and communication with authorities of the countries concerned. The RDMS will enable Bangladeshi missions abroad and other relevant agencies to submit and process repatriation requests in a more structured and coordinated manner, while facilitating the exchange of information required for nationality verification. The system also provides for secure storage and management of personal and sensitive information, officials said. The RDMS was developed by the home ministry with technical assistance from Justice and Care Bangladesh, while the Australian government supported its development and upgrading. Representatives from the embassies and high commissions of several countries, including the United States, India and Thailand, as well as officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies, attended the programme.

The Ministry of Agriculture has directed retailers involved in the distribution of chemical fertilisers to continue their activities until further instructions. According to a circular issued by the ministry, retailers will continue to purchase fertilisers from authorised main dealers and sell them to farmers at prices fixed by the government. The circular, signed by Joint Secretary Dr Mohammad Jahangir Alam, said the existing arrangement for the distribution and sale of chemical fertilisers through retailers will remain in force until further notice.