United News of Bangladesh

Local Government, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Saturday stressed the need for maximum transparency in ministry-level recruitment processes, noting that sometimes officials discreetly inquire if candidates have any personal connections. Speaking to reporters after visiting the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University center where recruitment exams for the Rural Poverty Alleviation Foundation were held, Asif said, “It is from the demand for merit-based recruitment that the mass uprising happened. Therefore, ensuring that no irregularities take place remains our highest priority. We want the recruitment process to be as transparent as possible." When asked about his potential involvement in politics, he said, "Because I led from the front during the July mass uprising, there are public expectations that we will work for the country in the long term. However, it is not yet the time to decide which political party I may join." He further clarified that there is no reason to assume that he will be joining a new political party. Regarding the transfer of Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) bank funds, Asif explained that some banks had been marked with red alerts by Bangladesh Bank, indicating risk. He was referring to Bangladesh Bank's stress testing of the banking sector that marked banks under 3 categories - green, yellow and red. Red indicated the riskiest banks that may have gone bust, putting deposits at risk.  Health sector reform commission to submit report after reviewing proposed tobacco law amendments Transferring the BCB's money from those banks was a good initiative, Asif said. "That’s why the money was shifted from one bank to another. However, we will review whether any internal procedures of BCB were violated in the process," he added. Addressing the news about his APS (Assistant Personal Secretary) being removed, Asif said, "A report surfaced claiming that he was removed. Both the Ministry of Public Administration and we have documentation showing that he resigned voluntarily and his resignation was accepted. Resignation and removal are not the same thing. It is unfortunate that the matter was portrayed in such a manner by some media outlets." Asif also alleged that there were efforts to spread misinformation through external pressure. "When we communicated with some media houses, they informed us that external parties were pressuring them to circulate such narratives. It feels like a media trial is underway," he said. On the issue of asset declarations, Asif clarified that he did not have a TIN (Tax Identification Number) before as he was a student. Govt trying to renegotiate rates with power plant operators: Energy Adviser “I have now obtained a TIN and plan to submit my income tax return next year. I will formally declare all my assets, including my bank accounts, after stepping down from my responsibilities. However, I am ready to disclose them even now if required." Regarding the allocation of cattle haat (makeshift markets) in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) area, the adviser said, "Many applicants did not fulfil the necessary criteria. Therefore, DNCC decided to lease these spaces as 'khas' (government-owned) land." He urged the North City Corporation's administrator to reconsider the decision to ensure that the government's revenue from the cattle markets is not hampered.

President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday called for  ending the partisan politics and adopting a transparent recruitment process in the universities.  The president said this while exchanging views with the vice-chancellors of three universities. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Musa, Feni University Vice-Chancellor Professor Jamal Uddin Ahmed and Rangamati Science and Technology University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Selina Akhtar met the President on Wednesday.  Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellors informed the President about their respective universities and sought the President's direction and cooperation in all matters. The real students should get seats in the dormitories of the universities, and President Hamid asked the Vice-Chancellors to play an effective role in this regard. The President listened to them patiently and assured cooperation. Read more: Design modern curricula for every university: President Hamid The President requested the Vice-Chancellors to conduct employment-oriented and life-oriented education curriculum in the universities. He also emphasised on increasing research activities in universities. The Vice-Chancellors listened attentively to the President's instructions and thanked him. On this occasion, President's Office Secretary Sanpad Barua, President's Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam were also present.