United News of Bangladesh

Noted economist Hossain Zillur Rahman on Sunday said time has come to become angry with the interim government. “I feel that time has come to become angry with the government and this will not be illogical, I will tell that anger will be holy one,” said the chairman of Power and Participation Research Centre, a think tank. He was speaking at the CPD Budget Dialogue 2025: An analysis of the National Budget for FY 2025-26 at a city hotel. Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Distinguished Fellow Mustafizur Rahman chaired the programme where Executive Director of CPD Fahmida Khatun presented the keynote presentation. Hossain Zillur, who was an adviser during the army-backed 1/11 government, said that this ‘holy anger’ is the anger that changes a society. “Time has come to be that angry,” he added. Tianjin Port advances as China’s premier smart shipping hub He alleged that there is a peculiar syndrome coming out to the surface of this government and that is “new form of Kumbhakarna Syndrome’. This is like listening without response, he said. Kumbhakarna is a prominent figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana, known as a powerful rakshasa (demon) and the younger brother of Ravana. He is characterised by his enormous size, immense strength, and a seemingly insatiable appetite and thirst, often depicted as sleeping for long periods.  Hossain Zillur  mentioned that the interim government is supposed to induce reforms in all major sectors like judiciary, education and health.  "But their entire reforms focused on the new constitution," he added. He claimed that the interim government is at present out of focus considering the reform issue.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said April is not a favourable time for the national election and hoped that the interim government will take the matter into account based on realities. “We have not taken any party decision on this issue (election in early April) yet. We hope that the government will consider this issue in light of reality,” he said while talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. He said the time set by the interim government for the national election is not right. “We said on the first day that the time is not good for the election. The month of Ramadan will end, Eid will be over and then the election will be held a few days later. Just think about the conditions that candidates and political workers will have to endure throughout Ramadan,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said he is worried from now that he will have to arrange an Iftar party every day, which will contribute to making the election expenses double. He also highlighted the difficulties of running an election campaign during Ramadan, especially considering the extreme heat and the potential for rain and storms. Fakhrul finds December suitable for election, not April Besides, he said, it would be impossible to gather people for election rallies due to the severe heat. “Programmes will have to be held at night.” He also mentioned that all the national elections in Bangladesh, except two problematic ones, were held either in December or January. “Our party has said that the election is possible by December, and we firmly believe this is a viable option,” Fakhrul said In response to a question, he said BNP is prepared for elections at any time, as it is an election-oriented party.  “We’ve already said—if you can hold the election tomorrow, we’re ready tomorrow." "BNP is a party of elections. BNP is always ready for elections. “We are not a revolutionary party. We want to go to power through elections, with the people’s votes,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul refuted the misconception that BNP does not reform, describing it as "false propaganda." He recalled that it was the BNP which first advocated for the Vision-2030 agenda and later presented a 31-point outline for reforms well before the mass uprising. The BNP leader urged all, including political parties, organisations, and social media activists, to refrain from dividing the nation. “The nation is united on one point: we want democracy restored, and we want the country to be governed by a democratic system. We also want to cast our votes, elect our representatives, and see reforms. So, do not create unnecessary divisions,” he said. Fakhrul warned that any division within the nation would provide an opportunity for external forces and conspirators to harm the country. “I believe that during this transitional period for democracy, it is essential for all of us to act responsibly. We must choose our words carefully. Everything we say should contribute to overcoming the current challenges, not disrupt or undermine the transition process,” he said. The BNP leader said their party always advocated for national unity during their movement against the Awami League’s autocratic rule. “We are still emphasising that national unity is the most crucial requirement for moving the country forward.” He said the interim government may lack political experience, but not sincerity, as it is operating amid pressure and emerging political challenges. Fakhrul said rebuilding institutions after 15 years of the Awami League’s “destructive rule” poses a major national challenge and will require time. In response to a question on whether the interim government should transform into a caretaker government before the election, he replied, “I have said before, there should be a caretaker government to ensure free and impartial elections…The elections should be conducted under a caretaker government.” Fakhrul said his party wants the election to be held promptly, based on experience, as an elected government is essential for the proper functioning of the country and its economy. “Some time ago, a number of investors and major businessmen visited my residence to express their concerns. What are those concerns? They are not getting any direction… They are unsure of what steps to take, and the banks are not cooperating as expected. These matters are quite alarming…The root cause is the absence of an elected government. Foreigners are saying that without an elected government, they will not invest… these are the realities,” he observed. When asked whether the BNP would share seats with its political allies, Fakhrul said, “This is not unusual…This is entirely normal in parliamentary politics and it should happen. We have already committed to forming a national government after the elections.” Regarding discussions in the political arena about the BNP potentially sharing seats with Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) based on mutual understanding, he said he had no knowledge of such talks. “As the Secretary General of the party, I am not aware of any such discussions… In parliamentary democracy, there is no final word in politics.” When questioned about the possibility of an understanding with the Awami League, Fakhrul said there is currently no political activity by the deposed party. He said BNP did not oppose the ban on political activities of the Awami League. “We have said it was all right. However, our party believes that democracy should be allowed to function as democracy.” It’s people’s victory as HC clears way for Ishraque to take oath: Fakhrul  

As the clock ticks towards budget time, all eyes are on the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, which is poised to unveil the national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26 today (Monday). Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, the Adviser for Finance in the interim government, will unveil the proposed national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year at 3 pm today (Monday). The pre-recorded budget speech will be broadcast from 3:00pm via Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. In a move to ensure wider dissemination, private television channels and radio stations have been requested to relay the speech simultaneously by taking the feed from BTV. While the nation struggles with persistent inflation and mounting pressure on household incomes, insiders suggest that the upcoming budget will offer little in the way of sweeping reforms. Core tax policies are expected to remain largely intact, signalling a cautious approach by the caretaker administration. Live presentation of budget for FY26 advanced by an hour to 3pm: Finance Ministry Despite mounting calls from economists and businesses alike for bold interventions to curb inflation and stimulate growth, sources close to the budget process indicate that the interim government will favour continuity over change. The focus, it seems, will be on maintaining macroeconomic stability rather than introducing ambitious fiscal measures. This marks the first national budget to be placed under Professor Yunus' stewardship, and expectations are high, especially given his global reputation as a pioneer in poverty alleviation and social business. Yet, with limited political mandate and time, the government is expected to prioritise administrative efficiency over structural reform. The tax-free income threshold for individual taxpayers is likely to remain at Tk 350,000 per year. There will be no increase in this limit, despite calls from economists and policy experts who argue that rising inflation necessitates a higher threshold to relieve financial pressure on low- and middle-income earners. Business taxes are likely to see upward adjustments. Non-listed companies in the stock market may face a 2.5% increase in the corporate tax rate, taking it to 27.5%. Companies with an annual turnover above Tk 30 million currently pay a minimum tax of 0.6% of total sales, regardless of profit or loss. This rate may be raised to 1%, as per the sources confirmed. Merchant banks might benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate—down from 37.5% to 27.5%. For listed companies, the existing 20% tax rate will remain unchanged. Some targeted tax concessions may be introduced. These include: Minimum tax relief: To encourage new taxpayers, the minimum tax—currently between Tk 3,000 and Tk 5,000 depending on location—may be reduced to as low as Tk 1,000. Land transactions: Taxes on land purchases may be lowered, with rates potentially reduced to 6%, 4%, and 3%, down from 8%, 6%, and 4% respectively based on location. Income tax return requirements: The number of services requiring proof of return submission may be reduced from 45, with some sectors like savings certificates no longer requiring returns, though credit card applications will still need them. Family donations: Tax exemptions for monetary gifts may now extend to include siblings, along with spouses, parents, and children. Private sector employees may receive higher tax-exempt allowances. Currently, up to Tk 450,000 can be exempted due to various benefits; this may be increased to Tk 500,000. Employers might be allowed to declare up to Tk 20 lakh in perks and financial benefits (perquisites) to employees without facing additional compliance burdens, doubling the current ceiling of Tk 10 lakh. Incomes from the National Pension Authority and its universal pension schemes are expected to be tax-exempt. The government may maintain the current policy allowing black money to be legalized through real estate investments, albeit at higher tax rates based on location. Buyers could be required to declare the source of funds. There may also be an announcement regarding taxing and penalizing laundered money and assets, particularly those involving individuals who renounced their Bangladeshi citizenship but continue to earn income from the country. Excise duty thresholds are expected to be revised. The current exemption for bank accounts holding less than Tk 100,000 may be increased to Tk 300,000. New layers for duty imposition are under consideration. Bangladesh to unveil Tk 790,000cr national budget on June 2 amid economic challenges Consumers may see higher prices on items like refrigerators, air conditioners, and mobile phones due to increases in VAT. Conversely, prices may drop for buses, microbuses, sugar, imported butter, soft drinks, specialty paper, and cricket bats due to adjustments in import duties. However, products such as steel rods, face washes, lipsticks, and chocolates may become more expensive as a result of duty hikes.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday alleged that certain advisers to the interim government are attempting to incite public sentiment by portraying BNP’s demand for a national election within a specific timeframe as a ‘grave sin’. “Why is there so much unnecessary delay over the election? Is it a great sin to call for elections within a clear timeframe? From the remarks of some advisers, it appears they are provoking this notion among different people in various ways,” he said. The BNP leader said this while speaking to reporters after paying tribute to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam by placing a wreath at his grave on the Dhaka University campus, marking his 126th birth anniversary. He said BNP and other democratic parties have wanted the interim government to carry out necessary reforms and hold a free and fair election, which Sheikh Hasina had delayed, depriving voters of their right to vote. “All our protests and movements have been aimed at getting out of such a situation, restoring true democracy and ensuring a free environment. But now, there are so many ploys surrounding the election,” the BNP leader said. Three roadmaps discussed with CA: Nahid He also accused some advisers of exacerbating the ongoing political crisis and speaking about the election beyond their jurisdiction. "If the advisers are pursuing any hidden agenda outside their responsibilities, the people will not accept it." Rizvi said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan’s role is to protect and improve the environment, but she speaks about the election instead. He questioned what she has done to save the Buriganga and Shitalakhya rivers. “Why are we still breathing toxic air? Since taking office, we have seen no drive or initiative from her to make the environment pollution-free.” Justifying his party’s call for the resignation of two student-leader-turned-advisers, Rizvi said the role of the interim government is to remain neutral. He said it is not the interim government's responsibility to help form a particular political party or aid its growth. "Rather, they must perform their duties impartially. In this case, if an adviser calls the SP (of Cumilla) and orders him to arrest people belonging to the BNP and prevent the party from carrying out any activities there, why would there not be demands for his resignation?" Rizvi said. He also said his party supported the government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus after the fascist Awami League regime fled. “But if we find anyone within the government playing a partisan role, we will have to protest against them,” the BNP leader said. He alleged that Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, as well as Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, phoned the SP of Cumilla’s Muradnagar, instructing him not to allow BNP leaders and activists to carry out activities in the upazila, which happens to be the adviser’s home constituency. Elections before reforms may not meet people's expectations: Jamaat Ameer “So, this is a repeat of the Sheikh Hasina era. Now there is supposed to be a free environment, yet those in charge of running the government continue to play such a controversial, partisan role. Such incidents are occurring in various places,” Rizvi said.

The interim government on Saturday said it will take the necessary decisions together with the people of the country if the government’s “autonomy, reform efforts, justice process, fair election plan, and normal operations” are obstructed to the point of making its duties unmanageable. “If - under the instigation of defeated forces or as part of a foreign conspiracy - the performance of these responsibilities becomes impossible, the government will present all reasons to the public and then take the necessary steps with the people,” said the Council of Advisers in a statement after its unscheduled meeting. Despite all obstacles, the Council of Advisers said, the interim government continues to fulfill its responsibilities by putting national interests above group interests. “The interim government upholds the public expectations of the July Uprising,” said the Council of Advisers. The unscheduled meeting of the Advisory Council was held hours before the talks between the Chief Adviser and BNP and Jamaat leaders. Before the Council of Advisers meeting, the Chief Adviser chaired the meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council at the Planning Commission at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Prof Yunus to stay, interim govt to fulfill assigned duties: Dr Wahiduddin The two-hour long meeting included detailed discussions on three primary responsibilities entrusted to the interim government – elections, reforms and justice. The Council discussed how unreasonable demands, deliberately provocative and jurisdictionally overreaching statements and disruptive programmes have been continuously obstructing the normal functioning environment and creating confusion and suspicion among the public. The Council of Advisers said they believe that a broader unity is essential to maintain national stability, organise a free and fair elections, justice, and reform and permanently prevent the return of authoritarianism in the country, according to the statement shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing. On this matter, the interim government will listen to the views of political parties and clarify its own position. Meanwhile, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud affirmed that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will remain in the interim government, which is committed to completing its assigned responsibilities. “The Chief Adviser is staying with us. He has not said he would resign. Other advisers are also staying. We have been given responsibilities, and we are here to carry them out,” he said.

Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud on Saturday affirmed that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will remain in the interim government, which is committed to completing its assigned responsibilities.  “The Chief Adviser is staying with us. He has not said he would resign. Other advisers are also staying. We have been given responsibilities, and we are here to carry them out,” he said. Amid ongoing political unrest, members of the interim government’s advisory council held a closed-door meeting on Saturday, following the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) meeting at the NEC Conference room. All eyes on Jamuna ahead of crucial political meetings Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud spoke to the media after the meeting. The unscheduled meeting began at 12:20pm in the NEC conference room at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital and concluded around 2:20pm.  CA Prof Yunus likely to meet advisers after Ecnec meeting The meeting comes amid heightened political tension and growing speculation over the stability and continuity of the interim government.

Voicing concerns over visible efforts to make election demand an offence, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday said public doubts are mounting over why the interim government is buying so much time on reforms. “Reform efforts are underway to repair the state and politics. But, if the political parties' demand for elections has to be ignored for the sake of ongoing reforms, then what is the significance of reforms? This is now the question on the minds of many people,” he said while virtually addressing a discussion marking the fifth founding anniversary of “Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party.” He said every political party in the country is in favour of reforms. “Yet, questions are slowly growing in public mind about why the interim government is wasting so much time on reforms.” The BNP leader warned that if depoliticisation is encouraged by ignoring political parties and the verdict of the people, it will ultimately put democracy at risk. Khaleda along with 2 daughters-in-law to return home Monday “Through this event, I would like to once again call upon the interim government to specifically announce the roadmap for the national election. The current interim government must take the initiative to make political parties face the people's court,” he said. Tarique said if a parliament and government accountable to people are formed through the people's vote, the country's independence and sovereignty will be consolidated. “As a political activist, I firmly believe that once the people and political parties become accustomed to forming and changing governments through political practice, no one will be able to turn Bangladesh into a subservient state,” he observed. As a political party aiming at qualitative reform of the state and politics and the political empowerment of the country’s citizens, Tarique said BNP has always been demanding the establishment of a government and parliament elected by the people through direct vote. “Political parties will demand elections. This is a normal democratic practice, but we’ve noticed a subtle but deliberate effort in recent days to create an atmosphere where demanding the holding of elections seems like a crime,” he said. Govt to seek UN cooperation to assess media, journalists' role over past 16 years: Press Secretary The BNP leader said derogatory statements or comments about the holding of the national election only please the fugitive dictator. “But on the other hand, it is insulting to the democracy-loving people.” He underscored the need for unity among the democratic political parties in the interests of the country. Tarique said at least 25 new political parties have emerged following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic regime. “We welcome them in the political arena.” “There may be differences in political ideology among the pro-democratic political parties. But I believe that the position of every pro-Bangladesh force is the same and identical when it comes to the interests of the country,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of this country will never accept the political party that lost its democratic character, established a fascist regime, and turned Bangladesh into a subservient state. “The deposed and fugitive dictator who violated the Constitution is trying to rise again. Article 65(2) of our Constitution states that members of parliament shall be elected by direct vote of the people, but in violation of the Constitution, this fugitive dictator formed illegal parliaments and governments three times without the people’s vote,” he said. The BNP leader said the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh want to know what steps the interim government has taken or will take to make those accused of violating the Constitution politically irrelevant in the future. “There is no scope to avoid responsibility by shifting blame. If the interim government fails to take action, I firmly believe the next government—elected by the people’s vote—will definitely take legal measures against those who violated the Constitution,” he said. Tarique criticised those advocating for local government elections before the national polls, saying it could provide a golden opportunity for the “fugitive dictator” and their cohorts—who are waiting with huge sums of embezzled public money—to return to power. “Those who spoke in favour of holding local government elections may not have considered the issue in this way. I would request them to reconsider the matter from this perspective,” the BNP leader said. He said Bangladesh’s two most significant milestones are its independence in 1971 and the fight to protect that independence in 2024. Tarique asserted that Bangladesh did not leave Pakistan in 1971 only to become subservient to Delhi. “The uprising of soldiers and people on 7 November 1975 also carried the same message.” He criticised the fugitive dictator Sheikh Hasina for turning Bangladesh into a subservient state for over a decade and a half, ignoring the people’s democratic aspirations. Tarique called for ensuring that no force is ever allowed to reduce Bangladesh to a subservient state again, and that defeated forces and their allies are never able to rise once more. The AB Party arranged the discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, where senior leaders of different political parties addressed.

UNICEF, a UN agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children worldwide, has said the interim government and law enforcement agencies should ensure immediate action and accountability for all reported cases of violence against children through strengthened investigation, prosecution, and judicial processes. Establishing a specialised child protection unit within law enforcement, trained in trauma-informed investigations and victim-sensitive approaches, is fundamental, said UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh Rana Flowers. Severe malnutrition among Rohingya children surge by 27%: Unicef Besides, she said, expanding and professionalising the social service workforce would provide gender-sensitive, child-centered support for survivors and their families. To secure justice for victims and survivors, independent and gender-sensitive prosecutors must be appointed to ensure timely prosecution and hold legal actors accountable for meeting the government’s 90-day case resolution target, she mentioned. The UNICEF Representative said she is "profoundly horrified" by the alarming rise in reported cases of sexual violence against children, especially girls, in Bangladesh over the last weeks. "I am especially concerned with the recent surge in horrific cases of child rape and sexual violence, including in places meant to protect and nurture children like educational institutions," Flowers said in a statement on recent cases of violence against children on Sunday. She said their hearts are especially heavy with the tragic death of the eight-year-old child from Magura a few days ago. Her death serves as a "devastating reminder" of how children, especially girls, are being subjected to grave violations of their fundamental rights and safety. Japan, Unicef sign $ 3.3mn deal to strengthen assistance for Rohingya children Sadly, Flowers said, this young girl´s death is merely one of many horrifying acts against children. According to UNICEF's monitoring, a distressing number of children have reportedly fallen victims of rape and murder in recent months. From January 2025 to March 16, media and local human rights organisations recorded approximately 50 cases of child rape. The trend seems to be getting even more worrisome - only on Monday 10 March, there were 7 children killed and 6 confirmed cases of violence. These statistics are more than just numbers; they represent shattered lives, profound trauma for survivors, and unimaginable grief for families and communities, Flowers said. These incidents have sparked deep concern across the nation, raising urgent questions about the safety and protection of children and adolescents, especially in the hands of people they trust at home and in schools. According to UNICEF estimates, 1 in 8 girls and women alive today globally experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, and studies in Bangladesh confirm that perpetrators are often known to their victims. In response to this crisis, the UNICEF welcomed the order issued by the government to bring the perpetrators to justice immediately, while insisting on calling rape, such a heinous crime, by its rightful name. UNICEF acknowledged the interim government’s commitment to a "zero tolerance" policy against violence against women and girls. "We also commend the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for its efforts in removing harmful content from online platforms," Flowers said. However, while these measures are crucial, they must be part of a broader, sustained effort to address the root causes of violence against children, she said. To create a society where every child can grow up free from fear and violence, Flowers said, the interim government and all stakeholders need to take immediate and decisive actions to strengthen and invest in child protection systems. The media also plays a crucial role in generating a safer society for children. Authorities should enforce ethical media and child safeguarding policies to protect children’s dignity and well-being during investigations and legal proceedings. Concurrently, Flowers said, media outlets should commit to responsible reporting by safeguarding the identity, privacy, and dignity of child survivors and victims, avoiding sensationalism, and preventing further harm to victims, families and communities. And very important, she said, they need the good men of Bangladesh to stand against all forms of violence and every parent to ensure that boys and girls are raised to respect the other, not to have some false sense of entitlement to abuse. The lack of safety and security for children contributes to the persistence of child marriage and other forms of violence. "Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and protective environment, both at home and in public spaces. Child survivors must be shielded from further trauma, especially during investigations and legal proceedings," Flowers said. Survivors deserve dignity, healing and justice, she said, adding that it is essential to respect their right to privacy—by authorities, media, law enforcement, the judiciary, and the public— to support their recovery. For child victims, Flowers said, justice must be swift and uncompromising, ensuring accountability for those responsible. UNICEF urges safer, fairer future for Bangladesh’s youth; calls for ending criminalization of children "At UNICEF, we remain steadfast in our commitment to child rights and protection and stand ready to support the interim government in strengthening child protection systems and ensuring a safer Bangladesh for all children," Flowers said.

Seeking German help to implement the reform agenda of his interim government, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the government is likely to hold the elections by the end of this year. "We need all your support for the New Bangladesh. We are working hard to make the general election a big success," he said. Bangladesh wants a special relationship with Germany in an effort to deepen trade and investment ties with Europe's largest economy, said Dr Yunus. The Chief Adviser made the comments when Zarah Bruhn, a Commissioner of the German government, met him at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Wednesday. During the talks, the Chief Adviser praised the German people and the German economy, saying the country has been the leader in many areas, including heavy industries, in the world. "We have close relations with Germany. But we want to have a different relationship -- a special relationship-- with Germany," he said. Dr Yunus urges Maldives to regularise undocumented Bangladeshi expats Zarah Bruhn, who is visiting Bangladesh to learn more about social businesses and micro credit, lauded the leadership of Professor Yunus, saying Bangladesh would prosper during his tenure. "I am a big enthusiast of your work," she said, adding that she was keen to launch social businesses in Germany. They also discussed the three zero movement launched by Professor Yunus, social businesses, poverty reduction measures, and the future of the welfare state. Lamiya Morshed, senior secretary and the head of the SDGs affairs of the Bangladesh government, also attended the meeting.

The interim government said the country got back "macroeconomic stabilisation" with declining inflation, growing exports and increased forex reserves but the government will continue its efforts to ensure further improvement in key areas. "These are all indicators that show that our economy has made a turnaround," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday. He said the interim government did better than Sri Lanka in terms of containing inflation. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretaries Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir, and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present at the briefing. The meeting between the Chief Adviser and the key persons reviewed the economy and its efforts over the last six months. "We need to do better," Press Secretary Alam quoted Dr Yunus as saying at the meeting. Dr Yunus directed all to continue efforts to take the improvement to a new height,” he said. The Press Secretary said the inflation came down to single digit and it will further decline - by June it will be 7.5 percent. Regarding the Korean EPZ, he said the dispute over land is resolved which will help bring big investors and create more employment in the country. On Monday, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus directed the police and law enforcement agencies to create a command centre to intensively monitor the law-and-order situation in the country. The Press Secretary said the Command Centre will roll out this evening which will coordinate among all the police and security agencies.