United News of Bangladesh

The government has appointed new director generals at the National Institute of Local Government (NILG) and the Department of Cooperatives. Registrar and Director General of the Department of Cooperatives Md Ismail Hossain has been appointed as the Director General of the National Institute of Local Government (NILG). Meanwhile, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Selim Fakir has been appointed as the Registrar and Director General of the Department of Cooperatives. The Ministry of Public Administration issued separate notifications regarding the appointments on Sunday night.

Bangladesh’s 13th Parliament started its five-year journey with its first session on Thursday morning, just one month on from the February 12 general election. Unlike in the past however, the first session of the new parliament began with the Chair of Speaker vacant as the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are currently unavailable. At the outset of the session, Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will deliver a welcome speech and nominate the name of a senior member of parliament to temporarily chair the House before election to the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker by Members of Parliament. Following their elections, the session is likely to be adjourned for some time and the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker will take oath. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath. Then the session will resume with the newly elected Speaker or Deputy Speaker in the chair. In the first-day sitting of the session, a condolence motion will be placed, expressing profound grief at the death of three-time prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, former MPs and other noted personalities. President Mohammed Shahabuddin will also deliver his speech in the House on Thursday. Traffic restrictions in parts of Dhaka this morning over parliament session A meeting of the BNP Parliamentary Party chaired by Tarique Rahman was held at the ruling party’s meeting room at Sangsad Bhaban, a day before the maiden session of the 13th parliament. Following the meeting, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters on Wednesday that the prime minister will nominate a senior BNP lawmaker to temporarily preside over the House as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are currently unavailable. “Since the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker are not available, the leader of the House will announce who will preside over the House. Then the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker will be elected,” he said, outlining the tentative procedure of the first day business of the maiden session. After their election, the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker will take oath. “The President (Mohammed Shahabuddin) will administer the oath to them as per the rules of procedure of Parliament, " he said. Salahuddin said then the House will sit again and the panel of chairmen for the first session of Parliament will be announced. Then a condolence motion will be placed and discussion on the motion will be held, he added. The Law Minister will place 133 ordinances (seeking endorsement of parliament) and several parliamentary committees such as the business advisory committee of parliament will be elected, he said. “Then the President will deliver the speech in the House,” said Salahuddin Ahmed. The first meeting of the business advisory committee is likely to be held the following day and the session is most likely to be adjourned after another sitting on March 15, he said. Usually the first session of a new parliament begins with the Speaker of the previous parliament in chair and then the election of the new Speaker and Deputy Speaker is held. First Kalema in Arabic calligraphy inscribed in Parliament’s session hall Meanwhile, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni on Wednesday said the ruling party wants the 13th parliament to be effective and vibrant where problems will be resolved through discussion and debate. “Our goal is to run an effective, vibrant and responsible parliament. We want an environment of constructive discussion, rational argument and healthy debate on national issues in parliament,” he said at a press briefing after a meeting of BNP’s parliamentary party. He said a member nominated by the Prime Minister will temporarily preside over the House. The Chief Whip said the BNP Parliamentary Party (BPP) on Wednesday authorised the Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman to decide the candidates for the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 13th Parliament. “We have entrusted the Leader of the House with the responsibility of deciding the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. He will take the decision, and we will know it tomorrow,” he said. He said the proceedings of Thursday’s sitting will begin with the Speaker’s chair vacant. The session will start with recitation from the Holy Quran, he added. After that, the Leader of the House will propose the name of a senior MP to preside over the sitting temporarily, which will be seconded by another MP. The nominated member will then preside over the session, said the Chief Whip. Nurul Islam also said 133 ordinances promulgated during the tenure of the interim government will be placed before parliament on Thursday. Replying to a question, the Chief Whip said the Prime Minister showed “great generosity” by offering the post of Deputy Speaker to the opposition. “But we have not received any positive response from them so far. If we do, necessary steps will be taken accordingly,” he said. Energy conservation plea goes unheeded as Dhaka malls glow with lights On February 23 last, President Mohammed Shahabuddin summoned the first session of the new parliament under the powers conferred by Article 72(1) of the Constitution. This session will mark both the inaugural sitting of the 13th Parliament and the first parliamentary session of 2026. The parliamentary elections were held on February 12 last, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) winning it with two-thirds majority. The 13th parliamentary election was held in 299 out of the country’s 300 constituencies on February 12 as the election to Sherpur-3 constituency was postponed following the death of a candidate. The Election Commission of Bangladesh published the gazette notification on February 13, declaring results for 297 seats. In the 297 constituencies, BNP won in 209 parliamentary seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami in 68, NCP settled victory in six constituencies, independent candidates in seven constituencies, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish in two, Islami Andolan Bangladesh in one, Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP (led by Andaleeve Rahman Partho) in one, Ganaodhikar Parishad in one, Ganasamhati Andolan in one and Khelafat Majlish in one parliamentary seat. Later, the newly elected MPs were sworn in on February 17 and Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administered the oath. BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, who was elected from two constituencies, took oath as MP from Dhaka-17 constituency, leaving Bogura-6 constituency for by-election. According to Article 72(1) of the Constitution, Parliament must be summoned to meet within 30 days after the declaration of the results of polling at any general election. The same article also states that unless sooner dissolved by the President, Parliament shall stand dissolved on the expiration of five years from the date of its first meeting. So, the five-year tenure of the 13th Parliament will officially commence with its first sitting on March 12.

The government will provide support to expatriates amid visa expirations and flight cancellations, Expatriate Welfare Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury said on Saturday. The government has launched a hotline so that expatriates facing such issues can contact the ministry and assistance will be provided according to the government’s capacity, he added. The minister made the remarks while speaking at a Holi festival programme organised by the For Manipuri Culture and Arts at Mirjagang, Sylhet city. “The government is committed to resolving the various problems faced by expatriates. As soon as news reached about those who were killed in the Middle East conflict, the governments of the concerned countries were immediately informed,” he said The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare is regularly monitoring the situation and the Prime Minister is overseeing it continuously. Expatriates remit Tk 200bn via bKash in 2025 He also assured that the government would take effective steps to address the issues faced by Manipuri people. Local dignitaries and members of the Manipuri community attended the programme.

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has welcomed the government’s decision to release Tk 2,500 crore against outstanding cash incentives for the export-oriented ready-made garment (RMG) and related sectors. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan expressed deep gratitude and sincere thanks to the top levels of the government, including the Finance Minister, Commerce Minister, and the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, describing the move as a "critical and timely intervention" during the current crisis in the apparel industry. BGMEA pushes for quick release of Tk 5,700cr RMG incentives President Hasan noted that the fund allocation brings significant relief to factory owners who are facing immense pressure to clear workers' wages, allowances, and bonuses ahead of the upcoming Holy Eid-ul-Fitr, alongside settled utility bills for electricity and gas. The current BGMEA board recently held several rounds of productive discussions and meetings with high-level government officials, the Ministry of Finance, and Bangladesh Bank to secure the release of these stuck cash incentives. Following these efforts, the Tk 2,500 crore fund was approved within a very short timeframe. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, the total allocation was granted in two phases under the first part of the third installment for the 2025-26 fiscal year: Tk 1,500 crore in the first phase and Tk 1,000 crore in the second. The BGMEA has urged its member factories to contact their respective banks to take the necessary steps to process the funds.

Amid a major administrative reshuffle, the government has removed five deputy commissioners (DCs) from districts across the country. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Sunday. According to the notification, the DCs of Gazipur, Panchagarh, Kushtia, Netrokona and Chapainawabganj have been withdrawn. Delay in regular promotion in public administration sparks discontent The officers, who hold the rank of Deputy Secretary, have been attached to the Ministry of Public Administration for further posting. The withdrawn officials are: Gazipur DC Mohammad Alam Hossain, Panchagarh DC Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman, Kushtia DC Md. Iqbal Hossain, Netrokona DC Md. Saifur Rahman and Chapainawabganj DC Md. Shahadat Hossain.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged the officials and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to work sincerely to change the fate of the country’s people. “The people of Bangladesh are looking up to the government with great expectations. You are also part of this government,” he said while addressing officials and staff of the PMO at a meeting. The prime minister mentioned that PMO officials and staff are part of the administration and said the government will perform well only if they extend full cooperation. “We consider this country our first and last address. So we must work ourselves to change the destiny of our people.” Tarique Rahman arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon at 10:15am and held his first meeting with officials and staff of the PMO since assuming office. The meeting was held at the Shapla Hall of the PMO in Tejgaon in the morning. Prime Minister’s advisers Mirza Abbas, Ismail Zabiullah, Humayun Kabir, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Brig Gen (retd) ATM Shamsul Islam and Zahedur Rahman were present, along with Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, according to a press release issued by the PMO. Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar delivered the welcome address and Director General of the PMO Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury gave a presentation on the structure and functions of the office. Addressing the meeting, Tarique said every political party has a manifesto and noted that through a fair election, people gave their mandate in favour of implementing the manifesto of the BNP.  “So, we must work in line with the commitments made in the manifesto,” he said. The Prime Minister sought the cooperation of government officials and employees in implementing the manifesto pledges, particularly in the health and education sectors, women’s education, employment generation, sports and other priority areas. Tarique stressed the need to ensure the security of citizens so that they feel safe. “If we all work together, we will certainly be able to achieve this goal,” he said. He also expressed hope that officials and employees would extend full support in eliminating corruption from the country. At the meeting, the prime minister instructed officials to maintain confidentiality where necessary in the interest of the state. He also emphasised strict adherence to government rules and regulations to build a disciplined and orderly nation. Heads of departments and agencies under the PMO, along with its officials and staff members, were present at the meeting. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended office on Saturday, although it was a public holiday Last Saturday, he worked at the PMO in Tejgaon for the first time.

The government has decided to reopen sick and closed industrial units in the country involving private entrepreneurs in a move aimed at creating employment. “The Prime Minister has directed the ministries concerned to take steps to reopen the sick and closed industrial units,” Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said on Tuesday. He said the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with private entrepreneurs so that new employment opportunities can be created. Abducted schoolboy freed within an hour after PM Tarique’s intervention Reopening sick and closed industrial units to generate jobs was one of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s election pledges. According to the directive, sick and closed jute mills and sugar mills will be reopened, keeping former workers in their jobs while also creating new employment opportunities. Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashik Chowdhury said the Prime Minister has given a clear instruction to create new jobs and take initiatives to reopen the closed and sick industrial units. He said a committee, led by the Ministry of Industries, has already started work in this regard.

The government has constituted the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), the country’s highest body for approving public investment projects, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as its chairman. The committee was formed through a gazette notification issued on Thursday, outlining its composition, supporting officials and scope of responsibilities. According to the notification, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman of ECNEC. Ecnec approves Tk 244.14 cr project to enhance disaster resilience The other members of the committee include Finance Minister, Housing and Public Works Minister, Foreign Minister, Industries, Housing and Public Works Minister, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Health and Family Welfare Minister, and Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister. The Planning Minister will serve as a member of the committee, while the Secretary of the Planning Division will act as the Member-Secretary. The gazette also specified a group of senior officials who will assist the committee in its functions. These include the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary or Secretary, Secretaries of the Finance Division, Economic Relations Division, Statistics and Informatics Division, Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division, and Planning Division. 1000-bed Bangladesh–China Friendship Hospital, 24 other projects get ECNEC nod Secretaries from relevant ministries and divisions will also participate in committee proceedings when required. ECNEC is empowered to review, consider and approve all development project proposals, including Development Project Proposals (DPPs), Technical Assistance Project Proposals (TPPs), and revised project proposals. It will also examine and approve investment projects involving government funding exceeding Tk 50 crore, based on recommendations from the relevant appraisal committees. Besides, the committee will review the implementation progress of ongoing development projects to ensure timely completion and effective utilisation of public funds. ECNEC will also consider investment proposals from private sector entities, joint ventures and state-owned enterprises that require government approval or policy support. As the apex executive body for approving development projects, ECNEC plays a crucial role in implementing the government’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) and advancing national economic priorities through coordinated planning and oversight.

The government has appointed private secretaries (PSs) to two ministers and assistant private secretaries (APSs) to five state ministers, according to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Monday. According to the notification, Md Moniruzzaman, a deputy secretary currently on OSD (officer on special duty), has been appointed PS to the minister of the Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry. The ministry is headed by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Rabindra Chakma, deputy secretary and secretary of the Chattogram Development Authority, has been appointed PS to the minister of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry. Govt yet to appoint secretary to Public Administration Ministry Among the state ministers, Md Ibrahim Khalil has been appointed APS to the state minister for the Youth and Sports Ministry, Md Aminul Haque. Md Junaid has been appointed APS to the state minister for the Commerce; Textiles and Jute; and Industries ministries, which are overseen by Md Shariful Alam. Md Al Mamun has been appointed APS to the state minister for the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, MA Muhit. Md Shariful Islam has been appointed APS to the state minister for the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry as well as the Science and Technology Ministry. The portfolios are held by Fakir Mahbub Anam. Public Administration Secretary Mokhlesur removed Separately, Farhan Labib Jishan, assistant commissioner (land) of the Cantonment Revenue Circle, has been appointed PS to Mahadi Amin, adviser to the Prime Minister with the rank of state minister. The notification said the APS appointments were made in line with the wishes of the respective state ministers. The appointments will remain valid as long as the concerned state ministers hold office or wish to retain the officials in the APS positions, the notification added.

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Monday said the present government is determined to accelerate infrastructural development while preventing wastage in construction works for the sake of the greater interest of the country. “The overall interest must be prioritized by avoiding unethical practices. Everyone must be sincere in preventing waste in construction works. The current government is committed to make infrastructural development and prevent wastage,” he said. The minister made this remark while addressing the closing ceremony of a seven-day induction training course organised for 32 newly recruited officers of the 44th BCS (Roads and Highways) cadre at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Division in the city. 'Not all collections in the road transport sector is extortion': Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister Congratulating the newly appointed officials, Shaikh Rabiul Alam asked them to fully engage themselves in their professional responsibilities soon after completing the training. “The state has developed you as engineers to serve its needs—this realisation must always remain in your minds,” he said. State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Habibur Rashid emphasised ensuring road safety to keep Bangladesh secure. “The closure of a single road causes immense suffering to tens of thousands of people. So, it needs to ensure uninterrupted traffic movement, maintain reasonable construction costs and guarantee safe infrastructure,” he said. Habibur Rashid expressed optimism that through the combined efforts of both new and senior officials, a safe and humane Bangladesh would be built under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Local people stage demo over alleged irregularities in road construction in Faridpur Another State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Md. Razib Ahsan also congratulated the new officers, expressing optimism that they would serve the country with their talent and professional competence. Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division Dr Mohammed Ziaul Haque presided over the closing ceremony attended, among others, by Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department Syed Moinul Hasan and Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited Faruk Ahmed, said a PID handout.