United News of Bangladesh

Newly-elected Speaker of Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Thursday called on both the government and the opposition to work together in the national interest to fulfil the aspirations of the people and strengthen democratic institutions. Addressing the House after assuming office, the Speaker said the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War—equality, human dignity and social justice—must guide the work of the current Parliament. He said the people of Bangladesh have long struggled to realise these goals and have cherished the dream of building a just and equitable society. “The responsibility of turning these aspirations into reality now lies with every member of this august House,” he said. Describing democracy as a system based on majority rule, Speaker Hafiz Uddin said both the government and the opposition must remain united in safeguarding national interests and implementing the hopes and expectations of the people. He assured the House that he would always try to ensure that the opposition can play an effective and meaningful role in Parliament. “In the interest of maintaining neutrality, I have already resigned from my position as a member of the standing committee of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” he said, seeking sincere cooperation from all lawmakers. He also said the Parliament must function as the centre of all political and administrative activities in the country, urging members to place national interest above party interest. “Our guiding principle should be ‘Bangladesh First’,” he said. Referring to the historic significance of the moment, the Speaker said lawmakers had gathered in the great National Parliament at a critical time in the country’s democratic journey. “The people of Bangladesh are the vigilant guardians of democracy, and this Parliament is its symbol,” he said. He said democracy in the country has been established and sustained through the sacrifice of the people. Recalling the Liberation War of 1971, he said it was essentially a war for democracy. He noted that the armed struggle began on March 26 under the leadership of Major Ziaur Rahman and soon turned into a nationwide resistance movement. People from all walks of life—including students, workers and professionals—joined the nine-month war and made immense sacrifices to achieve independence, he said, offering prayers for the souls of all martyrs of the Liberation War. The Speaker said Parliament has witnessed many stages in the development of democracy in Bangladesh, although the democratic process had been disrupted at different times. He noted that in 1975 democracy was effectively abolished when a one-party system was introduced, and the country later experienced periods of authoritarian rule. However, he said the resilient people of Bangladesh repeatedly resisted such regimes and struggled to restore democratic governance. Hafiz Uddin Ahmad also referred to the mass uprising in July-August 2024, when students, political activists and ordinary citizens united to overthrow what he described as a 'fascist government'. He paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the uprising, including Begum Rokeya University Rangpur student Abu Sayeed, Mir Mugdha of Dhaka and Chattogram Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal activist Wasim Akram, praying for eternal peace for their departed souls. The Speaker also expressed satisfaction over the parliamentary election held on March 12, describing it as the fairest election he had witnessed in his experience of participating in ten national elections. “The people are now eagerly waiting to see how this Parliament performs,” he said. He emphasised that fulfilling electoral promises is the primary responsibility of every Member of Parliament and urged lawmakers to work sincerely to meet the expectations of the people. The Speaker concluded by thanking members for their cooperation and reiterating the need for unity and commitment to democratic values in the functioning of the House.

The BNP Parliamentary Party (BPP) on Wednesday authorised Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman to decide the candidates for the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. “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,” said Chief Whip Nurul Islam. He came up with the remarks while speaking to reporters at the LD Hall after a meeting of BNP’s parliamentary party in the ruling party’s parliamentary party room on the ninth floor of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, with Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman in the chair. The first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad will begin at 11am on Thursday, when the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are scheduled to be elected. Nurul Islam 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. 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. BPP meets to finalise Speaker, Deputy Speaker candidates Nurul Islam also said 133 ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government will be placed before parliament on Thursday. A special committee will be formed at the sitting to examine the ordinances, he said, adding that the committee will include members from both the treasury bench and the opposition. 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. The Chief Whip said they want the 13th parliament to be effective and vibrant where problems will be resolved through discussion and debate.

Sound box or speakers are essential components of any audio system, whether it's for personal use or a public event. The quality of sound boxes plays a crucial role in delivering an immersive and engaging audio experience. Sound boxes made by diverse international and local brands are available in the markets of Bangladesh. However, not all sound boxes can offer high-quality sound and durability. Let's take a look at some of the top sound boxes available in Bangladesh in 2023. Things to consider when buying a Speaker or Sound Box When considering purchasing a sound box, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider before deciding: Sound Quality: It is important to choose a sound box that produces high-quality sound and delivers crisp, clear audio. Read More: Home Theater Buyer's Guide with Price Ranges in Compatibility: Ensure that the sound box is compatible with your device, whether it is a smartphone, laptop, or any other device you intend to use with it. Connectivity: Check the connectivity options available, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired connections such as USB and HDMI. Size and Portability: Consider the size and portability of the sound box, especially if you plan to use it on the go or in different locations. Durability: Look for a sound box that is built to last and can withstand wear and tear over time. Read More: Bluetooth Headphones Buyer Guide and Price Ranges in Bangladesh Price: Set a budget for yourself and look for a sound box that fits within your price range while also meeting your requirements. Popular Sound Boxes in Bangladesh in 2023 under different Price Ranges Sound Systems Under BDT 5000 F&D W24 Portable Bluetooth Speaker The F&D W24 Portable Bluetooth Speaker is a great choice for those who want an affordable, portable speaker with excellent sound quality. With a 1.5-inch full-range neodymium driver, this speaker offers powerful and clear sound. It has a waterproof design (IPX4 grade) and is easy to carry thanks to its slim and polygon shape.  The F&D W24 has a frequency range of 20Hz - 20kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of >-75dB. It comes with a 4400mAh rechargeable battery and has a Bluetooth range of up to 15 meters. The price of an F&D W24 Speaker in Bangladesh starts from 2,900 BDT. Read More: New device puts music in your head - without headphones

Five out of seven BNP members of the parliament (MPs) submitted their resignation to Speaker of the Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Sunday, as part of their anti-government movement with a 10-point demand that includes dissolution of parliament. The BNP MPs submitted their resignation letters at 12:20 pm,  Mohammad Siraj, MP of Bogura-6, told UNB. The MPs who resigned are: Md. Zahidur Rahman, Thakurgaon-3; Md. Mosharof  Hosen, Bogura-4; Gulam Mohammad Siraj, Bogura-6; Md. Aminul Islam, Chapainawabganj-2 and Rumeen Farhana, from women’s reserved seats. Read more: BNP declares start of ‘simultaneous anti-govt movement’ on Dec 24 Md. Harunur Rashid of Chapainawabganj-3, who is now in Australia and ailing MP of Brahmanbaria-2 Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan could not submit resignation to the Speaker today. They will tender their resignation later as they have to submit it in person as per the constitution, said Mohammad Siraj. Speaking to reporters at the Jatiya Sangsad, BNP’s international affairs secretary Rumeen said they submitted their resignation to the Speaker following their demand for dissolution of parliament. “This is just the beginning. Now the other MPs from different political parties who support democracy should also come forward and resign,” she added. Read more: BNP activists, locals complain of internet service disruption in and around Golapbagh rally venue Earlier, Rumeen Farhana announced the decision from the party’s Golapbagh rally on Saturday. The MPs sent their resignation through an email on Saturday. BNP on Saturday unveiled a 10-point charter of demands from Golapbagh rally aimed at unseating the government through a simultaneous movement.

All seven BNP Members of Parliament (MPs) will physically submit their resignation to speaker of Parliament on Sunday. The BNP MPs will submit their resignation letters around 11am, according to BNP sources. Read more: BNP declares start of ‘simultaneous anti-govt movement’ on Dec 24 BNP’s international affairs secretary Rumeen Farhana announced the decision from the party’s Golapbagh rally on Saturday. The MPs who resigned are: Md. Zahidur Rahman, Thakurgaon-3; Md. Mosharof Hosen, Bogura-4; Gulam Mohammad Siraj, Bogura-6; Md. Aminul Islam, Chapainawabganj-2; Md. Harunur Rashid, Chapainawabganj-3; Abdus Sattar Bhuiyan, Brahmanbaria-2; and Rumeen Farhana, Women’s Reserved Seat. Read more: BNP’s divisional rally: Heightened security in and around Dhaka The MPs sent their resignation through an e-mail on Saturday.

Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Sunday nominated a five-member panel of chairmen for the 19th session of the 11th parliament. The panel members are Maj Rafiqul Islam (retd), Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali, Abdul Majid Khan, Anisul Islam Mahmud and Ayesha Ferdous The speaker announced their names at the beginning of the day’s business. Also read: Houses of Speaker, Dy Speaker on Parliament premises are legal: SC They will conduct the House proceedings in chronological order in the absence of the speaker and the deputy speaker. END/UNB/FF/F   

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has said parliamentarians can gather positive experiences through intensified inter-parliamentary communication. The Speaker said this at a meeting with Secretary-General of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Stephen Twigg at a hotel in London, the United Kingdom, said a Jatiya Sangsad release here on Thursday. Read: Development touches entire country: Speaker During the meeting, they discussed different issues including democracy, poverty alleviation, gender equality, climate changes, CPA activities and the 50 years of Bangladesh’s National Parliament. Dr Shirin said Bangladesh National Parliament wants to take stronger activities with CPA on various issues including climate changes, gender equality, poverty alleviation and democracy. Bangladesh has been working to increase the involvement of its parliamentarians, she said. Bangladeshi High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Saida Muna Tasneem was present

UN resident coordinator Gwyn Lewis on Thursday met Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury at the latter’s office here. During the meeting, they discussed different issues particularly Bangladesh’s successful steps to fight Covid-19 pandemic, post-Covid stable economic situation of Bangladesh, women empowerment, socioeconomic development and gender budget. The Speaker said Bangladesh Parliament in coordination with UNDP and UNFPA has been working for the overall development of women and children up to grassroots level. The members of parliament (MPs) are also playing their roles in their respective constituencies in various ways, she said. Dr Chaudhury said the government introduced the gender budget in the 2009-10 fiscal year, which has continued also in the 2022-23 fiscal year. She said the steps taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the empowerment of women, economic and social development of women are role models in the world. Read: Gwyn Lewis of Ireland appointed UNRC in Bangladesh The progress of women is now visible in the country thanks to many steps taken by the government to reduce the school dropout and maternal mortality, motivate girls for education through payment of stipend money directly through mobile phones, increase skills of women through training in remote areas, show zero tolerance towards violence against women and empower women as public representatives in local government bodies, said the Speaker. Gwyn Lewis lauded Bangladesh for achieving its unprecedented development. She also praised the government for its role in facing the recent flood properly. United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) country representative in Bangladesh Kristine Blokhus and high officials of Parliament secretariat were present, said a press release.

Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Tuesday said the entire country has got the touch of development thanks to the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The development activities were not halted for a single moment even during the Covid-19 pandemic, she said. The Speaker was addressing a function at her parliamentary constituency --Rangpur-6 (Pirganj), said a press release. As part of the development spree, different development activities continue in every union of Pirganj upazila, she said. In the event held on the premises of noted poet Kazi Hayat Mamud's Mazar, 100 bicycles, 22 sewing machines, 20 wheelchairs and 20 spray machines were distributed among the beneficiaries of Chaitrakol and Vendabari unions. Read: Bangladesh enjoying a golden age of information flow: Speaker Pirganj Upazila Awami League acting president Prof Nurul Amin Raja presided over the function moderated by Pirganj Upazila AL general secretary and Pirganj Municipality Mayor ASM Tajimul Islam Shamim. Dr Chaudhury said work on a master plan is underway to make Pirganj a model upazila. She later exchanged views with local AL leaders at the Upazila Parishad Auditorium.

Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has said that Bangladesh is going through a free and golden time of information flow. The speaker made the remarks while virtually participating in the BJC Awards ceremony on Saturday with the protection of journalism in the public interest. BJC President Rezwanul Haque presided over the function. The Speaker said the Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC) has been able to ensure the good standing of journalists by working for their professional development, safety and development of the working environment since 2019. Today’s event is commendable keeping in view the protection of journalism in the public interest. It is such a platform that is playing a leading role in various activities including the welfare of the members, enhancement of skills, risk management, creation of new opportunities in the workplace, and encouragement of journalists in research work. BJC awards in five categories will also inspire the journalists to work in the public interest, she hopes. "The range of media in the country is now very wide and media has become a part and parcel of daily life." Read: Speaker joins IPU assembly The Journalist Center Board of Trustees has also been formed which is playing an important role in the advancement of the media. Speaker said the government has taken various steps including a journalist-friendly policy and the formation of a wage board. The present government is determined to ensure a conducive working environment for the media, she added BJC honorary members including Member Secretary Shakil Ahmed spoke on the occasion. Various dignitaries and media personnel were also present on the occasion.