United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Wednesday said the interim government will hand over power to the elected representatives as soon as possible following the general election scheduled for February 12. Rejecting claims that the interim government intends to remain in office for another 180 working days after the election, Azad said such assertions are driven by 'dishonest intentions'. He said the same groups had attempted to cast doubts on the election process a few days earlier. “Now that it is evident the election will be held on schedule, they are spreading new conspiracy theories,” he added. Azad also said that even many highly educated individuals are being misled by this propaganda. Govt to restore stability before polls at any cost: CA’s deputy press secretary “In reality, there is no scope for such confusion,” he said. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently said Bangladesh is fully prepared to hold a 'free, fair, and peaceful' election on February 12.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Sunday said the current interim government would leave Bangladesh’s economy in a “satisfactory and stable” position for the next elected government, though he acknowledged that significant challenges remain ahead. “I believe we are leaving the economy in a satisfactory place. The next government will not face major difficulties in continuing from here. The situation is stable now — not shaky like before,” he said. Speaking to reporters after the Government Purchase meeting at the Secretariat, Dr Salehuddin said the economy is no longer in a fragile or unstable condition, unlike earlier periods, and that the foundations have been stabilised to allow future governments to move forward. Responding to questions on whether the government had taken on record levels of debt, the finance adviser said while borrowing had increased, a substantial amount of external debt had also been repaid. “Yes, borrowing increased, but we also repaid around six billion dollars in external debt. Debt repayment is equally important,” he said, adding that many large, expensive infrastructure projects were deliberately avoided. “We did not go for costly mega projects like tunnels or projects worth thousands of crores through loans. That is why public debt pressure did not worsen further,” he said. He admitted that employment generation remained one of the government’s biggest challenges, largely because job creation requires sustained support for small and medium industries. “Our major challenge was employment. For that, small and medium enterprises are essential. But we did not have enough fiscal space. Large factories are not labour-intensive, and they come with many complexities,” he explained. Addressing concerns over contradictory statements about future economic risks, Dr Salehuddin clarified that while the economy is stable, reforms need to be consolidated and carried forward carefully. “What we have done is not a one-off solution. To take it forward, it needs to be strengthened further. That itself is a big challenge,” he said, noting that access to concessional foreign aid has declined, making future financing more difficult. He stressed that reforms require time, cooperation and procedural discipline, which are often difficult in Bangladesh’s complex administrative system. “Reform is not just about speeches. It requires process, cooperation and patience. Inside the system, procedures are extremely complicated. Without cooperation, it becomes very difficult,” he said. Highlighting governance reforms, the finance adviser said the government has made significant progress in digitising land records and khatian maps, making services cheaper and more accessible to citizens. “Porcha and land records are being digitised. Now people can get services for Tk20, which earlier cost Tk500. We are expanding digital access nationwide,” he said. He described the initiative as one of the most fundamental service delivery reforms, reducing harassment and improving transparency. Dr Salehuddin also confirmed that the government is preparing to face international arbitration over alleged financial disputes and money laundering allegations involving business interests linked to S Alam Group. He said a case has been filed at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), a World Bank-affiliated arbitration body, following complaints lodged by the concerned party. “They have gone for arbitration at the World Bank forum. We have received notice and must respond. This is a very serious matter involving a large amount of money,” he said. The government has decided to engage international legal counsel to contest the case, he added. “We will engage a legal firm. This is not a simple issue. Legal preparation is essential,” he said, though he declined to disclose the name of the firm at this stage. A government team is expected to visit Washington, DC, to deal with the arbitration process, he said. On power sector reforms, the finance adviser said electricity tariffs are being rationalised rather than increased arbitrarily. “This is tariff restructuring, not a price hike. Money is being adjusted from one segment to another. It will not affect electricity supply,” he said, adding that efficiency issues at power plants such as Ashuganj are also under review. Dr Salehuddin said despite criticism, many fundamental reforms had been undertaken, even if they were not always visible. “People say nothing has been done because they only look for visible projects. But many fundamental procedural reforms have taken place. If someone does not want to see, they will not see,” he remarked. The government has appointed a British law firm to contest an international arbitration case filed by S Alam Group founder Saiful Alam and his family before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Sources familiar with the decision said the Advisory Committee on Government Procurement has approved the appointment of White & Case LLP, a UK-based international law firm, to represent Bangladesh in ICSID arbitration case No. ARB/25/52. The firm will be paid a fee of US$1,250 per hour for its legal services. The proposal to hire an international law firm was placed before the committee by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, citing the complexity and high financial stakes of the case. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said the arbitration was linked to allegations of money laundering. “S Alam has apparently filed a case in London and challenged Bangladesh at the World Bank’s ICSID. We need to engage an international legal firm to fight this case, as it involves a huge amount of money and has been brought before an organisation like the World Bank,” he said. When asked about the identity of the firm, the adviser said it was a British firm but did not name it at the time. Dr Salehuddin also said legal action was underway against S Alam over alleged money laundering.“When a government or a company is accused of obstructing business, ICSID arbitration is invoked. We have received the arbitration notice and must respond. This is a highly complicated legal process,” he added. In October last year, lawyers representing S Alam and his family formally filed the arbitration request at ICSID in Washington, alleging that asset freezes, confiscations and punitive measures taken by the Bangladesh government over money laundering allegations caused them losses worth hundreds of billions of dollars. In their filing, the S Alam family claimed that the interim government has deliberately targeted them through bank account freezes, asset seizures, “baseless investigations” into their businesses and a “provocative media campaign,” arguing that such actions violate international investment protection obligations. The arbitration has been filed under the 2004 Bangladesh–Singapore Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Documents show that members of the S Alam family renounced Bangladeshi citizenship in 2020 and obtained Singaporean citizenship between 2021 and 2023. They are currently residing in Singapore. As Singapore nationals, they claim entitlement to international investment protection under the BIT, as well as protection under Bangladesh’s Foreign Private Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 1980. Following the August 5, 2024 mass uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, an interim administration headed by Prof Muhammad Yunus initiated investigations and asset recovery efforts against major business groups and influential individuals accused of large-scale money laundering. An economic white paper published by the interim government in December 2024 estimated total illicit capital flight at around US$234 billion. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, who heads the asset recovery task force, has alleged that the S Alam family alone siphoned off nearly US$12 billion abroad. He accused S Alam and his associates of taking control of multiple banks with the help of military intelligence and transferring funds overseas through loan and import fraud, forcing the government to bail out six banks. S Alam Group has denied all allegations, saying the government has failed to present any credible evidence to support the claims.

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved six draft ordinances, three proposals, and one policy, including the draft Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace and Educational Institutions Ordinance 2026. The Council also decided to open a new diplomatic mission in Georgetown, Guyana, a Caribbean nation. The mission will operate at the level of Chargé d’Affaires or First Secretary, with personnel deployed from existing foreign missions. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy on the outcomes of the meeting, which was chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office. Alam said the Council discussed and approved 11 key agenda items. Among the approved draft ordinances are the Domestic Violence Prevention Ordinance 2026, the National Sports Council (Amendment) Ordinance 2026, the Bangladesh Animal and Animal Products Quarantine Ordinance 2026, the Narayanganj Development Authority Ordinance 2026, and the Cumilla Development Authority Ordinance 2026. The meeting also approved a proposal to declare March 23 as Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) Day, to be observed annually. Another proposal approved at the meeting was the withdrawal of Bangladesh’s declaration submitted under Article 14(1) of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). Cabinet receives final draft of ‘Dhaka Central University’ ordinance In addition, the Council approved a proposal for Bangladesh to become a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, 1980. It also approved the draft Import Policy Order 2025–2028. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi were present at the briefing.

With the national election only two weeks away, the government on Thursday called on all political parties, including BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. "Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process," said the interim government in a statement, expressing deep concerns over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, said the government. "The interim government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election," according to the statement shared by the Chief Adviser's press wing. The police in Sherpur have launched an investigation into the clashes and the murder. All perpetrators will be brought to justice. Security in the district has been stepped up, the government said. All parties, leaders, and campaigners must play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means, it said. The government said the future of the nation depends on calm, discipline and democratic conduct from all sides. Read More: EC estimates Tk 3100 cr cost for Feb-12 election, referendum A local leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami died after being injured in a clash between supporters of the BNP and Jamaat in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district on Wednesday evening. Rezaul Karim, general secretary of the Sreebardi Upazila unit, succumbed to his injuries around 9:30 pm while on the way to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, said Sherpur Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan.

The government and people of Bangladesh have expressed surprise and shock that fugitive Sheikh Hasina, convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity, was permitted to make a statement at a public event in New Delhi on January 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday. In which, the MoFA in a statement said, she openly called for the removal of the government of Bangladesh and issued blatant incitements to her party loyalists and general public to carry out acts of terror in order to derail the upcoming general elections in Bangladesh. "The unabashed incitements by Awami League's leadership yet again demonstrated why the interim government had to ban its activities," said the interim government. Read More: Court sets Feb 2 for verdict in Rajuk plot scam case against Hasina, Tulip Bangladesh would hold this ‘outfit’ responsible for committing incidents of violence and terror in the run up to the elections and on the election day, and will take appropriate actions to foil its evil conspiracies, according to the statement. Bangladesh is deeply aggrieved that while India is yet to act on her obligations to hand Sheikh Hasina over to Bangladesh under the bilateral extradition agreement despite repeated requests by the Bangladesh government, she has instead been allowed to make such ‘inciteful’ pronouncements from its own soil, said the Ministry. "This clearly endangers Bangladesh's democratic transition and peace and security." Allowing the event to take place in the Indian capital and letting mass murderer Hasina to openly deliver her hate speech are contrary to the norms of inter-State relations, including the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference and good neighbourliness, and constitute a clear affront to the people and the government of Bangladesh, MoFA said. Read More: Hearing of appeal seeking death penalty of Hasina, Kamal on Jan 20 "It sets a dangerous precedent vis-a-vis the future of Bangladesh-India relations and may seriously impair the ability of the future elected polity in Bangladesh to engage, shape and nurture mutually beneficial bilateral relations," it said.

The government of Bangladesh on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) launched electronic bail bond or e-bail bond management system in eight districts if the country, aiming to make the bail bond submission process easier. Law Adviser Asif Nazrul inaugurated the programme virtually from the Secretariat. The new system has been introduced simultaneously in Manikganj, Bandarban, Meherpur, Joypurhat, Moulvibazar, Panchagarh, Jhalakathi and Sherpur following the successful pilot implementation in Narayanganj. The Adviser said the e-bail bond system was first launched on a trial basis in Narayanganj on October 15 last year and has been operating with cent percent success. Read more: Election 2026: 1967 candidates left standing after withdrawals, highest since 2008 “Based on this success, we have further improved the software. Today, the e-bail bond system has been launched in eight more districts,” he said. He said the new system will save time and costs for litigants, lawyers, prison authorities and all other stakeholders involved in the bail process. Before the introduction of e-bail bonds, people had to go through multiple steps even after bail was granted, the adviser said. “As a result, litigants had to endure unnecessary loss of time, money and mental distress. In many cases, people had to remain in jail for several days or even weeks despite being granted bail. There was a lack of transparency and accountability, and it was not possible to identify where delays were occurring,” he said. Dr Asif Nazrul said the government plans to introduce the system in all 64 districts. “We still have 20 to 25 days. We will try to launch it in a few more districts during this time. We hope that within the next six months, the system will be operational in all districts,” he added. Read More: Rule of law biggest challenge despite progress: Asif Nazrul Responding to a question on whether future governments would continue the initiative, the adviser said he believes the system will be maintained as it does not involve any political controversy.

The interim government on Sunday explained why Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ support for ‘Yes’ vote in referendum is consistent with democratic norms in Bangladesh. "Professor Muhammad Yunus’ support for a ‘Yes’ vote is consistent with the reformist mandate of the interim government, Bangladesh’s urgent need for institutional renewal, established international democratic practice; and transparency and accountability to the electorate," said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Ultimately, the interim government said, the decision rests with the people of Bangladesh. "That is the democratic guarantee. Leadership does not negate that choice. It helps clarify it," said the press wing in a long explanation. Campaigning for ‘Yes’ in referendum is a state obligation: Adviser Nurjahan Recent commentary has raised concerns that the interim government and the Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus’ open support for a ‘Yes’ vote in Bangladesh’s forthcoming referendum on institutional reforms may be inconsistent with the expectations of an interim administration. These concerns deserve respectful consideration, said the interim government. It, however, said the mandate of the interim government and comparative international practice, such criticism does not withstand close scrutiny when assessed in light of Bangladesh’s specific political context. In Bangladesh’s current transitional moment, silence would not represent neutrality, it would represent a failure of leadership, said the interim government. For Bangladesh at this juncture, the government said, the greater risk lies not in advocacy, but in equivocation. An interim government that declines to support the reforms it has championed would weaken public confidence, confuse voters, and undermine the coherence of the transition, it said.  

Bangladesh’s private sector risks a tightening credit environment as government borrowing from the banking system has surged to nearly Tk 60,000 crore in the first half of the current fiscal year, raising concerns about reduced lending capacity for businesses. According to Bangladesh Bank data, the government’s net borrowing from banks reached Tk 59,756 crore between July 1 and January 4 of FY2025–26. The amount accounts for more than 57 percent of the full-year borrowing target of Tk 1.04 lakh crore, surpassing the halfway mark well before the fiscal year’s midpoint. The pace of borrowing marks a sharp escalation from a year earlier. In the same period of FY2024–25, the government’s net bank borrowing stood at Tk 8,312 crore, meaning the current figure represents an increase of 619 percent. Read more: Govt exceeds IMF-set limit on external borrowing: Dr Salehuddin Although the government initially repaid a small portion of its bank liabilities at the start of the fiscal year, borrowing accelerated rapidly amid mounting fiscal pressures. Economists cite a combination of revenue shortfalls, declining foreign aid and rising expenditure commitments as key drivers behind the shift. “The government is not meeting its revenue targets, and expected foreign loans are not arriving on time,” said Towfiqul Islam Khan, economist and additional research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). "Consequently, the government is forced to lean on the domestic banking sector to cover the deficit," he said. Bangladesh Bank data show the government’s total outstanding debt to the banking system has climbed to Tk 6.10 lakh crore. Of the borrowing undertaken so far this fiscal year, Tk 35,750 crore has come from commercial banks, while Tk 24,006 crore has been taken from the central bank. Read more: IMF limits Bangladesh’s foreign borrowing Business leaders warn that heavy public-sector borrowing risks crowding out private investment by absorbing a significant share of available bank liquidity. Reduced access to credit could delay investment decisions, constrain production capacity and slow job creation, they say. Syed Mahbubur Rahman, managing director and chief executive officer of Mutual Trust Bank Limited, said the banking sector has been navigating a difficult period amid a broader erosion of confidence. He noted that while the economy and banking system have stabilised, growth has slowed due to the impact of “severe mismanagement of the macroeconomic situation”. “Excessive government borrowing reduces the capacity of banks to support the private sector,” said Abdul Haque, a prominent business leader and former director of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). “This hampers employment and has a negative ripple effect across the entire economy," he said. Read more: NPL crisis chokes private credit growth, endangers Bangladesh's economic recovery: Experts Analysts caution that unless revenue collection improves and public spending is managed more effectively, continued reliance on bank financing could undermine private-sector activity and weigh on Bangladesh’s longer-term economic growth.

The government on Wednesday said it remains hopeful of a smooth transition through the national election but wants to prevent the arrival of any “unexpected individuals” from abroad who may attempt to create an undesirable situation during the election period. “We are not stopping the issuance of visas. Those who wish to come may apply for visas, and we will issue them as long as their purpose is valid,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to a journalist’s query regarding reports of the suspension of visa-on-arrival facilities. “You know, during the election period, there may be attempts to create unexpected situations. Some unwanted individuals may try to enter the country suddenly,” he said. The Foreign Adviser said the Ministry of Home Affairs is truly better positioned to comment on the matter but acknowledged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received instructions in this regard. Read more: Bangladesh issues special visa guidelines ahead of national election  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan on Tuesday informed the general public that the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Thimphu has officially conveyed that the government of Bangladesh has suspended the “Visa on Arrival” facility for all eligible countries, including Bhutan, with effect from January 15 to February 15. In view of this, Bhutan said, all Bhutanese nationals intending to travel to Bangladesh during the above period are advised to apply for a visa in advance through the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thimphu prior to their travel. The Bhutanese Ministry advised all travelers to take note of this change and make the necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain on January 8 confirmed that they have asked its three key diplomatic missions in India to keep their visa sections closed for a time being on security grounds. “What I have done is that I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he said while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time. Read more: Foreign Adviser communicates with Pakistani counterpart ahead of OIC ministerial meet on Somalia Asked about the matter, Hossain on Wednesday had taken the decision due to a special situation, noting that they have to look after the security of the missions.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) slashed customs duty on imported mobile phones by 60 per cent aimed at keeping handset prices within the purchasing capacity of consumers amid rising living costs. It issued two separate statutory regulatory orders in this regard. According to an NBR notification, the customs duty on imported finished mobile phones has been reduced to 10 per cent from the existing 25 per cent. The revenue authority said the decision was taken to ensure that mobile phones remain affordable for the general public and to facilitate wider access to digital services. Read more: NBR links ASYCUDA World with BGMEA e-UD system to modernise bond management To protect local mobile phone assembling companies from facing adverse competition due to the duty cut on finished handset imports, the NBR simultaneously reduced customs duty on the import of raw materials and components used by domestic assemblers. In another notification, the duty on importing such components has been lowered to 5 per cent from 10 per cent. The NBR said the dual measures were designed to strike a balance between consumer interest and the sustainability of the domestic mobile phone assembling industry. As a direct impact of the revised duty structure, the government estimates that the price of each imported finished mobile phone priced above Tk 30,000 will fall by around Tk 5,500. Meanwhile, the price of each locally assembled mobile phone in the same price segment is expected to decline by approximately Tk 1,500. With mobile phones playing a critical role in communication, digital financial services, e-governance and education, ensuring affordability has become a key policy priority, NBR officials said. The revenue authority also reaffirmed that the government’s efforts to keep mobile phone prices within the reach of consumers would continue in line with its broader goal of promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to technology across the country. At the same time, Bangladesh has introduced the National Equipment Identity Register as a major regulatory step aimed at curbing the use and trade of illegal, counterfeit and unregistered mobile handsets, strengthening consumer protection and safeguarding government revenue. Launched under the supervision of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, the NEIR system requires every mobile phone to be registered through its unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number before it can access cellular networks. Authorities say the platform will help block stolen or smuggled devices, reduce grey market imports, improve network security and ensure a level playing field for compliant importers and manufacturers who pay applicable duties and taxes. Read more: NBR launches e-VAT module for paper-based returns However, the rollout has triggered protests from mobile phone traders across the country particularly small and medium retailers who fear that the system could disrupt business and impose new financial and administrative burdens. Protesters have demanded a longer transition period, clearer guidelines, amnesty for existing stock and stronger public awareness campaigns before full enforcement.