United News of Bangladesh

The government is set to establish a new Broadcast Commission to streamline the operations of various broadcasting entities, set standards and curb irregularities. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has prepared the draft Broadcast Commission Ordinance-2026, which proposes strict penalties for violations, including up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to Tk 50 lakh. The draft is currently open for consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Under the draft ordinance, terrestrial, satellite and cable television, radio, IPTV, DTH (Direct-to-Home), FM and community radio, OTT, streaming and Video-on-Demand (VOD) platforms will fall under the Commission’s remit. Commercial online infotainment portals, apps and video streaming activities are also included, while personal social media posts and amateur content remain outside its scope. The draft stipulates severe punishments for operating broadcasting services without a licence or Commission approval, disobeying government directives, disseminating classified military or civilian information, airing unapproved or misleading advertisements, and using images of state-protected important sites in commercial content. Violators operating without a licence, or without prior Commission recommendation, could face a maximum of three years’ imprisonment or fines ranging from Tk 10 lakh to Tk 50 lakh, or both. Non-compliance with government directives on national interest or public welfare may result in a fine of up to Tk 50,000. Importing broadcasting equipment without official clearance may attract up to three years in jail or fines between Tk 5 lakh and Tk 20 lakh. Broadcasting sensitive military or civilian information that could threaten national security, public safety, or public order carries up to two years’ imprisonment or fines ranging from Tk 1 lakh to Tk 10 lakh. The draft also addresses the broadcasting of advertisements for unlicensed financial institutions, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, or misleading content, prescribing up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of Tk 5 lakh to Tk 30 lakh. The use of imagery of state-protected sites such as the National Parliament, Prime Minister’s Office, President’s Office, secretariat, courts, military barracks, or KPI-affiliated establishments may result in up to six months in jail or fines up to Tk 2 lakh. All fines will be recoverable under the Public Demand Recovery Act-1913. To adjudicate offences under the ordinance, one or more Broadcast Tribunals will be established. Each tribunal will comprise a district or sessions judge, with directives to resolve cases within 90 working days of filing. The formation of the Broadcast Commission will be overseen by a selection committee. Based on its recommendations, the government will appoint a chairman and four commissioners. At least one commissioner must be female. Commission members will be prohibited from holding profit-making positions or engaging in media-related businesses. Interim government’s role more complex than ever: Planning Adviser The draft ordinance assigns the Commission responsibilities including recommending broadcasting licences to the government, formulating codes of conduct and policies, overseeing broadcast operations, and resolving viewer and listener complaints. It will coordinate with BTRC on technical matters and has the authority to impose fines, issue corrective directives, or revoke license, if necessary. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced that comments on the draft ordinance will be accepted until 31 January 2026.

The government has declared a three-day holiday, aiming to facilitate voter participation in 13th parliamentary election. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette in this regard on Sunday. According to the gazette, the government has declared public holidays on February 11 and 12 (Wednesday and Thursday) on the occasion of the election and the referendum to facilitate the exercise of voting rights by officers and employees working in all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices, institutions and organisations as well as teachers, officers and employees of government and private educational institutions and holding of the election. It said a special holiday has been declared for workers and employees in industrial areas on February 10 (Tuesday). The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved a proposal to declare February 11 a public holiday, in addition to the public holiday on the voting day on February 12, to help voters participate and ensure law and order management in an effective manner. The approval was given at the Council’s weekly meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s Office, with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in the chair. CA’s press secretary Shafikul Alam said February 10 will apply only to industrial zone workers as a holiday. Govt clears Tk 2459 cr specialsed hospital  for northern region   He said the reason behind the decision was to allow voters currently residing in Dhaka, industrial towns, and other major cities to travel to their respective hometowns to cast their votes, as February 11 falls on the day before the election. The decision is also expected to help authorities manage law and order more effectively during the election period, Alam said.

A prolonged delay in regular promotions has triggered a deep crisis within the public administration, leaving hundreds of officials in three tiers frustrated. According to insiders, nearly 800 qualified officers are still waiting for promotion, including around 350 eligible for the rank of additional secretary, about 345 for joint secretary and at least 84 for deputy secretary. Many of them say the prolonged delay has created widespread frustration and resentment within the civil service. Senior officials and administration experts said uncertainty over promotions has intensified since the announcement of the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election although the election process itself poses no legal barrier to routine career advancement.  “If regular promotions are blocked, the country will be left with a frustrated and demoralised administration. That will inevitably slow down decision-making and day-to-day governance,” said former secretary AKM Abdul Awal Mazumdar. The number of deprived officials at the deputy secretary and joint secretary levels is also rising. Recently, 79 officers of the 30th BCS batch were denied promotion from senior assistant secretary to deputy secretary. Almost all of them have applied to the Ministry of Public Administration for a review. Former additional secretary Mohammad Firoz Mia said delays in promotion always create resentment within the administration. “If qualified officers are not promoted on time, frustration and anger grow and administrative work suffers. The election schedule is not a barrier to regular promotions. If necessary, the government should take approval from the Election Commission and ensure promotions on time. There is still time. If the government wants, it can act,” he said. Sources at the ministry said at least 183 officers of the 24th BCS batch were deprived of promotion to joint secretary under the regular batch system. Govt abolishes Public Administration Committee On March 20, 196 officials were promoted to joint secretary, but only 137 were selected from the 320 officers of the regular batch, leaving out 183, including five serving deputy commissioners. In the case of promotion from joint secretary to additional secretary, the 20th BCS batch is being considered as the regular batch. Around 300 officials, including 244 from the administration cadre and a significant number from other cadres are under consideration. Ministry sources, however, said 43 officers of this batch who served as deputy commissioners and 40 who worked as personal secretaries to ministers during the tenure of the Sheikh Hasina government are not being considered this time. The recruitment process of the 20th BCS batch was completed in 1999. Although they became eligible for promotion to joint secretary in 2019, they received promotion only in 2021. Under service rules, they became eligible for promotion to additional secretary in 2023 after completing two years as joint secretary. The Superior Selection Board (SSB) has already finalised the promotion list after analysing their service records but the government failed to issue the gazette at the last moment. Apart from the administration cadre, more than 150 officers from other cadres are also eligible for promotion to joint secretary but have not been promoted. Most of them have applied for a review. The SSB has held several meetings in response. The officials facing allegations of irregularities or corruption, those with ongoing cases by the Anti-Corruption Commission or departmental authorities, and those who served as ministers’ personal secretaries or deputy commissioners during the previous government are not being considered, ministry sources said. Public Administration Secretary Ehsanul Haque told UNB that the government is fully aware of the issue. “We are collecting information regarding those who have not received regular promotions. A decision will definitely come on this,” he said. Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid said several applications have already been received and multiple meetings have been held. “We are working on the issue. Let us see how much we can do within this time,” he said. On condition of anonymity several officials said many officers who were close personal secretaries to ministers during the Awami League government have already received promotions. Administration experts warn that failure to ensure timely promotion will severely disrupt the functioning of government, weaken morale and ultimately harm public service delivery.

The government has issued a gazette on the Mosque Management Policy 2025 introducing a structured pay scale, service benefits, recruitment rules and welfare provisions for mosque employees in the country. The Mosque Management Policy 2025 was published in a special issue of Bangladesh Gazette on Monday. The policy was formulated by a committee of the Ministry of Religious Affairs which held several meetings with prominent Islamic scholars and representatives of organisations of imams and khatibs before finalisation. Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain attended the meetings as the chief guest. Under the new policy, a grade-based salary structure has been fixed for mosque employees excluding khatibs whose remuneration will be determined according to contract terms. However, financially insolvent and mosques where 5-time prayers held have been advised to fix salaries and allowances according to their capacity. As per the new policy, senior pesh imams will receive salaries in Grade 5, pesh imams in Grade 6 and imams in Grade 9.  The chief muezzin will be paid in Grade 10, muezzin in Grade 11, chief khadem in Grade 15 and khadem in Grade 16. Mosque management committees have been asked to arrange family accommodation for staff according to their capacity and  introduces a monthly savings scheme for their future welfare. A one-time honourarium will also be provided at the end of service. Mosque employees will be entitled to a maximum of four weekly holidays per month with committee approval, 20 days of casual leave per calendar year and one earned leave for every 12 days of service, it said. For recruitment, a seven-member selection committee will be formed for each mosque and no direct appointment will be allowed without its recommendation. Appointment letters must clearly mention salary, allowances, duties and other service conditions, it said . The policy also creates new posts for security guards and cleaners and instructs committees to arrange separate prayer spaces for women in accordance with Shariah. Govt launches e-bail bond system in 8 districts The size of mosque management committees has been increased to 15 members with scope for adjustment based on mosque income, size and location. For resolving service-related disputes, aggrieved employees may appeal within 30 days to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer or the relevant city corporation regional executive officer. A three-member committee led by the deputy commissioner will address any complexities in implementing the policy.

The government has ordered the deposition of all licensed firearms at the nearest police stations by January 31, ahead of the national election scheduled for February 12. The directive was issued through a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday. The notification also bans the carrying or public display of firearms until the completion of the national election and referendum. The restriction will, however, not apply to candidates whose nomination papers have been validly submitted and accepted by the Election Commission, or to armed ‘retainers’ duly authorised for them. The notification warns that any violation of the order will be dealt with in accordance with the law. All superintendents of police and the authorities concerned have been instructed to take necessary measures to ensure the implementation of the directive. The government on December 15 formulated a policy on issuing firearm licences and appointing armed retainers for politically important individuals and candidates ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election slated for February 12. Titled ‘Firearm Licence and Retainer Appointment Policy–2025 for Politically Important Persons and Candidates for the Post of Member of Parliament’, the policy was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The ministry said the policy was formulated to ensure public security, maintain law and order and prevent election-time violence. Under the policy, a ‘retainer’ is defined as an armed person appointed and authorised to protect a politically important individual or a candidate. DMP chief orders use of firearms to stop arson attacks in Dhaka  A ‘politically important person’ refers to a current or former high-ranking political figure recognised by the government. To be eligible for a firearm licence, an applicant must be a recognised politically important person or a candidate who has submitted nomination papers for the 13th Parliamentary Election, and must face a verified security threat as assessed by the relevant authorities, including intelligence agencies.

The government of Bangladesh has suspended the “Visa on Arrival” facility for Bhutan, with effect from January 15 to February 15, 2026. The Bhutanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, in a formal notification, informed the general public that the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Thimphu has officially conveyed that. In view of this, 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 notification reads. The Bhutanese Ministry advised all travellers to take note of this change and make necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday said the government welcomes BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s scheduled homecoming on Thursday morning, affirming that all cooperation sought by his party is being extended with necessary security measures in place. "We welcome his return," he told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. In terms of security, Alam said, things are being looked after in consultation with BNP keeping in mind what the party wants.   "From our part, we have the highest effort," said the Press Secretary, stressing that required security measures have been taken from the government side. Homebound Finally: Tarique set to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday morning Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad was also present. Regarding youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's killers, Press Secretary Alam said the government is working with the highest priority in this regard.   "We are getting some vital clues. We have the highest efforts to investigate the matter," he said, referring to some arrests. After 17 years in exile, Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman is poised to return home on Thursday morning (December 25, 2025), a moment the party describes as both politically significant and emotionally charged. BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed a detailed timeline at a press conference held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday (December 24, 2025). According to the plan, Tarique Rahman will depart London’s Heathrow Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. Senior journalist Saleh Shibly and three personal aides will also travel with him. The aircraft is scheduled to land in Dhaka at 11:55am. From the airport, Tarique will proceed directly to a public reception arranged on the service lane of the 300 Feet Road, where he will deliver a brief address to supporters. To minimise public inconvenience and traffic congestion in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman alone will speak at the reception, said Salahuddin. After the programme, he will visit BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, Bashundhara, to enquire about her health. He will then return to his designated residence in Gulshan. On Friday, following the Jumma prayers, Tarique Rahman will visit the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman. He is also scheduled to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial. On Saturday, Tarique Rahman will be formally registered as a voter. After completing the process, he will visit the grave of Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will later go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured in the July 2024 uprising. Tarique Rahman was arrested during the caretaker government in 2007 and spent around 18 months in prison. After his release in 2008, he left for the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment. Although he has been leading the party from abroad, his return now comes as he prepares to take a more direct role in party affairs after a long 17-year absence.  

The government is taking steps to purchase a new fleet of modern locomotives to make Bangladesh’s rail services more efficient and profitable, said Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Road Transport, Bridges and Railways. “We expect to complete the tender process within a month,” he said in an interview with UNB. “Passenger demand is not an issue — people want to travel by train. But we’re facing a shortage of locomotives which limits the frequency and reliability of services,” Moinuddin said. “If we can address that by procuring more locomotives, train operations will increase, travel will become more convenient, and costs will come down,” he said, adding that the ministry is moving ahead with a plan to buy more locomotives than currently required to ensure long-term service stability. Despite a notable decline in operational losses in recent years the railway sector has yet to become fully profitable, he said. Govt plans rail link for all economic zones starting with Mirsarai In many countries, Moinuddin said, public transport systems are not directly profit-making but efficient management and reduced operational costs can make them sustainable. “We need better administrative efficiency and more effective policy decisions to achieve that.” About other major infrastructure development plans he said a master plan includes reducing the Dhaka-Chattogram route distance by around 80 kilometers. “Work has already started in parts of Ishwardi to straighten the railway line which will significantly reduce travel time.” Regarding other projects, Moinuddin said the renovation of the old line under the Jamuna Train Project is underway and new project activities are expected to begin next month. He ruled out the immediate introduction of high-speed or underground trains. “Our infrastructure isn’t ready for that yet. Discussions are ongoing about a Green Railway initiative but it will take more time,” he said. Bangladesh Railway has been struggling with inadequate rolling stock, outdated signaling systems and delays in completing major projects. At present, the railway has 1,788 coaches, nearly half of which (47%) have exceeded their service life. Only 295 locomotives are operational. Dhaka-Ctg highway’s 10-lane expansion shelved; focus shifts to railway Against a required workforce of 47,600 in the railway, only 24,000 are currently employed. Over the past five years till 2024, more than 2,000 accidents have occurred, resulting in over 150 passenger deaths and around 500 injuries. In the past four months alone, 160 railway accidents and sabotage incidents were reported nationwide, causing 18 fatalities and 200 injuries. The Ministry of Railways’ 2022-23 annual report states that 315 passenger trains are currently operating nationwide, with 143 of them introduced in the last 15 years. During this period, 843 kilometres of new railway tracks have been laid, and 1,391 kilometres of existing lines have been repaired. In 2024, the railway recorded a reduction in losses by over 20% due to improved ticketing systems and increased freight operations. Revenue from Bangladesh Railway is insufficient to cover its operational expenses, placing a financial burden that limits its growth and development. The 20-Year Railway Master Plan proposes 235 projects valued at Tk 2,33,944 crore. Key initiatives include extending the railway network by 2,877 kilometres, linking 44 districts, and standardising gauge systems to improve efficiency. The plan also emphasises integrating rail with road and inland water transport to establish a unified national transportation network.    

The Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday recommended two major proposals for policy approval, including the import of refined fuel oil through a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement for 2026 and the direct procurement of e-passport materials. The meeting of the committee, held at Bangladesh Secretariat, was virtually chaired by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed.  The proposals came from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and the Ministry of Home Affairs, respectively. Under the first proposal, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division sought policy approval for the purchase and import of refined fuel oil under the direct purchase method through G2G arrangements for the period of January to December 2026.  After reviewing the submission, the committee recommended the proposal for policy approval, recognising the importance of ensuring a stable supply of fuel to meet the country’s energy demands. Govt forms taskforce for national spatial planning The second agenda item, placed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, concerned the ongoing project titled ‘Introduction of E-Passport and Automated Border Control Management in Bangladesh’.  The proposal sought policy approval for the direct contracting method to procure one crore e-passport raw materials—extendable up to 50 lakh additional raw materials in emergencies—alongside 57 lakh e-passport booklets and associated training packages. After detailed discussions, the committee recommended the proposal for policy approval, citing the project’s strategic importance in maintaining the continuity of e-passport issuance and enhancing border management efficiency. Both recommendations will now move forward for final approval by the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase. Official sources said these approvals are part of the administration’s broader efforts to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and modernise national identification and border control systems.  

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Sunday urged the government to expedite the reform process and then take steps to hold the national election as soon as possible. “I think we shouldn’t waste much time. A consensus must be reached quickly, prioritising the critical issues for political stability and a fair and proper election. Then it is necessary to arrange for an election to be held as soon as possible” he said. The Jamaat leader made the remarks during Jamaat’s second day talks with the National Consensus Commission at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. An 11-member Jamaat delegation, led by Taher, participated in the dialogue at 10:30am with National Consensus Commission Vice Chairman Prof Ali Riaz in the chair. Referring to recent developments in the country, Taher said several incidents since Jamaat's last meeting with the Consensus Commission (on April 26). “Some analysts think there might be conspiracies behind these incidents to destabilise the country. The ongoing process to create unrest in the country in many ways appears to be part of such plots,” he said. Jamaat joins talks with Consensus Commission for day 2 The Jamaat leader called on the interim government to tackle these things with firmness and accuracy, pledging Jamaat’s support for all positive initiatives.  “Our primary goal is to ensure the next election is free, fair, credible, and free from violence,” he said, adding that the last three elections were the main reasons behind the present situation of the country. A completely acceptable, fair and free election is the only solution to come out from this situation, he added. Taher said the failure to announce a clear election timeline was contributing to unrest within political parties. “That’s why I would like to request the Consensus Commission that…we should reach a consensus (over reform issues) on not consuming so much time here,” he said. He, however, expressed concern that the current environment still does not reflect the conditions needed for a fully credible and fair election as various problems have already surfaced in some constituencies.  “I personally think that the situation for the arrangement of the next election in a completely fair and just manner is not being observed yet,” he said. Jamaat’s registration: SC sets June 1 for delivering verdict Noting that Jamaat’s office in Pabna’s Atghoria was set on fire recently, and there were attacks on Jamaat supporters, he said though the date for election has not been announced yet, the competition for establishing dominance in different areas. Pointing at the head of the Election System Reform Commission Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar who was present in the meeting, the Jamaat leader said it should ensure a system that guarantees fair and proper elections.  “Whatever measures are necessary—be they hard or accommodative—must be taken. But elections should be very fair and acceptable,” he said. “It is our special request that we hold the election (next general election) as early as possible with these amendments and reforms,” said Taher. The Jamaat Nayeb-e Ameer also criticised the Election Commission, saying it appeared unable to take appropriate action in some cases.  He urged the government to ensure a level playing field well ahead of the election, tackling any potential threats of violence in advance. “The government should give this message to all political parties as well as the nation that it is committed to making the election proper and fair under any circumstances,” he continued. Mentioning that some recent actions of the interim government give an impression of lacking neutrality or efficiency, the Jamaat leader urged the government to pay attention to it. “The government must be completely neutral over it (election),” said Abdullah Mohammad Taher. Earlier on April 26, Jamaat-e-Islami participated in the dialogue with the Consensus Commission for the first day. During the first day's talks, Jamaat-e-Islami agreed to the proposals for the introduction of the proportional representation (PR) system, a bicameral parliament and the provision to prevent any individual from becoming Prime Minister more than twice. They discussed only the Constitution-related reform recommendations on the first day. On March 20 last, the Consensus Commission opened a series of talks with political parties to forge a national consensus on state reform initiatives undertaken by the interim government. The commission has already held talks with more than 30 political parties, including BNP and National Citizen Party (NCP). Ex-Jamaat leader Barrister Abdur Razzaq passes away Formed on February 15, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, the Commission was tasked with shaping a unified national stance on critical reforms.