United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur on Wednesday said the ongoing power and energy crisis cannot be blamed on the present government, describing it as a problem inherited from the previous Awami League government. “This new government, which has been in power for only six months, did not formulate the energy policy that created this situation. It is now bearing the brunt of the energy policy adopted during the Awami League era,” he said while speaking at a programme organised by the Ex-Forces Association at the Jatiya Press Club. Nur said the government is repeatedly facing questions from the public over the power and energy situation even though the current crisis was not created by it. He added that the volatile situation in the Middle East has further intensified pressure on the government. Cautioning that the crisis will worsen if the opposition takes to the streets instead of cooperating with the government, the state minister said, “If we step away from the negotiating table and take to the streets, the crisis will only deepen. Because of one mistake of ours, Awami League remained in power for 17 years. Such a mistake cannot be repeated.” He said Bangladesh, under a BNP-led government, will not accept the dominance of any other state. “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has clearly conveyed a message to Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi that Bangladesh will never again become a client state of any other country.” Nur claimed it was widely known that Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2008 under an “Indian blueprint,” alleging that she was able to stay in power for so long because India wanted her to. Recalling the role of the Army in the fall of Sheikh Hasina through the mass uprising, he said, “The Army played a key role in the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 anti-autocracy movement, and the fall of Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Their contribution cannot be denied.” The state minister also called on the country's intelligence agencies not to turn into partisan bodies, saying they must not become like the intelligence agencies of the Awami League era and must instead work in the interest of the state.

Employment exchange will be introduced at the district level to directly connect jobseekers with employers, with priority given to marginalised and disadvantaged communities, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Spokesperson Mahdi Amin said on Wednesday. “We are going to launch employment exchange. Several dialogues and consultations have already been held among different government agencies on the initiative,” he said. Mahdi Amin, also Prime Minister’s adviser, was speaking at the second session of a national conference titled “Implementing a Five-Year Strategic Framework for Achieving the SDGs: Policies, Partnerships and Priorities” at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. “We will reach the district level and bring local employers and jobseekers together. Both offline and online platforms will be used to create new employment opportunities,” he said. The initiative will also focus on technical skills development, capacity building and an effective referral system, with the private sector directly involved in improving institutional skills and qualifications, the PMO spokesperson said. He said the government’s top priority is ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the country’s economic growth and development. “Fully integrating disadvantaged people into the mainstream economy and social protection system is one of the government’s key objectives,” he said. The adviser said the government is committed to ensuring inclusive development and solving citizens’ problems through sustainable measures. Highlighting what he described as positive aspects of the government’s first budget, he said taxes and VAT on more than seven essential commodities, including rice, pulses, edible oil, sugar and flour, had been slashed to strengthen the economic empowerment of grassroots people. Mahdi Amin also said the government has kept fuel prices stable despite rising prices in the international market. Regarding the recent gas supply disruption following a technical failure at a Floating Storage Regasification Unit, he said measures are being taken to resolve the problem. The PMP spokesperson acknowledged that long-standing challenges in the energy sector could not be resolved completely within five or six months but said efforts are underway to attract foreign investment and increase domestic resource extraction. He said the government plans to create 100,000 new jobs in the health sector soon, with women to receive priority for 80,000 of the positions. Mahdi Amin said the government’s commitment to development is not limited to elections but is rooted in the political philosophy of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He said the government is working to rebuild and reform state institutions affected by what he described as 16 years of authoritarian rule. The adviser said the government is committed to ensuring equal rights, freedom and participation in development for all citizens. Among others, Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, Centre of Policy Dialogue Distinguished Fellow Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya and BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman, attended the event.

Speakers at a multi-stakeholder consultation today called for making labour migration management in Bangladesh effective, inclusive, and rights-based. The consultation meeting was organized to finalize the National Action Plan on Labour Migration 2026 held on Wednesday at hotel in Tejgaon, Dhaka. The event was arranged by the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) under its project titled "Capacity Building of Trade Unions for Inclusive and Sustainable Reintegration of Returnee Migrant Workers," with support from research institution iSocial and funding from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The project is supported by Switzerland. Chaired by NCCWE Chairman and BILS Advisory Council Board Member Mesbahuddin Ahmed, the meeting was attended by State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haq Nur as the chief guest. BILS Executive Director Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed delivered the welcome address, while BILS Director Kohinoor Mahmood moderated the session. Dr. Ananya Raihan, Chairperson and Chief Consultant of iSocial, presented the National Action Plan on Labour Migration 2026. Rahnuma Salam Khan, National Programme Manager of ILO, and Sakil Akhtar Chowdhury, General Secretary of BILS, discussed the presentation. Special guests included BILS Vice Chairman Anwar Hossain, SCOP Joint Convener Md. Fayez Hossain, TUCSA Advisor and WARBE Development Foundation Chairman Syed Saiful Haque, BAIRA Director Ali Haider Chowdhury, and ILO SME Development Specialist Gunjan Dalacoti. Addressing the event, State Minister Nurul Haq Nur emphasized prioritizing the interests of remittance fighters above political affiliations. He stressed the need for inter-ministerial coordination to utilize returnee workers' experience for skill development and to ensure their social security. He also mentioned that efforts are underway to increase the allowance provided to returnee workers by the Wage Earners' Welfare Board. Terming migration an inter-state issue involving human rights, Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed highlighted the role of the state in safeguarding rights. He noted that since 80 percent of remittance earners originate from South Asia, better coordination among sending countries is essential. Presenting the plan, Dr. Ananya Raihan emphasized breaking recruiter agency syndicates and signing 10 bilateral agreements over the next five years. To ensure maximum protection, dignity, and welfare for migrant and returnee women workers, he called for amending existing migration laws, rules, and policies, or adopting a separate legal and policy framework. He also advocated forming a special committee to create a roadmap for implementing Recommendation 26 of Article 5 of CEDAW. Dr. Raihan urged stakeholders to protect female workers' rights, arrange hostel accommodations for women workers in GCC countries, modernize service systems, make expatriate cards mandatory to bring public, private, and NGO services onto a single platform, bring all district-level government offices under one roof, and ensure services through modern digital platforms. Additionally, he stressed rescuing stranded workers abroad, establishing safe houses for abused female domestic workers, inspecting workplaces to resolve complaints, creating a database of returnee workers, enrolling them in the national labour registry, and providing microcredit, mental health services, social allowances, and long-term rehabilitation under the Reintegration Policy 2025. Speakers noted that international labour migration remains a key driver for job creation, foreign remittance earnings, and overall economic stability in Bangladesh. However, challenges such as high migration costs, skill mismatches, limited labour market diversity, and inadequate support for returnee worker reintegration persist. The draft action plan was prepared by BILS, iSocial, and the ILO based on real-ground challenges and recommendations from the Labour Reform Commission. It draws from key national frameworks, including election manifestos, five-year plans, reports of the Labour Reform Commission and Women Affairs Reform Commission, and the National Reintegration Policy. The consultation brought together representatives from ministries, government departments, senior trade union leaders, civil society organizations, national and international agencies, and field volunteers to gather feedback and finalize the plan. Realistic recommendations were formulated at the end of the meeting to ensure effective implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the action plan.

The Teachers-Employees Job Nationalisation Alliance and the Retired Teachers and Employees Coordination Forum on Wednesday announced a series of programmes to press home a 10-point demand, including job nationalisation of MPO-enlisted non-government teachers and employees as well as their inclusion in the 9th national pay scale. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the National Press Club in the city. Recommended pry assistant teachers withdraw Shahbagh sit-in Leaders of the organisations said if the demands are not met by August 31, they would launch a series of programmes, including divisional rallies in September and October, and formation of Struggle Committee to wage a greater movement. The 10 demands include payment of salaries to MPO-enlisted teachers and employees in accordance with existing rules and regulations; nationalisation of their jobs to eliminate discrimination; introduction of a speedy transfer system; payment of 100 percent festival allowances and house rent in line with government rules; and replacement of the Non-Government Teachers' Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) with PSC-2 for teacher recruitment. Other demands include; bringing all recognised educational institutions under the MPO scheme; raising the retirement age to 65; and ensuring leave for night guards in accordance with existing rules and arranging for the appointment of a second night guard. Jasim Uddin Ahmed, chief adviser to the Retired Teachers and Employees Coordination Forum, alleged that the Education Ministry and the Welfare and Retirement Benefits Board were going to provide Tk 2.5 lakh and Tk 5 lakh as one-time payments to each 44,000 applicants from the Welfare Trust and the Retirement Benefits Board respectively on August 15 in violation of existing rules. But in the past, teachers and employees were entitled to receive an amount equivalent to 25 months of their last salary from the Welfare Trust and 75 months of their last salary from the Retirement Benefits Board, he said. There is a possible move in the future to return only the money deposited by retired teachers and employees, he said adding such a move could create distrust among teachers and employees towards the government. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had allocated 2 percent of GDP for the education sector in the 2026-27 fiscal year and assured that the allocation would be raised to 5 percent over the next four years. Besides, Tk 200 crore had been allocated for welfare and retirement benefits, he said. “These measures had helped build confidence among the teaching community in the government. But the Education Ministry was trying to create misunderstanding through subtle tactics so that teachers and employees could be deprived of their legitimate rights,” said Jashim Uddin.

The government has decided to restrict the operating hours of shopping malls, markets and shops across the country until 8:00pm as part of measures to conserve electricity amid an ongoing power and gas crisis. According to a notification issued by the Power Division on Wednesday, shopping malls, markets and shops will remain open from 11:00am to 8:00pm, replacing the previous closing time of 9:00pm. Govt working on time-bound action plan to address power, gas crisis: Amit The notification also requires all illuminated billboards to be switched off by 7:00pm and all decorative lighting to remain switched off. The restrictions will also apply to ongoing and upcoming fairs, trade fairs and cultural programmes across the country, which will have to conclude by 8:00pm.However, food shops, hospitals and pharmacies will remain outside the purview of the new restrictions. The latest decision supersedes an earlier government directive issued on June 11, under which shopping malls, markets and shops had been allowed to remain open until 9:00pm. The move comes at a time when Bangladesh is facing renewed pressure on electricity generation largely due to inadequate gas supplies and the rising cost and availability of imported fuels. More than 40 percent of the country’s electricity generation capacity is gas-based, while declining domestic gas production has increased dependence on imported LNG. The gas shortage has repeatedly disrupted power generation, forcing authorities to manage electricity supply through load shedding, particularly during periods of high demand. The country’s peak electricity demand has recently hovered around 18,000 MW, putting additional pressure on the power system during peak hours. The government has also been trying to secure additional LNG supplies to ease the gas shortage and maintain electricity generation. The recent geopolitical volatility in global energy markets has added to concerns over fuel supply and import costs. The government has taken several measures in recent months to conserve electricity and reduce pressure on the national grid, including restrictions on decorative lighting and efforts to manage electricity consumption during peak hours. The latest restriction on commercial operating hours is expected to reduce evening electricity consumption by shopping centres, markets and shops, particularly through lighting, air-conditioning and other commercial equipment. The Power Division has instructed the authorities concerned to take necessary measures to ensure compliance with the new schedule. The government has been pursuing a broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported fuels by increasing the use of renewable energy and indigenous energy resources. According to government’s policy documents, Bangladesh aims to raise the share of renewable energy in its power mix to 20 percent by 2030, with a longer-term ambition of reaching 30 to 50 percent by 2050. The authorities are also working to expand rooftop solar and other distributed renewable energy solutions as part of efforts to improve energy security and reduce pressure on conventional power generation. The latest restrictions indicate that demand-side management remains an important component of the government’s immediate response while efforts continue to address the underlying gas and electricity supply constraints.

At least 120 people – members of both Bangalee and ethnic minority communities – were killed in infighting between extremist outfits United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) and Parbatya Chattogram Jana Sanghati Samity (JSS) over the past one year, Lt (retd) Saifullah Khan Saif, president of the Ex-Forces Association, said at a seminar on Wednesday. He made the disclosure while presenting data at the seminar titled “Restoring Peace and Sovereignty in the Chittagong Hill Tracts” held at the Jatiya Press Club. Saif said 96 incidents of gunfire linked to internal rivalry among hill groups took place in the region over the past year, with around 21,000 rounds exchanged between the warring factions, resulting in the reported deaths. He alleged that extortion in the region amounts to Tk 1,000-1,200 crore annually across 41 sectors, with the Santu Larma-led JSS collecting the largest share – around Tk 450 crore. "Everyone in the government knows about this extortion, but no action has been taken. Anyone who refuses to pay is shot dead in public," the Ex-Forces Association president said, adding that Santu Larma holds meetings abroad against the interests of the country. He further alleged that UPDF leader Prasit Bikash Khisa recently demanded Tk 3 crore in extortion over the installation of a mobile tower, while Michael Chakma has been openly collecting extortion since without facing arrest. The organisation placed seven demands for restoring peace in the Hill Tracts –resisting armed groups, reviewing the CHT Peace Accord, taking legal action against those involved in anti-state activities, increasing Army camps and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Border Outposts (BOPs) in the hills, establishing permanent Army camps in conflict-prone areas, bringing ethnic residents under the income tax net and allowing Bangalees to purchase land in the CHT. Speakers at the event said peace must be restored in the CHT at any cost, and demanded, if necessary, the establishment of an Army cantonment in the region.

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Wednesday approved procurement of eight cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) through direct international purchases to meet the country’s urgent gas demand amid the volatile geopolitical situation arising from the Iran and US-Israel conflict. Of the eight cargoes, four will be purchased from two international suppliers.  The committee recommended procuring two cargoes from Blackcube International Ltd, UK at US$15.50 per MMBtu and another two cargoes from Maxwell International SPC, Oman at JKM plus US$0.54 per MMBtu. The proposals were placed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. The CCGP also recommended the purchase of two LNG cargoes from Zhenyu Shipping Co. Limited, Hong Kong, through the direct procurement process in 2026 at US$14.95 per MMBtu. In another decision, the committee recommended a long-term government-to-government (G2G) purchase arrangement with Gunvor USA LLC for a total of 117 LNG cargoes between 2026 and 2038. Under the proposed arrangement, five cargoes will be purchased in 2026, six in 2027 and three in 2028 at a price of JKM plus US$0.0875 per MMBtu. In addition, three cargoes will be purchased in 2028 and 10 cargoes annually from 2029 to 2038 at a price formula of 121% HH plus US$5.20 per MMBtu. The LNG procurement decisions come as Bangladesh faces persistent pressure on domestic gas supplies and growing dependence on imported LNG to meet demand from power plants, industries and other consumers. The government has been increasing spot and direct LNG purchases alongside long-term arrangements to ensure uninterrupted gas supply amid heightened uncertainty in the international energy market.      

State Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam on Wednesday said health consequences, along with environmental impacts, should be assessed for development projects to ensure public health and well-being. He urged all to adopt environmental-friendly waste-management practices to prevent pollution of rivers, soil and air. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Waste-Free Bangladesh: Our Responsibility”, organised by the Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB) at the Jatiya Press Club, the state minister urged journalists to publish more reports on environmental conservation and highlight shortcomings in government initiatives. He said the government is working to find nature-based and environment-friendly solutions to various problems, mentioning its plans to plant 25 crore trees, dig 20,000 kilometres of canals and launch electric buses. Faridul said industrial factories discharge waste at 425 points into the five rivers around Dhaka, underscoring the need to end the practice and urging journalists to come forward in this regard. He said roads should be repaired soon after excavation to help reduce air pollution in Dhaka. The meeting called for making Bangladesh healthy and habitable by properly managing waste and replenishing natural resources, according to a press release. Keynote speaker Zakir Hossain Khan, managing director of Change Initiative, gave a virtual presentation highlighting the mountains of garbage accumulating in various sectors across the country and outlined ways to reduce waste to zero through recycling, recovery and regeneration of resources under a circular economy. Forum General Secretary and Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, and Forum Executive Member and Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, among others, took part in the discussion, which was chaired by Forum President Mostafa Kamal Majumdar.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has called for coordinated efforts involving the government, local communities, forest workers, NGOs, students, researchers and media professionals to ensure a safe future for elephants. He made the call at a discussion marking World Elephant Day, 2026 at the Forest Department headquarters in the capital on Wednesday. The minister said protecting elephant habitats means protecting forests, biodiversity, the environment and ultimately the future of humans. He said elephant numbers in Bangladesh have declined due to habitat destruction, deforestation, poaching and wildlife crimes. A 2015 survey recorded 268 resident wild elephants, 93 migratory elephants and 96 captive elephants in the country. The government has taken an initiative to conduct another elephant census by 2027. Mintoo said the government has formulated the Bangladesh Elephant Conservation Action Plan (2018-2027), identifying 40 priority activities for elephant conservation. He said the government is also providing compensation to people affected by human-elephant conflicts. From 2012 to June 2026, families of 322 people killed, 169 injured people and 3,215 families affected by damage to homes and crops received around Tk 13.77 crore in compensation. Under the 2021 compensation rules, families of deceased victims receive Tk 3 lakh, injured people up to Tk 1 lakh and up to Tk 50,000 is provided for property damage. The minister instructed the Forest Department to ensure that affected people receive compensation as quickly as possible. He said 159 Elephant Response Teams (ERTs) have so far been formed in elephant-prone areas to monitor elephant movements, issue early warnings and help reduce human-elephant conflicts safely. “Local people’s participation is our greatest strength in elephant conservation. Elephant conservation can never be sustainable without involving local communities,” he said. The international theme of this year’s World Elephant Day is “Bringing the world together to help elephants,” while its Bangla theme is “Bisw jure Oikya Gori, Hatir Jibon Roksha Kori.” Sherpur-3 MP Mahmudul Haque Rubel and Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Md Saimum Parvez addressed the event as special guests. Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury chaired the programme.

The government has appointed new secretaries to the Public Division of the President’s Office and the Ministry of Agriculture. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Md Selim Khan has been promoted to secretary. The notification said Agriculture Ministry Secretary (contractual) Rafiqul I Mohammad has been transferred to the Public Division of the President’s Office as secretary on a contractual basis. Meanwhile, Khan Md Nurul Amin, who had been serving as secretary of the Public Division, has been transferred to the Ministry of Public Administration as secretary (attached).