United News of Bangladesh

The government has formed a seven-member high-level committee to recommend measures to enhance the effectiveness of mobile courts and remove the legal, policy and institutional barriers affecting their operations. The Cabinet Division issued a notification to this effect on Sunday. Adviser to the Ministry of Public Administration will chair the committee. Its members include the State Minister for Public Administration, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Secretaries of the Ministry of Public Administration, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Finance Division and the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. According to the notification, the committee has been tasked to identify the legal, policy and institutional challenges facing mobile courts operated by various ministries, divisions, offices and organisations. It will also prepare short-, medium- and long-term recommendations to address those challenges. Besides, the committee will recommend measures to ensure the necessary supporting mechanisms, equipment, and logistical support required for the effective operation of mobile courts. The committee may invite representatives or experts from relevant ministries, divisions, offices, agencies and other institutions to its meetings, as necessary. Meetings will be held as required, while the District and Field Administration Wing of the Cabinet Division will provide secretarial support to the committee.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has urged all media outlets and social media platforms to strictly follow the court directives regarding broadcast and publication of statements or speeches by the ousted, now fugitive, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry issued a statement on Friday drawing the attention of all print, electronic, and online news media, as well as social media platforms. The ministry said, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on December 5, 2024, imposed a ban on broadcasting the speeches of the deposed and fugitive Sheikh Hasina. It noted that under the existing laws of Bangladesh, there is a legal bar on media outlets broadcasting or publishing any statement, interview, or audio-video speech of a court-convicted fugitive offender. In the interest of maintaining law and order and showing due respect to the court's directives, the ministry specially requested all media outlets- including television, radio, newspapers, news portals, and social platforms- not to broadcast or publish any speech, statement, or remarks by the fugitive Sheikh Hasina, whether live or recorded. The government expects that all media houses, relevant stakeholders, and citizens will show proper respect to the existing laws and court directives, the statement added.

The Cabinet on Thursday approved in principle three major policy measures, including the draft Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026, the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030) and the Import Policy Order, 2026–2029, aimed at improving the investment climate, expanding renewable energy and updating the country's import framework. The approvals came at the 12th meeting of the Cabinet, held at the Cabinet Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. The proposed Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026 seeks to bring the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) under a coordinated framework. Under the proposed law, the new authority will serve as the country's apex investment promotion and coordination agency. It aims to simplify and speed up services for investors by integrating approvals, registrations, import and export procedures, incentives, industrial zone development and other government services. The Cabinet also approved the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030), which aims to establish a safe, affordable, sustainable and low-carbon energy system. The strategy was finalised following recommendations made by a committee formed after the special Cabinet meeting on April 16, 2026, as well as inter-ministerial consultations and feedback from 31 ministries, departments, agencies, research institutions, experts and investment organisations. Its main target is to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's total electricity generation to 20 percent by 2030 while ensuring at least 15 percent electricity savings through effective demand management. The strategy is also expected to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, ease subsidy pressure in the power sector and support Bangladesh's commitments to addressing climate change. The Cabinet also approved the draft Import Policy Order, 2026–2029. The new Import Policy Order, 2026–2029 introduces several key changes aimed at facilitating trade and boosting investment. Under the proposed order, both industrial and commercial importers will be allowed to import goods of any value through Letters of Credit (LCs) as well as sales contracts, in line with modern international trade practices. It also allows the use of other Bangladesh Bank-approved international payment methods, including open account transactions. The policy also includes provisions for establishing Free Trade Zones and Central Bonded Warehouses, with the aim of developing Bangladesh into a regional hub for trade, logistics and re-export. The measures are expected to attract foreign investment, promote exports, strengthen supply chains, improve the ease of doing business and ensure a smoother supply of industrial raw materials. In addition, the policy expands the facility for export-oriented industries to import raw materials and production inputs on a Free of Cost (FoC) basis. The move is intended to diversify exports and encourage the growth of high value-added export sectors.

The government has promoted 179 senior assistant secretaries to the rank of joint secretary. The Ministry of Public Administration issued separate notifications to this end on Thursday. According to a notification, 172 of the newly promoted officials have been attached to the Ministry of Public Administration as officers on special duty (OSD), as they have not yet been given new postings. A separate notification said seven other officials serving in Bangladesh missions in Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland and South Africa have also been promoted to the rank of joint secretary.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday directed the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA) to take steps to further reduce the lead time in public procurement from the current 54 days to accelerate the implementation of development projects. He issued the directive while chairing the 4th meeting of the 10-member Governing Board of the BPPA at the authority's conference room on the Bangladesh Planning Commission campus, according to a press release. The meeting was attended by State Minister for Planning and Senior Vice Chair of the Governing Board Md Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) Secretary and BPPA Vice Chair Shirajun Noor Chowdhury, and other board members. Procurement lead time refers to the period between the invitation of tenders and the signing of contracts. Commending the BPPA for its institutional development and procurement reforms, Khosru said the introduction of the electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system and other reforms reduced the procurement lead time from around 100 days to 54 days. Describing the progress as encouraging, he said the timeframe should be reduced further to expedite project implementation. The minister said delays in project execution hinder the government's development agenda, adding that a faster procurement process, backed by greater efficiency, competition, and transparency, will significantly improve project implementation and development outcomes. As Chair of the BPPA Governing Board, he also stressed the need to increase competition and improve the quality of public procurement, saying stronger procurement performance will help ensure timely and effective implementation of government projects. The minister said the activities of the Planning Ministry need to be revitalised and announced that he will work from the ministry's office at least one day every week to provide closer oversight of its activities. Earlier, BPPA Chief Executive Officer and Member Secretary of the Governing Board SM Moin Uddin Ahmed made a presentation outlining the authority's establishment, organisational structure, statutory functions, progress of the e-GP system, ongoing projects, key challenges and future strategic priorities. During the meeting, Khosru instructed the BPPA to expedite implementation of its ongoing modernisation project, ensure mandatory adoption of the e-GP system and digital signatures, and strengthen due diligence of firms participating in public procurement. He also emphasised the appointment of competent project directors and the enhancement of their professional capacity to improve project implementation. The minister further called for regular meetings of the BPPA Governing Board to strengthen oversight and ensure timely decision-making.

The government has approved the construction of key facilities at the Kanchpur Bus Terminal under the jurisdiction of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) through the Direct Procurement Method (DPM). The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave the approval at its meeting at Secretariat on Wednesday with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. Cabinet body approves two road upgradation contracts According to the official statement issued after the meeting, the committee gave policy approval for the project titled "Construction of Shed, Ticket Counters, Toilets, Office Rooms and Other Ancillary Facilities at Kanchpur Bus Terminal". The project will be implemented by Chittagong Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), an enterprise operated under the Bangladesh Navy, through the Direct Procurement Method. The proposal was placed before the committee by the Local Government Division.

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Wednesday approved two procurement proposals involving the modernisation of power distribution infrastructure and a variation to a bridge construction project with a combined value of about Tk 257.42 crore. The approval was given at the CCGP meeting held at the Secretariat with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair. The committee approved awarding a contract worth Tk 141.33 crore under the Power Division's project titled "Network Infrastructure Development and Modernisation of Power Distribution System in the NESCO Area". The procurement relates to the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of nine 33/11 kV Air Insulated Substation (AIS) upgrades in the Rangpur Zone. The contract has been recommended in favour of the joint venture of Adex Corporation Limited (ACL) and Adex Engineering Limited (AEL) at a cost of Tk 141,33,13,075.92. The committee also recommended approving a variation proposal under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for the project titled "Construction of Important Bridges on Rural Roads (Second Phase)." The variation concerns a bridge construction project in Boda Upazila of Panchagarh district. The original contract value stood at Tk 110 crore, while the proposed variation amounts to Tk 6.09 crore, representing an increase of 5.54 per cent over the original contract price. Following the variation, the revised contract value will stand at Tk 116.09 crore. The committee recommended awarding the revised contract to National Development Engineers Ltd.

State Minister for Power, Energy Mineral Resources Anindya Islam on Monday said the country’s power sector is currently bearing the heavy liabilities of wrong decisions made by the previous “fascist" government, including paying capacity charges for an additional 12,000 megawatts (MW) of surplus power generation capacity. The State Minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a press conference held at Bidyut Bhaban in the capital. Power Division meeting reviews high electricity bill complaints He noted that the current government has initiated a review of power tariffs for several private power plants, which had signed "unethical" power purchase agreements under the ousted regime. Speaking at the same event, Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh read out a written statement clarifying recent allegations and media reports regarding unusual electricity bills issued in June (for the usage month of May). Mahrukh urged journalists to cross-check complaints related to electricity bills before publishing, noting that internal investigations by the Power Division found several published reports to be based on incorrect information.  However, she welcomed constructive investigative journalism that allows the ministry to take necessary corrective actions. Addressing public concern over billing discrepancies, the Power Secretary said consumers with any doubts or complaints regarding their bills should contact the customer service centers of their respective power distribution companies. Arrangements have been made for meter testing, bill re-verification, and dispute resolution where necessary, she added. Clarifying the penalty structure for late payments, Mahrukh noted that while a 2 percent compound interest rate was previously charged for each month of delay, the policy has been revised in accordance with Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) directives. Under the current rule, a one-time late fee of 5 percent is applied to the total bill amount. Regarding meter charges, the secretary explained that six distribution companies supply meters to customers either through a lump-sum payment or a monthly installment plan. Customers who pay upfront face no additional fees, while those on installment plans pay a monthly fee of Tk 40 for single-phase meters and Tk 250 for three-phase meters. Furthermore, four of these companies allow customers to purchase approved pre-paid meters directly from the open market. "At the request of consumers, the government is seriously reviewing the issue of meter rent, and a decision will be announced very soon," she said. The Power Division reiterated its commitment to protecting public interest, ensuring uninterrupted power supply, and making the power sector financially sustainable in the long run. Chairman of the Power Development Board (PDB) Engineer Md. Rezaul Karim and Chairman of the Rural Electrification Board (REB) Major General SM Zia-Ul-Azim also spoke at the press conference.

The government has reconstituted the Press Accreditation Committee under the Press Accreditation Policy 2025. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an office order in this regard on Sunday. Under the new committee, the Chief Information Officer of the Directorate of Information will serve as chairman. Other official members are the Director General of the Public Diplomacy Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director General of the Department of Films and Publications, the Deputy Secretary (Press-2) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Deputy Secretary of the Secretariat Security Branch of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The journalist members are Atiqur Rahman Rumon, editor of the daily Dinkal and Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister; Quader Gani Chowdhury, secretary general of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) and Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ); General Secretary of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) Khurshid Alam;  Md Shafiqul Islam, CEO and Head of News of Ekattor Television; and Umme Marufa, special correspondent of News24 Television. The Senior Deputy Chief Information Officer (Protocol) of the Directorate of Information will serve as the member secretary of the committee. According to the office order, the committee will oversee the issuance of press accreditation cards, address objections and complaints related to the cards, conduct hearings where necessary, and settle related disputes. The committee will also recommend necessary additions, amendments and revisions to the Press Accreditation Policy. Under the Press Accreditation Policy 2025, journalists will be issued a single type of press accreditation card valid for three years, replacing the previous system of permanent and temporary accreditation cards.

The government has sent 33 senior police officers, including 14 deputy inspectors general (DIGs), on compulsory retirement. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification to this effect on Sunday. Besides the 14 DIGs, those sent on compulsory retirement include 18 additional deputy inspectors general (Additional DIGs) and one superintendent of police (SP). Police reshuffle: Nine DIG, SP-rank officers transferred The DIGs are Molla Nazrul Islam, Saiful Islam, Miraj Uddin Ahmed, Shah Mizan Shafiur Rahman, SM Mostaq Ahmed Khan, Jihadul Kabir, Moinul Haque, Elias Sharif, Shyamal Kumar Nath, Zakir Hossain Khan, Shah Abid Hossain, Jamil Hasan, Mahbubur Rahman and Md Moniruzzaman. The Additional DIGs are Barkatullah Khan, TM Mozahidul Islam, Anwar Hossain Khan, Md Moniruzzaman, Mehedul Karim, Alamgir Kabir, Roshidul Hasan, Sanjoy Kumar Kundu, Nizamul Haque Mollah, SM Emran Hossain, Saidur Rahman Khan, Shamsunnahar, Molla Jahangir Hossain, Saifullah Al Mamun, Khan Muhammad Rezwan, Sajid Hossain, Sheikh Rafiqul Islam and Mashrukur Rahman Khaled. Superintendent of Police Abdullah Aref was also sent on compulsory retirement. According to the notification, the retired officers will receive retirement benefits in accordance with the applicable service rules.