United News of Bangladesh

A delegation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), led by its Convenor Nahid Islam, is scheduled to meet Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna at 8:30pm on Saturday, according to NCP Joint Member Secretary Mushfiq-us-Saleheen. The meeting comes shortly after the Chief Adviser held separate talks with leaders of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. BNP delegation joins a meeting with Dr Yunus amid political tension Mushfiq-us-Saleheen said other members of their delegation include Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Senior Joint Convenor Ariful Islam Adib and Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara. Meanwhile, a four-member BNP delegation started a meeting with Prof Yunus as part of efforts to defuse mounting political tension in the country. The meeting, led by BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, began at 7:35pm at the Chief Advisers’ official residence Jamuna. The other members of the delegation included Standing Committee Members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed.

A Dhaka court has imposed a travel ban on former lawmaker of Sherpur-1 constituency Md Atiur Rahman Atik, his wife Shantona Begum, and 15 others in connection with two separate corruption inquiries. The order was issued on Saturday by Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain Galib following petitions filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said Akhtarul Islam, public relations officer of ACC. In one petition, the ACC sought to bar Atik and his wife from leaving the country, stating that an inquiry is underway into allegations of embezzling public funds through various irregularities and corruption and amassing illegal wealth in the names of Atik and his family members. The petition said credible sources had indicated that the accused might attempt to flee the country, which would hamper the investigation. In a separate petition, the ACC requested a travel ban on 15 others accused in a Tk 490 crore loan scam involving Broadway Real Estate Limited and National Bank’s Mohakhali branch. The 15 individuals include Monowara Sikder, wife of late Sikder Group chairman Zainul Haque Sikder and director of National Bank’s board; Arif Hasan, managing director of Desh Television, chairman of Hasan Telecom Ltd, and shareholder of Broadway Real Estate; Mohammad Sharif Uzzaman Khan, managing director of Broadway Real Estate; Md Ismail, chairman; Mohammad Fazle Rabbi and Tawseef Saifullah, both directors of the company. Court imposes travel ban on ex-DGFI DG, 3 others Others named are, Syed Rais Uddin, former branch manager and deputy managing director of National Bank; ASM Bulbul, former company secretary and additional managing director; MA Wadud, former additional managing director; CM Ahmed, former managing director; Parveen Haque Sikder, former director; Moazzem Hossain, current director; Khalilur Rahman and Mabrur Hossain, both former directors; and Md Rojob Ali, a former sub-registrar. According to the ACC, the accused colluded to misuse power and breach trust to approve and disburse the loan to Broadway Real Estate. Of the sanctioned amount, Tk 462 crore was allegedly withdrawn in cash and misused for purposes beyond the loan's stated intent. As of November 30 last year, the defaulted loan had accrued Tk 178.89 crore in interest and other charges, resulting in substantial financial losses. The ACC argued that the accused might flee the country to avoid prosecution, and therefore a travel ban was necessary to ensure a proper investigation.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has said their judicial reform roadmap initiated the transformation of the judiciary as a foundational pillar for other reform efforts. “The profound dialogue and reflection on how inclusive dialogue and transitional justice mechanisms can strengthen national unity and democracy will help us in designing reform processes in Bangladesh,” he said. Two high-level delegations from Bangladesh, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed and Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, completed a learning programme in South Africa (May 17–24 May), focused on justice, reconciliation and healing. The exchange, co-facilitated by UNDP and the Commonwealth Secretariat, explored South Africa’s post-apartheid experience in truth-seeking, prosecutions and memorialisation. "Our engagement with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission members, civil society, and victims' families in South Africa reaffirmed that establishing the facts is the foundation for accountability, justice and national healing,” Adviser Asif Nazrul said. UNHCR reports voluntary return of Rohingyas The visit concluded with further engagements in Pretoria and Cape Town, according to UNDP. This initiative is part of UNDP’s broader support to Bangladesh’s judiciary, promoting justice, accountability and inclusive governance. The programme included meetings with victims’ groups, justice and human rights institutions, civil society, and former Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) members. It reflected Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening social cohesion and democratic reforms following a political transition. At the Constitutional Court, South Africa’s Chief Justice Mandisa Maya praised Bangladesh’s recent efforts to uphold human rights and strengthen the rule of law. At the Human Rights Commission, discussions focused on institutional reforms to prevent the recurrence of serious crimes. UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller said with its broad global expertise and network UNDP is uniquely placed to promote South-South exchanges and facilitate contextually relevant knowledge-sharing that helps countries like Bangladesh advance justice and governance reforms. “Learning from lived experiences, reflections amongst peers and listening to victims’ unaddressed grievances was invaluable.”

Bangladesh Physiotherapy Association (BPA), the national platform of physiotherapy professionals and a member of the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council (BRC), on Saturday called for the inclusion of the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council Act in the recently submitted Health Reform Commission report. Speaking at a seminar titled "Physiotherapy in Public Health Protection: Review of Health Reform Commission Report" held at the National Press Club, BPA representatives and healthcare experts expressed concern over the report's exclusion of physiotherapy as a distinct health profession. They placed the three point demand, which are incorporation of the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council Act into the Health Reform Commission report and recruitment of physiotherapists in the 9th grade scale as per BRC guidelines. BPA also placed demands for the establishment of physiotherapy departments and proper placement of physiotherapy professionals in the 9th grade in all government hospitals and specialized institutions. According to BPA, the report attempts to classify physiotherapists under the categories of medical technologists or allied health professionals, which contradicts the provisions of the BRC Act. They argued that such misrepresentation undermines the status and regulatory framework of physiotherapy in Bangladesh. Experts at the seminar emphasized that inclusion of the Rehabilitation Council Act in the health reform agenda would mark a significant milestone for the development of physiotherapy, enhance professional standards, and safeguard the rights of practitioners. Effective tobacco taxation would encourage 2.4 million adults to quit smoking: Seminar BPA also voiced concern over recent government job circulars proposing 11th or 12th grade salary scales for physiotherapists in public hospitals, calling it a violation of BRC-set standards and a blow to professional dignity. The association reiterated that a physiotherapy degree (BSc in Physiotherapy) entails a five-year professional education including a mandatory one-year internship. According to WHO Codes 2264 and 1500, physiotherapy is recognized as an independent health profession, with physiotherapists granted the authority to prescribe treatment. Given their educational qualifications and responsibilities, BPA stated that physiotherapists are equivalent to other first-class officers and must therefore be appointed in the 9th grade pay scale in line with BRC policies and international standards.

A Dhaka court on Saturday imposed a travel ban and blocked the National Identity Card (NID) of Moazzem Hossain, former assistant personal secretary (APS) to Sports and LGED Adviser Asif Mahmud, over allegations of corruption and illegal wealth accumulation. Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib issued the order on Saturday after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a petition, said ACC public relations officer Aktarul Islam. ICT prosecutors, investigation officers empowered to arrest without warrant   According to the petition, Moazzem Hossain is currently under investigation for allegedly amassing hundreds of crores of taka through abuse of power, lobbying, extortion, manipulation of tenders and various irregularities and corrupt practices. The ACC said credible sources indicated that Moazzem might attempt to flee the country to evade legal proceedings, prompting the request for the travel ban and NID blockage.

The Bangladesh Secretariat Officers and Employees United Council on Saturday staged a protest at the Bangladesh Secretariat, demanding the cancellation and withdrawal of the draft of the 'Government Job (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025'. The protest came in response to the interim government's advisory council approving the draft amendment to the Government Job Act, 2018 during a meeting on Thursday. The council termed the ordinance "repressive" and a "black law", urging the authorities to scrap it immediately. Ecnec clears nine projects worth Tk  11,851 crore The council’s president Md Badiul Kabir said, "The draft includes some restrictive provisions from outdated special laws, creating avenues for easily punishing or even dismissing government officials and employees." He further stated that the proposed ordinance contradicts the Constitution and should be reconsidered. "The Government Job Act, 2018 already outlines all relevant codes of conduct and necessary provisions. Adding these new repressive clauses through an ordinance is unacceptable. This is a black law, and we demand its immediate withdrawal," he added.

Detectives of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested two alleged drug dealers with 4,600 pieces of Yaba tablets from the capital’s Paltan area on Saturday morning. The arrestees were identified as Md. Rahim, 26, and Md. Shafiullah, 24. Deputy commissioner (Media) of the DmO Talebur Rahman said based on secret information, a team from the illegal arms recovery and narcotics control unit conducted a drive around 9:20 am in front of Azmeri Hotel and Restaurant in Paltan. They had information that several drug dealers were stationed there to sell Yaba. During the operation, the DB team detained Rahim and Shafiullah and recovered 4,600 pieces of Yaba from their possession, he said. ICT prosecutors, investigation officers empowered to arrest without warrant   A case has been filed against them under the Narcotics Control Act with Paltan Police Station. DB sources said the arrestees are active members of a professional drug trafficking ring and had been collecting and selling illegal Yaba pills across Paltan and other parts of Dhaka for a long time.  During preliminary interrogation, they confessed to keeping the Yaba for sale. Legal proceedings are underway against the detainees.

Economists and public health experts on Saturday stated that implementing effective taxes and price hikes on tobacco products, free from the interference of tobacco companies, in the upcoming FY 2025–26 budget will reduce tobacco-related deaths and significantly increase government revenue. They shared this insight at a discussion meeting titled “Tobacco Tax Proposal in the Upcoming FY 2025–26 Budget” held at the auditorium of Dhaka Ahsania Mission ( DAM). Member of the Health Sector Reform Commission Professor Dr. Syed Akram Hussain delivered his speech as the key speaker. The meeting was presided over by Vice- President of Ahsania Mission Dr. Mohammad Khalilullah presided over the session while  Mukhlesur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Health Sector of the Mission delivered a welcome speech. During the discussion, a proposed structure for tobacco tax and pricing in the upcoming budget was unveiled. The proposal recommended merging the lower and medium tiers of cigarettes and setting the retail price at BDT 90 per 10-stick pack. Presenting the keynote paper, Project Coordinator of the Tobacco Control Project at DAM Shariful Islam stated that if the proposed tax reform is implemented in FY 2025–26, cigarette consumption could drop from 15.1% to 13.03%. This would encourage approximately 2.4 million adults to quit smoking and deter around 1.7 million youths from initiating tobacco use. Over the long term, it could prevent the premature deaths of approximately 864,758 adults and 869,000 youths. Furthermore, the government could earn nearly TK 68,000 crore in revenue—a 43% increase, or TK 20,000 crore more than the previous fiscal year. First gameplay marathon organized in Bangladesh Other discussants included Professor of Economics at the University of Dhaka Dr. Rumana Haque, Chief News Editor of Global TV Ferdous Mamun, Chief News Editor of Bangla TV M.M. Badshah,  General Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters' Unity Mainul Hasan Sohel,President of the Bangladesh Health Reporters’ Forum Rashed Rabbi, and President of the Bangladesh Shop Business Owners Association Nazmul Hasan Mahmud.

Calling Nazrul the “poet of rebellion and humanity,” Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday said that the iconic literary figure remains a shining star in Bengali literature. In a message marking the 126th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Chief Adviser paid his deepest respects to the memory of the legendary poet.  National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 126th birth anniversary today “Nazrul was born at a time when the entire subcontinent was shackled by colonial oppression. His rebellious spirit rose against injustice and tyranny, and through his sharp and powerful pen, he sought to break those chains,” he said. Prof Yunus recalled that Nazrul was imprisoned on charges of sedition for protesting against colonial rule, and earned the title of “Rebel Poet” for choosing poetry as a medium of resistance. He noted that the current interim government officially declared Kazi Nazrul Islam as the National Poet of Bangladesh through a gazette notification earlier this year. “Nazrul’s core message was the triumph of humanity. He raised his voice against oppression, communalism, social injustice, and exploitation. His timeless creations inspired and gave courage during the anti-British movement, the struggle for self-determination, and the Liberation War,” Prof Yunus said. He praised Nazrul’s stand against religious bigotry and his advocacy for gender equality, as well as his contribution to enriching Bengali literature and culture through his words and melodies. “I believe that Nazrul’s life of struggle and his literary legacy will remain a source of inspiration for the people of Bangladesh and help in building a secular and equitable society,” the chief adviser noted. Nation to celebrate 126th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam with three-day programme Prof Yunus also wished success for all programmes undertaken to commemorate the 126th birth anniversary of the National Poet.

The NBR Reform Unity Council on Saturday dismissed the claims of any compromise with the Office of the Finance Adviser over ongoing revenue sector reforms, asserting that no agreement was reached during the Thursday’s [May 22] meeting. In a statement, this unity council said the subsequent press release suggesting National Board of Revenue (NBR) would not be abolished until the issuance of an ordinance, saying it created ‘unnecessary confusion’ among the public, particularly within the media community. Citing Section 1(2) of the promulgated ordinance, the unity council argued that the NBR must be abolished until the government gazette notification is issued to operationalize the ordinance. The statement outlined four key demands, immediate repeal of the promulgated ordinance, removal of NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, public disclosure of the consultative explanation proposal on revenue reform, inclusive discussions on the proposed reform draft involving all stakeholders, government bodies, civil society and relevant empowered members. “We need to ensure a proper and sustainable revenue system,” the council said in the statement. They claimed that their demands are very logical in the larger interest for the country, as acknowledged by country’s leading economists, think tanks and other experts. “We want a fundamental reform of the NBR and the reform we want will be similar to the best system and method recognised in the international arena,” it added. The council also expressed concern that the proposed reforms should not serve the interests of any specific group under the guise of national security, stating, “Country and its development plan will be accurately reflected; the revenue power will be more effective, progressive and corruption-free and the reform will not be a tool of special security interests.” NBR officials go on full-fledged countrywide strike The statement questioned why the government has yet to respond clearly to their four-point demand, adding, “….and due to whose instigation, we are being opposed.” As the government has not yet given a clear answer to their above four specific demands, according to the statement, their previously announced program of action will remain unchanged. On May 25 (Sunday) they called for a full-day strike at all Income Tax, Customs, and VAT offices, excluding Customs House and LC from 9am to 5pm. Export and international services will remain exempt from the strike. Besides, they announced for a full-day strike at all offices on May 26 (Monday) except international services under the International Member. The unity council has called upon all officers and employees from all tax, customs and VAT-related departments in Dhaka to gather at the NBR premises at 9am on both days. The statement also noted a heightened security presence at the NBR building on Saturday morning, including police, BGB, and RAB personnel, raising concerns among Council members, stating, “We have a question in our minds about this.”