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.

The Kool-BSJA Media Cup Football Tournament 2025, an yearly football meet for the journalists, organized by Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA), begins on Monday at the Paltan Maidan here. Thirty two teams from different media houses, split into eight groups, will compete in the Knock out basis tournament. Eight matches will be held on the opening day (Monday) from 8:30 am to 12 noon. Convener of the tournament committee Raihan Al Mugni disclosed the details of the tournament at a press conference at the Dutch Bangla Auditorium of Bangladesh Olympics Association (BOA) on Saturday. The ceremonial draw of the tournament was held during the day’s press conference where the tournament's jersey and trophy were also unveiled.  New Zealand A fightback after Heaphy and Carter lay platform The press conference, chaired by BSJA president Arifur Rahman Babu, also addressed by Head of the Marketing of the meet’s sponsor Square Toiletries Dr. Jesmin Zaman, former national footballer cum head coach of the BPL champions Dhaka Mohammedan SC Alfaz Ahmed and BSJA general secretary SM Sumon. BSJA joint secretary Arafat Zubair conducted the day’s ceremonial draw of the participating teams.

A four-member BNP delegation sat in a meeting with Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on Saturday evening 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. Speaking to reporters earlier in the day after attending a programme in the capital, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said their discussion with the Chief Adviser would focus on the prevailing political situation, the upcoming general election and a roadmap for returning to democratic governance. Interim govt vows to act with people’s support against disruptive activities “In the current context, there is no alternative to a credible and prompt election if we are to restore the democratic order. “Today’s discussion will centre on how and how quickly this can be achieved,” the BNP leader said. He also said a formal agenda was not necessary for the meeting, given the urgency of the situation. “The most pressing issue for Bangladesh now is to determine how we move forward and how we can return to a democratic order as soon as possible.” The BNP leader said is not possible to restore the democratic order in the country without a credible election.  “This is the central issue, and I am sure it will be discussed today.” When asked whether the country was in a crisis following reports of the Chief Adviser’s intention to resign, Khosru said BNP does not view the situation as a crisis. He said the country urgently needs an elected and accountable government and parliament, established through a fair and transparent election. “This is the only way to overcome all the challenges we are currently facing.” Highlighting the sacrifices made by the people over the past 16 years, Khosru said they are now awaiting the restoration of democracy. In response to a question about whether BNP expects to be satisfied with this round of talks—given reports of dissatisfaction during their previous meeting with Dr Yunus—Khosru replied, “This is not about our satisfaction. We do politics for the satisfaction of people. We reflect their hopes and aspirations. The nation wants to elect a government through their vote—that is what matters most.” Responding to another question, he indicated that the election could be held before December. “Why should we wait until December?” At another programme, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said democratic transition is the only solution to the country’s ongoing crisis and evolving political scenario. “Bangladesh was under dictatorship for 15 years. So, the only solution now is a transition to democracy. There is no alternative for the 180 million people of the country,” he said during a discussion. Dr Moyeen posed a question to the nation, reflecting on the developments of the past nine months, during which, he said, the people of Bangladesh had started singing songs of freedom following the transformative events of 5 August. “August 5 was a historic day for every citizen, marking liberation from 15 years of tyranny and dictatorship. It was the beginning of a new era of democratic transition… That transition is the only way forward amid the current uncertainties. The 180 million people of Bangladesh must realise, understand and accept this truth,” he asserted. According to media reports, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus was considering resignation, frustrated by various political parties’ demonstrations and comments made by the Army Chief during an officers’ address on Wednesday regarding the government and the election.  

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.

OpenAI, the company behind the phenomenal automated chatbot ChatGPT, launched its next-generation coding agent, Codex, on May 16, 2025. Designed to streamline several fundamental aspects of software programming, Codex will further dynamise the exponentially growing field of automated coding. Let’s look deeper at what Codex is and what it can do. What is Codex? OpenAI Codex is an AI model that translates natural language into computer code. Built on OpenAI 0.3 reasoning model technology and trained on vast codebases, it powers tools like GitHub Copilot, enabling users to write, understand, and automate code tasks across multiple programming languages using plain English instructions. Codex accesses GitHub repositories, collects inspiration from billions of lines of code already stored there, and uses its algorithms to come up with solutions to complex tasks. Development History of OpenAI Codex The invention of the Codex dates back to August 2021, right after OpenAI introduced the GPT-3, a neural prototype trained on text. To tune up the process through which GPT-3 generates results, developers added an extra model of 12 billion parameters and named it Codex. This initial version of Codex could write SQL queries, convert conversations into Python code, and build UI components. Read more: Watch The Skies: World's First AI-dubbed Feature Film to Change The Way of Watching Movies Later, throughout the period 2022 to 2023, Codex continued evolving in smaller versions and got integrated into GPT-4 and ChatGPT Pro. Recently, OpenAI has given Codex its environment and advanced coding functionalities. In doing so, the company has also shifted the reasoning model of Codex from GPT-3 to Codex-1. What Can Codex Do? The new Codex model is apt at executing multiple tasks related to coding. Here is a short glance: Conversational Coding Perhaps one of the most groundbreaking features of Codex is the ability to translate plain English into code. This allows users to instruct the AI with phrases and receive accurate, ready-to-run scripts across a range of programming languages. Developing Software OpenAI’s new code models are transforming the software landscape by allowing developers to generate functional code in seconds. With simple prompts, users can create entire programs without manually writing each line. Read more: Basic to Flagship: Top 5 Official Smartphones Released in Bangladesh in 2025 Analysing Data From spreadsheets to large CSV files, OpenAI’s code tools can now analyse, clean, and visualise data with minimal user input. Journalists, researchers, and business analysts can quickly generate charts or summaries by simply uploading a file and asking questions. Educational Companion for Coding Learners The models serve as a real-time tutor, capable of explaining code line by line, debugging errors, and answering conceptual questions. For students and self-learners, this offers an accessible alternative to traditional learning methods. Accelerating AI-Powered Applications Startups and enterprises alike are leveraging these tools to make prototypes of AI-driven apps without the need for large development teams, cutting costs and speeding up innovation cycles. Common Issues and Concerns on the Rise . Accuracy and Reliability While OpenAI's models can generate functional code with impressive speed, experts caution that the outputs are not always correct or optimal. In complex scenarios, the AI may produce code that looks fine but contains subtle bugs, inefficiencies, or security flaws. Relying on such code without proper review could pose risks, particularly in sensitive applications like healthcare, finance, or cybersecurity. Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in May 2025 Security and Misuse Risks OpenAI’s code generation capabilities could be exploited to create malicious software. Although safeguards are in place, the potential for misuse remains a real concern. Cybersecurity experts warn that making code generation more public at this scale could empower bad practitioners. Programming Fields As these tools improve, there's a growing debate about the impact on employment. While some argue that AI will complement human developers by automating repetitive tasks, others worry it could eventually reduce demand for entry-level programmers, especially in roles focused on routine coding or bug fixing. Code Licensing Confusion The use of AI-generated code raises legal questions around ownership and licensing. Developers and companies are seeking clarity on how such content can be safely used in commercial products. Skill Dilution Some educators and software veterans fear that easy access to AI-generated code may hinder learning. If new developers rely too heavily on tools like Codex, they may struggle to build a deep understanding of how software works. Over time, this could lead to a generation of coders with limited problem-solving skills or creative confidence. Read more: How Does Fashion Waste Contribute to Environmental Issues? Conclusion OpenAI Codex brings a transformative shift in how we code, making programming faster and more open. While it offers immense potential to streamline development and learning, thoughtful use, ethical oversight, and continued human expertise are essential to harnessing its power responsibly in the evolving tech landscape.

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.