United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi on Saturday stressed the urgency of structural reforms within government agencies, stating that the current pace of reform is too slow to meet the nation’s needs. “There is no long-term roadmap for key sectors, including industry, which is frustrating. Alongside institutional reforms, better coordination among government agencies is essential,” he said while addressing a seminar titled ‘Bangladesh’s Import-Export Policy: Requirements and Challenges in the Post-LDC Era’ organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). Highlighting the importance of seamless port operations, Siddiqi added that all ports are the lifelines of the economy and “the private sector is the main driver of our economy, so their [businesspeople] demands must be logically and effectively presented to the government.” DCCI President Taskin Ahmed said prolonged inflation, US tariff policies, export restrictions from India, the ongoing energy crisis, declining reserves, mismanagement in the financial sector and law and order issues have severely disrupted industrial operations and slowed export activities. NBR Reform Unity Council rejects compromise claims, announces strike “There is no alternative to reassessing our import-export policy to tackle the post-LDC graduation challenges expected in 2026,” Taskin said. He pointed out that export targets for sectors like leather, pharmaceuticals, jute, and agro-processed products have not been met. “Over 84% of our exports rely on ready-made garments and a few specific markets. To address import-side challenges, we need both stability in the financial sector and efficient tariff and customs management,” he added. Presenting the keynote paper at the event, Prof Selim Raihan of the University of Dhaka and Executive Director of SANEM, emphasised the gradual reduction of tariffs, modernisation of import policy, simplification of the customs system, improvement of trade facilitation, and automation.

After BNP, a delegation of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami held talks with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday evening to discuss issues related to the next national election and reforms. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher joined the meeting held at the Chief Adviser’s official residence state guesthouse Jamuna. Speaking after the meeting, the Jamaat ameer said they hoped a ‘meaningful election with a level playing field’ would be held. National Consensus Commission Vice-chairman Professor Ali Riaz and Adviser Asif Mahmud were also present at the meeting to accompany the Chief Adviser. Earlier, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) demanded a specific election roadmap to hold the national election by December this year, stressing that they discussed three specific issues - reform efforts, justice process and election. BNP delegation meets Prof Yunus, reiterates demand for election by Dec   BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain briefed reporters after their meeting with the Chief Adviser at the same venue. A four-member BNP delegation joined the meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Yunus as part of efforts to defuse mounting political tension in the country. The other members of the delegation included Standing Committee Members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed.

East West University (EWU) organized its inaugural Research Day 2025 ceremony on Saturday at its campus in the capital’s Aftabnagar, aiming to foster innovation, strengthen academic-industry partnerships, and highlight the pivotal role of research in national development. The full-day event featured a series of sessions dedicated to advancing the university’s research culture. EWU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shams Rahman delivered the welcome speech during the inaugural session, setting the tone for the day's deliberations. Shelley A Mubdi, Member of the Board of Trustees, attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Founding Vice Chancellor of EWU, presided over the session. The central segment of the event included two engaging panel discussions. The first, titled "Importance of Research in Transforming Bangladesh into an Innovative Nation," examined how strategic research initiatives could drive national progress. The second panel, "Importance of Academia-Industry Collaborative Research: Opportunities and Challenges," explored ways to enhance cooperation between academic institutions and industrial stakeholders. Distinguished academics and industry professionals participated in the discussions, including Professor Haseena Khan, Professor Dr Rashidul Haque, Dr AKM Masud, and industry representatives Humaira Azam, Firoze Mohammad, and Shihab Ahmad. BPA urges inclusion of Rehabilitation Council Act in health reform report, demands 9th grade status for physiotherapists A standout segment of the day was the "Three-Minute Presentation" competition, where students and faculty members from various departments presented their ongoing research projects in a concise and engaging format. The programme concluded with an awards ceremony held at the Manzur Elahi Auditorium, where 72 researchers were recognized with crests and certificates for their contributions. Professor Dr Md Mozammel Huq Azad Khan of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering received the “Lifetime Achievement” award for his significant contributions to research. EWU Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr M Ashik Mosaddik offered the vote of thanks, marking the end of the event. Faculty members and students actively participated throughout the day, reflecting the university’s commitment to advancing research excellence.

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.

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 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.

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.”

The interim government on Saturday said it will take the necessary decisions together with the people of the country if the government’s “autonomy, reform efforts, justice process, fair election plan, and normal operations” are obstructed to the point of making its duties unmanageable. “If - under the instigation of defeated forces or as part of a foreign conspiracy - the performance of these responsibilities becomes impossible, the government will present all reasons to the public and then take the necessary steps with the people,” said the Council of Advisers in a statement after its unscheduled meeting. Despite all obstacles, the Council of Advisers said, the interim government continues to fulfill its responsibilities by putting national interests above group interests. “The interim government upholds the public expectations of the July Uprising,” said the Council of Advisers. The unscheduled meeting of the Advisory Council was held hours before the talks between the Chief Adviser and BNP and Jamaat leaders. Before the Council of Advisers meeting, the Chief Adviser chaired the meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council at the Planning Commission at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Prof Yunus to stay, interim govt to fulfill assigned duties: Dr Wahiduddin The two-hour long meeting included detailed discussions on three primary responsibilities entrusted to the interim government – elections, reforms and justice. The Council discussed how unreasonable demands, deliberately provocative and jurisdictionally overreaching statements and disruptive programmes have been continuously obstructing the normal functioning environment and creating confusion and suspicion among the public. The Council of Advisers said they believe that a broader unity is essential to maintain national stability, organise a free and fair elections, justice, and reform and permanently prevent the return of authoritarianism in the country, according to the statement shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing. On this matter, the interim government will listen to the views of political parties and clarify its own position. Meanwhile, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud affirmed that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will remain in the interim government, which is committed to completing its assigned responsibilities. “The Chief Adviser is staying with us. He has not said he would resign. Other advisers are also staying. We have been given responsibilities, and we are here to carry them out,” he said.