United News of Bangladesh

Speakers have demanded that construction of an unauthorised approach road under the Kewatkhali Arch Steel Bridge project in Mymensingh be stopped immediately, which they said defies the original ECNEC-approved design over the Brahmaputra River. The demand came from a press conference under the banner of ‘Sadajajagroto Mymensingh’, a platform, held at 11 am on Sunday at National Press Club. They also alleged that the construction work was also disregarding the original design approved by ECNEC, causing significant financial, environmental and social harm. Abul Kalam Al Azad, chief organiser of ‘Sadajajagroto Mymensingh’ and coordinator of the Brahmaputra Protection Movement, said, Mymensingh has now become the world’s ninth slowest city. One of the main reasons is the severe traffic congestion at the Shambhuganj China Bridge. To alleviate public suffering, ECNEC approved a road bridge in the Kewatkhali area on August 23, 2021, with a target completion date of June 2025. Unfortunately, construction according to the approved design has yet to begin. He pointed out that instead of following the original plan, a 2,300-meter-long curved U-shaped ramp is being constructed, connecting the new bridge to the road of the old China Bridge. “This merges the roads of two separate bridges, creating risks of massive traffic jams and accidents,” he said. Sources said, a total of 32 acres of land have been newly acquired for this ramp. This has resulted in the eviction of a canal, seven waterbodies, agricultural lands, a primary school, a mosque, a madrasa, 65 graves, numerous homesteads and business establishments. Besides, a 30-foot-high, 2-kilometre-long road with multiple overpasses is also under construction, with projected additional costs of Tk 2,000 to 3,000 crore. “This amount could fund the construction of two more bridges over the Brahmaputra River,” they said. Speakers alleged that the project is being derailed by vested interests. What was once a dream project for the public is being turned into a nightmare through conspiracy, they claimed. They said the revised construction plan serves the interests of powerful real estate developers and corrupt individuals who are manipulating the project to increase land prices in the area. They also noted that despite numerous appeals, memorandums and human chains by local residents, civic groups and organisations, the administration has remained largely silent. The press conference was told that although a four-member investigation committee was formed by the ministry on January 22 this year and conducted a field visit on January 25-26, the report has not been made public to date. Instead, the whistleblowers are reportedly facing threats, attacks and harassment through false legal cases. Speakers also referenced a High Court ruling in the case "Abul Kalam Al Azad vs Government of Bangladesh and Others", where on June 4, the court issued a rule asking as to why the construction work deviating from the ECNEC-approved plan should not be stopped. Following the HC rule, they urged the authorities to immediately halt the unauthorised work and proceed with the project according to the approved design. Their key demands include-- immediate halt to all construction work beyond the ECNEC-approved original design, completion of the Kewatkhali Arch Steel Bridge project without further delay, separation of the connecting roads for the two bridges to prevent congestion, avoidance of road and ramp construction that harms the environment and biodiversity and immediate publication of the investigation report and punishment of those involved in corruption.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher on Sunday said a legal foundation must be established before the next general election to ensure the implementation of agreed reform proposals so that the next government cannot deny the issues. “We’ve discussed many issues here. But there is no legal basis yet. Those who come to power could change it. That’s why we strictly think a legal basis must be laid before the election,” he said. The Jamaat leader made the remarks, replying to a question at a press briefing after the 12th day of the second-round reform dialogue of the National Consensus Commission with the political parties, held at the Foreign Service Academy in the city. No scope for electoral alliance with Jamaat, door not closed for NCP: BNP’s Salahuddin He, however, said the issue of legal binding for reform proposals has not yet been formally discussed in the dialogue. “When it comes up, there will be differences and arguments. But we hope to reach a point (consensus) finally, InshAllah,” he said. Reiterating his party’s position, Dr Taher said, “Our clear stance is that we must reach consensus on fundamental issues … and ensure a legal basis for them—so that nobody can deny or avoid these issues.” On Sunday, political parties in the reform discussion reached a consensus on two more important reform proposals --the promulgation of emergency and the appointment of Chief Justice, he said. They agreed on a proposal to change the emergency promulgation provision of the Constitution in a bid to prevent its misuse as political tools. According to the proposal, the Proclamation of Emergency can be issued for 90 days and ‘internal disturbance’ will be replaced by the threats towards independence, sovereignty and integration of the State, pandemic or natural disaster. But such Proclamation shall require for its validity the prior approval of the Cabinet. The leader of the opposition or in his/her absence, the deputy leader of the opposition shall be invited to the Cabinet meeting to be held to endorse the decision to declare the emergency, said the proposal. During the emergency, two rights of any citizen shall not be undermined. These are – right to life: and right to protection from persecution, cruel, inhumane or defamatory behaviour or punishment. Besides, the political parties agreed on another proposal that the most senior justice of the Appellate Division shall be appointed as the Chief Justice. But if any political party promises in its next electoral manifesto that the chief justice shall be appointed from the most two senior justices, the provision can be incorporated in the Article 95 (1) of the Constitution. Though another issue–caretaker government-- was discussed on Sunday, it needs further discussion for its formation. The issue will again be discussed on Tuesday.

Bangladeshi expatriates have sent inward US$1.07 billion in remittances in the first 12 days of July, the first month of the current fiscal year 2025-26. Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and Spokesperson for the Bangladesh Bank, has provided the figures. According to central bank data, the $1.07 billion received in the first 12 days of July marks a significant increase compared to the same period last year. In the first 12 days of July 2024, remittances stood at $948 million, showing an increase of $123 million, year-on-year. Remittance hits record $30.32 billion in FY2024-25 This strong start to the new fiscal year follows a robust performance in June, the final month of the recently concluded 2024-25 fiscal year. In June, expatriate Bangladeshis remitted nearly $2.82 billion through banking channels. On average, the country received $94 million in remittances daily during June.      

Bangladesh’s political parties on Sunday reached a consensus on two more important reform proposals -- the promulgation of emergency and the appointment of Chief Justice. The agreement came on the 12th day of the second-round reform dialogue of the National Consensus Commission with the political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. “The political parties today in principle agreed on two important issues…we, the National Consensus Commission, think of these as a big progress (in building consensus on state reform),” said Commission’s Vice Chair Prof Ali Riaz at a press briefing in the afternoon. Though another issue–caretaker government-- was discussed on Sunday, it needs further discussion for its formation. The issue will again be discussed on Tuesday, he said. Promulgation of Emergency A consensus was attained over a proposal to change the emergency promulgation provision of the Constitution in a bid to prevent its misuse as political tools. The existing Article 141(A) of the Constitution currently states that If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists in which the security or economic life of Bangladesh, or any part thereof, is threatened by war or external aggression or internal disturbance, he may issue a Proclamation of Emergency (for one hundred twenty days). But provided that such Proclamation shall require for its validity the prior counter signature of the Prime Minister. According to the new proposal, the Proclamation of Emergency can be issued for 90 days and ‘internal disturbance’ will be replaced by the threats towards independence, sovereignty and integration of the State. But such Proclamation shall require for its validity the prior approval of the Cabinet. The leader of the opposition or in his/her absence, the deputy leader of the opposition shall be invited to the Cabinet meeting to be held to endorse the decision to declare the emergency, said the proposal. The state of emergency can be extended for 30 days after the first 90 days. During the emergency, two rights of any citizen shall not be undermined. These are – right to life: and right to protection from persecution, cruel, inhumane or defamatory behaviour or punishment. Appointment of Chief Justice The political parties agreed on a proposal that the most senior justice of the Appellate Division shall be appointed as the Chief Justice. But if any political party promises in its next electoral manifesto that the chief justice shall be appointed from the most two senior justices, the provision can be incorporated in the Article 95 (1) of the Constitution. The existing Article 95 (1) states that ‘the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President, and the other Judges shall be appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice.’ Earlier several political parties including Jamaat and NCP proposed that the most senior justice of the Appellate Division shall be appointed as the Chief Justice, while BNP placed a proposal that Chief Justice should be appointed from the two senior most justices of the Appellate Division. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher and leaders from different other participating political parties confirmed at post-discussion press briefings. Noting that all political parties agreed on two issues, BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said all political parties earlier expressed their agreement on amending the Article 141 of the Constitution regarding the declaration of a state of emergency and also that this declaration of a state of emergency should not be used as a political tool. He said the ‘internal disturbance’ is a vague term that now remains in the Article 141A of the Constitution and there is a chance for misusing it. “That is why we also had a proposal to abolish it and replace it with the words "Threats towards the independence, sovereignty and integrity of state, or epidemic or natural disaster, "he said. Salahuddin Ahmed said since the unlimited power of the President in appointing the Chief Justice lies under the Article 95 of the constitution, his party initially proposed that the President shall appoint the chief justice from three most senior justices of the appellate division and later changed its stance saying that the CJ shall be appointed from two most senior justice of the appellate division.

Sixty sustainable brand initiatives were awarded in the 3rd edition of AkijBashir Group Presents SDG Brand Champion Awards was held at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel on Sunday. Among the awardees, 35 initiatives received the winner accolade, 24 received the Honourable Mentions, and 1 Individual Award was presented. Initiated by Bangladesh Innovation Conclave, this award aimed to recognise and honour private organisations and brands that had contributed outstandingly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Brand Forum and Sustainable Brand Initiative organised the initiative. The SDG Brand Champion Awards 2025 received an overwhelming response from a diverse range of industries, earning widespread appreciation for being the first-of-its-kind recognition in the field of sustainability. With more than 500 attendees, the awards ceremony highlighted the pioneering efforts and impactful initiatives of businesses, non-governmental organisations, development agencies, and brands that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting and implementing sustainable development goals across the country. The SDG Brand Champion Awards 2025 were presented across 22 distinct categories, covering the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to Bangladesh. Nominations for the awards were open from May 26 to June 30, during which 457 nominations were submitted. The winners were chosen through a rigorous, multi-step evaluation process. This included an initial screening of nominations, followed by thorough reviews conducted by 8 exclusive grand jury panels. Among this year’s notable winners, Grameen Danone Foods Limited received the SDG Brand Champion Award 2025 in the category of SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth for their inspiring Shokti Doi Cup Recycling Project. Based in Bogura, the initiative transforms used Shokti Doi cups and other plastic waste collected from the ground into 13 million reusable food-grade spoons each year, which are then distributed across the country with every cup of Shokti Doi. What makes this project truly special is its people—nearly 70% of the workforce are rural women from low-income families who are trained to work in safe conditions, earn a steady income, and gain respect within their communities. As Shariful Islam, Founder of Bangladesh Innovation Conclave and Founder and Managing Director of Bangladesh Brand Forum, so eloquently stated, “We are at a defining moment—where brands must go beyond promises and lead with purpose. Through this platform, we aim to inspire bold action, scale transformative ideas, and create a future where sustainability is not the exception, but the expectation.” The Sustainability Summit and SDG Brand Champion Awards is an initiative of Bangladesh Innovation Conclave.  

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy on Sunday said democracy is about ‘liberty, equality, fraternity and inclusivity’ and noted that the country is now heading towards truly ‘democratic elections’ under the ‘wise and remarkable’ leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. “The road is paved with many obstacles but courage and determination will no doubt allow removing them,” she said while speaking at a reception marking France’s National Day. Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder attended the reception as the chief guest. The Ambassador said freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and press freedom are also cornerstones on that tortuous path and they must go along with fair justice of course. “Between 1789 and the consolidation of democracy in France, it took us almost 100 years. I am confident you will achieve it much faster than we did,” she said, adding that in the context of the ongoing transition, they understand the need to be patient. France reaffirms commitment to help solve Rohingya crisis Ambassador Masdupuy said France’s main leading objective in relation to Bangladesh remains to see the country gaining more and more strategic autonomy. She announced that, in the coming months, they will be working towards strengthening bilateral spatial cooperation. “The main goal will be to enhance Bangladesh's sovereign capacity in understanding climate change through satellite data,” she added. Masdupuy said some projects are under review as there was too much corruption and fighting against it should indeed be an absolute necessity. As far as the development projects are concerned, the Ambassador hoped they can continue to be implemented for the greater benefit of the population. She mentioned particularly the water treatment plants in Gandharbpur and Saidabad who will bring potable water to millions of people in Dhaka as well as our contribution to the sewerage system in Chittagong. Ambassador Masdupuy said France has been in the last 10 years an important development partner of Bangladesh and intends to remain so. “Our focus on adaptation to climate change is particularly relevant in your country and I am convinced the world would benefit from listening to your locally-grown solutions,” she said, adding that together, they can act to promote it in the multilateral forums in order to shift the current financial focus on mitigation in an appropriate and fair manner. In the cultural field, Ambassador Masdupuy said their activities have been thriving in the last months, as they celebrated the 65th and 60th anniversary of Alliances Françaises in Dhaka and Chittagong. “More than ever, we have been supporting Bangladeshi artists and bringing French artists to Bangladesh in many different fields like music, theatre, cinema, visual arts etc,” she said, noting that the France Bangladesh week last April in Paris was an immense success reaching wide audiences. Ambassador Masdupuy said their education cooperation is also being strengthened with Bangladesh’s public and private universities and they are looking forward to host more Bangladeshi students in France. Bangladesh is going to graduate soon from the least developed country category.  As a major European actor, the Ambassador said France advocates for a fair, mutually-beneficial, rules-based trade. It is under these principles that Bangladesh benefits from the EU zero-tariff policy since 2001, said Ambassador Masdupuy. "We also stand ready to support reforms in the sector of education and health. Improving the education system will be of utmost importance to reduce the migratory pressure," she said. "Indeed, more and more unskilled illegal migrants end up in our country. They wrongly think they will find an Eldorado there but they are in fact confronted with the harsh difficulties of life. We must join our efforts to design a strategy to curb this trend," Ambassador Masdupuy added.  It is important for Bangladesh, given the weight and position, that the country strongly diversifies its partnerships and keep independent decision-making capacity, the Ambassador said. This is more and more relevant given the overall geopolitical context, she said, adding that Bangladesh can become a critical actor in the Indo-Pacific as it increasingly asserts itself. "It’s now time for me to thank the incredible team who with determination and faith has been supporting our activities here in Bangladesh, from the Embassy, our school, our Alliances françaises and our Development agency. A big thank you also to our sponsors without whom this evening wouldn’t be so beautiful. And finally special mentions to Intercontinental hôtel, our dear partner, Olivier, and to Samiul Alam from Aarong who is our bridge in fashion between France and Bangladesh," she said. She said 236 years ago, the people of Paris took over the Bastille, a political prison and a symbol of monarchy. This marked a turning point in what has since then been known as the French Revolution.  

Bangladesh Bank on Sunday issued a fresh directive mandating adherence to international rules and regulations for recording import-export transactions conducted under letter of credit (LC) and other sales contracts. Specifically, the central bank has made it compulsory for banks to follow the 'Uniform Rules for Collections (URC)' when facilitating transactions via the documentary collection method. The central bank issued a directive on Sunday (July 13) and sent it to the top executive of banks for immediate execution. The circular specifies that commercial transactions can be conducted through three legitimate methods: advance payment, documentary collection, and open account. However, it emphasizes the strict adherence to current import-export policies and foreign exchange management regulations in all these cases. Previously, the Uniform Customs and Practice (UCP) for documentary credits had already been followed for LC-based transactions. With this directive, Bangladesh Bank has explicitly stated that URC must now be followed for alternative transaction methods as well, particularly for sales contract-based documentary collections, in addition to LCs. Under the documentary collection method, the exporter's bank dispatches the necessary documents to the importer's bank. Subsequently, these documents are handed over to the importer in exchange for payment or a commitment to pay under predefined conditions. In this process, banks act solely as intermediaries for document exchange and do not provide any financial guarantees. This international standard is commonly referred to as URC. Bankers and stakeholders in the trade sector have welcomed Bangladesh Bank's new directive, deeming it timely and effective. They believe that making UCP mandatory for LC-based transactions and URC mandatory for contract-based transactions will enhance the transparency and specificity of transaction processes. They also anticipate that this move will contribute significantly to improving payment security and efficiency in international trade.  

A staff member of a local restaurant was  allegedlystabbed to death by a man due to delay in serving tea in Sylhet city on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Dinar Ahmed Rumon, 22, a staff of a tea shop owned by Niru Babu and son of Taklis Ahmed of Dakkhin Surma upazila of the district. Quoting witnesses, Md Ziaul, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Model Police Station, said around 9am on Sunday,  a man entered the hotel and asked forgotel staffers tea.  . At one stage, the man later engaged into a heated argument with Rumon over delaying in serving tea. However, the hotel owner and others managed to handle the situation. Within a few minutes, the man along with others swooped on the hotel and attacked Rumon with a sharp weapon, leaving him injured. Later, Rumon was taken to Osmani Medical College and Hospital where the doctors declared him dead. Police are trying to arrest the attackers, said OC Ziaul.

Local administration has conducted an eviction drive to reclaim 32 acres of government land worth around Tk 320 crore from the illegal occupation in Sagorika area of Chattogram city. A coordinated eviction drive, led by three Executive Magistrates under different organisaitons of the government, launched the three-day drive on Sunday morning and to reclaim the land occupied for 16 years. The land will now be returned to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). The drive began around 10:30 am on Sunday and will continue till July 15. Assistant Commissioner Hossain Muhammad of Kattoli Land Office, Assistant Commissioner Farishta Karim of Patenga Land Office and Assistant Commissioner Md Fazlul Hasan from the Deputy Commissioner’s office conducted the drive. Fazlul Hasan said, “Government land under various BWDB projects had been under illegal occupation for years. The eviction operation began at 10:30 am today, starting from the Sagorika area. Since the area is vast, the drive will continue for three consecutive days, until July 15.” Executive Engineer of BWDB Chattogram Division-1, Shawkat Ibne Shahid, said, “We began the drive today to reclaim land that had been occupied for a long time. While some tried to obstruct the eviction, the government is taking a firm stance against illegal encroachers. The drive is being carried out in coordination with the district administration, police, army and other government bodies, supervised by three magistrates.” Once the illegal structures are demolished, the land will be marked with boundary pillars and barbed wire and afforestation efforts will follow, he added. Former AL MP Didarul Alam reportedly captured 7 acres while the remaining land was under the control of former Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) panel mayor Nishar Uddin Ahmed Manju, AL leader Manju and Councillor Abul Hashem. The occupied land was developed into commercial yards for covered vans, excavators, garages and other establishments.      

A Dhaka court on Sunday placed two accused in a case filed in connection with scrap trader Sohag killing near Mitford Hospital, on a four-day remand. Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Sefatullah passed the order when inspector Nasir Uddin of Kotwali Police Station, also the investigating officer of the case, produced Alamgir and Monir before the court with a seven-day remand prayer for each. Earlier on July 10, the court granted five-day remand to two more accused in the case—Mahmudul Hasan Mahin and Titon Gazi. Justice for all: Bold drive to ensure access for the marginalised in Bangladesh On July 9, Lal Chand alias Shohag, 39, a scrap trader and son of Yusuf Ali Hawladar, was hacked and beaten to death in broad daylight at the Mitford hospital gate. Manjuara Begum, elder sister of Shohagh, filed a case against 19 identified people and 15-20 unidentified people, with Kotwali Police Station on the following day.