United News of Bangladesh

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Monday alleged that poorly planned medical equipment imported during the previous government is ending up in scrap shops while remaining unused in their original packaging, blaming years of mismanagement and corruption for the country's fragile healthcare system. "The health sector had been severely neglected over the past 17 years due to authoritarian rule, misgovernance, corruption and disregard for public welfare,” the Minister said while speaking in parliament during the question and answer session replying to a supplementary question from Jamaat-e-Islami reserved seat MP Sabikun Nahar. "Unplanned medical equipment was imported, much of which is now being sent to scrap shops while still packed. Two radiotherapy machines, each costing Tk 18 crore, have been lying unused in Khulna and Faridpur because they were imported without ensuring the necessary safety infrastructure," he said. The minister also said X-ray machines had been installed at several facilities without recruiting technicians, while laboratory equipment had been procured despite the absence of trained laboratory personnel. Responding to concerns raised by the MP over prolonged shortages of doctors and healthcare staff at Muktagacha Upazila Health Complex in Mymensingh, Sakhawat said the government had inherited a deeply dysfunctional health system. He alleged that recruitment had remained largely stalled over the past 17 years, while recruitment advertisements had often included restrictive conditions designed to favour specific candidates, resulting in numerous legal challenges. The minister said many officials had been transferred through deputation, with some later leaving the country. He added that the government had identified several such cases, terminated some appointments and recalled doctors to their previous workplaces. Sakhawat said the government plans to recruit 5,000 doctors through a special Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination. He also urged all lawmakers to visit hospitals in their constituencies to monitor services, saying the government is working to improve every public hospital.

A special committee for amending the constitution was formed in Parliament on Monday night amid strong protest from the opposition. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni placed the proposal for formation of the Constitutional Amendment-related Special Committee in the House, which was passed by a voice vote, leading to a walkout by opposition lawmakers. The 12-member special committee, headed by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, was formed, keeping the provision for making it a 17-member one incorporating members from the opposition. Parliament constitutes six standing committees The committee members include eight MPs from ruling BNP, and one each from Bangladesh Jatiya Party, led by Andaleeve Rahman, Ganosamhati Andolon, Gono Odhikar Parishad (GOP) and Islami Andolan Bangladesh. The eight BNP MPs are Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed (Cox’s Bazar-1), Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni (Barguna-2), Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman (Jhenaidah-1), Zainul Abedin (Barishal-3), Stare Minister Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin (Chattogram-5), State Minister Farzana Sharmin (Natore-1), Mahmudul Hoque Rubel (Sherpur-3) and Shakila Farzana (Women Seat-8). Other members include State Minister Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki (Brahmanbaria-6) from Ganosamhati Andolon, Andaleeve Rahman (Bhola-1) from BJP, State Minister Nurul Haque (Patuakhali-3) from GOP and Oli Ullah (Barguna-1) from Islami Andolan Bangladesh. Before the walkout from the House, Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman opposed the proposal for the formation of the special committee, claiming that the public verdict given through the February-12 referendum for the constitutional reform was undermined. He said they never said they would give names to represent the opposition in this committee as they did not accept it conceptually. Shafiqur Rahman said their MPs took two oaths – one as MPs and another as member of the Constitution Reform Council. “We think both oaths still remain valid,” he said.   “If this committee is formed to bypass the implementation of referendum verdict (given through the referendum), we are rejecting this proposal,” he said. The opposition leader said they were staging walkout as the will of the people expressed through the referendum and the public verdict was not being honoured. Responding to the opposition leader, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the government is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people following the July mass uprising by repealing the 15th Amendment to the Constitution. Rejecting the opposition's argument regarding two oaths, he said Parliament was elected under the existing Constitution and the current parliamentary session has also been convened in accordance with it. "If they say they have taken two oaths, we have not taken any such second oath," Salahuddin said, adding that taking an oath as members of the Constitution Reform Council has no constitutional or legal basis. He said the government will want to respect the public verdict delivered through the referendum, but the constitution must be amended first to honour the public verdict given through the referendum. If any provisions relating to the Constitution Reform Council need to be incorporated into the Constitution through consensus, those issues could be discussed within the constitutional amendment committee, the minister said.

Six parliamentary standing committees were constituted on Monday. Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni, upon the consent from Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman, separately placed the proposals to constitute the committees and that were passed by voice vote. Parliamentary Standing Committee on Liberation War Affairs Ministry will be led by BNP lawmaker Md Manirul Haque Chowdhury while Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industries Ministry by BNP MP Md Abul Kalam, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Ministry by BNP MP for Woman Reserve Seat- 27 Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce Ministry by BNP MP Md Khaled Hossain Mahboob, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources Ministry by BNP MP Mohammad Shofiqul Haque Milon and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs Ministry will be chaired by BNP MP Zainul Abedin.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal on Monday interrupted Posts, Telecommunications and ICT Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam in Parliament, saying his lengthy explanation failed to address the core concern raised by a lawmaker over cyber bullying, character assassination and AI-generated fake content targeting women. He also advised those preparing ministers' parliamentary replies to come to the House better prepared so that responses directly address lawmakers' questions. The exchange took place during a discussion under Rule 71 of the Rules of Procedure after reserved seat BNP MP Salina Sultana raised a matter of urgent public importance regarding cyber abuse against women. Presiding over the sitting, the Deputy Speaker stopped the minister while he was reading out provisions of the Cyber Security Act. "Those who assist you in preparing answers to such questions should come here better prepared. The answer to the honourable member's concern is not coming through here," he said. In response, the minister said his statement had further sections and requested the opportunity to complete it. The Deputy Speaker then asked him to focus on the main issue. Earlier, Salina Sultana told Parliament that cyber bullying, character assassination and the spread of fake photographs, videos and misleading information generated through artificial intelligence are increasingly targeting women and people expressing dissenting opinions on social media. She said such campaigns are causing social humiliation, severe mental distress and, in some cases, even driving victims to suicide. "A woman's tears have no political identity," the MP said, demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in cyber bullying, character assassination and the misuse of information technology. She also wanted to know what steps the government is taking to ensure a safer digital environment for women. Replying to the notice, Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said Bangladesh already has laws to combat cybercrime, although they are not effectively enforced in many cases. He then began reading provisions of Section 25 of the Cyber Security Act relating to blackmail, sexual harassment, revenge pornography, child sexual abuse material, sextortion and the dissemination of AI-generated or manipulated content.   The minister said such offences currently carry a maximum punishment of two years' imprisonment, a fine of Tk 10 lakh, or both. Where the victim is a woman or a child under 18, the maximum punishment rises to five years' imprisonment, a fine of Tk 20 lakh, or both. After being asked to be specific, Mahbub Anam said the government is amending the Cyber Security Act to make it more relevant and effective in addressing emerging technological challenges. He said the proposed amendments will explicitly criminalise the creation or dissemination of AI-generated or manipulated content intended to defame or humiliate individuals. The amendments will also increase penalties for such offences, introduce a clearer legal definition of defamation and bring the deliberate creation and dissemination of false, distorted or misleading information intended to deceive or harm individuals, institutions, the public or the state within the legal framework. During a supplementary question, Salina Sultana asked whether the government plans to establish a specialised cyber response team capable of detecting and removing AI-generated fake content quickly and bringing offenders to justice within 24 hours. She also sought the government's decision on introducing a one-stop cyber support service for victims. In reply, the minister again referred to the cabinet committee and said it will consider the proposals before taking appropriate decisions. He noted that cyber harassment affects both women and men and said the government is treating the issue with utmost importance. Mahbub Anam said the National Cyber Security Agency is already assisting relevant authorities by identifying and analysing harmful online content, fake information and rumours. He added that cyber security help desks have been established at ICT offices at district and upazila levels to provide advice and primary assistance to the public. Women subjected to cyber bullying or digital harassment can also lodge complaints through the national 333 hotline, after which complaints will be verified and forwarded to the appropriate authorities for action, the minister said. He further informed Parliament that a central software platform, titled the Cyber Incident Reporting System, has been developed to receive, assess and monitor cybercrime complaints and refer them to law enforcement agencies.

A bill seeking to amend the Bangladesh Medical University Act, 1998 was passed in Parliament on Monday to facilitate the operation of the university's Super Specialised Hospital and empower the institution to establish and invest in companies to expand medical education, research and healthcare services. Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain moved the Bangladesh Medical University (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by voice vote. According to the object of the bill, Bangladesh Medical University was established under the Bangladesh Medical University Act, 1998 to promote higher education, research and advanced healthcare services in the country. A Super Specialised Hospital was later established under the university, but despite the completion of its construction, it could not be fully commissioned due to the absence of adequate doctors and supporting staff as well as the lack of a clear operational framework. To make the hospital functional, the university's Syndicate decided to operate it under the Companies Act, 1994, making it necessary to amend the existing law. The proposed amendment also seeks to authorise the university to establish profit-making or non-profit companies or organisations and to acquire, hold and transfer shares in such entities for expanding its medical education, healthcare and research activities. The bill aims to provide the university with explicit legal authority to establish and manage such companies while clarifying the Syndicate's powers, the scope of regulations governing these entities, provisions for incorporating income generated by them into the university's funds and conditions for investment from university funds. According to the bill, establishing internationally standard specialised hospitals under this framework will enable the university to engage renowned local and foreign physicians, teachers and researchers on a contractual basis, facilitating the transfer of modern medical technology, knowledge and expertise. The bill said the government believes the initiative will strengthen residency, fellowship and other advanced medical training programmes, provide students with improved clinical exposure and help produce internationally competent doctors, researchers and healthcare professionals. The bill also says income generated from these companies could be reinvested in the university's healthcare, education and research activities, contributing to its overall academic excellence.

Posts and Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam on Monday said the government is set to amend the Cyber Security Act to strengthen coordination with international technology platforms for the removal of defamatory and character-assassination content from social media. Responding to a notice raised by treasury bench member Salina Sultana from reserved women's seat 35 in Parliament, he said the Prime Minister has constituted a five-member cabinet committee to examine the issue and it is expected to take a decision shortly. The minister said international social media platforms, including YouTube and TikTok, generally cooperate in removing content that threatens national security, public order or religious sentiments. However, they are comparatively reluctant to remove content that defames or maligns individuals, he said. Mahbub Anam said the government, through the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), has held several rounds of discussions with the platforms concerned, but the desired level of cooperation in removing defamatory content targeting individuals has yet to be achieved. To address the issue, he said the government has initiated efforts to formulate time-bound content takedown agreements and related policy guidelines with international technology companies. Highlighting emerging technological challenges, the minister said the rapid advancement of technology has led to a rise in the creation and spread of defamatory and misleading content using deepfakes and AI-generated or AI-edited images, videos and audio. In response, the government has undertaken initiatives to update and strengthen the Cyber Security Act through necessary amendments, he said. Under the proposed amendments, AI-generated or AI-manipulated defamatory content will be explicitly recognised as an offence, penalties will be enhanced and a clear legal definition of defamation will be incorporated into the law, Mahbub Anam said. The revised law will also cover the dissemination of false, distorted or misleading information intended to deceive or harm individuals, institutions or the state, while making provisions for the prompt removal of rumours, misinformation and defamatory content more explicit, he said. The minister also said the government has strengthened cybersecurity services by establishing cybersecurity help desks at district and upazila levels, forming Teenage Cyber Crime Prevention Committees and introducing a Cyber Incident Reporting System.

Parliament on Monday passed the Narcotics Control (Amendment) Bill, introducing the death penalty as the maximum punishment for illegal drug trading conducted through cyberspace and digital platforms. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed placed the bill in the House, where it was passed by a voice vote after lawmakers disposed of proposals for public opinion scrutiny, referral to the parliamentary standing committee and amendments. Govt forms cabinet committee to finalise draft of Cyber Security (Amendment) Act The amendment incorporates a new provision recommended by the parliamentary committee to criminalise technology-based narcotics offences. Under the new law, any person who directly or indirectly uses cyberspace, digital devices, websites, social media, mobile apps, online platforms, electronic communication systems or any other digital medium to purchase, sell, supply, offer, advertise, facilitate, communicate or engage in any illegal activity involving narcotic drugs or psychoactive substances will be guilty of an offence. The law also makes it an offence to use or attempt to use digital payment systems, e-wallets, virtual assets or cryptocurrencies in connection with such illegal activities. It further provides that the recovery of narcotic drugs from the accused will not be mandatory to prosecute offences committed through digital platforms. Those convicted may face imprisonment for any term or the maximum penalty of death, along with a fine of up to Tk 20 lakh. If the offence is committed as part of an international or organised criminal network, offenders may be sentenced to imprisonment for any term, fined up to Tk 50 lakh, or both. The law also authorises competent courts or, where applicable, Narcotics Crime Suppression Tribunals to order the blocking, removal, seizure, confiscation or forfeiture to the state of cyberspace resources, digital devices, digital accounts, digital payment systems, e wallets, virtual assets and cryptocurrencies used in such crimes. The amendment retains the jurisdiction of ordinary courts while reintroducing provisions for establishing separate Narcotics Crime Suppression Tribunals in areas particularly vulnerable to drug related offences. It also introduces provisions empowering the Department of Narcotics Control to possess firearms and establish dog squads to strengthen enforcement against technology driven drug crimes, particularly those committed in cyberspace. Speaking during the discussion on the bill, Salahuddin acknowledged allegations that some members of law enforcement agencies are involved in narcotics trading. He said no one will be spared in such cases and that administrative action is being taken against those found responsible.

National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Akhter Hossen on Monday questioned the government's decision to allow BNP women MPs elected to reserved seats to perform what he described as "additional responsibilities" in constituencies represented by opposition lawmakers, asking whether it signalled a move towards a one-party system. Raising the issue on a point of order in Parliament, he sought clarification on the constitutional basis and scope of such responsibilities. The matter surfaced after BNP reserved seat MP Zeeba Amina Khan, while asking a supplementary question during the question-and-answer session, said she visited Pirganj and Mithapukur under her "additional responsibility" on Sunday. She referred to the government's decision to upgrade a 50-bed hospital to a 100-bed facility and highlighted the shortage of healthcare staff. The women MP also asked about government initiatives to train young people so they could assist as support personnel in hospitals. Akhter Hossen initially sought to raise a point of order immediately, but proceedings were suspended for Asr prayers. After the recess, he said BNP activists in the two Rangpur constituencies have been claiming that the elected MP was not the real representative and that the reserved seat MP should be regarded as the constituency's MP. The NCP lawmaker also recalled that State Minister Mir Shahe Alam earlier stated that no one has been assigned any additional responsibility, while the BNP woman MP claimed otherwise. "Which statement is correct? What is the scope of this additional responsibility? How will it be exercised, and what is its constitutional basis?" he said, alleging that such responsibilities were assigned only in constituencies represented by opposition MPs. "This raises concerns. Is the BNP trying to establish a one-party system by assigning its reserved seat women MPs responsibilities in opposition constituencies?" Akhter Hossen said, demanding an explanation from the government. Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal later asked Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed to respond. The home minister said reserved seat women MPs do not have any specific geographical constituencies and are entitled to perform their parliamentary responsibilities anywhere in Bangladesh. Although the issue did not formally qualify as a point of order for the day's proceedings, he said it required clarification after it was raised in Parliament at the Deputy Speaker's direction. Referring to Article 65 of the Constitution, Salahuddin said the Jatiya Sangsad consists of 300 directly elected members and an additional 50 members elected to reserved seats for women. He explained that while general seat MPs are elected from clearly demarcated constituencies, those territorial boundaries do not apply to reserved seat MPs. "Their limited area is the whole country, Bangladesh," he said. The minister said reserved seat MPs enjoy the same status as other MPs and may allocate resources received from ministries and government agencies anywhere in the country. He said a reserved seat MP could choose to allocate resources in Cox's Bazar, Banshkhali or Satkania, or any other part of Bangladesh. Salahuddin also remarked that when a reserved seat MP referred to one or two constituencies as "my area", they unnecessarily restricted their own mandate. "They should say the whole of Bangladesh is their area," he said, adding that the concept of a fixed geographical constituency does not apply to reserved seat women MPs.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Monday  said there is little scope for waiving tolls on bridges under the Road Transport and Highways Division and the Bridges Division. “Toll collection is governed by policy and revenue rules rather than ministerial discretion,” he said in Parliament. Responding to a Rule 71 notice raised by reserved seat BNP MP Shacot Ara Akter in Parliament, the minister said the Ministry has limited authority to suspend toll collection or exempt users based on requests or recommendations from members of parliament. Laldia Container Terminal concession signed transparently, won't be revised: Shipping Minister "We have a policy for collecting bridge tolls. There is very little scope for the ministry to stop toll collection or waive tolls at the request or recommendation of MPs," he said. Rabiul Alam acknowledged that many MPs had promised to abolish bridge tolls during election campaigns. "Most of us who were elected as members of parliament promised before the election that bridge tolls would be waived, perhaps to build public support," he said. However, he explained that while the ministry constructs and manages bridges, toll collection is a revenue matter regulated by the finance authorities. "The Ministry cannot abolish revenue collection, nor can any member of parliament do so. Without revenue collection, even this Parliament would not be able to function due to a lack of funds," he said. The minister said the demands raised by MPs who had made such commitments to voters could be discussed with the Finance Division to determine whether any concessions could be considered, but stressed that such a move would require a policy decision. Addressing demands for additional stoppages of intercity trains, Rabiul Alam said many MPs had also pledged to ensure intercity train services stopped at stations in their constituencies. He said intercity train stoppages are determined under established policy guidelines. "If trains are made to stop everywhere, they will cease to be intercity services and effectively become local trains," he said. On demands for four lane roads in different constituencies, the minister said road expansion decisions are based on technical assessments rather than election commitments. He said traffic volume, passenger numbers and freight movement are taken into account before determining whether a road should be two lane or four lane. "We believe two lane roads are sufficient at the district level. As for national highways where there is demand for four lane roads, those projects are already under planning," he added.

Religion Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad on Monday warned that no Hajj agency will be spared in case of harassing and deceiving Hajj pilgrims. “No one will be spared who harasses and deceives the guests of the House of Allah. Strict action will continue to be taken against the offenders according to the code of criminal procedure,” he informed the Parliament while replying to a starred question from opposition bench member Nurul Islam (Chapainawabganj-3). Will quit if needed, but minority persecution won’t be tolerated: Kaikobad On behalf of the Religion Affairs Minister, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed answered the questions related to the religion affairs ministry in the House.    The Jamaat lawmaker, in his question, asked whether the government has taken any steps to reduce this suffering of Hajj pilgrims and punish these fraudulent syndicate as every year, due to the fraud of some licensed private Hajj agencies, many Hajj pilgrims go to Mecca and Medina and suffer greatly in terms of accommodation, food or transportation. The Minister said due to some agencies, the respected Haji pilgrims sometimes suffer from accommodation, food or transportation in Mecca and Medina, which is very unfortunate. He said the Ministry of Religious Affairs has taken various steps to alleviate this suffering of the Haji pilgrims. Citing that the Hajj and Umrah Management Act, 2021 and the Hajj and Umrah Management (Amended) Rules, 2022, he said if any agency commits fraud or irregularities, various legal actions are taken, including cancellation of license, forfeiture of deposit, closure of its Hajj activities and monetary fines under the laws. He said during every Hajj season, round-the-clock control rooms and IT help desks are maintained in Mecca and Medina so that Hajj pilgrims can directly and easily report their complaints while in Saudi Arabia. Besides, Hajj pilgrims can also submit their complaints and opinions through the Hajj Portal (www.hajj.gov.bd). “Every complaint received directly and online is investigated and administrative action is taken against the guilty agency,” said the minister. “Action is taken against the agency on an urgent basis, subject to investigation, as soon as complaints are received, especially regarding accommodation or food,” he said. The Hajj agencies have been instructed to give information related to accommodation, transportation, tent zones and services of pilgrims in Mecca and Medina on the Ministry's e-Hajj portal and this matter is being closely monitored. “As a result, the suffering of pilgrims has been greatly reduced,” said Kaikobad.