National,Politics

No application submitted for parole of Jashore jail inmate Saddam: Home Ministry

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday said no application was submitted seeking the release of Jashore Central Jail prisoner Jewel Hasan Saddam on parole after the death of his wife and child.In a statement, the ministry said neither Saddam’s family nor anyone else applied to the Jashore Depu...

National,Politics,Diplomachy

French Envoy meets Jamaat chief, backs fair polls

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Sunday met Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, reiterating France's support for the holding of ‘fair, free, and peaceful’ elections.France hopes that this ‘decisive vote’ for the futu...

National,Politics,City,Jatiya Sangsad,Election

Abbas vows to rid Dhaka-8 of drugs, extortion, crimes

BNP senior leader and Dhaka-8 constituency candidate Mirza Abbas on Sunday vowed to make his area free from drugs, extortion and crime if elected through the national election billed for February 12.“For the past 17 years, my area has been destroyed by drugs, terrorism and extortion. I promise...

National,City,Law & Justice

Racket altering mobile IMEI numbers busted in Dhaka, 1 held

The Detective Branch (DB) Cyber Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has busted a major racket involved in illegally altering mobile phone IMEI numbers and arrested a man in this connection.They also seized software, a laptop and other equipment during the drive, said DMP Deputy Commissioner ...

National,Politics,Election

High Court issues rule against CEC over contempt of court

The High Court on Sunday issued a rule asking why punitive action should not be taken against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M  Nasir Uddin for failing to comply with a court order.The HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan issued the rule following a contempt peti...

National,Infrastructure, Development,Economy

Costly mega projects like Padma Bridge hurt market stability, reiterates Bashir

Costly mega projects taken during the Awami League government, including the Padma Bridge, Padma Rail Bridge, Karnaphuli Tunnel and Payra Port, have had adverse impacts on the market, contributing to economic instability, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin reiterated on Sunday.“The projected tol...

National,Diplomachy

EU envoy calls for policy stability to strengthen Bangladesh-EU ties

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller has emphasised the need for a level playing field for EU operators and consistent policy stability in the coming period to enhance bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the European Union.He also called for the completion of reforms launched by the int...

National,Bank & Insurance

Govt to accept foreign loans only for critical projects: Planning Adviser

Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud on Sunday said the government is moving away from financing large-scale development projects through foreign loans and stressed the need for avoiding a ‘debt trap’.“We do not want to take loans for big projects unnecessarily. Institutions like ...

National

Poor project planning, inflated costs behind massive wastage: Wahiduddin

Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud on Sunday said poor planning, inflated cost estimates and repeated delays are causing large-scale wastage of public resources.“From the very beginning, we have faced problems in implementing development projects. In almost all cases, projects had to be sen...

National,Politics,Diplomachy

Bangladesh expresses shock as Hasina speaks at New Delhi event

The government and people of Bangladesh have expressed surprise and shock that fugitive Sheikh Hasina, convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal for crimes against humanity, was permitted to make a statement at a public event in New Delhi on January 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on S...

National,Business & Commerce,Agriculture & Farming

Proposed poultry policy raises fears of monopolisation in chick supply

A proposal to ban the import of day-old chicks for commercial poultry farms included in the final draft of the National Poultry Development Policy-2026 has triggered widespread concern among poultry farmers and industry leaders.Stakeholders said small and marginal producers would bear the brunt of t...

National,Politics

‘BNP activists shouldn’t be afraid, we’ll give you shelter’: Nasiruddin Patwari

Jamaat-led alliance’s Dhaka-8 candidate and National Citizen Party (NCP) chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari on Sunday said ordinary BNP activists have nothing to fear, claiming that the NCP–Jamaat alliance would provide them protection.“Many senior BNP leaders have gone into vari...

National,Law & Justice

Court bars disconnection of utility services to under-construction buildings

The High Court has issued a six-month injunction restraining the authorities concerned from disconnecting electricity, gas and water connections to under-construction buildings in Dhaka.The order came in response to a writ petition filed by the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHA...

National,VAT, TAX, Revenue

NBR targets faster cargo clearance, simpler customs rules, says its chairman

National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan on Sunday said the authority is prioritising trade facilitation, quicker cargo clearance and greater transparency through a broad set of customs reforms.The ultimate objective is to simplify procedures for compliant taxpayers while taking...

National,Jatiya Sangsad,Election

Strong observer interest in Bangladesh polls: 500 foreign, 55,000 local

Some 500 foreign election observers, alongside over 55,000 local observers, from different countries and international organisations have expressed interest in monitoring Bangladesh’s upcoming national election and referendum, scheduled to be held simultaneously on February 12.According to the...

National,Economy

Bangladesh economic growth projected at 5% in 2026 amid inflation pressure

Bangladesh’s economic outlook for 2026 reflects a balance between moderate growth potential—estimated at around 5 percent—and persistent structural challenges with inflation expected to ease gradually, according to the Economic Update & Outlook (January) published by the Planni...

National,City,Accident, Fire, Disaster

Two motorcyclists killed in Dhaka road crash

Two motorcyclists were killed when a truck hit their motorcycle at Shanir Akhra in the Jatrabari area of the capital early Sunday.The deceased were identified as Khairul Hossain, 22, a second-year student of Bhashantek Government College and son of Harun Mia of Kishoreganj district and Mohammad Yeas...

National,Sports

Bangladesh crush Maldives 14-2 to win maiden SAFF women’s futsal title

Bangladesh has made history by lifting the inaugural SAFF Women's Futsal Championship trophy, crushing the Maldives 14-2 in their final match in Bangkok. The commanding victory ensured Bangladesh finished atop the league-based table with 16 points from six matches, securing their first-ever...

National,Politics,Jatiya Sangsad,Election

No level playing field yet for elections, alleges Nahid

Jamaat alliance candidate for Dhaka-11 and convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam on Sunday alleged that a level playing field has yet to be ensured for the upcoming national election.Speaking during electioneering at different spots in Badda-Satarkul area in the morning, Nahid claimed...

National,Jatiya Sangsad,Election

No hide-and-seek, elections to be transparent: CEC

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Sunday assured foreign diplomats that the upcoming national election will be held in transparent and credible manners amid foolproof security arrangement, leaving no scope for ‘hide-and-seek’.“We want a very transparent and credi...