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The government has appointed senior journalist Nayeemul Islam Khan as the new press secretary to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. According to a Public Administration Ministry notification, Nayeemul has been appointed on a contractual basis with the status of a secretary. He will remain in office for the duration of the PM’s term or subject to her satisfaction. The post was vacant since the demise of former press secretary Ihsanul Karim Helal in March.
Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan, along with Nepal’s Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha and Bhutan High Court’s Justice Lobzang Rinzin Yargay, paid homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his grave in Tungipara, Gopalganj. They offered prayers for Bangabandhu, Bangamata, and other martyrs of the 1975 massacre. The visiting judges are in Bangladesh for an international conference on the judiciary. Photo: Collected
The Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, stated that fake documents and illegal practices like paying hefty amounts to middlemen are reasons hindering smooth migration from Bangladesh to Italy. He vowed to make migration safer and more orderly, encouraging applicants to use only official channels. The envoy cited one in five applications having problematic documents as a reason for visa processing delays, and a backlog of around 20,000 pending passports at the embassy. Photo: UNB
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the historic six-point day, marking the launch of Bangabandhu’s massive movement against Pakistani misrule in 1966. Hasina placed wreaths at Bangabandhu’s portrait at Dhanmondi, followed by Awami League associate bodies. The six-point demand, a charter for autonomy, paved the way for the 1971 Liberation War after police firing on protesters killed 10 people on this day in 1966.Photo: BSS
Members of Parliament (MPs) in Bangladesh are set to lose their long-standing privilege of exemption from customs duties and taxes on the import of cars, jeeps, and microbuses. The government plans to amend the relevant law, as announced by the Finance Minister in his budget speech on Thursday. He encouraged moving away from the “culture of tax exemption” and requested the concerned minister to make necessary amendments to the MPs’ remuneration and allowances order of 1973 accordingly.
The proposed national budget for FY2024-25 has failed to address the continuous sufferings of expatriate workers, according to experts. Despite hopes for new schemes, incentives, and allocations to support migrant workers, the budget prioritized skill development programs like language training. It missed opportunities to increase remittance incentives from the current 2.5% or announce special allocations to tackle issues faced by expatriates. The allocation for the expatriate welfare ministry saw a minor rise but lacks measures to provide substantive relief to this vulnerable workforce.
The Finance Minister has proposed allocating Tk 100 crore as a special fund for climate change and environmental protection in the national budget for FY2024-25. The fund will support Bangladesh’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), which has guided the nation’s climate actions so far. From FY10 to FY24, Tk 3969 crore was allocated to the Climate Change Trust Fund facilitating 969 projects. The new allocation highlights Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate impacts and the need for adaptation efforts.
The proposed national budget for FY2024-25 has reduced import duties on key kidney dialysis components from 10% to 1%. This includes dialysis filters that remove waste from blood and dialysis circuits that facilitate blood flow through dialysis machines. The move will significantly lower the cost of kidney dialysis treatment across the country, providing much-needed financial relief to thousands of kidney patients.
The Fire Service and Civil Defence has introduced a new easy-to-remember hotline number 102 for any fire-related emergency services. The hotline replaces the existing landline number and the 16163 hotline as it is simpler to recall. Users of all mobile operators except T&T landlines can now call 102 to access fire services. T&T landline support will be added soon. However, the previous 11-digit landline 02223355555 and 16163 hotline will remain active until December 31st.
The government has proposed increasing the allocation for the education sector by 7.42% to Tk 94,710 crore in the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, compared to the previous year’s allocation. This allocation accounts for 11.88% of the total budget and 1.69% of the GDP. The finance minister emphasized the importance of training the future generation in science, technology, and technical education to build a “Smart Bangladesh” by 2041.
The Cabinet today approved the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 at a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The budget, set to be unveiled by Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, exceeds Tk 8 lakh crore, including an Annual Development Programme (ADP) of Tk 2,65,000 crore. The transport and communication sector received the highest allocation of Tk 70,687.75 crore (26.67%) in the ADP, while the Local Government Division is set to receive around Tk 38,809 crore (15%). Photo: UNB
A 96-meter-long bridge over the Fatika canal in Jamalpur’s Islampur, constructed at a cost of over Tk 5.68 crore, remains unused over a year after its inauguration due to the absence of an approach road. Locals allege that despite the inauguration by the Religious Affairs Minister in January 2023, the bridge lacks a connecting road on the west side, forcing people to use a muddy path to cross the canal.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to leave for New Delhi on Friday to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India for a third consecutive term. Modi extended the invitation during a phone conversation with Hasina on Wednesday, which she accepted. The ceremony is expected to take place on June 8, following the BJP-led NDA’s victory in the 18th Lok Sabha elections. File Photo
The Health Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen informed Parliament that over 8,000 posts of doctors remain vacant at different hospitals across the country. Responding to queries, he said the government is spending 70% of the medical and surgical requisites allocation on providing drugs free of cost to patients at government hospitals and health centers. He added that nearly 27 types of drugs are being provided free at community clinics, prioritizing health care for marginalized people.
The High Court ordered the government to retain the 30% freedom fighter quota in government jobs and declared illegal the 2018 circular cancelling the quota system. The HC bench passed the order after hearing a writ petition challenging the government’s decision to abolish quotas in Grade 9-13 recruitment based solely on merit. The court issued a rule asking the authorities to explain why the circular should not be deemed illegal. The quota system reserves 56% government jobs for various groups, including 30% for freedom fighters’ children and grandchildren.
The wives of two brothers of former army chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed obtained e-passports with false information, like their husbands. Dilara Hasan and Shamim Ara Khan mentioned incorrect names of their husbands and parents in their passports. They received the e-passports with 10-year validity without facing any adversities due to their influential family connections. The immigration and passport officials declined to comment on the matter, which is a punishable offence under the relevant laws.
Online betting advertisements have been found on 3,295 web pages connected to 11 government websites in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority website hosted the highest 1,439 betting pages. Other affected websites include those of the Local Government Department, Public Library Directorate, Agricultural Development Corporation, and educational institutions. The Dismislab initiative uncovered this issue, raising concerns over the management and security of government websites being compromised to promote illegal online betting activities.
Md Harun or Rashid has taken over as the new Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), replacing M Khurshid Hossain. The appointment was announced through a gazette notification issued by the Public Security Division of the Home Ministry on May 29. Harun or Rashid joined the police force in 1995 and has held various positions, including Deputy Inspector General of Mymensingh range in 2019. He holds an MSc, LLB, and MBA degree.
The Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Haznah Md Hashim, confirmed that her government will not extend the May 31 deadline for foreign workers’ entry into Malaysia. Speaking after a meeting with Bangladesh’s Expatriates Welfare Minister, she stated that Malaysia wants to maintain uniformity in applying the deadline across the 15 source countries for foreign workers. Photo: Md Abbas
Recruiting agencies blamed the Malaysian government for the rise of syndicates and failure to send thousands of Bangladeshi workers within the deadline despite having valid visas. BAIRA leaders, including MPs who own recruiting firms, denied any wrongdoing or involvement in syndicates. They accused Malaysia of selecting the agencies and providing visas until the last moment, making it difficult to arrange travel. BAIRA claimed some of its MP members rightfully own recruiting agencies and were selected by Malaysia. photo: prothom alo
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina vowed to create an environment enabling children to learn modern technologies so they do not lag behind in the rapidly advancing world. While distributing awards to winners of contests marking Bangabandhu’s birth anniversaries, she said her government is transforming Bangladesh into a Smart nation by 2041 through measures like building computer labs in schools and training centers. She urged children and youths, the future leaders, to take Bangladesh towards becoming a smart country through proper education and technological knowledge. Photo: BSS
Despite a drop in rainfall in Meghalaya, the flood situation in Sylhet, Bangladesh continues to worsen, with 28 out of 42 wards inundated. The district administration reports that 761 villages under 10 upazilas are flooded, affecting around 7.38 lakh people as of 10:00 pm yesterday. The Surma river is flowing 5 cm above the danger level, while the Sylhet City Corporation has opened 554 shelters for the flood victims, with councillors also providing refuge in their homes. Photo: Sheikh Nasir
A 60-70 year old wild elephant, which had wandered into residential areas of Juri upazila from May 22-24, was finally located on May 30 in the Alambari area by forest officials with help from locals. Despite initial difficulties due to cyclone-induced landslides, a medical team managed to administer antibiotics to the ailing but still mobile elephant. With its wound healing and normal appetite, authorities remain hopeful of its swift recovery under observation. Photo: Collected
Former IGP Benazir Ahmed and his family members used intimidation tactics to purchase lands from minority Hindu and Christian communities in Gazipur’s Kaliganj upazila at very low prices. ACC found they own around 181 bighas in the area, mostly acquired when Benazir was RAB director general and IGP. Locals dubbed the area “The Benazir Project” as several government officials close to him also bought lands there. ACC is investigating the sources of funds used for these land acquisitions.
Obaidul Quader, the Awami League General Secretary, stated that former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed must return to Bangladesh if found guilty of corruption, as the government will not compromise on this issue. Quader defended the government’s stance, saying it does not provide impunity to anyone involved in corruption and fully supports the investigation against Benazir. He also warned of consequences for any failure of law enforcement agencies in detecting Benazir’s alleged corruption.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government will work with countries that support Bangladesh’s development, irrespective of their involvement in conflicts. She reiterated Bangladesh wants peace and friendship with all nations. Hasina called upon people to remain alert so that none can push the country backwards to being a “nation of beggars” again. She made the remarks while distributing awards among winners of a video documentary competition titled “Bangabandhu in my eyes”. Photo: BSS
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts light to moderate rain or thundershowers with gusty winds over the next 24 hours from 9am today. Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet are likely to see rains in most areas. Rajshahi, Khulna, and Chattogram may receive scattered showers. Dhaka and Barishal could get isolated rain, with the possibility of moderately heavy rainfall in some parts of the country. Day temperatures may dip slightly, while night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged nationwide. Photo: UNB
Cyclone Remal destroyed around 2 crore trees and plants across 27,300 hectares of forest land in Patuakhali and Barguna, causing a financial loss of over Tk 11 crore, according to the forest department. The affected areas include reserve forests and nurseries. Local residents acknowledged the crucial role these forests play in protecting them from natural calamities like cyclones and floods. Authorities plan to initiate reforestation efforts to mitigate the damage caused by the cyclone.
Bangladesh’s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan declared last night that no one from Myanmar will be allowed to enter Bangladesh, and vice versa, in a strict move aimed at securing the border and Rohingya camps. Addressing concerns over violence, Khan emphasized ending bloodshed and preventing terrorist activities in the camps. He directed heightened security measures, including joint operations, fencing, and CCTV installation. The minister aims to halt factional clashes and infiltration while thwarting anti-repatriation efforts. He plans to visit the Rohingya camp in Ukhiya today. Photo: Collected
A severe storm lashed Dinajpur Sadar upazila and municipality area early today, leaving a trail of destruction. Hundreds of houses were damaged, trees uprooted, and power supply was disrupted as transmission lines snapped. The power outage crippled emergency services like hospitals and clinics in the town. While the extent of damage is still being assessed, at least 50 houses were found damaged, and the entire town remained without electricity till noon. Photo: Star
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina distributed relief materials among cyclone-affected people in Patuakhali today, assuring that her government will stand by them until their lives are rebuilt. Addressing a relief distribution event, Hasina reiterated her government’s commitment to improving people’s living standards despite natural calamities. She credited continued democracy for enabling the government’s development efforts and praised people for taking shelter during the cyclone.
BNP paid tribute to its founder Ziaur Rahman on his 43rd death anniversary today. Party leaders, led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, placed a wreath at Zia’s grave and offered munajat. BNP has organized a 15-day program nationwide, including discussions, photo exhibitions, and relief distribution, to observe the day with due respect. Zia, who founded BNP in 1978, was assassinated on May 30, 1981.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized around 2.5 kg of cocaine from the Khulna-bound Kapotaksha Express at Mirpur Railway Station in Kushtia yesterday. Acting on a tip-off, a BGB team searched the train and found the abandoned cocaine worth crores of taka. However, no one was arrested in this connection. The BGB has filed a general diary with the local police station regarding the seizure of the contraband drugs. Photo: BGB
According to the Directorate of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Patuakhali, Cyclone Remal has caused extensive damage to crops worth over Tk 26 crore, affecting nearly 60,000 farmers in the district. Crops on 7,540 hectares of land have been badly damaged, including varieties like boro paddy, aush, groundnut, chilli, and mung daal. The DAE plans to provide free fertilizer and seed incentives to 18,200 affected farmers during the upcoming Aman season, with other farmers also receiving aid on a priority basis to help them recover from the losses. Photo: Sohrab Hossain
The Supreme Court has extended its earlier order maintaining the status quo on the transfer of Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited’s shares of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway project to China’s Sinohydro Corporation Limited. The Appellate Division bench, headed by the Chief Justice, ruled that the status quo will remain in effect until the first arbitration meeting on this issue, pending in Singapore. This order comes after Italian-Thai challenged a High Court verdict that had lifted the stay on the share transfer.
BRAC and BRAC Bank have contributed Tk 100 million as relief assistance for the victims of Cyclone Remal. BRAC has allocated Tk 70 million (Tk 30 million from its own funds and Tk 40 million from staff salaries), while BRAC Bank has contributed Tk 30 million. The funds will be used to provide emergency cash support for essential food packages, rebuilding homes, water sources, latrines, and restoring livelihoods in the cyclone-affected areas. BRAC estimates that over 35,000 houses were fully destroyed, and 115,000 were partially damaged by Remal. AFP