United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali on Saturday urged the police members to teach their children ethical education and moral values alongside academic education, as it is impossible to build a developed nation without morally sound people. “You have to teach them ethical education from childhood, and you have to obey morality yourselves,” he said while speaking at the Scholarship-2024 award ceremony for meritorious children of DMP personnel at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh. At the event, scholarships were awarded to 517 meritorious students under different categories to inspire them in their academic pursuits. Addressing the students, the DMP Commissioner emphasised the importance of technical education in line with present-day demands and stressed the need to focus on English language proficiency. If you (meritorious students) become good human beings, that would make your parents proud, he added. Stay vigilant against banned organisations, DMP Commissioner asks officers Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Additional Director General (Admin) Faruk Ahmed, who was speaking as a special guest, described the scholarship initiative of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police as a noble effort. He said the development of a society or state requires the creation of quality human resources, noting that no advanced social system can be built without ideal individuals. He expressed hope that the scholarships would motivate the recipients to grow into ideal human beings and said their success would be reflected if they become patriotic citizens in the future. On behalf of the scholarship recipients, a student expressed gratitude, saying it was a privilege to be part of such a beautiful programme and thanked the DMP for organising the event. Video messages of Hadi murder prime suspect being examined: DMP Commissioner Deputy Police Commissioner (Headquarters and Admin) Md Amir Khasru delivered the welcome speech at the programme. Dhaka Metropolitan Police, one of the largest police units in Bangladesh, introduced the scholarship programme in 2017 to encourage the education of the children of its serving members.

A fire erupted Saturday afternoon in the sub-store of the children’s ward on the sixth floor of the new building at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH). The blaze started around 4:45 pm in a room storing mattresses and other materials. Six units of Mymensingh Fire Service rushed to the spot and managed to bring the fire under control within an hour. All materials in the sub-store were destroyed. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Clash between ‘BNP supporters’ leaves one dead in Mymensingh Hospital officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Dr. Zakirul Islam, the hospital’s deputy director, stated that the likelihood of an electrical short circuit in the sub-store was low, and fire service and electricity department teams are examining the origin. Senior store officer Dr. Jhantu Sarkar added that the sub-store, which keeps extra mattresses and bedsheets, is normally locked, making accidental ignition unlikely. Eyewitnesses said the children’s ward was suddenly filled with thick black smoke around 4:30 pm, causing chaos as patients and visitors hurried down the stairs. The sub-store and its contents were completely destroyed in the fire, but no injuries were reported.

Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar on Friday night withdrew controversial remarks about journalists following strong protests from local media professionals. Dr Badiul came under criticism after he allegedly referred to journalists as “pet dogs of political parties or individuals” during a discussion at a programme organised by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Palashbari, Gaibandha, at around 7:30pm on January 16. Facing objections and criticism from journalists present at the event, Dr Badiul later admitted that his comments were inappropriate and formally withdrew the statement. Read More: Badiul Alam Majumdar seeks political consensus on EVM use   During the discussion, he strongly criticised the country’s current political and electoral situation, saying that holding a fair, acceptable and impartial election is the most pressing demand of the time. He alleged that the electoral system and political parties have become corrupt, with many candidates still relying on black money and muscle power. Emphasising the need for reforms, Dr Badiul said restructuring the Election Commission was crucial, claiming that some Election Commission officials had become “more Awami League than Sheikh Hasina.” Referring to the constitution, he said it was originally framed in a way that concentrated power, resulting in what he described as unlimited authority for the Prime Minister. Dr Badiul further claimed that the caretaker government system was abolished through constitutional amendments as part of a political strategy to retain power indefinitely. Read More: Public may take to streets again if election malpractices continue: Badiul Alam Majumdar He described the 1991 general election as the best in Bangladesh’s history and said that the July Uprising, like that of 1971, would remain an inseparable part of history. He also discussed various aspects of referendums during his speech. Among others, SHUJAN Mymensingh Regional Coordinator Jayant Kar, District Facilitator Atiq Sumon and Manager Meherun Nesa were present at the programme.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke on Saturday reaffirmed her country’s long‑standing encouragement of ‘free, fair, credible and peaceful’ elections in Bangladesh. The British High Commissioner met BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed the UK's positions, according to the High Commission. She also conveyed sincere condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Candidates contesting from Kushtia-4 constituency have expressed concern over looted and illegal firearms ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, urging authorities to ensure a peaceful and fair vote. The concerns were raised at a views-exchange meeting on law and order with Kushtia Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jhasim Uddin at Abul Hossain Tarun Auditorium in Kumarkhali on Saturday. The candidates warned that weapons looted from police stations on August 5 are yet to be fully recovered and alleged that illegal arms are being moved through the Padma-Garai river routes, which could threaten a free and fair election. Read More: Man held with arms, ammo in Gazipur Responding to the concerns, SP Mohammad Jhasim Uddin said 55 firearms had gone missing from Kushtia, of which 38 have already been recovered. He assured that recovery drives would continue until every weapon is retrieved. “I promise that no one will be allowed to use arms in Kushtia. We will recover all illegal weapons and ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election,” the SP said, urging all candidates to follow the election code of conduct.

Veteran journalist and Jaijaidin founding editor Shafik Rehman on Saturday called for the establishment of a Newspaper Standards Committee, emphasising its role in enhancing the quality, credibility, and accountability of journalism in Bangladesh. “Journalism in Bangladesh has yet to reach a truly respectable position. There are serious questions surrounding journalists and many media outlets. That is why a Newspaper Standards Committee is urgently needed,” he said while speaking at the Media Conference–2026 organised by the Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) in the capital. Advising journalists to think pragmatically, Shafik Rehman said relying solely on journalism for livelihood has become increasingly difficult. “Given the current state of journalism, journalists should also consider alternative professions. Without another source of income, it is very hard to practise independent journalism in Bangladesh.” Govt tightens oversight of public assets to curb long-term fiscal risks Expressing solidarity with the journalists’ unity demonstrated at the event, he said such collective initiatives were absent during periods when newspapers were shut down and journalists were arrested under past Awami League governments. “Even so, better late than never—we have finally realised the need to stand united.” Recalling his personal ordeal, Shafik Rehman said he lost sight in his left eye and hearing in his left ear during his time in jail. “I never sought personal publicity; I always wanted publicity for my newspaper.” Calling on journalists to free themselves from political allegiance, he criticised what he described as opportunistic shifts in loyalty. “Those who are now speaking against the Awami League were once aligned with the government during its tenure. Overnight, as if by magic, they became BNP supporters. This cannot be journalism. Journalists must come out of political subservience.” Shafik Rehman also voiced concern over Bangladesh’s economic trajectory, drawing a historical parallel with post-fascist Italy, where a collapse in the currency forced people to revert to barter trade. “I fear Bangladesh could head in that direction,” he warned, citing the proliferation of banks in the country. “The Awami League government has established 76 banks, while a country like England has only four.” Stressing professional accountability, the veteran journalist said meaningful change in Bangladesh’s media landscape would come only when journalists understand why they chose the profession, publishers recognise their responsibilities and editors remain fully conscious of their roles.

Nepal’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari on Saturday called on Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman at the latter’s office and discussed issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, they reviewed the current state of Bangladesh-Nepal relations, said the Nepalese Embassy in Dhaka.

The government has introduced a new Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE) and Lease Manual aimed at strengthening asset governance and curbing long-term liabilities. The move comes as the Finance Division revealed that Bangladesh’s total contingent liabilities have reached Tk 6,39,782.58 crore, much of it linked to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and poorly monitored asset and lease arrangements that pose serious risks to macroeconomic stability. Senior government officials disclosed the information at a two-day workshop titled “SOEs and ABs Governance: Progress Review and Way Forward”, held on January 16–17 at a hotel in Cox’s Bazar. The event was organised by the Scheme on SOE Governance under the Strengthening Public Financial Management Program to Enable Service Delivery (SPFMS), Finance Division (FD). Md. Hasanul Matin, Additional Secretary (Budget and Macroeconomics), FD, attended the workshop as the chief guest, while Dr. Ziaul Abedin, Additional Secretary (Budget) and National Program Director of SPFMS, joined as the guest of honour. Rahima Begum, Director General (Additional Secretary), Monitoring Cell, FD, chaired the session. Around 80 officials from the Finance Division and various ministries and autonomous bodies participated. Addressing the inaugural session, Md. Hasanul Matin said, “Inefficient performance of several SOEs has significantly increased contingent liabilities. The creation of multiple authorities for similar purposes has led to overlapping functions, which must be avoided,” he said, adding, “Bangladesh needs to restore its governance approach with global best practices”. NOVOAIR marks 14th anniversary with 14pc fare discount “Our major challenges today include rising debt burdens and declining revenue generation. Addressing these issues requires a whole-of-government approach,” he noted. Dr. Ziaul Abedin said, “In a market economy, only commercially viable SOEs should continue to operate, while others should be restructured or phased out. But this has not happened in Bangladesh. Transforming SOEs requires strong political commitment”, he said adding, “We must rethink their future through broader, sustainable business models.” Rahima Begum emphasised that SOEs and autonomous bodies play a crucial role in strengthening the national economy, but inefficiency, weak financial management, and lack of accountability have sharply increased debt and contingent liabilities. “We are identifying key challenges and focusing on practical solutions, including stronger audits, digital systems, and improved oversight to ensure good governance,” she said. Four business sessions were held in the workshop.

A robust editorial institution is essential for maintaining journalistic integrity in Bangladesh, said The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam on Saturday. “Now is the right time to practise ethical journalism in Bangladesh. If media editors can maintain the standards of editorial institutions, journalism will also be of high quality,” said Mahfuz Anam while speaking at the Media Conference–2026 organised at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital. Mahfuz Anam said the primary objective of journalism is to serve society, as journalists are responsible for providing neutral and factual information to all. He said that the Constitution guarantees the highest degree of independence to only two professions—judiciary and journalism. Referring to journalists being questioned at times through contempt proceedings, Mahfuz Anam said journalists never show disrespect to the judiciary. “Journalists always present judicial information before people with the highest respect. The people of the country have the right to know these facts.” Independent journalism is most beneficial for the government, Mahfuz Anam said, adding that government agencies or intelligence bodies often fail to provide accurate information. “Everyone wants to keep the government happy. Only independent journalism can inform the government about what is really happening in the country.” Addressing the government, Mahfuz Anam said public budgets are not the government’s own money but belong to the people. “Journalists make the public aware of how this money is spent through news reports. Exposing corruption in projects does not mean going against the government; rather, it ensures that public money is not siphoned off.” About media owners, Mahfuz Anam said journalism cannot be treated like other businesses where investment and profit are the sole considerations, and urged editors not to act under the influence of media owners. Describing robust journalism as a complement to democracy, Mahfuz said a code of conduct would soon be formulated. “We will practise ethical journalism by collectively following this code of conduct.” Editors from different media outlets at the event stressed the highest importance of independent journalism in safeguarding the country’s democratic journey. They pledged to work in unity in the future and resist any attack on journalism.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Saturday said Bangladesh, as a responsible neighbor and an active member of the United Nations and other international bodies, advocates for a rule-based international order and collective action in addressing global economic challenges. "We support active engagement to promote dialogue, confidence-building, and cooperative solutions to shared concerns," he said while speaking at the Inaugural session of SAFA (South Asian Federation of Accountants) International Conference in Dhaka. Chairperson of Bangladesh Competition Commission AHM Ahsan and Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Bangladesh Dr Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan attended the conference as special guests. Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), the conference was themed “Next Generation Profession: Converging Ethical AI and Sustainability Reporting.” For Bangladesh, the Adviser said, the proposed convergence of technology and sustainability is particularly significant. "Our pursuit of economic growth and deeper global integration requires that our professionals remain not only technically proficient, but also ethically grounded and socially responsible," he said. US proud to call Bangladesh a friend: US Ambassador The Adviser said platforms such as this conference play a vital role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge, sharing of best practices, and fostering of meaningful collaborations. "Such engagements can steer both the region and the global community toward a sustainable, inclusive, and technologically advanced future," he said. The keynote speech was delivered by Adeeb Hossain Khan FCA, past President of ICAB and Senior Partner at Rahman Rahman Huq, Chartered Accountants. Khan emphasised that the adoption of AI in sustainability reporting is “no longer a distant concept, but a structural shift already influencing how economic value is created, measured, and disclosed.” The conference brought together national leadership and international expertise, serving as a platform for thought leadership, knowledge exchange, and strategic dialogue on critical issues set to reshape regional and global professional collaboration. Delegates from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka took part in the event, which featured three technical sessions and a valedictory session. The global accounting profession is entering a new phase as Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability Reporting begin to converge, reshaping business risk, investor expectations, and public trust, experts highlighted at the SAFA international conference. Organisers noted that their presence demonstrated strong government support for elevating professional excellence, ethical standards, and international collaboration in the accounting and finance sectors. Adviser Hossain emphasised that the convergence of technology and sustainability is crucial for shaping a ‘new Bangladesh’. Finnish observers joining EU’s Election Observation Mission He noted that the country’s aspirations for sustained economic growth and deeper global integration demand professionals who are not only technically competent but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. AHM Ahsan highlighted that technological advancement presents both opportunities and challenges, and observed that AI-driven systems can boost efficiency, strengthen compliance, and foster innovation. Without strong ethical frameworks, AI also poses risks such as algorithmic collusion, market dominance abuses, opacity, and exclusionary practices. He urged that AI be adopted with caution to ensure that Bangladesh can fully and responsibly harness its benefits.