United News of Bangladesh

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday said false and misleading information is being circulated in its name regarding allegations of fake votes in the 13th parliamentary election. In a press release, the organisation said information presented at a press conference marking the release of its report titled ‘Observation of the 13th National Parliamentary Election Process and Affidavit-Based Analysis’ has been misinterpreted and wrongly disseminated, creating confusion among the public. TIB clarified that in its field-level research, conducted through a random sampling method, data were collected from 70 selected constituencies. Among those, information regarding incidents of one or more fake votes was found in 21.4 percent of the constituencies. “However, interpreting this finding to mean that 21.4 percent fake votes were cast nationwide is “completely incorrect, baseless and misleading,” the TIB said. TIB requested media outlets that have already misrepresented or incorrectly presented the information to publish appropriate corrections without delay. Otherwise, it said, such misleading representation would be considered intentional.

Miscreants set a bus on fire on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway at Hemayetpur in Savar early Monday. Witnesses said the miscreants set fire to a bus of ‘Hanif Paribahan’ which was parked near Kofil Petrol Pump in the area and fled the scene. On information, two firefighting units rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze after half an hour. However, no casualties were reported. Arman Ali, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, said police are investigating the incident.    

Newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani on Monday said he would discharge the immense responsibility entrusted to him with utmost sincerity and dedication. “Alhamdulillah, at a crucial moment for the country, a huge responsibility has been placed on my shoulders. InshAllah, I will try my best to carry out this responsibility to the best of my ability,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. Responding to a question, Gani said he would continue to work in the same manner as he had done in the past. The government on Monday appointed Nasimul Gani as the new Cabinet Secretary, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration. Nasimul Gani appointed new Cabinet Secretary Prior to his appointment, Gani was serving as Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Earlier, on Saturday (Feb 14), the government cancelled the remaining tenure of the contractual appointment of former Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid.  

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) has congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on its decisive victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. President of the CBCB, Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, conveyed his greetings to the party’s Chairman and newly elected leaders, according to a press release issued on Sunday. He said that after a considerable period, citizens were able to exercise their voting rights in a spontaneous and festive atmosphere, describing it as a development that brings renewed hope and confidence for the nation. In his statement, the Archbishop observed that active public participation strengthens democratic practice and advances the process of building a responsible, justice-based and welfare-oriented state. He expressed the expectation that the newly elected leadership would demonstrate wisdom and responsibility in promoting national development, social harmony and justice. The Conference also called for particular attention to the improvement of the living conditions of disadvantaged and minority communities, urging the creation of a safe and dignified environment for all. It underscored the expectation that the state will ensure equal rights and equal dignity for every citizen. While Christians constitute a numerical minority in Bangladesh, the statement noted that the community has long contributed to the country through education, healthcare and humanitarian development initiatives. It affirmed that this tradition of service would continue in support of the nation’s development journey. Meanwhile, Archbishop D’Cruze offered prayers that the new leadership be granted wisdom, integrity and courage in serving the people and guiding the nation toward progress and prosperity.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday delivered a farewell address to officers and staff at the Chief Adviser’s Office, marking the end of the interim administration’s tenure. Following his speech, he joined officials and employees for a photo session at the office. The interim government, which assumed office on August 8, 2024 under Prof Yunus, is set to conclude its term with the swearing-in of a new government on Tuesday (February 17). 37 houses ready for incoming ministers: Adviser Adilur The BNP-led alliance is poised to form the next government after securing a landslide victory in Thursday’s national election, winning 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance won 77 seats.  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office. The two exchanged greetings during the courtesy meeting and briefly discussed various issues related to Prof Yunus’ tenure. Come out and vote without fear: Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman During the meeting, the Chief Adviser expressed his sincere gratitude to the Army Chief for the support provided by the Bangladesh Army throughout his tenure, particularly during the national election. The term of the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus since taking office on August 8, 2024, is set to conclude with the swearing-in of the incoming government on Tuesday (February 17).  

Thirty-seven houses have been prepared for the ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers of the incoming government, said Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan on Monday. The adviser said the government has so far readied 37 houses for the incoming cabinet members. The residences are located on Minto Road, Hare Road, Dhanmondi and Gulshan areas. Preparations are underway to make a few more houses, if needed, he added. Sugar industry needs local, foreign investment: Adviser Adilur Adilur said some of these houses are currently occupied by members of the current Council of Advisers. Regarding the incoming Prime Minister’s residence, he said, “It will be arranged according to their preferences. Decisions will be made in consultation with them.”  

The government has appointed Nasimul Gani as the new Cabinet Secretary. The Ministry of Public Administration on Monday issued a notification in this regard. Prior to his appointment, Nasimul Gani was serving as the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Earlier on Saturday (Feb 14), the government cancelled the remaining tenure of the contractual appointment of former Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur  Rashid. Officials said the cancellation was made following an application submitted by Abdur Rashid.  

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman is set to pay a courtesy call on Pir and Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB) Ameer Syed Muhammad Rezaul Karim on Monday evening. “The BNP chairman is scheduled to visit the IAB Ameer’s house at 7 pm today,” said Tarique’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. Earlier,  on Sunday, Tarique Rahman paid courtesy calls on Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam. He met the two leaders just two days before forming the next government following his party’s massive victory in Thursday’s national election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khanaccompanied Tarique. Jamaat hails Tarique’s visit to Ameer's residence, highlights joint fight against fascism BNP is set to form the next government after securing a landslide victory with 209 seats in Thursday’s national election.  In the election, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami won 68 seats, while the National Citizen Party secured six and Islami Andolan Bangladesh one seat.  

A madrasha student was stabbed to death by some unidentified people in the capital’s Jatrabari area on Sunday night. The deceased was Mahim Mia, 15, a resident of Kajla area in Jatrabari and son of Din Islam from Kishoreganj Sadar. He studied in the hifz section of a local madrasha, according to his family. His brother-in-law Md Rafi said several youths stabbed Mahim indiscriminately at Kajla school lane area around 10 pm. Sixth grader found dead in Jatrabari Family members rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 11:30 pm. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp of DMCH, said the body has been kept in the hospital morgue for postmortem and Jatrabari police have been informed of the incident.