United News of Bangladesh

MPO-enlisted Teachers’ Nationalisation Aspirants’ Alliance on Monday warned of tougher programmes if the government fails to issue the gazette of the 9th national pay scale by February 4. Alliance Member Secretary Principal Delwar Hossain Azizi said a nationwide human chain will be formed in all districts on February 5 and memorandums will also be submitted to the Chief Adviser through deputy commissioners. If the demands remain unmet, stricter programmes will be announced after consultations with alliance leaders, he said at a press conference held at the Maulana Akram Khan Hall of the Jatiya Press Club in the capital. In his written statement, Azizi said the interim government formed the National Pay Commission-2025 on July 27 last year to adjust government employees’ salaries in line with inflation. Former Finance Secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan was appointed chairman of the commission, which was tasked with reviewing existing pay, allowances and other benefits and recommending a time-appropriate pay structure. He said the commission formally began operations with its first meeting on August 14 and collected opinions online through four questionnaires from employees, the general public, institutions and organisations. It also held meetings with leaders of almost all professional stakeholder groups to gather their views. As stakeholders representing more than 600,000 teachers and employees, leaders of the MPO-enlisted Teachers’ Nationalisation Aspirants’ Alliance were invited to a formal meeting with the Pay Commission-2025 chairman and members, where they placed their demands and proposals. The commission assured them that their proposals would be reflected in its recommendations, he added. Azizi said the 7th pay scale was announced in 2009 and the 8th in 2015, but no new pay scale has been declared in the last 11 years despite the need for two new scales during this period. “If the gazette of the pay scale is obstructed through conspiracies, frustration will spread among republic employees and normal state activities may be hampered,” he said, urging the interim government to issue the 9th pay scale gazette within its tenure. Finance adviser urges patience on new pay scale, backs referendum He said MPO-enlisted teachers and employees form the country’s largest professional group, supporting more than 600,000 families and around five million people, yet remain the most neglected among government-paid professionals. Speakers at the press conference included joint conveners Md Matiur Rahman, president of Bangladesh Secondary Technical Teachers’ Council; Md Nurul Amin Helaly, convener of Bangladesh MPO Teachers’ Council; Md Mizanur Rahman, its president; and Md Habibullah Raju, president of Bangladesh Madrasa General Teachers’ Association.

Bangladesh’s stock markets posted gains in early trading on Monday, with key indices rising at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE). During the first half of the session, the benchmark DSEX index at the DSE climbed 46 points. Among the other indices, the Shariah-based DSES advanced 11 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose by 15 points. Out of the traded issues at the DSE, prices of 304 companies moved up, while 40 declined and 43 remained unchanged. The turnover at the premier bourse crossed Tk 270 crore in the first half of the day. The CSE also witnessed a positive trend, with its overall index CASPI gaining 55 points. Stocks surge at DSE, CSE on strong buying as week opens At the port city bourse, share prices of 70 companies increased against declines in 22 issues, while prices of nine companies remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE stood at over Tk 1.70 crore during the first half of trading.

Weather is likely to remain dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky over the country in 24 hours commencing 9am on Monday, said Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Light to moderate fog may occur at a few places across the country during the late night to early morning hours, it said. Night and day temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged. Read More: Rains, thundershowers likely in 3 divisions: BMD A ridge of the sub-continental high extends up to West Bengal and adjoining areas, while a seasonal low lies over the south Bay, extending its trough to the Northeast Bay. The lowest temperature was recorded at 9.2 degrees Celsius in Tentulia.

Sarvesh Suri, who is named IFC’s Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, said his focus will be on maximising IFC's toolkit of private sector solutions to create jobs. ‘‘Countries throughout Asia and the Pacific face complex and varied issues,’’ Suri acknowledges, noting that what unites people across the region is that they all want the dignity of a job -- livelihoods to support themselves and their families. "My focus therefore will be on maximising IFC's toolkit of private sector solutions to create jobs. We can do this by mobilising private capital and pursuing innovative financing instruments. We can strengthen local capital markets. We can make equity investments for greater impact. And we can invest in micro-, small-, and medium-enterprises as engines of job creation," he said in a statement on Monday.’ Suri brings 25 years of global investment and development expertise as well as a proven track record of fostering public-private collaborations. In making the announcement, IFC confirmed that Suri will strategically lead all investment and advisory operations in the region by mobilising the private sector to address complex development challenges and create jobs. As part of one World Bank Group, Suri will oversee IFC’s team working from India to the Pacific Islands, who are designing private sector solutions in the financial, manufacturing, agribusiness, services as well as infrastructure and natural resources sectors to deliver transformative change for communities and businesses. He will be based in Singapore. Two new Division Directors will support Suri in the region: Keiko Miwa, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, will manage South West Asia and Pacific Islands and, effective February 1, 2026, Arnaud Dupoizat, based in Hong Kong SAR, China, will oversee East Asia. ‘’It is my genuine privilege to return home to Asia for a role that will allow me to make a meaningful and lasting difference in a region that has shaped me personally and professionally,’’ shares Suri. ‘’Asia is where I grew up and first worked, and I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to bring together the capabilities of the public and private sectors to tackle the pressing development challenges of the region at scale.’’ Prior to his appointment, Suri was IFC’s Regional Industry Director for Infrastructure and Natural Resources, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, during which time he played an instrumental role in launching Mission 300. He spent six years of his World Bank Group career at the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) as Director of Operations, where he managed global risk mitigation products for cross-border investments into developing countries. Before MIGA, Suri spent 15 years at IFC in various leadership positions, including as Senior Regional Manager overseeing business operations in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Papua New Guinea, based in Jakarta. An Indian national, Suri holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delhi University. IFC urges political parties to include water issues in election manifestos IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet.

The government has ordered the deposition of all licensed firearms at the nearest police stations by January 31, ahead of the national election scheduled for February 12. The directive was issued through a notification by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday. The notification also bans the carrying or public display of firearms until the completion of the national election and referendum. The restriction will, however, not apply to candidates whose nomination papers have been validly submitted and accepted by the Election Commission, or to armed ‘retainers’ duly authorised for them. The notification warns that any violation of the order will be dealt with in accordance with the law. All superintendents of police and the authorities concerned have been instructed to take necessary measures to ensure the implementation of the directive. The government on December 15 formulated a policy on issuing firearm licences and appointing armed retainers for politically important individuals and candidates ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election slated for February 12. Titled ‘Firearm Licence and Retainer Appointment Policy–2025 for Politically Important Persons and Candidates for the Post of Member of Parliament’, the policy was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The ministry said the policy was formulated to ensure public security, maintain law and order and prevent election-time violence. Under the policy, a ‘retainer’ is defined as an armed person appointed and authorised to protect a politically important individual or a candidate. DMP chief orders use of firearms to stop arson attacks in Dhaka  A ‘politically important person’ refers to a current or former high-ranking political figure recognised by the government. To be eligible for a firearm licence, an applicant must be a recognised politically important person or a candidate who has submitted nomination papers for the 13th Parliamentary Election, and must face a verified security threat as assessed by the relevant authorities, including intelligence agencies.

Leaders of the country’s apparel trade bodies, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), on Monday strongly opposed recent recommendations to restrict yarn imports. They said any attempt to force the purchase of local yarn through tariff barriers would undermine the global competitiveness of the garment industry and disrupt its integrated supply chain. The leaders expressed their concern at an emergency press conference at a Dhaka hotel. Selim Rahman, acting president of BGMEA, said exporters prefer local yarn if its price matches the global market but imposing new tariffs or restrictions to support local mills would create a crisis. “If local yarn is available at global market rates, we will not import. But trying to force local yarn sales artificially is not a solution. It will only worsen the crisis,” he said. He urged the government to support the textile sector through cash incentives, reliable energy supply, and favourable tax and interest rates instead of imposing duties on yarn imports. He warned that BGMEA might take ‘tough measures’ if these concerns are ignored. Mohammad Hatem, president of BKMEA, said price differences between local and imported yarn have always existed but the situation worsened after the reduction of cash incentives. He criticised the Commerce Ministry for recommending restrictions on blended and man-made fiber (MMF) yarn, pointing out that local production in these categories is still insufficient. “If you stop yarn imports artificially and people start importing finished fabric instead, what will you do?” Hatem asked. The BKMEA leader also raised concerns over the shrinking Export Development Fund (EDF) which has been cut from $7 billion to $2 billion under IMF conditions. He said many businesses still cannot access the remaining funds. Garment accessories sector posts record $7.45bn export earnings in FY25: BGAPMEA Hatem expressed frustration over the lack of support from the financial sector. Highlighting regional competition, he noted that India continues to provide strong incentives to its textile and apparel sectors despite graduating from LDC status. He questioned why Bangladesh cannot implement similar support to sustain its top-earning export sector during this transition period.

Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers in Stranger Things, missed co-star Finn Wolfhard’s Saturday Night Live episode on January 17. Schnapp was in Italy attending Milan Fashion Week and could not join the show, according to PEOPLE. He was seen a day earlier at the Ralph Lauren Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show in Milan. During the SNL monologue, Wolfhard was joined on stage by Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo. The actors shared a light moment, celebrating their growth from child stars. Other cast members, including Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery, attended the afterparty. The fifth and final season of Stranger Things was released in three parts: Volume 1 on November 26, Volume 2 on December 25, and the final episode on December 31.   With inputs from NDTV

Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hossain has said decision has been taken to sell the assets of Nassa Group as per a court order to pay the dues and service benefits of the company’s workers. He made the remark on Sundat while presiding over the 15th meeting of the Advisers’ Council Committee on review of labour and business condition of industrial units at Beximco Industrial Park at the Secretariat, said the ministry in a statement. The adviser said that Tk 76 crore has already been paid to workers through the sale of Nassa Group shares by an administrator appointed by the court. Besides, Nassa Group has made down payments to eight banks as per the instructions of Bangladesh Bank. Interim govt formulated Bangladesh’s best labour law ever: Adviser Sakhawat The remaining down payments to 15 banks and the outstanding dues of the workers will be settled by selling some of Nassa Group’s assets through open competition, he added. Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment Dr. Md. Sanowar Zahan Bhuiyan, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, Additional Inspector General of Industrial Police, senior officials from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Finance, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments, Nassa Group’s administrator and other representatives, and officials from various commercial banks were present.

A project to reduce chronic waterlogging, improve roads, and ensure safe drinking water in Sylhet City Corporation has been delayed again, increasing the cost by nearly 44 per cent. Waterlogging remains a serious problem in Sylhet city, causing long-term hardship for residents despite repeated attempts to tackle the issue. Millions of taka have been spent, but results have largely fallen short of expectations. Officials at Sylhet City Corporation said several plans were drawn up after the devastating 2022 floods to protect residents, but implementation has been limited. Read more: COMFLOT West project extended by 2 years; cost nearly doubles The cost of the project titled Alleviation of Waterlogging, Supply of Safe Water and Infrastructure Development of Sylhet City Corporation (Second Revised) has increased mainly due to prolonged implementation delays and an expanded scope of work, according to official documents. It was originally approved at Tk 1,228.02 crore and it has now stood at Tk 1,766.05 crore, reflecting an increase of about Tk 538 crore. The Local Government Division is the sponsoring authority while Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) is implementing the project. According to the Planning Commission documents, the bulk of the revised cost, Tk 1,520.56 crore will come from government funds, with the remaining Tk 245.49 crore to be met from SCC’s own resources. The project was initially scheduled for implementation between January 2020 and December 2023. Its timeline was later extended to December 2024 under the first revision, followed by a further extension to June 2025 without any cost escalation. Under the second revision, the completion deadline has been pushed back again to June 2026, citing the need for additional and more durable works. Officials said the revised scope reflects Sylhet’s vulnerability to heavy rainfall and upstream hill flows, which frequently cause severe waterlogging and damage to roads. Read more: Bangladesh Bank to launch Tk 10,000 crore bond for housing, rail projects To ensure long-term sustainability, the project now places greater emphasis on RCC roads, drains and retaining walls instead of conventional surfacing. Major components of the project include construction of 269.18 kilometres of roads and 363.92 kilometres of drains, along with 6.73 kilometres of retaining walls. The plan also covers 22.75 kilometres of road dividers with tree plantation, slope protection works using CC blocks and RCC retaining walls, and construction of boundary walls stretching 12.71 kilometres. One public toilet and 1.37 kilometres of steel railings along large drains are also included to enhance public safety. To improve urban services, the project include installation of 236.05 kilometres of water pipelines and 263.50 kilometres of electrical works, including an expanded number of streetlights to ensure safer night-time movement in newly extended city areas. Besides, 74 units of essential machinery and vehicles will be procured to support regular excavation and maintenance of 13 major canals and streams flowing through the city. The revision also accounts for increased road repairs including asphalt overlay on roads already showing cracks and potholes, and reconstruction of boundary walls demolished with homeowners’ consent during road widening. Sylhet’s Gowainghat house fire caused by short circuit, police confirm no communal link As of June 2025, the project’s cumulative expenditure stands at Tk 2,186.51 crore, with financial progress at 92.09 per cent and physical progress at 92.50 per cent, according to official records. The Planning Commission, in its recommendation, said successful completion of the project would significantly enhance civic amenities in Sylhet City Corporation by improving roads, drainage, footpaths and the supply of safe drinking water, thereby boosting overall urban resilience in one of the country’s most rain-prone regions.

At least 10 people have died in a massive fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping complex as rescue teams continue searching for dozens reported missing, officials said Monday. Firefighters brought the blaze under control late Sunday, nearly 24 hours after it started, allowing rescuers to recover four more bodies overnight, raising the confirmed death toll to 10. Local media reported that up to 14 people may have died. The fire, which broke out late Saturday, spread quickly through shops storing cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods, said Dr. Abid Jalal Sheikh, the city’s chief rescue officer. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said around 60 people were reported missing, prompting a large-scale search operation. Families of the missing gathered outside the damaged building Monday, many in tears. The cause of the fire has not been determined, and police said an investigation is ongoing. Karachi has a history of deadly fires, often linked to poor safety standards and illegal construction. In November 2023, a shopping mall fire killed 10 people, and a 2012 garments factory fire claimed 260 lives.