Reform Unity Council rejects threats and appeals, vows to continue ‘March to NBR’
Protesting officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have rejected both the Ministry of Finance’s appeal for dialogue and the tax agency’s threats of disciplinary action, vowing to carry on with their planned “March to NBR” demonstration. The NBR Reform Unity Council, the platform leading the movement, announced on Friday that officials from tax, customs, and VAT offices nationwide will begin the march towards Dhaka on Saturday. After the meeting, NBR chief Abdur Rahman Khan told reporters that a solution could be reached “as soon as today” if a decision from the protesters arrived. Despite these remarks expressing hope, the NBR Reform Unity Council has stood firm on its demands. We reiterate that the NBR Reform Unity Council is ready to sit for discussions with the advisor at any time to resolve the crisis.”They also emphasised that the absence of their representatives at Thursday’s meeting resulted from not being invited, rejecting any implication of unwillingness to negotiate.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 20:35 UTC
Ex-CEC Huda to be grilled for 4 more days
A Dhaka court has remanded former chief election commissioner KM Nurul Huda to police custody for another four days of questioning in a case filed by the BNP on charges of sedition and conducting an election "without the people's mandate". A Dhaka court has remanded former chief election commissioner KM Nurul Huda to police custody for another four days of questioning in a case filed by the BNP on charges of sedition and conducting an election "without the people's mandate". Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Muhammad Jonaid gave the order after a hearing on Friday. After being arrested last Sunday, the court remanded Huda for four days on Monday. �"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 19:27 UTC
Two weeks after Eid, rice prices still straining consumers’ budget
Two weeks after Eid, rice prices still straining consumers’ budgetRice prices have remained high for two consecutive weeks following Eid-ul-Azha, with wholesale traders placing the blame on rice mill owners. High-quality Miniket is being sold for Tk 80 to Tk 82, which was priced at Tk 75 to Tk 76 before Eid. Nazirshail rice, which was Tk 74 per kg before Eid, is now being sold at Tk 82. Farm-produced red eggs were sold at Tk 120 to Tk 125 per dozen, up from last week's Tk 110 to Tk 120. Pointed gourd was priced at Tk 60 to Tk 80 per kg, and sponge gourd at Tk 70 per kg.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 19:18 UTC
PK Halder faces two more ACC cases over
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is preparing to initiate two new cases against former banker Proshanta Kumar Halder, commonly known as PK Halder, over a Tk 500 million “loan fraud” at South Bangla Agriculture and Commerce Bank. According to him, a total of 50 people will be named in the two cases, with 24 of them appearing in both. The charges fall under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Money Laundering Prevention Act, according to the ACC official. Asked about progress on bringing PK Halder back to Bangladesh, he said: “The process is complicated, but several agencies are working to bring him home.”He added, “Our law-enforcing agencies, including the ACC, are trying to have him extradited. That’s why our agencies are making efforts to have him returned,” the officer said.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 15:57 UTC
36 Bangladeshis held in Malaysia over militant ties
Source: CollectedMalaysian police have detained 36 Bangladeshi nationals who were “found to be directly involved in a radical militant movement based on Islamic State (IS) extremist beliefs and violent ideology”, reports Malaysian outlet Straits Times. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the publication that the security raid was carried out in three phases in Selangor and Johor in three phases since Apr 24, reports bdnews24.com. "Another 15 people have been issued deportation orders, while 16 others are still under investigation for their involvement in the militant movement," he said in a statement. Intelligence collected by the Special Branch revealed the group had introduced IS-inspired ideology to Malaysia and had formed recruitment cells within the Bangladeshi community there, Saifuddin said. "These cells were set up to indoctrinate radical beliefs, raise funds for terrorist activities, and to ultimately overthrow the legitimate government in their home country," he said.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 15:08 UTC
Taijul five-for topples Sri Lanka, leaving Bangladesh trailing by 211
With a 43-run lead and eight wickets in hand, Sri Lanka seemed on strong footing at the start of the day. Taijul struck again soon after, picking off Sri Lankan captain Dhananjayar de Silva with a rap on the pads before the stumps. Just as the momentum swung in Bangladesh’s favour, Kamindu Mendis (33) and Kusal Mendis (84) began to steady the innings. An ill-judged attempt at a second run saw Kusal run out. Taijul wrapped up the innings by scalping Asitha Fernando.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 15:01 UTC
Ukraine calls for EU sanctions on Bangladeshi entities for import of 'stolen grain'
'NOT DIAMONDS OR GOLD'A Ukraine official told Reuters Ukrainian law prohibits any voluntary trade between Ukrainian producers, including grain farmers in the occupied territories, and Russian entities. The June 11 letter said Bangladesh can face "serious consequences" of sanctions for taking deliveries of "stolen grain", and that such purchases fuel "humanitarian suffering." The sanctions regime was designed to act against activities that undermine the food security of Ukraine including transportation of "stolen Ukrainian grain" and "any proven involvement of vessels in shipping stolen Ukrainian grain could provide the basis for future restrictive measures," she added. Russian grain transporter Rusagrotrans says Bangladesh was the fourth largest buyer of Russian wheat in May. Ambassador Polishchuk told Reuters their intelligence shows Russia mixes its grain with that from occupied Ukrainian territories to avoid detection.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 14:58 UTC
36 Bangladeshis held in Malaysia over militant ties: Minister
Malaysian police have detained 36 Bangladeshi nationals who were “found to be directly involved in a radical militant movement based on Islamic State (IS) extremist beliefs and violent ideology”, reports Malaysian outlet Straits Times. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the publication that the security raid was carried out in three phases in Selangor and Johor in three phases since Apr 24. “Another 15 people have been issued deportation orders, while 16 others are still under investigation for their involvement in the militant movement,” he said in a statement. Intelligence collected by the Special Branch revealed the group had introduced IS-inspired ideology to Malaysia and had formed recruitment cells within the Bangladeshi community there, Saifuddin said. “These cells were set up to indoctrinate radical beliefs, raise funds for terrorist activities, and to ultimately overthrow the legitimate government in their home country,” he said.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 11:45 UTC
Ex-CEC Huda to be grilled for 4 more days in case over election fraud, sedition
A Dhaka court has remanded former chief election commissioner KM Nurul Huda to police custody for another four days of questioning in a case filed by the BNP on charges of sedition and conducting an election “without the people’s mandate”. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Awlad Hossain Muhammad Jonaid gave the order after a hearing on Friday. After being arrested last Sunday, the court remanded Huda for four days on Monday. Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi represented the state at the hearing while Advocate Touhidul Islam Sajib opposed the remand on behalf of Huda and petitioned for bail. After the hearing, the court rejected the bail and allowed the former CEC to be interrogated in police custody for another four days, said Sub Inspector Rafiqul Islam of the Prosecution Police.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 11:31 UTC
Social media star Hero Alom hospitalised after consuming sleeping pills
Social media star Ashraful Alom, popularly known as Hero Alom, has been hospitalised after he fell sick after consuming too many sleeping pills while visiting his friend in Bogura's Dhunot. Moniruzzaman, a physician at the health complex, said: "Hero Alom fell ill after consuming sleeping pills. Alom went to visit his friend Jahid's home in Bhandarbari village by the Jamuna River around 3am on Friday. Sleeping pills were found next to his pillow. Riya Moni is the third wife of Hero Alom.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 11:21 UTC
36 Bangladeshis held in Malaysia over militant ties, says minister
Malaysian police have detained 36 Bangladeshi nationals who were “found to be directly involved in a radical militant movement based on Islamic State (IS) extremist beliefs and violent ideology”, reports Malaysian outlet Straits Times. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the publication that the security raid was carried out in three phases in Selangor and Johor in three phases since Apr 24. "Another 15 people have been issued deportation orders, while 16 others are still under investigation for their involvement in the militant movement," he said in a statement. Intelligence collected by the Special Branch revealed the group had introduced IS-inspired ideology to Malaysia and had formed recruitment cells within the Bangladeshi community there, Saifuddin said. "These cells were set up to indoctrinate radical beliefs, raise funds for terrorist activities, and to ultimately overthrow the legitimate government in their home country," he said.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 08:17 UTC
Interim FM Touhid says Bangladesh-India ties in a phase of ‘readjustment’ after Hasina’s exit
The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has accused India of harbouring "fallen autocrat" Hasina and attempting to destabilise Bangladesh. India, meanwhile, has raised concerns over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh and urged the new government to take appropriate action. In recent months, tit-for-tat diplomatic summons, statements over border issues, and disputes about Hasina’s remarks in Indian media have marked an increasingly strained phase in bilateral ties. Most recently, on May 17, India suspended imports of Bangladeshi garments and processed foods through land ports. When asked whether the “readjustment” involved political, economic or connectivity issues, Touhid said: “It covers everything.”On Myanmar, he noted that bilateral relations remain unproblematic except for the Rohingya crisis.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 03:14 UTC
CEC meets CA
Chief Election Commi-ssioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin has met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Thursday at the State Guest House Jamuna, his office said.A media statement from the Chief Adviser's Office (CAO) confirmed the matter without disclosing the topics discussed.The CEC has already assured that the election schedule will be announced in due course.As per convention, the Election Commission usually informs the president of its preparations ahead of declaring the election schedule. This announcement typically follows a meeting with the president within a few days.Earlier, on Juen 15, following a meeting in London between BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Yunus, Nasir remarked that the joint statement released afterwards was not an "official declaration".Nasir noted that the statement bore no signatures, and would only be considered "official" if it were signed.He also said that it would not be possible to announce a definitive election date eight to 10 months in advance.In his Eid-ul-Azha address to the nation, Yunus had suggested that the election might be held in the first week of April.Later, following his meeting with Tarique in London, he indicated that if sufficient progress was made on reforms and accountability measures, the election could even be held before the start of Ramadan in February. �"bdnews24.com
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 02:17 UTC
Ex-CEC Habibul Awal says genuine elections impossible without fundamental reforms
Former chief election commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal has said fair elections in Bangladesh would remain impossible “even after a thousand years” without fundamental reforms. He also highlighted inconsistencies in Awal’s public statements on voter turnout during the election day and condemned his alleged failure to uphold responsibility as chief election commissioner. During his brief court statement, Awal acknowledged the election had been a sham and mockery but denied allegations of wrongdoing. Tensions rose in the courtroom when the prosecutor accused Awal of justifying wrongdoing, and Awal responded with a sharp retort, causing a heated exchange. The case alleges that during these elections, opposition parties were systematically excluded through fake cases, enforced disappearances, and voter intimidation, severely undermining the democratic process.
Source:bd News24
June 27, 2025 00:20 UTC
India keeps ‘close watch’ on neighbours, Jaiswal says on Bangladesh-China-Pakistan talks
India keeps ‘close watch’ on neighbours, Jaiswal says on Bangladesh-China-Pakistan talksIndia has said it is keeping a “close watch” on developments in the neighbourhood, after reports emerged of a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministries of Bangladesh, China and Pakistan in China’s Kunming city. Multiple media outlets reported that Bangladesh’s Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain met counterparts from the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministries in Kunming on Jun 19. The issue also came up during Touhid’s briefing at the foreign ministry in Dhaka on Thursday, the same day it was raised at the Indian ministry’s press event. Referring to the meeting, Kallol Bhattacherjee, a journalist from The Hindu, asked Jaiswal: The Bangladesh foreign ministry has held a trilateral meeting with the Chinese and the Pakistani foreign ministries. “Both India and Bangladesh, we share 54 rivers, which also includes the Ganga,” Jaiswal said.
Source:bd News24
June 26, 2025 22:29 UTC