United News of Bangladesh

International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB) has said Bangladesh’s energy challenge cannot be solved by gas, LNG, solar or any single technology alone, but it requires a balanced and diversified energy mix, supported by efficient infrastructure, regional power trade, energy efficiency and responsible private investment. “The roadmap has set the direction. The task now is implementation. If Bangladesh can turn its energy ambitions into reliable projects and predictable policy, energy security can become more than protection against shortages - it can become a powerful foundation for industrial competitiveness, investment and sustainable economic growth,” according to the editorial of the current news bulletin of the ICCB released on Tuesday. The ICCB said energy security is no longer simply a question of keeping the lights on. For Bangladesh, it has become a fundamental question of economic competitiveness, industrial growth, investment and resilience. The chamber said recent disruptions in global energy markets have demonstrated how quickly dependence on imported fuel can translate into higher production costs, pressure on foreign exchange and uncertainty for businesses. Against this backdrop, the ICCB said, the government’s emerging energy roadmap offers an important opportunity to reshape the sector around three essential principles: security, affordability and sustainability. Bangladesh has significantly expanded its power infrastructure over the past two decades. As of 15 September 2026, total installed generation capacity stood at 32,688 MW, including captive and renewable power, while the country’s highest recorded generation was 17,201 MW on 20 May 2026. “The contrast illustrates an important reality: energy security cannot be measured by installed capacity alone,” ICCB said, noting that reliable fuel supply, an efficient transmission and distribution network, financial sustainability and the ability to deliver electricity where and when businesses need it are equally important. The government’s Five-Year Strategic Framework for Reform and Development (2026–2031) therefore comes at a critical time, the chamber observed. The framework places greater emphasis on domestic gas exploration, renewable energy, grid modernization, demand management and financial reform. It also targets 10,000 MW of solar capacity, with rooftop solar expected to play an increasingly important role. Perhaps the most encouraging element is the renewed focus on domestic energy resources. A programme to drill and work over 150 gas wells is already under way, with another 150 wells envisaged in a subsequent phase. By mid-September, 31 wells under the first programme had reportedly been drilled or worked over, yielding an estimated additional 286 million cubic feet per day of gas. Accelerating exploration, particularly through a stronger BAPEX alongside capable international partners, should remain a national priority. At the same time, Bangladesh must diversify its external energy sources, the ICCB said. Recent volatility in LNG markets and disruption to major shipping routes have again highlighted the risks of excessive dependence on particular suppliers and routes. The government plans to expand LNG receiving capacity, including a 600 mmcfd facility at Maheshkhali by 2028 and a 1,000 mmcfd land-based terminal at Matarbari by 2030. “Such infrastructure can strengthen resilience, but LNG should complement not a substitute the development of domestic resources and renewable,” the ICCB said. Renewable Energy represents the other major pillar of the transition. The government is targeting at least 20 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040. Achieving this will require much more than announcing capacity targets, the ICCB said, noting that Bangladesh needs bankable projects, competitive procurement, available land, stronger transmission infrastructure, energy storage, predictable regulation and easier access to long-term finance. Rooftop solar, particularly across factories, commercial buildings and public facilities, offers an opportunity to add capacity without placing excessive pressure on scarce land. For the private sector, however, the most important requirement is predictability. The ICCB said energy-intensive industries cannot make long-term investment decisions without reasonable visibility over supply, tariffs and policy.  

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku on Wednesday warned that strict legal action would be taken if LPG traders enforce their announced nationwide shutdown of cylinder sales and distribution on October 15 and 16. "If anyone attempts to enforce a strike involving essential commodities in such a situation, we will apply the Essential Commodities Act of 1956. Strikes cannot be called at will just to hike prices. This will not be tolerated,” he told reporters after a meeting with LPG sector traders at the Secretariat. Commerce Minister Khondokar Abdul Muktadir was also present at the meeting. Bangladesh LPG Traders Co-operative Association announced the two-day suspension of LPG cylinder sales and supply, raising several demands including an increase in commission and an end to alleged harassment of traders. The Energy Minister noted that the ongoing war has pushed the global energy sector into a major crisis, with fuel prices fluctuating drastically and supply sources becoming increasingly uncertain. "Currently, the United States remains the only reliable source, while other sources are uncertain. We are discussing ways to keep prices tolerable for consumers," he added. Calling upon the traders to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than disrupting supply, the minister emphasised that an elected government will not allow suffering for the public. Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Khondokar Abdul Muktadir warned traders against manipulating the essential commodities market, creating artificial crises, or attempting to disrupt the supply chain to press home business demands. He noted that the Essential Commodities Act of 1956 remains in force to maintain discipline in the supply and distribution of essential goods, adding that traders must act responsibly. "Disputes over profits, losses, commissions, or other commercial issues can be resolved through discussion. But putting ordinary people in distress by shutting down supply or creating artificial shortages will not be accepted," the Commerce Minister added. He further warned that the government will take stern action if anyone attempts to destabilise the market or take advantage of consumers' helplessness. Senior officials from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), Explosives Department, and top LPG companies attended the meeting.  

BNP leaders on Wednesday paid tribute to the party’s veteran leader and former MP Salahuddin Ahmed in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office. After the second namaz-e-janaza following Zohr prayers, senior leaders led by BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi placed the party flag over Salahuddin’s coffin and paid tribute to him. BNP Vice-Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulu, chairman’s adviser Abdus Salam, Joint Secretaries General Khairul Kabir Khokon, Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel and Abdus Salam Azad, Dhaka South BNP Convener Rafiqul Alam Majnu, and the deceased’s son and Dhaka South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, among others, were present. Earlier, they along with leaders and activists of the party’s different units and affiliated organisations, attended the second janaza for Salahuddin. A munajat was offered after the janaza praying for the salvation of the departed soul. Earlier, the first namaz-e-janaza was held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in the morning. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal, Chief Whip Nurul Islam, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, cabinet members, whips, and current and former MPs attended the prayer. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s military secretary, Major General ASM Bahauiddin, placed a wreath on the coffin on behalf of the president. The prime minister, the speaker, the deputy speaker, the chief whip and other whips also paid their last respects by placing wreaths separately. Salahuddin Ahmed died at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka at around 8pm on Tuesday while undergoing treatment for lung problems and other health complications. He was 80. Family members said his third and final janaza would be held at Lal Mosque in Shyampur at 3pm, after which he would be buried beside his father’s grave in Jurain.  

The Saudi Arabia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SABCCI) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict and security situation in the Middle East, urging an early and peaceful resolution through dialogue. In a statement issued on Wednesday, SABCCI expressed sympathy for all those affected by the conflict, including Bangladeshis, and called for urgent and effective intervention by the Bangladesh government and the international community to ensure the safety and security of all including Bangladeshis living in Saudi Arabia. The chamber called on the Bangladesh government, relevant ministries, manpower and employment authorities, and international stakeholders to take coordinated steps to resolve the uncertainty of the workers over joining their workplaces in Saudi Arabia. SABCCI said it is closely monitoring the situation and warned that such instability could adversely affect not only social and humanitarian condition but also employment, remittances, imports and exports, trade and investment. Considering the longstanding brotherly ties, strong economic and trade relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, and the mutual interests of their people, a swift normalisation of the situation is essential, it said. Citing media reports, it said the cancellation of 82 flights over the past few days has disrupted the joining of more than 13,000 Bangladeshi workers scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for job. If the situation persists, the workers could face uncertainty over joining their jobs on time and securing their employment, putting the financial security of their families at risk, it added. Bangladesh's foreign exchange earnings and overall economy could also be adversely affected, SABCCI said. It also urged the authorities to consider extending visa validity where necessary, coordinating with employers, arranging alternative measures for workers to join their workplaces and providing necessary administrative and financial assistance to those affected. SABCCI expressed confidence that the situation could be resolved swiftly and peacefully through mutual cooperation, effective diplomatic initiatives and international dialogue. The chamber also urged all concerned parties to ensure the safety, employment and welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia while maintaining the friendly relations, trade cooperation and economic progress of the two countries.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Aminul Haque on Wednesday said exemplary punishment will be ensured against those involved in the question paper leak in the recruitment examination for the post of Assistant Upazila Youth Development Officer under the Department of Youth Development. “Anyone found to be involved in the incident will face exemplary punishment, whether they are an official of the ministry or someone from outside,” he said while talking to reporters at a press briefing on the Youth Volunteer Award at Secretariat. Aminul said the recruitment examination was scheduled to be held at 11am on October 10 and they received information about the question paper leak around 10 am on the day. He immediately informed the officials concerned and asked them to verify whether the leaked questions matched those in the original paper. The authorities later suspendpended the examination, he said. He expressed his sincere regret over the incident saying that many candidates had travelled from different parts of the country in the hope of securing jobs but they were disappointed by the suspension of the examination. Aminul said an investigation committee was formed immediately after the incident, and a new date for the examination was also set. The rescheduled examination will be held at 3pm on Friday, October 16. The state minister said the committee was initially asked to submit its report within three days but it sought more time to examine the incident thoroughly, identify the actual cause and determine who was involved. The committee has been given until Sunday to complete its investigation, he said. Aminul said investigators are also examining whether any syndicate involved in previous question paper leaks had links to the incident. The National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) are working on the matter. Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police has formed a forensic team to collect evidence related to the incident, he added. The roles of members of the recruitment committee, as well as those involved in printing or photocopying the question papers and distributing them to different examination centres, are being examined, Aminul said. Asked why the examination is being rescheduled while retaining the existing recruitment committee, Aminul said the identities of those involved in the leak have not yet been established. He said he did not want to accuse anyone before the investigation is completed. However, when asked whether the recruitment committee could avoid responsibility, he replied, “Definitely not.” He added that a strict message hadsbeen conveyed to those concerned. The state minister expressed hope that the investigation would identify those involved in it.  

The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), a research and policy analysis institution, has reconstituted its advisory board with distinguished professionals from academia, diplomacy, development, industry, economics and social development. The reconstituted Board is expected to play a significant role in strengthening the institution’s research initiatives, providing strategic guidance, and advancing its institutional development, said a press release issued on Wednesday. The members of the reconstituted Advisory Board are: Naila Chowdhury, specialist in women's empowerment and social innovation; Nasim Firdaus, former Ambassador of Bangladesh; Dr. Selim Jahan, former Director of the Human Development Report Office at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury, businessman and industrialist; Dr. Mohammed Parvez Imdad, development specialist and former official of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Engr. Ghulam Mohammed Alomgir, Founder of MAX Group; Professor Dr. Habib Zafarullah, expert in public administration and governance; Mamun Rashid, banker and economic analyst; KM. Mozibul Hoque, Honorary Consul General of Yemen in Bangladesh; Professor Dr. Saira Khan, expert in international relations and security studies;; and Shahedul Islam, industrialist and business leader. CGS anticipates that the inclusion of distinguished professionals from academia, development policy, international diplomacy, industry, economics, and social development will further strengthen its multidisciplinary research and policy dialogue initiatives. Commenting on the reconstitution of the Advisory Board, Zillur Rahman, President of the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), said, “Independent research, freedom of thought, and evidence-based policy dialogue are indispensable to building a democratic, accountable, and inclusive society. Guided by these principles, CGS remains committed to advancing research and fostering constructive dialogue on issues of national and international significance.” The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) is committed to contributing to evidence-based policymaking and promoting accountable and inclusive governance through research, publications, conferences, and dialogue on governance, democracy, human rights, and political and economic development.      

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Wednesday approved the import of fertiliser worth around Tk 1,466 crore from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia and Canada to meet the country’s agricultural demand. The approval was given at a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury. The recommendations cover imports of urea, muriate of potash (MOP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilisers under government-to-government (G2G) agreements and existing contracts. Under the proposals, 40,000 tonnes of bulk granular urea fertiliser containing 10% nitrogen will be imported from Saudi Arabia’s SABIC Agri-Nutrients Company for Tk 220.65 crore. The price has been set at US$ 446.67 per tonne. The committee also recommended importing 42,000 tonnes of bulk granular urea fertiliser from Fertiglobe Distributions Limited of the UAE for Tk 275.78 crore at $531.67 per tonne. Both urea consignments will be imported in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The committee recommended importing 35,000 tonnes of MOP fertiliser from Russia’s JSC Foreign Economic Corporation (Prodintorg) for Tk 166.10 crore at $383.80 per tonne under a G2G agreement between the Russian company and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC). It also recommended two separate imports of 40,000 tonnes each of MOP fertiliser from the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) under G2G agreements with BADC. Each consignment will cost Tk 188.90 crore, with the price fixed at $382.38 per tonne. The proposals allow for an additional 10% over the specified quantities. In another proposal, the committee recommended importing 40,000 tonnes of diammonium phosphate fertiliser from Saudi Arabia’s MA’ADEN for Tk 425.58 crore under an agreement with BADC. The DAP fertiliser will cost $861.50 per tonne and forms the fifth lot of the 2026 supply arrangement. The imports are intended to ensure the availability of fertilisers required by farmers for agricultural production.  

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Wednesday approved the purchase of 10,000 tonnes of sugar at a combined cost of Tk 103.45 crore through an open tender process under the Ministry of Commerce. The committee recommended awarding both contracts to Meghna Sugar Refinery Ltd following procurement proposals submitted through the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system. Under the first proposal, the committee recommended purchasing 5,000 tonnes of sugar in 50 kg sacks for Tk 51.475 crore, including VAT and taxes. The price was set at Tk 102.95 per kg. Under the second proposal, another 5,000 tonnes of sugar will be purchased for Tk 51.975 crore, including VAT and taxes, with Tk 103.95 per kg. The combined purchase will cost Tk 103.45 crore, with an average price of Tk 103.45 per kg. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury presided over the CCGP meeting  

A proposal to approve a bid by China National Energy Engineering & Construction Co Ltd (CNEE) to establish a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) at Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar was withdrawn from the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) meeting on Wednesday. The government-to-government (G2G) arrangement of the proposed contract was estimated to cost around Tk 12,324 crore over 15 years or Tk 13,161 crore over 20 years, according to the official document. The committee, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, decided to withdraw the proposal at its meeting. The withdrawal means the proposed bid has not received the committee’s approval. However, no specific reason for the withdrawal was stated in the information available on the meeting’s decision. The proposed terminal is intended to become Bangladesh’s third FSRU, expanding the country’s capacity to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) as domestic gas production declines and demand from power plants, industries and other consumers continues to exceed available supplies. Bangladesh began importing LNG in 2018 and currently relies on two floating terminals at Maheshkhali, operated by US-based Excelerate Energy and Summit LNG. Their combined regasification capacity is around 1,100 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd), according to previous reports. The proposed Kutubjom facility was planned with a base regasification capacity of 600 mmcfd and a peak capacity of 750 mmcfd. CNEE submitted its proposal on June 19, with a proposed daily charge of US$ 342,000 under the 15-year arrangement, according to a media report. The proposed daily charge was higher than the existing rates of $254,000 for Excelerate Energy’s terminal and $249,115 for Summit LNG. The difference raised questions about the financial terms of the proposed project and the justification for the additional cost. In July, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave approval in principle to process CNEE’s proposal under the G2G procurement method. The proposal was submitted by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division under Section 68 of the Public Procurement Act, 2006, and Rules 99(2) and 107(2) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025.  

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has detected alleged revenue evasion of Tk 85.21 crore through the misuse of bonded warehouse facilities by a factory in Siddhirganj, Narayanganj, where officials found no effective production operations despite export claims. During an inspection, officials found production machinery lying unused in heaps and no adequate arrangements for regular manufacturing, raising questions about how the company had produced goods for export. Acting on a tip-off, a CIID preventive team raided UAGM BD LIMITED at B/240, Mijmiji Dakkhinpara in Siddhirganj on September 9, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. The company, an indirect exporter under the jurisdiction of the Customs Bond Commissionerate, Dhaka (South), had been importing various raw materials duty-free under bonded warehouse facilities. The materials included PVC flex, PVC film, PET film, artificial leather, duplex board and colour board. The company reportedly used utilisation permissions (UPs) and back-to-back letters of credit (LCs) to show exports of finished products. Following the raid, the preventive team analysed import records, production capacity, electricity consumption, utilisation permissions and other relevant documents. An analysis of the factory’s electricity bills revealed a major discrepancy between its declared production volume and power consumption, according to the press release. Officials also found no alternative electricity connection, solar power system or gas-powered production facility that could explain the claimed level of manufacturing. The production machinery was lying unused, while the factory floor lacked adequate space for regular manufacturing operations. The CIID’s preliminary investigation indicated that the company had allegedly sold duty-free raw materials imported under the bonded facility in the local open market, despite showing exports through back-to-back LCs after obtaining utilisation permissions from the bond commissionerate. It has finalised a case report alleging revenue evasion of Tk 85,21,46,495 and sent it to the Customs Bond Commissionerate, Dhaka (South), for necessary legal action. Bonded warehouse facilities allow eligible export-oriented industries to import raw materials without paying customs duties, subject to compliance with applicable conditions. The misuse of these facilities through the diversion of duty-free materials to the domestic market causes revenue losses and puts businesses complying with the rules at a competitive disadvantage, the CIID  said. It said surveillance and preventive operations will continue to identify irregularities, prevent the misuse of bonded warehouse facilities and protect government revenue.