COP29: Bangladesh rejects climate loans, demands fair financing

Bangladesh, one of the nations most affected by climate change, is not receiving adequate financial support as promised under international agreements, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. Talking to UNB during the ongoing COP29 summit in Baku, Rizwana expressed dissatisfaction with the global financing mechanisms, saying that a significant portion of

Reforms underway to improve train ticketing system

The government is undertaking a series of initiatives aimed at making train ticket purchase easier, more transparent, and passenger-friendly. According to Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Railways, Bangladesh Railway and the Ministry of Railways are working together to revamp the system, introducing changes that will also include

Hasina govt took high-cost projects in energy sector

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has said that unplanned development projects were taken in the power and energy sector during Sheikh Hasina regime with implemention at a higher cost. In an exclusive interview with UNB this week, Fouzul said during former prime minister Hasina's tenure, the

Govt offers new Hajj packages with enhanced services

Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain has said that prospective Hajj pilgrims could expect a more affordable and comfortable package, with the highest quality of service provided. Talking to UNB, Khalid Hossain, also a distinguished Islamic scholar, said the 2025 Hajj package, set to be unveiled on October 30, would offer

Govt in limbo as admin plagued by inertia

Bangladesh's interim government is grappling with a significant administrative slowdown since assuming power in August. Ministries, including the Ministry of Public Administration, are facing sluggish work progress, and development projects appear similarly stagnant. An environment of uncertainty and fear is palpable among government officials, which is contributing to the slowdown. A visit

Govt lags behind in setting admin right

Two months into its tenure, Bangladesh's interim government is encountering increasing scrutiny over delays in appointing key administrative officials. With seven secretaries still unappointed in various ministries and divisions, and a lack of deputy commissioners (DCs) in eight districts, the ramifications for governance and public administration are becoming increasingly pronounced. The void

Improved services at Dhaka airport bring passengers’ relief

Habibur Rahman, a Bangladeshi expatriate living in the US, recently returned to the country after nearly two years to reunite with his loved ones. Though he anticipated delays and hassle upon landing at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he was surprised by a different experience. “I was able to leave the

Chaos in public admin as chain of command lost

Though the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus has been trying to bring back discipline by reshuffling officials in the public administration since the fall of Sheikh Hasina, disorder and instability have been escalating inside it with a breakdown of the chain of command. The interim government,

Developers, architects want repeal of revised DAP

The debate over the recently revised Detailed Area Plan (DAP) has escalated, with real estate developers and architects demanding its repeal, citing discriminatory provisions. On the other hand, urban planners are warning that canceling or suspending the DAP under pressure from vested interests would be a "suicidal" decision for Dhaka

Dengue Outbreak : Dhaka’s two city corporations faltering in face

Despite the rapidly worsening dengue outbreak in the country, the two city corporations in Dhaka are failing to implement effective measures, with their response seemingly confined in recent times to realising fines from the public. Residents in various areas of the city complain of a lack of action during the Aedes