Rohingya crisis: Bangladesh says funding beyond traditional sources to be explored

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam on Sunday said Bangladesh, along with the international community, will continue to stress the urgent need for smooth funding for the Rohingya response, noting that the three-day international conference will highlight a worsening humanitarian crisis if adequate support is not forthcoming. "One of the aims of this three-day conference is to highlight the necessity of the funding," Siam told UNB in response to a question. The foreign secretary said they are reaching out to all available sources of funding and are exploring options beyond traditional donors. "We are trying to explore whether there are any funding opportunities beyond the traditional sources," he added. The three-day international conference titled Stakeholders’ Dialogue: Takeaways to the High-Level Conference on Rohingya Situation began on Sunday afternoon in Cox’s Bazar as the interim government engages with global stakeholders to find solutions to the prolonged crisis. Siam said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will inaugurate the main session of the conference on Monday. Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, Bir Protik, High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, UN Resident Coordinator Rana Flowers, Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) Nicholas Koumjian, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar Thomas H Andrews, and UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner Raouf Mazou are also attending. Asked about prospects for Rohingya repatriation, Siam said Bangladesh’s diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but the progress depends on the situation inside Myanmar. The conference began with a special session involving Rohingya representatives under the theme Confidence-building measures towards a conducive environment for repatriation of Rohingyas. Siam said the frustrations, desires and aspirations of Rohingyas will be incorporated into the conference outcome document, which will be presented at a high-level event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 30. Bangladesh, which is hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char, is working towards a roadmap for their safe and dignified return to Myanmar. The dialogue aims to generate concrete recommendations from participants as takeaways for the upcoming high-level conference in New York, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Office of the High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are organising the dialogue. Experts from home and abroad, diplomats, Rohingya representatives, international organisations and academics are participating. The voices of Rohingya men, women and youths will feature prominently, giving the international community an opportunity to hear their perspectives, aspirations and expectations. The dialogue is also expected to take stock of funding gaps for the camps, recent developments in Rakhine, dignified repatriation and a long-term sustainable solution. It includes five thematic sessions on humanitarian assistance, confidence-building for repatriation, accountability for atrocities, and ways to ensure a sustainable, time-bound and actionable solution. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said two more international conferences are scheduled later this year in New York and Doha, with the largest in the last week of September in New York. He said Rohingya representatives, delegates from 40 countries, diplomats in Dhaka and representatives from UN agencies will join the Cox’s Bazar conference. A special discussion with Rohingya representatives will take place on August 24. The three-day conference is highlighting issues of repatriation, funding and a comprehensive roadmap for their safe return. Around 170 countries are expected at the high-level conference on the Rohingya and other minorities in Myanmar on September 30 in New York. Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain recently said the government is working on three fronts — uninterrupted funding, keeping the issue alive amid global crises, and ensuring safe and dignified return. “The issue should not be forgotten. We continuously bring it to focus. We are working on three fronts,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh has sought intensified humanitarian contributions, stressing that the pressure on its economy, environment and local communities is unsustainable. "We are facing mounting humanitarian, developmental and security-related challenges," Adviser Hossain said recently at the OIC Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee on Accountability for Human Rights Violations against the Rohingyas. Bangladesh has shown ‘extraordinary compassion and responsibility’ by sheltering over 1.3 million forcibly displaced Rohingyas despite mounting crises. UNHCR and humanitarian partners are mobilizing to respond to the needs of up to 150,000 Rohingya who have arrived in Cox’s Bazar over the past 18 months. Targeted violence and persecution in Rakhine State, alongside the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, continue to drive thousands into Bangladesh. This influx, spread over months, is the largest since 2017, when some 750,000 fled deadly violence in Rakhine. More humanitarian support is urgently needed as the new arrivals are largely dependent on camp solidarity, further straining resources.

Now is the time for political parties to face the mirror: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said some leaders and activists of certain political parties are increasingly displaying a worrying pattern of power abuse, with a mindset of “now it is our turn.” Since the fall of authoritarianism, this has manifested in widespread factionalism, extortion, illegal occupation, plundering of state resources, "trading" over lawsuits, arrests, bail, party tags, and violence over spreading party influence, an ominous sign for the envisioned political settlement in the “New Bangladesh," it said.

Fixing 20% US tariff is a major achievement

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday described the recent outcome of tariff negotiations with the United States—securing a 20% tariff—as one of the interim government’s major achievements. “This negotiation was the government’s biggest foreign policy-related challenge, but with the right preparation and confidence, Bangladesh has achieved the desired outcome,” he said at a roundtable discussion held at the Daily Star Bhaban in Farmgate on Sunday morning. The event titled “Bangladesh and Trump tariffs: Economic diplomacy in a world after trade regime” was organized by Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN). Dhaka University Professor Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and economists Jyoti Rahman and Zia Hasan were among the speakers. Shafiqul Alam said: “Many claimed that the interim government is weak, inexperienced, and incapable of securing a good deal with the US. But we have proven that with proper preparation and self-confidence, even an interim government can achieve a major success.” He explained that from the outset, the government was aware of its interim nature and therefore focused on areas where realistic and immediate results could be achieved. “We were confident from the very beginning that a good agreement with the United States was possible,” the press secretary added. Shafiqul Alam noted that Bangladesh faced tough challenges both on the Rohingya issue and the US tariff policies. “Though the media of a neighboring country widely circulated misleading information soon after the interim government assumed office, Bangladesh managed to counter this through accurate diplomatic preparations,” he said. He said that during a visit to the US, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman realized that the Trump administration was diverging from global consensus and adopting a unilateral tariff policy. Following that visit, Bangladesh took necessary preparations. Three main strengths drove the negotiations-- Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’ personal connections and credibility in the US, Dr Khalilur Rahman’s long-standing experience, and Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin’s clear insights into global markets, he said. Shafiqul Alam added that Bangladesh’s main advantage lies in its position as a major consumer and importer in the global market. “Cotton, oil, poultry feed, or edible oil—Bangladesh is now a significant player in almost every sector. This reality was used as leverage in the negotiations,” he explained. He said that alongside the US, Bangladesh’s exports to Japan, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa, and the Middle East are also increasing rapidly. “While success was achieved in talks with the US, the government is simultaneously working to diversify markets,” he added. Noting that making Chittagong Port more efficient and reforming the logistics system are prerequisites for increasing foreign investment, Shafiqul Alam said: “If Chittagong Port can be made as efficient as Singapore’s, foreign investment cannot be stopped.” He said the interim government’s steps so far have helped bring inflation under control, increase foreign exchange reserves, and restore stability to the economy. “We may not have achieved 8% growth, but achieving 4% growth in this post-uprising period is not insignificant,” he said. Expressing optimism, Shafiqul Alam said the success of the tariff negotiations has placed Bangladesh’s economy on a new platform for prosperity, and trade ties with the US will deepen further. “We want more access to the vast US market. Like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or Vietnam, we too believe that by expanding exports to the US, Bangladesh will advance towards a new path of prosperity,” he added.

DMP transfers Mohammadpur OC, two inspectors

The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mohammadpur police station, Ali Iftekhar Hasan, along with two other inspectors of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), have been transferred. On Sunday, the transfer was made through an office order signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali. According to the order, OC Ali Iftekhar Hasan has been transferred to the Detective Branch (DB) of DMP, OC of Shah Ali police station Kazi Md Rafiq Ahmed has been transferred to Mohammadpur police station, and Inspector of DMP’s transport division Mohammad Golam Azam has been transferred to Shah Ali police station. Earlier, locals staged several human chains in front of Mohammadpur police station against Ali Iftekhar, bringing multiple allegations against him including the disappearance of a narcotics case worth Tk10 lakh. Later, in protest against these human chains, narcotics traders of Geneva Camp in Mohammadpur and members of local teenage gangs organized a human chain in favour of the OC in the Mohammadpur Town Hall area. These incidents sparked widespread criticism on social media and among locals. In addition, OC Iftekhar Hasan was also heavily criticized later in connection with a mugging incident.

Election roadmap to be unveiled this week: EC

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Monday said the commission will announce the action plan or roadmap of the upcoming 13th parliamentary election within this week. Speaking to reporters at the EC office in Dhaka’s Agargaon, he confirmed that a draft of the election roadmap has been prepared and will soon be placed before the commission for final approval. "The plan focuses on inter-departmental coordination and relevant operational issues. We hope to finalise and publish it within the week," he said. Addressing concerns over law and order, Ahmed said there is no immediate reason for worry as law enforcement agencies and administrative officials are already working in their respective areas. "If everyone does their part responsibly, there won`t be any problem," he added. On voter list and NID updates, the secretary reported that around 80,000 appeals for NID corrections have been submitted so far, though the number is gradually declining. He emphasised ongoing improvements in the data entry process for reducing future errors. Regarding the number of polling stations, Ahmed noted that the overall number will remain the same and some adjustments may be made based on necessity. "We are exploring options like increasing the number of voters per booth from 500 to 600 for better efficiency." The Election Commission also plans to scan and upload the unscanned Form-2 voter registration documents dating back to 2008 to enrich its digital database, he said. On constituency delimitation, he informed that objections have been raised over 83 seats, with hearings scheduled from 24 August for four days, he added. In terms of political party registration, 22 parties are undergoing field verification, Ahmed said. Rejected applicants are being formally notified with specific reasons for disqualification, he added. Ahmed stressed the importance of early preparation, saying that if all concerned can finish their work early, the coordination of the polling procedure will become smooth. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said that a free and fair national election cannot be ensured under Awami League aligned administration and polling system. "A fair election will not be possible with the current Awami-era administration or Awami-friendly polling agents. The Election Commission must appoint neutral officials at the field level to ensure fairness," he said. Rizvi made these remarks while addressing reporters after paying homage at the grave of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman in the capital`s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar this morning. The programme was arranged by the newly formed Nilphamari district unit of BNP. Rizvi, also the party`s senior joint secretary general, demanded the removal of "Awami-friendly cadres" from the election apparatus to restore neutrality. Referring to the proposed proportional representation (PR) system of elections, he said the people of Bangladesh are not ready for such a system and expressed doubt about the motives behind its advocacy. Highlighting widespread repression of BNP leaders and activists during Sheikh Hasina`s tenure, Rizvi alleged that many spent years in jail on false charges. "Speaking out against Sheikh Hasina meant facing fabricated cases and imprisonment. During her 16-year rule, BNP activists spent most of their time either being harassed or behind bars. You all know there was an influential minister from Nilphamari who applied a steamroller approach against BNP leaders and workers," he added. On the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students` Union (DUCSU) elections, Rizvi voiced hope that participation of all political streams would contribute to restoring a healthy academic atmosphere. "If all views are represented, a fair environment for education can be ensured," he said in reply to a question. BNP Assistant Organizing Secretary Abdul Khalek along with several leaders and activists from Nilphamari district unit were present at the event.

36.6 lakh tons of food grains to be distributed among marginal-income families

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka The government has moved to distribute some 36.61 lakh metric tons of food grains in the 2025-26 fiscal year among low-income people under various social safety net programs to contain inflationary pressure. Inflation rose to 8.55% in July 2025, according to the latest data released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The rise was attributed to increases in both food and non-food inflation, the BBS report said. Under the programs, 30.57 lakh metric tons of rice and 6.04 lakh metric tons of wheat will be distributed, according to a Food Ministry document. In the previous fiscal year, 33.05 lakh metric tons of food grains — 26.30 lakh metric tons of rice and 6.75 lakh metric tons of wheat — were distributed. A total of 2.40 lakh metric tons of rice and 3 lakh metric tons of wheat will be distributed through Open Market Sale (OMS) allocation in FY2025-26. Although some 1,066 OMS centres are operating in city corporations and major municipalities as of July 2025, demand remains much higher. The annual rice requirement under the OMS program is around 3,06,240 metric tons against the current allocation of just over 66,000 metric tons. Besides, the daily wheat allocation requirement is 1,391 metric tons (or 30,602 metric tons of flour) per month. The monthly requirement stands at 39,743 metric tons of wheat, pushing annual demand to around 4,76,915 metric tons against the current allocation of 3 lakh metric tons. Officials said the shortfall highlights the need to revisit allocation levels to meet actual consumption patterns and ensure uninterrupted supply for low-income consumers who rely on subsidized rice and wheat through OMS channels. Rice prices continue to exert significant pressure on food inflation as well as overall inflation, according to the latest economic update by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission. The contribution of rice to food inflation rose sharply from 40% in May to 51.55% in July. Medium and coarse rice accounted for the bulk of the increase, contributing 24% and 18.39% respectively, the GED report shows. A note from the Directorate says the matter could be placed for discussion and decision-making regarding potential increases in OMS allocations for both rice and wheat. Rice and flour are sold at subsidized rates under the OMS program across Bangladesh to stabilize prices and support vulnerable groups, particularly in urban areas. Bangladesh’s food grain distribution programs are a key pillar of government efforts to ensure food security for low-income and disaster-affected populations. Managed primarily by the Directorate General of Food under the Ministry of Food, these initiatives combine social safety nets, targeted subsidies and emergency relief to address chronic poverty and seasonal hardships. The largest components include the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) and Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) schemes, which provide rice and wheat to millions of rural and urban poor households, particularly during lean agricultural seasons and ahead of major religious festivals. Under the Food for Work (FFW) and Test Relief (TR) programs, food grains are distributed as payment for labor in rural infrastructure projects such as road maintenance, embankment repair and irrigation canal construction, helping communities build resilience while generating employment. The OMS initiative operates through trucks and dealers nationwide to sell rice and flour at subsidized prices to stabilize markets and support low-income consumers. During floods or cyclones, the government mobilisers rapid-response relief channels to distribute food grains directly to affected families. These programs are supported by development partners including the World Food Programme (WFP), which collaborates with the government on capacity building, targeting systems and supply chain management. Officials said such programs are vital for reducing hunger, protecting livelihoods and shielding the most vulnerable against price shocks and climate-related disruptions. A senior Food Ministry official said some 55 lakh families — up from 50 lakh previously — will get 30 kilograms of rice per month at Tk15 per kilogram. This will be distributed in August, September, October, November, February and March. “We hope that the market price will be lower comparatively as our storage is satisfactory,” said the official wishing to be anonymous.

Sarwoer Alam appointed new Sylhet DC

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Sarwoer Alam has been appointed the new deputy commissioner of Sylhet after the current DC, Muhammad Sher Mahbub Murad, was made an officer on special duty (OSD) following allegations of administrative involvement in the recent Sadapathor stone looting in Bholaganj. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Monday. The move came a day after Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan accused the local administration of complicity in illegal stone extraction and vowed swift action. Sarwoer Alam, deputy secretary and currently the private secretary to Law Adviser Asif Nazrul. He is known for his work as a RAB magistrate.

Fair election impossible with Awami-friendly polling agents: Rizvi

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said that a free and fair national election cannot be ensured under Awami League aligned administration and polling system. "A fair election will not be possible with the current Awami-era administration or Awami-friendly polling agents. The Election Commission must appoint neutral officials at the field level to ensure fairness," he said. Rizvi made these remarks while addressing reporters after paying homage at the grave of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman in the capital`s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar this morning. The programme was arranged by the newly formed Nilphamari district unit of BNP. Rizvi, also the party`s senior joint secretary general, demanded the removal of "Awami-friendly cadres" from the election apparatus to restore neutrality. Referring to the proposed proportional representation (PR) system of elections, he said the people of Bangladesh are not ready for such a system and expressed doubt about the motives behind its advocacy. Highlighting widespread repression of BNP leaders and activists during Sheikh Hasina`s tenure, Rizvi alleged that many spent years in jail on false charges. "Speaking out against Sheikh Hasina meant facing fabricated cases and imprisonment. During her 16-year rule, BNP activists spent most of their time either being harassed or behind bars. You all know there was an influential minister from Nilphamari who applied a steamroller approach against BNP leaders and workers," he added. On the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students` Union (DUCSU) elections, Rizvi voiced hope that participation of all political streams would contribute to restoring a healthy academic atmosphere. "If all views are represented, a fair environment for education can be ensured," he said in reply to a question. BNP Assistant Organizing Secretary Abdul Khalek along with several leaders and activists from Nilphamari district unit were present at the event.

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Proportional electoral system not possible in Bangladesh: Fakhrul

Staff Correspondent, Dhaka The proportional electoral system, which has come in the spotlight amid discussions of constitutional reform, is not possible in the context of Bangladesh, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul said today (13 November). Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Thakurgaon`s Kalibari, he said, "We have rejected this electoral system. This system is not possible in the context of the country." Bangladesh currently uses the First Past the Post, or FPTP, system, where the candidate with the highest votes in an electoral constituency wins. The other system is the Proportional Representation system, where there are no constituency-based candidates. Voters cast their votes for party symbols, and the number of seats a party receives in parliament is determined in proportion to the percentage of votes it secures. At the conference, Fakrhul also urged for patience and unity among the people following AL`s "successful attempts to create divisions". "We want a united nation by removing this division. In a democratic society there can be different opinions. But there must be unity on the basic issues of Bangladesh`s independence — sovereignty, democracy, human rights. "As a nation, we must not be intolerant. It is not possible to remove the garbage of 17 years in 17 days or even 17 months. So, this government should be given time." Fakhrul said, "We have verified that the people want an impartial election with the participation of all. We think that all kinds of reforms are necessary to make this election fair. So we have been saying that elections should be held within a reasonable time. And this roadmap should be given to the government." On the issue of reforms, he said the government would not have to do most of those. "It will be done by a parliament which has been elected." At the conference, Fakhrul also warned that India`s continuous campaign against Bangladesh can pose a great danger. "Now a trend has started on social media. Some are trying to destroy the achievements of Bangladesh. We have to be careful as we cannot meet another disaster right now. There is danger over our heads as the mastermind of fascism is staying in India," he said. After the fall of the Awami League administration, several parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have called for the introduction of the PR system in the national parliamentary elections.