Baharam Khan

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman yesterday directed the authorities concerned to strengthen the ongoing drive against the Awami League, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jubo League and other associate organisations.

Fresh directives tell 5 secretaries not to proceed with cuts to vehicle maintenance and study abroad privileges

The government is considering halving the fuel and maintenance expenses for cars used by entitled officials as part of public expenditure cuts.

More than a quarter of posts in Bangladesh’s civil administration remain vacant, hampering the ability of many government institutions to provide the expected services to people.

The government has finalised a draft law to form a single authority by merging at least three investment-related institutions to improve Bangladesh’s position in attracting foreign direct investment.

The trend has raised concerns among officials about an imbalance in the administrative hierarchy.

Govt has yet to form search panels for reconstituting ACC, Information Commission, NHRC

The words “Except Israel” are being reinstated in Bangladesh’s regular passports, a decision already implemented for diplomatic ones.

25 out of 85 secretaries are contractual appointees; bureaucrats call for cancelling contracts

Deputy commissioners have been instructed to recover and seize the nearly 10,000 firearms that have not yet been surrendered despite directives, and to take legal action against those concerned, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said.

Deputy commissioners yesterday warned that the growing availability of drugs among youth, despite regular enforcement drives, poses a grave threat to the nation, urging the government to adopt tougher measures to curb the menace.

The first DC Conference since the formation of the BNP government is set to begin today, with the four-day event featuring several proposals submitted by deputy commissioners from different districts.

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Md Asaduzzaman, who previously served as the 17th attorney general during the interim government’s tenure, speaks with Baharam Khan of The Daily Star

While the fuel allocation for all government vehicles -- including those used by the prime minister and cabinet members -- has been slashed by 30 percent amid the ongoing energy crisis, fuel for the private cars of senior officials remains exempt from these cuts.

While treasury and opposition lawmakers clash on the parliament floor over the July charter implementation order, the two sides are also holding back-channel talks outside the assembly hall to end the stalemate.

The government has decided to step back from new development projects and cut public spending in a broad austerity drive, as it seeks to conserve state resources and manage rising pressure on fuel supply and distribution.

The government is weighing a set of austerity measures, including extending weekends and introducing work‑from‑home options, as mounting global uncertainties put pressure on the energy sector.

The first day of the 13th National Parliament was marked by several notable moments, but what stood out most were the recurring subtle “wry” smiles.

Opposition MPs walked out during President Shahabuddin’s address as quiet exchanges and subtle smiles hinted at the politics beneath the spectacle

In order to allow the authorities to confer the Swadhinata Award on late physician and social activist Zafrullah Chowdhury for a second time posthumously, the government yesterday amended the guidelines governing the country’s highest civilian honour.