"That decision was political rather than economic," he said, pointing out that production costs remain stubbornly high.During the previous government's 16-year tenure, repeated hikes in power and energy prices failed to curb losses. "It was more or less following in the footsteps of the past Awami League government," said Hasan Mehedi, member secretary of the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development. The law allowed contracts to be awarded without tender and shielded those involved from accountability.Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina oversaw the process as power, energy and mineral resources minister. Many economists blame today's economic crisis and foreign exchange depletion on these "predatory" power sector expenses.Since January 2024 alone, fossil fuel-based plants totalling more than 2,500MW have come online, further inflating capacity charge payments. Over its tenure, the Awami League paid about Tk 1 trillion in capacity charges.Capacity charges vary by fuel type: Tk 3 per megawatt for gas-based plants, Tk 3.30 for coal-fired plants, and Tk 2.5 for oil-based facilities.

DHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS) - Joint force operations will soon be resumed at the field level to boost confidence among the general public, voters, candidates and political parties ahead of the upcoming election scheduled for February 12 next year, Election Commissioner Brigadier General (retd) Abul Fazal M Sanaullah said today. "We have instructed that joint force operations will resume at the field level from now on. He added that special importance has been given to area-based checkpoint operations. Instructions have also been issued to conduct special drives in areas where there are reports of a higher presence of illegal arms. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin presided over the meeting.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Taking action when the time is right is a boss move, better odds are better odds. The stars in the coming week are ramping up into the last great opportunity days of 2025. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Efforts to build community are never wasted, don’t hesitate to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): As a multi-talented person, you have a variety of cards you could play. IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: Your birthday month has more gifts to offer before it’s over.

The cultural organisation Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi has said it will rely on public donations to renovate its central office hit by an arson attack, ruling out any assistance from the government or corporate organisations.In a statement issued on Sunday, Udichi Central Sangsad Acting President Mahmud Selim and General Secretary Amit Ranjan Dey said the organisation would undertake the renovation on its own initiative.They said Udichi has never relied on government grants or assistance since its establishment on Oct 29, 1968, and has no intention of doing so now. "The main strength of Udichi is the common people," the statement said. "Most of Udichi's activities are carried out through public donations collected door to door. "It said the organisation does not collect funds from private institutions except during special festivals or major events.Thousands of Udichi artists and activists at home and abroad contribute from their own earnings to sustain the organisation's regular activities, the statement added.The announcement came following a series of attacks on media and cultural institutions last week amid protests over the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi. �"bdnews24.com

"We must follow the path that martyred [political activist Sharif Osman bin] Hadi showed us against hegemony," said Akil.However, RU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Prof Farid Uddin Khan said that the deans have not resigned. On Sunday morning, RUCSU General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar went to the chambers of some "pro-Awami League" deans and teachers. However, none of the deans were at the university. "We have compiled a list of teachers who stood against the students during [the July Uprising], along with documentary evidence. " �"bdnews24.com

The Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) has blocked the main gate of the vice-chancellor's office demanding the renaming of five university buildings named after members of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's family.The buildings are the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, Sheikh Russell Tower, Bangabandhu Tower and Sultana Kamal Hostel.The protesters said students have reached a consensus to rename Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall as "Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall" and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall as "Bir Protik Sitara Begum Hall".They said an earlier proposal to rename Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall as "Felani Khatun Hall" was rejected by students of the hall.Alongside the renaming demand, the protesters also called for action against teachers and officials accused of opposing the July Uprising.On Sunday around 2:45pm, leaders and activists of the DUCSU were seen surrounding the vice-chancellor's office of Dhaka University, chanting slogans.Following the protest, the leaders submitted a memorandum to Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha.Earlier on Saturday night, a crane was brought to remove the nameplate of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall and replace it with "Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall".Two graffiti of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were also removed and replaced with graffiti of Sharif Osman bin Hadi. �"bdnews24.com

About demonstration in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 20, official spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on Sunday said there was no attempt to breach the fence or create a security situation at any time. "India continues to keep a close watch on the evolving situation in Bangladesh," he said, adding that their officials remain in touch with Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed to them their strong concerns over the attacks on the minorities. Jaiswal said they have noted misleading propaganda in sections of Bangladesh media on the incident. "The fact is that about 20-25 youth gathered in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on December 20 and raised slogans in protest against the horrendous killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, while also calling for the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh," he said. Jiswal said they have also urged that the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of Das be brought to justice.

Symbolic PhotoDHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 - A voter awareness campaign titled 'Vote'r Gari' (Vehicle of Vote) will begin tomorrow to encourage and motivate voters ahead of the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election and the 2026 referendum. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will inaugurate the campaign through a video message at 4:30 pm tomorrow at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, according to an official handout issued today. Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed will be present at the inauguration ceremony.

The circular states that residential consumers applying for single-phase connections may install rooftop solar systems if they are interested. Consumers with an allocated load below 10 kilowatts may install rooftop solar systems as per Article 3.3 of the guidelines. Educational institutions, hospitals and charitable organizations using single-phase connections may also install rooftop solar systems if they wish. In such cases, the National Rooftop Solar Programme Policy may apply. The circular further states that consumers seeking to increase their existing electricity load must install rooftop solar systems in accordance with the Net Metering Guidelines-2025, based on the additional load approved.

Police claim they have found no evidence of the BNP leader’s house in Lakshmipur being locked before it was set on fire with petrol, despite allegations. The fire broke out at the house of Belal Hossain, the co-organising secretary of BNP’s Bhabaniganj Union in Sadar Upazila, on Friday. The fire killed his youngest daughter Ayesha Akhter, 8, and left Belal and his two other daughters Smriti Akter, 17, and Bithi Akter, 14, with burn injuries.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman -File PhotoBOGURA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS) – BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today called upon all political parties that believe in democracy, including the BNP, to remain united in the interest of safeguarding the country’s democratic future. Calling upon all to work hard from their respective positions to rebuild the country, the BNP Acting Chairman said millions of people are becoming unemployed and sustainable employment opportunities must be created. Tarique Rahman said that after 1975, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman rescued the country from the brink of destruction, while BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia later led the country out of autocratic rule and towards development. “Once again, the soldiers of these two leaders have been given the opportunity to rebuild the country from the brink of destruction,” he said. Referring to Inqilab Mancha Spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, Tarique Rahman said the July martyr stood firmly in favour of democracy and believed in electoral politics.

Prior to the namaj-e-janaza, pallbearers slow marched the coffin to the stage while funeral parade was also held giving a state salute to AK Khandkar. BAF Biman Secretary Air Vice Marshal Abdullah Al Mamun read the biography of AK Khandaker while AK Khandaker's son Jafrul Karim Khandaker spoke on the occasion. After the namaj-e-janaza, on behalf of the President, his Military Secretary paid homage to AK Khandaker by placing a wreath on his coffin. First Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal Abdul Karim Khandkar breathed his last around 10:35 am on Saturday due to age-related complications. Born on January 1, 1930, Abdul Karim Khandkar - widely known as AK Khandkar - was 95 at the time of his passing.

DCAB hosts Media Award and Writers' Honour Ceremony at Dhaka's Foreign Service Academy, with Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam as chief guest. Photo: DCABDHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS) - Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam today saiddiplomatic journalism is strengthening Bangladesh's foreign policy as threejournalists received the DCAB Media Award for outstanding reporting ondiplomacy. The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) organised theDCAB Media Award and Members' Writers' Honour Ceremony at the Foreign ServiceAcademy in Dhaka, with Asad Alam Siam attending as the chief guest. The Foreign Secretary, along with jury board head editor of Dhaka TributeRiaz Ahmed, handed over the awards to the winners. Speaking at the event, Asad Alam Siam said that amid complex geopoliticalrealities, diplomatic journalists are playing a constructive role inaddressing multifaceted challenges related to foreign policy andinternational relations.

DHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS)—Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman produced a sensational bowling performance to script Dubai Capitals’ facile six-wicket victory over Gulf Giants at International League T20 (ILT20) in Abu Dhabi today. Mustafizur ended with 3-34, a performance that was key in Gulf Giant bowling out for just 156 in 19.5 overs. Dubai Capitals gunned down the small target effortlessly, reaching 162-4 in 19.2 overs for their fourth victory in eighth match, which propelled them to second spot in the point table. Mustafizur was named man of the match for his decisive performance. Shayan Jahangir top-scored for Dubai with 44 ball-48 but Rovman Powell hastened the victory with 31 ball-47 not out, an innings featuring one four and three sixes.

Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain and Bir Uttam AK Khandker. Photo : CollageDHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS) - Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain today expressed deep sorrow at the death of Bir Uttam AK Khandker, hailing his unparalleled leadership in the Liberation War and his lasting contributions to Bangladesh's nation-building. "With his demise, the nation has lost a brilliant military officer and one of the key organizers of the Great Liberation War," the Foreign Adviser said.