Corruption

The face of Bangladesh’s founding father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, will soon be erased from the country’s currency.

The amendment’s approval follows extensive deliberations among lawmakers and stakeholders.

Speaking at a press conference, BNP standing committee member and former state minister for power Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku emphasised the need for transparency.

The meeting, held at the PM Office, focused on the comprehensive report submitted by Mushtaq Sukhera, chair of a committee tasked with investigating the human trafficking crisis.

The diplomatic communication comes just weeks after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Bangladesh. During meeting with Muhammad Yunus they discussed bilateral relations and the status of Sheikh Hasina, among other pressing issues.

The SCL Act, which covers 63 items, imposes taxes at high rates on staple foods such as rice, potatoes, and maize. Critics argue that while these taxes protect domestic agriculture, they also make basic foods costly, exacerbating malnutrition among poor families.

The regime’s kleptocratic system of ruling by plunder and favour to its cronies has contributed to accelerated wealth and income gaps as well as relative deprivation.

The commission’s chairman, retired Justice Mainul Islam Chowdhury, and his team have compiled over 1,676 complaints of enforced disappearances, with 758 already scrutinized. The commission estimates the total number could exceed 3,500.