Bogura Univ bill tabled in JS

During Tuesday's sitting of the National Parliament, the ministers and state ministers concerned presented information on several important issues, including the progress of the Teesta Master Plan, filling vacant government posts, discipline in the administration, allegations of attacks on the National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Savar, and the Bogura University Bill. 

The session was chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

In response to a written question from Member of Parliament Raihan Siraji, Minister for Water Resources Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie said that the feasibility study for a sustainable and integrated development plan centered on the Teesta River has been completed.

He said that under the proposed Teesta Master Plan, there are proposals for riverbank protection (river training) along 110 kilometers, dredging of 110 kilometers, construction of 224 kilometers of flood control embankments with roads on top of the embankments, construction and rehabilitation of 67 groinsspurs, and reclamation and development of 170 square kilometers of land.

He added that the technical and financial aspects of the project are currently under review. Once implemented, the project will increase irrigation facilities, enhance agricultural production and crop diversification, control river erosion, improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities, and expand river transport and regional trade.

The minister further informed the House that riverbank protection works covering 42.17 kilometers have been completed in Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Lalmonirhat districts during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 fiscal years at a cost of Tk 2.2223 billion.

In response to a question from reserved-seat Member of Parliament Sabikunnahar, State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari said that as of 2025, there are 1,986,272 approved positions in government offices, of which 521,922 remain vacant.

He said the government has adopted six-month, one-year, and five-year action plans to fill these vacancies. All ministries and divisions have been instructed to publish recruitment notices promptly and complete the recruitment process within specified timeframes.

The state minister said that the present government is giving priority to merit, integrity, and competence in recruitment, transfers, and postings without political or other undue influence.

He also informed Parliament that there are currently 8,099 vacant posts in various cadres. Allegations of ethical misconduct in field administration are dealt with through suspension, departmental proceedings, and other necessary disciplinary actions. Training arrangements have also been made for officials in this regard.

In response to a question from Kurigram-1 Member of Parliament Anwarul Islam, the State Minister for Public Administration said that there is a plan to identify government officials and employees who openly worked in favor of the previous government and take lawful action against them. Relevant government investigation agencies are working toward this objective.

Raising a point of order, Member of Parliament Akhtar Hossain alleged that power supply was disconnected, explosions occurred, and attacks were carried out during the National Citizen Party (NCP)'s July March rally in Savar.

He said many people were injured in the incident and the opposition party's political programme was obstructed.

Responding in the absence of the Home Minister, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman said the government is treating the incident with utmost importance. Those involved in the attack will be identified, and the strictest and most transparent legal action will be taken against them.

Bogura University Bill, 2026 Tabled in Parliament
Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon tabled the Bogura University Bill, 2026 in the National Parliament.
The bill was later referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for further examination, and the committee was asked to submit its report within three working days.

According to the statement of objectives and reasons attached to the bill, a new full-fledged public university is being proposed because the Bogura Science and Technology University Act, 2001 was never implemented.

The proposed university will offer education and research opportunities in science, engineering, technology, life sciences, arts, social sciences, business administration, law, agriculture, medical sciences, and various other disciplines.

According to the government, the university will play a significant role in expanding higher education in the northern region, promoting research and innovation, developing skilled human resources, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to regional economic development.