Woman, Daughter Electrocuted to Death in Narayanganj

Awoman and her daughter died after being electrocuted after a live wire of a water pump came in contact with the floodwater in front of their house in Fatullah upazila of Narayanganj recently, police said.

The victims are Rokhsana Parvin, 50, of Sheharchar, and her daughter Lamia Akhter, 24.

The incident took place in the Sheharchar area, said Fatullah Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shariful Islam.

Family members said Lamia was a third-year student of Narayanganj’s Government Tolaram College.

Sub-Inspector Kazi Abul Bashar of Fatullah Police Station said waterlogging is a common problem in the area during the rainy season.

The family had installed an electric pump to drain the floodwater.

MoF Urged to Convert BPC’s Tk 274.20b Arrear Debts into Subsidy

Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD) has urged the government to convert Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation’s (BPC) Tk 274.20 billion worth of outstanding debt into subsidies.

The state-run BPC owes such accumulated debt to the government on account of its losses because of selling petroleum products at lowerthan-procurement prices.

The EMRD in a recent letter sought the Finance Ministry’s necessary steps in this connection, according to officials. When contacted, a senior BPC official said, “EMR division has already made an appeal to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for taking necessary steps so that the BPC gets rid of its debt burden.” Officials at the MoF said they will scrutinize the EMRD’s plea for converting the BPC’s outstanding debts into subsidy.

They, however, said it will take some time to make a decision on the issue.

Two PWD Engineers Punished for Rooppur Irregularities

The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has taken disciplinary action against two officials of the public works department over abnormal expenses in the Rooppur Green City project in Pabna. Deputy assistant engineer Md Shahin Uddin has been compulsorily retired, while deputy assistant engineer Md Alamgir Hossain has been demoted to a lower pay grade, following findings of the investigations by the ministry and PWD, according to a Press Information Department handout, issued recently.

The probe, conducted over allegations of inflated costs in purchasing and installing furniture for the 16th and 20th floor buildings of the project in 2019, found both engineers guilty of misconduct under government service rules.

The aforesaid capital punishments were given in separate orders, signed by Md Nazrul Islam, secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, on the order of the president.

LPG Price Down in September

The government has reduced the price of LPG by Tk 0.25 per kg for September as international raw material costs stayed flat, according to the Bangladesh Energy R e g u l a t o r y Commission (BERC).

The price of LPG was set at Tk 105.87 per kg, down from Tk 106.11.

Accordingly, a 12kg cylinder – the most popular form – will now sell for Tk 1,270 instead of Tk 1,273.

A 15kg cylinder will sell for Tk 1,588, a 20kg cylinder for Tk 2,117, a 25kg cylinder for Tk 2,647, a 35kg cylinder for Tk 3,705, and a 45kg cylinder for Tk 4,764.

The price of reticulated LNG for homes has been set at Tk 102.12 per kg, while the Autogas price has been set at Tk 58.15 per liter.

Illegal Factories Shut Down, Banned Polythene Seized in Drives

Mobile courts and drives were conducted recently, simultaneously in the capital and across several districts of the country.

A mobile court led by Sabrina Rahman, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Executive Magistrate, was conducted in Dhaka’s Bosila area. During the operation, one institution was fined Tk 20,000 for occupying roads and keeping construction materials in open spaces, while several building owners and contractors were cautioned.

Under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, mobile courts in Feni, Sirajganj, Kishoreganj, Jhenaidah, Narayanganj, and Dhaka city’s Chawkbazar, Imamganj, and Swarighat areas conducted seven antipolythene drives.

These resulted in 15 cases, fines totaling Tk 62,000, and the seizure of 275 kg of banned polythene.

Additionally, electricity connections of three illegal polythene factories were cut off, and the factories were sealed.

Air Pollution Reduces Bangladesh’s Average Life Expectancy by 5.5 years: Report

Arecent Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report by the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute found that air pollution reduces Bangladesh’s average life expectancy by 5.5 years, making it the greatest external threat to life expectancy and more impactful than smoking or malnutrition.

To address this critical issue, the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), in collaboration with the National Alliance on Cities for Children and Youth and Save the Children in Bangladesh, organized a two-day training program titled ‘Air Action Leaders: From Data to Impact – Training on Air Quality Monitoring and Report Writing’ on 28-29 August in Dhaka recently.

The workshop aimed to enhance the skills of youth in air quality monitoring and report preparation, combining important theoretical modules with practical, hands-on training.

The youth mobilization partners for this program included Prochesta Foundation, Amrai Agami, and the Youth Foundation of Bangladesh.

Jonathan’s Tenure, A Disaster – Presidency

The Presidency has attacked former President Goodluck Jonathan over speculation that he may contest the 2027 presidential election, describing his six years in office as a disaster.

There have been renewed calls, particularly from the North, urging Jonathan to return to the presidential race as coalition efforts to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 gain momentum.

Several PDP leaders, including former Jigawa Governor Sule Lamido and Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, have publicly called on the Bayelsa-born politician to run.

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Last week, Jonathan visited the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, Senator David Mark at his Abuja residence.

Mark was Senate President during the administration of Jonathan between 2010-2015.

While the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, told Daily Trust the visit was private, observers believe it could be linked to 2027 permutations, with the ADC said to be considering the acceptability of a Jonathan candidacy.

Jonathan, who lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, is believed to be showing renewed interest in the political arena.

Though he has yet to declare formally, his appeal, according to insiders, lies in the constitutional term-limit provision that allows him to serve only one more term-a prospect seen as a strategic option in balancing the power rotation debate between North and South.

During the PDP state congress in Niger at the weekend, former Minister of Information Professor Jerry Gana said Jonathan would contest and could even defeat the ruling APC in 2027.

That remark appeared to trigger a sharp response from the Presidency.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement on Monday, described Jonathan’s tenure as a disaster, while stressing that he is free to run.

‘President Tinubu will wholeheartedly welcome him if he decides to enter the race. But Jonathan will have his date in court. The jury will determine whether Jonathan, who was sworn in twice as president, satisfies constitutional requirements and is eligible to contest the presidency and be sworn in, if successful, for a third term,’ Onanuga said.

He accused Gana of attempting to draft Jonathan into the race on the platform of the ‘discredited’ PDP, which he said left behind ‘economic ruins after 16 years of bad governance.’

‘Gana even deluded himself, asserting that the former president would defeat Tinubu to reclaim power after 12 years. He is free to engage in his usual comedy; after all, Jonathan’s entering the race would provide another job for the Niger State-born former university don.’

He said politicians like Jerry Gana only want to lure him into the race to satisfy their interests.

‘However, we should caution former President Jonathan to be wary of the PDP sugar-coated cheerleaders. Politicians of Jerry Gana’s ilk merely want to lure him into the race to satisfy their personal, political, religious, and ethnic interests. They will abandon him midstream, as they did in 2015, and leave Gentleman Jonathan in the lurch,’ he added.

The Presidency maintained Jonathan would have to convince Nigerians that he had anything new to offer ‘after his disastrous six years, for which they voted him out in 2015.’

Onanuga also revisited Jonathan’s record, accusing his administration of lacking any clear economic agenda, engaging in frivolous spending, and running the country into crisis.

He said, ‘Shorn of all those selfish considerations for which some PDP big guns find his candidacy appealing, President Jonathan will also have his encounter with the people as to whether he has anything new to offer after his disastrous six years, for which they voted him out in 2015.

‘The nation’s economic downturn, which President Tinubu is working very hard to overcome, actually began under President Jonathan. The Jonathan administration severely damaged the economy, and all key indicators declined under his watch.

‘Under him, the so-called business moguls allocated foreign exchange to import fuel, simply pocketing the dollars without importing anything. Some of those big men still have court cases on the issue today.

‘Jonathan and his National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), freely distributed security funds to friends and cronies.’

According to Onanuga, in 2010, President Jonathan inherited a total of $66 billion, of which $46 billion was in foreign reserves and $20 billion in the noble-but-abused Excess Crude Account.

‘By 2015, when the people democratically removed him from office, the foreign reserves had fallen below $30 billion, and the Excess Crude Account had been depleted to $2 billion, despite generating record revenue from crude oil sales that the country had never achieved in more than 25 years combined.

‘It is on record that between 2010 and 2013, crude oil sold for an average of $100 per barrel. By December 2014, however, the Jonathan-led Federal Government could no longer pay salaries to Federal Civil Servants. At least 28 states across the country owed workers huge salary arrears.’

By contrast, he said, President Tinubu has taken bold decisions in the past 28 months to reset the economy, including removing the ‘ruinous’ fuel subsidy and abolishing multiple exchange rates.

‘The President has stabilised the economy. In Q2 2025, GDP grew by 4.23 per cent, the highest in four years and above the IMF’s 3.4 per cent projection. Inflation dropped to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, the lowest in three years. Foreign reserves stand at $42.03 billion. The naira has stabilised, investor confidence is back, and investors are betting on Nigeria,’ he said.

Onanuga also cited infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, alongside security interventions in parts of the country.

‘The PDP and its co-travellers broke the economy; Tinubu is fixing it. Jonathan and others are welcome to the 2027 race, but Nigerians will not allow them to return and run it down again,’ he said.

Jonathan has yet to respond to the latest criticism. Since losing the 2015 election, his administration has been a frequent target of APC attacks, though he has previously defended his record on corruption and the economy.

From newsroom to boardroom: Wafula’s path to CEO

From his early days as a journalist to his new role as Group chief executive officer of Fireworks Advertising, Walter Wafula has demonstrated his ability to adapt, innovate, and lead.

In July 2025, the Board of Directors at Fireworks Advertising, under the chairmanship of Manwa Magoma, appointed forty-three-year-old Walter Wafula as Group chief executive officer to drive the agency’s growth.

His appointment was a significant development that resonated throughout Uganda’s marketing and communications industry.

The news was met with excitement and anticipation, given Wafula’s impressive background and expertise in public relations and digital marketing.

‘I attribute my career growth to the foundation laid by my parents, as well as mentors; Caleb Owino, the founder of Fireworks Advertising and Muhereza Kyamutetera, a former colleague who persuaded me to join the agency,’ Wafula said.

Walter Wafula’s story is one of passion, dedication, and excellence. From his early days as a journalist to his new role as Group CEO of Fireworks Advertising, Wafula has demonstrated his ability to adapt, innovate, and lead.

Growing up in Bugiri District, as a child, Wafula was exposed to the harsh realities of poverty and limited opportunities in Eastern Uganda.

But his parents’ business acumen and hard work instilled in him a strong work ethic and inspired him to join the business world.

His entrepreneurial journey began in 2009 with a small startup called Evolution Solutions Limited, which he founded, to empower young people with digital knowledge and skills, enabling them to harness digital opportunities.

Through Evolution, Wafula empowered over 300 young people in Bugiri, Iganga and Wakiso districts, with basic computer digital skills, preparing them for a competitive digital future.

His efforts were recognised when he won the Young Achievers Award in the ICT Category for his innovative startup. As his career demands increased, Wafula chose to focus on excellence in media and communications, closely following in the footsteps of his father, Wafula Oguttu, the founder of Monitor Publications Limited.

Wafula’s experience in journalism exposed him to the world of public relations, sparking an interest in establishing a public relations firm.

In 2010, he established Evolution Media, taking on international assignments from clients like Superbrands East Africa in Kenya and Instinct Wave in the United Kingdom.

Professional journey

Wafula began his professional career at Daily Monitor (NMG Uganda), where he honed his writing skills from 2005 to 2011.

He worked as a writer at the Business and Features desks, showcasing his excellence in storytelling. Concurrently, he contributed to Bizcommunity.com, a South African online publication, and DE Magazine in Germany.

His desire for growth and a better experience in the public relations industry led him to transition from Monitor Publications as a business writer to Fireworks Advertising as a Public Relations (PR) manager.

He then progressed to become a PR manager, head of practice – PR at Fireworks Advertising from 2011 to 2015, leveraging his expertise in PR.

In 2015, Wafula was appointed business unit head, Brainchild Burson-Marsteller, playing a pivotal role in securing global recognition for the agency. He was later appointed general manager, Brainchild Burson, where he developed PR and digital campaigns that drove client success.

His leadership and innovativeness earned him international acclaim, including a win at the CEO Today Africa Awards, while brainchild Burson was named the Best PR and Digital Agency in Uganda at the Africa Excellence Awards by MEA Markets in the UK.

Continuing the winning streak last year, the agency scooped Best PR Campaign and won Gold for Best Use of Influencer Marketing, for the launch of the iconic Uganda Waragi Lemon and Ginger gin, at the UMEA and Silverback Awards, respectively.

Throughout his career, Wafula has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in public relations, digital marketing, and innovation.

Wafula’s story serves as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.

Enabling excellence

Today, as Group CEO of Fireworks Advertising, he is prioritising excellence, collaboration, and innovation to drive the agency’s growth in East Africa.

His vision is to transform the advertising firm into East Africa’s most innovative marketing group.

‘Excellence is not just a goal but a fundamental principle that drives the organisation forward,’ Wafula emphasizes.

‘By striving for excellence, Fireworks delivers captivating work that not only satisfies our clients but also brings pride to our staff.’

Wafula’s leadership style is characterised by his ability to inspire and motivate his team to be exceptional.

‘I believe in empowering my team to excel by challenging them to think and act differently as well as training them to be the best versions of themselves,’ he says.

He also acknowledges his team’s great work that keeps clients satisfied and the business growing.

‘Our people remain our greatest asset. Without them, we wouldn’t be here.’

This approach has enabled the agency to stay ahead of the curve and deliver innovative marketing campaigns that meet the evolving needs of its clients.

As the business landscape continues evolving, Wafula’s commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation will remain essential for Fireworks’ continued success and relevance.

‘If you do the same thing over and over, you get bored and even the people you serve get tired,’ Wafula notes, saying: ‘It is essential to reinvent how we do things so that we can remain relevant as an organisation in the ever-changing digital world.’

Over the last 17 years, Fireworks, has established a reputation of creativity, professionalism, and reliability. This has enabled the agency to attract new clients and build long-term relationships with its clients while driving growth.

Finding balance in a busy life

Wafula believes that dedicating time to personal life and family is essential for his well-being and productivity.

‘I allocate time for my family, friends, and spiritual growth, recognising that a balanced life is key to achieving success in both personal and professional spheres,’ he shares.

As a father and husband, Wafula recognises the importance of being present for his loved ones.

‘Attending important events and milestones in my children’s lives, and supporting my wife in her endeavours, is a must-do,’ he adds.

His approach serves as a reminder that achieving success is not just about professional accomplishments, but also about nurturing personal relationships and taking care of one’s well-being.

Uganda lines up 55 witnesses in ex-ADF leader Jamilu Mukulu’s terrorism case

Uganda’s High Court on Monday ordered the long-awaited trial of former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) commander Jamilu Mukulu to begin this week, with prosecutors lining up 55 witnesses to testify against him and 29 co-accused.

A panel of four judges said the trial will open Wednesday, nearly a decade after Mukulu was arrested in Tanzania and extradited to Uganda.

‘I have heard the submissions of both counsels. The balancing of the arms of justice requires a quick and expeditious resolution of this matter, but it should also be noted that in the interest of justice this matter should be heard on its merits,’ said Justice Michael Elubu, who led the bench.

Other judges are Stephen Mubiru, Andrew Bashaija and Susan Okalany. They rejected defence requests to dismiss the charges.

Mukulu, accused of leading the Islamist-inspired ADF rebel group, faces multiple counts of terrorism. The case has dragged on through years of adjournments and pre-trial hearings.

During Monday’s session, defence lawyers raised complaints about Mukulu’s treatment in detention.

‘Our client is denied food from his family, yet other inmates are allowed. He is forced to buy food at three times the market price and is kept in a cell without ventilation, feasted on by mosquitoes. He is also not allowed sunlight,’ said defence counsel Kasumba.

The judges ordered prison authorities to respond by Wednesday and advised the defence to file a formal complaint with the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

‘This court will hear from both sides in the interest of justice. Institutions like the Human Rights Commission have visitation rights to prisons and can file reports to assist the court,’ Justice Elubu said.

The ADF, originally a Ugandan rebel group, has been blamed for deadly attacks in both Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mukulu’s trial is one of the most high-profile terrorism cases in Uganda in recent years.

Case background

Mukulu, jointly charged with 37 others, faces 20 counts, including terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery, attempted murder, and belonging to a terrorist organisation.

According to the indictment, Mukulu is introduced as the leader of the ADF and the Salaf Muslim community in Uganda, accused of issuing orders to his co-accused to carry out murders and robberies in Bugiri, Tororo, Namayingo, Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja, Mbale, Budaka and other districts.

He is further indicted for the murders of two Muslim clerics, Sheikhs Dakitoor Muwaya and Yunus Abubakar Mandanga, in Mayuge and Bugiri, respectively, as well as the killing of two police officers, Muzamir Babale and Karim Tenywa, attached to Bugiri Police Station. The group is also alleged to have robbed firearms, ammunition, money, and other property.

Prosecution, led by Assistant DPP Jatiko, contends that the offences were committed with social, political, economic or religious aims ‘in order to cause fear and panic among members of the public and government at large.’

Aitken Spence Travels South Asia’s best

Aitken Spence Travels once again demonstrated its industry leadership by winning South Asia’s Best Inbound Travel Agent and Best Cruise Travel Agent for the third consecutive year at the 9th annual South Asian Travel Awards (SATA), held recently at a glittering gala in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

In addition, SATA honoured the late Chairman, Deshamanya D.H.S. (Harry) Jayawardena, with the prestigious ‘Faces of South Asia’ recognition award for his invaluable contribution to Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Aitken Spence PLC Chairperson Stasshani Jayawardena added, ‘These awards highlight Aitken Spence Travels’ growing influence not just in Sri Lanka but in the region as well. With our continued support and commitment, Travels is well positioned to set new benchmarks, drive innovation, and expand its global footprint while showcasing Sri Lanka as a world class destination. I look forward to seeing its leadership inspire progress not just locally, but across the region.’ Aitken Spence Travels Managing Director Nalin Jayasundera, said, ‘Securing these top awards of Best Inbound Travel Agent and Best Cruise Operator once again reaffirms Aitken Spence Travels’ unparalleled market leader position and now as South Asia’s best. I dedicate these wins to our devoted and committed teams, who constantly go beyond expectations to craft and deliver unforgettable travel experiences to our valued travellers. We will continue to innovate in brining and showcasing the best possible experiences of destination Sri Lanka and raise industry benchmarks as the market leader.’

This year’s awards were endorsed by more than 18 leading tourism organisations and boards, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), underscoring SATA’s industry-wide credibility and relevance.

Looking ahead, Aitken Spence Travels remains steadfast in its commitment to shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism with sustainability at its core. By nurturing partnerships, investing in people, and driving innovation, the company is determined to grow responsibly, preserving the island’s rich natural and cultural heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for future generations. As Sri Lanka strengthens its position on the global tourism map, Aitken Spence Travels is proud to lead the way with purpose, resilience, and a vision for a more sustainable tomorrow.