United News of Bangladesh

The mortal remains of Zamil Ahamed Limon, one of the two Bangladeshi doctoral students at the University of South Florida who were murdered in the United States, have been brought home. An Emirates flight carrying the mortal remains of Limon landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 8:40am on Monday. According to a statement from the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, the body was sent from Orlando International Airport in Florida on Saturday at around 8:50pm local time . After completion of airport formalities, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed handed over Limon’s body to his family. “We are maintaining communication with the United States. The government is working to ensure that those involved in this murder are brought to justice,” she told reporters at the airport. She further said that the foreign ministry has not shown any negligence in handling the matter. “We have come here on the instructions of the Prime Minister. All kinds of assistance will be ensured. Discussions are ongoing with US authorities for a proper investigation into the murder,” she added. Limon will be buried at his family graveyard in Jamalpur after Maghrib prayers. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs  said following the recovery of Limon’s body on April 25, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington, the Bangladesh Consulate in Miami, the victim’s family, authorities of University of South Florida, members of the Bangladeshi community in Tampa, and the relevant local police department worked in coordination to complete all necessary legal formalities and ensure the earliest possible repatriation of the body.

India’s leading industry body Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Monday said the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Bangladesh and India could significantly expand bilateral trade and investment by moving beyond trade in goods to include services, investment facilitation, technology collaboration and skills development. It sees strong alignment between the new Government of Bangladesh’s “Bangladesh First” strategy and India’s own development experience, underscoring vast opportunities for deeper economic partnership. Speaking during an interaction with a Bangladesh media delegation at the headquarters of CII in New Delhi, its Senior Vice President (Int’l Business) Pankaj Tandon said the current phase in Bangladesh-India relations was crucial not only for sustaining existing ties but also for shaping the next stage of economic partnership to support Bangladesh’s long-term growth and competitiveness, . “We see strong alignment between the new Government of Bangladesh’s ‘Bangladesh First’ approach and India’s own development experience,” he said. At its core, Tandon said, ‘Bangladesh First’ emphasises domestic capacity building, job creation, productivity enhancement, export diversification, digital transformation and long-term resilience. “Importantly, this is not an inward-looking strategy. It is about strengthening national capabilities through well-designed partnerships,” he added. Describing Bangladesh as India’s largest trading partner in South Asia, Tandon said India remained Bangladesh’s second-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade standing at around US$13.5 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal. He said economic cooperation remained the backbone of bilateral relations, adding that expanding market access, reducing non-tariff barriers and improving border infrastructure could significantly boost trade. Tandon said Bangladesh’s industrial strength and India’s manufacturing and services sectors complement each other, creating opportunities for integrated regional value chains. Highlighting sector-specific opportunities, he said textiles and apparel would continue to remain central to Bangladesh’s economy even after its graduation from the least developed country status, while future competitiveness would increasingly depend on productivity, compliance standards, machinery and design capabilities. He also identified medical tourism, food processing, agricultural value chains, digital economy, startups, energy cooperation and MSME linkages as promising areas for expanded collaboration. Tandon said Indian expertise in digital public infrastructure, fintech, renewable energy, manufacturing excellence and sustainable development could support Bangladesh’s economic transformation. He reaffirmed CII’s commitment to working closely with partner organisations in Bangladesh to deepen business-to-business engagement and strengthen economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries. CII senior director Manish Mohan, President of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) AKM Moinuddin, former DCAB president and the Daily Sun Editor Rezaul Karim Lotus also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Geethanjali Nataraj, Principal, International Trade Policy, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) made a presentation.

President of the Global Economist Forum (GEF) Dr. Enayet Karim held a meeting with Chairman of the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB) Prof. Abu Ahmed to explore policy options for stabilising the country’s financial system and supporting economic recovery. The discussion held on Sunday centred on practical steps to address ongoing pressures in Bangladesh’s financial and economic sectors, ncluding liquidity constraints, weak capital market performance, and investor confidence. Both sides exchanged views on how coordinated policy could help to ease current challenges and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth. The meeting highlighted the need for strengthening the capital market as a key pillar of economic stability. They discussed the role ICB can play in improving market depth, enhancing institutional participation, and restoring confidence among investors, said a press releae on Monday. Measures such as improving corporate governance, ensuring transparency, and promoting long-term investment instruments were also emphasised. The meeting also reviewed broader macroeconomic concerns, including inflationary pressure, exchange rate stability, and access to finance for productive sectors. Dr. Karim stressed the importance of aligning fiscal and monetary policies to support businesses while maintaining overall economic discipline. Prof. Abu Ahmed noted that ICB remains committed to supporting market stability and mobilising investment, particularly in sectors that can drive employment and industrial growth. He underscored the importance of policy consistency and regulatory clarity in attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Both sides agreed that stronger collaboration between policy institutions, financial organisations, and economic think tanks would be essential to address the current challenges effectively. They also discussed the need for data-driven decision-making and timely policy adjustments to respond to evolving economic conditions. GEF member Mominur Rashid Mamun and Enamul Hasan Shahin, were, among others,  present at the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday held a meeting with officials concerned to discuss the reopening of closed factories under the Textiles and Jute Ministry. The meeting was held in the morning at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Bangladesh Secretariat, said Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. “The Prime Minister sat in a meeting with the Ministry of Textiles and Jute to discuss how closed factories can be reopened and to review their current condition,” he said. During a workers’ rally at Nayapaltan on May Day, the Prime Minister announced that closed factories would be reopened and employment opportunities for workers would be created, he added. “Detailed discussions on the issue were held at today’s meeting,” the press secretary said. Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, the Prime Minister’s Political and Industry Affairs Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam, and Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority(BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, among others, were present. Officials concerned from the relevant ministries and agencies also attended the meeting. Various issues related to the reopening of the closed mills were discussed at the meeting.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita on Monday said Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have been instructed to ensure the safety and security of tourists across the country. She made the remarks while speaking to reporters after the first session of the second day of the DC Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. The minister said discussions centered on renovating tourist destinations across districts,  identifying measures to attract more visitors and developing facilities in areas such as Monpura and Netrokona along with several other districts. “If tourism is developed properly, it will attract more visitors and help people learn more about the country,” she said. Afroza added that the ministry would extend full support in implementing proposals received from field-level administrations. Responding to a question, she said the issue of tourist safety was given importance during the discussions. “Instructions were also given to maintain cleanliness and improve management at Cox’s Bazar, particularly the beach area.” Replying to another query about Saint Martin's Island, the minister said the issue of seasonal restrictions on travel to the island was not discussed at the session. She said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is keen to transform tourism into a full-fledged industry, adding that both public and private sector participation is being encouraged. When asked about districts with airports, the minister said DCs highlighted the need for further development of Saidpur airport, noting that work has already begun in this regard. She added that initiatives have been taken to operationalise several airports including those in Thakurgaon and Bogura. Afroza Khanam said she is scheduled to visit Bogura on May 7 to assess prospects for establishing an airport and a flying academy there. “We want to set up a flying academy so that aspiring students including those from underprivileged backgrounds can receive training and become pilots,” she said.

Police recovered the body of a fish farmer with his throat and hands slit from his home in Singra upazila of Natore district early Sunday. The deceased was identified as Rafiqul Islam Rubel, 50, a resident of Bishnupur village under Italy Union. Family members said Rubel used to sleep in a separate room of his house and left the door open before going to bed at night. In the morning, his wife, Shiuily Begum, entered the room and found his blood-stained body lying on the floor. Locals later informed police who recovered the body and conducted an inquest at the scene. Police also collected evidence before sending the body to Natore General Hospital for an autopsy. Singra Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam said the incident is under investigation.

The president of the Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh, Nazrul Islam Mithu, has disclosed he was prevented from boarding a flight to China at the airport's immigration area on Sunday for no valid reason, that he said amounts to a violation of his fundamental right to freedom of movement and contravenes Article 13 of the International Human Rights Declaration. In a Facebook post Sunday, incidentally Press Freedom Day, Mithu declared “Press Freedom Day, minus the freedom!” Mithu shared his frustrating and harrowing experience at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after he was barred from travelling to China on Sunday afternoon. Mithu wrote that he was among passengers scheduled to travel to China on Sunday after collecting his boarding pass when a uniformed officer called him by name near an immigration counter. He said he was asked to hand over his passport and boarding pass and was taken to the office of an immigration head, a Superintendent of Police (SP), where he was questioned about his profession and workplace. “I represent the German News Agency, dpa, in Dhaka,” Mithu said he told the officer, adding that he was also asked whether he was the president of any organisation. He said several intelligence officials later questioned him about his role as president of OCAB, and whether he was implicated in any case, to which he replied in the negative. According to Mithu, the SP later told him that police had found nothing against him but that he would need clearance from other “agencies.” After waiting for nearly an hour, he was informed that he might not be allowed to travel, although no specific reason was given. Mithu said his passport was eventually returned, his luggage was offloaded, and he was escorted out of the airport. He noted with irony that the incident occurred as World Press Freedom Day was being observed globally, with calls for greater protection of journalists.

Footsteps Bangladesh, in partnership with Eastern Bank PLC, on Sunday inaugurated two Britto Children’s Libraries at SWID Bangladesh’s Eskaton and Dhanmondi campuses to support children with special needs. Implemented under Project Britto, the initiative transforms underutilised school spaces into child-friendly libraries with accessible layouts, curated books and creative learning elements. Speaking at the event, Maskur Reza, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Information Systems and Managing Director’s Secretariat at Eastern Bank PLC, said the initiative is expected to create meaningful impact and expressed hope for continued collaboration. Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, Co-founder and President of Footsteps Bangladesh, said the project has already received strong recognition within the development sector and among partners. He emphasised the organisation’s vision to expand similar initiatives to schools where library spaces remain underutilised. Mohammad Taqi Yasir, Co-founder and Vice President of Footsteps Bangladesh, acknowledged Eastern Bank PLC’s support, describing the partnership as impactful. He added that the organisation aims to continue such initiatives to drive positive change nationwide. The inauguration was attended by celebrities, including Sameer Ahmed, Snigdha Chowdhury, Fahmim Rahman and Sarah Alam, who expressed support for the initiative and stressed the importance of collaboration in advancing inclusive education. The Britto Children’s Library initiative reflects growing efforts to improve access to quality education and create supportive learning environments for underserved children across Bangladesh.

Zakir Hossain, sub-registrar of Savar, has been withdrawn over allegations of corruption and irregularities. According to an office order issued by the Law and Justice Division under the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, a departmental case (No. 01/2026) has been filed against him on charges of misconduct under Rule 3(b) and corruption under Rule 3(d) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. Following the case, he was withdrawn from the Savar Sub-Registry Office and attached to the Office of the Registrar General under the Directorate of Registration until the case is disposed of. He was also directed to immediately hand over his current responsibilities and join his new posting. The order was signed by Hasan Mahmudul Islam, Joint Secretary (Registration) of the Law and Justice Division, and Mohammad Azizur Rahman, Senior Assistant Secretary.

A two-day workshop titled “Election Commitments, Reforms and Fact-checking” began on Sunday in Dhaka. The event has been organised by the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs in association with the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF), with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The workshop aims to serve as a capacity-building initiative to strengthen reporting on reforms and governance at the grassroots level. Around 35 journalists from television, newspapers and online media from across the country participated in the first day of the programme. On the opening day, Tarannum Jinan, Network Focal Point of the Citizen’s Platform and Senior Administrative Associate at CPD, welcomed the participants and facilitators. Introductory remarks were delivered by Doulot Akter Mala, President of the Economic Reporters’ Forum. Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at CPD, outlined the objectives of the workshop, what participants can expect, and the critical role of journalists in covering reform and election commitments. Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Core Group Member of the Citizen’s Platform and Distinguished Fellow at CPD, along with Md. Rifat Bin Aowlad, Dialogue Associate at CPD, and Zarin Tasnim, Executive Associate to the Distinguished Fellow at CPD, were also present. Over the two days, participants will be introduced to the Citizen’s Platform’s newly launched “Bangladesh Reform Tracker” and provided with tools to improve reporting on reform-related issues.