United News of Bangladesh

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and Myanmar Ambassador to Bangladesh Kyaw Soe Moe on Sunday discussed ways to expand bilateral trade, strengthen shipping connectivity and expedite the safe return of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. During a meeting at the Ministry of Commerce, the two sides discussed expanding bilateral trade, increasing exports and imports, strengthening maritime transport links, importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and creating greater opportunities for mutual investment. The minister said Bangladesh remains committed to strengthening relations with neighbouring countries based on mutual respect, trust and economic cooperation. He said issues relating to trade, transport, investment and border connectivity that involve other ministries will be reviewed through inter-ministerial coordination. Muktadir said the geographical proximity of Bangladesh and Myanmar and existing opportunities could be utilised to significantly increase bilateral trade. "Bangladesh and Myanmar will work together to make the economic relationship more meaningful and dynamic after resolving issues of mutual interest through dialogue," he said. Ambassador Kyaw Soe Moe expressed Myanmar's interest in increasing bilateral trade and said resuming the long-suspended border trade will benefit businesses and people in both countries. He suggested that, if necessary, border trade could initially be resumed on a limited or temporary basis. The meeting also explored opportunities to increase trade in agricultural and fisheries products, rice, pharmaceuticals and frozen food, while stressing the importance of strengthening business-to-business (B2B) engagement. The issue of the safe, voluntary, sustainable and dignified repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population sheltered in Bangladesh also featured prominently in the discussions. The Myanmar ambassador said the verification process of the repatriation lists submitted by Bangladesh is ongoing and that initiatives will be taken to move forward with repatriation once the security situation and conditions on the ground become favourable. The Bangladesh side emphasised the need to create conditions conducive to an early repatriation and called for effective and visible progress on the issue. Both sides agreed to hold regular institutional dialogues and meetings of the Joint Committee, and also discussed holding the next joint meeting in Bangladesh. The meeting further underscored the importance of establishing direct maritime and shipping links between the two countries and finalising a proposed agreement on the matter at the earliest. Both sides expressed optimism that direct shipping connectivity will reduce transportation costs and transit time while significantly boosting bilateral trade. Both sides expressed their commitment to elevating bilateral trade, investment, connectivity and regional cooperation to a new level. Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (FTA) Ayesha Akther, and Myanmar Embassy Counsellor Myat Lwin were also present at the meeting.

The Australian Education Expo 2026 was held in Dhaka on Saturday, bringing together leading Australian universities and prospective students under one roof. The event provided aspiring students with valuable insights into higher education opportunities in Australia, including academic programmes, scholarships, admission pathways, and career prospects, while offering expert guidance on pursuing international education, according to a press release. The day-long event was organised by Executive Study Abroad, an education consultancy, at The Westin Dhaka. The event featured information on 30 renowned Australian universities and educational institutions, including Monash University, Macquarie University and Adelaide University. Students had the opportunity to interact directly with university representatives, explore scholarship opportunities, receive on-the-spot admission assessments, and learn about academic programmes, tuition fees, student visa requirements, and part-time employment opportunities available while studying in Australia. Participants also received expert advice on university-specific admission requirements, English language proficiency, application procedures, required documentation, visa processing, scholarships, and student life in Australia.

Days after videos of Bengal tigers roaming the Sundarbans drew widespread attention, a tourist has captured rare footage of a saltwater crocodile feeding on a goat in the world's largest mangrove forest. The 27-second video was recorded on Saturday noon near the Ghagramari Forest Office in the Dhangmari Khal under the Sundarbans East Division. The footage, captured on a mobile phone by a tourist travelling through the area, shows a crocodile eating a goat in the canal. After being shared on social media, the video sparked concern among tourists planning to visit the Sundarbans. Tiger sightings in the Sundarbans have frequently been recorded by tourists and forest officials in recent weeks.

A man was allegedly hacked to death by his younger brother over a family land dispute in Mirpur upazila of Kushtia on Saturday evening. The deceased was identified as Nur Islam, son of late Wahab Mondol of Thakurpara village under Bahalbaria Union. Police detained his younger brother, Helal, 44, in connection with the incident. According to police and local sources, an argument broke out between the two brothers around 7 pm over family land. At one stage, Helal allegedly attacked Nur Islam with a sharp hatchet, leaving him critically injured. Locals rescued Nur Islam and took him to Kushtia General Hospital, where he died around 9pm while undergoing treatment. Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Shahidul Islam said the body had been kept at the Kushtia General Hospital morgue for an autopsy. Further legal action is underway, the OC said.

Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad and Shariatpur-3 MP Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu on Saturday said not a single penny of public money would be allowed to go to waste, warning that no compromise would be made over the quality of development work. He made the remarks while inspecting several roads in Dhankati Union. Apu said roads should be built to such a standard that they would not require major repairs for the next 50 years. "I have come to work, not to make money. No irregularities or substandard work using public funds will be tolerated. Every project must be durable and of high quality," he said. The whip warned that contractors or others involved in development projects would face action if any irregularities were found. He also instructed the engineers and contractors concerned to ensure quality in all construction work. He said the government's development activities are aimed at ensuring long-term benefits for the people, stressing that every project must uphold transparency, accountability and quality. District LGED Executive Engineer SM Rafeul Islam, Upazila Engineer Abu Naim Nabil, local public representatives, political leaders and people from different walks of life were present.

Detectives in Rangpur arrested four members of an alleged fraud ring accused of using fake admit cards and proxy candidates to cheat in the recruitment examination for the post of Cadet Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) (Unarmed). Fake admit cards, screenshots of financial transactions and electronic devices allegedly used in the fraud were also seized, said a press release issued by the Rangpur District Police on Saturday afternoon. According to the release, the incident came to light around 3:30 pm on July 31 at the main gate of Rangpur Police Lines School and College, where the recruitment examination was being held. An examinee, Ashraful Islam, 21, was taken aside for questioning after he allegedly attempted to enter the face-recognition verification point with a fake admit card. Based on information obtained from him, police arrested an alleged proxy candidate, Tajmilur Rahman, 19, at the venue. During preliminary interrogation, Ashraful allegedly told investigators that he had struck a deal with Badsha Masud Alam, 48, and Nurul Islam, 46, both employees of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, to secure a Cadet ASI post in exchange for Tk 17 lakh. Police said he deposited Tk 250,000 into a Dhaka Bank account from Dinajpur and later received a fake admit card via WhatsApp, despite not taking part in the required physical test. Acting on his information, detectives arrested Badsha Masud Alam from the Ship Company More area of Rangpur city. Police said his mobile phone contained evidence related to the alleged fraud, including money transactions and fake admit cards. Based on his statement, detectives, with assistance from Kotwali Police Station under Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RPMP), later arrested Nurul Islam in Dhaka. Police alleged that the group had been operating the racket for a long time by producing fake admit cards and promising jobs as Cadet ASIs in exchange for large amount of money. Investigators also alleged that the suspects impersonated senior government officials while contacting police officers to create confusion during the recruitment process. Police believe two to three more people may be involved in the alleged fraud ring. The seized fake admit cards, screenshots of financial transactions and electronic devices have been taken into police custody as evidence.

The United States has said Bangladesh could become a partner in its Pax Silica initiative in the future, stressing that Bangladesh has significant potential in the information technology (IT) sector. US Special Presidential Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, who paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday, observed that Bangladesh has significant potential in the sector and "could, in the future, become a partner" in the Pax Silica initiative, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Prime Minister highlighted Bangladesh's strong interest in attracting investment in the IT sector. Pax Silica is a US-led strategic initiative to build a secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain - from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and logistics. Rooted in deep cooperation with trusted allies, Pax Silica aims to reduce coercive dependencies, protect the materials and capabilities foundational to artificial intelligence, and ensure aligned nations can develop and deploy transformative technologies at scale. The inaugural Pax Silica Summit convened counterparts from Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Australia. Together, these countries are home to the most important companies and investors powering the global AI supply chain. With a new economic security paradigm across the United States and partner nations, a clear consensus has emerged: secure supply chains, trusted technology, and resilient infrastructure are indispensable to national power and economic growth. Meanwhile Bangladesh has decided to join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) initially as an observer, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. Headquartered in Shanghai, WAICO is an inter-governmental organization which was formed on July 16, 2026. Its stated goals include, among other things, deepening international cooperation on innovation, promoting inclusive development by reducing global digital divide, supporting open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for global AI development, and advancing AI regulations aiming to ensure that this new and evolving technology is beneficial and safe for humans. On July 16, twenty-nine countries signed an agreement in Shanghai on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese government. Representatives from the 29 countries, including Kazakhstan, Laos, Pakistan, Russia and Indonesia, signed the agreement, making their countries the WAICO's founding members. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was among representatives from countries and international organizations present at the signing ceremony, reports Xinhua. The organization will uphold the purposes of the UN Charter, be committed to extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit and adhere to a people-centered approach, according to the agreement. It aims to promote international cooperation and global governance on AI, ensuring that AI is beneficial, safe and fair, thereby promoting its healthy and orderly development to benefit all humanity.

The acting principal of Pirgachha Multilingual Shorthand Training Academy (BM College) has been removed from his post following allegations that he made indecent proposals to a female student over the phone in Pirgachha, Rangpur. Acting Principal Md Abdul Quader was removed from the post of acting principal based on initial findings, Pirgachha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Zaid Imrul Mozakkin said on Saturday afternoon. An investigation is underway, and further legal and administrative action will be taken based on the investigation committee's report, he added. Recently, a 3-minute-52-second audio recording of a phone conversation allegedly involving the teacher went viral on social media, triggering widespread anger among locals. In the audio clip, the teacher is allegedly heard making inappropriate proposals to the student, promising better marks in the practical examination and other benefits. The student, however, is heard rejecting the proposal and protesting against the teacher's behaviour. Following the spread of the audio clip, students staged a road blockade in front of the college on Wednesday (July 29), demanding the resignation and punishment of the accused teacher. They later withdrew the blockade after the upazila administration assured them of an investigation and necessary action. The student expressed anger over the incident and demanded exemplary punishment, saying such behaviour by a teacher was alarming. When contacted over the phone for comments, Md Abdul Quader declined to speak about the allegation.

The government currently has no plan to increase gas prices, Petrobangla and the Energy and Mineral Resources Division said on Saturday, urging people not to be misled by recent media reports suggesting a hike. In a public notice issued following reports carried by various media outlets on a possible increase in gas prices, the authorities clarified that there is no proposal at this moment to raise gas tariffs. “The government has no plan to increase gas prices at this moment,” the notice said. Petrobangla and the Energy and Mineral Resources Division requested all concerned not to be confused or misled by speculative reports regarding any gas price hike. The clarification came amid public discussion triggered by recent media reports on a possible increase in gas prices.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Saturday warned of strict administrative action, including dismissal, against doctors found negligent or involved in irregularities while performing their duties. The Health Minister made the remarks during a surprise visit to Bhedarganj Upazila Health Complex in Shariatpur. During the inspection, the minister visited different hospital departments and reviewed overall activities, including medical services, medicine supply, patient attendance and the performance of doctors and health workers. He also spoke with patients and their relatives who came for treatment and inquired about the quality of healthcare services. The minister later discussed various problems, infrastructural limitations and necessary development measures at the hospital with concerned officials. Sakhawat Hossain said, "If we fail to fulfil our commitments at this time after the July uprising, not only we but also you will be affected. So everyone must attend their workplaces regularly and perform their duties." He urged doctors, nurses and health workers to be more responsible towards people, saying everyone must work with honesty, dedication and accountability to improve healthcare services and ensure quality treatment reaches people's doorsteps.