United News of Bangladesh

More than 50 workers at a garment factory in Gazipur fell sick apparently after drinking water supplied by the factory’ in Chandra area of Kaliakair upazila on Thursday morning. Workers of  Dressman Limited began experiencing symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain and dizziness after drinking water in the morning. The number of affected workers increased rapidly, prompting the factory authorities to arrange medical treatment. The sick workers were taken to Kaliakair Upazila Health Complex as well as several private hospitals and clinics in the area. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shahidul Islam of Kaliakair Police Station said that at least 40 to 50 workers fell sick. “Necessary treatment has been arranged for the affected workers. However, none of them is in critical condition,” he said. The cause of the incident is yet to be determined, he added.    

Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Md Shafiqur Rahman on Thursday underscored the importance of expediting the conclusion of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to unlock the full potential of economic cooperation between the two friendly countries. The ambassador held a bilateral meeting with Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies of Nepal Krishna Bahadur Raut at the latter’s office in Kathmandu. During the meeting, both sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including the pending PTA between Bangladesh and Nepal, existing trade barriers and challenges, and opportunities to explore new avenues for bilateral trade and investment. Early conclusion of the PTA will provide a meaningful impetus to deepen commercial ties and create mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses in both countries, a senior official told UNB. Both sides noted that despite the long-standing friendship, close geographical proximity, and excellent bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Nepal, the volume of bilateral trade remains below its potential, said the Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal. The two sides agreed on the need for enhanced collaboration to facilitate trade, promote investment, improve connectivity, and encourage greater engagement between the business communities of both countries. They expressed optimism that sustained efforts and closer cooperation would contribute to a significant expansion of Bangladesh-Nepal economic relations in the coming years.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) has forecast flash flood in parts of Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrokona, Mymensingh and Sherpur districts due to rising river water levels and possibility of heavy rainfall.  “These(Surma–Kushiyara) rivers may flow around the warning level in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts, and adjacent low-lying areas may be temporarily inundated at some locations,” said a bulletin of FFWC. During the last 24 hours, the water level of the Surma River in the north-eastern region of the country has increased, which may continue over the next three days, it said. On the other hand, the water level of the Kushiyara River has decreased and may remain stable for the next 01 day before increasing during the following two days. Besides, the water levels of the Someshwari and Kangsha rivers in the north-eastern part of Mymensingh Division have increased during last 24 hours. The water levels of these rivers may increase over the next  three days. During this period, Someshwari and Kangsha rivers may flow around the warning level in Netrokona, Mymensingh, and Sherpur districts, and adjacent low-lying areas may be inundated. During the last 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded in Rangpur, Sylhet, and Mymensingh Divisions within the country, while moderate-heavy to heavy rainfall was observed in the Indian state of Meghalaya upstream, it added According to information from meteorological agencies, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast over Rangpur, Sylhet, and Mymensingh Divisions and the adjoining upstream regions of West Bengal, Assam, and Meghalaya in India during the next five days. During the last 24 hours, the water levels of the Brahmaputra–Jamuna river system have increased. The water levels may remain stable over the next oneday and may increase during the following four days. The water levels of the Ganges–Padma river system have remained stable, which may continue over the next five days. During the last 24 hours, the water levels of the Teesta and Dudhkumar rivers in northern Rangpur Division have increased, while the water level of the Dharla River has remained stable. The water levels of these rivers may increase over the next three days and during this period, the Teesta River may flow around the warning level in Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts. The water levels of the Sarigowain and Jadukata rivers in the north-eastern part of Sylhet Division have increased which may continue over the next 03 days.  Besides, the water levels of the Selonia, Halda, Sangu, and Matamuhuri rivers in the eastern and south-eastern parts of Chattogram Division have increased, while the water levels of the Muhuri, Feni, and Gomti rivers have decreased. The water levels of these rivers may remain stable over the next 03 days.  

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj on Thursday visited Glenrich International School's Satarkul campus, where he observed the school's progressive, inquiry-based learning environment and praised its academic approach. During the visit, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj highly appreciated Glenrich International School for the school’s focus on quality education and the students’ holistic development for future readiness. He interacted with the institution’s leadership team, teachers and students. Guided by Manas Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of STS Group, the Minister toured the school’s campus and visited its learning spaces, facilities and academic environment. The walkthrough included the pre-primary classroom, play zone, Montessori lab, central courtyard, school library and secondary classrooms. It also included some of the advanced academic hubs, including the Science labs, Art lab, Math lab, Robotics lab and ICT lab, said a media release. The Minister also toured the creative and athletic zones, including the music rooms (Guitar, Violin, Piano, Vocal), dance room, indoor gym, swimming pool, skating rink and outdoor sports areas designated for football, basketball and cricket practice. Commenting on the occasion, Manas Singh, CEO, STS Group, said, “We are deeply honoured to host the State Minister at our Satarkul campus. His appreciation reinforces our commitment to delivering a global standard of education and providing state-of-the-art infrastructure that nurtures the diverse talents of our students.”

Bangladesh and Azerbaijan on Thursday discussed opening of resident diplomatic missions in respective countries as the two friendly countries eye strengthening bilateral relations. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman had a telephonic discussion with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov in the afternoon and discussed issues of mutual interest. The Azerbaijan Foreign Minister warmly congratulated the Bangladesh Foreign Minister for being elected as the President of the 81st Session of the UNGA, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting they resolved to further strengthen different aspects of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. Bangladesh Foreign Minister invited the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.  

Bangladesh Tea Board will celebrate National Tea Day 2026 in Sreemangal of Moulvibazar district on June 20 with the theme “Development of the Tea Industry, Greening the Economy.” Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir is scheduled to inaugurate programmes at the Sreemangal Auditorium-cum-Multipurpose Hall, marking the day, according to a PID handout. According to Bangladesh Tea Board, though National Tea Day is observed annually on May 21, the formal celebration of this year's event has been scheduled for June 20. Bangladesh Tea Board Chairman Major General Md Mesbah Uddin Ahmed will deliver the welcome address while Moulvibazar-4 MP Md Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury will attend the programme as a special guest with Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan in the chair. Representatives of tea industry stakeholders and tea workers are also expected to participate in the discussion session. The programme will begin at 11:00am with the inauguration by the commerce minister, followed by the screening of a documentary on the tea industry and a discussion meeting. Following the discussion, the National Tea Awards 2026 will be presented in eight categories in recognition of outstanding contributions to the country's tea sector. Besides, a special award will be introduced this year for the first time in the “Best Bought Leaf Tea Factory” category. A tea exhibition featuring the Bangladesh Tea Board and leading tea companies of the country will also be organised on the occasion. According to Tea Board data, Bangladesh currently has 172 tea gardens. Tea cultivation has also expanded significantly in the northern plains of the country in recent years. The National Tea Day celebration, being held in Sreemangal – widely known as the tea capital of Bangladesh – will mark the sixth edition of the event, bringing together stakeholders from across the tea industry.

Premium food importing company Haramain Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Next Leaders to strengthen and accelerate its digital marketing initiatives, enhance brand visibility, and expand customer engagement through strategic digital solutions. The MoU signing ceremony was held in Dhaka on Thursday, where Md. Foysal Ahmed, CEO & Co-Founder of Haramain Group, and Omar Sharif Ibney Hai, Chairman & Founder of Next Leaders, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. For the past seven years, Haramain Group has been delivering premium-quality food products, including dates, figs, and saffron, directly imported from Saudi Arabia. With a focus on strengthening its digital presence, improving customer engagement, and expanding its market reach, the company has partnered with Next Leaders for comprehensive digital marketing support. Under the agreement, Next Leaders will provide strategic support in brand development, social media marketing, digital campaign management, and content creation to enhance Haramain Group’s online presence and customer communication.  Md. Foysal Ahmed, CEO & Co-Founder of Haramain Group, said, “For the past seven years, we have built strong customer trust through our premium products, with extensive experience and credibility particularly in the dates market. Through this partnership with Next Leaders, we aim to leverage modern digital marketing strategies to further expand our reach and connect with more customers.” Omer Sharif Ibney Hai, Chairman & Founder of Next Leaders, said, “We are delighted to partner with a trusted premium brand like Haramain Group. Our goal is to develop impactful digital strategies that will help showcase their quality products to a wider audience while strengthening their brand positioning in the digital space.” Through this partnership, both organizations will work together to enhance digital branding, customer engagement, and long-term brand growth.

Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) met Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) Chairman Engineer Riazul Islam on Thursday, pressing for amendments to the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and broader reforms in the housing sector. REHAB President Ali Afzal led the delegation of board members to RAJUK's headquarters, where senior officials of the authority were also present. Flagging inconsistencies between current DAP provisions and ground realities, Ali Afzal argued the plan needs urgent revision. He called for expanding opportunities for high-rise and planned construction, along the lines of city centres to accommodate modern urbanisation within Dhaka's land constraints. The REHAB president also stressed the need to demarcate separate zones for agriculture, housing, industries and afforestation to ensure planned development across the country, while urging special credit facilities and incentives at the district and upazila levels to promote decentralisation of Dhaka. REHAB Senior Vice President Abdur Razzaque proposed holding a dedicated extended session to address the full range of issues related to DAP and the housing sector. RAJUK Chairman Riazul accepted the proposal and assured participants that such a session will be arranged in due course. “This country belongs to all of us. It is imperative to build a planned and sustainable housing system for everyone,” he said, praising REHAB's role and reaffirming his commitment to working jointly with the association. REHAB Vice Presidents Mohammad Akhtar Biswas and Md Harun-or-Rashid, along with Director Md Mahbubur Rahman and other board members, also shared their views during the meeting.

A Dhaka court on Thursday once again granted additional time for completing the investigation into the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi, setting July 22 for the submission of the probe report in the case. With this, the deadline for submission of the probe report in the case was deferred for the 127th time. The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) was supposed to submit the report on Thursday but as it failed to do so, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Ariful Islam set a new date for the submission following a petition. On March 2, 2021, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) submitted a progress report in the Sagar-Runi murder case in an affidavit form to the Attorney General’s Office. According to the report, two unidentified people were involved in the murder. On 11 February 2012, Maasranga Television News Editor Sagar Sarowar and his wife ATN Bangla senior reporter Meherun Runi were found dead at their rented apartment in the city’s West Rajabazar area Nousher Ali Roman, Runi's brother, filed a case at Sher-e-Banglanagar Police Station the following day. Police arrested Tanvir Rahman in connection with the murder case on October 1, 2012. Later, he secured bail in 2014. Law enforcers have so far arrested eight people, including Tanvir, in connection with the murder case. The seven other suspects are Rafiqul Islam, Bakul Mia, Abu Syed, Mintu alias Baggira Mintu alias Masum Mintu, Quamrul Hasan alias Arun, security guard Enam Ahmed alias Humayun Kabir and Palash Rudra Pal. Following the political changeover, on September 30, 2024, the responsibility for investigating the murder was taken away from the RAB. The High Court subsequently ordered the formation of a high-powered task force comprising experienced investigators from various law enforcement agencies and set a six-month deadline for completing the investigation. On October 17, 2024, the Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification establishing the task force. The four-member high-level task force is currently conducting the investigation, with the PBI chief serving as its convener.

A three-day exhibition of South Asia’s premier international textile sourcing platform, Intex Bangladesh 2026, officially opened on Thursday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). The opening ceremony brings together global textile manufacturers, sourcing professionals, buyers, brands, policymakers and trade associations to promote business networking, innovation and cross-border collaboration, said a press release. Senior government officials, diplomats, industry leaders and international exhibitors were present at the programme. Rajesh Bhagat, Chairman and Managing Director of Worldex India; Murali Balkrishna, Joint Director of TEXPROCIL; Md Abdul Hamid Pintu, President of BGBA; and Mohammed Hatem, President of BKMEA, among others, addressed the inaugural session. The keynote address was delivered by Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary & Head of the Export Wing, Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting, group photograph and a VIP tour of the exhibition halls, including the formal inauguration of the Incredible Textiles of India Pavilion at Hall 2. Intex Bangladesh 2026 features 300+ booths from over 12 countries and regions — including India, China, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Thailand, Pakistan, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh — spanning four dedicated exhibition halls. Products on display cover fibres, yarns, fabrics, man-made fibres, trims, accessories, compliance solutions, traceability technologies, and sustainable textile innovations. The Incredible Textiles of India Pavilion, backed by TEXPROCIL, MATEXIL, and PDEXCIL, showcases over 75 Indian companies presenting cotton, MMF, sustainable fabrics, and value-added sourcing solutions. The China Fashion Textiles Pavilion features over 70 manufacturers from China’s key textile provinces, presenting fashion fabrics, functional materials, technical textiles, and garment accessories. The International Pavilion further extends the reach, bringing exhibitors from Taiwan, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Thailand, Pakistan, Hong Kong, and Uzbekistan, offering advanced textile technologies and performance fabrics to sourcing professionals. Alongside the exhibition floor, the Interactive Business Forum (IBF) Seminar Series at Hall 4 (Mezzanine Level) is hosting two high-impact sessions: “Scaling Sustainable Materials Across Global Supply Chains” (18 June, in association with TextileGenesis) and “From Factory Floor to Global Fashion Influence” (20 June, in association with Fashion Business Journal), examining traceability, sustainability, and Bangladesh’s evolving role in global apparel manufacturing. The exhibition is welcoming sourcing professionals and buyer delegations from across Bangladesh and international markets including Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and beyond.