United News of Bangladesh

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said the government will extend the same incentives and facilities enjoyed by the readymade garment (RMG) sector to other promising export industries including gold and diamond, as part of a broader drive to diversify the country's export base. “To bring diversity to export trade, potential sectors like gold and diamond will be given the same level of opportunities and facilities as the garment industry,” the minister said while addressing the 46th meeting of the National Board of Revenue's (NBR) Consultative Committee jointly organised by NBR and FBCCI at a city hotel in the morning. Acknowledging the overwhelming dominance of the RMG sector, the minister said other industries have lagged far behind and that the government is determined to investigate why and address the structural barriers holding them back. “We will not keep sectors locked down out of fear of theft. The solution to theft will be found separately, but business opportunities will remain open.” The minister noted that the government has been in office for just two months but has already engaged with businesses and stakeholders across sectors. “The private sector is the primary driver of the economy, and resolving its problems is our priority,” he said, adding that the government will take a hard look at why non-RMG sectors continued to underperform. Pledging a crackdown on corruption and unnecessary cost escalation at ports, he invited businesses to report any obstacles they faced and assured them of swift resolution. On the upcoming budget, the minister said the government was prioritising a large, quality fiscal plan aimed at poverty reduction, stimulating investment and boosting demand among ordinary citizens. To improve revenue collection, Khosru said the government would minimise direct contact between taxpayers and tax officials through a “One Citizen One Card” framework and full digitalisation, a move designed to curb corruption. “A related digital project has already received cabinet approval.” Urging business associations and chambers to support efforts to widen the tax net, the minister said those operating outside the tax framework were distorting competition and must be brought into the fold. “The current government believes not in a patronage economy, but in the democratisation of the economy, where all businesses compete on equal footing.” Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan were also present at the event.    

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday told Parliament that the government's planned Family Card and Farmers' Card programmes will not increase inflation or create undue pressure on the national budget. Instead, he said, the initiatives will boost employment, strengthen the rural economy and support local industries. Replying to a supplementary question from National Citizen Party MP Abul Hasnat (Hasnat Abdullah, Cumilla-4) during the parliamentary session, Tarique said the government will gradually bring four crore families under the Family Card programme and 2.75 crore farmers under the Farmers' Card scheme. "No government in the world can implement such a massive programme all at once," he said. The Prime Minister said the government will first identify vulnerable families and bring them under the scheme in phases. "We will collect data, prepare the budget gradually and expand the coverage step by step. So, according to our calculations, there is no reason for significant pressure on the budget," he said. Tarique also said the programme would not be financed by printing money. "We will not print money to fund this initiative.” He said a review of existing social safety net programmes found that some people are receiving multiple benefits. "We will rationalise overlapping benefits where necessary though not all programmes will be cut. We will proceed gradually in this way,” he said. He said beneficiaries would spend the money on essential goods such as clothing, books and daily necessities, most of which are produced locally. "The people who receive this support do not buy luxury brands. They purchase essential goods made in local factories," Tarique said. He also said spending under the Family Card programme would circulate within rural communities, benefiting local businesses and creating jobs. "This is an investment by the state. It will gradually help build local industries and generate employment," he said. "Our assessment is that inflation will not rise; rather, it will come down," the prime minister added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday told Parliament that the feasibility study for implementing the Teesta Master Plan has already been completed. Replying to a starred question from Gaibandha-1 MP Majedur Rahman during the question-answer session, he said the Bangladesh Water Development Board completed the study. "The feasibility study report has recommended dredging of 110 kilometres of the Teesta River under the Teesta Master Plan," the Prime Minister said. He said the technical and financial aspects of the feasibility study report are now being examined at different levels. "Once the review process is completed and the project is found technically viable, a timeline for implementation will be fixed," Tarique said. He said the Teesta is a fast-flowing river and excessive rainfall during the monsoon often causes flash floods and riverbank erosion in the region. "On the other hand, water flow drops sharply during the dry season, and in many places it almost reaches zero," he said. He also noted that heavy silt carried by monsoon waters causes the riverbed to fill up, splitting the Teesta into multiple channels. The first 30 minutes of Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, were allocated for the Prime Minister's question time.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday enquired about the health condition of an opposition lawmaker who fell sick during the parliamentary session. Opposition MP Hafez Robiul Bashar, elected from Satkhira-3 constituency, suddenly fell sick at around 1:40 pm during the first sitting of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad. He was later taken to the parliament lobby with the help of fellow MPs and officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat where on-duty physicians provided him with primary treatment. During the Zuhr prayers break of the session, the Prime Minister went to the lobby, enquired about the condition of the ailing MP and gave necessary instructions to the authorities concerned regarding his treatment. The Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad and other whips were present at the time.

The government has initiated a ‘Tourism Mega Plan’ aimed at attracting 5.57 crore tourists and generating over 2.19 cr jobs by 2040, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam told Parliament on Wednesday. "Under the mega plan, we have set a target to attract 5.57 crore tourists and create employment opportunities for 2.19 crore people by 2040," she said replying to a tabled starred question from BNP lawmaker AE Sultan Mahmud Babu (Jamalpur-2). Afroza Khanam stated that a series of initiatives are underway to encourage private investment and create new jobs within the sector. She noted that the ministry has adopted a comprehensive plan to promote entrepreneurship specifically encouraging women by facilitating access to low-interest loans and providing policy support in line with the government’s election manifesto. The government considers tourism a major driver of economic growth, she said, adding that the long-term ‘Tourism Mega Plan (2026–2040)’ will include a clear investment roadmap. The minister highlighted that the government is emphasizing public-private partnerships (PPP) to develop infrastructure and ensure sustainable growth. She also told the House that the National Tourism Policy is being updated in 2025 to increase sustainability and inclusivity. To support small and medium entrepreneurs, she said banks are already offering loans on easy terms, with plans to expand these facilities. Additionally, a One-Stop Service (OSS) will be introduced to assist both tourists and investors. Regarding capacity building, the minister said between FY 2021-22 and 2024-25, training was provided to 1,943 tour operators, 1,215 tour guides, 1,527 street food vendors, and 3,085 tourism volunteers. She added that the Bangladesh Tourism Board has formulated the ‘National Tourism Human Capital Development Strategy (2021–2030)’ to build a skilled workforce. Currently, about 51.9 lakh people are employed in the industry, a figure projected to rise to 72.8 lakh by 2030. Focusing on sustainable tourism, the minister said investment is being encouraged in eco-tourism and green infrastructure, particularly in Kuakata and coastal regions. Plans are also in place to expand community-based tourism to boost rural economies, she said. On women’s participation, she said initiatives are being taken to create a women-friendly environment in the hospitality sector and increase female workforce participation. Efforts are also underway to promote the festivals and handicrafts of small ethnic communities, she added. Regarding large-scale investment, the minister noted that private investment is being encouraged through the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) to establish an Exclusive Tourist Zone (ETZ) at Sabrang in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. Furthermore, projects on Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation land in Cox’s Bazar are being implemented via PPP.

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid on Wednesday told parliament that a digital platform titled ‘Smart Agriculture Market’ will be developed to directly connect farmers, wholesalers, retailers, entrepreneurs, and consumers, ensuring transparency and fair pricing. The Agriculture Minister said this while replying to a starred tabled question from opposition lawmaker elected from Netrakona-5 Masum Mostafa. He said the government has undertaken a series of initiatives to modernise the agriculture sector, increase production, and ensure fair prices for farmers through the use of advanced technologies and market reforms. “High-value and high-yielding crop varieties are being developed to boost production through agricultural modernisation. At the same time, farmers are being supported to cultivate these crops efficiently,” he said. He said the government has introduced modern, data-driven precision agriculture to reduce production costs and increase farmers’ income. Technologies such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, drones, and nanotechnology will be incorporated to transform agriculture into a smart, efficient, and sustainable sector, said the minister To ensure fair prices for agricultural produce alongside increased production, Amin Ur Rashid said the government has adopted several measures. The Minister said that on the first day of the Bengali New Year, Pahela Baishakh, the Prime Minister inaugurated the pre-piloting of the Farmer Card in 11 upazilas. “Among the ten services embedded in the card, one key benefit is enabling farmers to sell their produce at fair prices.” Under the Partner Project, he said one-stop service hubs will be established to provide agricultural inputs, advisory services, collection points, marketing facilities, and washing services. Additionally, 25-member Farmer Business Schools are being formed, bringing together farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and traders to help ensure fair pricing through collective action, he added. The Minister also said that seed prices produced by contracted growers under Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) are being fixed in alignment with local market rates and production costs to guarantee fair returns to farmers.

Dhaka witnessed a spell of heavy rain coupled with thunderstorm early in the morning, offering respite from the heat but disrupting daily life. The downpour which began around 6:45am, caused the most hardship for office-goers, students and low-income workers. Many people, caught off guard without umbrellas, were drenched and took shelter in nearby shops and buildings. Even those carrying umbrellas could not avoid getting wet. Commuters faced difficulties while heading to work and school due to a shortage of public transport, while rickshaw pullers and autorickshaw drivers were seen charging unusually high fares. The Met office also forecast rain across the country in the 24 hours from 9am on Wednesday. Light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally wind and lightning flashes is likely at many places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka & Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Khulna, Barishal & Chattogram divisions . Besides, moderately heavy to very heavy falls are expected at places over Mymensingh, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions.

Iran has reopened six airports as air travel operations begin to return to normal, state media reported. The airports now operational are Mehrabad, Mashhad, Shiraz, Zahedan, Gorgan and Urmia, according to the report. Aviation authorities said flights from Kerman, Yazd and Birjand are expected to restart in a later phase. Officials added that both domestic and international flight services will be gradually expanded as airspace conditions improve. Transit flights are also set to resume in stages.  #From Middle East Eye 

The Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) has proposed a major overhaul of tobacco taxation, including price restructuring and specific duties, at a pre-budget discussion with the National Board of Revenue (NBR), aiming to boost revenue and reduce tobacco-related deaths. It said merging the low and medium tiers of cigarettes into a single tier and setting the retail price at Tk 100 per 10 sticks, Tk 150 for the high tier, and Tk 200 or above for premium cigarettes, along with introducing a specific tax of Tk 4 per 10-stick pack on top of the existing 67% supplementary duty will generate approximately Tk 44,000 crore in additional revenue compared to the current fiscal year. At the same time, it will prevent around 400,000 premature deaths in the long term.  The proposals were presented on Tuesday at a pre-budget discussion with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) held at its conference room. During the meeting, NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan said, “Increasing tobacco taxes and prices reduces cigarette consumption. Accordingly, further increases in taxes and prices will be considered in the future.” It was stated at the discussion meeting that due to the lack of effective price increases, the real prices of cigarettes and other tobacco products are declining, making them cheaper relative to essential commodities.  According to 2025 data from the World Health Organization, the price of the most sold cigarette brands in Bangladesh remains lower than in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, and India. To effectively increase tobacco product prices, 69 countries worldwide, including India, Thailand and Turkey, have already introduced specific taxes alongside the ad valorem system. Specific taxes are highly effective in raising the minimum price of tobacco products, and this method is comparatively easier for tax collection. At the pre-budget discussion, it was proposed to set a uniform price and tax rate for 20-stick filtered and non-filtered bidis at Tk 30 with a 50% supplementary duty. For zarda and gul, it was proposed fixing retail prices at Tk 60 and Tk 30 per 10 grams respectively, with a 60% supplementary duty. It was also recommended to retain a 15% VAT and a 1% health development surcharge on all tobacco products. In Bangladesh, 35.3% of adults use tobacco, and nearly 200,000 people die each year due to tobacco use. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the health and environmental damages caused by tobacco use amounted to Tk 87,000 crore, which is double the revenue generated from this sector. The participants representing ATMA included Murtuza Haider Liton, Convener of ATMA; and Co-conveners Nadira Kiran and Mizan Chowdhury; Kawser Rahman, Chief Reporter of Daily Janakantha; Md Monir Hossain Liton, Head of Online (Bangla) at Daily Times of Bangladesh; and Md Shafiqul Islam, Business In-charge at Bangla Tribune.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has rejected allegations made in a newspaper report published in the form of an advertisement regarding police raids on licensed bars and restaurants, describing them as one-sided and misleading. In a press release on Tuesday, it said a report published in the daily on April 26 by the Bangladesh Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Owners’ Association contained inaccurate and legally inconsistent claims about law enforcement actions. The statement said the claim that police or Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) cannot conduct operations in licensed bars without permission from the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) is not correct. It added that under the Narcotics Control Act, 2018, the DNC mainly handles licensing and regulatory matters, but there is no legal bar for other law enforcement agencies to conduct operations. The DMP said police are empowered under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, the Police Regulations of Bengal, 1943, and the DMP Ordinance, 1976, to conduct searches and raids without warrants if there is reasonable suspicion of a cognisable offence. The statement also referred to recent operations, including one at Park View Restaurant and Bar in Mirpur on March 14, where 35 people were detained, and another at Combi Restaurant and Bar in Uttara on April 24, where 128 people were detained. The DMP said those detained were later punished by metropolitan magistrates through summary trials for offences, including consuming alcohol without permits and involvement in unlawful activities. The police also dismissed allegations of illegal operations, extortion and harassment, saying such complaints would be investigated if supported by specific evidence. It further said violations by some bar and restaurant operators, including selling alcohol without permits, serving minors and operating beyond permitted hours, had also been detected during drives. Reaffirming its commitment to law enforcement and public order, the DMP urged parties concerned to avoid spreading misleading information that could create confusion.