United News of Bangladesh

Import and export from India through Burimari land port in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat district will remain suspended from September 27 to October 4 on the occasion of Durga Puja. Movement of passport-holding travelers between the two countries will continue as usual, said ASM Niyaz Nahid, general secretary of Burimari C&F Agents Association on Wednesday. He said the decision was communicated through a letter from the Changrabandha Exporters Association of India’s Koch Bihar district. Based on the letter, the Burimari C&F Agents Association announced the temporary halt of trade activities. Copies of the letter have already been sent to all relevant departments. Sub-Inspector Ashraful Islam of Burimari Immigration Police said, “The immigration check post at the land port will remain open and passport-holding travelers will be able to travel normally.” Burimari C&F Agents Association also said while government offices will remain closed for Durga Puja and weekly holidays from October 1 to 4, the customs office will continue to operate.

TishCAN has successfully hosted Pink Carnival, a vibrant two-day fundraising charity fair, dedicated to supporting breast cancer warriors. The event was recently held at Pink Terrace in the capital’s Gulshan, said a press release. The fair featured a wide array of donated items, generously contributed by individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and brands. Visitors enjoyed the unique charm of the pink-themed décor, along with a variety of creative stalls, engaging activities, and pink-inspired food offerings. “We are deeply grateful to our partners, sponsors, and the community who came together to make this event a success,” said Nuzhat Tarannum, Founder of TishCAN.

Police arrested 244 leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies foiling preparations for lightning processions in different parts of the capital on Wednesday.Based on information that the members from Awami League and its associate bodies were gathering at different locations in Dhaka to launch fresh demonstrations, police conducted drives in different parts of the capital and arrested 244 people, said Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).Among them 50 were arrested by detectives, 27 by CTTC, 100 from Tejgaon Division, 55 from Ramna Division, five from Gulshan, four from Mirpur division and three from Uttara division.Besides, 14 crude bombs and seven banners were also recovered with the help of local people during the drives, he said.Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Wednesday afternoon, DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md. Nazrul Islam said efforts are on to identify those who funded, sheltered or facilitated the groups, who’s activities whose activities are banned. In earlier such drives, 500 leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies were arrested from the capital.The interim government has banned all activities of the AL, besides completely outlawing its student body Chhatra League.  

Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and Orbis International have jointly launched a major initiative titled “Comprehensive Cataract Services in Bangladesh” to provide eye screening for one million low-income people and conduct 100,000 cataract surgeries over the next two years. The initiative was inaugurated on Wednesday at PKSF Bhaban-1 in Agargaon, Dhaka, according to a press release. PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan presided over the ceremony, while Md Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, attended as the Chief Guest. Professor Md Abu Jafor, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and Christie Hubbard, Director of Foundations and Institutional Resource Development at Orbis International, were present as Special Guests. PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader delivered the welcome address, while Deputy Managing Director Md Hasan Khaled offered the vote of thanks. Dr Munir Ahmed, Country Director of Orbis International Bangladesh, presented an overview of the initiative. Md Saidur Rahman said cataract surgery restores not just eyesight but also a person’s ability to work, contributing to national productivity and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Preparatory work for Orbis Flying Eye Hospital’s visit going on in full swing He said the initiative will strengthen the National Blindness Prevention Program and expand access to modern eye care in remote areas through public-private cooperation. Christie Hubbard said cataract remains the leading cause of blindness in Bangladesh despite being highly treatable. She noted that Orbis has been working in the country for nearly four decades, restoring sight for thousands of people. PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan said PKSF’s extensive partner network enables it to deliver healthcare services even in areas where government facilities cannot reach. He expressed hope that 100,000 cataract surgeries under the program would significantly contribute to poverty alleviation. Prof Yunus asks PKSF to expand programmes with tech-driven youth entrepreneurship PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader said reducing health and livelihood risks is a strategic priority for PKSF. He noted that this partnership with Orbis International will help reduce avoidable blindness and contribute to the socio-economic development of marginalized communities. According to Dr Munir Ahmed, nearly 550,000 people aged over 30 in Bangladesh are visually impaired, with 70 percent of them suffering from cataract-related blindness. Under the program, one million patients will be screened through 5,000 outreach programs, 1,200 healthcare workers will receive training on primary eye care, and 100 Vision Centers alongside 200 Community Eye Centers will serve as referral and follow-up hubs across 50 districts. In addition, 25 Orbis-affiliated hospitals will play a central role in identifying cataract patients and performing surgeries.  

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman on Wednesday said positive changes in the country’s political and bureaucratic culture needs to establish  an independent and ideal Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)  in Bangladesh. He made the remark while responding to a question from journalists at the ACC headquarters during the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ACC and TIB aimed at making anti-corruption activities more dynamic. The MoU was signed by ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain on behalf of the commission and Iftekharuzzaman on behalf of TIB. Speaking on ACC reforms, Iftekharuzzaman said: “There are no major obstacles to reforms. Among the recommendations we submitted, some can be implemented through government decisions, while others require political consensus. Most political parties have agreed on the majority of the issues, though some major parties, particularly those eyeing power, have issued notes of dissent.” He added that there has been no clear progress yet on two key issues — granting constitutional recognition to the ACC and ensuring recruitment beyond the influence of the executive.  However, if the Reform Commission’s 47 recommendations are implemented, he firmly believes that an ideal and independent ACC can be established. “But everything depends on whether there are positive changes in Bangladesh’s political and bureaucratic culture. Without that, no matter how many laws are amended, they will not be effectively implemented,” the TIB executive director stressed. ACC and TIB have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further accelerate and accelerate the activities related to corruption prevention at the Commission's head office in Dhaka. On behalf of the ACC, Mr. Md. Akhter Hossain, director general (Prevention) and on behalf of TIB,  Iftekharuzzaman signed the MoU. The signing ceremony of the MoU was attended by the  Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission,  Mohammad Abdul Momen, Commissioner (Investigation) Brigadier General (Retd.) Hafiz Ahsan Farid, Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim, and senior officials of the ACC and TIB. Under the MoU, ACC and TIB will undertake various activities including joint research, training, and other activities, including mutual cooperation, public engagement, consultation, and campaigning, with the aim of raising public awareness, improving procedural excellence, and improving ethical standards in the prevention of corruption. ACC sues ex-railway DG, two others over graft ACC and TIB signed a two-year MoU on May 25, 2015 for mutual cooperation. Later, the second phase of the MoU was signed on June 5, 2017 for a period of two years and four months, the third phase for a period of three years on October 7, 2019, and the fourth phase for a period of three years on September 28, 2022.  In continuation, the fifth phase of the MoU was signed today for a period of five years from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2030.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abdul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Wednesday said the ‘Postal Vote BD’ app will be launched by the third week of November for the registration of expatriate voters for casting ballots in the national election, expected to be held in February next. “We’re developing a mobile app for registration under the ‘Out of Country Voting’ (OCV) system. InshAllah, this app will be launched by the third week of November,” he told reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Sanaullah said the ballot papers will bear the election symbols of candidates not names of contenders. “After the symbols are allocated, expatriate voters will be able to see the final list of candidates through the mobile app or the website, and then cast their votes accordingly. Later, they will send back the ballot papers,” he explained. Mentioning that expatriate voters will not need to bear any expense for exercising their franchise, he said, “This time, expatriates will not have to pay any charges, though each postal ballot costs around Tk 700.” Citing global experiences, the commissioner said the international average registration rate for postal ballots is only 2.7 percent, with a voter turnout of less than 30 percent of the registered ones. “But Bangladeshi expatriates are more enthusiastic compared to others,” he said. Focusing on the experiences of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and other countries, Sanaullah said, “We must keep our expectations modest, but we will not fail.” He mentioned two major challenges of postal ballots --ensuring ballot secrecy and the risk of invalidation of ballots received from abroad if court orders alter the list of contesting candidates after dispatch.  “Globally, nearly 24 percent of postal ballots fail to reach their destination through regular mail.” The commissioner said a new hybrid solution has been adopted this time and interested voters who register online will be sent a ballot with election symbols well in advance. Expats must register thru mobile app to cast votes in Bangladesh election He said Bangladesh has an expatriate population of 14 to 15 million, according to some estimates. “Excluding such a large group from the electoral process undermines inclusivity. I believe we must begin this initiative, no matter the scale,” he added. The Chief Adviser in his address to the nation on December 16, 2024, pledged to create a system so that expatriates could apply their voting rights in the upcoming parliamentary election. Then the EC explored the mechanism to ensure the expatriates can vote in the election.

A 40-year-man was killed in an attack by rivals over a tea stall on footpath in Agargaon area of the capital early Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Md Bablu, son of Selim Mia of Agargaon Taltola area. Emaul Haque, officer-in-charge of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, said a scuffle took place between two groups--one led by Rabiul and another led by Bablu, over setting up a tea stall in front of Agargaon Taltola Janata Housing Gate. As a sequel to the enmity, an altercation ensued between Bablu and his rival group Rabiul around 8 pm as they tried to evict the tea stall of Bablu. Being resisted, Rabiul hit Bablu on his head with an iron pipe, leaving him unconscious. Later, he was taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries around 2 pm. Police also arrested five people in this connection.  

The authorities of Nasa Group on Wednesday declared permanent closure of 16 factories in Ashulia, forcing its workers to block Bypile-Abdullahpur highway demanding payment of dues. Earlier in the morning, several hundred workers of Nasa Group took to the streets demanding the authorities  clear their dues. At one stage, they hurled brick chips targeting police, creating chaos. A chase and counter chase took place, triggering a clash. Police used water cannons, and tear gas shells to disperse workers from the highway. Abdul Hannan, officer-in-charge of Ashulia Police Station, said a worker was slightly injured in the clash and he was given first aid. The vehicular movement on the highway came to normal after one hour of suspension. Meanwhile, a tripartite meeting was held at the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments on Tuesday where the authorities decided to close the 16 factories under Nasa Group from September 26, citing gas and electricity shortages, along with a lack of buyer orders. As per the agreement, the management has assured that the payment of August salaries will be provided by October 15 while the month of September salaries by October 30 and all other dues by November 30. The company also said that no worker would be blacklisted and all employees would receive experience certificates.  

Bangladesh’s economic outlook for August 2025 shows signs of stabilisation on the external front but troubling weaknesses in domestic investment, revenue collection and development spending, according to a government report. The latest monthly economic update by the General Economics Division (GED) under the Planning Ministry said inflation declined to 8.29 percent in August, the lowest since July 2022, after months of volatility that saw double-digit inflation from July to December 2024. Non-food inflation dropped below 9 percent for the first time in 20 months, helping offset a marginal rise in food prices. Food inflation stabilised at 7.6 percent for three consecutive months, a sharp improvement from the 14 percent peak in July 2024. Rice remains the single largest driver of food inflation, contributing 48.37 percent in August. Government procurement of 1.7 million tons of Boro rice, imports of half a million tons duty-free and higher distribution under public food schemes are expected to ease prices in the coming months. Still, GED noted that delays in real-time monitoring and policy response prevented earlier stabilisation. The report highlighted a robust performance in the external sector. Export earnings consistently crossed the $4 billion mark, hitting $4.77 billion in July 2025. The exchange rate remained stable at Tk 121–122 per USD, while foreign exchange reserves climbed from $24.86 billion in September 2024 to $31.17 billion in August 2025. This, according to GED, provided a solid cushion against trade shocks and debt obligations. Despite positive external indicators, the domestic financial sector showed deep stress. Private sector credit growth plunged to 6.49 percent in June 2025 — the lowest on record and far short of Bangladesh Bank’s target. Businesses remain reluctant to borrow amid high interest rates, political and economic uncertainty, and cautious bank lending. Commerce Adviser stresses surplus economy for sustainable growth By contrast, public sector credit rose sharply by 13.09 percent, driven by the government’s heavy reliance on bank borrowing to finance its fiscal deficit. This trend, GED warned, is effectively “crowding out” the private sector and undermining future investment and job creation. Revenue collection in August stood at Tk 27,162 crore, falling Tk 3,727 crore short of the target. While collections grew 17.6 percent year-on-year, the shortfall was mainly due to weaker import and income tax receipts. Only VAT at the local level showed improvement. The report flagged persistent revenue gaps as a key challenge in meeting the ambitious annual target of Tk 4,99,000 crore. Development spending remains another weak spot. ADP utilization dropped to 2.39 percent of allocation in the July–August period of FY26, down from 2.57 percent in the same period last year. Although August utilisation improved slightly year-on-year (1.71 percent vs 1.52 percent), GED noted that such low early-year implementation reflects structural bottlenecks, bureaucratic delays, and poor fund release capacity, raising the risk of back-loaded spending and inefficiency. While the decline in inflation and strengthening of reserves signal macroeconomic stability, GED cautioned that the domestic economy faces significant headwinds. Weak private investment, revenue shortfalls, and under-utilisation of development funds threaten to slow growth momentum. “The economy is showing resilience externally but risks remain high domestically. Without urgent measures to stimulate private credit, enhance revenue collection, and accelerate ADP implementation, medium-term growth prospects may weaken,” the report said.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr A F M Khalid Hossain on Wednesday said the government is keen to protect the best interests of the pilgrims and is working to fix airfare rationally. “Last year, airfares were reduced by nearly Tk 27,000 and efforts are underway to ensure a rational airfare this year too,” he said while addressing a workshop at the Dhaka Hajj Office in Ashkona in the morning.  It is not possible for the government to reduce as costs of Hajj despite strong demand from people, said the adviser. “We cannot reduce the costs set by the government of Saudi Arabia. We can only negotiate a bit on the airfare and accommodation costs,” he said. Noting that the government has no commercial interest in Hajj management, Adviser Khalid said that the government does not profit from Hajj and unspent funds from government-managed Hajj packages are returned to the pilgrims. This year Tk 8.28 crore was refunded to pilgrims who performed Hajj through the government channel, he said. Khalid said  the higher number of pilgrims go through the government management, the easier and safer the management of Hajj will be. A significant number of government-managed pilgrims will enable the government to provide better services, he added.