United News of Bangladesh

When power outages disrupt daily life, the demand for candles as an alternative light source increases several times, prompting small manufacturing units to operate at full capacity. At Ashrafabad of Kamrangirchar, dozens of small -and medium-sized candle factories are now operating day and night to meet the rising demand. Workers remain busy throughout the day, pouring wax, fitting wicks, and packing finished candles as orders continue to pile up.  

Global rating agency Fitch Ratings on Tuesday said that achieving the revenue target outlined in Bangladesh's proposed national budget for the fiscal year FY2026-27 will be highly challenging and risks being derailed by structural weaknesses. According to a fresh commentary published by the international credit rating agency, the country’s long-standing weaknesses in tax collection combined with slow reform implementation present significant downside risks to hitting the projected fiscal milestones. The report noted that the new budget aims to elevate Bangladesh's revenue-to-GDP ratio to 10.2 percent, up from approximately 8 percent estimated for the outgoing fiscal year 2025-26. If fully realized, this would mark the highest revenue-to-GDP ratio achieved by the country since 1993. Fitch identified the proper execution of the tax collection mechanism as the primary near-term fiscal challenge for the next financial year. This comes as the proposed budget expands state expenditure by 19 percent, while concurrently setting an ambitious 18 percent year-on-year growth target for nominal revenue. The global agency acknowledged that structural measures embedded in the budget—such as streamlining the tax filing process, trimming extensive tax exemptions, easing VAT compliance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and ramping up non-tax revenue from state-owned enterprises—could potentially broaden the tax base in the long term. "However, past performance indicates that weak implementation capacity has historically undermined many of Bangladesh’s similar reform initiatives," Fitch noted in its evaluation. The rating agency also flagged concerns over the high expenditure commitments built into the budget, pointing out that social safety nets and infrastructure sectors have been allocated 29.7 percent and 18.7 percent of the total budget respectively. While this reflects the newly elected government’s core political priorities, it places intense pressure on achieving the revenue target. Fitch, however, highlighted that Bangladesh historically retains a pattern of under-spending its budgetary allocations. In the event of a revenue shortfall, this structural under-spending could ultimately act as a buffer to keep the fiscal deficit contained. Consequently, Fitch maintained its financial deficit forecast for Bangladesh at 3.6 percent of GDP for FY2026-27, aligning with the government's target, but based on a calculation of lower revenue matched by lower expenditure. Terming the government's economic growth projections as "overly optimistic," Fitch projected a real GDP growth of just 3.5 percent for FY2026-27, heavily contrasting the state target of 6.5 percent. The agency attributed its conservative forecast to a fragile banking sector, weak credit growth in the private sector, policy vulnerabilities, and an uncertain global environment. On a positive note, Fitch lauded some of the government's latest initiatives in the energy sector. It observed that prioritizing domestic natural gas exploration, enhancing efficiency in power generation and distribution, and reinforcing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure could significantly bolster medium-term economic growth if executed flawlessly.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Tuesday said inter-district bus terminals in the capital will not be relocated immediately, adding that buses will instead be kept at depots outside the city and allowed to enter terminals shortly before departure. “Buses will be kept at designated depots outside the city and will come to the terminals only shortly before departure. Terminals are meant for passenger boarding, not long-hour parking,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room in Dhaka. His comments came a day after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the authorities concerned to relocate Dhaka’s four major inter-district bus terminals – Fulbaria-Gulistan, Gabtoli, Mohakhali and Sayedabad-Jatrabari – swiftly to help ease chronic traffic congestion. Explaining the government's plan, Rabiul said many buses currently remain parked at terminals for 12 to 24 hours, contributing to traffic congestion and operational disorder. “We want buses to stay at designated depots and come to the terminals only shortly before the departure. Terminals should be used for passenger boarding, not for parking buses for hours or days,” he said. The Mohakhali Bus Terminal will remain operational for the time being, although a decision has been taken to acquire around 50 bighas of land at Uttara for its permanent relocation, the minister said. “Buses scheduled for departure will continue to use Mohakhali terminal, but vehicles waiting for their next trips for extended periods will not be allowed to remain there,” he said. An interim depot site has already been identified near the Purbachal Expressway (300-foot Road) where buses can be stationed until their scheduled departures, he said. Referring to the Sayedabad Bus Terminal, Rabiul said preparations are underway to establish a temporary facility at Kanchpur in Narayanganj. “The terminal will eventually be shifted there once adequate facilities are in place. Until then, buses will use the nearby depot and only enter the terminal during designated departure times,” he added. The minister stressed that all major terminals will eventually be relocated, but the process will be carried out gradually rather than overnight. Responding to a question regarding the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to China and the possibility of signing agreements, he said discussions will focus on projects that serve Bangladesh’s national interests and economic priorities. “China has shown interest in investing in railways, roads and waterways. We are reviewing a number of proposals and evaluating them based on their economic viability, development benefits and alignment with Bangladesh’s interests,” Rabiul said. Several infrastructure projects have already attracted positive interest from China and that any future agreements will be concluded only if they safeguard the interests and benefits of both countries, he added. “We will consider proposals that contribute to our development goals, strengthen technological capacity and ensure mutual benefits.”    

What started as an individual expression of fandom has now evolved into a community-wide cultural phenomenon. In Nalitabari of Sherpur, the answer is a striking visual transformation—entire neighbourhoods painted in Argentina’s iconic blue and white, turning ordinary streets into vibrant “Argentina homes” ahead of a major football celebration. Residents say the initiative has not only brightened the locality but also strengthened social bonds, proving once again how football can unite people beyond the boundaries of the field. From Dhaka metropolis to Nalitabari upazila, football fandom has taken a creative turn, but the small settlement in Sherpur has emerged as a standout example. Rows of houses now proudly display Argentina’s national colours, while festive decorations and murals have transformed the area into a makeshift football-themed cultural zone. Local residents say the initiative was led by Gulam Kibria Maksud, a transport businessman and owner of “Makshim Travels” as well as a devoted Argentina supporter. A lifelong football enthusiast, he decided to decorate his entire house and inspire others to join in the celebration of his favourite team. His blue-and-white painted residence, adorned with Argentina-themed designs, now closely resembles a football fan zone. From a distance, the house appears like a carefully crafted replica of Argentina’s jersey, symbolising deep emotional attachment to the team. “I have supported Argentina since childhood. I wanted to bring football fever closer to people and share the joy of the game,” Maksud said. After decorating my house, I noticed that locals and visitors were coming to take photos and share moments on social media. The response has been overwhelming, he said. Inspired by his initiative, several members of his family and neighbours have also joined in decorating their homes with Argentina flags and colours. The trend has quickly spread, turning the locality into a visual attraction for football lovers.  

An elderly woman was killed after being hit by a bus in Chandpur Sadar upazila on Tuesday morning. The deceased was identified as Tofayelennesa Maya, 64, wife of late Belal Patwari of Patwari Bari in the Forest Department area of the upazila. According to locals, Maya was walking along the road when a Cumilla-bound Boogdad Paribahan bus from Chandpur struck her in the Forest Department area on the Chandpur-Cumilla highway, leaving her injured. She died shortly afterwards, said her daughter Shahina Akter. She said Maya used to take morning walk along the road every day and was on her regular walk when the accident happened. Inspector (Investigation) of Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station Mintu Dutta said the bus sped away after the accident.  

Jahangirnagar University (JU) has reduced the punishments of several former activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and acquitted others after reviewing disciplinary actions taken over attacks on students during the July Uprising. The university Syndicate took the decision at its meeting on Tuesday after reviewing appeals filed by 43 punished students. "Following the appeals, we reviewed the disciplinary decisions against 43 students individually," the Vice Chancellor told reporters after the meeting. Of the 21 students who had received permanent expulsion, the Syndicate acquitted five, reduced the punishment of eight to a two-year suspension and cut the penalty of another five to a one-year suspension. It upheld the permanent expulsion of the remaining three students. The Syndicate also reviewed 12 decisions cancelling academic certificates. It withdrew the penalty for five students, upheld one-year certificate cancellation for four students and maintained two-year certificate cancellation for the remaining three. Vice Chancellor said the Syndicate examined the allegations, appeal petitions and supporting documents before reaching its decisions. "Based on the evidence, we reduced some punishments while upholding others," he added. Asked about the identities of the students whose punishments were revised, Registrar and Syndicate Secretary ABM Azizur Rahman said the university had not yet received the final list from the concerned office. "We have yet to receive the detailed list. We will disclose the names after verifying them once the concerned office sends the documents," he added.

Two police officers, including the officer-in-charge (OC) of Adabor Police Station, were injured in a machete attack during a raid on an alleged mugger hideout in the capital's Turag Housing area on Tuesday. Two suspected muggers also sustained bullet injuries in police firing during the drive. According to police, the owner of a bKash agent shop on the PC Culture Road was hacked and mugged earlier in the day. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Tejgaon Division) Fazlul Karim said police received information that members of a mugging gang associated with notorious “Kobji Kata Anwar Group” were staying at a location on Road No. 2 of the area following the mugging incident. Later, team, led by Adabor Police Station OC Zahidul Islam, conducted a drive there around 4:30pm. The suspects, however, swooped on the law enforcers and hacked them with sharp weapons, leaving OC Zahidul Islam and Sub-Inspector Tarun injured. Police retaliated, and during the ensuing confrontation, two suspected muggers, identified as Chora Rubel and Kana Amir, suffered bullet injuries in police firing. Police detained the two injured muggers long with two other suspects – Arif Hossain Joy and Abul Kashem – from the scene and recovered locally made weapons from their possession. Sources at Adabor Police Station said police fired four rounds of bullets during the operation. The injured suspects were taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for treatment. Police said efforts are underway to bring all members of the “Kobji Kata Anwar Group” involved in the incident to book.

Police officials and journalists from across the country have joined a three-day workshop in Dhaka aimed at strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the media while promoting freedom of expression, journalist safety and public order. Titled “Promoting Freedom of Expression and Maintaining Public Order to Uphold Democracy and the Rule of Law,” the workshop began on Tuesday at a city hotel under the UN Electoral Assistance Project BALLOT. The programme is being organised by UNESCO in association with Bangladesh Police Headquarters. A total of 27 police officials and 16 journalists are participating in the June 16–18 workshop, which seeks to enhance professional cooperation between law enforcement personnel and media practitioners while promoting freedom of expression and effective public order management. Addressing the opening session, Khandokar Rafiqul Islam, BPM, PPM, Additional Inspector General of Police (HRM), Bangladesh Police Headquarters, highlighted the complementary roles of police and the media in society.  “Freedom of expression and maintaining public order are both fundamental to a democratic society. The challenge is to ensure that these objectives reinforce rather than contradict each other,” he said. “Police and media have different but complementary roles, and both contribute to a safe, stable and prosperous society.” In her remarks, Dr. Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, emphasised the importance of constructive engagement between law enforcement agencies and media professionals. “Strong institutions and strong media ecosystems should not be adversaries. They are partners in supporting citizens and promoting freedom of expression and the rule of law,” she said. “This workshop provides an opportunity for police and media professionals to strengthen communication, build trust and work together more effectively.” The session was moderated by Mohammad Saiful Islam, Additional DIG (Training-1), Bangladesh Police Headquarters, who welcomed the participants and guests and highlighted the significance of the workshop in strengthening democratic institutions, human rights and accountable governance. The first day of the workshop focuses on the fundamentals of freedom of expression, journalist safety and police-media relations, including international standards on freedom of expression, the role of law enforcement in protecting journalists and approaches to strengthening cooperation between security forces and media professionals. On the second day, journalists will join the workshop for joint discussions with police officials on lived experiences, communication challenges and professional engagement. Participants will also take part in practical exercises on media relations, crisis communication, information integrity, social media engagement and interactions between law enforcement agencies and the press during public events. The final day will focus on strengthening cooperation between police and journalists during situations that may affect public order. Through scenario-based exercises and group discussions, participants will explore ways to balance freedom of expression and public safety, enhance the protection of journalists, including women journalists and identify practical recommendations for improving police-media relations in Bangladesh. The workshop is expected to generate practical recommendations for strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies and media professionals while promoting freedom of expression, access to information and the safety of journalists. Since 2013, UNESCO has worked with law enforcement agencies worldwide to strengthen protection for freedom of expression, access to information and the safety of journalists. Through its training programmes and partnerships, UNESCO and its partners have engaged more than 13,000 law enforcement officers on issues related to freedom of expression, journalist safety and professional police-media relations.  

Speaker of the Parliament Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Tuesday sought the cooperation of the US-based International Republican Institute (IRI) in enhancing the capacity of members of the 13th Parliament through training, workshops and experience-sharing programmes. He sought the cooperation when IRI Bangladesh Resident Programme Director John Fluharty paid a courtesy call on the Speaker at the latter’s office here in the city. During the meeting, Fluharty briefed the Speaker on various initiatives being implemented by IRI, a US-based democracy advising organization, in Bangladesh to support democratic development and political stability. Referring to allegations that approximately Tk 28 lakh crore was siphoned abroad during Sheikh Hasina’s regime, the Speaker sought US cooperation in bringing back the laundered money back to the country. Focusing on what he described as prolonged repression during the one-and-a-half-decade regime of Sheikh Hasina, Hafiz Uddin said that incidents of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, suppression of dissent and the existence of secret detention facilities severely restricted freedom of expression in Bangladesh. The speaker said the latest parliamentary election held on February 12, 2026 was an internationally recognised and most acceptable election in the history of Bangladesh. He said newly elected lawmakers are gradually becoming familiar with parliamentary procedures and responsibilities. Referring to a recent orientation programme organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Speaker said MPs received practical ideas from experts on their duties and functions. He said the primary objective of the present democratic government is to uphold freedom of expression for all citizens, including opposition voices, while strengthening democratic practices and eliminating corruption. Expressing optimism about the implementation of the July Charter, he said the government and opposition parties would reach a consensus through dialogue. He also praised the opposition's constructive role in addressing national challenges, including the energy crisis, which is very encouraging (for the country's democracy). Secretary of Parliament Secretariat Barrister Golam Sorwar Bhuiyan and IRI Consultant Amitabh Ghosh were also present at the meeting.

A village in Lalmonirhat’s Aditmari upazila turned into a battlefield on Tuesday as enraged residents clashed with police over the “rape and murder” of a seven-year-old girl, leaving at least 20 people, including the district’s superintendent of police (SP) and an officer-in-charge (OC), injured. Violence erupted after police refused to hand over the prime suspect to the crowd. Seven vehicles were vandalised during the melee. Nandini Kanto Roy, daughter of Nalini Kanto of Folimari village under Bhelabari union, was found dead in a maize field of the village in the morning, a day after she went missing on Monday afternoon. Locals spotted muddy soil in the nearby maize field. Later, they dug up the spot, where they found the child's body stuffed inside a sack. On information, police recovered the body and sent it to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy. Suspicion later fell on Bidhan Chandra Roy, 22, on of Ranjit Kumar Roy of the same village, after a local resident reportedly saw him returning from the maize field carrying a spade on Monday evening. Later, agitated villagers swooped on his house and vandalised it while he was inside the house. Policemen, who were present at the spot, took Bidhan into their custody. However, locals demanded that Bidhan be handed to them for immediate punishment. As police refused to hand him over to the protesters, they besieged the law enforcers and swooped on them. As police swung into action, a clash broke out between the two sides, when chases and counter-chase took place for nearly three hours, turning the whole area into a battlefield.