United News of Bangladesh

Parliament on Sunday constituted two separate standing committees on the finance and law ministries, with membership reflecting the share of seats in parliament, and chaired by MPs from the ruling alliance. The committee on the Law Ministry will be headed by Bangladesh Jatiya Party Chairman and Bhola-1 lawmaker Andaleeve Rahman Partho, while the committee on the Finance Ministry will be chaired by BNP lawmaker Mushfiqur Rahman (Brahmanbaria-4). The committees were formed during the day’s parliamentary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal. Chief Whip Md. Nurul Islam Moni moved the proposal, which was subsequently adopted by voice vote. Both committees comprise 10 members each. Two lawmakers from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and one from the National Citizen Party have been included in each committee. The members of the Finance Ministry-related Standing Committee are Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Md. Nurul Islam (Barguna-2), Mir Shahe Alam (Bogura-2), Jalal Uddin (Chandpur-2), Moinul Islam Khan (Manikganj-1), Shahadat Hossain (Lakshmipur-1), Saiful Alam Khan Milon (Dhaka-12) and Syed Zainul Abdin (Dhaka-4) from Jamaat-e-Islami, and Hasnat Abdullah (Cumilla-4) from the NCP. Members of the Law Ministry-related Standing Committee are Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman, Mahbub Uddin Khokon (Noakhali-1), Nowshad Zamir (Panchagarh-1), Shakila Farzana (Reserved Women’s Seat), Manjurul Islam (Dinajpur-1), Hasan Rajib Pradhan (Lalmonirhat-1), Najibur Rahman Momen (Pabna-1) and Al Faruq Abdul Latif (Nilphamari-2) from Jamaat-e-Islami, and Akhter Hossen (Rangpur-4) from the NCP. Last Wednesday, the Standing Committee on the Planning Ministry was formed. With the formation of the two committees today, eight standing committees have so far been constituted.

Speakers at a national workshop on Sunday called for scaling up climate-resilient, market-oriented and inclusive agricultural models, stressing continued investment in smallholder farmers, stronger institutions, innovation and partnerships to accelerate Bangladesh's agricultural transformation. The messages came at the National Workshop of the Smallholder Agricultural Competitiveness Project (SACP), organised by the Ministry of Agriculture at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium in Dhaka. APGG 2026 ends with focus on expanding agro exports The event brought together policymakers, development partners, researchers, private-sector representatives, agricultural entrepreneurs and farmer leaders to review the achievements of one of Bangladesh's major agricultural development initiatives and explore ways to replicate and scale its successful models nationwide. Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and co-financed by the Government of Bangladesh and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), SACP has worked over the past nine years to improve the productivity, competitiveness, profitability and resilience of smallholder farmers in the country's vulnerable coastal regions. Speaking as chief guest, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Rafiqul Islam Mohamed emphasised building on the project's achievements and expanding successful approaches across the country. "SACP has demonstrated how innovation, collaboration, and farmer-centered solutions can create real impact. As we move forward, we must build on these lessons, learn from both successes and challenges, and scale effective approaches nationwide to ensure that every farmer benefits from research, technology, and improved market opportunities." IFAD Bangladesh Country Director Dr Valentine Achancho highlighted the strategic importance of empowering smallholder farmers to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. "The future of Bangladesh's agriculture will depend not only on producing more, but on enabling smallholders to innovate, access markets, adapt to climate change and capture greater value from their efforts. The legacy of SACP is therefore not only the results achieved, but the proof that with the right investments, institutions and partnerships, smallholders can drive a more competitive, resilient and prosperous rural economy." FAO Representative in Bangladesh Dr Jiaoqun Shi underscored the need to sustain and scale up the project's successful interventions. "While SACP is reaching its conclusion, the lessons and achievements will continue to create value. I urge you to build on what has worked well, scale up successful approaches and ensure that smallholder farmers, women and youth remain at the center of agricultural transformation." More than 88 percent of participating households reported increases in production, sales and profitability, while over 83 percent saw significant income gains from high-value agricultural commodities, the workshop was told. The project also contributed to substantial reductions in poverty, improved household asset ownership and strengthened food and nutrition security. SACP Project Director Dr Muhammad Emdadul Haque said the project's achievements extend well beyond production gains. "The project promoted nutrition-sensitive agriculture, strengthened women's participation in agricultural decision-making and supported youth engagement in agribusiness development. Investments in irrigation infrastructure, farmer organizations and community-based institutions have also laid a strong foundation for sustainable agricultural growth in coastal Bangladesh." An agri-entrepreneur from Chattogram, who was supported by the project, shared his experience as a beneficiary farmer. "My experience demonstrates that when farmers have access to innovation, modern technologies, and trusted advisory support, they can increase productivity, reduce risk, and create jobs in their communities. Investing in these areas is one of the most effective ways to help smallholders build resilient and profitable agricultural businesses." The workshop featured presentations on project achievements, lessons learned, innovation models, market development initiatives and strategies for scaling up successful interventions. Participants discussed integrating SACP's experiences into future agricultural policies, programmes and investments to further strengthen Bangladesh's agricultural sector. SACP was launched in 2018 with joint financing from the Government of Bangladesh and IFAD, and implemented by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) and Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) under the Ministry of Agriculture, with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The project successfully completed its implementation period in June 2026. It was implemented in 250 unions across 30 upazilas in 11 districts of the Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions, benefiting nearly 250,000 smallholder farming households in Bangladesh's climate-vulnerable coastal regions. Over its nine-year run, more than 88 percent of participating households reported increases in production, sales and profitability, while over 83 percent experienced income growth of at least 20 percent from high-value agricultural commodities. Poverty levels in project areas declined from 33.7 percent to 13.9 percent, while the proportion of women achieving Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) rose from 34.6 percent to 85.7 percent. In Bangladesh's vulnerable coastal areas, SACP has emerged as an effective model for climate adaptation, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, food and nutrition security, women's empowerment, youth engagement and environmentally sustainable farming. The lessons, innovations and partnerships developed through the project are expected to guide future agricultural development programmes and support Bangladesh's transition toward a technology-driven, market-oriented and climate-resilient agricultural sector.

The government is placing special emphasis on cottage industries and handicrafts as a means of improving the socio-economic condition of poor and destitute women across the country, Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain told Parliament on Sunday. Responding to a written question from treasury bench lawmaker Nilufar Chowdhury Moni (reserved women’s seat-10), the minister said the Ministry of Social Welfare has been implementing a range of training and income-generating programmes aimed at helping disadvantaged women become self-reliant. He informed the House that the Department of Social Services operates two socio-economic training centres at Mirpur in Dhaka and Shalbon in Rangpur, where women receive vocational training in leather goods production, block-batik printing, flower making, wool knitting, doll making, tailoring, embroidery, beauty parlour services, garment production, and bamboo and cane crafts. According to the minister, women from lower and middle-income families are being equipped with practical skills that can help them secure employment opportunities or establish small businesses. Highlighting government initiatives to bring disadvantaged women into mainstream economic activities, Zahid Hossain said women aged between 18 and 50 are being provided training in sewing, cutting, block printing, batik and handicrafts under various programmes designed to improve the living standards of marginalised communities. “Through these programmes, their skills are enhanced and they are engaged in income-generating activities, enabling them to become self-reliant,” he said. The minister added that beneficiaries also receive post-training support to help them utilise their newly acquired skills effectively and establish sustainable sources of income. He said the project titled Improvement of Living Standards of Marginal Occupational Communities (Second Phase) is currently being implemented to further strengthen the economic condition of disadvantaged groups. Another project, Improving the Living Standards of Marginal Farmers, Persons with Disabilities, Underprivileged People, Widows and Deserted Women of Joypurhat District through Income-Generating Activities in the Context of the Global Pandemic, is also contributing to women’s economic empowerment, he added. Replying to another question from the same lawmaker regarding old-age allowances, the minister said the programme is being implemented in line with the Old Age Allowance Implementation Policy 2013. He said the allowance programme was introduced to ensure social security for elderly citizens who are poor, have limited earning capacity, or are unable to earn a livelihood. Regarding beneficiary selection, Zahid Hossain said preparing new beneficiary lists and updating existing records is a regular activity of the Department of Social Services and remains an ongoing process. He said the government is committed to bringing all eligible elderly citizens under the social protection framework through the continuous updating of beneficiary databases. The minister also noted that both the number of beneficiaries and the amount of monthly allowances under social security programmes are reviewed and increased periodically. Under the social security system, decisions on increasing allowance rates and beneficiary coverage are taken by the Cabinet Committee on Social Security Programmes, he said. “As this is a continuing government programme, efforts will be made to gradually increase both the number of beneficiaries and the amount of allowances in the coming fiscal years,” the minister added.

Climate activists and experts on Sunday expressed concern that the proposed national budget for FY2026-27 does not allocate sufficient resources to implement long-term climate adaptation plans, urging the government to raise climate spending to at least 3 percent of GDP. Climate expenditure in the proposed budget stands at only 0.76 percent of GDP, far below the level required to address growing climate vulnerabilities, they said at a seminar titled “National Budget 2026–27 and Climate Allocation” at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital. The seminar was jointly organised by COAST Foundation, BDCSO Process and EquityBD and moderated by COAST Foundation Executive Director M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury. Speakers called for a separate adaptation plan for coastal water management, with priority given to strengthening embankments, sluice gates, drainage systems and other coastal protection infrastructure, alongside the renovation of old polders and development of climate-resilient structures. They also stressed the need to improve safe water supply and irrigation systems through rainwater harvesting, restoration of water bodies and canals, expansion of water-saving irrigation technologies and promotion of salinity-tolerant agriculture. M Rezaul Karim said climate justice for coastal communities must be reflected in the national budget, highlighting salinity intrusion, river erosion, water scarcity and climate-induced displacement as major challenges. He called for transparent climate financing focused on vulnerable groups and urged wider adoption of rainwater harvesting, pond-based storage, pond-sand filters, salinity-resilient water supply systems and small-scale desalination technologies. Md Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, identified protection from water-related disasters and diseases, and ensuring adequate safe water for drinking and agriculture, as key priorities. He emphasised seawater desalination, pond excavation and rainwater harvesting as important measures to address the drinking water crisis in coastal areas. Microfinance Policy and Advocacy Specialist Md Mosharraf Hossain said improved governance and institutional reforms could help reduce the budget deficit, while strengthening accountability and financial management. RDRS Bangladesh Director Tarek Sayeed Harun said microfinance institutions contribute around 22 percent to GDP but lack adequate recognition and support. Syed Aminul Haque, Director of COAST Foundation, called for a dedicated financing system for MFIs and stronger governance, transparency and issue-based budgeting in climate finance.  

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque has highlighted the critical role of youth in driving economic growth and the need to further strengthen their contribution. “We are committed to transforming the youth sector, ensuring that training leads to real self-reliance and strengthening skills development to create meaningful employment opportunities,” he said while speaking at a function in the city on Sunday. Above all, the State Minister said their core priority is job creation and supporting the innovative potential of young people, especially young women. The government with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Plan International Bangladesh, inaugurated the National Action Plan (NAP) to operationalise the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Policy 2025. Youth and Sports Secretary Md Mahbub Ul Alam said the government can create only 70 lakh jobs. He said this leaves many educated young people struggling with unemployment, which may contribute to social unrest. “This Action Plan must take a holistic approach. We need to adopt a bottom-up approach and organise workshops in other divisions as well to make the process inclusive,” said the Sports Secretary. Acting Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh Sonali Dayaratne said the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Policy 2025 and its National Action Plan provide a timely opportunity to strengthen the ecosystem that enables young entrepreneurs to transform ideas into thriving enterprises. “By expanding access to finance, skills, mentorship, and markets, while ensuring inclusion for young women, rural youth, and other underserved groups, we can unlock the full potential of youth entrepreneurship and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous Bangladesh." Country Director, Plan International Bangladesh Kabita Bose emphasised the importance of inclusivity and equitable access for youth. “We want young people not only to participate, but also to lead these initiatives. We hope this plan will not be city-centric, and ensure the leadership of women, members of ethnic minorities and marginalised communities,” she said. The workshop included technical sessions on the strategic overview of the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Policy 2025, the NAP formulation process, and stakeholder consultations to gather input from diverse actors, ensuring the plan is inclusive and actionable, according to UNDP.    

Jamaat-e-Islami MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem on Sunday questioned the postponement of a scheduled discussion in Parliament on push-ins through border and border killings. The discussion was slated to be held under Rule 147 of the Rules of Procedure following a general motion submitted by the MP. According to the parliamentary agenda, the proposal was included for discussion during Sunday's sitting. In his motion, Bin Quasem said that effective measures, including necessary diplomatic and state-level initiatives, were essential to stop the growing trend of push-ins by India's Border Security Force (BSF), border killings and the publicly declared push-in activities by the West Bengal government. He said the issue was of significant public importance and warranted discussion in the Jatiya Sangsad in the interest of protecting the country's sovereignty, citizens' security and human rights. Raising the matter on a point of order at the beginning of sitting, Ahmad said he had been officially informed by the Parliament's adjournment branch that the proposal was accepted for discussion and that copies were sent to the Home Ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "However, a short while ago, I was informed by the adjournment branch that due to unavoidable circumstances, the proposal, which had already been accepted and communicated to the relevant ministries, has been postponed," he said. The Jamaat MP questioned what could be more important than the loss of citizens' lives and why such a significant public issue, which he said was not linked to any party agenda, had to be deferred. He also sought clarification on when the discussion would be scheduled again. In response, Deputy Speaker Kayser Kamal said the notice was before him and described the postponement as a temporary measure. "The budget session is currently underway and we have time constraints. It is a very fundamental issue. We expect that the matter will be discussed at an appropriate time," he said. Parliament Secretariat sources said the Parliament's Adjournment and Privileges Branch informed Bin Quasem through a letter on Sunday that Speaker had postponed the discussion on the notice due to unavoidable circumstances.    

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) – Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant – is expected to begin supplying electricity to the national grid by the end of August this year, Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam told Parliament on Sunday. Replying to a starred question from ruling party lawmaker Md Mustafizur Rahman Babul (Jamalpur-3), he said the plant has entered the commissioning and startup phase – the final and most critical stage before commercial power generation begins. Describing the project as a landmark achievement in the country's energy sector, the minister said the RNPP is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power facility and has now reached the concluding phase following years of planning, construction and preparatory work. “The commissioning and startup phase is the final, most complex and critical stage before electricity generation begins,” he said. Faqir Mahbub Anam informed the House that fuel loading activities under Stage-B (Fuel Loading and Physical Startup) of Unit-1 began on April 28, 2026. He said nuclear fuel is currently being installed in the reactor, while boric acid addition, reactor and primary circuit testing, safety verification, sub-criticality tests and other commissioning activities are underway. The next phase will involve bringing the reactor to a critical state, conducting integrated tests of the control and protection systems and operating the reactor at low power levels as part of the startup process, the minister added. According to the project schedule, the reactor’s power output will be increased gradually. Initially, it will operate at around 10-12 percent capacity and later at 35-40 percent capacity to facilitate various technical tests and evaluations. “The reactor power will be raised in phases. Once all required tests and commissioning activities are successfully completed, the generator is expected to be synchronised with the national grid approximately 114 days after the commencement of fuel loading,” the minister said. Expressing optimism about the project’s progress, he said, “According to the contractor’s schedule, we hope that by the end of August 2026 the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will be able to supply around 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid for the first time.” The 2,400-megawatt Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, being built at Ishwardi in Pabna with Russian assistance, is expected to play a transformative role in strengthening Bangladesh’s long-term energy security and diversifying its power generation mix.

Post and Telecommunication and ICT Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam on Sunday told Parliament that the government has continued expanding financial and institutional support for young scientists, researchers and innovation-driven activities across the country. Responding to a question of Selina Sultana (Women Seat-35), the minister said during the 2025-26 fiscal year, a total of 4,282 researchers received grants amounting to Tk 25.45 crore under the National Science and Technology (NST) Fellowship programme. The Ministry of Science and Technology has been providing NST fellowships to students and researchers pursuing MS, MPhil, PhD and postdoctoral studies in science and technology-related disciplines at universities, he said. The minister said the ministry is also encouraging science-based higher education and research through grants for Research and Development (R&D) projects aimed at developing new technologies and improving the quality of scientific research. In the current fiscal year, 358 scientists and researchers received Tk 3.97 crore in grants under the R&D programme, he added. The ministry has also provided Tk 30 lakh in grants to 30 science-based organisations and institutions during FY2025-26 to support scientific activities, development programmes, journal publications and the organisation of seminars, symposiums, workshops and exhibitions. Special research grants are being provided to teachers, researchers and young scientists from public and private universities, as well as researchers from various public and private organisations, to promote scientific research and technological innovation, he said. He said the government has undertaken a range of initiatives to encourage research and innovation among young scientists and facilitate the development and commercialisation of their projects. These include financial and technical support for innovative research through universities, research institutions and science-based organisations, as well as the organisation of science fairs, innovation exhibitions, seminars, workshops and training programmes. The minister said the National Institute of Biotechnology, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, is providing training, research facilities and access to laboratories for students, researchers and young scientists. He added that the institute regularly offers research training, internships, thesis support and access to modern biotechnology laboratories for undergraduate and postgraduate students, contributing significantly to the development of skilled researchers in the country. Highlighting support for research institutions, the minister said the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research approved 143 projects with allocations of Tk 6.62 crore in FY2024-25, while 94 projects received allocations amounting to Tk 6.19 crore in FY2025-26. He also informed the House that the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission awarded 15 special research grant projects to its scientists during FY2025-26 with a total budget allocation of Tk 80.75 lakh. Once implemented, these projects are expected to make significant contributions to agriculture, food production, healthcare, nuclear medicine, public health, and science and technology sectors, he said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday praised a range of eco-friendly products developed by young innovator Sajjadul Islam of Moulvibazar and assured necessary support for further research and development. Sajjadul Islam, a student from Sreemangal Government College, met the Prime Minister at his office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday. His father, Nazrul Islam, was also present during the meeting, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. Sajjadul has developed environment-friendly alternatives to plastic, carbon and silicon-based products. His innovations include tiles and corrugated sheets made from banana tree fibres, as well as biodegradable polythene produced from starch extracted from rotten and unused vegetables. During the meeting, Sajjadul briefed the Prime Minister on his inventions and showed the samples, including biodegradable polythene, corrugated sheets, tiles and boards. The Prime Minister highly praised the environment-friendly innovations and their potential contribution to sustainable development. He assured Sajjadul of government support for his innovative work and encouraged him to continue his research and development activities. Tarique Rahman also stressed the importance of further research to ensure quality improvement and practical application of such products. He assigned relevant officials, including State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on IT and Posts and Telecommunications Rehan Asif Asad, and SDG Affairs Chief Coordinator Prof SM Abdul Awal, to provide necessary support for the young inventor.

The government has taken a decision to organise a three-day nationwide programmes in all 64 districts and 74 remote upazilas across the country from June 18 to 20, marking the Nazrul Year, said Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury. “Marking the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs organised a three-day programme in Trishal, Mymensingh on May 23 where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared the May 25 this year to May 25 next year as “Nazrul Year”, he said while speaking at a press conference on the observance of Nazrul Year held at Secretariat on Sunday. Highlighting extensive preparations for the observance, the minister said a national committee has been formed while a Nazrul Year logo, posters and calendar have been prepared. A commemorative postage stamp will also be released in this regard, he said. Nitai Roy said the Ministry of Cultural Affairs will organise three-day programmes across the country from June 18 to 20 to mark the inauguration of Nazrul Year. Funds have been allocated from the ministry’s current fiscal year budget for programmes in all 64 districts and 74 remote or special upazilas. The minister said plans are in place to organise year-long events as part of the observance.  “The celebration of Nazrul Year will not be limited to cultural programmes alone. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs will take initiatives to encourage research on Nazrul’s literary works, music and other contributions,” he said. Efforts are also being undertaken through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote Nazrul’s works internationally, he said.