United News of Bangladesh

More than 60% of Asia and the Pacific’s population—about 2.7 billion people—has been lifted from extreme water insecurity over the past 12 years, but these hard-won gains are threatened by accelerating environmental decline and a major financing gap, according to a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report. The Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) 2025, published on Monday, finds that renewed political commitment, targeted investments, and governance reforms since 2013 have driven this progress. But ecosystem decline, climate risks, and funding shortfalls for water investments threaten to plunge billions back into water insecurity. Wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and forests that sustain long-term water security are deteriorating fast. Extreme weather events such as storm surges, rising sea levels, and saltwater intrusion threaten a region which already accounts for 41% of the world’s floods. In recent weeks, parts of Southeast and South Asia have been hit by devastating floods. The AWDO estimates that $4 trillion through 2040—or $250 billion a year—is needed to meet the region’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs alone. ADB Senior Director for Water and Urban Development Norio Saito said that Asia’s water story is a tale of two realities, with monumental achievements on water security coupled with rising risks that could undermine this progress. “Without water security, there is no development. This report shows we need to act urgently to restore ecosystem health, strengthen resilience, improve water governance, and deploy innovative finance to deliver long-term water security—especially for the neediest communities.” The AWDO assesses water security through five dimensions: access to clean water and sanitation for people living in villages and cities; the availability of water for key economic sectors such as agriculture; the state of rivers and other natural ecosystems; and protection measures against droughts, floods, and other water-related disasters. The region’s steady improvement over the past 12 years is starkly demonstrated in rural India, where 840 million people now have better WASH services, due chiefly to government programs. In the People’s Republic of China, government investments in flood control, rainfall radar systems, and emergency response have significantly enhanced resilience to water-related disasters. Notable advances have also been made in Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which have significantly reduced exposure to unsafe drinking water. In Tajikistan, projects supported by initiatives like the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All have reduced drought exposure and strengthened national flood and storm management systems. The AWDO notes that progress can be sustained if nature is protected and integrated into water systems through national river health monitoring, stronger pollution controls, and better watershed protection. Stronger governance systems that prioritize prevention will improve climate resilience, and water systems will be more effective if subnational bodies are given the resources and authority to manage them. Efforts must be inclusive—engaging women and young people—if investments are to succeed. The report finds that current spending on WASH infrastructure covers less than 40% of the estimated $250 billion needed every year, leaving an annual shortfall of more than $150 billion. Closing the gap requires deploying finances in smarter ways, including through blended finance that pools public and private resources to reduce project risk and mobilize private capital. Improving the efficiency and financial sustainability of the water sector can also attract private investment. This year’s AWDO was produced in partnership with the University of Oxford, the International Water Management Institute, the University of Queensland, the International Center for Water Hazards and Risk Management, the Global Water Partnership, the International WaterCentre, Griffith University, and the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education. AWDO is a comprehensive assessment of water security in Asia and the Pacific issued every three to six years. ADB has published five editions of the report since 2007. This year’s edition was supported by the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific financed by the Government of Japan, the Water Resilient Trust Fund financed by the Government of Netherlands, and the Urban Resilience Trust Fund financed by the Government of the United Kingdom.

Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur on Monday said despite the difficulties the financial sector is moving toward a more sustainable footing with visible progress. The central bank has already undertaken extensive reforms to restore stability in the banking sector, curb inflation, and stabilise the exchange rate despite facing multifaceted challenges, he said. The governor was speaking at a seminar on the publications Bangladesh State of the Economy 2025 and Sustainable Development Goals: Bangladesh Progress Report 2025, held at the Planning Commission in the capital. The governor said when he assumed office, the country was battling rapidly depreciating currency, declining reserves, rising non-performing loans, liquidity stress and disrupted trade flows.“I was always convinced that without stabilising the exchange rate, we would never win the fight against inflation.” He added that the exchange rate was around Tk 120 per dollar when he took office has since stabilised under a fully market-based system.   “Reserves that had dropped to around US$17 billion have increased by around US$10 billion in one year,” he said. The governor made it clear that there is no scope for an immediate reduction in interest rates. Despite inflation falling from 12.5 percent to just over 8 percent, he stressed the need to maintain a slightly positive real policy rate. “Monetary policy will remain fully market-driven. Administrative control over interest rates is not an option,” he said. He also pointed out that the government’s borrowing requirements have put pressure on the money market, but Bangladesh Bank has strictly avoided money printing. The governor acknowledged that the actual non-performing loan (NPL) situation had long been understated. “We brought transparency. The real NPL figure is more than 35 percent—uncomfortable but truthful,” he said. He said Bangladesh Bank has already restructured the leadership of 14 banks, initiated processes for five banks into one bank and resolution of nine non-bank financial institutions, and advanced key legal reforms, including the Deposit Insurance Act, Bank Resolution Ordinance, and amendments to the Bank Company Act. The Bangladesh Bank Order is also under review to reinforce central bank autonomy and accountability, he added.  

The certificate awarding and closing ceremony of the media fellowship on comprehensive road safety, organised by the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), was held in Dhaka on Monday. The three-month media fellowship programme was designed to support journalists in producing fact-based, objective and responsible analytical reports on road safety. A total of 25 journalists from various national newspapers, state-owned and private television channels, news agencies, and online news portals across the country took part in the fellowship. The fellowship aimed to contribute to the formulation and promotion of a comprehensive road safety law in Bangladesh; to support Bangladeshi journalists in preparing informative and analytical reports on such a law; and to present road safety in the media as a key public health and development issue. The fellowship also sought to highlight the media’s role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, target 3.6 (to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030) and SDG 11, target 11.2 (to ensure access to safe, affordable and accessible transport systems for all by 2030, including through improved road safety and the expansion of public transport). During the fellowship, the selected journalists, under the supervision of mentors nominated by BNNRC—senior journalists from various media outlets—produced and published 75 fact-based, objective, and analytical reports on road safety. Through these reports, in-depth media discussions emerged on the causes of road crashes, structural weaknesses, policy gaps, necessary measures to improve road safety, and the need for a comprehensive road safety law. The reports played an essential role in raising awareness of road safety among readers and viewers. At the event, all fellows received certificates and honorarium cheques. In addition, based on recommendations from their respective mentors, six fellows received special recognition as “Best Fellows” and were presented with crests. The journalists recognised as “Best Fellows” are: Mr. Imon Rahman, Staff Reporter, Daily Jugantor, Mr. Anowar Hossain, Special Correspondent, Prothom Alo, Mr. Md. Rezaul Karim Raza, Senior Correspondent, Banglanews24.com, Ms. Shaheen Akhter, Senior Staff Correspondent, The New Age, Jamiul Ahsan Shipu, Senior Reporter, Daily Ittefaq, Ziaul Hoque Sabuj, Business Editor, Bangla Vision while the mentors who served during the fellowship were: Mr. Sohrab Hasan, Joint Editor, Prothom Alo; Mr. Badsha Mia, Chief News Editor, Bangla TV; Mr Asjadul Kibria, Planning Editor, The Financial Express; Dr Sakila Jesmin, News Editor, Channel i; Mr. Abu Saleh Akon, Chief Reporter, Daily Naya Diganta and President, Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU); and Mr. Basir Jamal, Chief Reporter, Amar Desh. Along with the fellows and mentors, the event was attended by Dr. Md. Shariful Alam, Country Coordinator, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), and AHM Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC. Speakers stressed that ensuring road safety is not limited to legislation or infrastructure development alone; rather, responsible journalism, evidence-based reporting and people-centred policy debate play a crucial role in building a safe road transport system. They therefore urged the fellows to continue prioritising road safety in their regular reporting and to ensure that news on this issue is published and broadcast even after the conclusion of the fellowship programme. BNNRC works for media and digital development in Bangladesh, addressing both knowledge-based and emerging issues in light of the challenges and opportunities created by the rapidly changing realities of media and digital transformation.  

A section of railway track near the outer signal of Madhnagar Railway Station in Naldanga upazila of Natore district broke down on Monday morning due to intensified cold weather, authorities said. Station Master Abdul Awal said local residents noticed a fracture on Line No. 1 in the Mashhata area near the outer signal and immediately informed the station authorities. After inspecting the site, railway officials used red flags to slow down trains and allow them to pass at a controlled speed. Later, a team of railway workers from Santahar repaired the damaged track and train operations returned to normal around 12pm. Station Master Abdul Awal said the track might have cracked due to the rise in temperatures.    

Issuing a warning, Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumder said strict action will be taken against those found involved in any irregularities in the ongoing Aman rice procurement drive. The procurement programme for the current Aman season has already begun and will continue until February 28. All concerned must meet their assigned targets for collecting paddy and rice, he said. The adviser came up with the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a views-exchange meeting on Aman procurement and food stock management for fiscal year 2025–26, held at the Cumilla Circuit House auditorium on Monday. The national election is scheduled to be held for February next year and officials of the food department — like those of other field-level departments — will be engaged in election duties, he said.  “We must try to complete a major portion of the procurement target within December. The Directorate General of Food and the Food Ministry will extend all necessary support in this regard and millers who fulfill their targets will receive additional allocations,” he added. He also stressed that higher domestic procurement would reduce dependence on imports. “Our goal is not only to meet the target but to collect as much as possible. This year we recorded the highest-ever Boro procurement in the country’s history,” said the adviser. He also instructed that farmers bringing paddy to sell should be assessed only on moisture content. “If rotten or substandard rice is found at any warehouse, it will not be tolerated,” he warned. Ali Imam Majumder said the government has increased the procurement prices to support farmers. This year, paddy will be purchased at Tk 34 per kg, parboiled rice at Tk 50 per kg and Atap rice at Tk 49 per kg.

Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad, a respected faculty member of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), renowned medicine specialist and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), has been honoured as a ‘National Teacher’ on the occasion of World Teachers' Day 2025 for his outstanding contributions to medical education. He is among 12 eminent educationists from all levels recognised with the honour this year. The awards were presented on Sunday at the capital’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium by Education Adviser Professor Dr CR Abrar. Primary and Mass Education Adviser Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar and UGC Chairman Professor Dr S M Faiz were also present at the event. Prof Dr Azad was appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of BMU in September 2024 with the approval of the President and Chancellor. He also serves as Chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at the university.  

A man was shot dead and ten others suffered bullet injuries in a clash between two groups of villagers over establishing supremacy at Nilakhya of Raipura upazila of Narsingdi district on Monday. The deceased was identified as Mamun Mia, 25, son of Abdul Awal of the village. Sujan Chandra Sarkar, additional superintendent of Narsingdi Police, said there had been longstanding enmity between Shaheed Member group and Felu Mia group over establishing supremacy in the area. As a sequel to the enmity, Mamun, grand-son-in-law of Felu Mia, had an altercation with the supporters of Shaheed Member around 11:30 am at Darigaon area. At one stage, the supporters of both groups equipped with arms and lethal weapons, attack each other, leaving 11 people injured. Later, they were taken to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital where the doctors declared Mamun dead. Among the injured, Awal Mia, 55—father of Mamun and Parash Mia—were sent to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital for better treatment. On information, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Additional police have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order situation.  

Energy Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan on Monday said that the biggest obstacle to implementing renewable energy projects in Bangladesh are officials working within the energy sector itself and businesses tied to fossil fuels. “We want a transition—from fossil fuels to renewable energy. But a major barrier comes from certain officials in this sector and fossil-fuel business groups,” he said while joining the closing session of the Bangladesh Energy Conference 2025 virtually. Despite the intent to shift to renewables, the adviser said deep dependence on fossil fuels continues to limit progress. “If we had alternatives, we would stop LNG imports and shut all coal-based power plants. But electricity generation from renewable sources is still insufficient compared to demand. If we suddenly stopped fossil fuel use, the country would plunge into darkness within a day,” he added. Fouzul Kabir noted that the transition cannot happen overnight and stressed strengthening renewable capacity gradually while ensuring transparency. He said efforts are underway to eliminate corruption from the energy sector. To break syndicate dominance and improve competitiveness, several earlier tenders have been scrapped and re-tendered. “A group of officials and businessmen engage in corruption through major financial dealings. One of the reasons the rooftop solar programme failed to take off is corruption by some of these officials,” Fouzul Kabir said. The adviser pointed out that the government has shut the door on secrecy in the energy sector, making tender processes and project implementation more open to ensure competition. He emphasised that strong transparency is being maintained so vested interests cannot reestablish dominance in the sector.  

The Election Commission will meet President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban on December 10. The President’s Office said the meeting has been scheduled for 12:30 pm on that day. According to the EC, the Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner A.M.M. Nasir Uddin will visit Bangabhaban on Wednesday noon to meet the President. The EC also sent a letter to BTV and Bangladesh Betar to record the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC) address on the same day.  

All preparations have been taken for the upcoming national parliamentary elections, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday (December 08, 2025). “All necessary preparation including training for law enforcement agencies, purchase of body-worn cameras and ensuring electricity at every polling station have been taken,” he said. The Home Adviser came up with the remarks while briefing reporters after the 17th meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on law and order, held at the Secretariat. Read more: National election will be a major test for law enforcers: Adviser Touhid “Training is essential for carrying out any preparation effectively. There is no alternative to proper training. We are continuing training programmes for law enforcement personnel to ensure a free, fair, safe and acceptable election. These will be completed by January,” Jahangir Alam said. “This year, the voting hours have been extended by one hour from 7:30am to 4:30pm which means the counting will continue even after sunset, so we are making arrangements to ensure uninterrupted electricity at all polling centers,” he added. Responding to a question about the killing of a police officer’s parents in Rangpur, the adviser said instructions have been given to arrest the perpetrators soon and bring them under the law. Regarding the recovery of looted firearms, Jahangir Alam said the process is underway. Asked about ensuring a level playing field for the election, the adviser said the government is committed to ensuring a free and fair election. Referring to the Jatiya Party’s allegation, the adviser said, “It is not correct and there are some internal disputes among them.” Read more: Election schedule soon as request made for recording CEC’s address