United News of Bangladesh

With Eid-ul-Fitr drawing near, thousands of shoppers are thronging the capital’s key retail hubs including New Market and Chandni Chowk, turning the areas into a sea of people and vehicles. Amid the festive rush, many pedestrians were seen crossing busy roads directly, ignoring the foot overbridges built for their safety. Carrying shopping bags and accompanied by family members, including children, they hurried across traffic lanes, often forcing vehicles to brake suddenly. The unsafe crossings have increased the risk of accidents, while also disrupting traffic flow in the already congested commercial zone. Drivers were left waiting as groups of pedestrians crossed in clusters, bringing traffic to a near standstill at times. The situation worsened during peak afternoon hours, with congestion spilling over into adjacent roads as Eid shopping gathered momentum. Photos were taken on Wednesday (March 4).

A Chinese company is set to invest US$22 million to establish a fashion and beauty products manufacturing facility at the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority Economic Zone. Adeline Beauty Technology (Bangladesh) Co., Ltd. signed a land lease agreement with BEPZA on Wednesday at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka to set up the factory. The company plans to invest US$22 million in the project, which is expected to generate employment for approximately 4,170 Bangladeshi nationals. Under the agreement, Adeline Beauty Technology will manufacture a wide range of fashion hair and beauty products, including wigs, eyelashes and cosmetic nails. The products will be primarily exported to major international markets such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Mexico, among others. The project is also expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the fast-growing global beauty and personal care sector, which has seen steady demand in North America, Europe and the Middle East in recent years. The agreement was signed by Md Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA, on behalf of the authority, while Managing Director Hang Sun signed on behalf of Adeline Beauty Technology (Bangladesh) Co., Ltd. Executive Chairman of BEPZA, Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, witnessed the signing ceremony. Bangladesh seeks more Chinese investments, security cooperation Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Chairman thanked the company for choosing BEPZA Economic Zone as its investment destination. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to providing a secure, compliant and business-friendly environment for investors.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday called upon the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) to take effective steps to develop internationally competitive universities stressing that quality higher education and research are key to transforming Bangladesh into a knowledge-based nation. “BNP has always attached the highest importance to the education sector. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman worked to improve standards and address teachers’ concerns. Inspired by their ideals, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed education at the top of the government’s priorities,” the minister said while addressing a view-exchange meeting with the UGC chairman and members. Milon said expansion of research activities, promotion of innovation and development of skilled human resources must be prioritised to meet global standards. Describing the UGC as the central body of the country’s higher education system, the minister said the commission plays a crucial role in oversight, quality assurance and implementation of development plans. “With the rapid increase in the number of public and private universities, the responsibilities and scope of work of the commission have expanded significantly. The UGC must therefore function in a more dynamic, effective and result-oriented manner,” he said. Referring to the declining global rankings of Bangladeshi universities, the minister termed it a major challenge.  “We are a nation of 180 million people, yet we do not have a single university that meets international benchmarks. In this context, establishing a world-class postgraduate university and forming an effective research council to promote advanced research should be given top priority,” said the minister. Milon also emphasised implementing a “reverse brain drain” initiative to bring back talented Bangladeshi academics and researchers working abroad and engage them in the country’s education and research sectors. Urging UGC members and officials to adopt innovative and practical plans, the Education Minister  said each official should set a clear vision and mission within their respective responsibilities and take concrete steps to improve higher education outcomes. The minister requested the commission to submit a brief written report outlining its ongoing activities and future plans to help review progress and challenges in the higher education sector and take necessary measures. Technical education must align with global labour market trends: Education Minister At the meeting, UGC Chairman SMA Faiz and commission members discussed various aspects, challenges and prospects of the higher education sector and informed the adviser about steps taken to enhance academic standards. Milon underscored the need for coordinated efforts by the UGC and all stakeholders to strengthen the country’s higher education system and elevate it to international standards.  

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on Wednesday urged the newly elected government to enforce strict macroeconomic discipline and fast-track structural reforms. It warned that without decisive policy action the ongoing recovery of Bangladesh’s economy could remain fragile amid persistent inflation, weak private investment and financial sector stress. Presenting a paper titled “Bangladesh Economy: Trends, Challenges, and Policy Priorities for the Newly Elected Government” at a roundtable held at BRAC Inn Centre in the city, CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun said the country stands at a ‘critical juncture’ as it prepares for LDC graduation in November 2026 and navigates a post-election transition. Improved law and order seen key to cutting business costs: DCCI The event, titled “Looking into Bangladesh’s Development: Priority for the Newly Elected Government in the Short to Medium Term,” was organised by CPD. According to the presentation, real GDP growth declined to 3.49 percent in FY2025 from 4.2 percent in FY2024, reflecting macroeconomic pressures and subdued investment. However, growth rebounded to 4.50 percent in the first quarter of FY2026, up from 2.58 percent in the corresponding period a year earlier, indicating a gradual recovery in economic activity. Inflationary pressure has eased somewhat. Inflation fell to 8.66 percent in January 2026 from 9.7 percent in June FY2024, driven mainly by a slowdown in food inflation, which dropped to 7.79 percent. However, wage growth remained stagnant at 8.12 percent in January 2026, continuing to exert pressure on household purchasing power, it said. Private sector credit growth dropped to a record low of 6.10 percent in December 2025, underscoring persistent weakness in private investment. In contrast, net government credit growth surged to 32.19 percent in December 2025, reflecting increased reliance on bank borrowing to finance fiscal needs. Revenue mobilisation remains a major concern. In FY2025, the tax-to-GDP ratio fell to 6.78 percent and the revenue-to-GDP ratio to 7.81 percent. At the same time, the total debt-to-GDP ratio increased to 38.61 percent, driven by rises in both domestic and external debt. Besides, total revenue growth reached 17.74 percent during July-September FY2026, signalling a positive shift compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year.  Operating expenditure growth remained above 11 percent, while development expenditure showed volatility. The paper highlighted growing stress in the banking sector. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio rose sharply from 12.56 percent in June 2024 to 35.73 percent in September 2025, largely due to the adoption of internationally aligned loan classification standards. Although the NPL ratio declined to 30.60 percent in December 2025 following extensive loan rescheduling, CPD warned that underlying governance weaknesses need urgent attention. Meanwhile, the advance-deposit ratio declined to 78.3 percent and the liquidity coverage ratio improved to 185.3 percent, indicating improved short-term liquidity conditions. Export performance weakened during July-January FY2026, recording a negative year-on-year growth of 1.93 percent, mainly due to a slowdown in readymade garment shipments. Import payments grew by 3.91 percent over the same period, driven primarily by higher imports of intermediate goods. However, remittance inflows stood at $19.43 billion during July-January FY2026, marking a robust 21.76 percent year-on-year increase. Foreign exchange reserves provided 5.6 months of import cover as of December FY2026, with gross reserves reaching $30.36 billion as of February 26. Fahmida outlined five broad policy priorities for the short to medium term— 1. Containing inflation: Ensure coordinated monetary and fiscal discipline, stabilise the exchange rate, address supply bottlenecks and expand targeted social protection. 2. Reviving private investment: Improve access to finance for productive sectors, invest in infrastructure and skills, ensure regulatory predictability and strengthen capital markets. 3. Strengthening fiscal discipline: Broaden the tax base, accelerate digitalisation of revenue systems, enhance tax administration and prioritise high-impact development spending. 4. Restoring banking sector confidence: Deepen financial sector reforms, resolve NPLs through time-bound strategies, safeguard the independence of the central bank and strengthen oversight and transparency. 5. Enhancing external resilience: Promote export diversification beyond readymade garments, provide targeted support to emerging sectors and proactively implement a smooth transition strategy ahead of LDC graduation. CPD said that sustained macroeconomic discipline, institutional reforms and policy consistency will be critical to restoring investor confidence, safeguarding stability and steering Bangladesh towards inclusive and resilient growth in the coming years.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Wednesday said defence issues did not come up for discussion during his meeting with visiting US Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur and the words GSOMIA and ACSA were not even uttered in the meeting. He made the remarks while responding to questions on defence cooperation between the two countries. General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) are two foundational defence agreements which are "essential" to enabling a closer defence relationship, expanding opportunities for defence trade, information sharing, and military-to-military cooperation between our two countries. Korean FM greets Khalilur Rahman; eyes enhanced ties with Dhaka Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen were also present at the meeting.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said a nationwide crackdown on extortionists and listed armed criminals will begin soon in the capital. He made the announcement after a view-exchange meeting with senior officers of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at its headquarters. “Operations will start in Dhaka. Lists of extortionists and listed armed criminals are being prepared across the country. Neutral lists will be finalised after scrutiny and drives will be launched soon to bring them under the law,” he said. The minister said stern action will be taken against armed criminals and terrorists who are creating disorder in society. He expressed hope that the steps would help restore peace and maintain law and order across the country. Seeking public cooperation, he said the government expects support from citizens and assured them of necessary measures. On easing traffic congestion in Dhaka, the minister said a special cell, headed by the DMP Commissioner, has been formed and will submit a report within a week. As an initial step, battery-run rickshaws will be restricted and brought under regulation on the VIP road from Uttara to the Secretariat via Airport Road. Responding to allegations of harassment of journalists, he said law enforcers have already been instructed not to harass journalists once they properly identify themselves. Regarding the Hadi murder case, the minister said the investigation is ongoing and no detailed statement can be given until it is completed. On the issue of changing police uniforms, he said the matter will be discussed with the police department and appropriate steps will be taken. Earlier, addressing senior DMP officers, Salahuddin Ahmed urged them to uphold the image of Bangladesh Police and avoid any action that could tarnish the force’s reputation. Home Minister seeks Japan’s support in police reform The minister stressed the need to recover illegal arms and arrest terrorists and extortionists to bring them to justice. He also directed police to remain on maximum alert and emphasised modernising traffic management to reduce congestion. The minister listened to the concerns raised by police officials and offered necessary guidance.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to introduce ‘e-Health’ card to ensure medical services for people across the country, reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering healthcare at the doorstep. The directive came at a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office at Secretariat with the Health Minister, State Minister, advisers and health experts, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He said the Prime Minister instructed the Health Minister to start work on launching the e-Health card without delay. PM Tarique praises role of Ansar-VDP; assures continued support for development “The government’s policy is to ensure healthcare services reach the people’s doorsteps. The Prime Minister asked the ministry to be more proactive in this regard,” he said. The meeting also discussed identifying abandoned buildings of different government ministries and agencies and converting them into health and family welfare centres under the Health Ministry. The Additional Press Secretary said there are 170 abandoned buildings under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) alone. “The Prime Minister directed that such unused government facilities be renovated and turned into clinics and healthcare centres.” Rumon said the issue of population growth also came up at the meeting. PM Tarique orders women-only bus service in Dhaka “Statistics show that around 3.4 million babies are born in the country every year. Concern was expressed over the annual number of newborns and the ministry was asked to intensify efforts to control population growth, “ he said. He said the meeting further discussed recruitment of 100,000 health workers in line with the BNP’s electoral pledge, with 80 per cent women and 20 per cent men. “Filling vacant posts of doctors and other health staff in the ministry was also reviewed.” Rumon said the Prime Minister asked the minister concerned to ensure that doctors are posted and remain present at health centres in remote areas. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain, State Minister MA Muhith and senior officials were present. Tree plantation drive to be intensified Earlier in the morning, Rumon said a meeting of the cell formed to implement the plan to plant 25 crore trees in five years was held at the Cabinet Division conference room with the Prime Minister in the chair.

The government has reassigned the portfolios of two advisers holding the rank of minister and eight state ministers. The Cabinet Division issued two gazette notifications in this regard on Tuesday. According to a notification, Nazrul Islam Khan, who is serving as Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, has now been given additional responsibility as Adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture. Besides, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, also serving as Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, has been given additional charge as Adviser to the Ministry of Industries. Among the state ministers, Md Shariful Alam, who was given charge of the Ministries of Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute will now serve as State Minister for the Ministry of Textiles and Jute only. Sultan Salauddin Tuku, was in charge of the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, and Food, has been assigned to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock only. Besides, Habibur Rashid, who was responsible for the Ministries of Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping, will now oversee the Ministry of Railways and the Road Transport and Highways Division while Md. Razib Ahsan has been assigned to the Ministry of Shipping and the Bridges Division. Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, who earlier handled the Ministries of Finance and Planning, will now serve as State Minister for the Ministry of Planning while Farzana Sharmin, previously in charge of the Ministries of Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare, will now oversee the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. Md. Nurul Haque, who earlier held the Social Welfare Ministry, has been assigned to the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Besides Bobby Hajjaj, who was given the charge of the Ministries of Education and Primary and Mass Education, will now serve as State Minister for the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education only. Other provisions of the notifications issued on February 17 and 24,2026, will remain unchanged. The order takes immediate effect.

Customers can enjoy discounts and cashback of up to Tk 10,000 on payments made through bKash during Ramadan and ahead of Eid, as part of special festive campaigns launched by the mobile financial service provider. Under the campaign, shoppers will receive a range of benefits on purchases at selected outlets, including clothes, footwear, electronics, groceries, ordering iftar-sehri, ticketing, hotel bookings, etc. with bKash payment. The offers include instant discounts as well as cashback on payments made using bKash through QR code, app payment and other designated methods, according to the company. All discount and cashback offer will remain valid until March 21, 2026. Superstores: Throughout Ramadan and ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, customers can use the ‘D2’ coupon in the bKash app to get up to Tk 500 discount at various superstores including Agora, Meena Bazar, Unimart, Prince Bazar, Bengal Meat, Wholesale Club, Khulshi Mart, Utsab Super Market, and more. Besides, using coupon ‘D3’, Tk 300 discount can be availed at superstore chains Shwapno and Daily Shopping. Additionally, online grocery platforms- Chaldal,Daily Shopping, Meena Bazar, and Paragon also offer up to Tk 200 cashback. Lifestyle Brands: Using coupon ‘S3’ in the bKash app, customers can avail Tk 300 discount at Sailor and Tk 200 discount at Sara Lifestyle.   With coupon ‘D1’, customers can get up to Tk 1,000 discount across a wide range of brands including MR. DIY, Artisan, Country Boy, Dorji Bari, Ecstasy, Fabrilife, Freeland, Yellow, Illiyeen, Kay Craft, Bishworang, Anjan’s, Raw Nation, Shoilpik, Smartex, Texmart, Hoor, Goyna Baksho, Sunvee’s, and many others. Coupon ‘D5’ offers Tk 200 discount at Takdum, Miniso Bangladesh, and several other merchants. Meanwhile, using coupon ‘D8’, customers can get Tk 300 discount at Easy Fashion, Gentle Park, Infinity Mega Mall, Lubnan, Richman, Top Ten Fabrics and Tailors, and several other outlets. Additionally, customers can enjoy up to Tk 200 cashback at Aarong when paying through bKash. Online Marketplaces: This Ramadan, customers can get Tk 60 discount voucher on bKash payments at Daraz. Also, Star Tech-Online, Othoba, Robishop, Lubnan, Aromatica, and various other online stores are offering 10% to 20% cashback, up to Tk 300. This cashback is also applicable when ordering pet care items from Amar Pet, Pet Food BD, and Pet Mama. Restaurants: Customers can enjoy up to Tk 750 discount using the ‘D4’ coupon at more than 2,000 restaurants nationwide. In Dhaka, discounts are available at outlets including Galito’s, Burger King, CP Five Star, Chili’s Restaurant, Delhi Darbar, among others. In Chattogram, customers can enjoy the discount at Pizza Lounge, Secret Recipe, Bay Leaf Restaurant, Kutum Bari, Papa Chinos, and several more. Besides, Tk 50 cashback can be availed on bKash payments of at least Tk 600 made at KFC self-checkout. At outlets of Decent Pastry Shop, Star Bakery, and Star Hotel & Restaurant, customers can enjoy Tk 1,000 discount throughout Ramadan on iftar purchases. Moreover, over 250 other food shops and bakeries are offering an additional Tk 500 discount on iftar orders. Electronics & Furniture: Using coupon ‘D6’, customers can get Tk 200 discount at over 1,200 outlets nationwide, including Walton Plaza, Haier, Singer, Vision Emporium, Apple Mart BD, and Gadget & Gear. Meanwhile, furniture brands such as Akhtar Furniture, Brothers Furniture, Hatil, Hi-Tech Furniture, Nadia Furniture, Navana Furniture, Otobi, and Tanin Bangladesh are offering up to Tk 600 discount. Ticketing and Hotel Booking: Ahead of Eid holidays, customers can get Tk 200 cashback on bus tickets from Imperial Express, Seba Green Line, Shyamoli Paribahan and several others through bKash payment. Besides, air tickets from Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla, Air Astra, and Novoair booked with bKash payment offer up to Tk 1,000 cashback. Customers can also enjoy Tk 600 cashback when booking selected hotels and resorts across the country. All Ramadan and Eid shopping campaigns with bKash payment can be seen at this link: https://www.bkash.com/en/campaign/ramadan-offer-payment-hero-2026.    

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Wednesday said the recently signed trade agreement between Bangladesh and the United States is not irreversible and there remains scope for amendment, addition or deletion of provisions if necessary. He said the deal contains elements that could help further strengthen bilateral trade ties in the future and should not be viewed as “wholesale negative” or “wholesale positive.” The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur at the Commerce Ministry. He said the agreement was signed with the aim of expanding economic, trade and investment relations between the two countries. Referring to bilateral trade, the commerce minister said trade volume between Bangladesh and the United States exceeds $8.5 billion while Bangladesh imports goods worth nearly $2.75 billion from the US. As a single country, the US remains one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners, he said. He said discussions also touched investment, digital infrastructure development and future economic cooperation, alongside trade. Responding to a question about whether the February 9 trade deal was discussed in detail at the meeting, he said it did not come up specifically. “The agreement was signed on the 9th. There was no separate discussion on it today,” he said. Large portion of workforce remains informal; Commerce Minister urges formalization Asked whether issues mentioned in a congratulatory letter from US President Donald Trump — including trade and defence-related matters — were discussed, the adviser said the trade deal was not a topic of discussion at the meeting and military issues do not fall under the Commerce Ministry’s jurisdiction. On allegations that Bangladesh’s interests were not adequately protected in the deal, he said any agreement involves two parties and typically contains provisions favourable to both sides. Responding to another question he said “If you find any problematic provision, you can raise it with us. No agreement is the end of life. Every agreement contains its own clauses for review and self-correction. If we find that any provision requires amendment or modification, there is always scope for further negotiation,” he said. He also urged all not to be overly concerned.