United News of Bangladesh

Allegations have emerged at Dhaka University (DU) that the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) has moved to relax recruitment eligibility criteria to favour the daughter of its director in the appointment of lecturers. According to the allegations, a requisition was sent to the university administration after the eligibility requirements for applying for a lecturer position were tactfully lowered to facilitate the appointment of the daughter of IBA’s current Director, Dr Abu Yousuf Mohammed Abdullah. According to Dhaka University’s Integrated Rules and Qualifications for Advertised Teaching Positions, applicants for lecturer positions must have a minimum CGPA of 3.50 out of 4.00 or a first-class result at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. On May 13, a recruitment advertisement was published in newspapers for seven vacant lecturer positions at IBA. The eligibility criteria in the advertisement specified a CGPA of 3.50 or a first-class result, in accordance with university rules. An investigation found that Noor Jahan Abdullah, the IBA director’s daughter, had applied in response to that advertisement. She completed BA in History, Politics and Economics at University College London (UCL). Her result in the degree was “Second Class Honours (Upper Division).” As her qualification did not meet the university’s minimum requirement of a CGPA of 3.50 or a first-class result, she was effectively ineligible for the position under the existing rules. A source familiar with the matter said that after applications were submitted in response to the May 13 advertisement, the director sent a list of applicants, mentioning their names and qualifications, to the Pro-VC (academic). However, as the list did not clearly indicate which applicants met the advertised criteria and which did not, the Pro-VC (academic) returned it to the director. The director later sent another list to the office of the Pro-VC (academic) in September. No further progress has been made in that recruitment process so far. Meanwhile, allegations have emerged that IBA sent a requisition for an entirely new recruitment process for two lecturer positions to the authorities on September 10, apparently because the director’s daughter could be excluded under the requirements of the previous advertisement published on May 13. As the director’s daughter obtained a “Second Class Honours (Upper Division)” in her undergraduate degree, equivalent to 60 to 69 per cent marks, the eligibility criteria in the new requisition were changed to include “CGPA 3.50 or First Class or Above 65% mark,” allegedly to create an opportunity for her appointment. The newly introduced criterion is entirely consistent with the marks obtained by the director’s daughter. The requirement of “Above 65% mark” was added for the first time and was absent from the previous advertisement. It is also in conflict with the university’s policies. The changes were not limited to the mark requirement. The subject-specific qualifications in the requisition were also set in a way that exactly matches the director’s daughter’s degree. The advertisement published on May 13 sought candidates from, among other disciplines, Economics. However, the new requisition specifically mentions Economics, Business Analytics, Business Law and Entrepreneurship. As Noor Jahan’s undergraduate degree is in Economics and her postgraduate degree is in Entrepreneurship, allegations have emerged that the new requisition was primarily designed to facilitate her appointment. The conditions and criteria for recruitment requisitions are determined by the institute’s Coordination and Development (C&D) Committee. The committee is formed from the senior-most one-third of the institute’s teachers, with the director serving as its head. Regarding the “Above 65% mark” requirement in the new requisition, a source at IBA said, “The C&D approved it as per the requisition, the rest is up to the university administration.” As a result, the requisition will proceed to the final recruitment advertisement once it receives approval from the university’s Vice-Chancellor. Another source at the Registrar Building said the new requisition, containing the revised criteria and sent in September, had been forwarded to the Pro-VC (academic) for approval. Instead of providing any opinion of his own, he forwarded it directly to the VC. However, the VC returned the file to the office of the Pro-VC (academic) for his opinion, as the file contained no comments or recommendations from the Pro-VC. The file is currently held up there, according to the source. Regarding these allegations, the reporter was unable to meet IBA Director Professor Dr Abu Yousuf Mohammed Abdullah despite waiting for three days. When sent a message by phone, he said he was ill. Subsequently, an assistant from his personal office called the reporter and asked him to visit the director’s office in Banani to speak with him in person. However, the reporter was unable to meet him there either. One of the director’s research assistants said that the director was ill. Asked about the matter, DU Pro-VC (academic) Professor Dr Abdus Salam said, “First of all, this is still under process. So, I have no opinion on the matter. We generally try to respect the recommendations of the C&D Committee. If anything like this happens, a decision will be taken in accordance with university rules.” Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam also declined to comment. “It has not come to me yet,” he said.

Nearly three decades after its establishment, the BSCIC Industrial Estate in Baburhat of Chandpur Sadar has yet to see significant development, with several factories remaining closed. Established in 1998 following the launch of the initiative in 1987, the 10-acre industrial estate stands beside Chandpur-Cumilla regional highway. It also houses the district office of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC). Local businesspeople and environmental activists said the estate has failed to achieve its potential because of a lack of effective initiatives and sustained development efforts. They also pointed to the absence of BSCIC offices at the upazila level across Chandpur district, which they say has made it difficult for small entrepreneurs to access institutional support, loans and other services. It has 33 industrial units, of which 27 are currently operational and six are closed, said Md Shahriar Khan, an industrial officer serving as the officer-in-charge of the district BSCIC office and performing the additional duties of assistant general manager. Employees at operating factories told UNB that several businesses, including a juice factory, shut down one after another after suffering losses despite producing and marketing their goods. The closures have left many workers unemployed, they said. Security concerns, poor infrastructure A visit to the industrial estate revealed a range of longstanding problems, including inadequate security, poor drainage, unreliable electricity and insufficient lighting. There is no gate or security guard at the main entrance, nor are there regular security patrols. The estate also lacks CCTV cameras, leaving the premises vulnerable, particularly at night. A recent theft was reported to the local police, and a case was filed with Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station. Police are investigating the incident. The estate’s drainage system is also inadequate, with rainwater accumulating on roads during wet weather. The lack of security and maintenance was evident around several closed factories, where gates remained shut and dry leaves, bushes and overgrown vegetation had accumulated. Instead of the steady movement of workers and the sound of machinery expected in an industrial zone, much of the estate appeared deserted. Some industries continue to provide jobs Despite the difficulties, several businesses remain operational, providing employment to hundreds of people. At the Apollo and Monohorkhadi cold storage facilities, women labourers from marginalised backgrounds were seen sorting potatoes alongside male workers. Asked about their daily earnings, several workers, including Rasheda, Sajeda, Nargis and Fatema, said their income varied from Tk 100 to Tk 500 a day, depending on the work available. Around 60 to 70 women work as daily labourers at the two cold storage facilities, according to the workers. A garment factory nearby is also operating smoothly, employing women workers and producing quality clothing for export, people familiar with its operations said. The estate also has a flour mill, a rice mill and a recycling factory that processes plastic waste. Young entrepreneur Kamrul Khan, one of the mill owners, said the flour and rice mills together employ around 300 to 400 people. These operating businesses demonstrate the estate’s potential to generate employment and support local economic activity if the necessary infrastructure and institutional support are ensured.

Once, villagers crossed the Chhoto Feni River by boat as there was no bridge or connecting road. Now, although a Tk 9.2 crore bridge stands over the river in Feni’s Daganbhuiyan upazila, there are still no approach roads, forcing thousands of people to use makeshift iron staircases to cross it on foot. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) built the 60-metre bridge on the Matubhuiyan-Bekar Bazar road to improve connectivity between communities on either side of the river. Although the main bridge has been completed, the connecting roads remain unfinished, leaving the structure largely unusable years after its construction. The absence of approach roads has made vehicular movement impossible, while the considerable difference in height between the bridge and the existing road levels also makes pedestrian access difficult. Meanwhile, residents of Momarizpur have alleged that a temporary embankment built across the river during construction obstructs the natural flow of water, causing floodwater to spill into their homes and damage houses, tube wells and toilets.

Bangladesh is planning a major overhaul of its business approval system, including a digital Single Window platform designed to deliver investment-related services within seven days, as the government seeks to cut bureaucratic delays, attract domestic and foreign investment and accelerate economic growth. Under the proposed system, entrepreneurs will be able to submit applications, complete verification, obtain approvals and licences, secure clearances and track progress through a single online platform, according to a budget document. The initiative aims to reduce the time, cost, uncertainty and administrative complexity involved in setting up and running businesses, while making public services simpler, faster, more transparent and predictable. The government plans to set specific Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for each approval and licensing service. If a relevant agency fails to provide its opinion, no-dues confirmation, no-objection or clearance within the stipulated timeframe, the application may be processed through deemed or automatic approval, where applicable. The reform programme will cover business registration, construction and environmental approvals, post-investment services, tax and customs compliance, external transactions, banking services, access to long-term capital market financing and local licensing. For small and new businesses, the government will consider introducing an online provisional approval system, allowing entrepreneurs to start operations quickly and complete the required licensing and compliance procedures within six to 12 months. Company name clearance, registration applications, fee payments and certificate issuance will be handled online, with company registration to be completed within 48 hours. The government also plans to simplify procedures for hiring foreign professionals. Work permits for foreign experts and skilled professionals are expected to be issued within seven days, while visas for investors and project-related personnel will be processed within 10 days. Steps will also be taken to introduce five-year multiple-entry investor visas for eligible investors and key personnel involved in investment projects. To speed up the approval and implementation of large and strategic foreign investment projects, dedicated support officers, teams or project-based case managers will be assigned to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC). A round-the-clock help desk and a Grievance Redress System will also be introduced to address investors’ queries, complaints and problems. Investors will receive application updates through SMS, email, helplines and online tracking facilities. The reform plan also seeks to bring trade licence services provided by city corporations and municipalities gradually under the investment service system. Applications, fee payments, renewals, licence issuance and progress tracking will be available online to reduce delays and repeated visits to local offices. Under another initiative, Plug and Play industrial facility packages will be introduced in selected industrial and economic zones. Land, infrastructure, electricity, gas, water, road connectivity and initial approvals will be prepared in advance to help entrepreneurs establish factories and begin production more quickly. The government also plans to simplify inter-agency approvals, verification and consultation for investment projects, with online tracking of progress. Security clearance for foreign employees will be made digital and time-bound while retaining essential security checks. To strengthen legal protection for investors and improve international confidence, the government plans to expand bilateral investment treaties and update and effectively implement double taxation avoidance agreements. Existing agreements will be reviewed regularly to assess their effectiveness and implementation. The budget document says the deregulation initiative will not involve removing necessary laws, rules or oversight arrangements. Public interest, environmental protection, safety, investors’ rights and legitimate government revenue collection will remain protected. Instead, procedural requirements that increase business costs, require repeated submission of the same information or create uncertainty in decision-making will be simplified. Accountability at each stage of service delivery will also be strengthened to reduce opportunities for corruption. The government considers a more dynamic private sector and easier access to public services essential to improving the business climate, expanding investment and achieving higher economic growth.

Construction of the much-awaited Sonahat Bridge over the Dudhkumar River in Bhurungamari upazila of Kurigram has remained incomplete even after seven years, with the project stalled over a land acquisition dispute despite six extensions and an increase in the project cost to Tk 141 crore. As a result, thousands of people from six local unions, along with heavy vehicles carrying goods to and from Sonahat Land Port, are being forced to use a dilapidated railway bridge built in 1887, putting their lives at serious risk. According to the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) and the contractor, around 75 percent of the main structure of the 645-metre bridge has been completed. Fourteen slabs, 70 girders and 14 spans of the bridge have already been constructed, while nearly one kilometre of the approach road at the western end has also been completed.

If Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visits Japan, it could open new investment opportunities for Bangladesh, with Japanese companies preparing to reaffirm their long-term commitment to the country amid renewed confidence in its political stability, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Country Representative Kazuiki Kataoka has said. There has been no official announcement from either Bangladesh or Japan regarding the visit so far, although Bangladeshi media are reporting that it is expected to take place soon. In an exclusive interview with UNB, Kataoka said the formation of a new government in February has improved the investment climate, encouraging major Japanese companies and senior executives to visit Bangladesh, assess the market and conduct feasibility studies for potential investments. “In comparison with the last interim government, we can say that there is one big improvement. That is political and social stability. So, we couldn't invest in this country actively last year,” he said. Kataoka, who was recently elected president of the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI), said investors remained cautious during the interim government because of uncertainty over political stability and the possible changes in investment policies, regulations and incentives. Renewed investor confidence Kataoka said the interim government of Bangladesh “successfully” focused on holding the national election, but uncertainty over the policies and incentives of the incoming administration made it difficult for investors to assess long-term business prospects. The formation of the new government, however, has helped restore confidence, with large Japanese companies and senior officials increasingly exploring business opportunities in Bangladesh. Citing a recent development, he said Toyota Tsusho Corporation, the trading arm of the Toyota Group, has expressed interest in exploring the possibility of assembling cars in Bangladesh. He described the interest as a positive development for bilateral economic relations, reflecting the growing attention of major Japanese businesses to Bangladesh’s manufacturing potential. Around 340 to 350 Japanese companies are currently operating in Bangladesh, and interest in trade and investment is increasing, he said. Bangladesh remains attractive both as an export-oriented manufacturing base and as a consumer market, given its large population and growing economic potential. Some Japanese companies are also considering shifting production from other countries, including China, to Bangladesh, Kataoka said, highlighting the country's potential to become a more important manufacturing hub. “Bangladesh is still a very good and popular destination for manufacturers looking to produce goods for export. At the same time, the country has an attractive domestic market that Japanese investors are increasingly interested in exploring,” he said. More needs to be done Despite the improved political environment, Japanese investors continue to face challenges involving customs clearance, taxation, payments and visa processing, Kataoka said. JETRO has been raising these concerns with relevant government agencies, including Invest Bangladesh, and advocating reforms to make the country more attractive to foreign direct investment (FDI). He said the government appeared serious about attracting foreign investment, recognising its role in expanding the economy, introducing new technologies, facilitating technology transfer and promoting innovation. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has also emphasised the importance of FDI in developing the domestic economy, he noted. However, a gap between policymakers and officials responsible for implementing decisions, alongside slow implementation, remains a concern for investors. “We have to work together to improve the investment environment. If existing investors are satisfied, they will become ambassadors for new investors, helping us bring more investment from Japan,” Kataoka said. He stressed that improving the experience of companies already operating in Bangladesh would be crucial to attracting further investment. Upstream industries key to manufacturing growth Kataoka urged Bangladesh to give greater priority to developing upstream industries, particularly steel and chemicals, to support investment in electronics, automobiles and other advanced manufacturing sectors. While the country has focused heavily on the ready-made garment (RMG) industry and is seeking to attract investment in sectors such as electronics and automobiles, the development of supporting industries is essential to make such investments commercially viable, he said. “Without upstream industries, it will be difficult to develop downstream industries,” he said. Bangladesh remains dependent on imports for several industrial materials, including high-quality steel and chemicals, increasing production costs through tariffs and other expenses. Although local steel manufacturers have made progress, the industry continues to rely on imported scrap steel, while advanced manufacturing requires access to higher-quality materials and industrial inputs. These materials are essential for producing components used in automobiles, electronics and other manufactured goods, he said. Kataoka warned that persistently high production costs could weaken Bangladesh’s competitiveness against countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia in attracting foreign investors. Developing upstream industries would require substantial capital investment and coordinated government support, as individual companies might not be able to overcome the challenges independently, he said. Once these industries are established, he said, Bangladesh would be better positioned to expand into higher-value manufacturing and attract investment in more sophisticated sectors. EPA offers wider economic benefits Kataoka also highlighted the importance of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between Bangladesh and Japan in February, expressing hope that it would enter into force as soon as possible. While tariff reductions are an important part of the agreement, its benefits extend to customs procedures and intellectual property protection, he said. More efficient customs clearance could facilitate trade, while stronger intellectual property protection could help curb counterfeit products and protect legitimate businesses. Kataoka cited counterfeit automotive parts, motorcycle-related products and soy sauce as examples of goods that could undermine original manufacturers and prevent them from receiving fair returns on their investments. Effective implementation of the EPA would help establish a more transparent and rules-based market, benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries, he said. Bangladesh and Japan would also need to monitor the implementation of the agreement's provisions after it enters into force to ensure that businesses can realise its intended benefits. People-to-people ties remain important On the future of bilateral relations, the representative said Japan would continue to regard Bangladesh as an important partner, regardless of changes in government. The two countries should strengthen not only government-to-government relations but also people-to-people connections, Kataoka said. Japan has maintained friendly relations with Bangladesh over the years, and he expressed confidence that the relationship would remain strong over the next five years. The representative said the priority would be to build on the existing friendship and deepen cooperation with the current government while maintaining strong ties with the people of Bangladesh. JBCCI to strengthen business ties As the newly elected JBCCI president, Kataoka said the chamber would work to deepen business links between Japanese and Bangladeshi companies and create opportunities for new partnerships. The chamber plans to organise seminars, workshops and roundtable discussions highlighting Japan’s contributions to Bangladesh in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other sectors. It will also seek to expand networking opportunities for Bangladeshi businesses interested in working with Japanese companies. Joint events involving the JBCCI and other Japanese business organisations could help companies identify potential partners and explore opportunities beyond their existing business relationships, he said. Kataoka said stronger business connections would complement the two countries’ longstanding diplomatic relationship.

From forensic DNA testing and emergency responses to violence to livelihood training, childcare and rehabilitation, the government is planning to expand a range of services for women and children, seeking to strengthen protection while creating opportunities for economic independence. The initiatives outlined in the government’s FY2026-27 budget document combine social protection with access to justice, skills development, and long-term rehabilitation for vulnerable children. It is also continuing a food assistance programme covering 1.04 million vulnerable women and operating rehabilitation facilities for children living on the streets or facing other forms of vulnerability. However, the scale of the challenges remains significant, particularly in preventing gender-based violence, ensuring access to justice and enabling women to participate more fully in the economy. Violence against women remains a major concern Under the Multisectoral Programme to Prevent Violence Against Women, the government has established a National Forensic DNA Profiling Laboratory and divisional DNA screening laboratories to strengthen investigations into rape, murder and other violent crimes. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), with technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), conducted the Violence Against Women Survey 2024, interviewing 27,476 women aged 15 and above. The survey, published in October 2025, found that 76 percent of women had experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence during their lifetime, while 49 percent had experienced such violence in the preceding 12 months. The forms of violence included physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse, as well as controlling behaviour. Two in three survivors did not disclose the violence they experienced, highlighting the barriers women face in seeking help. The findings underline the importance of ensuring that forensic facilities are complemented by accessible reporting mechanisms, legal assistance, medical care and protection for survivors. The government has also formed a Quick Response Team to take immediate action in cases involving violence against women and children. The initiative aims to improve coordination among relevant agencies and ensure faster assistance to victims. Economic independence and social protection Expanding women’s economic opportunities is another major component of the government’s plan. A comprehensive database of emerging and aspiring women entrepreneurs is being compiled to help identify their needs and connect them with training, credit facilities and markets. The initiative is intended to bring more women entrepreneurs into a formal support framework, allowing them to develop income-generating activities and expand their businesses. The second phase of the Income-Generating Activities Training Project for Women is also being implemented at the upazila level to equip women with skills that can help them earn an income. For women in coastal areas, specialised adaptation projects are being undertaken to strengthen their ability to cope with climate-related challenges and protect their livelihoods. The measures are particularly relevant to communities exposed to cyclones, flooding, salinity and other environmental pressures that can disrupt household incomes and deepen existing vulnerabilities. Alongside these initiatives, the government is continuing direct food assistance for vulnerable women under the Vulnerable Women Benefit (VWB) programme. According to the budget document, 1,040,000 women across 4,586 unions in 493 upazilas are receiving 30 kilogrammes of rice and fortified rice every month. The programme provides an important form of household food support, although its long-term impact on women’s economic independence will also depend on opportunities for employment, access to finance and the sustainability of income-generating activities. Daycare expansion targets working mothers The government has planned modern daycare facilities to help working women balance employment and childcare responsibilities. Twenty centres are planned in the first phase, followed by another 60 in the next phase. The facilities are intended to provide safe care for children while enabling mothers to continue working, particularly those who lack affordable childcare options. The proposal comes amid broader efforts to increase women’s participation in economic activities. Affordable and reliable childcare can help reduce the burden of unpaid care work, which often limits women’s ability to pursue paid employment. The government is also adopting specific projects for the social security and rehabilitation of female migrant workers returning home. The initiatives are intended to help returnees reintegrate into their communities and rebuild their livelihoods after overseas employment. Access to vocational training, financial services and employment opportunities will be important in determining whether these programmes can help women achieve lasting economic security. Support for children from early years to rehabilitation The government’s plans also cover children’s development, protection and social security from conception through the age of eight. Social awareness and parenting programmes are being implemented to improve parents’ understanding of early childhood development, protection and care. Such interventions seek to strengthen the family environment during the early years, when access to proper care and developmental support can influence children’s longer-term wellbeing. For children living on the streets or facing other forms of vulnerability, the government is pursuing rehabilitation measures aimed at returning them to their families where appropriate. Under these initiatives, children who have received education and training are being supported to return to their families, with financial assistance provided to the households concerned. Special arrangements are also being maintained for girls who come into conflict with the law. Child Development Centres provide accommodation for an average of 350 girls annually, alongside legal aid, social protection and access to justice. The government is also maintaining rehabilitation facilities for children with disabilities, including those with speech, hearing and visual impairments and autism. At present, 33 Integrated Child Rehabilitation Centres are operating in 17 districts, according to the budget document, with separate accommodation and livelihood facilities for boys and girls. The government’s planned measures cover several interconnected areas, from preventing violence and providing emergency assistance to improving livelihoods and protecting children. Their effectiveness, however, will depend on how consistently the services reach intended beneficiaries and whether the different programmes work together.

Securing its fair share of the transboundary rivers' waters is likely to become a major issue for Bangladesh in the coming days, making effective water diplomacy, international cooperation and constructive engagement with India increasingly important, officials and experts have said. The urgency is underscored by the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, signed on December 12, 1996, which is due to expire on the same date this year. The government in Dhaka has been increasingly vocal in recent weeks, communicating a vision that Bangladesh will be seeking a new or revised agreement that safeguards its interests, particularly its share of dry-season flows, with the inclusion of a guarantee clause. “Water could emerge as one of the major challenges for the entire world, including Bangladesh, in the future,” said Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Thursday, stressing the need to integrate proper water management into national development planning. Bangladesh and India share 54 transboundary rivers, but the Ganges remains the only one covered by a bilateral water-sharing agreement between the two countries. Guarantee Clause a Key priority Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee said Bangladesh wants a new or revised Ganges agreement rather than simply renewing the existing treaty, with provisions guaranteeing its required share of water during the dry season. “Our main priority will be to bring back the guarantee clause that was included in the 1977 agreement,” he said on Thursday. The 1977 agreement, negotiated by the BNP's founder Ziaur Rahman, included a safeguard stipulating that if the Ganges flow at Farakka fell below the level projected in the treaty to be provided to Bangladesh as its scheduled share during any 10-day period, the release to Bangladesh would not fall below 80% of that share. An official also referred to Article III of the 1977 agreement, which stipulated that water released to Bangladesh at Farakka should not be reduced below Farakka, except for India's reasonable water uses, not exceeding 200 cusecs, between Farakka and the point where both banks of the Ganges lie within Bangladesh. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh would seek an outcome that safeguards its national interests and security, including through a possible guarantee clause. Asked whether the existing treaty would be renewed or replaced with a new agreement, he said, “Whatever is best for Bangladesh’s interest will be done.” Kobir said Bangladesh’s committee was ready and Dhaka was awaiting a final response from its Indian counterparts. “Our committee is ready. We are just waiting for the final response from our Indian counterparts. So yes, we are hopeful,” he said. He also stressed that international law was being taken into consideration in addressing the water-sharing issues. The Indian government, through its Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal has said that issues concerning the Ganges treaty and other shared rivers would be discussed through the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC). “On the Ganga Water Treaty, as also other rivers that we share between Bangladesh and India, we have a Joint Rivers Commission. All matters relating to rivers, river-related matters, will be discussed as part of this Joint Rivers Commission,” he said recently, adding that technical-level meetings on the Ganges treaty had continued. Kobir said sincerity at the political and official levels in both countries was essential to finding an amicable resolution to the long-standing water-sharing issues. He expressed optimism that the issues could be resolved positively if the leadership of both countries demonstrated a willingness to cooperate. Cooperation Key to Water Diplomacy Anee said water diplomacy should focus on cooperation and mutual benefits rather than competition, stressing the need for sustained dialogue, scientific cooperation, data sharing and inclusive water governance. “Cooperation should create mutual benefits rather than being framed explicitly as a competition over water,” he said. He described water as closely linked to Bangladesh’s geography, economy, agriculture, culture, foreign policy and national security. “We are a delta country shaped by rivers. Yet, we are also a riparian country dependent on water flows originating beyond our borders,” he said. Anee called for stronger engagement through the JRC and multilateral water governance mechanisms, alongside greater international cooperation and scientific collaboration. Bangladesh has joined the UN Water Convention, while the Delta Plan 2100 and national river-management initiatives provide a broader framework for addressing long-term water challenges. “We need cooperation instead of confrontation, evidence instead of assumptions, participation instead of execution, and long-term planning instead of short-term responses,” he said. “Our goal should not simply be to manage water crises when they occur; our goal should be to build a just, decent, and cooperative water future,” Anee added, calling for greater youth participation in water governance. Teesta Remains a Major Concern Turning to the Teesta, Anee said the river was particularly important for people in northern Bangladesh, where seasonal variations cause water shortages during the dry season and erosion and flooding during the monsoon. He said the government had placed considerable emphasis on the Teesta project, with feasibility studies and technical assistance underway. State Minister Kobir also highlighted the importance of water diplomacy on multilateral platforms, stronger international partnerships, technology transfer and scientific cooperation to advance Bangladesh’s interests in transboundary water management. With the Ganges treaty approaching expiry, Bangladesh faces the task of securing an equitable and sustainable water-sharing arrangement while strengthening cooperation on other shared rivers. “I think it is very important for Bangladesh and India to renew the Ganges Treaty. But it has to be revised. The very simple reason is that the treaty was done almost three decades ago,” international affairs expert Prof Shahab Enam Khan told UNB recently. Shahab, who is the Executive Director of Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs, strongly suggested that this should also come with arrangements such as revitalising the JRC and including a much more transparent and accountable data-sharing system, which will definitely build much more confidence over ‘hydro-diplomacy’ and water management and water sharing, most importantly, between the two countries. “This is very important that we should also go into the diplomatic negotiations not only from the diplomatic perspective, but also from engineering, science, and definitely economic perspectives,” he said. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur, while attending the ninth Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, said they would like to see that there is an arrangement and a new treaty, or a revised treaty, ensuring the essential needs of their people. “These are common rivers, and we have common legacies here, common interests and, as I said, there's no other alternative but to seek a solution that is durable and will win public trust. And this will also be very important to lay the basis for the relationship over the next 25 to 50 years,” he told NDTV on the sidelines of the conference. The Foreign Minister said they have done 55 years (of bilateral relations) already. “So, I don't think we should look at five years or ten years. We have to look at the very long term. So, mutual climate resilience as a priority in our foreign policies, our people policy, I should say, will actually be a key driver of the future.”

Preparations for Durga Puja are in full swing across Jashore, with artisans working day and night to give final touches to idols ahead of the Hindu community’s biggest religious festival. This year, the Chanchra Srihari Temple is drawing particular attention, where 101 idols based on different themes from the Mahabharata are being crafted at a single mandap. The countdown to Durga Puja will begin with Mahalaya on Saturday. The five-day festival will formally begin on October 17 with Maha Shashthi and end on October 21 with Bijoya Dashami. According to the District Puja Udjapan Parishad, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 737 mandaps across the district this year, an increase from previous years. From urban neighbourhoods to village lanes, artisans are busy giving the idols their final touches. After preparing the basic frames, they shape the figures with clay, let them dry and then paint and add intricate details.

Over the years, Dhaka earned a reputation for attracting music lovers with major concerts featuring foreign artistes, particularly some of the biggest names  and hottest acts from India and Pakistan. In recent times, however, buying a ticket to an international concert has increasingly become a matter of uncertainty. In recent months, several highly anticipated concerts featuring Pakistani and other foreign artistes have been postponed or cancelled at the last minute, often after tickets went on sale and organisers completed substantial preparations. On September 25, ‘mAhx Republic’, featuring Pakistani musicians Ali Azmat, Mustafa Zahid and Jal alongside Nagarbaul James, Nemesis, Level Five and Shironamhin, was scheduled at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal. The same day, Pakistani singer Murtaza Qizilbash was scheduled to perform with Habib Wahid at ‘Sense It with Murtaza Qizilbash’. The following day, Kaavish was scheduled to perform with Shironamhin and Meghdol. None of the three shows went ahead. Organisers cited security concerns, directives from relevant authorities and issues surrounding final approval. For ‘mAhx Republic’, an organiser said preparations had been completed and advance payments made to the artistes, but the event was postponed after permission was not received at the final stage. Kaavish’s case was particularly striking. Its Dhaka concert had already been postponed once over security-related permission issues and rescheduled after almost 10 months. Yet, despite organisers saying all necessary preparations, approvals and formalities had been completed, the September 26 show was again postponed after the authorities directed them not to proceed. The postponements raise a broader question: At what stage should organisers announce a foreign artiste’s concert and sell tickets? According to an organiser involved in one of the postponed shows, the approval process involves multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, National Board of Revenue, Home Ministry, National Security Intelligence, Special Branch and Dhaka Metropolitan Police. By the time a concert is announced, an organiser may already have paid an advance, booked a venue and invested in marketing, ticketing and production. If final permission does not arrive, substantial investment can be put at risk. In late 2025, concerts involving foreign artistes, including Pakistan’s Ali Azmat and Jal and India’s Anuv Jain, were postponed amid security concerns and delays in administrative approval. Atif Aslam’s much-anticipated December 2025 concert was also cancelled after organisers failed to secure necessary local permissions and security clearances. The Pakistani singer publicly confirmed the cancellation, saying the promoters and concert management had been unable to secure the required permissions, security clearances and logistics. The concert later took place in July 2026 at a different and congested venue, with audiences telling UNB about their discomfort and sufferings. Authorities, however, have legitimate reasons to scrutinise events involving large crowds and international performers. Major concerts require arrangements covering venue security, crowd management, traffic, emergency response and protection of foreign artistes and their crews. After the July 2026 Atif Aslam concert in Dhaka, the Home Ministry directed the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to investigate the organiser after the venue was changed without prior approval. The ministry said the change breached permission conditions and raised security concerns, recommending possible blacklisting of the organiser. For concertgoers, the immediate concern is whether a postponed show will actually take place and what will happen to their tickets. In the case of Kaavish, organisers said previously purchased tickets would remain valid for the rescheduled event. But repeated postponements can weaken audience confidence. Concertgoers spend money in advance and may make travel arrangements or incur additional expenses. Frequent cancellations could weaken confidence in future international shows. The disruptions may also affect foreign artistes, whose flights, accommodation, rehearsals, crew arrangements and promotions are often tied to a specific date. Bangladeshi musician and Nemesis frontman Zohad Reza Chowdhury recently expressed concern that repeated cancellations could damage trust among foreign artistes and local audiences. He also suggested that organisers should continue staging concerts with local performers if bringing international artistes becomes difficult. “Let there be music,” he said, arguing that Bangladesh’s own musicians can keep the concert culture alive even when international bookings face obstacles. Promoters could turn to local line-ups, festivals and mixed-format events requiring fewer layers of international clearance, but that would not solve the underlying problem. Bangladesh has a growing audience for international music and an expanding ecosystem of promoters, venues, ticketing platforms and production firms. Organisers need to know the rules and whether an event is viable before selling tickets and committing large sums. Authorities, meanwhile, need sufficient time to assess security concerns before a concert reaches the final stage. A more predictable approval mechanism could benefit both sides. Clear timelines, transparent requirements and early communication about security-related objections could reduce the possibility of an event being stopped just hours or days before it is scheduled. Until then, Dhaka’s concertgoers may continue to face the same frustrating cycle: a major international artiste is announced, tickets go on sale, excitement builds, and then the event is suddenly postponed.