Prof Dr A K Enamul Haque was appointed as the director general (DG) of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) on Thursday. He succeeded Dr Binayak Sen. Prior to this, Haque served as the deputy Vice-Chancellor of UCSI University Bangladesh campus, according to a press release. An environmental economist, Haque has extensive experience in teaching and research in the fields of climate change, agriculture, and urban issues in developing countries, with a particular focus on South Asia and Bangladesh. He has collaborated with various national and international organizations, including the World Bank, IUCN, Save the Children, IFC, SANDEE, SANEI, UNDP, and GIZ. Haque’s academic journey began at the University of Chittagong, where he earned an MSS in Economics and a BSS (Honours) in Economics. He completed his doctoral degree in Natural Resource Economics from the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Aarong, Bangladesh’s leading fashion and lifestyle retail chain, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its 31st outlet in Cox’s Bazar, marking its first presence in the country’s premier beach destination. Located on Jhautola Main Road, this two-storey, 11,000-square-foot outlet offers an immersive shopping experience featuring Aarong’s sub-brands—Taaga, Taaga Man, and Aarong Earth—alongside a diverse selection of handmade apparel, jewellery, home décor, skincare, and accessories, ensuring something special for every shopper this Eid-ul-Fitr season. Bangladesh’s Signature Collection opens first US outlet amid growing demand "We are delighted to bring Aarong to Cox’s Bazar. As Bangladesh’s premier tourist destination, this vibrant city provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate our heritage, craftsmanship, and commitment to empowering artisans. We look forward to welcoming both locals and visitors from around the world to experience Aarong’s commitment to timeless craft and community," said Tamara Hasan Abed, Managing Director, BRAC Enterprises. Aarong, a social enterprise of BRAC, is Bangladesh’s most beloved fashion and lifestyle brand, dedicated to promoting artisanal heritage and sustainable craftsmanship.

Benchmark PR, a public relations agency  has been appointed as the official PR partner for Shohoz, a digital services platform. This partnership aims to amplify Shohoz’s brand narrative through strategic storytelling, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in digital transformation and technology-driven solutions, according to a press release on Thursday. By partnering with Benchmark PR, Shohoz seeks to further strengthen its market presence and deepen engagement with its customers and stakeholders through innovative and impactful communication strategies, it said. “As a homegrown brand, Shohoz has significantly contributed to Bangladesh’s digital landscape, and we are excited to be part of this journey,” said Ashraf Kaiser, Managing Director of Benchmark PR. “Our expertise in brand storytelling and strategic communication will help Shohoz connect with its audience in meaningful ways,” he added.  “We are delighted to join hands with Benchmark PR as we continue to evolve and expand our services,” said Talat Rahim, Chief Business Officer of Shohoz. “Effective communication is essential in today’s dynamic digital landscape, and we believe Benchmark PR’s expertise will add significant value to our brand,” he said.

Daily Industry Best Rated Bank Award 2024 and Pitha Utshab ceremony were held on Thursday at the corporate office of Daily Industry in Dhaka’s Purana Paltan. Former Adviser to the caretaker government of Bangladesh, Ambassador Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, was present as the chief guest, while the ex-Vice Chancellor of Kushtia Islamic University and acting President of the National Paralympic Committee of Bangladesh, Prof. Dr. Sheikh Abdus Salam, Senior Professor of Chittagong University and Chairman of the National Bureau of Economic Research, Prof. Syed Ahsanul Alam Parvez, among others, were present as special guests. The Editor of Daily Industry and President of the Global Economist Forum, Dr. Enayet Karim, presided over the event, while Rafiqul Islam Azad, Head of News of Daily Industry, conducted the function. Nine commercial banks were awarded for their outstanding performance based on the capital, asset, management, earning, liquidity, and sensitivity to market risk (CAMELS) rating, reflecting their operations during FY 2024. The award-winning banks are: Shahjalal Islami Bank, Exim Bank, Prime Bank, The City Bank, BRAC Bank, Pubali Bank, Mercantile Bank, Mutual Trust Bank, and SBAC Bank. Traditional pitha utshab was also celebrated on the occasion. Senior bankers, diplomats, government, and corporate leaders, among others, were present at the function.

RSGT Bangladesh, the country’s first privately owned container terminal, has announced an additional investment of approximately $30 million to upgrade its terminal infrastructure with four state-of-the-art Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes. The new STS cranes, procured from SANY Marine Heavy Industry, are equipped with cutting-edge technology to efficiently handle larger vessels at the Port of Chittagong. This follows the company’s recent $26 million acquisition of 14 Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, said a press release. Scheduled for deployment in early 2026, the upgraded equipment is expected to increase RSGT Bangladesh’s annual container handling capacity from 250,000 TEUs to 600,000 TEUs. The expansion aims to improve operational efficiency and reduce logistics costs, bolstering the country’s trade infrastructure. RSGT Bangladesh CEO Erwin Haaze said, “Following the recent acquisition of 14 RTGs, the investment in these new STS cranes marks another important step in our ongoing efforts to enhance terminal operations in Bangladesh.” He added that the upgrades will streamline operations and contribute to a more cost-effective supply chain for the country's trade.

The 36-hour-long innovation challenge has concluded, with Team Poridhi emerging victorious at the Vivasoft AI Hackathon 2025. Hosted by Vivasoft Limited on January 25-26, the hackathon transformed their Banani headquarters into a buzzing hub of creativity and technological prowess. A total of 32 talented individuals competed fiercely in a challenge to develop AI solutions that could address everyday problems. While many view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a threat to jobs, some of Bangladesh’s brightest young tech minds gathered in Dhaka to demonstrate that AI is not about replacing humans, but rather enhancing their lives, according to a press release. “We aim to show the world the potential of Bangladesh's tech talent,” said Shafqat Asif, Co-founder of Vivasoft. “This hackathon is just the beginning.” From 378 initial applications, only 10 teams advanced to the final round. These finalists went beyond coding to present innovative ideas, such as generative AI-based security intelligence tools and solutions to make remote work more efficient and secure. Team Poridhi stole the spotlight, claiming the top prize of Tk 200,000 for their AI-powered network reliability system. The team, composed of Tahnik Ahmed Raiyan, Abdullah Al Asif, Abdur Rahman, and Raihan Islam, impressed judges with their practical approach to a complex problem. Team Define Coders took second place, winning Tk 100,000 with their AI market analysis tool, while Team CodeMentor received an Honorable Mention for developing an AI-powered coding companion and teacher. The final round was judged by prominent industry leaders, including Imtiaz Ilahi, Managing Director of Hogarth Worldwide (Bangladesh), Nabil Ahmed Lipon, Vice President (Software Development) at bKash Limited, Shuvra Sarkar, Vice President (Research & Engineering) at bKash Limited, and Aminul Islam, Machine Learning Consultant at Vivasoft Limited.  

Standard Chartered Bangladesh (SCB) and Friendship have successfully concluded the second phase of their agricultural development initiative, aimed at empowering char-based communities with essential farm-to-market support. This collaboration has transformed the lives of around 10,000 climate-affected farmers across 36 chars, enabling them to increase agricultural output, rise above poverty, adopt sustainable practices, and build resilience in the face of climate challenges, according to a press release. Through the initiative, farmers were equipped with sustainable agricultural technologies, training to enhance productivity, technical assistance, and market-linkage opportunities to foster financial inclusion. These comprehensive interventions have boosted agricultural activity in some of Bangladesh’s most vulnerable char communities. Stakeholder Consultation on Local Government Reform held By addressing food security and bolstering individual prosperity, the partnership has demonstrated the vital role agriculture plays in fostering sustainable development. Chief Executive Officer of the Standard Chartered Bangladesh Naser Ezaz Bijoy said that Bangladesh’s char communities are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Through this partnership with Friendship, Standard Chartered Bangladesh is not only helping farmers secure their livelihoods but also contributing to food security and inclusive growth for the nation. “By equipping farmers with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need, we are enabling them to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable progress. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a better, more resilient future for all,” he said. Founder and Executive Director of Friendship Runa Khan said that this partnership exemplifies the power of collective action in addressing critical challenges faced by marginalized communities. “By providing farmers with access to innovative technologies, training, and market opportunities, we are not only improving food production but also empowering communities to thrive amidst climate uncertainties. Together, we are saving lives, building resilience, and fostering a future where no one is left behind,” she said. Spanning multiple phases, the collaboration has supported the entire agricultural cycle. Farmers received critical inputs such as climate- and salt-tolerant seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, alongside training to maximize the use of available resources. Market connectivity efforts helped beneficiaries expand their operations, enabling them to sell produce on a larger scale. Technological innovations, including solar-powered pumps and crop dryers, facilitated a shift from subsistence farming to self-sufficiency. Additionally, infrastructure development, such as plinth construction, provided protection against extreme weather events, ensuring the continuity of agricultural efforts. Qatar Charity provides medical equipment across Bangladesh Livestock management was also prioritized, with initiatives offering vaccination, deworming, artificial insemination, and improved breeds of cattle and poultry. This holistic approach has supported farmers in diversifying their income streams and enhancing community resilience. Friendship, an international Social Purpose Organization, has been dedicated to serving marginalized communities for over 22 years. Guided by its four commitments—saving lives, alleviating poverty, climate adaptation, and empowerment—Friendship continues to transform lives and communities across Bangladesh.

The “Stakeholder Consultation on Local Government Reform” was held on Thursday at the National Institute of Local Government (NILG). The event was jointly organised by WaterAid Bangladesh and NILG, with support from partner organisations and networks, according to a press release. It provided a platform for over 60 organisations, including policymakers, academics, development partners, and civil society representatives, to share insights and propose actionable solutions for strengthening local governance in Bangladesh. Professor Tofail Ahmed, chairman of the Local Government Reform Commission (LGRC) was the chief guest at the event. The Director of NILG chaired the event. Members of the Local Government Reform Commission were apresent at the time, among others. During the consultation, Prof Tofail said, “Reform is a continuous process. The suggestions and recommendations from today’s discussion will lay a strong foundation for future reforms under the next elected government. Involving young generations in this process is crucial, as they are the future leaders and policymakers.” He assured that the recommendations would be considered in the finalisation of the reform commission’s report. Member of the Local Government Reform Commission and human rights activist Ilira Dewan highlighted the challenges faced by local government institutions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to the absence of elections, calling for reforms to uphold the democratic integrity of LGIs. Another member, Dr Ferdous Arfina Osman bstressed the need to reduce interference from lawmakers to allow LGIs to function independently. Commission member and Nari Uddug Kendra Executive Director Mashuda Khatun Shefali advocated for replacing the female quota system with provisions for women’s direct election to leadership roles, enabling them to represent communities more effectively. Representatives from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, SIDA, JICA, and NILG joined the event as special guests. Irene Hofstetter, Nexus Programme Manager at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, highlighted Swiss-Bangladesh collaboration in empowering local governance, stating, “Achieving national development goals is impossible without strengthening local government institutions.” The event concluded with a strong call for collective action to reform local governance, ensuring autonomy, inclusivity, and enhanced service delivery. WaterAid Bangladesh Programme and Policy Advocacy Director Partha Hefaz Shaikh expressed gratitude to all participants, emphasising the importance of the discussions in shaping the policy agenda for the Local Government Reform Commission.

Qatar Charity, in collaboration with the Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP), has distributed 140 manual and electric wheelchairs, along with 100 blood pressure monitoring devices as part of its development and humanitarian initiative in Bangladesh. The distribution was formally handed over during a programme at the CRP-Mirpur branch on Thursday, according to a press release. CRP inaugurates divisional center in Barishal NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) Director General (in-charge) Md Anwar Hossain; Qatar CharityCountry Director Dr Mohammad Amin Hafiz Ahmed Omar; Founder of CRP Dr Valerie A. Taylor and CRP Chairman Mohammad Saidur Rahman, were present at the time, among others. Speaking at the event, Anwar emphasized the critical role of collaboration between governmental organisations, healthcare centres, and NGOs in supporting vulnerable communities. “The government of Bangladesh deeply values the contributions of organizations like Qatar Charity, which work tirelessly to promote an inclusive society. This generous distribution will significantly enhance rehabilitation efforts and positively impact countless lives,” he said. Dr Omar expressed Qatar Charity's commitment to fostering social inclusion and improving the quality of life for underserved populations. “Qatar Charity is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities,” he stated. “This distribution, carried out in collaboration with CRP, will greatly improve mobility and healthcare support for many beneficiaries,” he said. Rasel gets new lease on life with artificial leg from CRP “At CRP, our mission is to provide holistic care to individuals with disabilities. This distribution not only supports physical rehabilitation for the beneficiaries but also equips us to better monitor and manage the health of them. The collaboration with Qatar Charity is making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Dr Taylor. In addition to that, Qatar Charity has extended similar distributions in collaboration with various hospitals and healthcare centres across the country, ensuring that their contributions benefit a broader segment of the population and strengthen healthcare access for individuals with disabilities nationwide. Cooking gas cylinders courtesy Qatar Charity ease burden for 22,800 Rohingyas on Bhasanchar Island Representatives from Qatar Charity, CRP, and the broader NGO community were present at the time.

Xiaomi has launched Redmi Note 14 in Bangladesh, bringing a flagship-level smartphone with next-gen features designed to elevate the user experience. The standout feature of the Redmi Note 14 is its 108MP AI camera system, which promises professional-quality photos with incredible clarity, according to a press release on Thursday. With AI tools like AI Sky and AI Erase, users can easily enhance their photos, whether perfecting landscapes or removing unwanted elements, redefining smartphone photography. Walton Hi-Tech’s MD S M Mahbubul Alam wins ‘MD of the Year’ award In terms of durability, the Redmi Note 14 is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and holds an IP54 rating, making it resistant to scratches, dust, and water splashes. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G99-Ultra chipset and built on a 6nm processor, the device ensures smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and streaming. Coupled with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, it promises a long-lasting experience for up to 4 years. The device features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant visuals, even under direct sunlight. Its 5500mAh battery ensures all-day usage, and with 33W turbo charging, the phone can be fully charged in just 77 minutes. Security and convenience are enhanced with an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and Dolby Atmos dual speakers deliver an immersive audio experience. An IR blaster adds extra value, making the Redmi Note 14 a versatile device. Weighing just 196.5g and 8.16mm thick, the phone is lightweight, elegant, and available in four colours: Midnight Black, Mist Purple, Lime Green, and Ocean Blue. Over 3.2 million DPS opened thru bKash app Ziauddin Chowdhury, Country Manager of Xiaomi Bangladesh, expressed excitement over the launch, highlighting the Redmi Note 14’s powerful features, including its camera, display, and durability, as a significant advancement for Xiaomi fans in Bangladesh. The Redmi Note 14 comes in two variants: 6GB RAM + 128GB storage priced at BDT 23,999 and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage at BDT 26,999, offering exceptional value for premium features.