United News of Bangladesh

Four engineering students from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have received the Honda Young Engineer and Scientist’s (Y-E-S) Award 2025 for their academic excellence and potential contribution to science and technology. Honda Foundation, in collaboration with Bangladesh Honda Private Limited (BHL), presented the awards at a ceremony at a city hotel on Monday. The awardees are Sakif Naieb Raiyan, Quazi Tajgir Tahmin Raevan and Md Adnan Rahman from BUET, and Lilatul Barat Siddika from KUET. Each recipient received US$ 3,000, a medal and a certificate. The awardees will also be eligible to receive up to $ 10,000 under the Honda Y-E-S Award Plus programme if they pursue further study or training within four years of receiving the award. The support covers master’s or doctoral programmes and study-abroad opportunities at Japanese universities, as well as approved internships at Japanese research organisations or private companies. Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh Naoki Takahashi attended the ceremony as a special guest. SA Abul Hayat, actor, director and writer; Susumu Morisawa, managing director and CEO of BHL; Gaku Azumai, secretary general of Honda Foundation; Shah Muhammad Ashequr Rahman, chief marketing officer of BHL; Yukiyoshi Matsuda, country director of JICE in Bangladesh, and representatives of participating universities were also present. The Honda Y-E-S Award was first introduced in Vietnam in 2006, followed by India in 2007, Laos and Cambodia in 2008, Myanmar in 2014 and Bangladesh in 2019. In Bangladesh, the award is open to eligible undergraduate students of four public engineering universities — BUET, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), KUET and Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET). Up to four students are selected each year in Bangladesh. The programme seeks to promote the dissemination of eco-technology among young people while strengthening interaction and knowledge exchange between Japanese youth and young people expected to lead science, technology and industry in their respective countries. The Honda Foundation, established in 1977 by Honda founder Soichiro Honda and his younger brother Benjiro, works to promote a humane civilisation through science and technology. Its activities include the Honda Prize, international symposia and the Honda Y-E-S Award programme. Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) serves as the liaison for the Honda Foundation’s Y-E-S Award programme in Bangladesh.

To make cash out costs more affordable for its users, bKash has once again reduced its charge. From now on, customers can cash out up to Tk 50,000 per month at a cost of Tk 13.95 per thousand from two Priyo Agent numbers. As always, this fee includes VAT and all other costs, ensuring customers will not face any extra expenses. This initiative is set to make daily transactions more affordable for bKash’s 84 million customers across the country. In a calendar month, customers can conveniently add two ‘Priyo Agents’ out of the 350,000 plus bKash agents nationwide. If needed, they can also change the ‘Priyo Agent’ numbers once the calendar month ends. To add a ‘Priyo Agent’ number, customers can simply tap the ‘Cash Out’ icon on the home screen of the bKash app, select the ‘Priyo Agent’ menu, and follow the on-screen instructions. Alternatively, the number can be added by dialling *247#, navigating to the ‘My bKash’ menu, and selecting the ‘Priyo Number’ option. Additionally, customers can check their monthly low-cost cash-out limits at any time from the ‘Limit’ feature of the app. Notably, cash out charge of Tk 18.50 per thousand will be applicable in case customers exceed Tk 50,000 per month limit and withdraw money from other agents.

Shopping at Apex stores with bKash payment has become more affordable, attractive, and delightful for customers. To deliver this experience, Apex, the popular footwear and lifestyle brand, and bKash, the country’s largest mobile financial service provider, have jointly taken various initiatives. By eliminating the need for carrying cash and loose change, these initiatives enable customers to make secure digital payments more conveniently across Apex’s nationwide network of 342 outlets and online store, alongside access to multiple exclusive offers. In this regard, an agreement was signed recently at the Apex head office in Gulshan, Dhaka. From Apex - Firoze Mohammad, Chief Executive Officer; Md. Raihan Kabir, Head of Marketing and from bKash - Ali Ahmmed, Chief Commercial Officer; Faisal Shaheed, Head of Merchant Payments; S. M. Khaled Bin Halim, Vice President of Merchant Payments along with other senior officials from both organisations were present in the occasion. During this Football World Cup season, customers can win a jersey autographed by national football team star Hamza Choudhury. A customer will be eligible for this offer on a bKash payment of over Tk 3,000 upon purchasing shoes, sandals, bags, and t-shirts of the popular lifestyle brand ‘Sprint’. Every day, up to 20 customers can win this jersey during the campaign till 8 July 2026. A customer can avail this once during this period. As the exclusive payment partner of the ‘Apex School Smart Campaign’, bKash users are also getting a 5% discount on selected products for bKash payment. In addition to these offers, both companies expressed their joint commitment to continuously introduce a variety of payment offers for customers throughout this year. Beyond gifts and discounts, bKash payment features a special collateral-free loan facility called ‘Pay-Later’ for a flexible shopping experience at Apex. This service allows customers to make immediate purchases even if they do not have a sufficient account balance at the time of payment. Additionally, the bKash app allows users to pay via linked Visa cards. They can also bring money to their bKash accounts from banks and cards through the ‘Add Money’ feature.

IDLC Investments Limited, a subsidiary of IDLC Finance PLC, has been awarded by FinanceAsia as Bangladesh’s Best Investment Bank, Best Equity Capital Markets (ECM) House, and Best Debt Capital Markets (DCM) House at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026. These awards reinforce IDLC Investments’ position as a leading investment banking institution in Bangladesh, reflecting its capabilities across equity and debt capital markets, structured finance, syndication, advisory, underwriting, and trustee services. The awards recognise IDLC Investments’ performance during a challenging year for Bangladesh’s capital markets, marked by liquidity tightening, higher interest rates, and limited public equity issuance. Despite having a difficult market environment, IDLC Investments led the country’s only public equity issuance of the year, expanded structured debt solutions, supported regulatory capital formation, and delivered green, Shariah-compliant, syndicated and advisory solutions for leading corporates and financial institutions. Speaking at the awards ceremony in Hong Kong, M Jamal Uddin, Managing Director and CEO of IDLC Finance PLC, said, “Bangladesh may be a small market, but it tells one of Asia’s most resilient growth stories. The next chapter of the nation’s economic growth will require deeper equity markets, stronger debt capital markets, sustainable finance and more institutional capital. We dedicate this prestigious recognition from FinanceAsia to our honorable clients, investors, regulators, and shareholders.” Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Managing Director of IDLC Investments Limited, said, “We are honoured to receive the three prestigious recognitions from FinanceAsia. The achievements reflect the strength of our integrated investment banking platform, the trust of our clients and investors, and our commitment to quality, innovation and execution excellence.”

Alliance Française de Dhaka successfully hosted The Colour Atlas of Bangladesh, a fashion workshop and exhibition curated by fashion designer, educator, and textile researcher Rokaiya Ahmed Purna, celebrating Bangladesh's rich cultural identity through research-driven contemporary fashion on Tuesday. The exhibition presented the outcomes of an intensive workshop in which nine emerging designers explored Bangladesh's six seasons as a source of inspiration for fashion design, according to a press release. Guided by a research-based methodology, participants examined the country's landscapes, traditions, textiles, rituals, and everyday life before translating their findings into original colour palettes, mood boards, design concepts, and contemporary garments. The exhibition transformed the gallery into a vibrant archive of colour and creativity, showcasing research books, visual narratives, range plans, and finished designs that reflected each participant's unique interpretation of Bangladesh's seasonal identity. Together, the works demonstrated how heritage can inspire innovative design while preserving cultural memory. Speaking through her curatorial vision, Rokaiya Ahmed Purna emphasised the importance of approaching fashion as a process rooted in research, observation, and storytelling. The project encouraged young designers to look beyond decorative references and engage deeply with Bangladesh's environment, traditions, and evolving visual culture. The exhibition attracted artists, designers, educators, students, members of the diplomatic and cultural community, and fashion enthusiasts, fostering meaningful dialogue around design education, sustainability, cultural heritage, and the future of Bangladeshi fashion.

Fifty customers can win TVs, smartphones, smartwatches and earbuds each week by making the highest number of payments through bKash. Under the ‘Payment Champion’ campaign till July 18, 2026, users can win these exciting prizes on bKash payments at merchant points across the country. To qualify for the campaign, customers need to make at least seven transactions between Sunday to Saturday, with a minimum payment of BDT 200 per transaction. A customer will be considered for the prize only once during the campaign. Every week, the top five customers with the highest number of payments will get a 55-inch Samsung LED TV. The next 10 customers will win smartphones, followed by 10 customers who will receive smartwatches while the rest 25 top customers will be awarded earbuds. Details of the campaign are available in this link- https://offer-finder.com/campaign/exciting-prize-on-most-number-of-payment. In addition, customers can enjoy discounts of up to BDT 200 by making payments through bKash at selected merchants using the promo code ‘HAMZA’. It is mentionable that bKash continues to work towards strengthening Bangladesh’s digital payment ecosystem by leveraging technological innovation. From small neighborhood grocery stores to renowned brand shops, the availability of bKash QR payments at nearly one million merchants across the country has made digital payments more accessible than ever. Customers can also enjoy the convenience of shopping through ‘Pay Later’, a special collateral-free credit facility, even when they do not have sufficient balance in their accounts. Besides, customers can make payment through Visa card, already saved in the bKash app. Moreover, bKash users can add money from highest numbers of banks directly to their bKash accounts.

Emerging leaders from across Asia’s textile and apparel sector gathered in Bangkok on Thursday for the inaugural NexGen CEOs Roundtable 2026, a high-level platform aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration and strategic thinking to shape the future of the global industry. Held on the sidelines of the Global Sourcing Summit 2026 and the 2nd Asia Sourcing Show 2026 (Textiles & Apparel) at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, the event brought together young industry leaders, entrepreneurs and executives to exchange ideas on sourcing, manufacturing, trade, sustainability and technological innovation, according to a press release. Organisers described the roundtable as more than a networking event, calling it a platform for the next generation of decision-makers to contribute to the transformation of the textile and apparel ecosystem. Participants discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and emphasised the importance of involving future leaders in shaping policies and strategies that will define the sector in the years ahead. The event highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation, innovation-driven growth and resilient supply chains amid evolving global market dynamics. Organisers said the discussions initiated in Bangkok would continue through future collaborations, partnerships and industry-led initiatives aimed at building a smarter and more connected global textile and apparel sector. The NexGen CEOs Roundtable 2026 was jointly organised by the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and CEMS-Global USA. The Bangkok edition received support from the National Federation of Thai Textile Industries (NFTTI) and the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA). The roundtable was chaired by Chalumpon Lotharukpong, Chairman of TGMA. Industry leaders attending the event expressed optimism that the platform would help cultivate a new generation of leadership capable of guiding the textile and apparel industry through a rapidly changing global landscape.

MetLife Bangladesh has installed a 104-kilowatt (kW) on-grid solar panel system at its Motijheel head office, enabling the company to generate up to 10 percent of its electricity needs from solar power. The initiative strengthens MetLife’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable operations. Serving Bangladesh for over 74 years MetLife continues to upgrade the workplace with modern, sustainable improvements. This solar installation aligns with Bangladesh’s national drive toward renewable energy, where commercial rooftop solar projects can play an important role in accelerating clean power adoption.“Sustainability is integral to how we operate and how we serve Bangladesh,” said Ala Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, MetLife Bangladesh. “By generating up to 10% of our energy needs through solar power at our historic head office, we are demonstrating that progress and preservation can go hand in hand. As the number one life insurance company in Bangladesh, we believe it is our responsibility to support national priorities while creating a more resilient future for our customers, employees, and communities.” Business Division 4 of Sena Kalyan Sangstha executed the technical implementation, ensuring strict compliance with national grid connection standards.

Like previous years, bKash has rolled out a wide array of attractive discounts and cashback offers to make Eid-ul-Adha shopping more joyful and affordable. Customers can avail of over Tk 8,000 in discounts and cashbacks by making bKash payments for clothes, footwear, electronics, groceries, food delivery, ticketing, and hotel bookings etc. These offers will be available till 31 May 2026. Details of all offers can be found at this link: https://www.bkash.com/en/campaign/eid-ul-adha-shopping-with-bkash.  Here are some of the notable offers– Groceries: Customers can enjoy discounts or cashbacks by applying specific coupon codes when making bKash payments for their essential Eid groceries. This offer is available at leading superstores including Agora, Unimart, Meena Bazar, and Daily Shopping, as well as on various online platforms. Lifestyle Brands: Purchasing new clothes and preferred lifestyle products to celebrate Eid is now even more joyous. By using specific codes during bKash payments at renowned brand outlets, customers can avail themselves of various discounts and cashbacks. Details of these offers can be seen here: https://offer-finder.com/en/campaigns?category_slug=lifestyle. Home Decor & Electronics: To enhance the festive spirit, customers can enjoy cashbacks on furniture, home decor, and essential electronics when paying with bKash, adding more colour to their Eid celebrations. Ticketing and Hotel Booking: The joy of travelling home during the Eid holidays or taking a trip with family and friends can be multiplied with bKash payment. Users can avail of various offers on bus, train, and flight tickets, as well as hotel bookings, by using specific coupon codes while making bKash payments. Additionally, various discounts and cashbacks are available for online shopping and food orders at restaurants.

Bangladesh’s leading conglomerates, Abul Khair Group, has honored six exceptional individuals with the “M-Rise Hero” award for their relentless efforts in bringing positive change to society despite numerous challenges. The winners were honored at the grand “M-Rise Gala Night” held on Thursday at InterContinental Dhaka. The event featured documentary showcases based on the heroes’ lives, hero reveals, and cultural performances. Popular megastar Shakib Khan handed over the honorary crests to the winners, symbolically connecting reel-life heroism with real-life change makers. Sheikh Shabab Ahmed, Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Legal at Abul Khair Group, was also present at the event. In the inaugural edition of M-Rise, honors were awarded to Chattogram-based tech innovator Joy Barua Lablu, who has created affordable bionic hands and opened new possibilities for many people. Md. Rostom Ali from Cox’s Bazar was recognized for supporting neglected elderly people and orphaned children through the “Ma-Baba Foundation.” Animal welfare activist Md. Abdul Kaiyum from Dhaka was honored for his long-standing work in rescuing and treating stray animals. Additionally, Md. Rizwan from Chattogram received recognition for his “Education for One Taka” initiative, which supports underprivileged children with educational opportunities. Mariam from Cox’s Bazar was honored for empowering coastal women economically through seaweed farming. Meanwhile, Prosenjit Kumar Saha was recognized for his “Ucchash” initiative, which works on education, skill development, and health awareness. Some of the award recipients also shared their feelings and thanked Abul Khair Group for encouraging social initiatives through such a unique platform. Joy Barua Lablu said, “I have always believed technology should not only be about innovation, but also about making people’s lives easier and better. Seeing smiles on people’s faces is what inspires me to keep moving forward. I welcome initiatives like this.” Md. Rostom Ali, founder of Ma-Baba Foundation, said, “While working for neglected elderly people and orphaned children, I have always tried to priorities humanity. I thank Abul Khair Group for recognizing our work and inspiring positive social initiatives. I hope more people in the country will come forward to support humanitarian causes.” Expressing his feelings while handing over the awards, Shakib Khan said, “I am truly proud to honor these real-life heroes. The people who are silently working for society deserve this recognition. Their achievements are not only personal accomplishments, but also an inspiration for the entire nation. Platforms like M-Rise bring forward those individuals who create real change beyond the spotlight. I believe such initiatives will inspire younger generations to become more socially responsible and compassionate.” Expressing his enthusiasm for recognizing true heroes, Sheikh Shabab Ahmed, Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Legal at Abul Khair Group, said, “The journey of Abul Khair Group itself is an inspiring story. From humble beginnings, the organization has grown into one of the country’s leading conglomerates. Beyond business success, Abul Khair Group has always worked for the betterment of society and people. The M-Rise initiative was born from that very vision.” The organizers of the M-Rise platform also mentioned that this is not just an award programme, but a platform to spread the stories of individuals creating positive change across the country. They added that similar initiatives to highlight contributors to society will continue in the future. Alongside senior officials of Abul Khair Group, journalists and more than a hundred content creators attended the event.