United News of Bangladesh

Walton, a leading Bangladeshi brand, has been awarded the prestigious 'Excellence in Investment Award 2025' by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) for its significant contributions to the country's economic development. The award was presented in recognition of Walton's impactful investments in the electronics and high-tech industries under the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) category. The award was handed over to Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC's Managing Director, S M Mahbubul Alam, by Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus at the 'Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025' on Wednesday. BIDA's Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi were also present at the ceremony. In his response, S M Mahbubul Alam expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising Walton's commitment to fostering sustainable growth and creating employment opportunities. He highlighted Walton's investments in the country's electronics sector, which have generated employment for around 100,000 people. "Walton has been achieving new milestones in the production and export of import-substitute products, and this award is a testament to those efforts," he said. He also underscored Walton's alignment with the government’s vision of building a green and carbon-free Bangladesh. “As part of its sustainability initiatives, Walton has already installed a 6.5 MW rooftop solar power project at its headquarters in Gazipur and is currently implementing another 13.5 MW project. The company has plans to expand its solar energy capacity to 50 MW across its industrial facilities,” he said. The 'Excellence in Investment Award 2025' is part of BIDA’s efforts to recognise and encourage successful investors who have made special contributions to Bangladesh's investment sector over the past three fiscal years (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24).

The International Aerospace Quality Group® (IAQG) is proud to announce the launch of OASIS Insights™, a groundbreaking benchmarking and quality improvement tool designed to leverage the 9100 series audit data to enhance transparency, performance, and continuous improvement in the aerospace industry. OASIS Insights brings audit performance to life by providing context and benchmarking to help suppliers and supply chain partners understand the 9100 series audit outcomes. Beginning April 1, this distinctive report will be generated after newly published initial, recertification, or surveillance audits are entered into the Online Aerospace Supplier Information System (OASIS) , offering insights into comparative anonymized audit performance. Furthermore, these reports provide guidance support based on the IAQG’s AIMM and SCMH frameworks to assist suppliers in enhancing and improving their Aerospace Quality Management Systems compliance. "The launch of OASIS Insights marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve quality management within the aerospace sector,” explained Eric Jefferies, president of IAQG. “By providing audit ratings and benchmarking, OASIS Insights will transform how organizations showcase the value of audits and identify areas for improvement, ultimately driving continuous improvement in the aerospace industry." Developed in collaboration with IAQG technology partner Intact , a leading provider of audit and certification management software, OASIS Insights is designed to support suppliers and help raise the overall standard of aerospace quality. Jake Lewin, CEO of Intact US, added, "By transforming audits into actionable intelligence, we’re providing suppliers with visibility into audit outcomes that were previously impossible. This is a major step forward for audit and certification as a whole, and we’re thrilled to have collaborated with IAQG to bring it to life.” OASIS Insights will be provided automatically to certified organizations following an audit. The tool will be initially accessible through the organization's files area in OASIS. For more information about OASIS Insights, please visit the https://iaqg.org . About the International Aerospace Quality Group: As an international non-profit association established under Belgian law and registered in Brussels, Belgium, the IAQG sets the high standard for quality within the global aerospace industry supply chain. The organization consists of member companies from the aviation, space, and defense sectors that design, develop, manufacture, and support original equipment at both system and subsystem levels. The IAQG is dedicated to creating a common framework for quality systems and improvement standards.  These standards are utilized internationally by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and applied throughout the supply chain. To learn more, visit  https://iaqg.org.  About Intact Intact is the market leader in audit, certification, and standard management software. Its solutions help customers boost their efficiency and profitability worldwide while assuring the highest possible safety and quality of products, services, and qualifications. Founded in 2001 in Austria, Intact has seven global offices and sales partners and is used across management, food, and other certification and audit sectors.

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.