United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday inaugurated the Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026, the country’s largest technology showcase, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC), stressing that the tomorrow's world will be truly a different world. "It is absolutely a very important event. There is no doubt. This is a key sector," he said, seeking much importance that is required for this sector. The expo features innovation, digital devices, mobile technology, e-sports and B2B zones, alongside product discounts and special offers. The ICT Division, the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) and the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) are jointly hosting the country’s largest technology exhibition, which will continue until January 31. The inaugural session began with the playing of the national anthem, followed by a theme song of the expo. An audio-visual presentation was also screened. Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury and BCS President Mohammad Zahirul Islam and BHTPA Managing Director Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan also spoke at the opening session. Prof Yunus calls on armed forces to uphold public trust in elections Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb shared Bangladesh's ambitious target to increase its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports from approximately $1 billion to $5 billion by 2030. He assured the investors of protecting their investments. Speakers at the opening ceremony highlighted the importance of building a digitally skilled nation through proper investment in developing human resources. They also discussed Bangladesh’s growing potential in exporting digital services. They expressed optimism that the country would soon be able to present new technologies to the world, rather than relying solely on technologies developed elsewhere. Bangladesh has set an ambitious target to increase its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exports from approximately $1 billion–$1.4 billion currently to $5 billion by 2030. While previous targets The expo aims to attract technological innovation, showcase capabilities and successes, and encourage investment in the technology sector. Five seminars and four panel discussions are scheduled, focusing on digital transformation, global investment, the startup ecosystem, the national equipment identity register, financing and digital devices for students to build an intelligent society, bridging gaps in the innovation ecosystem, the deep-tech value chain, manufacturing and export vision, and inclusive digital transformation. Prof Yunus says fair polls possible, calls for readiness for all scenarios Entry to the expo is open to all through online or on-site registration. The venue will be fully Wi-Fi enabled using satellite internet technology. The expo serves as a major platform for showcasing state-of-the-art technologies and innovative ideas from various industries and universities.

In a powerful reaffirmation of Bangladesh’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the capital is set to host this year’s Environment Fair and Tree Fair from June 25, drawing attention to urgent ecological concerns and sustainable solutions. The month-long event, to be held beside the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, will open its gates daily from 9:00am to 9:00pm, inviting citizens from all walks of life to participate. At a press conference held at the Secretariat, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that the Environment Fair will take place from June25 to 27, while the Tree Fair will continue until July 24. The inaugural ceremony on June 25 will be graced by Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, who will attend as chief guest. The event will also see the presentation of the National Environment Medal 2024, the National Wildlife Conservation Award 2025, and the National Tree Plantation Award 2024. Besides, profit-sharing cheques will be distributed to beneficiaries of the social forestry programme. “Our mission to combat pollution, mitigate climate impacts and develop forest resources is unwavering. “This year’s programmes aim to engage the public more deeply and build a sense of environmental responsibility across the nation,” said Rizwana Hasan. Early humans survived in a range of extreme environments before global migration, study says This year’s World Environment Day is themed ‘Say No to Plastic Pollution, Time to Act is Now’ while the National Tree Plantation Campaign carries the slogan ‘Let Us Plan for Greening, Build a Green Bangladesh’. A series of awareness campaigns are planned, including drawing, debate, and slogan competitions in 100 educational institutions across Dhaka, alongside seminars and outreach programmes in districts and upazilas. Tree fairs and sapling distributions will also take place throughout the country. Rizwana Hasan warned of the health hazards posed by plastic waste, noting its infiltration into the food chain and links to cancer and other serious illnesses. As part of its response, the government has banned plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds from June 1, 2025, and imposed restrictions on 17 types of single-use plastics. A final draft of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy has been completed, and special coastal protection plans are being implemented in 40 upazilas, including eight in Chattogram, declared ‘Exposed Coasts’. Between November 2024 and June 2025, 434 mobile courts acted against 815 organisations, collecting Tk 63 lakh in fines and seizing 2.33 lakh kilograms of banned polythene. In an effort to restore forestland, 1,717 acres were reclaimed since August 2024, reversing illegal allocations, including a major move to recover 4,104 acres from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) in Mirsarai, Chattogram. Rizwana highlighted a long-term greening effort spanning decades: from FY 1995–96 to FY 2023–24, over 426,000 hectares of block plantations and 72,581 kilometres of strip plantations have been established, with more than 2.06 billion saplings planted and distributed. The government has disbursed Tk 505 crore to 250,000 beneficiaries under the social forestry programme. World Environment Day being observed with call to beat plastic pollution  In the arena of wildlife conservation, targeted programmes are ongoing to protect elephants, vultures, freshwater stingrays, migratory birds, sharks, dolphins, and gharials. The Wildlife Conservation Act has been updated, the controversial safari park project in Lawachara scrapped, and a biodiversity zone declared in Purbachal. Environmental regulation efforts have also intensified: 1,063 mobile courts have been deployed to curb air, noise and river pollution, resulting in 2,499 legal actions, Tk 25.35 crore in fines, and the shutdown of 481 illegal brick kilns. A new action plan is being implemented to protect Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA). “While the government is determined to lead the way in environmental protection, meaningful change requires the active involvement of both the media and the public,” said Rizwana Hasan, adding, “We call upon journalists and citizens alike to help carry these initiatives to every corner of the country.” Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry; Dr Fahmida Khanam, Additional Secretary (Environment); Md Khairul Islam, Additional Secretary (Development); Dr Md Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment; and Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, among others, attended the press conference .