United News of Bangladesh

Nahar Khan, Global Vice President of Cosmos Group, attended and spoke at the EAST X EAST Asia Meeting 2025, an invitation-only gathering held on November 6–7 in Taipei, Taiwan. The forum brought together CEOs, founders, family offices, technologists, and policy thinkers for two days of high-level dialogue on leadership, technology, climate, culture, and global resilience. Positioned by EAST X EAST as a private circle for leaders shaping the future, the meeting addressed the profound shifts driven by AI, sustainability pressures, geopolitical instability, and rapidly changing workforce dynamics.

Strongly opposing the introduction of a proportional representation (PR) system, BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Saturday said it would only strengthen political parties while weakening the link between people and their elected representatives, ultimately causing suffering for the public. “PR basically weakens the position of an individual representative and strengthens the party instead,” he said while speaking at a seminar. The seminar, titled ‘Election 2026: A Critical Look at Proportional Representation’, was arranged by Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Cosmos Group, at the Cosmos Centre in the capital’s Moghbazar area. United News of Bangladesh (UNB) was the media partner of the event. Under the PR system, Dr Moyeen, a BNP Standing Committee member, said people would vote for a party, not an individual, and the party would then decide who becomes a member of parliament. “This goes against our fundamental democratic spirit, where people elect their own representatives who are directly accountable to them.” He warned that making parties stronger while weakening individuals would create a “self-contradictory system,” noting that in Bangladesh, people have always wanted to prevent political parties from becoming too powerful. “Whenever political parties became too strong in the last 54 years, it ultimately brought suffering for the people,” the BNP leader said. Dr Moyeen Khan also observed that Bangladeshis are not yet mentally or intellectually prepared for such a complicated electoral process. “People here want a simple system where they can clearly understand who represents them and who they are voting for.”  

Masud Jamil Khan, Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of Cosmos Group and Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh has been nominated as a distinguished fellow of the Capstone course at the National Defence College (NDC) in Bangladesh. The Capstone course is designed to foster a shared understanding of the key national challenges related to security and development. It brings together high-level leaders and elite from diverse sectors of society, aiming to enhance their strategic insight into issues crucial to the nation’s progress. Khan's nomination as a distinguished fellow reflects his active engagement in areas critical to national interest and recognises his contribution as a member of the country’s corporate and intellectual community.

United News of Bangladesh (UNB) hosted its District Correspondents' Conference on Saturday (1 Feb), reaffirming its unwavering commitment to unbiased and credible journalism in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Held at Cosmos Centre, Malibagh, Dhaka, the event highlighted the evolving new media, stressing the importance of district correspondents adapting to digital platforms while maintaining journalistic integrity and accuracy in their reporting. UNB hosts district correspondents’ conference; highlights fair journalism Bangladesh’s iconic photographer Shahidul Alam inaugurated the conference as the Guest of Honour.  Shahidul Alam, also the founder of Drik Picture Library and Pathshala, later engaged with correspondents on the evolving media landscape. Analysing a number of global and local photographs, he provided valuable insights, encouraging correspondents to approach visual storytelling with both depth and originality. Commenting on the importance of photojournalism, Shahidul Alam said, “Many newsrooms often fail to prioritise photographs. Several media houses in Bangladesh do not even have photo editors. I started photography believing it to be my most powerful tool and I still stand by that belief. If I were to begin today, I would focus on mastering social media as it has become immensely powerful. I would also work with AI, as it is shaping the future of journalism. A written post alone never goes viral, but if accompanied by an image or video, it has a higher chance of reaching a wider audience.” UNB’s Commitment to Impartial Journalism UNB’s Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan said that neutrality remains the only asset in journalism. “Bangladesh’s media landscape has undergone significant change recently, leading to upheaval in many newsrooms. However, UNB remains an exception, having consistently upheld impartial journalism for nearly four decades.” UNB Executive Editor Nahar Khan welcomed the district correspondents and discussed the challenges and opportunities in the evolving media industry. She underscored the importance of integrity and innovation in journalism, and shared instances where news coverage compelled the government to take swift action. “The country is experiencing major transformations, with political unrest still posing challenges. However, every challenge presents an opportunity. Media houses gain public trust during crises, and in an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, responsible journalism becomes even more crucial,” Nahar Khan said. Two-day fact-checking workshop concludes at UNB She said, “We must embrace innovation while maintaining integrity. Journalism has the power to bring about systemic change and impact people's lives. While reporting, think about the potential effects of your stories on the nation and its people.” Citing an example, Nahar Khan said, “When reports on the sudden flooding in Sunamganj were published, the government responded promptly with emergency measures. Without media coverage, the crisis could have escalated further.” Panel Discussions on Key Journalism Issues The conference featured discussions on environmental journalism, fact-checking and media laws. Panelists included Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at Washington’s Wilson Centre; media personality Afsan Chowdhury; WildTeam CEO Dr Anwarul Islam; security analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Mohd. Aminul Karim; and Supreme Court lawyer Zahirul Islam Musa. UNB’s Advisory Editor Farid Hossain, Editor Mahfuzur Rahman and Dhaka Courier’s Executive Editor Shayan S. Khan also spoke at the event. Afsan Chowdhury, a veteran journalist and researcher, provided insights on economic reporting, urging district correspondents to focus on Bangladesh’s dual economic structure—formal and informal. “Around 70-75% of the country’s economy is informal, with little state intervention. However, most of our reporting remains state-centric, ignoring this reality.” He highlighted the role of migrant workers in sustaining the economy, noting that 25 million Bangladeshis work abroad, primarily in Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. “These expatriates contribute more to the economy than the 50 million people working domestically. Our perception of Bangladesh is outdated. The country exists beyond its borders due to its global economic dependencies. Journalists must recognise this when reporting.” Professor Dr. Anwarul Islam, former faculty member of the Department of Zoology at Dhaka University, highlighted the role of journalists in fostering a relationship between people and the environment, pointing out that any environmental or ecosystem change will impact the social environment. He said that they had been working on wildlife conservation nationwide. In 2009, he realised the need to focus on a specific area, and they chose tigers. “If tigers survive, the entire Sundarbans will thrive. Protecting the Sundarbans will preserve biodiversity, and in turn, ensure our survival,” he said. According to Dr. Anwar, the Sundarbans faces immense pressure, with 76 villages and eight districts surrounding it, many of whom rely on its resources. Four million people depend on the Sundarbans, and the question is whether it can sustain such pressure. Besides, the protective role the Sundarbans plays for the region may no longer be available. He emphasised that without political will and public involvement, nothing will survive. “The environmental pressure will affect society, and it is crucial to consider what we are leaving for future generations,” he added. Security analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Mohammad Aminul Karim said, “Journalism serves as a vital institution to keep the nation informed. However, the erosion of moral values and rampant corruption threaten progress.” He emphasised the potential of the blue economy, urging journalists to focus on Bangladesh’s maritime resources. “Without exploring the Bay of Bengal, our future remains uncertain. The fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes $100 billion annually to the global economy, generating 260 million jobs.” Two-day fact-checking training begins at UNB Sustainable development should be a priority for policymakers, he said, adding, “For Bangladesh to thrive, we must invest in the sea. If we fail to claim our share of the ocean, our survival will be at risk.” He also pointed out the environmental risks posed by plastic pollution in the Bay of Bengal and warned about the deterioration of the Sundarbans. “We must protect the world’s largest mangrove forest.” Recognising Excellence in Journalism UNB awarded its district correspondents Hossain Malik (Chuadanga), Sheikh Didarul Alam (Khulna) and Saiful Islam Shilpi (Chattogram) for their outstanding performance in 2024. The conference saw participation of over 100 journalists from Dhaka and various districts across the country. Founded in 1988 as South Asia’s first fully digitalised news agency, UNB partnered with the Associated Press (AP) to establish itself as a key player in Bangladesh’s media industry. As a member of the News Agencies World Congress (NAWC), UNB continues to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and authenticity in journalism.

The annual District Correspondents’ Conference of United News of Bangladesh (UNB) 2025 took place on Saturday at Cosmos Centre in Dhaka, focusing on neutrality in journalism and the evolving media landscape. Renowned photojournalist and educator Shahidul Alam inaugurated the daylong event with a session on photojournalism, emphasising accuracy, quality and creativity in capturing news images. Two-day fact-checking workshop concludes at UNB Alam, the founder of Drik Picture Library and Pathshala, also analysed photographs by both global and local photographers. UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan underscored the agency’s steadfast commitment to neutrality, stating that despite transformations in Bangladesh's media landscape, UNB has remained unaffected. He highlighted that public trust in UNB is rooted in its dedication to factual reporting. UNB Executive Editor Nahar Khan welcomed the participants and discussed the evolving challenges and opportunities in journalism. She stressed the importance of integrity and innovation in the profession, citing examples of impactful reporting that prompted swift government action. The conference featured sessions on environmental reporting, fact-checking, media law and discussions with newsroom members and district correspondents. Among the notable speakers were Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center; media personality Afsan Chowdhury; WildTeam CEO Dr Anwarul Islam; Supreme Court lawyer Zahirul Islam Musa; Cosmos Goup DMD Masud J. Khan; UNB Advisory Editor Farid Hossain; Editor Mahfuzur Rahman; and Dhaka Courier Executive Editor Shayan S Khan. Two-day fact-checking training begins at UNB Three UNB district correspondents—Hossain Malik (Chuadanga), Sheikh Didarul Alam (Khulna), and Saiful Islam Shilpi (Chattogram)—were recognised for their outstanding performance in 2024. Around 100 journalists from across the country, including Dhaka, attended the event.

The 18thAnnual General Meeting (AGM) of WildTeam, a conservation organization, was held at its head office at Cosmos Centre, Malibagh, Dhaka, on Thursday.  The AGM elected a five-member executive committee comprising Mr Enam Ul Haque as the Chairman of the board, Mr Md. Shamsur Rahman as the Vice-chairman, Professor Dr Md. Anwarul Islam as the General Secretary, Professor Dr Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury as the Treasurer, and Mr Enayetullah Khan as a member. Among others, Professor M Harunur Rashid, Professor Dr Nitish Chandra Debnath, Professor Dr Mizan R Khan, Professor Dr Mohammad Abdul Aziz, Professor Dr Ismot Ara and Ms Alifa Bintha Haque who are also the members, congratulated the executive committee. Also read:  Ban on entering Sundarbans: 2 lakh families pushed into financial hardship The AGM unanimously nominated Ms Nahar Khan, Director, UNB, and Vice President, Cosmos Group, as a member of the WildTeam. She was welcomed to the board by all. WildTeam is carrying out its activities to improve the conservation status of key animal species and habitats in Bangladesh and developing partnerships, tools, and platforms to build the capacity of organizations and individuals to carry out effective conservation in the country. WildTeam was able to engage communities in the Sundarbans with support from Bangladesh Forest Department, USAID, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoological Society of London, IUCN-KfW, and others to conserve tigers there. WildTeam team is now working in almost all the 76 villages of the Sundarbans with its volunteers: 340 Village Tiger Response Team (VTRT) members, 55 BaghBandhus (friends of tigers), and 50 TigerScouts. Also read: Sundarbans Day: Biodiversity under threat as salinity increases At present WildTeam is implementing IUCN-KfW’s Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme Phase II, in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India and Jahangirnagar University, in the Sundarbans.

Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, will host a dialogue titled “Bangladesh-Switzerland Relations: Prognosis for the Future” that will be premiered on social media on Wednesday evening (7pm).   Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard will deliver the keynote speech at the virtual dialogue highlighting the beginning of the relationship, how did the two countries get from there to 50-year long journey and what the future could hold for the bilateral relations. Also read:Noted artists celebrate Spring at ‘The Passion of Drawing’ by Gallery Cosmos The dialogue is part of Cosmos Foundation’s ongoing Ambassador's Lecture Series. Cosmos Foundation Executive Director Nahar Khan will deliver the opening remarks at the dialogue. The session will be chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, a renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government. Former Managing Director & CEO of Mutual Trust Bank Limited Anis A. Khan, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Fahmida Khatun and Honorary Advisor Emeritus, Cosmos Foundation Ambassador (Retd) Tariq A Karim will comprise the panel of discussants. Also read: Cosmos-Atelier 71 hosts Artist Residency Programme Cosmos-Atelier 71 hosts Artist Residency Programme The year 2022 is seen as very special for both Bangladesh and Switzerland as they celebrate 50 years of their bilateral ties. Switzerland considers this (50 years ties) as an important milestone and it marks their “solid and long-standing” partnership and it is a key moment of their journey together.

The 10th edition of 'Liberation DocFest', a documentary festival on liberation and human rights, organized by the Liberation War Museum (LWM), began on Friday. The inaugural ceremony of the festival was held at the LWM auditorium, where Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud was present as the chief guest. The five-day festival, previously known as the International Festival of Docufilms on Liberation and Human Rights, has generated much interest among film lovers at home and abroad. The 10th edition of Liberation DocFest features two different sections: the National Competition Section and the International Competition Section. Over 2,100 films from 196 countries were submitted to the organizers, out of which 140 documentaries from 40 countries are scheduled to be screened at the festival.

Speakers at a virtual dialogue, hosted by Cosmos Foundation, have laid emphasis on having a broader collaboration between Bangladesh and South Korea focusing on a number of new areas from technology transfer to virtual marketplace, fashion, startups and innovation as Korea eyes more success stories with Bangladesh going beyond RMG. “We need to move beyond RMG and diversify collaboration between the two countries,” said South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun while delivering his keynote address at the dialogue that premiered on Thursday. Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue titled “Bangladesh South Korea Relations: Prognosis for the Future” as part of its ongoing Ambassadors' Lecture Series.

Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Ambassador Rensje Teerink has said they have promised 10 million Covid-19 vaccine doses for Bangladesh, mentioning that it is not justified to say the EU is not generous enough in terms of vaccine sharing. “We can say the EU has been the driving force behind the global response to Covid-19. Let’s not underestimate how we, in fact, want to reach out to developing countries,” she said, apparently reacting to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen’s recent comment. Read: Rohingya issue not to disappear from agenda despite new global challenges: EU The EU envoy, however, said they are aware that it (10 million doses) is not enough and hoped that they can provide more. Ambassador Teerink was delivering her keynote address at a virtual dialogue titled “Bangladesh-European Union Relations: Prognosis for the Future” premiered on Thursday. Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue as part of its ongoing Ambassador’s Lecture Series. The opening remarks were delivered by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan. The session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government. Distinguished Fellow at Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, former BGMEA President and Mohammadi Group Chairperson Dr Rubana Huq, founder Chairman of Policy Research Institute (CRI) Dr Zaidi Sattar and Prof at International Relations Department of Dhaka University Imtiaz Ahmed and Honorary Advisor Emeritus, Cosmos Foundation Ambassador (Retd) Tariq A Karim comprised the panel of discussants.