United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry has set a new global benchmark in sustainable (green) manufacturing, securing a record-breaking 38 new LEED certifications in 2025. This marks the highest number of green factory certifications achieved by the sector in a single year, further cementing the country’s position as the world leader in eco-friendly apparel production, said Bangladesh Apparel Exchange, an organization established to promote the apparel industry. The 2025 achievement is defined by a significant leap in quality. Of the 38 newly certified factories, 22 achieved the prestigious LEED Platinum rating, while 11 earned Gold and 5 received Silver. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is the world's most widely used green building rating system, recognizing projects that meet high standards for sustainable design, construction, operation, and maintenance, covering energy efficiency, water conservation, materials, and indoor air quality, with levels from Certified to Platinum based on points earned, providing a framework for healthier, cost-saving, and environmentally friendly buildings. The LEED developed by the non-profit US Green Building Council (USGBC). The apparel sector experts said that notably, no factories settled for basic certification, signaling a strategic shift from simple regulatory compliance toward high-level environmental excellence. Read more: Bangladesh consolidates global leadership with 268 LEED-certified RMG factories With these latest additions, Bangladesh now hosts a total of 270 LEED-certified garment factories. The country’s green portfolio currently includes-114 Platinum facilities, 137 Gold facilities, 15 Silver and 4 Certified facilities This represents the highest concentration of top-tier LEED-certified factories globally. Industry leaders attribute this progress to long-term investments by manufacturers and strategic guidance from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). "The momentum gained in 2025 reflects a proactive alignment with evolving global standards," said Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director, BGMEA and Managing Director, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange. "As international buyers and regulators, particularly in the EU, demand lower environmental footprints, our manufacturers are leading the way in carbon efficiency and water stewardship." Read more: Bangladesh sets new record with 36 factories earning LEED certification in a year The record-breaking performance is seen as a preparation for the next phase of global trade requirements, including carbon pricing mechanisms and digital transparency frameworks. By integrating green buildings with circular production models, the Bangladeshi RMG sector is positioning itself as not only the largest but also the most future-ready apparel exporter in the world.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Wednesday told the Election Commission (EC) that providing VVIP facilities to someone while denying theses to others is the violation of a level playing field in the election. “If someone gets many facilities, even VVIP facilities, while others do not, that cannot be called a level playing field,” said Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair while briefing reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin. A three-member Jamaat delegation met the CEC in the afternoon at Nirbachon Bhaban in the city. The Jamaat leader said their leaders who are playing roles in the election, including the Ameer-e-Jamaat, the Secretary General and other central and top leaders, will conduct extensive tours in different areas. “They will need to travel massively. We have drawn attention to their security issues.” Read more: Jamaat-e-Islami backs Inqilab Moncho’s 24-hour ultimatum for Hadi killers He said the Election Commission told them that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the relevant ministry and the EC would talk to it and take necessary initiatives from its side. Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said a big party is violating the election code of conduct and they (Jamaat) sought immediate steps in this regard. “You may have seen various types of cards issued by a big party. We have seen those mainly through journalist friends. They are making different promises. They will distribute so many lakhs or crores of cards. They are promising that cardholders will receive thousands or lakhs of taka per card. These acts are clear violations of the election rules and the code of conduct,” he said. The Jamaat leader said they told the Commission to take action in this regard. “We have drawn their attention and urged them to take immediate measures.” Replying to a question, Ahsanul Mahboob said cards are being distributed by a big party. “They are saying 50 crore cards will be given. Each person will receive lakhs of taka.” He said they asked the EC to install CCTV cameras at polling stations as it is very important for ensuring a free and fair election. Read more: Govt welcomes Tarique Rahman’s return, assures full cooperation  “If CCTV cameras are not installed, we believe terrorists and those with ill intentions will get a major opportunity to disrupt and sabotage the election. If CCTV cameras are there, we hope that opportunity will no longer exist,” he added. The Jamaat leader said they also discussed the overall law and order situation and recommended recovery of illegal arms and the arrest of listed criminals.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has been identified as the most corruption-prone public service office in the country, according to the Citizen Perception Survey (CPS) 2025, released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The survey found that 63.29 percent of citizens who sought services from BRTA experienced corruption. BRTA was followed by law enforcement agencies (57.96 percent) and passport offices (57.45 percent) on the corruption list. The report was unveiled on Wednesday at the BBS auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka. According to the survey, 31.67 percent of respondents admitted to having paid bribes directly while receiving government services in the past 12 months. Read more: BRTA chairman wants to see accident-free roads The rate of bribery was significantly higher among men (38.62 percent) compared to women (22.71 percent). An overwhelming 98.48 percent of respondents reported paying bribes in cash. BBS conducted the nationwide CPS between February 6 and 23, 2025, covering 64 districts. Data were collected through interviews with 84,807 respondents aged 18 and above (39,894 men and 44,913 women) from 45,888 households across 1,920 Primary Sampling Units (PSUs). The findings show that 63.29 percent of respondents who interacted with BRTA officials admitted to paying bribes to receive services, making it the most corruption-prone government office among those surveyed, while the least bribery was recorded in government and autonomous banks and insurance offices (2.98 percent), public educational institutions (2.94 percent), and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) itself, which stood at 1.99 percent. Law enforcement agencies ranked second, where 61.94 percent of service recipients said they had to pay bribes. This was followed by the passport office at 57.45 percent and the land registry (cadastre) office at 54.92 percent, highlighting persistent corruption in citizen-facing and documentation-related services. Read more: Road crashes claim 380 lives in July: BRTA More than half of the respondents also reported bribery in interactions with judges, magistrates, prosecutors and other legal officials (53.77 percent), and the land record, acquisition and settlement offices (51.40 percent). At the mid-range, bribery was reported by 44.68 percent of respondents dealing with accounts offices, while customs, excise, and VAT offices recorded 35.37 percent. Local government offices at the union parishad, pourashava, and upazila levels stood at 32.91 percent, followed by district and upazila election offices at 26.04 percent. Lower levels of bribery were reported in social security and welfare offices (19.20 percent) and public utility services such as electricity, water and gas (18.41 percent). Interactions with elected local government representatives (14.94 percent) and income tax or revenue offices (14.08 percent) showed relatively lower but still notable corruption. Bribery incidence was lowest in the district and upazila administration (11.33 percent), agricultural offices (9.07 percent), and among public healthcare providers, including doctors and nurses (8.05 percent). Only 7.91 percent reported bribery involving elected Members of Parliament. The data underscore deep-rooted governance challenges, particularly in transport, law enforcement and land-related services, where citizens’ dependence on officials continues to fuel informal payments despite ongoing reform efforts. The survey assessed progress on six indicators of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, based on citizens’ perceptions and experiences related to security, good governance, quality of public services, corruption, access to justice, and discrimination. Read more: CNG drivers block road outside BRTA prompting Mohakhali-Uttara tailback Nationally, the average household size was four members, with 81.97 percent male-headed households and 18.03 percent female-headed households. On security, 84.81 percent of citizens reported feeling safe walking alone in their neighbourhoods after sunset while the sense of safety was lower among women (80.67 percent) compared to men (89.53 percent). The feeling of safety inside one’s home after dark was higher at 92.54 percent. In terms of governance, only 27.24 percent of citizens believed they could influence government decisions, while this figure dropped to 21.99 percent regarding political decision-making. Nationally, about 24.62 percent of respondents felt that the country’s political system is inclusive and responsive, with little difference between rural (24.47 percent) and urban (24.91 percent) areas. Regarding public service delivery over the past year, 47.12 percent of respondents accessed government health services, while 40.93 percent reported that at least one of their children attended a government primary or secondary school. Besides, 73.77 percent sought other government services such as identity cards or civil registration. Satisfaction levels varied across services: 72.69 percent for healthcare, 81.56 percent for primary education, 78.18 percent for secondary education, and 66.91 percent for other government services. The survey also found that 16.16 percent of citizens experienced disputes or conflicts in the past two years. Among them, 83.60 percent had access to some form of dispute resolution, either formal (such as courts) or informal (such as community leaders). Of these, 41.34 percent used formal institutions, while 68.96 percent relied on informal mechanisms. On discrimination, 19.31 percent of respondents reported experiencing some form of discrimination. Read more: BRTA provides financial assistance to families of road crash victims in Joypurhat The main bases were socio-economic status (6.82 percent) and gender (4.47 percent). Incidents occurred most frequently within families (49.72 percent), in public transport or open spaces (34.82 percent), and at workplaces (24.85 percent). Only 5.37 percent of victims reported such incidents to the authorities.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday said the government welcomes BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s scheduled homecoming on Thursday morning, affirming that all cooperation sought by his party is being extended with necessary security measures in place. "We welcome his return," he told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital. In terms of security, Alam said, things are being looked after in consultation with BNP keeping in mind what the party wants.   "From our part, we have the highest effort," said the Press Secretary, stressing that required security measures have been taken from the government side. Homebound Finally: Tarique set to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday morning Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad was also present. Regarding youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi's killers, Press Secretary Alam said the government is working with the highest priority in this regard.   "We are getting some vital clues. We have the highest efforts to investigate the matter," he said, referring to some arrests. After 17 years in exile, Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman is poised to return home on Thursday morning (December 25, 2025), a moment the party describes as both politically significant and emotionally charged. BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed a detailed timeline at a press conference held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday (December 24, 2025). According to the plan, Tarique Rahman will depart London’s Heathrow Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman. Senior journalist Saleh Shibly and three personal aides will also travel with him. The aircraft is scheduled to land in Dhaka at 11:55am. From the airport, Tarique will proceed directly to a public reception arranged on the service lane of the 300 Feet Road, where he will deliver a brief address to supporters. To minimise public inconvenience and traffic congestion in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman alone will speak at the reception, said Salahuddin. After the programme, he will visit BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, Bashundhara, to enquire about her health. He will then return to his designated residence in Gulshan. On Friday, following the Jumma prayers, Tarique Rahman will visit the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman. He is also scheduled to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial. On Saturday, Tarique Rahman will be formally registered as a voter. After completing the process, he will visit the grave of Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will later go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured in the July 2024 uprising. Tarique Rahman was arrested during the caretaker government in 2007 and spent around 18 months in prison. After his release in 2008, he left for the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment. Although he has been leading the party from abroad, his return now comes as he prepares to take a more direct role in party affairs after a long 17-year absence.  

BNP has reached an electoral understanding with seven more alliance partners of the anti-fascist movement, leaving eight parliamentary seats for them for the upcoming national election. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the list at a press conference at the party Chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday afternoon (December 24, 2025). Under the arrangement, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna will contest from Bogura-2, Jatiya Party (Kazi Zafar) leader Mostafa Jamal Haider from Pirojpur-1, and National People’s Party (NPP) Chairman Fariduzzaman Farhad from Narail-2. Islami Oikya Jote leader Mufti Rashid Bin Wakkas will contest from Jashore-5, while Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur will contest from Patuakhali-3 and the party’s General Secretary Rashed Khan from Jhenaidah-4. Bangladesh Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque will contest from Dhaka-12, and Ganosanghati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki from Brahmanbaria-6. LDP Secretary General Dr Redwan joins BNP Fakhrul said BNP reached the understanding after long discussions with the parties that simultaneously took part in the anti-fascist movement. “After detailed discussions with our partners in the simultaneous movement, we have reached agreements on these seats. I am sharing the list with you today.” He said discussions with other partners are still ongoing and more decisions may be announced later. Read more: LDP Secretary General Dr Redwan joins BNP The BNP Secretary General also said Cumilla-7 seat has been allocated to Dr Redowan Ahmed, who joined BNP on Wednesday, while Dhaka-13 has been allocated to NDM Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, who is expected to join the party soon. Fakhrul said alliance partners will contest the election with their respective party symbols, while those who have joined BNP will contest with the party’s ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol. Warning party leaders and activists, Fakhrul said BNP will not field any candidate in the seats left for alliance partners as per the central decision. “If anyone contests as an independent candidate in those seats, organisational action will be taken against them,” he said. BNP Standing Committee Members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were present at the press conference. Earlier on Tuesday, the party announced to leave four seats for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, ahead of the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. The Jamiat candidates are Md Manjurul Islam Afendi in Nilphamari-1, Monir Hossain Kasemi in Narayanganj-4, Md Ubaidullah Faruq in Sylhet-5 and Junayed Al Habib in Brahmanbaria-2. BNP has already announced party candidates for 272 of the 300 parliamentary seats in two phases. Read more: Homebound Finally: Tarique set to arrive in Dhaka on Thursday morning Of the remaining 28 seats, four were allocated to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh on Tuesday, while eight more seats were allocated to other alliance partners on Wednesday. Sixteen seats are yet to be finalised.

After 17 years in exile, Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tarique Rahman is poised to return home on Thursday morning, a moment the party describes as both politically significant and emotionally charged. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed a detailed timeline at a press conference held at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office on Wednesday. According to the plan, Tarique Rahman will depart London’s Heathrow Airport on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman and their beloved pet cat Jebu. Party sources said senior journalist Saleh Shibly and three personal aides will also travel with him. Arrival & Programmes “Our leader will leave London on a regular Bangladesh Airlines flight from Heathrow Airport around midnight (Bangladesh time). After a transit stop in Sylhet, he will arrive in Dhaka at 11:50am tomorrow (Thursday) morning, Insha’Allah,” said Salahuddin. He said BNP Standing Committee members will receive the party’s Acting Chairman at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. From the airport, the BNP leader said, Tarique will proceed directly to join a reception programme as their party has arranged on the 36 July Expressway (300 Feet Road). “It will be a short programme. He (Tarique) will speak there thanking the people of the country, expressing his gratitude, and offering gratefulness to the Almighty Allah,” he said. To minimise public inconvenience and traffic congestion in Dhaka, Salahuddin said Tarique alone will speak at the reception. After the programme, he said the BNP Acting Chairman will visit his mother and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who is currently undergoing treatment in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) of Evercare Hospital, Bashundhara. After spending some time beside Khaleda, Tarique will proceed to House No-196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will stay. On Friday, following the Jumma prayers, Tarique Rahman will visit the grave of his father and BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman.  He is also later scheduled to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. Read more: Sense of insecurity gripped nation ahead of Tarique’s homecoming: Abbas On Saturday, Tarique Rahman will be formally registered as a voter. After completing the process, he will visit the grave of Osman Hadi near the Dhaka University Central Mosque. He will later go to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), popularly known as Pangu Hospital, to meet those injured in the July 2024 uprising. Advance Apology Salahuddin, on behalf of BNP, sincerely apologised in advance for any inconvenience or suffering caused by the unavoidable and minimal programmes taken by the party to organise the historic homecoming of its beloved leader. “You know that Mr Tarique Rahman does not support any programme that may cause public inconvenience. He has already asked expatriate leaders, activists, and supporters not to gather at London’s Heathrow Airport on the day of his departure from there” he said. In Bangladesh too, the BNP leader said that although they sincerely tried to follow his instructions to avoid causing public suffering, it may not have been possible to fully comply.  “So, we express our advance apology and regret for any public inconvenience.” Salahuddin said Tarique has chosen a government holiday for his return to avoid public inconvenience. He said the programme at the 300 Feet Road is neither a public rally nor a reception. “It is only meant for him to express sincere gratitude to the people of the country and to request prayers for the well-being of the party chairperson and everyone in the country. There will be no second speaker at the event besides him.” The BNP leader said no matter how much they try to keep the event small, they do not have the ability to control the large flow of leaders, activists and supporters who has been waiting for 17 years and are coming to the capital from all parts of the country. “Still, we have instructed our supporters to mostly use the Kanchan Bridge to reach the venue.” He also outlined arrangements in the capital, including reception points at different locations, designated parking areas for vehicles, medical camps and field hospitals. Security Arrangements BNP Chairperson’s Chief Security Officer retired Brigadier General AKM Saiful Islam said, “We will use our party’s full security system. A small part of it is the Chairperson Security Force (CSF). Beyond that, our party leaders and activists, and above all, the people of Bangladesh, are the main foundation of our security.” He said the government is providing them with maximum cooperation and has instructed its various forces and agencies to extend all kinds of support. “We have developed close coordination with them. By integrating government organisations with our party’s own strength, we hope to build the strongest possible security arrangement based on the known security needs.” No Gathering at Sylhet Airport BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said their beloved leader, Tarique Rahman, will return to the country on a Bangladesh Airlines flight, which will first land at Sylhet Airport. He instructed leaders and activists of Sylhet city and district not to gather at the airport. “No leaders or activists from Sylhet city or district should gather at the airport. No one should go there. Our leader will continue on the same flight to Dhaka. After arriving in Dhaka, he will speak to the people of the country at the programme we have arranged there,” Rizvi said. Tarique Rahman was arrested during the caretaker government in 2007 and spent around 18 months in prison. After his release in 2008, he left for the United Kingdom for advanced medical treatment. Although he has been leading the party from abroad, his return now comes as he prepares to take a more direct role in party affairs after a long 17-year absence. Read more: BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats

Bangladesh’s overall inflation rose slightly in November and rice remained the single largest contributor to food inflation, accounting for 40.28 per cent, according to the Monthly Economic Update and Outlook released by the General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Ministry. The government report said general inflation increased to 8.29 per cent in November from 8.17 per cent in October. Food inflation rose to 7.36 per cent from 7.08 per cent, while non-food inflation remained broadly stable at around 9 per cent. Overall rice inflation fell to 12.26 per cent in November from 13.77 per cent in October, with medium rice declining to 10.96 per cent, fine rice to 15.43 per cent and coarse rice to 11.04 per cent. Read more: Rice procurement faces disruption due to 0.5% source tax Despite the downward trend, rice prices remained elevated and continued to exert significant pressure on food inflation. Fish and dry fish contributed 40.77 percent to food inflation, slightly higher than the previous month. Contributions from meat, edible oil and fat declined, while milk, cheese and eggs recorded a modest increase and vegetables continued to have a strong disinflationary impact, though the negative contribution eased in November. At a detailed level, inflationary contributions from all major rice varieties declined. Among protein items, beef, hilsa and pangash fish showed higher inflationary pressure, while soybean oil and liquid milk eased. Potato and onion continued to post negative contributions, with potato remaining strongly disinflationary. The report noted that the gap between price inflation and wage inflation narrowed in October but widened slightly in November. Govt approves import of 1 lakh mt rice from India, Pakistan In November, price inflation stood at 8.29 per cent compared to wage inflation of 8.04 per cent, indicating continued pressure on real incomes despite partial adjustment through wage growth. On the monetary front, bank deposits reached Tk 19.24 crore in October, registering a year-on-year growth of 9.62 per cent, reflecting sustained depositor confidence. Credit growth moderated, with public sector credit growth slowing to 21.43 per cent and private sector credit growth easing slightly to 6.23 per cent. Total domestic credit growth decelerated to 9.62 per cent in October. Weighted average interest rate (WAIR) spreads varied across banking groups. Foreign commercial banks recorded the highest spread at 8.88 per cent while specialised and development banks posted the lowest at 3.37 per cent. State-owned and private commercial banks showed similar spreads of around 5.6 per cent, a level the GED said is desirable for improving banking sector efficiency. Revenue collection by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) fell short of the monthly target in November 2025 although it posted double-digit year-on-year growth. Govt to procure 50,000 mt of non-basmati parboiled rice, 80,000 mt fertiliser Against a monthly target of Tk 36,326 crore, collections stood at Tk 29,658 crore, achieving 83.95 per cent of the target. However, revenue increased by Tk 3,688 crore or 14.2 per cent compared to November 2024. The report said Annual Development Programme (ADP) utilisation improved year-on-year during July–November of FY2025-26, but overall implementation remained sluggish. Despite higher spending, utilisation continued to lag behind targets due to administrative bottlenecks, slow approvals and procurement delays. Bangladesh’s external sector showed strong performance in November. Remittance inflows reached a record USD 2.89 billion while export earnings stood at about USD 3.89 billion, driven largely by the ready-made garments (RMG) sector. Foreign exchange reserves peaked for the year, with gross reserves at approximately USD 32.34 billion and BPM6 reserves at USD 27.58 billion, strengthening external stability. RMG exports accounted for over 80 per cent of total export earnings underscoring continued dependence on the sector and the need for diversification. Read more: Rice biggest driver of October’s food inflation in Bangladesh: GED The GED also highlighted a growing divergence between the real effective exchange rate and the bilateral taka–US dollar rate, indicating potential real appreciation pressures and risks to external competitiveness.

Dr Redwan Ahmed, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Wednesday and will contest the upcoming national election from the Cumilla-7 constituency under the party’s electoral symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy. Redwan Ahmed arrived at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office in the morning and formally joined the party at simple programme, leaving the LDP. Speaking on the occasion, he said, “We were part of the joint movement, and I agree with the number of seats BNP will leave for the LDP as an alliance partner. However, my party chairman Oli Ahmed does not agree with this decision.” He said most members of the LDP Standing Committee, as well as leaders and activists across the country, shared his position. “I hope Oli Ahmed will reconsider and agree to an electoral understanding with the BNP….whether he contests the election or not, I will contest it in agreement with BNP. I have been associated with the BNP since its early days, which is why I am formally returning to the party and will take part in the election,” Redwan said. Read more: BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats He also confirmed that he has already submitted his resignation letter to the LDP chairman and claimed that many LDP leaders and activists nationwide would join the BNP and work for its candidates. Welcoming him, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir congratulated Redwan Ahmed, saying his return was like “a son coming back home” and that it would further strengthen the BNP. He announced that Redwan Ahmed would contest the next election as the BNP candidate from the Cumilla-7 constituency. BNP Standing Committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, and Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku were present at the joining ceremony. Read more: Shahadat Hossain Selim joins BNP dissolving his party

The World Bank has approved $150.75 million to help Bangladesh scale up support to create employment, opportunities and better income for low-income youth and micro-entrepreneurs, with a focus on women and those living in climate-vulnerable areas. The additional financing to the Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) Project will create employment and income opportunities for about another 176,000 youth across Bangladesh, in addition to the earlier 233,000 project beneficiaries. Participants will benefit from a comprehensive package of services including skills training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship development, and access to microfinance to help young people and micro-entrepreneurs overcome barriers to employment and business growth. It will also introduce innovative approaches for women’s empowerment, including access to quality childcare, and climate resilient livelihoods to help communities adapt to climate shocks. Read more: China’s K Visa For Bangladeshi Professionals: Eligibility, Application Process, Fees World Bank Acting Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Gayle Martin said that a good job can transform a life, a family, and a community. Yet, he said, every year many young Bangladeshis entering the labor market can't find work. The country also faces challenges in job quality, skills shortages and mismatches. “This additional financing will help more young people from low-income families, especially women and those in vulnerable communities, to access market-relevant skills, resources, and training they need for better employment and livelihood opportunities.” The financing will help the project expand its coverage beyond urban centers to rural communities, ensuring that marginalized youth and micro-entrepreneurs across the country can benefit from targeted support. It will pilot quality and affordable home-based childcare services by providing training and start-up grants to women. Read more: Bangladesh’s external debt crosses $104bn amid rising interest burden: WB By addressing both demand and supply of childcare needs, these efforts will boost female labor force participation and create new jobs in the care sector, while also enhancing children’s early health and development. Besides, women will be targeted with life skills training to enhance their confidence and empowerment. The additional financing will also supplement training with job intermediation efforts by organising job fairs, connecting potential employers with candidates and assisting in marketing and contract negotiations. Team Leader for the project Aneeka Rahman said that the RAISE project has shown that targeted support can make a real difference for youth and micro-entrepreneurs. “With this new financing, we can scale up proven interventions, expand access to microfinance, and introduce innovative solutions like quality childcare, helping even more young people and women unlock their potential and build resilient futures.” The project has already shown strong results: over 80 percent of graduated apprentices secured employment within three months of completing the program and the young microentrepreneurs reported better earning and business practices. With this additional financing, the World Bank’s total support to the RAISE project now stands at $350.75 million. Read more: Bangladesh sets its own economic policy, not dictated by IMF or WB: BB Governor

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has appointed Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury as the 26th Chief Justice of Bangladesh. According to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday (December 23, 2025), President Shahabuddin made the appointment exercising his power following Article 95 (1) of the Constitution. Justice Zubayer is scheduled to take oath as the new Chief Justice on December 28. Read more: Violent clash over char capture in Hatiya leaves five dead The appointment follows the imminent retirement of the current 25th Chief Justice, Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, whose retirement takes effect on December 27. Born on May 18, 1961, Justice Zubayer is the son of the late AFM Abdur Rahman Chowdhury, who also served as a judge of the Supreme Court. Obtaining LLB (Honours) and LLM degrees from the University of Dhaka, he did a master’s degree from the United Kingdom on international law. He started his career as a lawyer in the district judges’ court in 1985 and at the High Court (HC) in 1987. On August 27, 2003, he was appointed as an additional judge of the HC Division, with his position made permanent two years later. Read more: Judiciary must see constitutional changes as reality, not threat: CJ Syed Refaat President Shahabuddin appointed him as a justice of the Appellate Division on August 12, 2024, and he took oath the following day, on August 13.