United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s economy is grappling with intensifying pressure from multiple fronts  including the Middle East conflict and a volatile energy market which experts warn could destabilise macroeconomic stability. Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, chairman of think-tank Policy Exchange Bangladesh, told UNB that recent geopolitical tensions have sparked fresh concerns over energy security, threatening to disrupt power generation, industrial output, and the agricultural sector. A former World Bank economist, Dr. Reaz said the combination of internal structural weaknesses and external shocks poses a significant challenge for the government. “Middle East conflict and energy volatility, the escalating military activity involving the US, Israel, and Iran has sent ripples through the international energy market. Analysts fear that a prolonged conflict will lead to severe supply chain disruptions,” he added. Crucially, uncertainty of free vessel movement in the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ and Qatar Energy has reportedly declared "Force Majeure" on several long-term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supply contracts due to production setbacks. This development threatens gas supplies to major economies like South Korea, China, and parts of Europe, potentially driving up global oil and gas prices. For an import-dependent nation like Bangladesh, this translates into higher transport costs and immediate inflationary pressure on essential goods, said economic analysts Dr. Reaz. Domestic supply concerns amidst global volatility, domestic fuel supply has come under scrutiny. Despite reports of long queues at petrol pumps and claims of shortages from pump owners, the government maintains that stocks are sufficient, he pointed out. Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, attributed the pressure to "panic buying." He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary hoarding, assuring that supply would remain steady if demand followed normal patterns. Economists warn that fuel shortages will hit every sector of the economy. Gas-dependent sectors such as RMG, textiles, cement, and fertilizer face production cuts, which could shrink export earnings and deplete foreign exchange reserves. Scarcity of diesel and octane threatens irrigation and mechanized farming, raising fears of reduced food production. Increased production and transport costs are expected to drive the cost of living even higher. Politicians and Experts warning that the political landscape is also reacting to the crisis, which would be affected living cost of people. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir warned that the Middle East war could have a devastating impact on the national economy, specifically citing the inevitable rise in oil and commodity prices. Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), described the energy and banking sectors as the "two lungs" of the economy—both of which are currently in a weakened state. He emphasized that the government must prioritize four areas: maintaining macroeconomic stability, reforming the banking sector, ensuring energy security, and boosting private investment. CPD reports a decline in private sector credit flow due to high interest rates. The closure of several industries and the migration of some entrepreneurs have exacerbated the employment crisis. Furthermore, the banking sector remains high-risk due to a massive volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) and a lack of good governance. Experts suggest that to mitigate these pressures, Bangladesh must intensify domestic gas exploration, find cost-effective LNG sources, and implement rigorous banking reforms. Whether the current administration can navigate these global and domestic hurdles remains the primary focus of the nation’s economists and business community.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said there was no problem anywhere because the government took the right decision at the right time in economic management. “Ramadan began after the current government came to power and the war began. There was a fuel oil crisis due to the war, but despite the fuel crisis, there was no transportation crisis during Eid this time, transport fares did not increase, people were able to go home and return without any problems,” he said. This time, the Minister Said, commodity prices were also stable during Ramadan. This time, there was no unrest over the salaries of garment workers. The salaries of the workers were paid on time from the garment factory, so no problem arose. The Finance Minister told reporters after a meeting with Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, according to a Finance Ministry press release. He said that a loan program is underway with the International Monetary Fund and discussions are underway to advance the program. The conditions against the program will be implemented gradually in the context of Bangladesh's economy. He said, 'We cannot do everything at once, we will do it our way. All issues will be discussed at the IMF spring meeting in Washington in April. The Finance Minister said, after taking office, we have found the previous economy in a bad condition. The banking sector, stock market are in a bad condition and the tax-GDP ratio is also very low. These crises can be overcome through economic reforms and the implementation of the BNP's election manifesto. “We are working on social security programs such as family cards, distribution of farmer cards, agricultural loan waivers, etc. We are taking one step after another to implement them.” Since the time of the interim government, the Finance Minister said, many development projects have been stalled due to economic reasons. “We have discussed these. The economy needs to be taken to a certain place through reforms, for which several steps have been taken.” The Minister said that attention is being paid to deregulation reforms, business facilitation, reducing business costs, etc. to take the economy to a certain place. He said that all these will be reflected in the next budget.      

High bank lending rates, unstable law and order marked by extortion, energy uncertainty and lack of coordination in revenue management are proving ‘suicidal’ for the economy, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) Taskeen Ahmed said on Monday. Taskeen made the remarks at a press conference titled ‘Expectations from the New Government to Address the Current Economic Situation’ held at the DCCI auditorium in the city. He said the unchanged policy rate has forced businesses to borrow from banks at 16–17 percent interest, creating mounting pressure on the private sector. DCCI urges quick economic recovery measures as BNP forms govt “The high volume of non-performing loans (NPLs) and the reduction of the loan classification period from nine months to three months have further destabilised the financial sector,” the DCCI president said. “Industrial production is being hampered due to inadequate gas supply and the recent increase in gas prices for new industries and captive power plants by Tk 40 and Tk 42 per unit respectively,” he said, mentioning that both domestic demand and export targets are being missed as a result. He warned that the absence of policy continuity in industrial regulations and an “unbearable” level of extortion have eroded investor confidence, affecting both local and foreign investments. The DCCI president also pointed to structural weaknesses in the revenue management system, saying the lack of automation leads to harassment of compliant taxpayers while many remain outside the tax net, depriving the government of due revenue and slowing collection growth. Taskeen said delays in land acquisition, high land prices, a 41 percent average increase in service charges by the Chattogram Port Authority and underutilisation of inland waterways have significantly raised the cost of doing business. “Rising production and distribution costs are also fuelling inflationary pressures.” Prolonged tight monetary policy stalling Bangladesh’s growth: DCCI On Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) status, Taskeen said estimates by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) suggest exports could decline by 5.5–7 percent, equivalent to around $2.7 billion. Given the current domestic and global economic uncertainties, such a setback would be highly undesirable, he said, urging the government to seek at least a three-year deferment of LDC graduation. Referring to the recently signed agreement with the United States, he said it does not guarantee duty-free access for the ready-made garment sector, while conditions related to LNG and other imports may increase business costs. Taskeen called on the government to renegotiate the terms with the US administration. During the question-and-answer session, the DCCI president stressed the need for effective measures to curb extortion and improve law and order. He noted that over two million educated youths remain unemployed, warning that prolonged joblessness could lead to social instability. He emphasised strengthening skill development programmes, simplifying business procedures and ensuring easier access to bank loans, particularly for young entrepreneurs and startups. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman and members of the Board of Directors were present at the event.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s economic policy must be people-centred and inclusive, stressing the need to create equal opportunities for citizens from all walks of life to participate in economic activities. He made the remarks while speaking at a reception ceremony for newly appointed ministerial colleagues at the conference room of the ministry. The finance minister said the country must build an economy where participation from every segment of society is ensured, as broader engagement would help bring meaningful changes to the overall economic landscape. Finance Minister Amir Khosru unveils ambitious reform plan on day one “A level playing field must exist in the economy so that every citizen has the opportunity to contribute and benefit from growth,” he said. Referring to the changing public mindset after August 5, he said economic policies and activities must align with the evolving expectations of people. As a first step, he emphasised the need to address the poor condition of state institutions. “Our priority should be to recover institutions and strengthen them,” he said. He said that professionalism, transparency and efficiency must be restored across public bodies to ensure effective governance and sustainable economic progress. The minister also underscored the need to move away from a patronage-based economic model towards a more democratic and participatory one. To achieve this, he called for deregulation and liberalisation, alongside efforts to diversify the economy beyond a narrow dependence on manufacturing. Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru He said sectors such as sports, culture and other professions should be integrated into economic planning to create wider opportunities and generate new sources of income. Giving an example, he referred to the traditional ‘shital pati’ (woven mat) produced in Barishal, which usually sells for Tk600 to Tk700. If artisans are provided with training, access to credit and online marketing facilities, they could develop new designs and produce a variety of products, potentially creating a large market and boosting their incomes, he noted. At the event, Khasru said the country’s economic framework should be developed in line with the 31-point programme of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, calling for the establishment of a democratic economic system that ensures fairness and inclusivity. The finance minister sought cooperation from officials at all levels to move the country’s economy forward and implement reforms effectively. Among others present at the programme were Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur and Finance Division Secretary Dr Khairuzzaman Mozumder, and secretaries and senior officials from various divisions of the Ministry of Finance.

As Bangladesh prepares for the formation of a new government following the 13th national election, expectations are running high among depositors, investors and job seekers seeking relief from prolonged financial strain. The BNP-led alliance is set to assume office amid mounting economic pressures, with questions swirling over who will take charge of the finance ministry and what policy direction the new administration will adopt to tackle banking fragility, stubborn inflation and sluggish job creation. For Abdul Hamid, a retired government employee, said the stakes are deeply personal. He has been unable to recover Tk 24 lakh that he placed as a fixed deposit in a private bank. “I expected the new government that they will return my Tk 24 lakh, which was fixed and deposited in a private bank. But the bank fails to pay me the principal amount and benefits,” Hamid told UNB. He said many depositors in several private sector banks face similar hardship, with institutions unable to repay funds, leaving families struggling due to a lack of liquidity. Stock market investors are also looking for signs of a turnaround. Golam Azad, 45, invested around Tk 35 lakh in 2007 after being encouraged by a friend to seek higher returns. He suffered losses during the stock market scams of 2010 and 2011 and has since waited for a sustained recovery. Azad said he hopes the incoming democratic government will take meaningful steps to support market stability and protect investors. Young graduates represent another anxious constituency. Washim Habib, who completed his degree at a public university in 2021, has sat for the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) and other government recruitment examinations but remains unemployed. Habib said he is seeking employment in either the public or private sector, noting that his elderly parents can no longer continue to support his expenses. He expressed hope that the new democratic government will create opportunities to help him secure suitable work. Finance Adviser Flags Structural Challenges Against this backdrop, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Finance Adviser to the interim administration, has issued a pointed warning about the scale of the economic challenges awaiting the next leadership. New MPs, cabinet members to be sworn in Tuesday Speaking to reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat, he said the primary mission of the incoming government must be revitalising trade and industry while strengthening financial institutions to ensure long-term stability. Job creation, he stressed, is central to restoring economic momentum. “If business does not expand, employment will not be generated. And without employment, the purchasing power of the people will remain weak. This is one of the biggest challenges,” he said. He urged policymakers to foster a vibrant private sector, arguing that the country’s industrial base remains relatively small and overly dependent on exports. Inflation and Banking Sector Strains Inflation, he said, remains a “multidimensional problem” that cannot be resolved through monetary policy alone. While the interim administration has introduced several measures, broader and more comprehensive steps will be required to provide relief. On banking sector reform, the adviser acknowledged that reorganisation efforts are under way but cautioned that “difficult decisions” lie ahead. He praised recent initiatives by the central bank governor but noted that credit flow remains constrained and full public confidence in the banking system has yet to return, despite a recent uptick in deposits. Capital Market and Energy Reform To reduce overreliance on banks, Dr Salehuddin called for deeper capital market development. “If we cannot develop the capital market, trade and commerce will not grow by relying solely on banks. Equity participation through the stock market and a strong bond market, especially for the private sector, are essential,” he said. He said regulatory reform efforts are being slowed by legal complexities and ongoing court challenges. The energy sector, he warned, poses a 'major long-term challenge'. He called for intensified domestic exploration, including offshore drilling, and expressed disappointment at the slower-than-expected progress in solar energy development. The insurance sector, he said, remains another 'sensitive area' where reform momentum has been limited despite various initiatives. As the new administration prepares to take the oath of office, its first 100 days are likely to be defined by how effectively it can stabilise markets, restore investor confidence and translate high public expectations into tangible economic gains, economists said.

Calling logistics a foundational pillar of modern economies, Syed Ershad Ahmed, President of AmCham Bangladesh, said efficient logistics systems are essential for sustaining supply chains, supporting economic growth, and ensuring the continuity of everyday life. The global logistics landscape is being rapidly reshaped by forces such as AI and automation, decarbonization and fuel transitions, geopolitics, regionalization, and supply chain resilience, and stressed the need to bridge existing knowledge and capacity gaps to better support the country’s growing trade and investment needs, he said. The AmCham President made the remarks at a focus group discussion titled “Framing the Logistics Sector Landscape: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward,” held at a city hotel on Tuesday. Read More: AmCham honours Khaleda Zia as legacy of an exemplary leader Drawing on over three decades of professional experience, he noted that while Bangladesh’s logistics sector has evolved, it continues to lag behind regional competitors and remains poorly understood domestically. M. Masrur Reaz, Chairman, Policy Exchange Bangladesh, highlighted key challenges and opportunities in Bangladesh’s logistics sector, affirming its critical role in trade competitiveness through cost reduction, faster delivery, and efficiency gains. Referring to the Chattogram port labor strike, he illustrated how logistics disruptions can severely impact the national economy, noting that logistics infrastructure and port capacity expansion will be crucial to supporting the projected GDP of USD 760 billion by 2030, while a 1% reduction in logistics costs could increase exports by around 7%, particularly as Bangladesh approaches LDC graduation.  He also identified major implementation gaps in the National Logistics Policy, including government monopolies in rail and air cargo, weak inter-ministerial coordination, and the absence of central logistics authority. Read More: AmCham dialogue stresses urgent reforms to boost investment competitiveness Seasoned entrepreneur Mahbubul Anam, Managing Director of CF Global, outlined key challenges in air logistics and express courier operations, emphasizing the need for stronger public–private coordination, supportive policy frameworks, stakeholder-informed infrastructure planning, and adequate equipment. He stressed the importance of cost rationalization, capacity expansion, efficient courier services, and robust contingency arrangements to support time-sensitive shipments, particularly as e-commerce-driven demand for express logistics continues to grow. He noted that logistics costs at Dhaka airport are 20–25% higher than those of road transport and underscored that stronger public–private cooperation is essential to address these constraints. Nusrat Nahid Babi, Senior Transport Specialist, South Asia, The World Bank, said that Bangladesh’s logistics reform momentum since 2022 must be reaffirmed by the new government through clear priorities and high-level consensus. She outlined a phased reform agenda structured around five thematic pillars: policy and procedural simplification; multimodal logistics infrastructure and connectivity; skills and institutional capacity development; supply-chain digitalization; and investment in logistics. Other speakers and the overall discussion emphasized the need to move decisively from policy intent to implementation, including ratification of the National Logistics Policy 2025, supported by a clear execution roadmap. Md. Moinul Huq, Citi Country Officer, Bangladesh Citibank, N.A., highlighted the urgent need for customs authorities to operationalise provisions of the Customs Act 2023 by clearly defining electronic document submission and payment modalities. Participants expressed concern about the heavy dependence on RMG exports, slow progress in new infrastructure development, and poor implementation of electronic documentation despite the presence of enabling policies. Read More: AmCham hosts session on Economic and Investment Outlook in Dhaka

Germany’s economy returned to modest growth last year after two consecutive years of contraction, official data showed Thursday, raising expectations that government investment in infrastructure and defense could help break years of stagnation. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.2% in 2025, driven by stronger consumer and government spending, while exports remained subdued due to tougher U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump, the German Federal Statistical Office reported. This followed GDP contractions of 0.5% in 2024 and 0.9% in 2023. “Germany’s export sector faced significant headwinds from higher U.S. tariffs, a stronger euro, and growing competition from China,” said Ruth Brand, head of the statistics office, in a statement. Looking ahead, analysts expect slightly stronger growth this year as Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government ramps up infrastructure spending to address years of underinvestment. Defense expenditure is also rising amid heightened security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Read more: Germany to increase its funding contribution to Saidabad WTP Phase III project Germany has faced extended economic stagnation since the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising energy costs from the Ukraine war, growing competition from China in key sectors such as automobiles and industrial machinery, higher tariffs on EU goods imposed by the U.S., and a stronger euro have all weighed on the export-driven economy. Structural challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles and a shortage of skilled labor, have also constrained growth. Preliminary data indicate that the German economy expanded by 0.2% in the final quarter of 2025. A group of leading economists has projected 0.9% growth for 2026, though they caution that slower-than-expected government spending could limit the recovery.

Leaders of the left-wing alliance Democratic United Front met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday and discussed the country’s overall political and law-and-order situation, as well as various issues related to the upcoming national election. The left leaders also discussed the country’s economic situation and expressed concern over the rise of extremism at the meeting held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. The Democratic United Front delegation included CPB Presidium member Mujahidul Islam Selim, its President Kazi Sajjad Jahir Chandan, General Secretary Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan, BASD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz, Assistant General Secretary Rajequzzaman Ratan, Bangladesh JASAD General Secretary Nazmul Haque Prodhan and its Standing Committee member Mostaq Hossain, Bangladesh Socialist Party Executive President Abdul Ali, Democratic Revolutionary Party General Secretary Mushrefa Mishu, Bangladesh Revolutionary Communist League General Secretary Iqbal Kabir Zahid, Presidium member Professor Abdus Sattar and BASD (Marxist) Coordinator Masud Rana. Top business leaders meet Tarique Rahman, discuss economy, jobs BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was also present at the meeting. Earlier, on November 29, nine left-leaning progressive political parties formed the Democratic United Front with Bangladesh JASAD ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. After the meeting, BASD General Secretary Bazlur Rashid Firoz told reporters that they primarily visited Tarique Rahman to convey their sympathy to him and his family over the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. “He had been staying abroad for a long time and returned to the country recently. After returning, he lost his mother. We expressed our sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved family and the party,” he said. Apart from this, Firoz said they also discussed various political issues, including the overall political situation, law and order, the upcoming election, and the rise of fundamentalist and communal forces. ‘1971 is our foundation’ Bazlur Rashid said Tarique Rahman told them that the Liberation War of 1971 is the foundation of Bangladesh. “He (Tarique) told us that after returning to the country on December 25, he made it clear in his speeches that the Liberation War of 1971 is our foundation. Without the Liberation War, Bangladesh would not exist. Therefore, we must move forward while upholding the aspirations of the mass uprisings of 1990 and 2024,” the BASD leader said. Tarique Rahman voices concern over rising mob violence: Saiful Haque He said the BNP Acting Chairman also told them that Bangladesh belongs to everyone, including believers, non-believers, and sceptics, and that the country must move forward through the united efforts of all. “Tarique Rahman said they have a plan to build a liberal, democratic and welfare-oriented state and want to work in that direction, learning from the past. The people will remain at the centre of their politics, and the goal is not only to make plans but also to implement them so that people can benefit and enjoy the facilities,” Bazlur Rashid said. He said Tarique also told them that opposition parties would exist and differences of opinion would remain. “He said there may be disagreements on many issues, but on national matters and issues affecting the people, there should be dialogue.” The BASD leader also said Tarique will welcome advice from time to time and accept it where appropriate, emphasising the need to create a cordial and respectful political environment in the country. He said the Democratic United Front stressed the importance of building a political culture based on tolerance, acceptance of different views, and philosophical tolerance, which are essential for democracy, along with free, fair, and democratic elections. Bazlur Rashid said they focused on ensuring that forces opposed to the Liberation War of 1971 and anti-independence elements do not gain space in politics. Regarding Jamaat-e-Islami’s recent statements on a national government, he said Tarique Rahman clarified that no such discussion took place with them. “He said that on matters of national interest, independence, and sovereignty, unity is necessary, even if there are differences in views and political paths,” the BASD leader said. ‘Criticism will remain’ Bazlur Rashid said the Democratic United Front leaders told Tarique that if BNP comes to power in the future, they may be among the strongest critics of it. “He (Tarique) said criticism is essential for democracy. Without criticism, democracy cannot function. There will be both criticism and dialogue, and such discussions should continue with everyone,” he said. The BASD leader said the BNP Acting Chairman expressed his willingness to engage in discussions with the left alliance leaders in the future. Earlier, leaders of the Democratic United Front signed the condolence book opened at the office, paying their tributes to the late Begum Khaleda Zia. Later, a four-member delegation of Ganosamhati Andolan, led by its chief coordinator Zonayed Saki, also met Tarique Rahman and discussed various issues related to politics and the upcoming national election.  

As winter settles over Narail, open fields in Shalua of Maijpara Union and Sholpur of Singasholpur Union transform into makeshift drying yards where the district’s famed dry fish season begins in earnest. For the communities here, the annual cycle is more than a tradition — it is a vital source of income that supports hundreds of families. Dry fish has long been considered a staple across the region, but in Narail it is an economic backbone. Fishermen, labourers, small traders, and transporters all rely on the trade, which has earned the district recognition as a notable hub for producing chemical-free dry fish. On raised bamboo macha, fish sourced daily from canals, beels, and rivers are cleaned, salted and arranged under the open sky to dry. The process is entirely natural, a fact that locals say has boosted demand in recent years. Read more: Fish export to India halted thru Akhaura land port Since this dry fish is prepared without any chemicals and in a safe environment, demand is increasing day by day, villagers said. Among those who travel to Narail for seasonal work are Md Kabir Sheikh and Kamrul Sheikh from Muksudpur in Gopalganj. They spend the winter months drying varieties such as climbing perch (koi) and glassy perchlet (chanda), along with the widely popular chapa shutki. No chemicals are used — only salt, they said, as rows of fish dried slowly under the sun. While the work continues smoothly, selling remains a challenge. Fisherman Md Mosa Mia said lower water levels during winter make it easier to catch different local species, allowing producers to buy raw fish at relatively low prices. The difficulty lies in accessing the market. “We buy the fish and make dry fish. But without a broker, it has become difficult to sell,” he said, adding, “If we could sell directly to buyers, we would earn better profits.” Another fisherman, Alok Biswas, described the realities of production: two to three maunds of raw fish reduce to one maund after drying. Read more: PKSF holds policy dialogue on fisheries market “Depending on the type, one maund of dry fish is sold for Tk 7,000 to Tk 8,000,” he said. Official target and growing reputation Narail District Fisheries Officer Mahbubur Rahman said a target of 80 metric tonnes of dry fish production has been set for the district this year. “Since the dry fish here is chemical-free, it is in demand not only within the district but across the country,” he said. The Fisheries Office has been providing training and technical support to help producers maintain quality and strengthen their position in the market. For now, as winter sunlight glints across the bamboo platforms, families continue the work that has sustained them for generations. The methods remain simple, the challenges persistent, but for Narail, dry fish remains a lifeline — one that keeps the district’s economy moving long after the drying season ends. Read more: Hilsa prices soar further putting this beloved fish beyond reach

Suwaidi Park in Riyadh overflowed with thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis as renowned artist Asif Akbar made his presence felt among the Bangladesh community and their friends from other participating countries, including the host - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The atmosphere was electric—yet deeply emotional—as their beloved singer connected heart-to-heart with the very people who keep Bangladesh’s economy moving from miles away. Speaking with warmth and sincerity, Asif Akbar emphasised that the remittance fighters - the expatriate workers who sacrifice comfort, family time, and their personal dreams - deserve more than just appreciation. They deserve joy, he said. Bangladesh’s colourful heritage takes centre‐stage at Riyadh’s Global Harmony festival “Remittance fighters need entertainment to breathe, to stay human,” Asif said passionately. “Without moments of happiness with entertainment, people become hardened by the struggles they carry every day." Asif who sang a huge number of hit songs like ‘O Priya Tumi Kothai’ shed light on the silent battles these workers face abroad - loneliness, isolation, tireless labor, and the emotional burden of constantly giving while rarely receiving. Yet, despite the weight on their shoulders, they continue to send money home, build futures for their families, and strengthen the foundations of Bangladesh’s economy, he remembered. Asif described expatriate Bangladeshis as “the most patriotic sons and daughters of our nation.” He praised their unwavering dedication, calling them pillars of progress whose sacrifices often go unnoticed. “They work in foreign lands, far from loved ones, just to keep joy alive back home. But in doing so, they often lose their own moments of happiness,” Asif mentioned in between the conversation with the audience from the large stage. In Suwaidi Park, surrounded by the cheers and warmth of his compatriots, Asif reminded everyone that behind every remittance sent home lies a story of resilience, sacrifice and unspoken pain. And through music and togetherness, even for a brief moment, those burdens felt a little lighter, said the singer who sang for nearly two hours. With each song, expatriates Bangladeshis were seen singing together with their favourite singers. The Saudi Ministry of Media launched the second edition of the Global Harmony in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority highlighting cultures of 14 countries, including Bangladesh. The ‘Bangladeshi Cultural’ segment began on November 11 and ended on Friday night (Riyadh time, November 14). Asif highly appreciated the Saudi government, Saudi Ministry of Media and everyone involved for hosting such a mega event. He also thanked the organisers for honoring the Bangladeshi expatriate community with an opportunity to enjoy a concert free of charge. Read more: Global Harmony: Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage to shine in Riyadh The event, hosted by popular Bangladeshi actress Prarthana Fardin Dighi and Rabiul Haque Zaman, showcased the rich traditions, music, dance, and cuisine of Bangladesh as part of Saudi Arabia’s Global Harmony initiative. Thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis, along with some of their families, gathered to enjoy live performances and sing together, transforming the park into a sea of sounds and lights. For many, it was an emotional and pride-filled night, a moment to reconnect with their roots and share their culture with the wider Saudi community, celebrating unity, friendship, and the growing cultural ties between Bangladesh and the Kingdom. “This is absolutely amazing. We remain busy, struggling every day here to keep our families smiling back home. This event is refreshing and a chance to share joy with friends,” Rumel, a Bangladeshi expatriate who attended with his friends, told UNB. “I came here to host for the first time — a role I’ve never played before. It feels wonderful to be here, close to the Bangladeshi community. The audience is amazing. We are grateful to the Saudi authorities and the Ministry of Media,” Dighi told UNB. Sarry Shaaban, spokesperson for the Global Harmony committee, expressed his excitement at hosting one of the largest expatriate communities in Saudi Arabia as part of the initiative. “We are thrilled to have the Bangladeshi community join us. This event will help Saudi audiences learn more about Bangladesh and its culture,” he said. Other nations and regions to be featured in the event include Egypt (Nov. 15–17); the Levant (Nov. 18–20); Yemen (Nov. 21–28); Pakistan (Nov. 29–Dec. 1); Indonesia (Dec. 2–4); the Philippines (Dec. 5–8); Uganda (Dec. 9–10); Ethiopia (Dec. 11–13); and Sudan (Dec. 14–20). The Global Harmony initiative was first launched in October 2024 to celebrate the diversity of the Kingdom’s residents. Last year’s event celebrated the cultures of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and the Philippines. Last year’s event featured legendary Bangladeshi rock icon Nagar Baul James, DJ Sonica, and popular singers Habib Wahid, Porshi, and Beauty Khan — with James’s first-ever performance in Riyadh being a major highlight. The Global Harmony initiative continues to host a series of cultural weeks representing 14 countries over a span of 49 days. The programme is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to promote intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as a global hub for cultural and civilizational diversity. Read more: Saudi Arabia to allow 78,500 Bangladeshis for 2026 Hajj