United News of Bangladesh

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal Bala Nanda Sharma on Wednesday attended the state funeral of former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Begum Khaleda Zia A floral wreath was laid at the burial site of the mortal remains of late Khaleda Zia on behalf of the Foreign Minister and the Government of Nepal. Foreign Minister Sharma also met with the son of late Begum Zia and the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman and conveyed condolences to the latter on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal. Sharma noted that Begum Zia was a distinguished statesperson who played a significant role in Bangladesh’s political and democratic journey, according to the Nepalese Embassy in Dhaka. Rahman thanked Foreign Minister Sharma for paying his last respects at the funeral and expressed hope that the excellent friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to flourish in the days ahead.   In the afternoon, Foreign Minister Sharma called on the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. On the occasion, he handed over to the Chief Adviser a message from the Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki, extending her deepest condolences on the demise of Begum Zia. In her message, the Prime Minister noted with gratitude the significant role Begum Zia played in strengthening Nepal-Bangladesh relations, particularly during her three tenures as the Prime Minister. Foreign Minister Sharma underscored that she would be remembered for her contributions to the growth and development of Bangladesh, and for her strong advocacy of regional cooperation and solidarity. The Chief Adviser expressed his gratitude for Nepal’s true friendship and its enduring support to the Government and people of Bangladesh ever since the country’s independence, including during the difficult times. Sri Lankan FM meets Tarique Rahman The two leaders also deliberated on the excellent state of Nepal-Bangladesh relationship and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, energy, connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Foreign Minister Sharma also held a meeting with Adviser for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Md. Touhid Hossain and handed over to him a personal letter of condolences. Foreign Adviser Hossain thanked Foreign Minister Sharma for attending the funeral and expressed appreciation for the consistent support extended by the Government of Nepal on all occasions. The Foreign Minister is on a visit to Bangladesh from 30 December 2025 to 01 January 2026 to attend the state funeral of Begum Khaleda Zia. He will depart Dhaka for Kathmandu on Thursday afternoon.  

Sri Lankan foreign minister Vijitha Herath, who is currently visiting Dhaka, paid a courtesy call on BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday night. The meeting took place at around 8:30pm at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody, accompanied the foreign minister during the meeting, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. During the discussion, he said the two sides exchanged views on issues related to mutual interest between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Khaleda's passing leaves irreplaceable void, but her vision, legacy will endure: Modi Sayrul said the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister expressed condolences on behalf of his country and conveyed sympathy to Tarique Rahman and his bereaved family over the death of his mother and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and the party’s Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir were also present at the meeting.    

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Begum Khaleda Zia’s passing has created an irreplaceable void, but her vision and legacy will endure. "I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh," he said in a letter to Begum Zia's son and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar handed over the personal letter from PM Modi to Tarique Rahman in Dhaka. At this moment of national mourning, PM Modi said his thoughts are also with the people of Bangladesh, who have shown remarkable strength and dignity throughout their history. "I am confident that they will continue to be guided by their shared values, democratic traditions, and a deep sense of national unity, as they move forward in peace and harmony," Modi said. The Indian Prime Minister said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Tarique Rahman's mother. He warmly recalled his meeting and discussions with Begum Sahiba in Dhaka in June 2015. "She was a leader of rare resolve and conviction, and had the distinction of being the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh," said the Indian Prime Minister. Jaishankar hands over PM Modi’s personal letter to Tarique Rahman He said Khaleda made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations. "Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace," Modi said. He prayed to the Almighty to grant Tarique Rahman and his family the strength and fortitude to overcome this difficult time. "I also extend my best wishes to you in your future endeavours," the letter reads.    

Fatema, longtime caregiver of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and her family are grief-stricken following the leader’s death. Since 2010, Fatema has been devoted to serving Begum Zia, even accompanying her to prison when required. Her father, Rafizul Mia, said the family was almost speechless with sorrow after hearing the news, and the atmosphere at their home in Shahmadar village of Kachia Union, Bhola Sadar, is somber. Fatema, the eldest of two daughters, lost her husband shortly after marriage and moved to Dhaka with her five-year-old daughter and two-year-old son to seek livelihood. Through a relative, she began working as Begum Zia’s household caretaker in 2010 and has served the leader continuously for 16 years. End of an Era: Khaleda Zia rests beside Ziaur Rahman Rafizul Mia said he and his children traveled to Dhaka to attend Begum Zia’s funeral, praying for her soul’s salvation. Fatema’s children, Riamoni, who passed HSC from Nazir Rahman College in 2025, and two-year-old son Rifaat, preparing for SSC in 2026, said they have long been separated from their mother during 30 Eid celebrations. Despite the hardships, they feel proud of their mother for serving the national leader. Local BNP leaders expressed pride in Fatema’s dedication, noting her sacrifices in accompanying Begum Zia abroad and during imprisonment. “Begum Zia was like family to Fatema,” said Rafizul Mia.

In a landmark move to reform the insurance sector, the Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA) has suspended the licenses of all individual agents in the non-life insurance category, effectively ending personal agent-based commissions. The decision comes into effect tomorrow, January 1, 2026. From the first day of the new year, non-life insurance companies will no longer have any legal basis to provide commissions to individual agents for securing business. The regulatory body issued a circular on December 23, 2025, announcing the suspension of all personal insurance agent licenses under non-life insurers. IDRA clarified that since these licenses will no longer be valid starting January 1, any payment of commissions or financial benefits to these individuals will be prohibited. The directive aligns with Section 58(1) of the Insurance Act, 2010, which states that no commission, remuneration, or honorarium can be paid to any person or institution other than an authorized insurance agent. By suspending these specific licenses, the authority is enforcing a stricter legal framework to curb financial irregularities. IDRA has warned that any insurance company found violating this directive by paying commissions to unauthorized individuals will face severe disciplinary action under existing insurance laws and regulations. All non-life insurers have been formally requested to ensure full compliance with the commission ban. Industry experts believe this move will reduce hidden costs and financial mismanagement within the sector. Besides, eliminate unhealthy competition. Strengthen institutional integrity. Move the industry toward a more professional and corporate-driven business model, said the IDRA.

Thousands of leaders, activists and local residents on Wednesday joined absentee funeral prayers for former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Chandpur. The prayers were held after Zuhr at the Asan Ali Government High School ground in Chandpur town, where a large crowd gathered to pay tribute to the veteran political leader. Leaders and supporters of various political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, NCP, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, attended the prayers. Many participants were seen overcome with emotion, with several breaking down in tears during the service. Khaleda Zia’s janaza held with tears of lakhs of mourners Prior to the prayers, senior BNP leader Salimullah Selim, Safiuddin Ahmed, Hamid Master, Chandpur Press Club President Sohel Rushdi, district BNP leader Munir Chowdhury, district Ganoforum President Advocate Selim Akbar, as well as leaders of the Ganadhikar Parishad and NCP, addressed the gathering. They recalled Khaleda Zia’s political life and leadership, and prayed for the salvation of her soul.    

Tasnim Jara, the independent candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency, has assets worth some Tk 19.14 lakh and her annual income is Tk 7.14 lakh, according to the affidavit she submitted to the Election Commission ahead of the 13th National Parliament election. The affidavit shows that she is not a dual citizen her educational qualification is MSc, her permanent address is at Khilgaon Chowdhurypara in Dhaka and she is 31-year-old, born on October 7, 1994. Tasnim Jara mentioned her profession as physician, teacher and entrepreneur, while her spouse Khaled Saifullah is also the same by profession. Her cash amount is to Tk 16 lakh, while her spouse’s cash amount stands at Tk 15 lakh. Tasnim Jara has jewelry worth Tk 2.50 lakh. in her affidavit submitted to EC, said the amount of her assets worth Tk 19,13,509 and her annual income was Tk 7,13,597 as shown in her latest income tax returns.Tasnim Jara on Monday last submitted a nomination paper with nearly 5,000 signatures of voters to contest as an independent candidate from Dhaka-9 constituency (Khilgaon, Sabujbagh, and Mudga) in the upcoming national election. The Election Commission on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12, 2026. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination papers was December 29, while the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). The time for the scrutiny of nomination papers is on December 30-January 4, while the appeals against the decisions of the returning officers can be filed from January 5 to 9 and the appeals will be settled from January 10 to 18.

Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves have surged to the $33 billion mark, reaching a three-year high, bolstered by a massive influx of remittances and strategic dollar purchases by the central bank. According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Bank, expatriate Bangladeshis sent $3.04 billion in the 29 days of December 2025. This robust inflow has provided critical support in easing the country’s ongoing dollar shortage and stabilizing the economy. The total gross reserves now stand at $33.18 billion, the highest level since 2022. For comparison, reserves had plummeted to $25.58 billion during the fall of the regime in August 2024. Under the IMF’s BPM6 manual calculation, the current reserves stand at $28.51 billion, which was $20.47 billion. Historical data show that Bangladesh’s reserves first crossed the $33 billion threshold in 2017, later peaking at a record $48 billion in 2021 before facing a steady decline. To maintain market stability and build a safety net, Bangladesh Bank so far purchased over $3.13 billion from commercial banks. The central bank purchased over $1 billion in December alone. Remittances hit $2.93 billion in 28 days of December Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur recently expressed optimism, stating that reserves are expected to reach between $34 billion and $35 billion by the end of December. "We are building our reserves by purchasing dollars from our own internal economy rather than relying on external loans from the IMF or other agencies," the Governor remarked, describing the strategy as a sustainable and "positive decision" for the nation’s financial health.

Bangladesh’s latest solar power procurement drive under the Public Procurement Act (PPA) and Rules (PPR) has emerged as largely unattractive to both foreign and local firms, raising fresh concerns over the country’s renewable energy transition, according to a study. The study, by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), conducted in partnership with the Australian High Commission in Dhaka, found that weak competition, stringent qualification criteria and limited risk mitigation measures have significantly dampened investor interest in solar power projects tendered since December 2024. As part of reform initiatives, the interim government repealed the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act, 2010, bringing power and energy procurement fully under the PPA and PPR framework. Subsequently, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MoPEMR) invited tenders for 55 solar power plants ranging from 10 MW to 250 MW in four lots. The CPD survey released on Tuesday, however, revealed that participation has been strikingly low. Of the 55 packages, 23 received only a single bid, while 13 failed to attract any bids at all. On average, just 1.4 bids were submitted per package. Titled ‘Renewable Energy Procurement under the Public Procurement Act and Rules: Enterprise Survey Findings on Transparency, Accountability, and Efficiency’, the study reviewed the regulatory provisions of the PPA (2006) and PPR (2008), monitored the procurement process for the newly launched solar packages and assessed them against international standards in the power sector. According to the findings, financial capacity requirements emerged as a major deterrent, particularly for local firms. Bidders are required to demonstrate access to liquid assets or credit facilities of at least USD 1.14 million per MW equivalent to USD 57.2 million for a 50 MW plant and USD 114.4 million for a 100 MW plant. While 61.1 per cent of foreign firms found the requirement manageable, 83.6 per cent of local firms said it was difficult to meet. The absence of sovereign guarantees further undermined investor confidence. As no Implementation Agreements are being signed for the solar projects, power purchase agreements lack sovereign backing, affecting bankability. About 68.4 per cent of firms said this negatively influenced their decision to participate. Big push for renewables: 220 MW Sonagazi solar plant gets green light Land acquisition responsibilities placed entirely on winning bidders also discouraged participation, the study noted, citing land scarcity and bureaucratic hurdles. Around 31.5 per cent of firms found this very discouraging, while 27.1 per cent described it as moderately discouraging. According to the study, technical and contractual terms were also flagged as problematic. A fixed annual generation requirement over a 20-year period for example, 109.5 million kilowatt-hours per year for a 50 MW plant was viewed as unrealistic by 76 per cent of firms, given solar panel degradation and fluctuating irradiation. Besides, a provision allowing contract termination with just 28 days’ notice was considered very problematic by nearly two-thirds of respondents. While 91.3 per cent of firms reported receiving tender-related information on time and 66.3 per cent said pre-bid queries were addressed promptly, perceptions worsened after bid submission. Half the firms expected decision-making to be slow, with over 20 per cent anticipating very slow procedures. Overall, 44.6 percent of firms rated the procurement process as inefficient and 18.5 per cent as very inefficient.   Among fully local firms, more than half described the process as inefficient or very inefficient, while all foreign firms surveyed characterised it as inefficient to varying degrees. Concerns were also raised about documentation and transparency, the study noted, citing only 40 per cent of firms found tender documents clear and complete, while many pointed to missing or insufficient technical specifications. Access to information was rated moderately easy by 44.8 percent of firms, though late publication and unavailability of documents on official websites were cited as recurring issues. On transparency, nearly 30 percent of bidders said the evaluation process was only slightly transparent, and 45.5 percent reported facing discrimination. All foreign firms that submitted bids said they experienced discrimination, compared to none among two-thirds of local firms. Despite these issues, a majority of firms, about 59 per cent rated overall transparency as moderate, neither good nor bad. Almost all foreign firms shared this assessment, while most joint ventures described transparency as poor, according to the CPD findings.   Without targeted reforms to procurement design, risk-sharing mechanisms and institutional capacity, Bangladesh’s ambition to scale up renewable energy, particularly solar, may remain constrained, despite policy intentions to improve governance under the PPA-PPR regime, the CPD study says.

Gold prices in the domestic market fell sharply on the last day of the year on Wednesday, with the price of 22-carat gold reduced by Tk 2,741 per bhori, according to the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). Following the latest adjustment, the price of 22-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 224,182 per bhori (11.664 grams). The new rates will come into effect from the morning of January 1, 2026, BAJUS said in a notification issued in the evening. The jewellers’ body said the decision was taken after considering the overall market situation, particularly a decline in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market. Under the revised prices, 21-carat gold will sell at Tk 214,034 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 183,416 per bhori, while traditional method gold has been set at Tk 152,857 per bhori. BAJUS said that a mandatory 5 percent government-imposed VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by the association must be added to the selling price. However, making charges may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. Earlier, on December 29, BAJUS had last adjusted gold prices, cutting the rate by Tk 2,508 per bhori and fixing the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 226,923. With the latest revision, gold prices have been adjusted a total of 93 times in the country this year—raised on 64 occasions and reduced 29 times. Despite the fall in gold prices, silver rates remained unchanged in the local market. The price of 22-carat silver stands at Tk 6,065 per bhori. Meanwhile, 21-carat silver is selling at Tk 5,774 per bhori, 18-carat at Tk 4,957 per bhori, and traditional silver at Tk 3,732 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted 13 times, increasing 10 times and decreasing only three times. Last year, silver prices were revised just three times. On the international market, spot gold was trading above USD 4,330 per ounce (28.34 grams) on Wednesday. Gold prices reportedly saw a steep decline in a single day, although overall prices remained elevated. Despite the year-end dip, global gold prices stayed on an upward trajectory throughout 2025, rising by more than 65 percent year-on-year. In December alone, gold prices increased by around 4.5 percent.