United News of Bangladesh

The current government is working to revive the country’s traditional handloom industry and restore its lost glory by adopting policies focusing on the needs of grassroots craftsmen, said state minister for textiles and jute Md Shariful Alam on Sunday. “The government is working to enrich the handloom industry further by reviving this lost tradition,” he said. The state minister made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting with handloom craftsperson at Baitara village in Sirajganj Sadar upazila, said a PID handout here. He said the government will formulate necessary policies for the development and expansion of the country's handloom industry by giving priority to the opinions, problems and recommendations of grassroots handloom artisans. During the programme, the artisans highlighted various issues relating to the development of the handloom sector, including access to loans, rising prices of yarn and raw materials, marketing challenges and other difficulties facing the industry. The state minister said future plans and policy decisions will be based on the opinions of grassroots artisans by understanding their real-life challenges. Describing Sirajganj as one of the country's main handloom hubs, Shariful said the region has a rich tradition and immense potential in the handloom sector. He said some Tk 65 crore in loans has already been disbursed among handloom craftsmen in Sirajganj Sadar, Ullapara, Shahjadpur and Belkuchi upazilas under an easy-term credit programme carrying an interest rate of four percent. The state minister also said the newly established Handloom Training Centre and Basic Centre in Sirajganj would not only provide training but also help trainees become entrepreneurs and secure employment. Textiles and Jute Secretary Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, high officials from Bangladesh Handloom Board and local administration were present.

A brief tornado tore through a village in Feni's Sonagazi upazila on Sunday afternoon, damaging houses, uprooting trees and disrupting electricity supply. The tornado, which lasted for about a minute, struck Madhyame Swarajpur village under Motiganj union, leaving a trail of destruction. Residents said the tornado hit suddenly with a loud roaring sound, triggering panic among locals. At least 20 small and large houses were damaged, while four electric poles, more than 100 trees and 35 electricity meters were blown away. The damage is estimated at around Tk 10 million, according to local residents. The sudden destruction of homes, trees and power infrastructure has left many affected families in distress. Seventy-year-old resident Sahab Uddin said he had never witnessed such a tornado in his lifetime. "It felt as if doomsday had arrived," he said. Former Motiganj Union Parishad chairman Amin Uddin Dolon said he rushed to the spot after receiving the news and witnessed the extent of the damage. The local administration had been informed so that the affected families could receive government assistance, he said. Regan Chakma, Sonagazi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) said the administration was assessing the extent of the damage and taking steps to provide support to the affected people.    

Aiming to foster future technology talent and encourage innovation among students, Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), in collaboration with bKash, organised a two-day CSE Carnival 2026. The carnival brought together students, academics and technology enthusiasts through a series of competitions, workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to enhance technical skills and promote innovation. Senior officials of bKash and the university attended the event and highlighted the importance of industry-academia collaboration in developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of Bangladesh's growing digital economy. A total of 120 teams from 80 public and private universities participated in the programming contest, while 50 teams from different universities showcased practical solutions in the hackathon. In addition to the competitions, the event hosted a series of sessions on fintech, artificial intelligence, innovation, digital finance and future careers. Leading academicians, university teachers, technology experts and senior engineers of bKash’s product and technology division shared industry insights and practical experiences with participating students. The top 20 teams in the programming contest were awarded at the closing ceremony. ‘Silver Hawks’ from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) emerged as champion, followed by ‘Supernova’ team from BUET and ‘Jyotichashi’ team from Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) as first and second runners-up respectively. In the hackathon, team ‘GNG’ from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology secured the championship, while ‘Nexus’ team from BUET and ‘Arekta Team’-comprising students from three universities-finished as first and second runners-up respectively. Professor Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, Member of University Grants Commission (UGC) handed over prizes to the winning teams as the chief guest. The ceremony was also attended by Professor Dr. Md. Khairul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of SUST; Azmal Huda, Chief Product and Technology Officer of bKash; Professor Dr. Mohammad Kaykobad of BRAC University; Dr. Md. Forhad Rabbi, Head of the Department of CSE at SUST; and dignitaries from both academia and the technology sector. As one of Bangladesh’s leading fintech companies, bKash continues to invest in campus-based initiatives that help build a skilled workforce. Alongside regular career development programme, bKash runs year-round talent development initiatives such as bTechWhiz, bnext and bHive to help young people prepare for future opportunities.    

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir left Dhaka for Thailand on Sunday afternoon to attend a regional summit “Scam Center Compounds and Transnational Organized Crime.” The two-day summit will be held in Bangkok on July 20-21 to be organised by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in collaboration with the Royal Thai Police. The summit will focus on strengthening operational coordination, formulating regional strategies and enhancing joint initiatives to address the growing threat posed by scam centre compounds and transnational organised crime networks. Police chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies and senior law enforcement officials from countries across the Asia-Pacific region are expected to participate in the conference. During the visit, the IGP is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with the chief of the Royal Thai Police to discuss issues of mutual interest, according to a police headquarters press release. He is expected to return home on July 22.    

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday stressed the need for government officials and employees to remain completely free from political bias and discharge their duties with patriotism, integrity and professionalism to meet public expectations. “People have placed high expectations on the present government. Transparency and accountability must be ensured at every level of the administration to fulfil those expectations,” he said. The minister made the remarks while inaugurating a 4-day workshop titled “Efficient, Citizen-friendly and Accountable Public Administration: Strategies for Implementing the Government’s Commitments” at the BCS Administration Academy auditorium at Shahbagh, marking National Public Service Day 2026. He said the civil service, as the state's main driving force, must move away from the trend of politicisation witnessed over the past 17 years and transform itself into a true public service institution while ensuring transparency and accountability at every level of the administration. Salahuddin Ahmed said workshops should produce tangible benefits for the public instead of serving as ceremonial events or attracting the attention of higher authorities. The minister said the civil servants should consider themselves public servants rather than rulers. “You are among the most privileged sections of society. Do not see yourselves as rulers; dedicate yourselves to serving the people.” Salahuddin Ahmed also stressed the need for comprehensive reforms in the country's statistical system, alleging that key national statistics have been distorted for political purposes during the previous regime. He said inaccurate data were presented on the population census, agricultural production and per capita income, underscoring the need to strengthen the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) as one of the country's most important institutions for evidence-based policymaking. Highlighting economic priorities, Salahuddin Ahmed said agriculture and remittances should receive the highest attention to strengthen the country's economic foundation. He said Bangladesh still depends heavily on its farmers and agricultural sector and called for the development of agro-based industries by expanding agriculture, fisheries and livestock production. The Minister also emphasised the importance of vocational and technical education to transform the country's large population into a skilled workforce. He added that the government is also considering revitalising the Family Planning Department to address the country's rising birth rate. Salahuddin Ahmed said policy decisions are formulated by the government based on its political mandate, while civil servants are responsible for translating those policies into programmes, preparing projects and ensuring proper implementation through monitoring by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED). He instructed officials to strictly follow existing rules and regulations while implementing the elected government's election manifesto and its 31-point commitments, saying these represent the mandate given by people.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque on Sunday launched a safe drinking water initiative for the Urdu-speaking community living in camps in the capital's Pallabi area, pledging to ensure access to clean water in every camp within his constituency. As part of the initiative, two deep tube wells were inaugurated at Rabeda Camp and Muslim Camp at separate ceremonies. Speaking at the events, the state minister said safe drinking water will be ensured in every Urdu-speaking camp in his constituency. “At the same time, a year-round programme of free medical treatment and distribution of necessary medicines will also continue," he said. He said improving the living standards of the Urdu-speaking community requires not only infrastructure development but also equal emphasis on healthcare, safe drinking water, a clean environment and raising public awareness. Aminul noted that in recent seminars, he had highlighted the difficult living conditions in the Urdu-speaking camps of his constituency, Dhaka-16 (Pallabi-Rupnagar), and spoken about the rights of the residents. Local residents welcomed the installation of the deep tube wells, saying they had long been suffering from a shortage of safe drinking water. They expressed hope that the new tube wells will ensure access to safe water and significantly reduce their daily hardships.  

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday expressed confidence that Bangladesh would be able to build a state where justice, fairness and the rule of law prevail, saying he has faith in both the country's people and its democratic forces. "We have faith and confidence, faith in our people and in the democratic forces, that we will certainly be able to build a state where justice, fairness and the rule of law are established," he said. He made the remarks while addressing a programme organised by the National Editors Council at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in the capital's Ramna, where journalists who were martyred during the July uprising were honoured. Fakhrul said the previous "fascist government" systematically destroyed all democratic institutions in Bangladesh in an attempt to impose a one-party system and pro-democracy forces were subjected to killings and repression during that period. He said such reminders are necessary so that people do not forget the damage inflicted on the country's democracy and the future of its younger generation. Recalling Bangladesh's political history, Fakhrul said the struggle for democracy effectively began after 1971, alleging that those who took charge of running the newly independent country had betrayed the people's aspirations by introducing one-party rule. "The people of this country did not accept it. History bears witness to that," he said, adding that Bangladeshis have repeatedly had to struggle, sacrifice and even lay down their lives to secure their rights. Referring to the July mass uprising, he said it was the culmination of a 15-16-year movement to restore democracy. The movement led by former BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia including during her imprisonment, followed by the student-led uprising and the sacrifices made by many people, created a new dream and a new hope for the nation. He said he would not claim that all those aspirations have already been fulfilled but stressed that the country has gained a historic opportunity to rebuild the state. "An election has been held, fascism has fallen and through that election we now have a democratic government," he said. Acknowledging the enormous challenges inherited from the previous government, Fakhrul said it would not be possible to reverse 15 years of looting, destruction and repression within a short period. "But the work has begun. There may be shortcomings and inconsistencies but it cannot be said that nothing has been done," he said. Speaking about his long association with journalists, Fakhrul recalled visiting the Jatiya Press Club on many occasions and even being detained there one night alongside journalists. "Neither they gave up nor did we. We continued our struggle," he said. He urged political parties to stop creating unnecessary controversy and instead engage in constructive discussions. Calling on opposition parties to join the parliamentary committee on constitutional amendments, Fakhrul said they should participate in discussions and cooperate in making necessary constitutional changes. "We have carried out many movements and shed much blood. Now let us see whether we can reach consensus through discussion in parliament," he said.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted that rainfall is likely to continue across the country over the next five days commencing 9 am on Sunday as monsoon is active over Bangladesh. “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at most places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at many places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country,” said a regular bulletin of Met office. Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The axis of monsoon troughs runs through Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal to Assam across northern part of Bangladesh. One of its associated troughs extends up to the Northwest Bay. Monsoon is active over northern part and fairly active elsewhere over the country and monsoon is moderate over North Bay.  

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions during next 48 hours commencing 12 pm on Sunday. “Due to active monsoon heavy (44 - 88mm/ 24hours) to very heavy (> 88mm/24hours) rainfall is likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Maymensingh and Sylhet division during next 48 hours,” said a Met office bulletin.    

A joint declaration has been signed signed at the Global Nobel Laureates Assembly on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear War, warning that artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons together pose an unprecedented danger to humanity's future. Professor Muhammad Yunus joined fellow Nobel Laureates, including Romano Prodi, Jody Williams, Maria Ressa, Denis Mukwege, and Juan Manuel Santos at the event, said a press release . The Assembly opened at Borgo Laudato Si', Castel Gandolfo, with a ceremony featuring an opening address from Professor Yunus, alongside welcome remarks from Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., President of Borgo Laudato Si', an opening address from Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, S.D.B., Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and introductory remarks from Cardinal Silvano Maria Tomasi, President Emeritus of the Domus Communis Foundation and President of the Global Nobel Laureates Assembly. On the second day of the Assembly, Professor Yunus took part in a high-level session on Artificial Intelligence, Democracy and the Economic Revolution: Toward a New World Order, where he delivered an address. He also held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Assembly, including with Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, Archpriest of Saint Peter's Basilica and President of the Fabric of Saint Peter, and Dr Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The three-day Assembly concluded on Thursday, with the signing of the declaration at Rome's Capitoline Hill. Titled "Humanity at the Threshold," the declaration draws a direct parallel between the dawn of the nuclear age and the current AI era, arguing that the world risks repeating the mistakes of the past by entering an AI arms race alongside a worsening nuclear one. The laureates warn that AI is eroding human judgement in nuclear command systems, fuelling cyber threats to critical infrastructure, and enabling information warfare that undermines the shared trust nations need for peace. Invoking Pope Leo XIV's call for an "unarmed and disarming peace," the signatories reject the idea that security can be built on fear or mutual destruction. They set out six principles. 1.Disarming the next arms race – urging restraint and cooperative governance to prevent AI and nuclear competition from shaping the coming century. 2.Responsible development – calling for transparency and accountability from AI developers, and an outright ban on unsupervised, fully automated recursive self-improvement in AI systems. 3.Responsible use – demanding an international treaty to keep AI out of nuclear launch decisions and to protect nuclear infrastructure from cyber interference. 4.Responsible governance – supporting the UN's Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and new international institutions to oversee AI development. 5.Responsible leadership – emphasising the role of young people and education in confronting these threats. 6.Nuclear disarmament – renewing calls for time-bound, verifiable elimination of nuclear weapons and reinforcing existing treaties, including the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The declaration closes by invoking Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein's appeal to "remember your humanity, and forget the rest," framing the moment as one on which the survival of future generations depends. Professor Daniel Holz, Chair of the Science and Security Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists; Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences; Archbishop Renzo Pegoraro, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life; a wider gathering of Nobel Laureates; and actress Sharon Stone also joined.