United News of Bangladesh

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury said government efforts are underway to improve the E-waste management system in Bangladesh. E-waste management rules have been formulated and an e-waste management plant will be built under the BEST project, he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with Manisha Dogra, Senior Vice President of Telenor Asia, at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday. He also said the government is strongly committed to implementing a sustainable agenda that includes increasing energy efficiency, expanding the use of renewable energy, and reducing single-use plastics. Leather industry must embrace eco-friendliness to thrive: Saber Saber also said the government is working to build Bangladesh a Climate resilient country. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets will be revised soon, he said adding “The drafting of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines will be finalized by June.” He urged Telenor to continue collaboration to foster a greener Bangladesh. Manisha Dogra said Telenor Asia is committed to environmental sustainability and climate action in the region and is dedicated to supporting the Bangladesh government in its journey towards a sustainable future. Want to deepen ties with US to combat climate change: Saber During the meeting, discussions centered around efforts to address pressing environmental challenges to enhance sustainable development. Both parties expressed a shared vision for a greener, more resilient future.  

Appreciating the role of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI), Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun emphasized the importance of strengthening economic and trade ties between Bangladesh and Malaysia. The minister also requested the BMCCI leader to actively attract investment from Malaysian investors in the Special Economic Zone in Bangladesh. The minister came up with the remark while Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) President Shabbir A Khan paid a courtesy call on to appraise various promotional activities of BMCCI related to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and explores prospects of investment opportunities from Malaysia. 1st BMCCI Biztalk on “Achievement Through People in Digital Era” He also expressed his satisfaction with BMCCI's initiatives and stated that the ministry would provide the necessary support to empower Bangladeshi SMEs through various programs to promote products produced by the SMEs. Besides, Shabbir A Khan informed the minister that BMCCI recently engaged in fruitful dialogues with the SME Corporation of Malaysia in a recent visit of the BMCCI delegation to Kuala Lumpur, exploring possibilities for the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and capacity-building initiatives between the SME sectors of Bangladesh.Shabbir Khan elected BMCCI president, Motaher Khan secretary general   

Anwarul Azim Anar, the lawmaker from Jhenaidah-4 constituency, has been missing since at least May 14, having gone on a medical trip to India on May 11. “His whereabouts are still unknown. Family members and party activists could not reach him after May 14 (Tuesday),” the MP Anar's personal assistant, Abdur Rauf said. He also said “Anar went to India for medical treatment on May 11. He maintained contact with his family members till May 14. Since then, all communication with him has been lost. His WhatsApp number is also unreachable.” 25 days after going missing, body of BCL leader retrieved from Kishoreganj’s Narsunda River MP Anar's wife and daughters went to the DB office in Dhaka on Sunday (May 19) at noon. The Prime Minister has also been informed about the matter, Abdur Rauf told the media. Meanwhile, Anar’s nephew Simon and three others went to India to try and find him. But they could not give any good news till Sunday afternoon. According to party insiders, moments before his last known activity, He asked his manager for Rs 4.2 lakh. At that time, he was in a private car with some Indian friends after attending a wedding ceremony. There is no trace of MP Anar since taking this money, they claimed. Kaliganj Municipal Mayor Ashraful Alam said on Sunday afternoon that he spoke with the MP the day after he left for India. He did not know anything since then. Pubali Bank manager goes missing with more than Tk 2.5 crore in Chandpur Saidul Karim Mintu, general secretary of the Jhenaidah district unit Awami League, said that he came to know about the matter from the MP's family and upazila Awami League leaders. “We have informed the party high command in this regard,” he added. Jhenaidah Superintendent of Police Azim ul-Ahsan said, Awami League leaders and public representatives of Kaliganj verbally informed us about MP Anar's disappearance. “Since the incident is from a different state, we have informed it to the higher authorities,” added the SP. Regarding Awami League MP Anwarul Azim Anar's reported missing, Bangladesh High Commissioner in New Delhi and Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata are in touch with the relevant authorities to try to know what exactly happened, a diplomatic source told UNB. The Ministry of External Affairs has also been informed, the source said.

After captivating innumerable smartphone users in different markets across the world, TECNO, a premium smartphone brand, is all set to bring in smartphones from its CAMON 30 series. CAMON 30 series is anticipated to hit the local market with an aspiration to enhance smartphone experience, said a press release issued on Sunday. There are hints that devices from this series will be facilitated with formidable camera systems that will redefine the idea of camera phone in the local market. Technology crushing human creativity? Apple's new iPad ad has struck a nerve online Global releases states that smartphone enthusiasts may get the taste of AI-powered imaging technology. At least, this is what tech experts are assuming because of TECNO's collaboration with SONY. TECNO has already earned repute for its handy features among the users and with these latest offerings from CAMON series, they aim to add new dimension to the overall experience. TikTok to start labeling AI-generated content as technology becomes more universal This series is teased to live up to the expectations of smartphone aficionados with power-packed features. For such a thing coming into shape, smartphone lovers have to wait a bit longer as the brand gears up to launch new phones from the CAMON series.    

Thirty-four more people were hospitalised with dengue in 24 hours till Sunday morning. Of the new patients, eight were admitted to hospitals in Dhaka and the rest outside it, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Dengue: 13 patients hospitalised in 24hrs Currently, 131 patients are receiving treatment at several hospitals across the country.  So far, 2,628 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024, said DGHS. Last year, a total of 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. One dies of dengue; 12 hospitalised The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year. Last year’s September was the deadliest month for the dengue outbreak, with 396 fatalities and 79,598 cases, according to DGHS data.

Drivers of battery-run three wheelers set a police box on fire at Kalshi intersection in the city's Mirpur area on Sunday during demonstration against banning the vehicle on Dhaka streets. Duty office of Fire Service and Civil Defense headquarters, Shahjahan, said the drivers set the police box on fire around 4:15 pm. On information, a firefighting unit rushed to the spot around 4:32 pm and brought the situation under control. Mukhlesur Rahman, inspector (investigation) of Pallabi Police Station, said necessary steps were taken. The drivers of battery-run three wheelers staged demonstration blocking roads in Dhaka’s Mirpur, Pallabi and some other areas on Sunday morning, obstructing traffic movement in the area. The protesters also vandalised some buses passing in the Mirpur area after 2:30 pm. A chase and counter-chase between police and protesters also took place. Munshi Sabbir Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Mirpur Police Station, said the traffic movement in the area remained halted for four hours following the demonstration, causing immense sufferings to the commuters. Earlier on Wednesday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader instructed the authorities concerned to take steps to stop the movement of battery-run three wheelers on the roads in Dhaka city.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the NBR’s move to impose 15% VAT on people-friendly Metro rail, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said he requested the Prime Minister to reconsider the plan. “I have talked to the Prime Minister about the NBR’s VAT plan, this is not right decision, it is wrong. Is there any VAT on metro rail in India ? No, so why is it here? It can't happen as it will ruin the image of the metro rail,” he said while speaking at a seminar on metro-rail branding, as the chief guest in the city. BNP rally means arson, havoc and bloodshed: Obaidul QuaderDhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) organised the seminar at a city hotel.Expressing annoyance over the plying of dilapidated and rundown vehicles on Dhaka roads, the minister said “Beautiful and latest models cars and jeeps are plying Dhaka streets. Why the buses are in dilapidated condition?”He sought cooperation from the two Dhaka mayors to take away these obsolete vehicles.Talking about the BNP, Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said BNP leaders are suffering from trauma, that's why they are talking rubbish.Quader also ruled out the BNP’s claim that AL leaders and activists even refrained from casting votes in the election. BNP's freedom fighters rally a gathering of 'fake' freedom fighters: Obaidul Quader“The Election Commission has said that 30-40 percent votes were cast in the first phase of upazila election while over 42% in the national election. Are they not people of this country? If 42 percent people voted, how did voters reject the election? Actually, BNP leaders are suffering from trauma.”

State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan called for policy planners, academics and development partners to assist in creating a robust and efficient financial management system for Bangladesh in order to ensure the country’s economic stability and promote sustainable growth,. Launching the process for creating the Public Financial Management Strategy (PFM) for 2025-2030 in Dhaka on Sunday, the State Minister said, “PFM Strategy comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, as we navigate through unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the global economic landscape.” As the country confront the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that resilient and effective financial management systems are essential for safeguarding our nation's economic stability and fostering sustainable development, she said. The State Minister said, “As we embark on this journey towards formulating the PFM strategy, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, innovation and collaboration. Together, we have opportunity to shape a future where Bangladesh’s financial management systems are not only resilient and efficient but also equitable and inclusive, laying the foundation for sustained prosperity for generation to come.” Presided over by Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman Mozumder, Secretary, Finance Division, the meeting was attended by Barnard Haven, Acting Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, the World Bank as Special Guest. 3-Day ‘Cold Chain Exhibition’ aims to modernise sector, reduce post-harvest losses Dr. Michal Krejan, Head of Cooperation (HoC), European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, Joe Goodings, Head of Corporate/Development Assistance, High Commission of Canada and Sylvia Islam, Senior Development Advisor, Global Affairs Canada also addressed the inaugural discussion. Abu Daiyan Mohammad Ahsanullah, Joint Secretary, Finance Division made a presentation on Pathway to PFM Reform Strategy 2025-2030.  Dr. Md. Khairuzzaman in his speech said enhancing PFM has remained a fundamental aspect of reforms aimed at fostering effective macroeconomic management and promoting good governance. Effective PFM is an essential tool that ties together available resources, delivery of services and achievement of government policy objective, he said adding although significant improvement has already been done in PFM reform area in Bangladesh, more coordinated efforts are required from all stakeholders for maximizing the benefits from it.  Barnard Haven in his speech said Bangladesh has made remarkable progress on Public Financial management leveraging new technologies, adding, “I have seen incredible progress on systems like the integrated budget and accounting system, e-procurement and automated payments.”  Inaugural session was followed by two technical sessions. The 1st session- “Reflection from the Government Key Stakeholders” was addressed by Rehana Parven Member (Secretary) Planning Commission, Md. Masud Sadiq, Member (Customs, Policy and ICT), National Board of Revenue and Md. Mofidur Rahman, Additional Secretary, Finance Division. The second session was moderated by Suraiya Zannath, Lead Governance Specialist, Financial Management, the World Bank named “Voices from other Key Stakeholders”. It was addressed by Mohammad Muslim Chowdhury, former Comptroller and Auditor General, Ramendra Nath Biswas, Director General, Institute of Public Finance and Dr. Monzur Hossain, Research Director, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies.  Mohammad Saiful Islam, additional secretary, Finance Division and National Program Director, Strengthening Public Financial Management Program to Enable Service Delivery (SPFMS) made the closing remarks. BGMEA urges Customs House Chattogram to address customs related problems of RMG industry Earlier, two robust PFM Reform Strategies were formulated for 2007-12 and 2016-21 to take forward the ongoing agenda of reforms and establish broader ownership of the reform process by government.  Bangladesh now seeks to transform its PFM system into a technology-driven, enhanced performance orientation and efficient public expenditure management system to support improved service delivery and sustainable development. The PFM Reform Strategy 2025-2030 aims to address gaps and outstanding issues of previous PFM reform initiatives; cover broader political mandates- Smart economy, Smart citizens etc. in alignment with PFM functionalities.

A total of 457 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to maintain law and order ahead of the second phase of Upazila Parishad Elections billed for May 21. According to a BGB media release, the members of the paramilitary force will remain deployed from May 19 till May 23. Under “In Aid to the Civil Power’’, the BGB personnel will perform duty as mobile and striking force to assist the local civil administration to hold a free, fair and peaceful election, it reads. Over 4-kg crystal meth seized in Cox’s Bazar, 1 detained: BGB According to the Election Commission’s announced schedule, upazila parishad elections to 150 upazilas held on May 8 in the first phase. During the 1st phase election, a total of 418 BGB men were deployed. In the second phase, 160 upazilas will go to polls on May 21, and in third phase, 112 upazilas will go to polls on May 29. In the 4th phase, elections will be held in 55 upazilas on June 5. BGB DG warns KNF, vows support for joint operations As per the EC’s plan, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) will be used in 22 upazila parishad polls in the first phase, 24 in second phase, 21 in third phase, and two in the fourth phase.  

Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on Sunday warned the officials concerned of jail and fine if negligence is found in the distribution of products under OMS programme.  “If there is any negligence in the distribution of OMS goods, the dealer and the officials concerned  of the food department will be accountable, Monitoring has already been strengthened,” he said while inaugurating the sale of rice and flour at fair prices through Open Market Sale(OMS) cards at Ansar Camp bus stand in the capital’s Mirpur. The minister said if OMS products are distributed through cards, the tendency of taking rice and flour more than once will be stopped. 50 lakh families to get 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice under VGF during Ramadan: Food Minister It will also be easy to identify whether the cardholder is from other area and it will be possible to reach OMS goods to the real poor people, he added. He said 14 lakh beneficiaries will be able to collect OMS rice and flour through this special card and  more beneficiaries will be brought under the programme in the future . He instructed the officials concerned to remain watchful so that there is no duplication in the card disbursement. The food minister said farmers will lose interest in production if they do not get a fair price for their produce. To encourage them, the government has increased the price of paddy by Tk 2 in the Boro procurement season, he said. Ensure safe food: Food minister Food Secretary Md Ismail Hossain and Additional Director General of Directorate General of Food Md Abdullah Al Mamun addressed the function as special guests. Later, the minister handed over packets of OMS rice and flour sold through cards to the beneficiaries at the center.