United News of Bangladesh

ClimateLaunchpad , the world's largest green business ideas competition by  Climate KIC , has opened applications for its 2026 edition. Since 2014, the programme has supported nearly 5,000 ideas across 97 countries. This year, it is expanding its presence in Asia with Singapore hosting both the regional final and Global Grand Final for the first time. The competition is therefore partnering with regional partners Better Earth Ventures and TPC Group. “Strengthening ClimateLaunchpad’s presence in Asia marks a profound new chapter for this programme and for the climate innovation movement more broadly. Asia is where so much of the world’s climate and nature future will be shaped, through business leadership, public-private partnerships and long term strategic thinking. We look forward to supporting this momentum with new business ideas and innovation ecosystem collaborations across more than a dozen countries. This expansion opens space for deeper cross-cultural connections and for first-time founders to turn sparks of imagination into solutions that serve both people and planet.” -  Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of Climate KIC. What is ClimateLaunchpad and how to join? Since its launch in 2014, ClimateLaunchpad has become the most accessible pipeline for green innovation. The curriculum is designed to turn ideas on the back of a napkin into battle-proof businesses. Participants move through several stages: 1. An initial mini-course to refine the concept. 2. An intensive multi-day Boot Camp led by expert trainers. 3. Targeted coaching to perfect value propositions and investor pitches. 4. National and regional finals, where teams pitch to expert juries and gain wider visibility. 5. A place at the Global Grand Final, with prizes and access to a global climate network. In 2025, the programme received over 2,700 applications from 40 countries. The winning ventures gain prize money, investor connections, and access to a global cleantech network. Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of ClimateLaunchpad . Climate innovators, green venture builders, and entrepreneurs from around the world can  apply here . Partnering with regional players This year, Climate KIC is partnering with  Better Earth Ventures  to host both ClimateLaunchpad Singapore and the Global Grand Final. Better Earth Ventures is a Singapore-based climate innovation platform supporting early-stage founders across Asia-Pacific. As the local delivery partner, they bring deep ecosystem relationships and hands-on experience running climate and agrifood innovation programmes, with a focus on turning promising ideas into scalable ventures. Their work is grounded in the belief that global change starts with local action, and that supporting entrepreneurs on the ground is key to building a resilient green economy. “We are proud to host ClimateLaunchpad’s Regional and Global Grand Final in Singapore and to convene an international group of climate entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries. Climate solutions are emerging from every corner of the world, and bringing them together creates the kind of cross-border exchange and collaboration this moment demands. Our focus is to ensure early-stage founders have the structure, ecosystem access and support needed to move from idea to credible impact.”- Rebecca Sharpe, Founder and CEO Better Earth Ventures At the same time, the competition is entering a new chapter with Singapore-based TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) bringing a perspective rooted in interconnectedness. TPC is a fourth-generation family business ecosystem committed to advancing the well-being economy, with activities spanning global logistics, impact investment, education, and philanthropy. This perspective recognises that climate, economy, culture and community do not operate separately. Addressing the climate crisis requires understanding how these systems overlap and designing solutions that reflect that reality. This systems perspective also informs the work of NO.17 Foundation, part of the TPC ecosystem, which focuses on aligning capital, collaboration, and execution so that climate innovation can move from promising ideas to scalable systems change. “Climate innovation is ultimately a human endeavour before it is a technological one. The most powerful solutions often emerge from people closest to the realities of climate change. Platforms like ClimateLaunchpad help connect these founders with the networks, capital, and collaboration needed to turn local insight into solutions that can scale globally.”- Luis Alvarado Martinez, CEO of No. 17 Foundation The partner network ClimateLaunchpad is supported by long-term partners like Bank of America and Irish Aid. Support from Bank of America strengthens the ecosystem from the earliest stages, giving visibility to solutions that can deliver real-world impact and reshape our economy. Meanwhile, Irish Aid empowers entrepreneurs in emerging markets, ensuring those on the front lines of climate change have the tools to build their own local solutions. Application open:  Climate innovators, green venture builders, and entrepreneurs from around the world can  apply here . About Climate KIC Climate KIC is Europe’s leading climate innovation agency and community, creating climate-resilient communities and fighting climate breakdown by mobilising systems change in countries, regions, cities, and businesses. Together with partners across the globe, Climate KIC orchestrates solutions and facilitates learning to bridge the gap between climate commitments and current reality, driving faster and more ambitious action.  About Better Earth Ventures Better Earth Ventures is dedicated to accelerating the development and deployment of transformative technologies and initiatives that mitigate climate change and promote sustainable living. Located in Singapore, we serve as a pivotal gateway to Asia-Pacific, with a strong regional network of commercial partners, investors and mentors to help growth-stage businesses scale sustainably across borders. Through collaboration, mentorship, and strategic partnerships, we empower visionary entrepreneurs to drive tangible impact and pave the way for a resilient and thriving planet. About TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) is a fourth-generation family business holding company headquartered in Singapore that is committed to empowering the well-being and happiness economy. TPC does this by supporting global connectivity and resilience through its supply chain and logistics activities, and well-being-focused activities aimed at fostering individual and collective growth. TPC’s purpose-led well-being business ecosystem comprises IMC Industrial, OCTAVE, and multiple non-profit organisations, including OCTAVE Institute, NO.17 Foundation and Restore Nature Foundation, operating in unity to add value to life, with corporate offices in the People’s Republic of China, Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan. Find out more about TPC (Tsao Pao Chee) at tsaopaochee.com and on LinkedIn. About NO.17 Foundation NO.17 Foundation is the nexus of capital, consciousness, and collaboration in the Well-being Era – the philanthropic heart of TPC (Tsao Pao Chee). Rooted in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, NO.17 unites values-aligned funders, partners, and changemakers to catalyse systemic transformation. Through trust-based giving, regenerative coalitions, and strategic ecosystem building, we activate new forms of capital – financial, social, cultural, spiritual, institutional, ecological, and human – as a force for collective flourishing. Explore our movement to make philanthropy as a field of love for transformation at  https://17foundation.org  and on LinkedIn. About Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,700 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).   About Irish Aid Irish Aid is the Government of Ireland’s international development cooperation programme. It works in more than 80 countries to reduce poverty, hunger and humanitarian need, often focusing on climate action, gender equality and strengthening governance. gov.ie  As part of Ireland’s foreign policy, Irish Aid supports inclusive development, helps communities adapt to climate change, and backs early-stage innovation in underserved regions. Its approach emphasises giving a voice, platform and opportunity to entrepreneurs worldwide — especially in regions hardest hit by climate risks.

The government has declared March 18 a public holiday to facilitate smooth travel for people heading home during Eid-ul-Fitr. Now the government officials and employees will enjoy a continuous holiday from March 17 to March 23. The decision to declare March 18 (Wednesday) a holiday was taken at the Cabinet meeting held on Thursday at the Secretariat chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj confirmed the decision to journalists after the meeting. The move aims to ease the pressure of holiday travel as millions of people leave cities for their hometowns to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival for Muslims.

Inflationary pressure in Bangladesh remained elevated at the start of 2026 as rising prices of fish, fruits and vegetables continued to push up food costs, even though rice prices showed signs of easing, according to the latest report of the General Economics Division (GED). Inflation rose slightly to 8.58 percent in January 2026, up from 8.49 percent in December 2025, reflecting persistent pressure from food prices, the GED said in its Economic Update and Outlook for February 2026. Food inflation increased to 8.29 percent in January, compared with 7.71 percent in December, while non-food inflation declined to 8.81 percent from 9.13 percent during the same period. The report said food remained the largest contributor to overall inflation, accounting for 43.06 percent of headline inflation in January, up from 40 percent in December. Housing and utilities contributed 15.05 percent, while miscellaneous goods and services accounted for 9.31 percent. Within the food basket, the impact of rice prices eased considerably in January as price growth slowed across all varieties. The contribution of rice to food inflation dropped sharply to 22.16 percent in January, down from 37.34 percent in December. Overall rice inflation fell to 7.61 percent in January, compared with 11.92 percent in December, with medium, coarse and fine rice all recording lower price increases. However, the easing in rice prices was offset by rising costs of vegetables, fruits and fish, which continued to keep food inflation high. Vegetables, which had a negative contribution to inflation in December, turned positive in January. Fish and dry fish remained among the largest contributors to food inflation. The GED attributed the increase in vegetable prices largely to higher transportation costs and excessive profit-taking by wholesale and intermediary traders. Experts, farmers warn of food security crisis over poultry import ban The report also warned that rising inflation combined with stagnant wage growth is putting pressure on household purchasing power. While inflation stood at 8.58 percent in January, wage growth remained almost unchanged at 8.08 percent, compared with 8.07 percent in December. Since September 2025, inflation has consistently outpaced wage growth, creating a widening gap between price increases and income gains. According to the GED, this trend is eroding real incomes, particularly for low-income households, whose spending is heavily concentrated on essential goods. Meanwhile, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) failed to meet its revenue target for January despite modest growth in collection. Against a revised monthly target of Tk 52,545 crore, the NBR collected Tk 37,033 crore, leaving a shortfall of Tk 15,512 crore. Shortfalls were recorded in all major tax segments, including import and export duties, domestic VAT, and income tax and travel tax. Overall, the NBR achieved 70.48 percent of its January target, with revenue collection rising slightly from Tk 36,191 crore in December to Tk 37,033 crore in January, marking a 2.3 percent month-to-month growth. On a year-on-year basis, revenue increased by 3.81 percent compared with January 2025. The report also highlighted slow implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) in the current fiscal year. By January 2026, only Tk 50,556 crore, or 21.18 percent of the annual allocation, had been spent—well below the expected 50–58 percent mid-year implementation level. Although Tk 8,679 crore was spent in January alone, the overall pace remained slow. The GED warned that even with faster spending in the remaining months, FY2025–26 may record one of the lowest ADP implementation rates in recent years, potentially delaying infrastructure projects and increasing costs. The slowdown was attributed to weak project preparation, procurement delays, land disputes and coordination challenges. Despite domestic challenges, the country’s external sector showed relative stability, the report said. Foreign exchange reserves stood at about $33.18 billion in January 2026, while remittance inflows reached $3.17 billion, significantly higher than the $2.19 billion recorded in January last year. The GED expects remittance inflows to increase further during Ramadan due to seasonal transfer patterns. Merchandise exports also grew, mainly driven by the ready-made garments (RMG) sector. Rice biggest driver of October’s food inflation in Bangladesh: GED RMG exports increased from $3.23 billion in December to $3.61 billion in January, while non-RMG exports rose to $798.9 million after a slight dip in December. However, imports of capital machinery remained volatile, suggesting relatively weak private investment despite rising overall imports. The GED expressed hope that the new government would take prudent measures to ensure macroeconomic stability, including attracting investment, generating employment, controlling inflation and strengthening investor confidence. It also stressed the importance of improving ADP implementation, maintaining debt sustainability and ensuring policy consistency to support long-term economic growth. The planned introduction of the government’s Family Card programme was also highlighted as a possible step to strengthen social protection and support vulnerable groups.

Former Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Wednesday night strongly denied corruption allegations circulating on social media, asserting that he did not take “not a single taka” corruptly during his tenure in the interim government. In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Nazrul said that following the departure of the interim administration, “so-called” reports of corruption involving him and some of his colleagues began spreading online. “I have never committed any corruption while in government, nor before or after that in my life. Not one taka — I repeat, not a single taka — have I taken corruptly,” he wrote. The former adviser also claimed that he did not open any new bank accounts, acquire new assets or conceal any wealth in his tax filings during his time in office. Nazrul further rejected allegations of nepotism, saying he did not extend any undue benefits to family members or relatives. He noted that nearly 5,000 law officers were appointed during his tenure and none of them were his relatives. Addressing claims of favouritism, he said he did not prioritise his own locality while serving as adviser, though he acknowledged facilitating limited financial assistance through proper procedures for the development of Lalbagh Shahi Mosque and securing support for the improvement of Dhaka University’s playground at the request of the university authorities. Describing the allegations as “vile and false,” Nazrul said he has faced accusations over the past two decades but expressed confidence that the latest claims would also fail to harm him. “Allah is there, and He is sufficient for me,” he added.

The government has formed the National Implementation Committee for Administrative Reform (NICAR) with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as its chairman. The Cabinet Division on Wednesday issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday constituting the 20-member committee. The members of NICAR include the ministers of Local Government, Finance, Home Affairs, Industry and Law, the State Minister for Public Administration, and the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary. In addition, senior officials from the Public Administration, Land, Home Affairs, Finance, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs, Coordination and Reforms, Law and Justice, Local Government, and Physical Infrastructure divisions of the Planning Commission, as well as secretaries of the concerned ministries and departments, have been included as members. NICAR is tasked with reviewing proposals related to the establishment, reorganisation and renaming of ministries, departments, directorates and offices. The committee will also examine proposals concerning the creation of new divisions, districts, upazilas, city corporations, municipalities and police stations, as well as any proposals to redraw the boundaries of these administrative units.

The government has taken the initiative to introduce women-only Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) bus services in the capital, following directives from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The special bus service will be operated entirely by female drivers, conductors and helpers to ensure safe and comfortable travel for women commuters, an official handout said on Wednesday. As part of the initiative, a set of awareness slogans has been finalised for the women-friendly BRTC buses. The slogans focus on safety, empowerment and economic participation of women, including: “Another name for comfort, women-friendly BRTC bus,” “End fear in women’s mobility, the nation moves forward with safe buses,” “Safe journey, faster work – economic strength in women’s hands,” and “Women at the wheel will transform tomorrow’s Dhaka.” Other slogans highlight women’s right to safe travel and their role in building a secure and prosperous Bangladesh, such as: “Safe journey is women’s right, let women-friendly buses be everyone’s commitment,” and “With women driving the wheels, build a safer Bangladesh.”  

Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, the beloved cultural festival of Bengalis, continued for the seventh day on the premises of Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. However, the fair has yet to gain full momentum, with a comparatively low turnout of visitors and buyers. Held under the theme “Multidimensional Bangladesh,” this year’s Amar Ekushey Boi Mela is unfolding in a different reality, marked by a delayed inauguration, a reduced number of participating publishers, the atmosphere of Ramadan, and shortened operating hours. Breaking away from its usual pattern, the fair has faced several challenges since the beginning. Compared to previous years, the number of visitors and readers is noticeably lower. Due to fasting and the intense afternoon heat, people are less inclined to visit the fairgrounds during the daytime. Despite these challenges, many book lovers are still visiting the fair to purchase their preferred titles. A visit to the fairgrounds on the seventh day revealed that many stall operators were passing idle time. They believe that ahead of Eid, people are more focused on shopping elsewhere. Ashraf Hossain Shimanto, a salesperson at Muktadhara Publications, said people are now more attentive to Eid shopping. “Many come here after shopping at markets just to stroll around. They look at books and take photos, but do not buy,” he noted. Another salesperson in Shikhor Publication said, readers usually buy at least one or two books at the fair. “But this time, due to Ramadan, the number of such buyers has also declined. We are spending the entire afternoon sitting idle. Occasionally someone comes, flips through books, and leaves,” he added. Meanwhile, 81 new titles were submitted to the fair’s information center on the seventh day. At 3:00 pm, a discussion titled ‘Remembrance: Sanjida Khatun’ was held at the main stage of the fair. The keynote paper was presented by Mofidul Haque. The discussion was attended by Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam and chaired by Bhishmadev Chowdhury.\ Children enchanted by puppet show as Boi Mela comes alive on day 2 Professor Mohammad Azam said Sanjida Khatun lived a complete, refined, and dignified life. One of the key traits of her personality was deep concentration. She enjoyed discussing music and providing detailed analyses. Her identity as a teacher blended seamlessly with her roles as an essayist, critic, and analyst. Undoubtedly, her multifaceted contributions to the overall practice, institutionalization, and socialization of music will remain foremost. In addition, fiction writer Nasima Anis spoke about her own books at the “Lekhok Bolchi” session.

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of a woman in the capital’s Uttara area, claiming to have solved the previously untraced case. The arrestees are Noor Alam alias Bagh, 47, and Md Rasel Madabbar alias Rasel Islam Johnny, 25. According to sources at Turag Police Station, the victim, Regina Momtaz, 59, lived with her husband in a flat in Sector 15 in Uttara under the police station. Electrician electrocuted to death in Dhaka’s Kadamtali On Monday (March 2) at around 8:05pm, her husband left home to offer Tarawih prayers. When he returned at about 9:15pm, he found the door locked from inside. After entering, he discovered his wife lying unconscious on the floor, with her hands and feet tied with cloth and scotch tape wrapped around her nose and mouth. Household belongings were scattered. She was taken to Dhaka Specialized Hospital in Uttara, where the doctor on duty declared her dead. Reviewing CCTV footage, police found that at around 8:18pm two masked men entered the flat. They allegedly tied the victim’s hands and feet, wrapped tape around her nose and mouth and strangled her before fleeing with a pair of gold bangles, a gold chain and a gold nose ring. Later, a murder case was filed with Turag Police Station. Based on CCTV analysis, information technology support and intelligence inputs, police conducted a raid in Sector 15 at around 6:30pm on Tuesday (March 3) and arrested Noor Alam. Following his confession, police recovered a pair of gold bangles, a gold chain, a brass nose ring, scotch tape and broken spectacles believed to have been used during the crime from an office in Sector 12 under Uttara West Police Station at around 7:05pm. Later that night, at about 7:45pm, police arrested Rasel from the Uttara North Metro Station area. Legal action against the two accused is underway, police said.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday returned to his Gulshan residence after receiving treatment under close medical observation for four days at a city hospital. “Sir returned home in the afternoon. Doctors have advised him to take complete rest,” said the minister’s personal assistant, Shahiduzzaman. He said the minister is continuing urgent official work from home. Finance Minister Amir Khosru hospitalised “The minister attended to urgent official work even while in hospital and is now continuing his duties from home,” Shahiduzzaman added. Khosru was admitted to United Hospital in Gulshan on March 1 after being diagnosed with pneumonia. Amir Khosru, also a member of the BNP Standing Committee, was elected MP from the Chattogram-11 constituency in the 13th parliamentary election.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Wednesday postponed a crucial meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) following the resignation of noted economist Dr. Sadiq Ahmed from the committee. The meeting, chaired by the newly appointed Governor, Md. Mostaqur Rahman was widely expected to announce a reduction in the policy interest rate to ease lending costs for businesses. Dr. Sadiq Ahmed, Vice Chairman of the Policy Research Institute (PRI) and a former senior official of the World Bank, reportedly submitted his resignation today. He was the only member of the seven-member MPC nominated by the central bank's board of directors. While the central bank did not provide an official reason for the postponement, sources within the bank suggested the decision was linked to the sudden vacancy in the committee and ongoing debates over lowering interest rates amid persistent high inflation. "We were informed on Tuesday afternoon that the meeting would not take place. It may now be held after the upcoming Eid holidays," said Dr. AK Enamul Haque, Director General of the Bangladesh Development Research Institute (BIDS) and an MPC member. The new Governor, who recently took charge, had signaled an initiative to reduce the policy rate—currently at 10 percent—by 25 to 50 basis points. The move aimed to lower the cost of borrowing to stimulate investment, a shift from the tight monetary stance maintained by the previous administration to curb inflation. BB governor appointment sparks civil society concern: Citizens’ Coalition However, economists and some committee members expressed concerns that premature easing could aggravate inflationary pressures, which remain above 8 percent. The seven-member MPC is headed by Governor Md. Mostaqur Rahman. Other members include Deputy Governor Md. Habibur Rahman, Chief Economist, Md. Akhtar Hossain, BIDS DG AK Enamul Haque, Dhaka University Economics Department Chair, Ferdousi Nahar, and BB Executive Director Mahmud Salahuddin Naser.