United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s marine fish stocks are declining at an alarming rate because of illegal, unregulated and excessive harvesting in the Bay of Bengal, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has warned. Speaking at a briefing on the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF)-Nansen Survey 2025 in Dhaka on Sunday, she said preliminary findings from the latest RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen survey signal an urgent need to rethink the country’s marine fisheries management. Key Findings and Concerns Farida said the survey reveals an overall reduction in fish stocks driven by overfishing and destructive fishing gear. She said that among the country’s 273 industrial trawlers, 72 operate with advanced technology that is being misused—causing excessive by-catch and significant wastage. The adviser also highlighted worrying environmental indicators in the Bay, including low-oxygen zones, expanding oxygen-depleted areas, high microplastic pollution and unusual jellyfish blooms. These trends, she said, are ‘clear warning signs’ of a marine ecosystem under severe stress. Call for Immediate Action Farida called for stricter controls on the issuance of industrial trawler licences and tighter regulation of trawler-based fishing. The government will convene a meeting with scientists, researchers and stakeholders after receiving the final report in mid-December to determine next steps. “We will not receive the report and sit idle. Prompt, science-based measures are essential if we want to safeguard the Bay for future generations,” she said. She also urged continued support from the Norwegian government and FAO for future surveys in 2027–28, emphasising Bangladesh’s need for its own research vessel. Scientific Capacity and Biodiversity Findings Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Abu Tahir Muhammad Zaber said Norway and FAO have significantly strengthened Bangladesh’s scientific survey capacity. Low pressure over Southwest Bay of Bengal intensifies into well-marked low He described the 2018 Dr. Fridtjof Nansen survey as a milestone—the first modern ecosystem-based assessment since the country’s maritime boundary was settled. This year’s month-long survey (21 August–21 September 2025) identified 475 fish species, 36 shrimp species, 5 lobster species, 15 crab species, 5 turtle species and 13 coral species. Scientists also recorded 65 new fish species, including five found only in the Bay. Marine scientists cautioned that climate change, pollution and widespread environmental degradation are intensifying threats to marine life and called for immediate collective action.  

One in every three people in Bangladesh suffered from some form of illness in 2025, with women reporting higher morbidity than men, according to a new survey released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). The “Health and Morbidity Status Survey (HMSS) 2025” found that 33 percent of the population or 332.19 per 1,000 people experienced an illness in the 90 days before the survey. Women were more affected, reporting a morbidity rate of 354.56 per thousand, compared to 309.06 per thousand among men. Elderly citizens faced the highest burden of illness. Morbidity peaked among people aged 75 to 79, with 744 illnesses per thousand, while infants under one year recorded the lowest rate at 232 per thousand. Hypertension emerged as the most common illness, affecting 78.28 per thousand respondents. Other leading conditions included peptic ulcer (63.79), diabetes (43.15), arthritis (39.75), skin diseases (37.23), heart disease (31.32), asthma (30.94), osteoporosis (22.30), hepatitis (22.30) and diarrhoea (15.89). The survey, one of the most extensive national health assessments in recent years, covered 47,040 households and collected data from 189,986 individuals across the country between November and December last year. Health spending also featured prominently. Average per-capita medical expenditure for the preceding three months stood at Tk 2,487. Women spent more on average, at Tk 2,576 per person, compared to Tk 2,387 for men. The survey reviewed tobacco use among people aged 15 and above and found that 26.7 percent used some form of tobacco. Taskforce recommends reforms, renaming BBS into StatBD Usage was higher in rural areas at 27.7 percent, compared to 24.1 percent in urban areas. Among women aged 15 to 49, 5.2 percent were pregnant during data collection, while 6.9 percent had given birth in the previous 12 months. The nationwide caesarean delivery rate remained notably high at 49.3 percent, rising to 53.3 percent in urban areas and 48.1 percent in rural regions. The average cost per delivery was estimated at Tk 22,677.            

Rice alone contributed about 47 percent of total food inflation in October while vegetables posted a strong negative impact because of seasonal abundance, according to the latest Economic Update and Outlook for November 2025 prepared by the General Economics Division (GED). Protein items including beef, chicken and fish saw steady inflation during the month, driven by feed prices and transport costs, the report said. Overall inflation dropped to 8.17 percent in October 2025, from 10.87 percent a year earlier, driven almost entirely by a sharp fall in food inflation. Food inflation plunged from 12.66 percent in October 2024 to 7.08 percent in October 2025 as rice supply improved due to the Aman harvest, imports and public procurement. Read more: High price of rice in Bangladesh bucks the trend of easing inflation However, non-food inflation inched up to 9.13 percent, reflecting persistent pressure in housing, transport and healthcare—an indication that inflation remains far from under control. Election-related spending and possible disruptions during the transition are expected to add further pressure on inflation and the foreign exchange market, complicating stabilisation efforts, said the report. The report warns that large-scale dollar purchases by the central bank unless sterilized could fuel inflation and distort market-based exchange rate mechanisms. Bangladesh’s economic recovery depend heavily on political stability following the February national election and the next government’s willingness to carry out meaningful reforms, said the GED reprot. The report offers a cautiously optimistic view but warns that deep structural weaknesses along with the political transition period could constrain economic momentum. According to the analysis, the economy could regain pace if the election produces a clear political direction and the next government decisively undertakes long-delayed reforms, particularly in improving the business climate, stabilising the banking system, and ensuring fiscal and energy security. Without such reforms, the recovery may be short-lived, it said. Read more: Bangladesh economy in ‘waiting vortex’; experts urge credible elections The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has forecast around 5 percent GDP growth for FY26 following a sluggish period. Remittances and garment exports continue to provide much-needed resilience but the GED notes that the broader economic environment remains fragile as both investors and entrepreneurs appear to be “waiting” for political stability before committing to new ventures.= While bank deposits grew at nearly double-digit rates through August and September, private-sector credit growth fell to just 6.29 percent—the lowest in at least four years and well below the Bangladesh Bank’s FY26 target of 7.2 percent. High lending rates, cautious bank behaviour and political uncertainty have depressed investment appetite. Meanwhile, government borrowing from commercial banks surged 24.45 percent in September, raising concerns about crowding out private borrowers. Interest rate spreads also exposed deep structural distortions. Foreign commercial banks maintained spreads close to 9 percent—far higher than state-owned and private banks—highlighting issues such as high operational costs, non-performing loans and market concentration. Rising rice prices push food inflation higher in Bangladesh: Report Revenue collection in October 2025 fell short of the target by Tk 8,324 crore, achieving only 77.37 percent of the month’s goal. All major revenue streams—import duties, domestic VAT, and income tax—underperformed. Although collection was slightly higher than in October 2024, the growth of just 2.2 percent was described as “pessimistic” given inflationary pressures and increased public spending needs. ADP utilisation continues to lag despite marginal improvements. Up to October, utilisation stood at 8.33 percent, only a slight increase from 7.90 percent last year. Lower overall allocations and reduced spending under own-financing components indicate financial strain and weak project execution. The report notes that while utilisation rates improved marginally in some categories, the decline in total expenditure—from Tk 8,762 crore last year to Tk 7,720 crore this year—reflects ongoing bottlenecks in planning, fund release and implementation. Foreign exchange reserves improved significantly, rising from USD 24.35 billion in November 2024 to USD 32.34 billion in October 2025. BPM6 reserves also rose sharply, supported by stronger remittances and prudent reserve management. Bangladesh’s June inflation remains high with food inflation at 10.42% Remittances surged in the first four months of FY26, with each month outperforming the previous year and September recording the highest inflows. However, export earnings remained volatile. Exports peaked in July at USD 4.77 billion but suffered sharp declines in April and June. RMG exports mirrored these fluctuations, while non-RMG exports also experienced mid-year downturns. Imports especially capital machinery saw steep contractions year-on-year, signalling depressed investment demand. A slight month-on-month recovery in August and September suggests only tentative stabilisation. The real effective exchange rate (REER) appreciated notably, indicating eroding external competitiveness. Read more: Inflation in Bangladesh edges up to 8.36% in September

Former senior secretary Dr Mohammad Ayub Mia has been appointed chairman of Sammilito Islami Bank. Bangladesh Bank gave the approval of his appointment on Sunday. The appointment follows the central bank’s final approval of the newly formed ‘Sammilito Islami Bank PLC,’ which was created by merging five financially weak banks in the country. Bangladesh Bank said the new bank, now officially licensed, will begin full-fledged operations this week. The five merged banks are First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Exim Bank, and Union Bank. According to bank officials, the financial condition of these banks failed to improve despite repeated liquidity support. Bangladesh Bank orders pay cuts for Sammilito Islami Bank’s employees Their share prices dropped sharply in the stock market and the Net Asset Value (NAV) of almost all five banks turned negative. The consolidation aims to stabilise the banks’ precarious financial situation. Bangladesh Bank had earlier granted preliminary approval for Sammilito Islami Bank on November 9, following an application from the Ministry of Finance.        

December, the month of Victory when Bangladesh was born as an independent country in 1971 after the surrender of Pakistani occupation forces following a nine-month war, began on Monday. Different sociocultural, political, and professional bodies and institutions will celebrate the month through different programmes. On 14 December, the nation will observe the Martyred Intellectuals Day to commemorate those intellectuals who were killed systematically by the Pakistan occupation forces and their local collaborators at the fag-end of the country's Liberation War in 1971. On this day in 1971, the country's renowned academicians, doctors, engineers, journalists, artists, teachers, and other eminent personalities were dragged out of their homes, blindfolded taken to unknown places, and then brutally tortured and slaughtered. Their bodies were later dumped at Rayerbazar, Mirpur, and some other killing fields in the capital. Council of Advisers approves Freedom Fighters Council amendment draft On 16 December, the nation  will celebrate Victory Day  marking the birth of the country at the cost of the supreme sacrifice of martyrs and the honour of mothers and sisters with a series of programmes. Various programmes will be held to pay deep homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country during the Liberation War in 1971.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday (November 30) said the government will ensure justice for all members of the Army, Navy and Air Force who faced discrimination, deprivation and oppression during the previous regime. He made the remarks after receiving a report from the committee formed to review applications of retired and dismissed officers who suffered injustice between 2009 and August 4, 2024, and to submit recommendations at the State Guest House Jamuna. “When I assigned you to do this work, I thought there might have been some minor irregularities. But the complete picture you have presented is truly horrific. It is beyond imagination,” the Chief Adviser said. He thanked the committee members for revealing the truth with professionalism and sincerity. Committee Chairman and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defense and National Integration Development, Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, and members Maj Gen (Retd) Mohammad Shamsul Huda, Maj Gen (Retd) Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin, Rear Adm (Retd) Muhammad Shafiul Azam and Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Shafqat Ali attended the meeting. Read more: BDR Mutiny: Probe body says Hasina had 'green signal' for entire incident The committee received 733 applications, scrutinised them, and selected 145 for recommendations. Committee Chairman Abdul Hafiz said the committee held its first meeting on August 19, 2025, and invited applications through the Central Officers’ Record Office, ISPR, RAWA, and various media platforms until September 21, 2025. He said that in almost all cases, the dossiers of the affected officers contained no record of moral turpitude or serious allegations, despite the punishments imposed by boards formed under the previous regime. Recommendations were made after reviewing board findings, application details and interviews with officers, including phone consultations with former commanders. The investigation revealed several grave incidents. Six officers were allegedly kept in illegal confinement for periods ranging from one to eight years because of their relatives’ political affiliations or suspected militancy links—something described as unprecedented in Bangladesh’s history. One retired officer was reportedly murdered in a staged militancy incident, and his wife was jailed for two six-year terms without trial along with their one-year-old child. Some officers were allegedly targeted for speaking out about the government’s inaction during the BDR massacre on February 25, 2009. Five were reportedly tortured after being implicated in a fabricated assassination attempt on then MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh. Five others were dismissed from DGFI on false or baseless charges during the 1/11 caretaker government. The committee also found that officers assigned by the army chief to question the then prime minister in court after the BDR massacre were wrongly blamed amid chaos in the courtroom and dismissed without an opportunity to defend themselves. Four junior officers were also dismissed for allegedly belonging to a particular group or being labelled militants simply for practicing religious rituals. In its final report, the committee recommended action for 114 Army officers, 19 Navy officers, and 12 Air Force officers who were deprived or discriminated against. The recommendations include granting normal retirement, promotion, pre-retirement promotion, arrears of pay and allowances, and other applicable benefits. Read more: BDR mutiny a planned conspiracy to destabilise Bangladesh: Inquiry Commission chief Four Army officers were recommended for reinstatement into service. Md. Ashraf Uddin and Military Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, were also present at the meeting.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Sunday (November 30) said the next national election will be held excluding Bangladesh Awami League which is now "a kind of socially acceptable fact." "It's kind of a socially acceptable fact that Awami League will not be part of the next national election," he said, while responding to a question at "DCAB Talk". Adviser Hossain said he does not think that Bangladesh society has taken this (election without AL) very negatively. He mentioned that the activities of the AL have already been suspended but the party is not banned. Read more: Awami League using looted money for acts of sabotage: Rizvi The next national election is scheduled to be held in the first half of February and the government thinks it will be held in a festive and peaceful manner. Responding to a question, Adviser Hossain said he does not think the election will be questionable if BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman does not return to Bangladesh. He said the party's leadership was in fact in his hands though he is not at home. It depends on many factors, including the law and order situation whether the election will be held in a fair manner. Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the ‘DCAB Talk’ titled ‘Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy: Charting a Relevant Role in a Changing World’. DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Md Arifuzzaman Manun also spoke at the event. Read more: Record number of first-time voters to vote, AL can’t participate: Prof Yunus

Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS), one of the oldest and pioneering voluntary organisations in the country’s film society movement, announced its new executive committee on Sunday. Rehnuma Shahreen and Sumantta Sarker Arpon have been elected president and general secretary respectively. Rehnuma is a student of the Printing and Publication Studies department, while Sumantta is from the Political Science department of the 2019-20 academic session. Mohammad Israt Abu Toimur has been elected vice president, Nuzhat Jahan Nuha assistant general secretary, and Abdullah Al Amin Khan Siam treasurer of the committee. DUFS is widely known for organising “Amar Bhashar Chalachitra,” the largest film festival dedicated to Bangla-language cinema, and the International Inter University Short Film Festival, which showcases works by student filmmakers from around the world.

Bangladesh has increased the prices of all categories of fuel by Tk 2 per litre effective from December, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources on Sunday. As per the revised rates, diesel will now cost Tk 104 instead of Tk 102, octane Tk 124 instead of Tk 122, petrol Tk 120 instead of Tk 118, and kerosene Tk 116 instead of Tk 114 per litre. The new prices will come into effect from Monday, December 1. The ministry said the adjustment was made under the updated automatic pricing formula, which aligns local fuel prices with fluctuations in the global market. The December rates were set to ensure comparatively affordable supply to consumers. The government introduced the automated monthly fuel pricing mechanism in March 2024, announcing new rates every month in line with global price movements.

Md. Firoz Sarkar, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Food. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Sunday confirming his promotion to the post of Secretary. The ministry has also issued an order for the retirement of Md. Masudul Hasan, who had been serving as Secretary of the Ministry of Food, effective November 30.