United News of Bangladesh

A three-day Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2026 will begin in the capital on Monday. The expo will showcase domestic industrial capabilities, reduce reliance on imports, and create new opportunities for accessing international markets, organisers said at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday. President of Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners’ Association (BEIOA) Abdur Razzaque said the expo, supported by the Ministry of Commerce and the World Bank-backed Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project will be held at Shaheed Abu Sayed International Convention Centre from February 2 to 4. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman will attend the inaugural ceremony on February 2 as the chief guest. Hosna Ferdous Sumi, senior private sector specialist at the World Bank, and Md Abdur Rahim Khan, additional secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and project director of EC4J, will attend as special guests. Highlighting the sector’s importance, Abdur Razzaque said the light engineering industry provides crucial backward linkages to agriculture, textiles, construction, power, automobiles and household appliances. He said around 50,000 small and medium light engineering enterprises are currently operating across the country, employing more than 300,000 skilled workers and contributing nearly 3 per cent to the national GDP. Nearly half of Bangladesh’s US$8.2 billion domestic demand for engineering products is met locally through the production of more than 3,800 types of machinery, spare parts, tools, dies, moulds and engineering accessories. Heavy dependence on imported machinery and components still persists, indicating significant scope for further expansion, he said. Despite strong global demand, Bangladesh’s share in the nearly US$7 trillion global engineering market remains below 1 per cent, he said. Currently, exports from the light engineering sector stand at about US$795 million. With appropriate policy support, technological upgrading and increased investment, export earnings could reach US$12.56 billion by 2030, he added. Describing the expo as more than a display event, Abdur Razzaque said it will serve as an effective sourcing and networking platform, connecting manufacturers, buyers, suppliers, investors and policymakers, and facilitating technology transfer, business deals and access to global markets. More than 50 booths will showcase innovations and production capacity of local enterprises. Two seminars will be held alongside the expo—one on strategies to enhance global competitiveness after LDC graduation and another on the importance of research and innovation in developing the light engineering sector. BGMEA honours Hams Garments for achieving world’s highest score for green factories The BEIOA president said producing high-value exportable products requires product diversification and technology transfer, urging government support for adopting modern technologies, research and innovation. He also called for rationalisation of import duties on raw materials and easier import facilities to boost competitiveness. Organisers expressed optimism that the expo would strengthen the domestic industry, attract investment, create employment and enhance the global visibility of Bangladesh’s light engineering sector. The exhibition will remain open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

The Appellate Division on Sunday rejected a writ petition filed by BNP-nominated candidate Manjurul Ahsan Munshi, upholding the Election Commission’s decision to cancel his candidacy for the Cumilla-4 constituency on charges of loan default. The Appellate Division bench, led by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, passed the order after dismissing Munshi’s leave-to-appeal petition. Earlier, the High Court had declared Manjurul Ahsan Munshi’s candidacy invalid. He later filed an appeal challenging the High Court verdict. Alliance partners can't share electoral symbol: High Court  The BNP candidate faces allegations of loan default after concealing relevant information in his affidavit. Although the returning officer initially found his nomination valid, the Election Commission cancelled it on January 17 following objections raised by NCP candidate Hasnat Abdullah, who alleged that Munshi was a loan defaulter. Munshi then filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the Election Commission’s decision. However, the High Court rejected the petition on January 21. Meanwhile, the Appellate Division agreed to hear a leave-to-appeal petition filed by BNP candidate Mobasher Alam Bhuiyan of the Cumilla-10 constituency, seeking restoration of his candidacy. He was also allowed to take part in the election pending disposal of the appeal. On the other hand, the Appellate Division rejected a separate leave-to-appeal petition filed by BNP candidate Abdul Gafur Bhuiyan, effectively barring him from contesting the polls.  

In a remarkable display of rehabilitation and craftsmanship, the Bangladesh Jail Pavilion has been crowned the winner of the general pavilion category at the 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF). ​Beyond the barbed wire and stone walls, a quiet revolution of industry has been brewing. This year’s fair provided the ultimate stage for that transformation, as products made by inmates from 38 prisons across the country took centre stage, capturing both the judges' accolades and the public's imagination.

The government has announced a Tk 2 per litre reduction in the prices of diesel, octane, petrol, and kerosene for February 2026, aiming to provide fuel at a relatively affordable price to consumers. Under the revised rates, diesel will now sell at Tk 100 per litre, down from Tk 102; octane at Tk 120, down from Tk 122; petrol at Tk 116, down from Tk 118; and kerosene at Tk 112, down from Tk 114. The new prices will take effect from February 1, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said in a media statement on Saturday.

Saint Martin’s Island, the country’s only coral island located in the north-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, will remain closed to travellers for nine months from February 1 as part of a conservation measure. As a result, tourists staying on the island are returning to their respective destinations on January 31 and February 1. Although Saint Martin’s was opened to tourists for three months from December to January, overnight stays were permitted for only two months. In addition, the daily number of tourists was capped at 2,000, and entry without prior registration was not allowed. Due to these restrictions, the local tourism business has suffered significantly. Delwar Hossain, a local tourism entrepreneur, said business owners incurred losses during the shortened season. Earlier, the government announced a nine-month suspension of tourism activities on Saint Martin’s Island in the interest of environmental protection.  According to a decision by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, tourism activities for the current season will officially end on Saturday. Consequently, no tourist vessels will operate to the island from Sunday. Although tourists are usually allowed to visit Saint Martin’s from October 1 to March 31 each year, the travel period was reduced this year up to January 31 due to environmental risks. Cox’s Bazar Additional District Magistrate Imran Hossain Sajib said the last tourist vessels would sail to Saint Martin’s on Saturday. “No tourist ships will be allowed to operate from Sunday. However, if the government revises its decision later, necessary measures will be taken accordingly,” he added. Under government directives, lighting on the beach at night, playing loud music and organising barbecue parties were prohibited. Entry into the protected forest area, as well as the collection and sale of key fruits, were also completely banned. Strict instructions were issued to prevent harm to biodiversity, including sea turtles, birds, corals, king crabs, snails and oysters. All types of motorised vehicles, including motorcycles, were prohibited on the beach. Carrying single-use plastics, including polythene, was strictly restricted, while tourists were advised to bring reusable water flasks. According to the administration, the prolonged absence of tourists will help corals, sea turtles, birds and other marine species recover their natural habitats. The long-term decision aims to restore biodiversity damaged by excessive tourist pressure and unregulated activities. Authorities expressed hope that the initiative to protect the environment and biodiversity would play a positive role in maintaining the ecological balance of Saint Martin’s Island. Meanwhile, local business owners said they had invested heavily in the tourism sector with expectations of a longer season. Misinformation sparks confusion about Saint Martin’s, authorities clarify However, tourism activities came to a halt after just three months. Businessmen and residents have demanded that Saint Martin’s be opened for at least five months annually with a controlled number of tourists.

Diploma engineers and students blocked railway tracks and roads in Gazipur on Saturday to protest the 33 percent quota for BSc engineers in the recruitment of sub-assistant engineers and to press their five-point demands. The protest disrupted train services to northern districts when demonstrators stopped the Silk City Express at the West Bhurulia rail gate. Protesters sat on the train and the tracks, chanting slogans for their demands. Earlier, they gathered at the Mist More area in Bhurulia, marched along Shimultoli Road, and reached the rail gate. They also blocked Gazipur-Shimultoli Road and the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, causing traffic disruption. Consensus committee formed over demands of BSc, diploma engineers The demonstration was organized under the banner of the Diploma Engineers Welfare Foundation. Leaders including Ishak Piku and Saiful Islam Shuvo highlighted their demands and vowed to continue the movement until they were met. After about two and a half hours, the protesters lifted the blockade and train services returned to normal.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Saturday described the draft National Media Commission and Broadcasting Commission Ordinances as a ‘parting mockery’ of public expectations for free media development. The TIB said the demand for a unified, independent and effective media commission to ensure the development of free media and independent broadcasting in Bangladesh has existed for a long time, a demand that was also reflected in the report of the Media Reform Commission. It, however, said the interim government remained entirely indifferent to implementing its recommendations despite more than ten months having passed since the submission of that report. Instead, at the very final stage of its tenure, the interim government has published two draft ordinances - titled the ‘National Media Commission Ordinance and the Broadcasting Commission Ordinance’ - aimed at establishing two new government bodies. The TIB expressed deep disappointment and frustration over this move, noting that TIB believes that the preparation of these two drafts - contrary to public expectations and the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission, with the apparent objective of imposing greater control over the media sector - and seeking public opinions within only three days, constitutes a parting mockery by the interim government. At the same time, TIB identifies this move as yet another example of the interim government’s continuous practice of secrecy across nearly all areas from the outset, as well as the reform-opposing, obstructive actions carried out by certain sections of the government under the guise of state reform. In a statement, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “In both cases, the proposed structure and status of the commissions, the rank and authority of the commissioners, and the administrative and financial arrangements are designed to establish two institutions that are entirely under government control, particularly under bureaucratic authority. This represents a mockery of the interim government’s commitment to the development of free media and independent broadcasting.” While this is disappointing, he said, they are not at all surprised, as during the tenure of the interim government its failure to curb state and non-state control over the media, acts of violence, and attempts to impose authority, and in many cases its direct and indirect role as an instigator, have been evident. At the final stage of its tenure, Zaman said, these two proposed drafts reflect the same adversarial stance by the government toward expectations of media freedom. Referring to the numerous limitations of the existing Press Council and the absence of any comparable institutional framework for the broadcast media, Dr Zaman noted that the Media Reform Commission, based on research and consultations with relevant stakeholders, recommended the establishment of a unified, independent Media Commission free from government control. However, he said, the government has shown not the slightest consideration for this recommendation. Instead of pursuing the short-sighted initiative of establishing two new regulatory government bodies for the interrelated media and broadcasting sectors, Dr Zaman proposed the formation of a single, unified, and independent media commission operating outside government authority. TIB called on the government not to hastily promulgate the two draft ordinances. At the same time, the Executive Director of TIB has urged and expressed expectations toward the political parties participating in the upcoming election, many of whom have themselves been victims of control over free media and independent broadcasting in Bangladesh and have made strong commitments in their respective election manifestos and campaigns, that, following the formation of the new parliament, they will immediately proceed through a participatory process. Respecting their own experiences, commitments and public expectations, they should establish a genuinely independent and impartial unified media commission, TIB said. Such a commission would be capable of ensuring the highest professional standards and creating an enabling environment for the development of free media and independent broadcasting in the country, he said.

Another consignment of 58,359 metric tonnes (MTs) of wheat from the United States (US) has arrived at Chittagong Port. The vessel MV WF Artemis, carrying the wheat, docked at the outer anchorage of the country’s premier seaport on Saturday, the Food Ministry said in a statement. Under the agreement, a total of 220,000 MTs of wheat will be imported, while the first and second consignments, comprising 114,093 MTs, arrived earlier. With this shipment, a total of 172,452 MTs of wheat has arrived in Bangladesh under cash purchase agreement No. G to G-02, signed as part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Bangladesh. Read More: US to work with all Bangladeshi political parties, its Ambassador retaliates  Bangladesh is importing wheat from the US on a government-to-government (G to G) basis. Under the G to G-01 agreement, Bangladesh has already imported a total of 220,000 metric tonnes of wheat. The process of testing samples of the wheat carried by the vessel has already begun. Necessary steps will be taken to ensure quick unloading of the wheat after completion of the sample testing, the statement said.

Chattogram Port, the country’s largest seaport, faced severe operational disruptions on Saturday after workers went on strike to protest plans to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based logistics firm DP World, halting cargo handling and raising concerns over trade delays. Loading and unloading activities at multiple jetties came to a standstill, while the movement of container-laden trailers, trucks and lorries through the port’s main gate was suspended, disrupting both import and export operations, port officials and labour leaders said. The work stoppage, backed by the Nationalist Workers’ Party and several allied trade unions, began in the morning and is set to continue on Sunday, organisers said. Labour groups warned of tougher action if the leasing process is not withdrawn. Port operations were ‘almost completely stalled’ after union-backed labour organisations initiated the strike, according to port sources. Container handling at the JCB Terminal, Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT) and NCT has nearly stopped, increasing the risk of vessel congestion and higher costs as several ships remain unable to unload cargo on schedule. Despite directives from the Chattogram Port Authority banning rallies and processions, workers staged demonstrations, processions and sit-in programmes from around 11am. Security across the port area was tightened following the protests. Workers say they oppose handing over the profitable NCT to a foreign operator, citing concerns over job security and national interests. “Workers fear job losses and risks to national security if the terminal is handed over to a foreign company,” said Taslim Hossain Selim, general secretary of the Dock Nationalist Workers’ Party. Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Bandar Rakkha Sangram Parisad, said the slowdown has already triggered concerns over mounting congestion and additional operational costs. Chattogram Port Nationalist Workers’ Party General Secretary Ibrahim Khokon said a large number of workers joined the strike, which was scheduled to continue until 4pm on Saturday, effectively paralysing normal port activities. Meanwhile, the Chattogram Port Authority issued a notice warning of disciplinary action against anyone participating in strikes, protests or demonstrations related to the NCT leasing issue. Chattogram Port handles more than 90% of Bangladesh’s seaborne trade, making any prolonged disruption a potential risk to supply chains and trade flows.

Driver of a battery-run rickshaw (Tomtom) was stabbed to death allegedly by some teen gang members in Nazir Road area in Feni town on Friday night. The deceased was Masud Hasan Mahid,19, eldest son of Noyon of Joypur village under Titash Police Station in Cumilla. Masud had been living with his family in a rented house in Feni town for 19 years. Another teenage boy Irfan, 15, who sustained injuries in the attack was sent to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment. According to police and eyewitnesses, Masud worked with his father at an ice factory and also drove a tomtom. Read More: Journalist’s wife found dead in Rajshahi, husband injured  On Friday evening, he went out with his tomtom when a group of teenagers called him over. An argument followed and Masud was attacked with a sharp weapon. Both Masud and the injured Irfan were taken to Feni General Hospital where doctors declared Masud dead. Masud’s father Noyon, said, “My son worked with me at the ice factory. He had been unwell for a few days and went out with his tomtom on Friday. Later I heard he was attacked and sent to the hospital. When I arrived, I saw he was dead. I want justice for my son’s murder.” The deceased’s younger brother alleged, “Yafi, Rahat, Shanto, Maruf, and Niloy killed my brother. They had even attacked him before, injuring his head. I know them all and demand their immediate arrest and trial.” Read More: RU female student found dead in Rajshahi Feni General Hospital emergency doctor Ruhul Mohosen Sujan said Masud had died before arriving at the hospital. He had deep wounds on his left shoulder and chest. Rahat, one of the suspected attackers, has been detained by police. Feni Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Gazi Muhammad Fauzul Azim said police reached the scene immediately and investigation in underway.