United News of Bangladesh

Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be honoured with the ‘Indomitable Woman of Democracy’ award by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026. The award recognizes her remarkable efforts and fearless leadership in restoring and strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. The award will be presented during the International Women’s Day celebration at Osmani Memorial Hall in Dhaka on March 8, according to a ministry press release. The recognition highlights her fearless leadership and unwavering efforts in establishing democratic practices in the country. Like previous years, this year five women will be honored as ‘Indomitable Women’ across five categories. Others include Nurun Nahar Akter for achievements in the economy, Mosammat Bobita Khatun in education and employment, Nur Banu Kabir as a successful mother, Mosammat Shamla Begum for overcoming adversity, and Mosammat Afroza Yasmin for her exceptional contributions to social development.

The ninth day of the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela turned lively on Friday as the holiday atmosphere brought a large number of visitors to the fairgrounds. The special “Children’s Hour,”(Shishu prohor) which began at 11 am, created a festive environment filled with the joy and footsteps of children. The vibrant presence of young readers at the venues in Suhrawardy Udyan and Bangla Academy premises added a new dimension to the fair. During the second week’s Children’s Hour, participation from children of various educational backgrounds was noticeable. Students from government and private primary schools, as well as kindergarten and English-medium institutions, joined the program. Organizers believe such participation helps foster a sense of friendship and empathy among children. A variety of colorful arrangements were made for children at the fair’s designated children’s corner. From early morning, parents began arriving with their children to enjoy the event. One of the main attractions of Children’s Hour was a puppet show, where lively conversations between puppet characters, storytelling, and amusing gestures captivated the young audience. Alongside the puppet show, the fair also hosted drawing competitions, cultural performances, games, and several competitive events for children. Through these activities, organizers aim to introduce children to the country’s culture and traditions. Beyond the entertainment, children also showed strong enthusiasm for buying books. Young readers crowded different stalls to collect their favorite titles, including ghost stories, rhymes, poetry, and illustrated books. Parents said they brought their children to the Children’s Hour to encourage reading habits and reduce excessive digital dependence.  Rubel Ahmed, who came from Mohammadpur with his son, said, “Nowadays children spend more time gaming on mobile phones rather than playing outdoor games. While technology has positive aspects, it can also negatively affect children. So it is important to introduce them to the outside home.” Meanwhile, due to the holiday, the number of readers and visitors was higher than on other days. Sellers also reported better sales compared to previous days. Ekushey Boi Mela sees low visitor-reader turnout on day 7 At 3pm, a discussion titled “Birth Centenary: Kalim Sharafi” was held at the fair’s main stage. The keynote paper was presented by Anima Roy. The discussion featured Saim Rana and was chaired by Sadhan Ghosh. In the “Meet the Author” session, writers Mridul Mahbub and Ehsan Mahmud spoke about their books. Later at 4pm, poet Shaheen Reza recited poetry during the cultural segment, while artists also performed recitations and musical pieces.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a money laundering case against Jubo League leader and former ward councillor Md Tajul Islam Chowdhury (Bappi) over allegations of laundering about Tk 2.5 crore. According to the CID’s Financial Crime Unit, Tajul and six to seven unnamed associates have been accused in the case filed with Pallabi Police Station under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended 2015). CID officials said Tajul, an influential leader in the Pallabi-Mirpur area, allegedly amassed large amounts of money through extortion and fraud by controlling different sectors in the area, including transport, temporary footpath markets, garment scrap (jhut) trading, and dish and internet businesses. During its inquiry, the CID found discrepancies between Tajul’s declared income and his assets, said CID Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan. According to the information he submitted, Tajul claimed that he earned Tk 3,83,65,355 between 2014 and 2024 from businesses including a clothing firm named “Smart Fashion,” fish trading, and an auto brick kiln known as “Messrs Chowdhury & Khan Auto Bricks” located in Morelganj of Bagerhat. He also reported family expenditures of Tk 1,11,83,270 during the same period, which would leave possible savings of about Tk 2,71,73,085. However, the CID investigation found that the total value of his movable and immovable assets stood at around Tk 4,27,22,471, indicating that he could not show the source of about Tk 1,55,49,386. Investigators also found that the brick kiln in Morelganj had been set up in a restricted area in violation of the Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kiln Establishment (Control) Act, 2013. The Department of Environment issued a notice on Dec 15, 2024, ordering the closure of the kiln, and later a mobile court fined the establishment Tk 1 lakh on Jan 30, 2025. Despite these legal actions, Tajul reported earning about Tk 48.48 lakh from the brick kiln, which investigators said appeared to be income from an illegal source. Ex-secretary, family sued over Tk 400m money laundering The CID also found irregularities in a land purchase in North Senpara under Pallabi Police Station. While the registered deed showed the land value as Tk 5.65 lakh, investigators said the actual price was about Tk 53.65 lakh, suggesting that the source of nearly Tk 48 lakh had been concealed. The investigation found evidence that about Tk 2,51,97,851 had been illegally earned, transferred, and converted through various means. The inquiry also revealed that transactions exceeding Tk 56.86 crore had taken place through accounts linked to the accused. Currently, about Tk 6,33,471 in those accounts has been frozen under a court order. Investigators further found that the audit reports of two companies submitted by Tajul for 2023 and 2024 were fake. According to the CID, the reports were allegedly prepared in the name of chartered accountant SM Zakaria, who had died during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that the accused used his name and firm’s address to produce forged audit documents. The case was registered at Pallabi Police Station on March 5, 2026, under sections 4(2) and 4(4) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended 2015). CID official Jasim Uddin Khan said the agency is continuing its investigation with utmost importance to curb money laundering and financial crimes.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday called on the country’s youth to explore startups and innovation in the jute sector, promote the “Made in Bangladesh” brand and utilise global e-commerce platforms to expand jute products in international markets. " There will be a call to the creative young generation to open new horizons in the jute sector by promoting “Made in Bangladesh” branding through startups and innovation, and by connecting with global e-commerce platforms. Spread Bangladeshi jute products across the world market," he said. He made the call while addressing the inaugural ceremony of National Jute Day 2026 and a nine-day Jute and Diversified Jute Products Fair at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. He also urged stakeholders to enhance innovation, technology use and diversification in the jute sector to harness the growing global demand for environmentally friendly products. Extending greetings to all participants, including entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers and businesspeople in the jute sector, the President described jute—the “golden fibre”—as an inseparable part of Bangladesh’s heritage, culture and economic development. “Jute is not only an agricultural crop but also an industrial and export commodity. Above all, it is a natural and eco-friendly fibre,” he said. The President said once Bangladeshi jute and jute products enjoyed great demand in the global market. In the current context of climate change, environmental pollution and the harmful effects of plastic and polythene, the importance of jute as an environmentally friendly product has increased manifold, he said. “The world is shifting towards sustainable and eco-friendly products, opening a new window of opportunity for Bangladesh’s jute and jute-based industries,” he said. Highlighting the government’s development agenda, the President said creating employment through sector-based economic revitalisation and increased domestic and foreign investment remains a top priority. President to pay tribute to BDR martyrs He said the government has taken initiatives to reopen sick and closed jute mills and other industries to create new employment opportunities. The President also mentioned steps taken to modernise the jute sector, expand research, develop high-yielding jute varieties and promote diversified uses of jute. He said the government has waived agricultural loans up to Tk10,000 including interest, benefiting more than 1.1 million farmers and creating new momentum in the agriculture sector, including jute cultivation. The President also said the government will begin distributing Farmer Cards in phases from Pahela  Baishakh on April 14. Referring to the theme of this year’s National Jute Day—“Build the Jute Industry, Create Employment”—he said it reflects the country’s commitment to expanding the sector and generating jobs. The President urged jute farmers to adopt improved high-yield cultivation methods and focus on producing quality fibre, while encouraging entrepreneurs to develop modern, innovative and affordable jute products in line with global market demand. The President urged people to avoid environmentally harmful polythene bags and instead use affordable jute bags and other eco-friendly products.  He also virtually inaugurated the nine-day 'Jute and Multipurpose Jute Products Fair' at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises. On the occasion, a total of 19 individuals and organizations, including 12 associations, were awarded in 12 categories while a documentary film was screened to mark the day. Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, State Minister Shariful Alam, Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Director General of the Jute Department Syed Md. Nurul Basir, and business representative Abul Hossain, President of Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA), among others, spoke on the occasion.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police has filed a case against former secretary and former executive member of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Md Khairul Islam (Mannan), his wife and son over allegations of laundering Tk 40 cr. The case was filed with Gulshan Police Station of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) against Khairul Islam (Mannan), his wife Israt Jahan Mim and their son Morsalin Islam Sourdip after primary findings revealed their alleged involvement in fraud and money laundering in collusion with each other. Primary investigation found that two shell companies—Meghmala International Ltd in the name of Israt Jahan Mim and Meghmala Estate Ltd in the name of Morsalin Islam Sourdip—were established. Through these entities, loans of Tk 20 cr each, totaling Tk 40 cr, were taken from the Gulshan branch of First Security Islami Bank PLC in 2012 through fraud and forgery. The investigation also revealed that the loan money was transferred and layered through various accounts to conceal its actual source. The loan amount obtained through the fake companies was deposited in an account of Morsalin Islam Sourdip at the Dhanmondi branch of First Security Islami Bank PLC. SHUJAN leader found dead in Gazipur Later, Tk 400 million was debited from that account and deposited into another account titled “Union Bank (Proposed)” at the Banasree branch of First Security Islami Bank PLC. CID’s investigation further found that Morsalin Islam Sourdip purchased sponsor shares of Union Bank PLC during its inception using the fraudulently obtained loan money. CID Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan said the Financial Crime Unit of CID is currently conducting the investigation into the case. He said the investigation and inquiry are continuing to uncover the full details of the crime and complete other legal procedures. He also said the agency is giving highest priority to preventing money laundering and financial crimes and will continue its investigation to bring those involved in such offences under the law.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Thursday warned that the licence of any government doctor found seeing patients outside during official duty hours will be suspended or cancelled. The minister made the warning at a briefing on current affairs held at the conference room of the Health Ministry, said an official handout. Govt moving to restore discipline in public hospitals: Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain said Rajesh Majumder, a doctor at the 250-bed District Sadar Hospital in Shariatpur, had been summoned to the ministry on Wednesday for seeing patients at a private chamber in the local Modern City Hospital during office hours. He said the doctor will be suspended from his job and a departmental case will be filed following due procedures. The process to suspend his professional registration is also underway. The minister urged other doctors to learn from the incident. He added that action is also being taken against Modern City Hospital in Shariatpur. Drug addicts to be identified, punished through dope tests: Health Minister The health minister said intelligence surveillance is being conducted across the country to ensure that government medicines reach the public and that doctors remain present at their workplaces. He warned that if any government doctor is found absent during office hours in the future, their licence will be suspended and disciplinary action will be taken. The minister also said the government plans to recruit around 100,000 field-level health workers in various posts, including midwives, pharmacists and technologists, to improve the quality of healthcare services. Of them, 80 percent will be women.

Production at two large state-owned fertiliser factories — Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Limited (CUFL) and Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) in Anwara upazila has been temporarily suspended due to a gas shortage. Authorities said production was halted from Wednesday evening following government instructions. CUFL Managing Director Mizanur Rahman said the factory was temporarily closed on government orders and will resume operations once the gas supply returns to normal. Factory officials explained that the government has limited gas supply to the industrial sector amid the ongoing nationwide shortage. When gas pressure fell in the fertiliser plants, normal production became impossible, leading to the suspension on official directives. “Fertiliser production relies entirely on gas. Running the factories with low-pressure supply risks damage to equipment. For safety reasons and in line with government instructions, production has been temporarily halted,” officials added. CUFL normally produces around 1,100–1,200 metric tons of urea per day, while KAFCO has a daily capacity of approximately 1,725 metric tons of urea and 1,500 metric tons of ammonia. The significant output is currently suspended due to the gas supply cut. Meanwhile, the government on Thursday announced a series of measures to tackle the global energy crisis amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In a statement, the Cabinet Division said that addressing the current global crisis requires saving electricity and energy at the national level. Officials and employees in all offices, including government, autonomous, statutory bodies, and corporations, are urged to use electricity and energy responsibly and economically.

The written examination for the 6th batch of the freelancing training program under the Department of Youth Development will be held simultaneously across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. The exam will begin at 9:00 am on Friday (March 6), with around 60,000 candidates expected to participate. A total of 110,743 applicants applied for the program, competing for 4,800 available seats. From this large pool of applicants, selected candidates have been invited to sit for the written examination. The exam will be conducted in district towns across the country, and successful candidates will be selected to receive freelancing training under the Department of Youth Development. ADB, Bangladesh sign $150m deal to boost technical training for employment creation The initiative, launched by the Department of Youth Development, has gradually expanded nationwide. Initially implemented in 16 districts and later expanded to 48 districts, the program has now reached all 64 districts, making it the largest rollout in the initiative’s history. The training activities at the field level are being implemented by E-Learning and Earning Limited. According to officials involved in the program, 4,800 trainees will be finally selected from approximately 60,000 examinees. This means that, on average, 12 to 13 candidates are competing for each seat. Stakeholders believe this overwhelming response reflects the growing interest among young people in acquiring digital skills and pursuing self-employment through freelancing. Candidates who pass the written examination will appear for the viva examination on March 7. Based on the final results, the 6th batch of the freelancing training program will begin with 75 trainees selected from each district. Meanwhile, around 4,000 candidates will participate in the written examination at the head office of E-Learning and Earning Limited in Kalyanpur, Dhaka. Hosting such a large number of candidates in a single day is considered a major event in the sector. So far, a total of 10,800 students have completed training under this project. Among them, approximately 62 percent or 6,732 trainees have successfully started earning through various national and international freelancing marketplaces. Their combined earnings have reached about $1,353,636, which is equivalent to approximately BDT 227,014,416. Earlier, during the phase implemented in 16 districts, 6,400 individuals received training. Of them, 4,517 trainees were able to engage in income-generating activities, reflecting a success rate of over 70 percent. During that phase, total earnings reached around $1.581 million, equivalent to approximately BDT 197.6 million. Sector insiders say that the continuation of such initiatives and their growing success will enable more young people in Bangladesh to enter the global freelancing market, potentially leading to a significant increase in earnings from the sector in the future.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will formally inaugurate the distribution of the family cards in the city on March 10 next to support marginal and low-income families. The distribution of family cards will be opened at T&T Playing Ground adjacent to Karail Slum at 10am, said a PID handout on Thursday. Under the Family Card scheme, each cardholder family will receive at least Tk 2,500 (cast assistance) to help empower women and make them financially self-reliant. According to the ‘Family Card’ Piloting Implementation Guideline, 2026, some 40,000 families will start getting the cash assistance in the next four months. During the piloting scheme, there is a target to distribute the family cards to 3.20 lakh families. The cards will be given to two crore families across the country in phases after the piloting programme. The government is introducing the ‘Family Card’ scheme in a bid to gradually bring every citizen of the country under a universal social identity card by 2030. However, six types of families will not be eligible to receive the cards or cash assistance during the piloting programme as per the guideline. If a family is scored above 814 in PMT (Poverty Means Test) won’t be entitled to get the family card. A family having at least a member who gets salary, allowance, grant or pension from the government, autonomous or state-owned organisations; or at least a member who is an MPO-listed teacher or employee won’t receive the card. If a family has a commercial license or large business entity; luxury assets like car and air conditioner; or saving certificate of at least Tk 5 lakh will not be eligible to get the family card.  

The government has nominated 15 distinguished people including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and five institutions for 2026 Independence Award  in recognition of their commendable contributions at the national level. The Cabinet Division issued a press release in this regard on Thursday. Begum Khaleda Zia (posthumous) has been nominated for the award for her contribution in independence, democracy, women education and nation building, Other nominees included Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil (posthumous) for contributions in Liberation War, Prof. Dr Zahurul Karim for contributions Science and Technology, Dr Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous) for Literature, AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) for Culture, Bashir Ahmed (posthumous) for Culture, Jobera Rahman (Linu) for Sports, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous) for social welfare, Md Saidul Haque, and Maherin Chowdhury, Kazi Fazlur Rahman (posthumous) for Public Administration, Mohammad Abdul Baki, Professor Dr MA Rahim and Professor Dr Sukomal Barua for research and training and Abdul Mukit Majumder (Mukit Majumder Babu) for conserving environment. Seven eminent individuals receive Independence Award 2025 from Prof Yunus The five institutions are-- Faujdarhat Cadet College ( Liberation War), Dhaka Medical College and Hospital ( medical science), Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) (rural development), SOS Children's Villages International in Bangladesh(Social Welfare) and Gonoshasthaya Kendra(Social Welfare).