United News of Bangladesh

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).  

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has filed 1,338 cases for violating traffic rules in different parts of the capital on Wednesday. During the drives, DMP filed 101 cases Ramna zone, 88 cases under Lalbagh zone, 106 cases under Motijheel zone and 185 cases under Wari zone, 155 cases under Tejgaon zone, 182 cases under Mirpur zone, 289 cases under Uttara zone, 232 cases under Gulshan zone, said deputy commissioner (media) of DMP, Talebur Rahman. 4,051 cases settled in February by DMP magistrate Besides, a total of 431 vehicles were impounded and 253 others were towed during the drives. The DMP’s Traffic Division has vowed to continue drives to maintain discipline on Dhaka’s roads.

The Bangladesh Chapter of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) was officially launched in Dhaka on Thursday with the aim of strengthening substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives in the country. The launching ceremony, chaired by eminent psychiatrist Dr. M. A. Mohit Kamal, was held at the Health Sector conference room of Dhaka Ahsania Mission in the city’s Shyamoli in the afternoon. The event brought together national and international experts, policymakers, development partners, youth leaders, and professionals working in the field. DGFP, Plan International sign MoU to expand reproductive health services for the young The primary objectives of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter are to promote evidence-based practices, enhance the professional capacity of practitioners, and create opportunities for national and international knowledge exchange. Through this platform, collaboration among researchers, clinicians, policymakers and community leaders will be strengthened, contributing to more effective and humane responses to substance use issues. Md. Bahauddin, Deputy Director of the Department of Narcotics Control; Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission; Abu Taher, National Programme Coordinator (HIV/AIDS), Bangladesh of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); and Mohd Jahangir Alam, Special Correspondent of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), delivered special speeches at the event. JG Healthcare to represent Sunway Medical Centre in Bangladesh Marzana Muntaha, Coordinator of Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Well-being, spoke as the youth representative. Ms. Olha Myshakivska, National Chapters Coordinator of ISSUP, also addressed the programme virtually. In his welcome remarks, Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health and WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Member Secretary of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter, said substance use is currently a major public health and social concern affecting individuals, families and communities. Addressing this challenge requires a combination of scientific knowledge, professional skills, coordinated action and a humane approach, he said. He expressed hope that the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter would serve as an important national platform to foster such coordinated efforts. Iqbal Masud also noted that collaboration with ISSUP began in 2015 through initial contact in Bangkok. Since then, participation in international conferences, webinars and related activities has facilitated global knowledge exchange and enabled Bangladesh to showcase its initiatives internationally. In this context, assigning Dhaka Ahsania Mission as the host organisation of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter is a significant recognition, he added. During the event, the official committee of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter was announced and the Chapter’s logo was unveiled. Speakers expressed optimism that the initiative would improve professional standards in substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services in Bangladesh while enhancing coordination among relevant sectors. At the end of the programme, guests conveyed their best wishes for the success of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter and expressed hope that it would play a vital role in safeguarding public health in the country. The event was moderated by Rakhi Ganguly, Senior Psychologist of the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission. Representatives from UNODC, the Department of Narcotics Control, researchers and development partners were also present at the ceremony.

Depositors of five banks currently undergoing a merger staged a protest in front of the Bangladesh Bank main gate today, demanding the return of their full deposits along with accrued interest. The demonstration escalated when protesters blocked the main road at Shapla Chattar, prompting law enforcement agencies to use water cannons to disperse the crowd and clear the traffic. The protest centers on the formation of the Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, a new entity being created through the merger of five Shariah-based banks. The merged banks are-Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank and Exim Bank. The primary grievance involves a controversial decision—often referred to as a "haircut"—to cap the interest (profit) on deposits for the years 2024 and 2025 at just 4 percent. During the human chain and sit-in program that began, speakers condemned the decision made under the former Governor’s tenure, labeling it "inhumane and unjust." Many depositors shared stories of financial hardship, noting that they are currently unable to withdraw either their principal amount or their earned profits. "Cutting our hard-earned profits to a mere 4 percent under the guise of 'government compassion' is a betrayal of trust," one protester stated. "We demand the immediate cancellation of the haircut decision and the restoration of normal banking operations," Rabiul Hasan, a victim client of merged banks, told reporters.

The government has formed a ministerial-level committee to address the global energy crisis amid the ongoing war, with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury appointed as its head. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting on Thursday at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani told reporters. When asked if the Prime Minister had issued instructions on saving electricity, the Cabinet Secretary said numerous measures have been introduced. He added that the Prime Minister's Office has launched a programme to conserve electricity. “These measures include reducing the use of lights by half. Blinds will be removed to allow more sunlight. Bathroom lights will be minimised, and energy-saving lights will be installed in corridors,” he said. Regarding air conditioners, he said, “Illegal AC units will be shut down. No AC will operate below 25 degrees Celsius.” Asked if these rules apply to mosques and ministers, he said, “This is applicable to everyone. All government offices and courts are included.” On the Middle East war situation, he added, “Energy is now a problem worldwide. If this war continues, we will face serious difficulties. That is why a ministerial-level committee has been formed to manage the crisis.” Addressing concerns over the previous lack of implementation of the 25-degree AC rule, he said, “This time, the committee will ensure proper enforcement.” They will visit offices to monitor compliance. “As a nation, we must make progress and follow the necessary measures,” the cabinet secretary added.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Thursday called for the immediate cancellation of the appointment of the newly appointed Governor of Bangladesh Bank, citing a serious “conflict of interest” that could undermine the central bank’s independence. The call was made by TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman at a press conference at the organisation’s office in Dhanmondi. The event, titled “Strategic Priorities for Implementing Government Governance and Anti-Corruption Pledges: TIB Recommendations,” reviewed the governance direction of the BNP-led government. TIB questions whether new governor can rise above conflict of interest The controversy follows the February 25 appointment of Mostaqur Rahman as governor replacing economist Ahsan H. Mansur. “To ensure the independence and neutrality of the central bank, the governor must be a person with proven expertise who is completely free from any conflict of interest,” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said. Addressing the current political climate, he also warned against the emergence of a ‘now it’s our turn’ mentality among party activists, bureaucrats and politically aligned business groups. “The top leadership of the government and the BNP must enforce a zero-tolerance policy against corruption to prevent the institutionalisation of power abuse, extortion and partisan influence,” he added. Claims of 21.4% fake votes misleading: TIB The organisation presented several proposals aimed at strengthening governance and accountability. Key recommendations included immediate cancellation of the Police Commission Ordinance 2025, major reforms in agencies including the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Special Branch (SB), Detective Branch (DB), and National Security Intelligence (NSI), formal proposal to abolish the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), public disclosure of which ordinances passed during the interim government will be placed before the 13th Parliament, development of a strategy based on the BNP’s 31-Point State Reform Outline, its election manifesto and the July Charter.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday said that the route permits of bus companies will be cancelled if they charge extra fares during Eid. “If anyone charges even one taka more than the approved fare, inform us. Exemplary action will be taken. We will control this at any cost,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting over the preparations to ensure a safe and smooth journey for passengers during Eid-ul-Fitr held at the Secretariat. Eid vacation extended to 7 days as govt announces March 18 holiday Responding to a question, the minister said there is no scope for charging extra fares as fares have already been set. The minister also said that the transport owners attended the meeting and assured that they would not charge extra fares during the Eid travel period. “There is a fixed fare structure. Passengers can ask whether the fare being charged is approved. No operator can charge any fare beyond the approved rate,” he added.

Eid shopping has gained momentum in the capital as people throng markets and roadside shops to buy clothes, jewellery and other essentials ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.