United News of Bangladesh

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Monday said that the government will soon begin distributing smart ‘Farmers Cards’ similar to family cards on pilot basis, to bring cultivators under various benefit schemes. “We are basically discussing providing our farmers with a smart card like a family card. We are going to launch the pilot project of the ‘Farmers Card’ as soon as possible,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting on the proposed ‘Farmers Card’ at the Secretariat. When asked whether the card distribution would begin before Eid, the minister said it was not possible to specify a timeline at this stage, as several preparatory issues are involved. Farmers and marginal people's welfare key pledge of government: Fisheries and Livestock Minister The relevant ministries are working to determine how it can be done in the shortest possible time, he added. Explaining the benefits of the card, the minister said farmers will receive all types of support related to agricultural production through the smart card system. “A farmer will get access to agricultural knowledge, machinery, fertiliser, pesticides, seeds and other necessary inputs though the card. Besides, we will be able to bring market conditions, production data and weather information under a smart system. Based on that data, we will be able to formulate proper planning,” he said. Responding to a question on whether genuine farmers would receive the cards or if influential local figures might take advantage, the minister said the smart system is being introduced specifically to prevent middlemen from benefiting. “We are moving toward a smart ‘Farmers Card’ to ensure that no middlemen can take undue advantage or create leakage. Once a smart ‘Farmers Card’ is handed to a farmer, his or her communication with the state will be direct,” Minister Swapan said. There will be no intermediaries and any problems faced by farmers will be directly known to the state, which will make planning much easier, he added.  

Bangladesh’s economy posted a mixed performance in the October–December quarter of FY2025–26 as weak exports, sluggish private investment and persistent inflation continued to weigh on growth, according to the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). In its quarterly economic review, MCCI said macroeconomic stability improved gradually, supported by strong remittance inflows and a rise in foreign exchange reserves, but the overall recovery remained fragile amid tight monetary policy and subdued business activity. Exports declined marginally by 0.54 percent to US$24.40 billion during July–December of FY26, compared to US$24.53 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year, mainly due to weak performance in knitwear and woven garments. Meanwhile, imports increased by 5.16 percent to US$29.13 billion in July–November, widening the trade deficit to over US$9.41 billion. Remittances emerged as a key positive factor, rising 18.05 percent to US$16.26 billion in July–December FY26, while December alone saw a 22.19 percent increase year-on-year to US$3.22 billion. This helped boost foreign exchange reserves to US$33.19 billion at the end of December 2025, a three-year high. Inflation remained elevated, rising to 8.49 percent in December 2025 from 8.29 percent in November, driven by increases in both food and non-food prices. The government has set a target of keeping average inflation at 6.5 percent during the current fiscal year. Private sector credit growth slowed to 6.10 percent in December 2025, below the Bangladesh Bank target of 7.20 percent, reflecting cautious lending amid tightening monetary conditions. In contrast, public sector credit expanded sharply by 28.13 percent. Revenue collection by the National Board of Revenue grew by 14.19 percent to Tk 185,229 crore during July–December FY26 but fell nearly 20 percent short of its target, highlighting fiscal challenges. Implementation of the Annual Development Programme (ADP) dropped to a 20-year low, with only 17.54 percent of the allocation utilised in the first six months of FY26, raising concerns about development momentum. The industrial sector grew by 6.97 percent in Q1 FY26, while manufacturing expanded by 6.17 percent. However, agricultural growth slowed to 2.30 percent, and services sector growth stood at 3.67 percent. Foreign direct investment inflows increased significantly by nearly 60 percent to US$651 million during July–November FY26, although MCCI noted that overall FDI remained low compared to peer economies. Foreign aid disbursement declined sharply by 29.18 percent to US$2.50 billion in the first half of FY26, reflecting slower implementation of externally funded projects. The balance of payments recorded a surplus of US$769 million during July–November FY26, reversing a deficit of US$2.54 billion a year earlier, largely due to strong financial account inflows and remittances. However, overseas employment declined by 6.29 percent in October–December FY26 compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year. The MCCI said while improved remittance inflows and reserve accumulation provided some macroeconomic stability, continued inflationary pressure, weak export growth, sluggish private investment and slow development spending posed significant challenges to a sustained economic recovery.  

The government has appointed Supreme Court lawyer Aminul Islam as the chief prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal. The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministry issued a notification in this regard on Monday morning. Advocate Tajul Islam returning as Chief Prosecutor at ICT, where once he led defence of Jamaat leaders Aminul Islam has been appointed as chief prosecutor to conduct the tribunal’s cases until further orders,  according to the notification signed by Solicitor Md Manjurul Hossain. It also cancelled the appointment of Tajul Islam who had been appointed on September 5, 2024 after the fall of the Awami League government.  

Gold prices in Bangladesh have been raised by Tk 2,216 per bhori, with the new rate for 22-carat gold set at Tk 2,61,040, Bangladesh Jewellers Association (Bajus) announced on Monday. In a statement issued in the morning, the association said the decision was taken in view of a rise in the price of pure gold in the local market and considering the overall market situation. Under the revised rates, 21-carat gold will cost Tk 2,49,143 per bhori (11.664 grams), while 18-carat gold has been priced at Tk 2,13,568 per bhori. The gold of the traditional method has been fixed at Tk 1,74,785 per bhori. The selling price must include a mandatory 5 percent government-set VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by Bajus. However, making charges may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. The last adjustment was made on the morning of February 21, when Bajus increased the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 3,266 per bhori to Tk 2,58,824. With the latest revision, gold prices have been adjusted 32 times in the domestic market so far this year, raised on 20 occasions and reduced 12 times. Bangladesh gold price drops Tk 3,266 per bhori; 22-carat set at Tk 255,558 Despite the hike in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is being sold at Tk 6,707 per bhori, while 21-carat silver costs Tk 6,415, 18-carat silver Tk 5,482, and silver of the traditional method Tk 4,082 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted 18 times, including 11 increases and seven decreases.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday attended his office at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment for the first time. The Prime Minister arrived at his office at 9am, where he was received by the chiefs of the three services, said his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon. He exchanged greetings with them before joining his scheduled engagements. As part of the day’s programme, the Prime Minister adorned Lieutenant General Mir Mushfiqur Rahman and Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury with their new rank badges. Bangladesh Army undergoes a major reshuffle

The government has appointed full-time administrators to six City Corporations including Dhaka North and Dhaka South until city coporation elections are held. The Local Government Division (LGD) under the Local Government and Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry issued a notification regarding the appointments on Sunday which made under Section 25(ka), sub-section (1) of the Local Government (City Corporation) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024. According to the notification, Md. Abdus Salam has been assigned as the administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation while Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan will oversee Dhaka North City Corporation. In Khulna, Nazrul Islam Monju has been appointed and Sylhet City Corporation will be administered by Abdul Quayum Chowdhury. Md. Sakhawat Hossain Khan will take charge of Narayanganj City Corporation and Md. Shawakat Hossain Sarkar will serve as the administrator of Gazipur City Corporation. Full-time administrators for city corporations, others soon: LGRD Adviser The notification states that the administrators will exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Mayor under sub-section (3) of Section 25(ka) of the Ordinance and will receive allowances according to established rules. The order, issued in the public interest, comes into immediate effect.        

A local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) sustained bullet injuries in Dhaka’s Kalabagan area on Sunday night. The injured Shafiqur Rahman, 55, is the joint general secretary of Kalabagan Ward-16 BNP. He is the son of late Mofidul Islam of Sidlai village under Burichang Police Station in Cumilla and currently resides in the Tongi Madhumoti Road area. The incident occurred in front of the shoe market opposite Bashundhara Shopping Complex under Kalabagan Police Station at around 9:30pm. A nearby shopkeeper, Shahparan, who took him to hospital, said Shafiqur supplies shoes to several local shops. “Suddenly, a bullet hit his left hand. I cannot say who or what shot him,” he said. Shafiqur was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at around 10:30pm. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at the hospital, said a businessman with bullet injuries was brought from Kalabagan and is undergoing treatment at the emergency department. “We have informed Kalabagan Police Station about the matter,” he added.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Hafiz Uddin Ahmad (Bir Bikram) has said that the great Liberation War is the main foundation of Bangladesh’s independence and should not be equated with other movements and struggles. He made the remarks while presiding over a view-exchange meeting with members of the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA) at the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs on Sunday. Expressing concern over what he described as the political misuse of the spirit of the Liberation War, the minister said the history and ideals of the war have long been misused, depriving the younger generation of learning the correct history. He said many young people remain unaware of the immense sacrifices and hardships endured by freedom fighters to secure the country’s independence. “We must remember that the Liberation War is the main foundation of the birth of this state,” he said. The meeting took several important decisions regarding the verification and selection of genuine freedom fighters and the preservation of accurate historical records. Israt Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, members of JAMUKA and other senior officials of the ministry were also present.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita on Sunday said the government must ensure that Hajj pilgrims are not subjected to any form of harassment. “We must make every effort to ensure that the pilgrims complete the Hajj smoothly. This is our moral responsibility as state servants,” she said at a meeting on the progress of Hajj management at the conference room of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said the authorities will review whether the right officials are assigned to the appropriate responsibilities, according to a PID handout. The minister and the state minister expressed hope that they would visit Hajj camps to observe the overall situation on the ground. The meeting also discussed in detail the possibility of increasing the frequency of Hajj flights. Among others, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism Nasrin Jahan and Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Md Kamal Uddin, along with other senior officials, were present at the meeting.

The Bangladesh Army saw a reshuffle in several key positions on Sunday. General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC), Lt Gen Md Mainur Rahman, has been appointed Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army, according to the Ministry of Defence. The current Director General of DGFI, Major General Mohammad Jahangir Alam, has been posted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Mohammad Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury of the M and Q Directorate has been promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed Director General of DGFI. GOC of the 24 Infantry Division Maj Gen Mir Mushfiqur Rahman has been appointed Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division. Army Chief meets Chief Adviser Prof Yunus The incumbent PSO, Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hassan, has been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an ambassador. Meanwhile, Major General J M Emdadul Islam has been transferred from the 55 Infantry Division to the East Bengal Regimental Centre. Major General Ferdous Hasan Salim, Commandant of the East Bengal Regimental Centre, has been appointed GOC of the 24 Infantry Division. Brigadier General Md Hafizur Rahman, currently serving at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, has been promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed GOC of the 55 Infantry Division.