United News of Bangladesh

Managing Director of TP-Link Private Limited (SAARC) Lynn Wang has expressed strong interest in launching large-scale investment and manufacturing operations in Bangladesh. Taking advantage of the government’s business-friendly policies, the globally popular networking brand is now actively exploring several initiatives under the “Make in Bangladesh” vision, he said on Saturday night. The remarks came during a programme held at Fortis Downtown Resort in the capital, where the TP-Link Managing Director was as the chief guest. The welcome remarks were delivered by Goutam Saha, Managing Director of Excel Technologies Limited. Speaking at the event, Lynn Wang said TP-Link’s vision is to ensure that every home, office and business establishment is connected through a reliable, fast and secure network. "TP-Link remains committed to Bangladesh’s digital transformation. We want customers to connect all their devices through one network, and all our innovations are focused on achieving that goal," he said. During the programme, a new campaign titled “1 Goal 1 Network” was launched ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Under the campaign, customers purchasing products will be able to participate for a chance to win weekly prizes ranging from televisions to a grand prize motorbike. A major attraction of the event was the experience zone, where participants had the opportunity to explore a range of new products not only from TP-Link but also from its sub-brands, including Omada, VIGI, Tapoband Mercusys. The event was attended by leading information technology experts from the country and business partners of Excel Technologies.

Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam on Saturday pledged to ensure transparency and accountability in the country’s telecom sector, urging journalists to produce objective, data-driven reports. “Carry out your work in a way that keeps us on our toes,” the minister said while addressing a roundtable discussion titled “Future of the Telecom Sector: What the New Government Thinks,” organised by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network Bangladesh at InterContinental Dhaka. He said the government is now focusing on 5G technology and is taking artificial intelligence (AI) seriously. Plans are underway to establish centres at the upazila level to train youths in AI and freelancing, he added. The minister also said that within three months, the government introduced free Wi-Fi internet services at airports following similar initiatives at railway stations, as part of efforts to improve public service delivery. “As an elected government, we have certain obligations, and we are working to implement our plans accordingly,” he said. Expressing optimism about the state-owned operator Teletalk, Anam said that with an investment of Tk 500–600 crore, the company could surpass Grameenphone in the future. Instead of selling it, the government is seeking investment through government-to-government (G2G) or public-private partnership (PPP) models. He said initiatives are underway to expand fibre and satellite connectivity to ensure reliable internet services for all, while giving top priority to AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity. The event, chaired by TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey, was moderated by its General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin, who also delivered the welcome speech. Sahed Alam, Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at Robi, presented the keynote paper.

Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury has said that a special ‘Probashi Card’ offering various benefits for migrant Bangladeshis will be introduced within the next two months. He made the remarks at a seminar titled “Globalizing Sylhet”, held at the Hotel Grand Sylhet on Saturday, where he highlighted the vital role of remittances and investments in the region’s development and global integration. The minister praised the contributions of expatriates to Sylhet’s economic growth and assured them of the government’s continued support. He said the government is planning special housing and investment facilitation projects to make expatriate investments safer and more accessible. Noting the scarcity of land in the country, he said the government is shifting focus from plot-based housing to modern apartment-based projects equipped with civic amenities. He added that discussions have already been held with the prime minister, and such a project—exclusively for expatriates—could begin in Sylhet. Chowdhury also stressed the importance of engaging the next generation of expatriates with their homeland, saying such initiatives would encourage them to invest in Bangladesh and strengthen family and cultural ties. Regarding Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, the minister said work has already begun on constructing a dedicated lounge for expatriates. Plans are also underway to introduce a medical unit at the immigration area with doctors, nurses, and necessary facilities. He added that a permanent ambulance service will be stationed at the airport to ensure quick medical assistance for critically ill expatriates. Additionally, the government has introduced a system to repatriate the bodies of deceased expatriates free of cost and deliver them to their homes. Among others, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Quiyum Chowdhury and Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury were present at the seminar.

A day-long training programme for journalists on the draft Comprehensive Road Safety Law, the Safe System Approach and the role of the media in promoting road safety was held in Dhaka. The training, titled “Draft Comprehensive Road Safety Law: Role and Partnership of the Media,” was organised by the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) at the YWCA Training Room in Mohammadpur. A total of 20 journalists from print, television, online news portals and news agencies took part in the programme. The sessions focused on national and global road safety issues, the Safe System Approach, progress on the draft Comprehensive Road Safety Law, behavioural risk factors, the media’s role in policy advocacy, and techniques for producing evidence-based and analytical reports. The resource persons included Khalid Mahood, programme manager of the BRAC Road Safety Programme; Dr Shariful Alam, country coordinator of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator; and AHM Bazlur Rahman, chief executive officer of BNNRC. Speakers said road safety in Bangladesh is no longer only a transport-sector issue but has become an urgent development concern linked to public health, urban governance, rule of law, the economy, social protection and citizens’ rights. They noted that road crashes not only cause deaths and injuries but also lead to disability, financial hardship for families and loss of productivity, which affect national development. The speakers referred to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.6, which aims to halve global deaths and injuries from road crashes by 2030, and SDG target 11.2, which calls for safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. The training highlighted that although the Road Transport Act 2018 has contributed to some improvements in road management, there is now a growing need for a more comprehensive and integrated road safety law. Participants discussed that reducing road crashes requires coordinated efforts in road engineering, safe vehicles, responsible road users, speed management, law enforcement, public awareness and post-crash emergency response. Speakers also stressed that road safety cannot be ensured without coordination among the transport, health, police, education, local government, infrastructure and media sectors. They said a comprehensive road safety law could help establish clear responsibilities, coordination and accountability among all relevant sectors. The speakers further said media coverage of road crashes should go beyond reporting incidents and also examine causes, behavioural risks, policy and legal gaps, road infrastructure weaknesses, speed management, helmet and seatbelt use, child safety, pedestrian rights and post-crash care. AHM Bazlur Rahman said road safety has become an important issue in global development discussions. He noted that the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety, scheduled to be held in New York on July 20–21, 2026, will also be significant for Bangladesh. Ahead of the meeting, he said effective national dialogue is needed on road safety law, policy, financing, institutional coordination and the role of the media. He added that the media can play an important role in raising public awareness, encouraging behavioural change, supporting evidence-based policy dialogue and ensuring accountability of the relevant authorities. BNNRC, a member of the Road Safety Coalition Bangladesh, has been working on road safety issues since 2022.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Saturday strongly condemned and protested the attack on the historic Shah Ali Shrine in Dhaka, describing the incident as contrary to the core spirit and objectives of Bangladesh’s independence and the July Movement. At the same time, in light of allegations of involvement, TIB called on Jamaat-e-Islami and other religion-based political parties and organizations to clarify their policy positions regarding Bangladesh’s folk heritage, cultural diversity, and the right to coexistence. Two-thirds of reserved women candidates are highly educated & multimillionaires: TIB The organization also demanded strict government action to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible. In a statement, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said this shameless and cowardly attack reflects the rise of forces opposed to Bangladesh’s folk heritage during the tenure of the interim government in the post-authoritarian context following the bloodstained July Movement, as well as the continued violent and conspiratorial acts against pluralism, religious diversity, and cultural diversity across the country. He said, “There is no scope to consider this an isolated incident. Rather, it is part of a far-reaching plan to spread hatred and violence, destroy the spaces and means of practicing the liberal folk traditions and cultural diversity of the Bengali people, and strengthen communal forces. This is a grave warning for all citizens who uphold free thought and tolerance.” The TIB Executive Director further said the current BNP government was elected with overwhelming public support as a force representing the core spirit and aspirations of Bangladesh’s independence and the July Movement. Therefore, he said, alongside fulfilling expectations regarding the country’s glorious tradition of multiculturalism, religious freedom, and coexistence of social, spiritual, and cultural diversity, it is the government’s responsibility to prevent such destructive activities. “We strongly condemn and protest the attack on Shah Ali Shrine and urge the government to conduct a fair and impartial investigation to identify those involved and ensure exemplary accountability through strict punishment. At the same time, considering similar past incidents, every such case must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice. Had there been even minimal examples of justice in previous attacks on Bauls, mystics, and shrines, the incident at Shah Ali Shrine could perhaps have been avoided.” Dr. Zaman also said it is not enough for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami merely to deny the allegations of involvement by its activists. “We call upon them and other religion-based political parties to clearly state their position regarding the core spirit of Bangladesh’s independence and the July Movement, as well as the country’s proud tradition of coexistence among cultural, spiritual, and social diversity. At the same time, we strongly demand that they adopt effective measures to restrain any leaders or activists of their party and affiliated organizations against whom allegations of direct or indirect involvement in this conspiratorial crime have been raised.” TIB stated that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees every individual, regardless of ethnicity, religion, caste, belief, or practice, the right to preserve and practice their own faith, religion, and culture. Ensuring this right is the responsibility not only of the government, but also of all political parties and organizations both inside and outside parliament. In this regard, TIB expects all parties to act responsibly.

Prime Minister’s Finance and Planning Adviser, Professor  Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, on Saturday dismissed widespread rumors that the government is printing money, labeling such claims as "mere fables" with no basis in reality. "The propaganda regarding the government printing money is nothing but a fable. It has no alignment with reality," the Adviser said, emphasizing that the administration is instead prioritizing investment and employment generation, alongside taking special initiatives to reopen closed factories. The Adviser made the remarks while speaking at a pre-budget shadow parliament debate competition as the chief guest at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) premises in the capital today (Saturday).  Organized by 'Debate for Democracy,' the event focused on the core challenges of controlling inflation in the upcoming national budget. Reflecting on the economic struggles inherited by the administration, Dr. Titumir noted that a severe income crunch had previously hit households, businesses, and the government alike. "The impact was so pervasive that many lower-middle-class families slipped below the poverty line, which is tragic. This eroded the social fabric, leaving the middle and lower-middle classes vulnerable, while entrepreneurs faced a crippling lack of capital," he added. Slamming the previous Awami League-led regime for institutional collapse, the Finance Adviser alleged that the ousted government continuously interfered in the central bank's operations and handed over the power and energy sector to a select few companies. "The current government does not want to lease out any sector to such syndicates. Rather, we aim to involve the general public by democratizing the economy," he asserted. Dr. Titumir further criticized the past administration for plundering massive amounts of borrowed money under the guise of infrastructure development. He alleged that growth figures were previously fabricated through institutional coercion and intimidation, promising that the current government would keep all data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) entirely transparent and open to the public. Chaired by Hassan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron, Chairman of Debate for Democracy, the session highlighted the fragile economic landscape inherited by the present government, which has been further strained by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing war in the Middle East. Kiron pointed out that rising commodity prices in the global market, surging import costs, and hiked domestic fuel prices have spiked transportation, agricultural, and production costs. Consequently, consumer goods have become priceless for limited and lower-middle-income groups, making inflation control and restoring financial discipline the biggest challenges for the upcoming budget. Debaters from the National Institute of Textile Engineering and Research (NITER) won the debate titled "Controlling Inflation will be the Main Challenge of the Upcoming Budget," defeating Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU). The panel of judges included Professor Abu Mohammad Rais, Dr. SM Morshed, and journalists Towhidul Islam, Saidul Islam, and Golam Kadir Robu. At the conclusion of the event, trophies, crests, and certificates were distributed to the participants.

Economists, researchers, labour representatives and civil society members on Saturday called for a more participatory and people-centred national budget, citing growing pressure from inflation, unemployment, debt obligations and rising VAT burdens. The demands were raised at a day-long dialogue titled “People’s Budget Parliament 2026”, held at the Liberation War Museum auditorium in Agargaon and organised by the Democratic Budget Movement (DBM). Speakers said low- and middle-income people are suffering most from the current economic situation, as soaring food prices, rising fuel and energy costs, increased electricity and gas tariffs, and a shrinking job market continue to make daily life difficult. They also warned that increasing external debt and rising interest payments are reducing the government’s fiscal space for development spending. Discussions at the event focused on ensuring fairness in the national budget, increasing allocations for social protection, strengthening food security and agricultural development, and creating more employment opportunities. Participants also stressed the importance of balanced revenue collection and debt management. Some called for a more democratic budget-making process, with greater emphasis on district-level budgeting, stronger local government institutions and wider public participation. They observed that Bangladesh’s current budget structure remains highly centralised and said more fiscal authority and allocation powers should be devolved to district and local levels to make development efforts more effective. The speakers also highlighted the need to institutionalise open budget meetings, social audits and citizen engagement mechanisms. Lidy Nacpil, coordinator of the Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development, joined the programme virtually. At the end of the event, participants adopted the “People’s Budget Declaration 2026”, calling for an inclusive, accountable and employment-oriented budget framework. The declaration also stressed the need to strengthen the fiscal capacity of local governments and expand citizen participation in the budget formulation process.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday expressed deep shock at the death former State Minister for Health Mizanur Rahman Sinha. In a condolence message, Fakhrul prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members. He said the death of Mizanur Rahman Sinha caused an irreparable loss to the country’s political arena, pharmaceutical industry and business community. He also prayed for the forgiveness of the departed soul and expressed profound sympathy to his family members, relatives, admirers and well-wishers. Mizanur Rahman Sinha, also Munshiganj district BNP Convener , managing director of pharmaceutical company Acme Laboratories Ltd and Group ,died on Saturday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Singapore. He was 83.

Police have announced a reward for information leading to the identification of the suspect who attempted to rape a female student at Jahangirnagar University (JU). The law enforcement agencies are working to identify the man seen in CCTV footage in connection with the attack and rape attempt, said a press release issued by Police Headquarters. Police also requested anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity, whereabouts or any related details to contact them through WhatsApp at 01320-089305. The identity of the informant will be kept completely confidential and a reward will be given for reliable information, it said. The incident took place after 11pm on Tuesday when the student was passing through an area adjacent to the old Fazilatunnesa Hall and the extended part of Al-Beruni Hall. A man  dragged her into nearby bushes and attempted to rape her. Later, Deputy Registrar of the university’s security branch, Md Jefrul Hasan Chowdhury, filed a case with Ashulia Police Station against an unidentified person on charges of attempted rape and attempted murder.