United News of Bangladesh

The Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) will launch a large-scale mobile truck sales program across the country tomorrow, (February 17), to provide essential commodities at subsidized rates for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. According to a press release issued by the corporation today, the initiative is designed to support low-income individuals during the fasting month. A total of 450 mobile trucks will be deployed nationwide, covering the following areas: Dhaka Metropolitan:50 trucks  Chattogram Metropolitan: 20 trucks  Other Metropolitan Areas: 15 trucks each across 7 cities  Other Districts: 5 trucks each across the remaining 55 districts  The mobile truck sales will run for 20 days, from February 17 to March 12, 2026, excluding Fridays and public holidays. TCB aims to serve approximately 3.5 million beneficiaries by selling nearly 23,000 metric tons of goods through this channel. Notably, any consumer is eligible to purchase products directly from these trucks. 5 new products to be included in TCB sales from Nov: Commerce Adviser The TCB has fixed the prices and maximum purchase limits per consumer as follows: Edible Oil: Tk115 per litre (Max 2 litres)  Sugar: Tk80 per kg (Max 1 kg)  Lentils (Masoor Dal): Tk70 per kg (Max 2 kg)  Chickpeas (Chola): Tk60 per kg (Max 1 kg)  Dates: Tk160 per kg (Max 0.5 kg)  In addition to the truck sales, TCB will continue its regular distribution to 6.6 million Smart Family Cardholder families. These families will receive approximately 40,300 metric tons of goods in February and 33,000 metric tons in March. While prices for oil, sugar, and lentils remain unchanged for cardholders, they will also be able to purchase chickpeas at Tk60 per kg and dates at Tk160 per kg specifically for Ramadan.

Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is a land of mystery, danger, and constant risk. Yet it is here that the region’s traditional honey collectors, known as Mawalis, venture deep into the wilderness, often risking their lives to harvest honey. Their courage and resilience are at the heart of a new documentary titled Sahosei Bikash (Courage to Prosperity), said a media release on Monday. Released on 14 December marking ‘Sundarbans Day’, the three‑minute‑forty‑seven‑second documentary portrays the harsh realities of the honey collectors’ lives. It captures how they brave tigers, crocodiles, venomous snakes, unpredictable tides and the lurking threat of quicksand, all while gathering honey inside one of the world’s most unforgiving ecosystems. Expatriates remit Tk 200bn via bKash in 2025 The documentary also shows how the honey collectors often stay away from their families for weeks at a time. After risking their lives to earn an income, they now rely on the safety and convenience of mobile wallets to store their hard‑earned money and send money back home without hassle. Documentary reveals that even while working in remote forest areas, honey collectors prefer not to carry cash due to security concerns. Instead, they use their bKash accounts to conduct transactions, both for selling honey and for safeguarding their earnings. This digital access allows them to remain emotionally and financially connected with their families despite the physical distance. The film presents a powerful reflection of how technology is delivering reliability and safety to people living in some of the country’s most inaccessible regions. As a result, bKash has emerged as a trusted companion in their lives. Driven by the desire to ensure the well-being and happiness of their loved ones, the honey collectors repeatedly venture deep into the Sundarbans, risking their lives time and again with unwavering courage. Customers win Nepal, Cox’s Bazar tour thru travel payment with bKash The documentary on honey collectors life is available on Amar bKash Facebook page, Instagram page, and YouTube channel-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo0pxJHrvSk. For nearly fifteen years, bKash has been a trusted financial partner for millions of users across Bangladesh, serving people in cities, towns, villages, hills, coastal regions and remote areas. By offering simple, secure and time‑saving digital services, bKash continues to empower customers with freedom, capability and safety in their financial transactions.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday said false and misleading information is being circulated in its name regarding allegations of fake votes in the 13th parliamentary election. In a press release, the organisation said information presented at a press conference marking the release of its report titled ‘Observation of the 13th National Parliamentary Election Process and Affidavit-Based Analysis’ has been misinterpreted and wrongly disseminated, creating confusion among the public. TIB clarified that in its field-level research, conducted through a random sampling method, data were collected from 70 selected constituencies. Among those, information regarding incidents of one or more fake votes was found in 21.4 percent of the constituencies. “However, interpreting this finding to mean that 21.4 percent fake votes were cast nationwide is “completely incorrect, baseless and misleading,” the TIB said. TIB requested media outlets that have already misrepresented or incorrectly presented the information to publish appropriate corrections without delay. Otherwise, it said, such misleading representation would be considered intentional.

Miscreants set a bus on fire on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway at Hemayetpur in Savar early Monday. Witnesses said the miscreants set fire to a bus of ‘Hanif Paribahan’ which was parked near Kofil Petrol Pump in the area and fled the scene. On information, two firefighting units rushed to the spot and extinguished the blaze after half an hour. However, no casualties were reported. Arman Ali, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, said police are investigating the incident.    

Newly appointed Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani on Monday said he would discharge the immense responsibility entrusted to him with utmost sincerity and dedication. “Alhamdulillah, at a crucial moment for the country, a huge responsibility has been placed on my shoulders. InshAllah, I will try my best to carry out this responsibility to the best of my ability,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. Responding to a question, Gani said he would continue to work in the same manner as he had done in the past. The government on Monday appointed Nasimul Gani as the new Cabinet Secretary, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration. Nasimul Gani appointed new Cabinet Secretary Prior to his appointment, Gani was serving as Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Earlier, on Saturday (Feb 14), the government cancelled the remaining tenure of the contractual appointment of former Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid.  

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) has congratulated the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on its decisive victory in the 13th National Parliamentary Election. President of the CBCB, Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI, conveyed his greetings to the party’s Chairman and newly elected leaders, according to a press release issued on Sunday. He said that after a considerable period, citizens were able to exercise their voting rights in a spontaneous and festive atmosphere, describing it as a development that brings renewed hope and confidence for the nation. In his statement, the Archbishop observed that active public participation strengthens democratic practice and advances the process of building a responsible, justice-based and welfare-oriented state. He expressed the expectation that the newly elected leadership would demonstrate wisdom and responsibility in promoting national development, social harmony and justice. The Conference also called for particular attention to the improvement of the living conditions of disadvantaged and minority communities, urging the creation of a safe and dignified environment for all. It underscored the expectation that the state will ensure equal rights and equal dignity for every citizen. While Christians constitute a numerical minority in Bangladesh, the statement noted that the community has long contributed to the country through education, healthcare and humanitarian development initiatives. It affirmed that this tradition of service would continue in support of the nation’s development journey. Meanwhile, Archbishop D’Cruze offered prayers that the new leadership be granted wisdom, integrity and courage in serving the people and guiding the nation toward progress and prosperity.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday delivered a farewell address to officers and staff at the Chief Adviser’s Office, marking the end of the interim administration’s tenure. Following his speech, he joined officials and employees for a photo session at the office. The interim government, which assumed office on August 8, 2024 under Prof Yunus, is set to conclude its term with the swearing-in of a new government on Tuesday (February 17). 37 houses ready for incoming ministers: Adviser Adilur The BNP-led alliance is poised to form the next government after securing a landslide victory in Thursday’s national election, winning 212 seats, while the Jamaat-e-Islami led alliance won 77 seats.  

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Monday met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at his office. The two exchanged greetings during the courtesy meeting and briefly discussed various issues related to Prof Yunus’ tenure. Come out and vote without fear: Army Chief Waker-Uz-Zaman During the meeting, the Chief Adviser expressed his sincere gratitude to the Army Chief for the support provided by the Bangladesh Army throughout his tenure, particularly during the national election. The term of the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus since taking office on August 8, 2024, is set to conclude with the swearing-in of the incoming government on Tuesday (February 17).  

Thirty-seven houses have been prepared for the ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers of the incoming government, said Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan on Monday. The adviser said the government has so far readied 37 houses for the incoming cabinet members. The residences are located on Minto Road, Hare Road, Dhanmondi and Gulshan areas. Preparations are underway to make a few more houses, if needed, he added. Sugar industry needs local, foreign investment: Adviser Adilur Adilur said some of these houses are currently occupied by members of the current Council of Advisers. Regarding the incoming Prime Minister’s residence, he said, “It will be arranged according to their preferences. Decisions will be made in consultation with them.”  

The government has appointed Nasimul Gani as the new Cabinet Secretary. The Ministry of Public Administration on Monday issued a notification in this regard. Prior to his appointment, Nasimul Gani was serving as the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Earlier on Saturday (Feb 14), the government cancelled the remaining tenure of the contractual appointment of former Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur  Rashid. Officials said the cancellation was made following an application submitted by Abdur Rashid.