United News of Bangladesh

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said the EnRICH Project will strengthen flood forecasting and early warning systems in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Cumilla, and Feni from September 2025 to March 2026. She made the remarks on Monday while addressing a national event titled “UK-Bangladesh Collaboration on Ecology-Based Adaptation and Hydro-Met Services” at Pani Bhaban in Dhaka. Appreciating the UK Met Office’s collaboration with RIMES, BWDB, and BMD under the new initiative, Rizwana said, “Our meteorologists often struggle to forecast sudden floods or upstream water surges accurately. Over the next six months, this partnership will enhance our analytical capacity to interpret rainfall and hydrological data more effectively.” “The sustainability of NGO-led projects depends on establishing effective collaboration mechanisms with the government, she added. Highlighting the importance of protecting Haor ecosystems, the adviser said, “If the Haor ecosystem collapses, our food supply will drop. Protecting Haor means protecting the country’s overall ecosystem.” She noted that although the National Haor Master Plan has been finalised, the Haor Development Board still lacks an approved administrative structure, limiting its effectiveness.

Bangladesh and Pakistan agreed to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation across key sectors including trade, agriculture, information technology, food, energy and connectivity, following the 9th Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting held in Dhaka on Monday, the first in two decades. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed led the Bangladesh delegation, while the Pakistani side was headed by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik. The last JEC meeting between the two countries took place in 2005. Describing the Dhaka meeting as ‘remarkable and successful’, Dr Salehuddin said the discussions focused on areas that would benefit the people of both nations. “Our cooperation should not be limited to bilateral issues only; we should also move toward regional cooperation. If countries in South Asia can collaborate in this way, it will be better for everyone,” he said. Pakistan keen to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh: Visiting CJCSC The Adviser said the meeting addressed a wide range of issues, including trade, commerce, agriculture, IT and food security. He said focal points would be designated in relevant ministries, including Civil Aviation and Maritime Affairs, to follow up on aviation, shipping, and logistics cooperation. Responding to a question about the potential target of reaching a three-billion-dollar trade volume, Dr Salehuddin said it was too early to specify any figure. “These are mainly MoUs that have been signed, and the respective ministries will now take them forward,” he said. Pakistani Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s hospitality and said holding the JEC meeting after 20 years was ‘significant’. “We want to build on this positive momentum for the mutual benefit of both countries,” he said, adding that Pakistan would explore new cooperation areas in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, power and energy. He said the current trade volume between the two countries is below one billion dollars, which should increase given their complementary economies. “We have identified various areas of cooperation, and by the next meeting, we hope to show measurable progress,” Malik said. Both sides expressed optimism that the revived JEC platform would help unlock new opportunities and deepen bilateral and regional economic ties in the coming years.    

Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed their bilateral economic dialogue after nearly two decades through the 9th Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting, aiming to boost cooperation in trade, investment, energy and technical sectors. The meeting began at the NEC conference room in the city on Monday morning. Bangladesh’s Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed is leading the home delegation, while Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik is heading the visiting team. Pakistan keen to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh: Visiting CJCSC Officials said the two-day meeting, which began, focuses on enhancing bilateral trade, reducing non-tariff barriers and expanding collaboration in areas such as agriculture, education, information technology, and manpower export. The JEC serves as the highest-level institutional mechanism for economic cooperation between Dhaka and Islamabad. The last session was held in 2005 in Islamabad.      

A Bangladeshi youth was killed in a shooting by Indian Khasias at the Dona border in Kanaighat upazila of Sylhet district. The deceased, Shakil Ahmed, 25, son of Shamsul Haque of Madarpur village in Dona union, was reportedly cutting grass near pillar number 1334 when the Khasias suddenly opened fire, leaving him seriously injured. He later died en route to the Kanaighat Upazila Health Complex, according to local Union Parishad member Md. Nazim Uddin. Md. Abdul Awal, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kanaighat Police Station, confirmed that Shakil was rescued by locals in an injured condition but died on the way to the hospital. Following the incident, the BGB Dona Camp verified the matter and increased patrols along the border. Shakil’s body has been sent to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Speakers at a workshop have emphasised the need for stronger cross-sectoral collaboration to tackle humanitarian and strategic challenges stemming from water insecurity and climate-induced displacement. The event, held in Dhaka recently, brought together policymakers, members of the security sector, researchers, academicians, and young professionals to deliberate on one of the most pressing non-traditional security challenges confronting Bangladesh today. Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) successfully organized the workshop under the European Union-funded project ‘Climate Change & Security: Potential Instabilities in Bangladesh’ titled ‘Water Insecurity and Climate-Induced Displacement in Bangladesh: Security Challenges and Policy Responses’. BIPSS President Major General ANM Muniruzzaman (retd) stressed the importance of water security and urged policymakers to adopt integrated and forward looking strategies that combine effective water governance and human security frameworks. The workshop featured two expert-led sessions followed by interactive discussions and tabletop exercises. Session 1, titled ‘Hydro-Climatic Stressors and Displacement in Bangladesh: Emerging Risks and Consequences’, was conducted by Sumaiya Binte Selim Subha, Researcher and Programme Coordinator at the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD). The session explored key environmental drivers such as floods, riverbank erosion, drought, and salinity intrusion, and their implications for internal displacement and community vulnerability. Migration patterns in Bangladesh, Emerging risks of Climate induced displacement, loss & damage, policy adaption etc. were also discussed. Session 2, titled ‘Strategic and Security Dimensions of Water Insecurity and Climate Migration in Bangladesh’, was led by Commodore Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmed, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD). This session examined the broader national and regional security dimensions of climate-induced migration, including border management, maritime implications, and institutional coordination for resilience. The session highlighted important topics like strategic dimensions of water insecurity, linkage between human security and internal displacement etc, said BIPSS in a media release. Participants underscored the need for integrated policy responses linking water management, climate adaptation, and national security frameworks. The discussions emphasized strengthening institutional preparedness, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and fostering partnerships between government, academia, and civil society to build long-term resilience.

Prominent Japanese entrepreneur and politician Miki Watanabe has announced plans to establish a driving school in Bangladesh to help recruit thousands of skilled drivers for employment in Japan. Watanabe, founder of the Watami Group, made the announcement during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday evening. “We are now looking for a 12,000-square-metre area to set up a driving school,” Watanabe told the Chief Adviser, adding that there is a high demand for qualified drivers in Japan and that Bangladesh could become a key source of such manpower. Responding immediately, the Chief Adviser directed officials to identify suitable land for the proposed driving school, preferably on the outskirts of Dhaka. The meeting followed up on Prof Yunus’ official visit to Japan in May, during which Japanese entrepreneurs signed an agreement with Bangladeshi authorities to recruit 100,000 workers from Bangladesh over the next five years, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Sunday. Watanabe, a long-time admirer of Prof Yunus’ work, informed the meeting that he had already established a language training academy in Monohordi, in the central district of Munshiganj, to train and recruit at least 3,000 Bangladeshi workers. “Fifty-two workers have already gone to Japan to work in the construction and agriculture sectors,” Watanabe said. He said the academy currently trains 40 students per session but will gradually expand its facilities and network across the country to increase recruitment. The Chief Adviser emphasised the importance of teaching Japanese etiquette, decorum, and cultural values as part of the academy’s curriculum. “Teaching etiquette and culture should be an integral part of the academy’s training. It will help Bangladeshis understand Japan deeply and prepare them better before they arrive in the country,” Prof Yunus said. He encouraged the Watami founder to expand training programs in caregiving, nursing, construction, and farming, noting that skilled workers in these fields can earn significantly higher wages in Japan. “We would like to do these as well,” Watanabe replied.

Diplomats stationed in Dhaka and Advisers of the interim government played a friendly football match on Saturday, with Team Diplomats winning the match 3-0. European Union (EU) Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller and Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh joined ‘Team Diplomats’ along with the Heads of Mission from Denmark, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Spain, UNDP, as well as diplomats from Italy, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (UK), to play in a friendly match at the National Stadium against ‘Team Advisers’, led by Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam. With several players on Bangladesh’s National Team having strong Canadian ties, this friendly match highlighted how sport can unite people from different countries and cultures, ahead of Canada’s co-hosting of the next World Cup 2026 with Mexico and the United States, said the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka.

Visiting Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza has expressed his country’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Bangladesh across various sectors, highlighting the untapped potential for enhancing trade, connectivity and investment between the two nations. "Our two countries will support each other,” General Mirza said, adding that a two-way shipping route between Karachi and Chittagong has already begun operations, while a Dhaka–Karachi air route is expected to open within months. He paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna late Saturday. During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues concerning Bangladesh–Pakistan relations, including the growing importance of bilateral trade, investment and defence cooperation. First US wheat shipment arrives at Ctg port Both sides also underscored the need for deescalating tensions in the Middle East and Europe, said the Chief Adviser's press wing on Sunday. They exchanged views on the growing challenge of misinformation and the misuse of social media by non-state actors to undermine peace and stability across various regions. “Fake news and disinformation have flooded social media. It is being used to sow chaos. There must be a concerted global effort to combat this menace,” the Chief Adviser said. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Senior Secretary and SDGs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were present during the meeting.  

Nobel Laureate in Economics Joseph E. Stiglitz has underscored the need for a clear work strategy, free opinion and freedom from unsolicited interference in journalism to uphold democratic values. Addressing an international assembly in Vienna, Stiglitz highlighted the crucial role of public interest journalism in sustaining healthy, democratic societies amid the growing challenges of authoritarianism, disinformation, and artificial intelligence. Speakers at the conference noted that suppression of dissent and obstruction of news publication are incompatible with the principles of a civilised society. The three-day event, held in the Austrian capital from October 23 to 25, was organised by the International Press Institute, according to a media release. Representatives from media organisations across 100 countries took part in the discussions. Shoeb Chowdhury, Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Asian Age from Bangladesh, attended the conference and exchanged views with Stiglitz. An American economist and professor at Columbia University, Stiglitz serves as the chief economist of the Roosevelt Institute. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2001 and previously served as chief economist of the World Bank. In 2011, Time magazine named him among the 100 most influential people in the world. The programme featured multiple sessions and seminars addressing key issues including freedom of expression, press freedom, the adverse effects of artificial intelligence, and strategies to combat harassment against journalists.

For the first time, a consignment of around 57000 metric tonnes (MTs) of wheat from the USA has arrived at Chittagong port.   Bangladesh initiated the import on a government-to-government basis under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between the two countries. According to a media release sent from the Ministry of Food on Saturday, the government will import a total of 440,000 MTs of wheat under the agreement. The first consignment, carrying 56,959 MTs aboard the vessel MV NORSE STRIDE, arrived at the outer anchorage of the country’s premier seaport on Friday. The Directorate General of Food under the Ministry of Food, in line with the deal signed with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), is implementing the import process. Authorities have already started examining samples of the wheat stored on the ship, and the unloading will begin soon once the quality checks are completed. Of the first shipment, 34,170 MTs will be discharged at Chittagong Port while the remaining 22,789 MTs will be unloaded at Mongla Port.