United News of Bangladesh

Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey has said BIMSTEC is poised to emerge as a dynamic and successful platform for forging regional cooperation and to play a crucial role in realizing security and sustainable development of its member States.  "It is also emerging as a shining example of South-South cooperation," he said, noting the measures being taken to reform and revitalize it, including through implementation of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Eminent Persons’ Group. BIMSTEC emerging as a shining example of South-South, regional cooperation In a message, marking the BIMSTEC Day, the Secretary-General said BIMSTEC is open to engage in partnerships with other regional organizations as well as UN and International Organizations.  He expressed his deep gratitude to the BIMSTEC member States for their continued guidance and support to the BIMSTEC Secretariat.  "The Secretariat remains fully committed to carrying out the tasks entrusted to it in a timely, efficient and effective manner and supporting the member States in translating their shared vision for regional cooperation into tangible outcomes," said the Secretary-General. In order to institutionalize cooperation in various sectors, BIMSTEC has established Centres of Excellence, such as BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and and Climate and BIMSTEC Energy Centre, both in India. Further, the SG said BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory has been set up in  Paro, Bhutan, and BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility is being set up in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  Eight more Centres of Excellence are being set up in order to enhance regional cooperation in areas of agriculture, culture and tourism, disaster management, sustainable maritime transport,  skill development, tropical medicine, traditional medicine, Supreme Audit Institutions etc. The Secretary-General said BIMSTEC has already concluded two Conventions: BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in  Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, which has entered into force since March 2021, and BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which has not yet entered into force. 3 more Conventions on Extradition; Human Trafficking; and Transfer of Sentenced Persons are being concluded.  The BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, which was signed in April 2025, has entered into force for the 4 member States, which have ratified it, Secretary-General Pandey said. Besides, a number of MoUs and MoAs have also been concluded.  BIMSTEC has been seeking developmental partnerships with the non-Members as well as the UN, International and Regional Organisations.  The Secretary General on the occasion of 29th anniversary of BIMSTEC, extended, on behalf of the BIMSTEC Secretariat, his warm greetings and best wishes to the governments and peoples of the member States (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand). BIMSTEC member States, located contiguous and close to Bay of Bengal, the largest Bay of the world, face similar developmental and transnational security challenges, which, they realize,  they cannot deal with alone.  "Hence, they are keen to forge regional cooperation under BIMSTEC," said the SG. He said their shared historical experiences, cultural linkages and civilization legacies  provide a strong foundation for forging regional cooperation.  A significant part of global trade and energy flows through the waters of Bay of Bengal.  Since its inception, 29 years ago, BIMSTEC has made significant progress.  It has adopted its own Charter and has institutionalized the requisite core and sectoral mechanisms for forging regional cooperation.

Newly appointed Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Masud Khan has pledged to restore investor confidence and undertake long-term reforms to build a transparent, fair and resilient capital market, acknowledging that the country's stock market is currently passing through a challenging period. “I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of warm wishes, congratulations, and messages of support that I have received over the past few days. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you,” Masud Khan said in a post on his social media platform on Saturday, days after being appointed as the head of the market regulator. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead the commission, he said he was deeply humbled and privileged to serve as chairman of the BSEC at a critical juncture for Bangladesh's capital market. Masud Khan noted that restoring investor confidence, enhancing market depth and meeting stakeholders' expectations would be among the key challenges facing the commission. He acknowledged that reviving the market and placing it on a strong and sustainable footing would not be easy. The newly appointed chairman said accepting the responsibility was a difficult decision, particularly given the experiences of previous commissions and the complex challenges associated with reforming and developing the capital market. He also revealed that taking up the role required significant personal sacrifice, including giving up substantial financial benefits and a secure professional path built over a long corporate career. “Public service often demands that personal considerations take a back seat to a larger purpose,” he said, adding that encouragement from family, friends and colleagues ultimately influenced his decision to accept the position. Masud Khan said the mission ahead extends beyond merely recovering the market and includes strengthening institutions, attracting quality companies and long-term investment, improving governance and transparency, embracing digitisation, promoting investor education and creating the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. He stressed the importance of striking a balance between regulation and deregulation, saying his guiding principle would be to “regulate where necessary, simplify where possible.” The BSEC chairman also emphasised that meaningful reforms cannot be achieved by any individual or institution acting alone. He pledged to remain open to feedback, suggestions and constructive criticism from investors and stakeholders while acting in the best interests of the capital market and the broader economy. Referring to his personal faith, Masud Khan said he believes that Allah is the best planner and expressed confidence that divine guidance and blessings would help overcome the challenges ahead. Calling the task a collective endeavour, he sought the support and cooperation of investors, listed companies, intermediaries, regulators, policymakers, professional bodies and the media to rebuild trust in the country's capital market. “With the support, cooperation, and goodwill of all stakeholders, I am confident that together we can restore confidence and build a transparent, fair, vibrant, and resilient capital market,” he said. Masud Khan concluded by thanking well-wishers for their encouragement, support and prayers, saying he looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders in advancing the development of Bangladesh's capital market.

Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) exports fetched US$ 35.31 billion during the July–May period of the fiscal year 2025–26, registering a 3.41 percent decline compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year FY2024-25, according to the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The sector, which serves as the backbone of the country's export economy, faced minor contractions across most of its traditional and non-traditional destinations, though Canada emerged as a silver lining by maintaining positive growth momentum. According to industry analyst Mohiuddin Rubel, Former Director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the European Union (EU) retained its status as the largest destination for Bangladeshi apparel. The EU market accounted for nearly half of the total RMG exports, taking in 49.15 percent of the shipments. However, export earnings from the EU dropped to US$ 17.36 billion, marking a year-on-year negative growth of 4.88 percent. The United States remained the second-largest destination for local apparel, holding a 19.90 percent market share. RMG exports to the US stood at US$ 7.03 billion, reflecting a marginal year-on-year decrease of 0.04 percent. Meanwhile, export trends varied across other major Western markets. The United Kingdom, holding an 11.38 percent share, saw a slight decline of 0.50 percent, bringing its total import value to $ 4.02 billion. Conversely, Canada bucked the downward trend by posting a 2.27 percent year-on-year growth, with exports reaching $ 1.23 billion (a 3.47 percent share). Exports to non-traditional markets also experienced a slowdown. The collective earnings from these emerging markets dropped by 5.95 percent to $ 5.68 billion, capturing a 16.09 percent share of the total RMG export basket. In terms of product performance, both major segments of the RMG basket registered negative growth. The knitwear segment fell by 4.26 percent, while the woven garment segment recorded a 2.42 percent decrease during the 11-month period.

Parliament is set to go into the first budget session on Sunday after BNP formed the government following the national election held on February 12, 2026. The session, the second session of 13th parliament, will begin at 3pm in the Jatiya Sangsad. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury is likely to place the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on June 11 (Thursday). BNP parliamentary party meets ahead of budget session Earlier on May 07, President Mohammed Shahabuddin summoned the parliamentary session. The first session of the 13th Parliament ended on April 30. During that session, a total of 94 bills were passed after 25 working days.

A total of 51 people were killed and 65 others injured in 42 road accidents in Sylhet division in May, marking the highest monthly death toll from road crashes this year, according to a report. Of the deceased, 20 were motorcycle riders or passengers. The highest number of fatalities was reported in Sylhet district, while the lowest was recorded in Moulvibazar district. Elderly man killed in Sylhet road crash The Sylhet divisional committee of Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) revealed the data in a report published on Saturday. According to the report, 17 road accidents occurred in Sylhet district in May, leaving 21 people dead and 40 injured. In Sunamganj, 13 accidents killed 16 people and injured 20 others. In Moulvibazar, five accidents left five people dead and two injured, while in Habiganj, seven accidents killed nine people and injured three others. The report said nine people were killed in nine Eid-related road accidents. Altogether, 42 road accidents occurred in the division during the month. It identified reckless driving, competition among drivers, overtaking, the failure of motorcyclists to use standard helmets, a lack of awareness among pedestrians, and flaws in road design as the major causes behind the high number of fatalities. Zahirul Islam Mishu, joint organising secretary of NISCHA's central committee, said the report was prepared based on information gathered from five local newspapers, online news portals, two national dailies, presumed unreported incidents, and data collected by NISCHA sub-branches in Sylhet. The report also said that in April, 15 people were killed and 58 injured in 19 road accidents across Sylhet division.

Centuries from skipper Shubman Gill and Lokesh Rahul powered India to a commanding 368 for 3 at stumps on the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh on Saturday. Gill remained unbeaten on 103 from 143 deliveries, while Rahul struck 100 off 165 balls as India made the most of winning the toss at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, the 31st venue in India to host a Test match. India got off to a steady start with Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal adding 41 runs for the opening wicket before Jaiswal was dismissed for 24, caught behind off Mohammad Saleem. Rahul survived an early scare when an edge went unnoticed by the umpire and Afghanistan opted not to review the decision. He capitalised on the reprieve to register his 12th Test century before being caught at extra cover off Ziaur Rahman. Rahul, who struck 11 boundaries, shared a 139-run partnership for the second wicket with Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan contributed a fluent 81 off 104 balls, including 13 fours, before becoming Saleem’s second victim shortly before tea. Gill then combined with Rishabh Pant in an unbroken 121-run stand that further strengthened India's position. Gill’s century came without offering a chance and featured 11 fours and a six. Pant remained unbeaten on 50, hitting three sixes during his innings. The match marks only the second Test meeting between the two sides. Their previous encounter came in 2018 when India defeated Afghanistan by an innings and 262 runs in Bengaluru during Afghanistan’s inaugural Test match. The game is Afghanistan’s 13th Test overall and does not count towards the World Test Championship standings.

On the occasion of 29th Anniversary of establishment of BIMSTEC, I extend, on behalf of the BIMSTEC Secretariat, my warm greetings and best wishes to the Governments and Peoples of the 7 BIMSTEC member States (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand). 7 BIMSTEC member States, located contiguous and close to Bay of Bengal, the largest Bay of the world, face similar developmental and transnational security challenges, which, they realize, they cannot deal with alone. Hence, they are keen to forge regional cooperation under BIMSTEC. Their shared historical experiences, cultural linkages and civilization legacies provide a strong foundation for forging regional cooperation. BIMSTEC is an Inter-Governmental Regional Organisation, with its Permanent Secretariat located in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in June 1997 by its 4 founding members - Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand - as a non-political platform to facilitate cooperation amongst the countries of South Asia and South East Asia, BIMSTEC has emerged as a vibrant regional organization. Seven BIMSTEC member States are home to 1.8 billion people; they had in 2024 a combined GDP of over $5.0 trillion and a combined external trade of almost $3.0 trillion. A significant part of global trade and energy flows through the waters of Bay of Bengal. Since its inception, 29 years ago, BIMSTEC has made significant progress. It has adopted its own Charter and has institutionalized the requisite core and sectoral mechanisms for forging regional cooperation. It has its vision enshrined in BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, which provides a roadmap for expanding and deepening regional cooperation. As a non-political organization, BIMSTEC has focused on promoting tangible cooperation, based on shared priorities of the member States. BIMSTEC has a comprehensive agenda, comprising 18 sectors of cooperation, clubbed in 7 Groups with designation of 7 member States as the Lead member State for one of the 7 Groups. Bangladesh leads Trade & Investment, Women Development and Blue Economy Sectors; Bhutan leads Environment & Climate Change and Mountain Economy Sectors; India leads Security, Energy and Disaster Management Sectors; Myanmar leads Agriculture & Food Security and Fisheries & Livestock Sectors; Nepal leads Culture, Tourism, People-to-People Contact Forums and Poverty Alleviation Sectors; Sri Lanka leads Science, Technology & Innovation, Health and Human Resource Development Sectors; and Thailand leads Connectivity Sector. The Agenda of BIMSTEC has been developed with consensus amongst the member States and is fully aligned with the UN SDGs Agenda 2030. BIMSTEC has held numerous Summits of Heads of the Government and Ministerial and Senior Officials Meetings, including Sectoral Ministerial and Senior Officials Meetings. There are numerous sectoral Joint Working Groups, Expert Groups and their Sub-Groups to identify areas of cooperation in various sectors, delineate Plans of Action and monitor their implementation. In order to institutionalize cooperation in various sectors, BIMSTEC has established Centres of Excellence, such as BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and and Climate and BIMSTEC Energy Centre, both in India. Further, BIMSTEC Cultural Industries Observatory has been set up in Paro, Bhutan, and BIMSTEC Technology Transfer Facility is being set up in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 8 more Centres of Excellence are being set up in order to enhance regional cooperation in areas of agriculture, culture and tourism, disaster management, sustainable maritime transport, skill development, tropical medicine, traditional medicine, Supreme Audit Institutions etc. BIMSTEC has already concluded two Conventions: BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, which has entered into force since March 2021, and BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which has not yet entered into force. 3 more Conventions on Extradition; Human Trafficking; and Transfer of Sentenced Persons are being concluded. The BIMSTEC Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation, which was signed in April 2025, has entered into force for the 4 member States, which have ratified it. Besides, a number of MoUs and MoAs have also been concluded. BIMSTEC has been seeking developmental partnerships with the non-Members as well as the UN, International and Regional Organisations. It has signed MoUs for cooperation with ADB, IFPRI, IORA and UNODC. It has been engaged in forging cooperation with WB, WIPO, WHO, ITU, UNDRR, UNESCAP, UN Women, ISA and CDRI etc. BIMSTEC is open to engage in partnerships with other regional organizations as well as UN and International Organizations. With measures being taken to reform and revitalize it, including through implementation of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Eminent Persons’ Group, BIMSTEC is poised to emerge as a dynamic and successful platform for forging regional cooperation and to play a crucial role in realizing security and sustainable development of its member States. It is also emerging as a shining example of South-South cooperation. I express my deep gratitude to the BIMSTEC member States for their continued guidance and support to the BIMSTEC Secretariat. The Secretariat remains fully committed to carrying out the tasks entrusted to it in a timely, efficient and effective manner and supporting the member States in translating their shared vision for regional cooperation into tangible outcomes. Indra Mani Pandey is the Secretary-General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)

A case has been filed with Goalunda Ghat Police Station in Rajbari over the incident in which a passenger bus plunged into the Padma River from a pontoon at the Daulatdia Ferry Terminal on Friday morning. Abuzar Gifari, Sub-Inspector of Daulatdia River Police Station, filed the case late Friday night. The accused include bus driver Md Jhantu Ali, 48, of Alampur in Kushtia Sadar upazila; supervisor Md Ajmal Hossain, 38, of Sugribpur in Kushtia; and helper Shakib Hossain, 22, also from Alampur. Unidentified officials of SB Super Deluxe (Non-AC) Paribahan, the bus operator (registration number Dhaka Metro-B-15-5649), were also named in the case. According to the complaint, the accident caused damage to ferry infrastructure and passengers’ belongings estimated at around Tk 3 lakh. It said that the members of the Daulatdia River Police Outpost were on duty at the terminal on Friday morning when the Dhaka-bound SB Super Deluxe bus, travelling from Gangni in Meherpur, arrived at the ferry ghat. Following government directives, officials from the River Police and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) instructed the driver to disembark all passengers before boarding the ferry. Around 37 to 40 passengers got off the bus and proceeded on foot toward the ferry. The complaint alleges that driver Jhantu Ali then started the bus and drove it recklessly. Instead of boarding the designated ferry, Bir Shrestha Jahangir, he reportedly crossed the pontoon and entered another ferry, Karbi Oxfam. The bus then struck the ramp at speed, snapping its chain and safety belt before plunging into the Padma River. River Police said the bus supervisor and helper managed to jump onto the ferry before the vehicle fell into the river. The driver swam to the pontoon and was rescued by police personnel and locals before being taken to Goalundo Upazila Health Complex. The sunken bus was salvaged at around 11:55 am with assistance from the rescue vessel Hamza. It was later seized and taken into River Police custody. The vehicle sustained extensive damage, including twisted bodywork and broken glass. The complaint also states that the ramp, cable and chain of the Karbi Oxfam ferry were damaged. In addition, passengers reportedly lost or damaged luggage and personal belongings in the incident. Md Shafiqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Goalandaghat Police Station said the three named accused were arrested and sent to court on Saturday. River Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Goaland Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sathi Das said belongings recovered after the accident had been verified and returned to their owners. Earlier, the incident occurred at about 9:25 am on Friday in the Daulatdia ferry ghat area.   END/UNB/Corr/SIS/ssk

The government is developing a new economic model to navigate the current financial crisis, with a target of elevating Bangladesh to a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034, focusing on investment growth, administrative reform, industrial revival and long-term agricultural transformation. “Our philosophy is 'Bangladesh for All', the new economic framework is being built to ensure the benefits of growth reach every segment of society," said Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, adviser to the Prime Minister on finance and planning, while addressing a roundtable titled ‘Budget 2026-27 in a Moment of Crisis’ at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre in the city on Saturday. Govt sets 5  energy security milestones to break import dependence: Titumir Titumir stressed that ensuring an investment-friendly environment was crucial to placing the economy on a sustainable footing, calling for reduced bureaucratic complexity, equal opportunities for domestic and export-oriented industries, business-friendly policies and administrative reforms. He added that the government was working on a restructuring package worth around Tk 60,000 crore to revive long-dormant industrial units, while simultaneously prioritising job creation and expansion of the productive sector. On agriculture, the adviser said the sector must be steered toward long-term development rather than relying solely on subsidies, emphasising the need to improve water resource management, modernise farming systems and strengthen the rural economy. He also underscored the need to improve the effectiveness of spending in health and education, saying service quality, accessibility and grassroots-level delivery of public services must be ensured alongside increased allocations. Apex Footwear Managing Director Nasim Manzur called for tax structure reforms to attract fresh investment and boost private sector growth, proposing a reduction of the corporate tax rate from 27.5 percent to 20 percent. He also urged policy stability, modernisation of tax administration and improvement of airport warehousing facilities. Researcher and rights activist Maha Mirza demanded higher budgetary allocation for agriculture, arguing that greater investment is needed to strengthen food security and the rural economy. She stressed agricultural mechanisation, storage infrastructure and union-level agri-facility development. Speakers at the roundtable said the upcoming budget must be pragmatic and reform-oriented amid high inflation, investment stagnation, employment pressure and global economic uncertainty. They emphasised modernising tax administration, boosting productive investment, ensuring financial sector good governance and maintaining long-term policy stability. Among others, the discussion featured Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman M Masrur Reaz, former Finance Secretary Muslim Chowdhury, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, ICMAB President Kausar Alam and North South University School of Business and Economics Dean Dr AKM Wareseul Karim.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said Dhaka no longer feels like a livable city, warning that worsening pollution, deteriorating public services, declining institutions and unplanned urbanisation are making life increasingly difficult for residents. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the “Dokkhiner Janala” initiative and a seminar titled “Citizen Thoughts and Necessary Actions” organised by Dhaka South City Corporation at a restaurant in the capital’s Paltan area, Fakhrul said the city is facing a multifaceted crisis that requires urgent structural reforms and long-term planning. Fakhrul says 'democracy under threat,' flags planned digital campaign against government “Dhaka no longer feels livable. There is hardly an environment where people can breathe freely. Various institutions are approaching destruction. If we fail to come out of this situation, living in the city will become even more difficult for residents,” he said. Referring to the presence of the Managing Director of Dhaka WASA at the event, Fakhrul expressed deep concern over the capital’s water quality and the deteriorating condition of surrounding rivers. He questioned why, despite numerous development projects involving thousands of crores of taka, there has been no effective initiative to free the Buriganga River from pollution. “Will merely raising awareness among citizens solve the problem? Those who formulate policies, govern Dhaka and design development plans must evaluate how much ordinary citizens are actually benefiting from these projects,” he said. The minister stressed that city governance requires stronger commitment, improved planning and greater accountability from elected representatives and urban authorities. “Dhaka is our home. But nowadays I sometimes feel I would rather return to my hometown than continue living in this city,” he said. He cited air pollution, overcrowded public hospitals and the deteriorating condition of public institutions as major concerns affecting the quality of life in the capital. “Step outside and the air you breathe is polluted. Visit a public hospital and you can hardly enter because of the conditions there. Every institution seems to be moving towards decline,” he said. Recalling his student days, Fakhrul said he used to enjoy boat rides on the Buriganga after arriving in Dhaka as a college student in 1963. “At that time, we would often travel on the Buriganga by boat. Today it is almost impossible to go near the river because of the pollution and foul smell,” he said. He added that the condition of the Buriganga has become so severe that it may now be contributing to many of Dhaka’s environmental and public health problems. The minister also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the Shitalakkhya River, saying city residents would have nowhere to turn if the rivers surrounding Dhaka continue to degrade. He stressed the need for structural reforms and proper urban planning rather than project-based approaches that end once construction is completed. “Projects should not end once construction is completed. Their long-term impact and sustainability must be ensured,” he said. Referring to recent cabinet discussions on Dhaka’s water situation, Fakhrul said a significant portion of the city’s water remains unsuitable for consumption. He also warned about the rapid depletion of groundwater levels, saying the situation could create serious risks in the event of a major natural disaster such as an earthquake. “The groundwater level has dropped alarmingly. This poses a serious threat to Dhaka in the future,” he said. Fakhrul said restoring the rivers surrounding Dhaka must become a national priority. “So many projects are undertaken, but there is no dedicated project to make the Buriganga pollution-free. I am repeating this because I believe we must seriously discuss what can be done to restore the Buriganga, the Turag and our other rivers,” he said. He lamented the lack of planned urbanisation despite the city’s rapid population growth over the decades. “Population growth and urbanisation are natural, but development has not been properly planned. Drainage systems are either inadequate or ineffective. Thousands of crores of taka are spent on drainage projects, yet water often fails to drain properly,” he said. The minister expressed hope that future city corporation leaders elected through upcoming local government elections would address these challenges with greater seriousness. He said the Local Government Ministry would treat the matter as a priority and welcome expert recommendations on improving Dhaka’s livability. “We want to know what measures the government can take so that citizens of Dhaka can once again breathe freely and enjoy a better quality of life,” he said. Referring to the “Dokkhiner Janala” initiative, Fakhrul said the city must be transformed into a place where residents can genuinely enjoy a healthy, clean and open environment. “We must create a Dhaka where people can truly open their windows and breathe freely,” he added.