United News of Bangladesh

Ahead of the FY2026–27 national budget, policymakers, researchers and public health experts on Saturday called for urgent reforms to Bangladesh's climate-health financing system, warning that budget allocations for the sector have declined despite growing climate-related health risks across the country. The call came at a high-level policy dialogue titled “Climate-Responsive Health Financing and Health System Resilience in Bangladesh,” organised by the Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD) in collaboration with HEKS/EPER and Shushilan at BRAC Centre Inn in Dhaka. Bangladesh seeks regional cooperation to address impacts of climate change Findings presented at the event showed that climate-relevant allocations within the Health Services Division fell from 2.74 percent of its total budget in FY2021-22 to 1.97 percent in FY2025-26. Health's share of the national climate budget also declined during the same period, dropping from about 2.5 percent to 1.5 percent, even as Bangladesh faces increasing exposure to climate-induced health threats. According to the study, less than one percent of financing from the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) has been allocated to health-related projects. Of the 877 projects funded through the trust fund as of 2024, only three were implemented through the Health Services Division. The study also highlighted major structural weaknesses in climate-health financing. While Bangladesh's National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050 identifies health as a key adaptation priority and the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) estimates that approximately USD 1.4 billion will be needed over the next five years to build climate-resilient health systems, current financing remains heavily project-oriented. More than 60 percent of climate-health expenditure is concentrated in development projects, while critical investments in disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, workforce capacity, climate-health research, and long-term health system resilience continue to receive limited attention. The findings suggested a persistent gap between national climate-health ambitions and the financing mechanisms needed to implement them. The event also featured findings from CPRD's study titled “Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on the Reproductive Health of Coastal Women and Adolescent Girls.” The study documents serious reproductive and maternal health challenges among women in coastal areas, linked to climate-induced poverty, water scarcity, salinity intrusion, and inadequate sanitation services. Women participating in the study reported a wide range of reproductive health complications, including irregular menstruation, severe menstrual pain, amenorrhea, abnormal bleeding, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, postpartum infections, hemorrhage, and chronic reproductive health conditions. Discussants noted that these health impacts are no longer isolated public health concerns but represent a growing climate adaptation challenge requiring dedicated financing, stronger institutions, and improved coordination across government agencies. The dialogue brought together senior government officials, public health experts, researchers, development partners, civil society representatives, academics, climate specialists, and media professionals. The session was facilitated by Md. Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive of CPRD. He noted, “Climate finance remains a hazy space. To attract global attention and financing, quantitative evidence is essential. However, in climate-health discussions, the focus often remains limited to ensuring safe drinking water. We need to broaden that focus to ensure access to quality water for all aspects of daily life.” Shah Abdul Saadi, Deputy Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), emphasized that establishing a strong climate rationale is crucial for claiming and mobilizing international climate finance. He noted that as global public finance for adaptation has declined by USD 2 billion in a single year, Bangladesh's climate budget tagging system needs clearer definitions and stronger sectoral ownership. Prof. Dr. Md. Iqbal Kabir, Director, Climate Change and Health Promotion Unit (CCHPU), Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, observed, “Only 5 percent of global climate finance reaches the health sector, demonstrating that climate-health remains neglected globally, not only in Bangladesh. The scarcity of relevant data is also limiting our ability to develop stronger funding proposals and formulate evidence-based, data-driven policies.” AKM Sohel, Additional Secretary and UN Wing Chief, Economic Relations Division (ERD), emphasized that climate change has not yet been fully mainstreamed into development planning, resulting in fragmented initiatives. He stressed that climate research should be expanded beyond coastal areas to include other vulnerable regions of the country. He further highlighted the need for stronger data generation and improved climate literacy, noting that significant gaps remain in both areas. He also underscored the importance of creating a virtual platform to facilitate rapid access to information and collaboration opportunities. Given the decline in global climate finance and the likelihood of further reductions in the coming years, he called for maximizing the effective utilization of available resources and funding. He urged “The loss and damages related to health must be counted as economic one. That will enable us generating cost investments plan for accessing global climate funds.” The dialogue concluded with a set of policy recommendations for the FY2026–27 National Budget, including stronger integration of Health National Adaptation Plan priorities into national budgeting processes, improved climate-budget tracking systems, increased recurrent financing for preparedness and surveillance, and expanded access to domestic climate finance for health-led adaptation initiatives.

Two young Bangladeshis, Md Toufiq Elahi and Tisha Khandokar, have been selected as in-person delegates for the prestigious World Bank Group Youth Summit 2026, set to be held on June 11-12 at the headquarters of the World Bank Group in Washington. Their selection came through a highly competitive, merit-based process involving applicants from across the globe, highlighting the growing presence of Bangladeshi youth in international development, innovation and leadership initiatives. Bangladesh economy under stress, World Bank flags growth slide The World Bank Group Youth Summit, the institution’s largest annual event dedicated to people aged 18 to 35, brings together thousands of young leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development practitioners to exchange ideas and explore solutions to pressing global challenges. This year’s summit will be held under the theme, “FutureWorks: Designing Jobs for the Digital Age,” with discussions focusing on the future of employment, education, skills development and entrepreneurship in an increasingly digital economy. Organisers said the summit aims to empower young people to develop innovative solutions to development challenges, equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to create meaningful impact, and foster dialogue between youth, the World Bank Group and other key global stakeholders. The event is linked to a global network of more than 10,000 alumni from over 170 countries, offering participants opportunities for collaboration, knowledge-sharing and long-term engagement with emerging leaders worldwide.

The government on Saturday launched a three-month nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about dengue prevention, eliminate breeding sites of Aedes mosquitoes and ensure a clean environment. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain inaugurated the campaign at Rabindra Sorobor in the capital. “The government is launching a nationwide awareness campaign including public announcements through loudspeakers, to prevent dengue. We want to convey the message to everyone that maintaining cleanliness and preventing water from accumulating are the most effective ways to combat dengue," he said while inaugurating the special campaign. Mentioning the government's firm commitment to protecting public health, the minister said, "If negligence is detected despite increased awareness efforts, we will conduct mobile court drives strictly. Wherever Aedes mosquito larvae are found, the maximum penalty will be imposed under the law." DSCC Administrator M Abdus Salam said citizens have the most important role in preventing the spread of dengue. A DSCC survey identified 28 of the corporation's 75 wards as high-risk areas, he said. A week-long special "crash programme" will begin in those wards from Sunday to intensify anti-dengue measures. Abdus Salam also said the Prime Minister warned authorities about potential dengue risks two months ago, prompting the city corporation and health authorities to undertake advance preparations. Speakers at the programme stressed the importance of personal and household awareness in preventing dengue urging citizens to regularly clean their yards, flower pots, rooftops, balconies, drains and surrounding areas. They called on residents to ensure that rainwater or any other water does not accumulate in and around their homes.

As competition for knowledge, innovation and skilled human resources intensifies globally, Bangladesh is seeking to position itself more prominently in the international education landscape through diplomatic effort aimed at expanding educational opportunities, research collaboration and technology partnerships across continents. The initiative taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Ministry of Education and other government agencies, reflects a broader policy shift that views education diplomacy as a key component of national development and human capital formation. The ministry said the BNP-led government’s election manifesto places strong emphasis on education and research, with a vision of building a pool of teachers, researchers, writers, cultural personalities, private policy experts and young leaders through exchange programmes with countries around the world. The initiative aims to contribute directly to Bangladesh’s long-term development by fostering knowledge-sharing and international collaboration, according to an official document of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In support of this goal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  alongside the Ministry of Education and other relevant ministries, has undertaken a range of activities to expand opportunities for international education and technological cooperation. According to the ministry, it has been working closely with foreign governments and international organisations to increase access to scholarships, fellowships and academic exchange programmes for Bangladeshi students and researchers. As a result, opportunities for higher education and research have expanded under several prestigious programmes including the European Union’s Erasmus+, the United Kingdom’s Chevening Scholarships, Germany’s DAAD and the Netherlands’ Orange Knowledge Programme. Additional opportunities have also been created through India’s Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programmes, as well as Pakistan’s Knowledge Corridor and Pakistan Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) initiatives, covering undergraduate, postgraduate and professional training programmes. The ministry said discussions are underway on a proposal from a Chinese company to provide training to Bangladeshi workers under technical and vocational education programmes aimed at facilitating employment in China. Talks are also continuing with South Korea to increase scholarship opportunities and strengthen cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, with a focus on skills development and employment prospects for Bangladeshis. In Japan, negotiations are progressing on an Employment for Skilled Development Programme (ESDP) agreement, which both sides hope to sign by 2026 to facilitate the deployment of skilled Bangladeshi workers. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi workers are receiving training through Australia’s Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions and local technical training centres to prepare them for employment opportunities in Australia. The ministry said 64 Bangladeshi students currently receive scholarships annually under the Australia Awards Scholarship programme, with discussions ongoing to increase the number to 100. To strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in education and research, Bangladesh has signed, renewed and expanded several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with partner countries. MoUs have already been signed with Turkey, Belarus and Greece, while agreements with Russia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, North Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Montenegro and Albania are at various stages of finalisation, renewal or expansion. These cooperation frameworks include scholarship programmes, joint research initiatives, teacher and student exchanges, language education and technical training. The ministry also highlighted efforts to deepen university-level cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. Initiatives are underway to establish partnerships between Bangladeshi universities and Thailand’s Kasetsart University, Indonesia’s UIN Prof. K.H. Saifuddin Zuhri, Vietnam’s Foreign Trade University, The University of Danang and FPT University. Bangladesh and the Philippines have already signed a MoU on nursing education, while efforts are underway to expand higher education opportunities through Indonesia’s Indonesian Aid Scholarship (TIAS) programme. The ministry noted that Bangladeshi students currently constitute the second-largest group of international students studying in Malaysia. In West Asia, scholarship opportunities for Bangladeshi students have been significantly expanded. The number of scholarships offered by Saudi Arabia has increased from 265 to 500, while the government of Kuwait has also responded positively to requests for additional scholarships. At the same time, new education and research cooperation agreements with several Middle Eastern countries are under negotiation. The ministry said cooperation with South American nations has also expanded. Under Brazil’s PEC-G, PEC-PLE and PEC-PG programmes, Bangladeshi students are being offered tuition-free opportunities at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, along with monthly stipends, health insurance and travel support. Bangladesh also maintains cooperation with Brazil and Argentina in diplomatic training, while initiatives are underway to sign similar agreements with Chile, Peru, Colombia and Uruguay. The ministry further said educational and technological cooperation with African countries has been strengthened. Under scientific, technological, cultural and educational exchange programmes with Egypt, Bangladeshi students continue to receive scholarship opportunities annually. Efforts are also underway to establish academic and research partnerships between Bangladeshi universities and University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, Durban University of Technology and University of Algiers. The Foreign Ministry said Bangladesh missions abroad have been instructed to play a more proactive role in disseminating scholarship information, establishing links with foreign universities, assisting students with admissions and providing necessary consular services. Bangladesh’s embassies are also facilitating research collaboration between local and internationally renowned universities. In addition, under its diaspora diplomacy initiatives, the government is building networks with expatriate Bangladeshi academics and researchers to promote knowledge transfer, technology exchange and long-term capacity building for the country.

Prime Minister's Information Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Saturday expressed hope that the recent hike in electricity and fuel prices will not have a significant impact on the market. “ We do  not think that this will create a major impact on the market,” he said at an emergency press briefing on energy and power held at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room in Secretariat. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon was also present at the event. Responding to a question on the timing of the price hike ahead of the budget session, the adviser said adjustments in fuel and electricity prices are inevitable at some point. The prices of essentials particularly vegetables and fresh produce often rise around the budget period, although the current market trends showed some stability compared to previous periods, he said. “There is a trend and we are now seeing signs of reversal,” he said adding that the government is also under pressure due to rising subsidy costs. Increased subsidy spending limits the government’s ability to invest in development projects, healthcare, education and social safety programmes, he added. Citing the ongoing initiatives such as farmer cards and family cards, the adviser said the government must ensure funding for such social protection measures. Acknowledging that price increases are undesirable, he said the Ministry of Commerce would remain vigilant to prevent unjustified hikes. The impact of the recent price adjustment would be limited as vulnerable groups are being protected, he said adding “We have not increased electricity or fuel prices for vulnerable people and many of them will continue to receive government support and allowances.” A significant portion of low-income families would benefit from family card programmes in the upcoming budget, alongside continued support through other safety net initiatives such as TCB programmes, he added. He also said the government would continue to take action against any unjustified price hikes in the market.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday chaired a meeting on the launch of a nationwide programme to plant 25 crore trees and activities marking World Environment Day. The meeting on climate messages for different implementation stages of the tree plantation campaign and World Environment Day programmes was held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon in the morning, said a release issued by the PM’s press wing. Officials concerned attended the meeting and discussed preparations for the campaign and related environmental awareness activities.  

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) foiled attempts by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) to push 79 people into Bangladesh through separate border points in five districts over the past 24 hours till Saturday morning. The BGB members prevented push-in attempts through the bordering areas of  Netrakona, Naogaon, Lalmonirhat, Panchagah and Jhenaidah district, said Shariful Islam, media officer of BGB headquarters on Saturday.  According to the statement, the BGB members form Maheshpur Battalion (BGB-58) in Jhenaidah foiled attempt of three individuals to enter Bangladesh from India through Jadabpur border.  BGB patrol members took position along the zero line and prevented their entry, forcing them to return to Indian territory. In Naogaon, the members of BGB-16 Battalion obstructed entry of 17 individuals into Bangladesh through Karamdanga border.  Meanwhile, in Lalmonirhat, the BGB members under Teesta Battalion (BGB-61) prevented illegal entry of 21 people into Bangladesh from India along Barkhata and Poyshottibari border areas in Hatibandha and Patgram upazilas of the district. Besides, BGB members under the Lalmonirhat Battalion (15 BGB) stopped an attempt to push seven individuals into Bangladesh through the Dighaltari border area.  The same battalion also thwarted another attempt involving four people at the Durgapur border.  BGB said they were currently staying in a char area on the Indian side outside the barbed-wire fence, while security forces continue close monitoring of the situation. In Panchagarh, Indian authorities reportedly brought 10 individuals to an area outside Barobari Pradhanpara border area in Panchagarh under Nilphamari Battalion (56 BGB), border fence.  A flag meeting was subsequently held between BGB and the Border Security Force (BSF) at the company commander level. During the meeting, BSF claimed that the individuals were Bangladeshi nationals but failed to provide supporting evidence, according to the BGB statement. The matter remains under close observation. Meanwhile, 16 to 17 individuals who had earlier been gathered at a government primary school in Assam's Mahadev Police Station area opposite the Kochugora border under Netrokona Battalion (31 BGB) were relocated to an area adjacent to BSF’s Chikni camp opposite the Lengura border due to BGB’s firm position. The border force said it is maintaining heightened vigilance in the area and closely monitoring developments. Reiterating its position, BGB said any attempt to push people across the border in violation of international border management norms, existing laws and bilateral understandings between Bangladesh and India is unacceptable. No individual or group will be allowed to enter Bangladesh illegally through the border, the force said, adding that it remains fully committed to protecting the country's sovereignty and border security and is prepared to deal with any situation.

Two people were killed in a bus-motorcycle collision on Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Chouddagram upazila of Cumilla district on Saturday. The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately. The accident occurred near the Chupua Al-Amin CNG Filling Station when the motorcycle crashed into a stationary bus, leaving two riders dead on the spot, said Ruhul Amin, Officer-in-Charge of Miabazar Highway Police Station. On information, police recovered the bodies and sent them to the local hospital morgue for autopsy.  

Dhaka has ranked second on the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI index of 173 at 9:20 am this morning. Dhaka’s air was classified as 'unhealthy' on Saturday, according to the air quality index. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore and Indonesia’s Jakarta occupied the first, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 179, 164 and 162, respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.  

Displaced Rohingya communities in Cox’s Bazar are witnessing significant improvements in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), driven by increased facility-based deliveries and wider adoption of family planning services, according to research findings unveiled on Thursday. The findings were presented at a research dissemination workshop titled “From Research to Practice: Evidence-Based Approaches to Facilitate Behaviour Change” held at a hotel in Dhaka. Speaker Hafiz Uddin asks US to play greater role in resolving Rohingya crisis The study was conducted by the BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH) at BRAC University in collaboration with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), with support from the Swiss Red Cross (SRC). Researchers found that targeted community interventions in Rohingya camps significantly increased institutional deliveries, improved contraceptive use, and positively influenced health-seeking behaviours among community members. The study, carried out in Camp 2-East and Camp 13, used a quasi-experimental before-and-after design and was guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) framework. According to the findings, awareness of skilled birth attendants increased considerably in intervention areas, while the perception that home was the safest place for childbirth declined. As a result, more women chose to deliver in health facilities and reported having greater influence over decisions regarding their place of delivery. The research also recorded a rise in contraceptive use in intervention areas, contrasting with a decline in comparison areas. Researchers attributed the improvement to increased awareness among men, stronger community advocacy, and the influential role of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), who were identified as the most trusted source of family planning information. Despite the progress, the study highlighted several challenges that continue to hinder service utilisation. These include religious concerns regarding family planning, socio-cultural norms such as purdah practices, community perceptions, reluctance to interact with male healthcare providers during childbirth, and infrastructure constraints including inadequate lighting, transportation difficulties, overcrowded facilities, medicine shortages, language barriers and provider attitudes. Researchers identified CHVs and religious leaders as key agents of behavioural change. Community engagement initiatives involving husbands, imams and local leaders, along with household visits, maternal support packages, transportation support for pregnant women and the sharing of positive childbirth experiences, were found to contribute significantly to improved outcomes. Speaking at the event, BDRCS Secretary General Dr. Kabir M. Ashraf Alam said healthcare-seeking behaviour in humanitarian settings is influenced by a complex mix of social norms, cultural beliefs, religious values, family dynamics, trust and access-related factors. He said BDRCS remains committed to evidence-based programming and community-centred learning, stressing that research findings should directly inform policies and programmes to improve people's lives. Swiss Red Cross Country Representative in Bangladesh Paul Drossou said the application of the COM-B model in Rohingya camps demonstrates that strengthening capability, opportunity and motivation simultaneously can help overcome barriers and build resilience within communities. Participants at the workshop noted that the behavioural insights generated by the study have implications beyond the health sector and could be applied to programmes related to hygiene promotion, disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, nutrition and social protection. The research and dissemination event was funded by the Stanley Johnson Foundation. The workshop brought together representatives from government agencies, development partners, humanitarian organisations, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and academic and technical institutions.