Bangladesh
CA Yunus calls for empowering youth to unlock their potential
Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the need to create opportunities for young people, asserting that Bangladesh’s large population is not a burden but a valuable resource.
"With the advancement of technology, no human being is a burden. Every individual is a resource —whether in innovation, entrepreneurship, or invention. These are our strengths," he said.
Speaking at a program hosted by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre on Sunday night, Dr Yunus described the youth of Bangladesh as a formidable force.
"Our youth have the potential to conquer the world," he said, highlighting their capabilities and the importance of providing them with opportunities.
The Chief Adviser noted that the younger generation of Bangladesh is distinct and that doors must be opened for them to thrive.
Dr Yunus instructs DCs to uphold law, monitor markets, protect rights
He pointed to the power demonstrated by the country's youth during the July uprising, calling it a remarkable example for the world.
Dr Yunus also emphasized Bangladesh’s growing role in the global workforce, mentioning that the country, now the eighth most populous in the world, is a sought-after source of skilled manpower for many nations.
He called upon all sectors of society to work together in building an honest and corruption-free Bangladesh.
The event was also attended by Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam, Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, and BASA President and LGRD Secretary Md Nazrul Islam.
The programme concluded with a cultural performance.
2 hours ago
26 rubber plantation workers abducted in Bandarban's Lama; ransom demanded from employer
A group of armed assailants abducted 26 workers from rubber plantations in the remote Murungjhiri area of Fasiakhali in Lama upazila, Bandarban, on Sunday.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Lama Police Station Md Shahadat Hossain said the incident took place around 10:30am when armed miscreants raided several rubber plantations in Ward No 1 of Fasiakhali union.
7 workers ‘abducted’ in Bandarban
The assailants took 26 workers hostage at gunpoint before fleeing the scene.
According to the plantation owners, the names of 20 abducted workers have been identified. They are: Md Faruk (26), Ayub Ali (26), Md Siddiq (40), Abdul Khalek (20), Abdul Majed (17), Monirul Islam (30), Ziaur Rahman (45), Md Mobarak (25), Md Harun (30), Romiz Uddin (32), Syed Nur (28), Md Kaysar (38), Monir Hossain (35), Md Imran (17), Md Manjurul (30), Abshar Ali (25), Khairul Amin (30), Abu Bakkar (28), Abdur Razzak (33), and Md Mobin (25).
15 families return to homes in Bandarban after 23 months: ISPR
The identities of the remaining six workers are yet to be confirmed.
Md Shahjahan, a plantation owner in Murungjhiri, said that 26 workers were kidnapped from six plantations, with 12 being taken from his plantation alone.
He further revealed that the abductors called him in the afternoon using a phone belonging to one of the kidnapped workers. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of Tk 50,000 per worker, amounting to a total of Tk 600,000 for his 12 workers.
OC Shahadat Hossain said that law enforcers, including police and the army, have launched a rescue operation.
He suspects the involvement of hill-based armed groups, who were also responsible for the abduction of tobacco field workers in Sarai Union’s Bamukhali area a few days ago.
3 hours ago
Boi Mela: Free distribution of sanitary napkins to continue but sales to shut, says Bangla Academy
In response to public outrage over the closing of stalls selling sanitary napkins, Bangla Academy has reaffirmed its commitment to guaranteeing the free distribution of sanitary napkins during the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025, according to its Director General Professor Mohammad Azam.
After rumors circulated on Sunday that vendors selling diapers and sanitary napkins had been forced to close, the problem gained widespread attention. Concerned netizens on social media expressed their displeasure, prompting the Bangla Academy to clarify the matter via a press statement on Sunday night.
Earlier in the afternoon, two stalls operated by the women’s health brand 'Stay Safe' in the Suhrawardy Udyan section of the fair, were shut down. The fair authorities stated that the decision was made due to the sale of ‘unauthorised products’.
Increased footfall on Feb. 14, now a given at Boi Mela
Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025 Committee Secretary Sarkar Amin confirmed the closures, stating that, only books and food items are permitted for sale, according to the fair’s regulations. He emphasized that the decision was not specific to sanitary napkins but applied to all unauthorized products.
In the statement signed by Bangla Academy Director General Prof Mohammad Azam, the Academy explained that while it organizes the traditional fair, the overall event management is handled by an external firm. This year, event management firm Dreamer Donkey was appointed to manage logistics and sponsorships; however, the Academy accused the firm of violating multiple fair regulations, including setting up unauthorized sales points.
“The event management firm initially informed us that sanitary napkins and diapers would be provided free of charge near the washrooms for women and children. However, we later discovered that these products, along with some other products, were being sold; as a result, we ordered the stalls to be closed,” the statement read.
The Academy stated that despite repeated warnings, the event management firm failed to comply with fair policies. Over three days, the Academy took the initiative to shut down the unauthorized stalls; and eventually, permission was granted for the sale of select children's stationery items in the designated kids' corner.
The event management firm later cited contractual obligations with sponsors as a challenge in discontinuing sales. They requested permission to inform sponsors about halting the sale of sanitary napkins, and in response, Bangla Academy Director General Dr Mohammad Azam signed a letter acknowledging the issue.
However, the Academy clarified that it did not issue the letter itself or receive any directive to halt the free distribution of sanitary napkins.
Boi Mela 2025: Crowds surge on 11th day with new attractions
“We want to make it clear that Bangla Academy has no reservations about the promotion and use of sanitary napkins. The misrepresentation of our stance has turned a commercial issue into an unnecessary controversy; and as a goodwill gesture, we have instructed the event organizers to ensure that sanitary napkins remain available free of charge near the washrooms,” the statement added.
The Academy expressed regret over the confusion via the press statement and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential hygiene products at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025.
3 hours ago
UNDP awards university clubs for raising air pollution awareness
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh recently recognized three university clubs for their innovative ideas and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about air pollution.
Starting on a small scale in 2023, UNDP launched the "Breathe Well Dhaka" campaign to address growing concerns over air quality in the capital. Encouraged by an overwhelming response, the initiative expanded in 2024 into a nationwide campaign titled "Let's Breathe Well," engaging students’ clubs from different universities across the country to propose innovative solutions for air pollution.
The second phase of the campaign saw participation from 174 university clubs representing 64 universities, submitting their ideas to combat air pollution. An expert jury board reviewed the submissions and selected the top three clubs Team Airrow BRACU, IPE Pokayoke RUET and Air Savvy Med Squad BMSS for their impactful initiatives.
The campaign reached around 4 million people altogether.
Team Airrow from BRAC University focused on mobilising communities in lower-income areas, ensuring access to critical information about air pollution. IPE Pokayoke from Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) emphasised educating school students, fostering long-term awareness.
A medical student club Air Savvy Med Squad addressed the issue of medical waste contributing to air pollution and engaged with patients to promote mask usage for health protection.
Arif Mohammad Faisal, Programme Specialist - Environmental Sustainability and Energy, UNDP, served as one of the jury members and praised the innovative ideas presented. "The submissions were so relevant and forward-thinking that selecting the top three was a challenge. It is encouraging to see so many young minds engaged in tackling air pollution. We should consider forming a dedicated task force to advocate for lasting improvements in air quality," he remarked.
Md Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications, UNDP Bangladesh, while addressing the closing and prize-giving ceremony, said, "The energy and creativity these students have shown are truly inspiring. This online campaign has proven the power of youth in advocating for a cleaner environment. This is just the beginning. We will continue to support initiatives like these, working alongside other UNDP projects to address air pollution at all levels. Together, we can build a sustainable and healthier future for Bangladesh."
3 hours ago
Businessman hacked to death in Chandpur over property dispute; 3 held
A businessman was hacked to death while his brother was seriously injured in an attack over a property dispute in Kumardugi village of Shahmahmudpur union under Chandpur Sadar upazila on Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Md Yusuf Patwari, 40, a mobile phone trader at Hawkers Market in Chandpur town. His elder brother Ibrahim Patwari, 55, an imam at a local mosque, who sustained critical injuries in the attack, seems to have been the initial target.
Chandpur Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Bahar Mia said three people were detained following the incident. The arrested individuals are Yusuf’s cousin, Mohiuddin Pradhaniya, 55, his wife, Khodeja Begum, 43, and their son, Ramzan, 20.
According to local witness Rashed Gazi, the attack began when Ibrahim was stabbed in the chest and neck with a knife. Upon hearing his screams, his brother Yusuf rushed to his aid but was fatally attacked, sustaining severe injuries to his head and neck.
He collapsed in front of his house while attempting to escape and succumbed to his injuries on the way to Chandpur Government General Hospital. Ibrahim was given first aid at the hospital and later referred to Dhaka in critical condition.
Following the incident, locals surrounded the house of the accused to prevent them from fleeing and later handed them over to the police.
Day labourer shot in Banani's Korail Basti
Additional Superintendent of Police (sadar circle) Mukul Chakma visited the scene and said that an investigation is underway to recover evidence, including the murder weapon.
"The body has been sent to the morgue for an autopsy. Further details will emerge following the investigation. A murder case is being processed," the OC added.
4 hours ago
Day labourer shot in Banani's Korail Basti
A day laborer was shot and injured by a man in the Cumilla Patti area of Banani's Karail Basti on Sunday.
The injured individual, Md. Hossain Ali, 28, is the son of Md. Mojibar Rahman from Sonarampur village in Bancharampur upazila, Brahmanbaria. He resides with his family in the Cumillapatti area of Karail.
Businessman, sister shot at Dhaka’s Pallabi
Hossain said that he had borrowed Tk 1,000 from a man named Khoka 10-15 days ago.
On Sunday afternoon, while Hossain was working on a tin roof at a house in Cumilla Patti, Khoka's younger brother, Ershad, called him over. Without any conversation, Ershad shot him in the stomach and then fled the scene.
16-year-old shot in Savar clash between AL, BNP affiliates
Md. Faruk, inspector in-charge of the DMCH Police Camp, said that Hossain Ali is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
4 hours ago
Interim government won't name establishments after any person: Wahiduddin Mahmud
Education and Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud has said that no establishment will be named after those in charge of the interim government.
“Those in government will not even go anywhere to lay foundation stone,” he told reporters after the working session of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Planning on the first day of the District Commissioners' Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Sunday.
He said the interim government's main task is to transition to a well-governed democratic system, not to fulfill everyone’s demands.
The adviser added that an election is coming and the main job is to move forward on the path of a good election and work on how to make that election fair. "District Commissioners can be our most powerful tool in achieving a fair election,” he added.
He also advised commissioners to leave a lasting legacy in their cities, such as a pond, stadium, school, or park, so that people would remember them as administrators of their cities.
He noted that while many projects were once attributed to District Commissioners, today everything is done in the name of politicians.
4 hours ago
Hossain-Jaishankar talks recognise challenges, highlight importance of working together
Bangladesh and India on Sunday recognised the challenges the two neighbours are facing in terms of bilateral relations and discussed the necessity to work together to address those.
On the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain met his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar in Muscat, Oman.
Both sides also said that a meeting at the level of Directors General of Border Guarding Forces of the two countries is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on February 18-20.
They hoped that various border-related issues would be discussed and resolved during the meeting, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Conversations focused on our bilateral relationship, as also on Bimstec," Jaishankar said after the meeting.
Dhaka committed to boosting Indian Ocean partnership: Foreign Adviser
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to attend the Bimstec Summit to be held in Bangkok on April 4.
Foreign Adviser Hossain emphasized the importance of initiating the discussion for renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty.
He also highlighted the importance of holding the meeting of the Saarc Standing Committee and requested consideration of the government of India in this regard.
The two sides discussed various bilateral issues of mutual concerns and interests.
Recalling their last meeting on the sidelines of UNGA in September 2024, both noted that since then the two countries have participated in various bilateral engagements.
The Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Bangladesh and India at the level of Foreign Secretaries was held in Dhaka on December 9, 2024.
The Energy Adviser of Bangladesh participated at the India Energy Week events in New Delhi on February 10-11, among others.
Foreign Adviser Hossain is attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) being organised in Muscat, Oman on February 16-17 by the government of the Sultanate of Oman in association with the Indian government and India Foundation.
The theme of the 8th IOC is "Voyage of New Horizons of Maritime Partnership”.
The Adviser spoke at one of the plenary sessions on the topic of ‘Strengthening Maritime Supply Chains’.
BGB-BSF border talks begin in New Delhi tomorrow
He explained the multifaceted challenges that endanger the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of maritime supply chains and holistic approach and collaboration required for strengthening maritime supply chains by overcoming disruptions and enhancing resilience.
Among others, he also called for easing visas and other administrative processes for the seafarers, ensuring facilities for them, as their roles are crucial in maintaining the maritime supply chain.
Ministerial delegations from more than thirty countries and several regional organisations, including Saarc, Bimstec and IORA attended the meeting.
On the sidelines of the 8th IOC, the Foreign Adviser also had meetings with the second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of VietNam and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania and discussed various issues of mutual interests.
The Foreign Affairs Adviser is also scheduled to meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman on Monday.
5 hours ago
Dhaka committed to boosting Indian Ocean partnership: Foreign Adviser
Bangladesh has reiterated its commitment to embracing the tremendous opportunities that the Indian Ocean region offers by strengthening partnerships.
"We are committed to strengthening our partnerships across the Indian Ocean, addressing emerging challenges, and embracing the tremendous opportunities this region offers," said Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday.
The multiple challenges and other geo-economic and geo-strategic factors require increased cooperation among the States, he said.
Hossain made the remarks while speaking at the plenary session titled "Strengthening Maritime Supply Chains: Overcoming Disruptions and Enhancing Resilience" as part of 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC)-2025 in Muscat, Oman.
Sheikh Humaid Al Maani, Head of Diplomatic Academy, MoFA, Oman chaired the session.
The Foreign Adviser said the Indian Ocean region is a crucial strategic area that links the Asia-Pacific and African regions, with profound economic, political and security significance.
The conference provided a platform for participants to engage in "constructive discussions, share ideas, exchange knowledge, identify actionable solutions, and build meaningful partnerships and cooperation" in the region.
Indian Ocean Conference: Meeting between Tohidul, Jaishankar underway
"We look forward to working together to ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all nations of the Indian Ocean and beyond," Adviser Hossain said.
As a littoral state, he said, Bangladesh has long been a center of maritime activities and it actively participates in various regional platforms, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the International Seabed Authority.
The 8th Indian Ocean Conference is being held under the theme "Voyage of New Horizons of Maritime Partnership.”
Bangladesh, as a nation with deep historical, cultural, and economic ties to the Indian Ocean, is committed to advancing maritime cooperation that drive collective prosperity and ensure sustainable, peaceful development, Hossain said.
Bangladesh, he said, places strong importance on maritime cooperation for facilitating the efficient movement of goods, services and people, for advancing food security, energy security, water cooperation, disaster risk reduction and providing fair access to global public goods. Bangladesh advocates for "shared prosperity" through "shared responsibility".
While Maritime transport is the main artery of global trade, Hossain said maritime supply chains remain the backbone of the global economy.
He said while eighty percent of global trade by volume, and over seventy percent by value, is transported by sea, the Indian Ocean, the world's third-largest body of water, plays a crucial role in this global trade.
The Indian Ocean plays a vital role in this global trade and the global supply chain as it hosts important chokepoints of canals and straits, Hossain said.
Approximately 80 percent of the world's seaborne oil trade transits through the strategic choke points of the Indian Ocean, making it a vital link between the East and the West.
"Countries depend on the Indian Ocean for the movement of goods through maritime trade routes, safeguarding their economic and energy interests. However, the sector is facing multifaceted challenges that endanger the efficiency, reliability, resilience and sustainability of maritime supply chains," he said.
Maritime supply chain is vulnerable to many challenges like port congestion, capacity limitations, regulatory, operational and administrative issues, cyberattacks, piracy, and geopolitical tensions, which can disrupt the efficiency of maritime supply chains.
Tohidul Hussain, Jaishankar share stage at Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat
"We must also remember that the oceans are not only a driving force for global economic growth but also a vital source of food security," Hossain said.
The oceans are facing growing pressures from population growth, global competition for resources, rising food demand, water scarcity, maritime security threats, climate change, biodiversity loss and marine pollution.
"We need to take appropriate actions to tackle the maritime security threats of piracy, armed robbery, human trafficking, illegal arms trade, and illegal and unregulated fishing, among others. We need to address regulatory and administrative issues," said the Foreign Adviser.
The global economy, food security, and energy supplies are at increasing risk due to vulnerabilities at key maritime routes.
"We must take measures to address vulnerabilities and enhance resilience.
Strengthening maritime supply chains and overcoming disruptions is a necessity for improving global trade, reducing costs, and ensuring the smooth flow of goods across the world," said the Foreign Adviser.
Strengthening maritime supply chains involves a holistic approach combining technology, infrastructure improvements, strategic planning, risk management strategies and cross-border collaboration.
"We need to facilitate maritime connectivity, reduce the trade barriers," he said, adding that they also need to consider liberalization of the visa regime, particularly easing visas and other administrative processes for the seafarers, ensuring facilities for them, as their roles are crucial in maintaining the maritime supply chain.
The Indian Ocean has historically been a region of great collaboration.
"The benefits of multilateral cooperation in maritime issues are likely to increase over time," Hossain said, adding that to ensure a resilient and improved shared future, it is essential for the countries in the Indian Ocean region to explore opportunities for mutual collaboration across all possible areas.
Modi discusses Bangladesh issue with Trump, shares concerns: Vikram Misri
Each coastal nation should ensure that growth and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region, as well as the surrounding seas and bays, are built on mutual trust, respect, and an understanding of equal interests, as all littoral states collaborate to develop together.
"We also must prioritize conservation and the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources to ensure that the use of these resources does not contribute to the decline in the health of oceanic and coastal environments," Hossain said.
6 hours ago
Edible oil refiners assure to end soybean oil crisis
Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners' and Vanaspati Manufacturers' Association (BVORVMA), an organization of edible oil suppliers, has assured that the soybean oil crisis in the market will end in a short time.
The organization said in a statement on Sunday that considering the rising demand for edible oil in the market ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, the organizations affiliated with the association are supplying more edible oil than usual.
Considering the amount of edible oil supplied and imported, there is no chance of a crisis. If there is a crisis due to the tendency of some traders to stock up, the price and supply during Ramadan is enough and there is no need to be panicked, according to a press release.
Edible oil market to be stable in 7-10 days: Commerce Adviser
The organization also said that there is no chance of abnormal profits as the prices of crude soybean and palm oil are stable in the international market. In addition, the country's top local edible oil producers City Group, Meghna Group, TK Group, and Bangladesh Edible Oil Limited have imported much more edible oil than the demand, which will enter the market within the next 7-10 days.
The BVORVMA further said that the recent news of a shortage in the supply of edible oil has created concern among the general consumers.
Therefore, “We request the consumers and edible oil traders not to panic and buy edible oil in excess of the requirement. The association is maintaining regular communication with the concerned ministries and departments of the government to deal with this crisis so that this crisis can be resolved quickly.”
TCB trucks selling edible oil at Tk100 per liter set to hit the streets from tomorrow
In such a situation, BVORVMA would like to assure the edible oil traders and consumers that the organization is making every effort to overcome this crisis. In addition, to ensure that this crisis does not hurt the supply and price of edible oil, it is highly desirable to increase market monitoring by the government, and the cooperation and patience of consumers.
6 hours ago