United News of Bangladesh

A crucial step has been taken towards the long-sought Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) election, as the university administration confirms the possibility of forming the Ducsu Election Commission soon. According to the election timeline published in mid-April, the commission was scheduled to be formed in the first half of May and work is currently progressing towards that objective. Once constituted, the commission will officially initiate the Ducsu election process. Professor Dr Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Dhaka University, said, “The election commission may be formed soon. We are considering a few names—individuals capable of connecting with students, fostering good relations and organising a fair election. We are speaking with those who are experienced and broadly acceptable.” Earlier, a survey indicated that students supported a jointly formed commission with representation from both students and teachers. Overwhelming majority of students in favour of DUCSU election by June: Survey Addressing this, Dr Bidisha noted, “Students have given some excellent opinions. However, students will not be included in the election commission. Once the commission is formed, implementing student suggestions will be among its responsibilities.” Meanwhile, the Ducsu constitution and the code of conduct for the election have been finalised. Key Provisions of the Code of Conduct: ·         No rallies or processions are allowed during the collection and submission of nomination papers. ·         Candidates must not be accompanied by more than five supporters when collecting or submitting nomination forms. ·         No individual, group, or student organisation may obstruct another candidate during nomination submission or withdrawal. ·         Use of vehicles for processions or transporting voters is prohibited, although rickshaws and bicycles may be used to reach polling centres. ·         Distribution of drinks, food, gifts, or tips to voters is strictly forbidden during the campaign and on the election day. ·         Campaigning is permitted from the publication of the final candidate list until 24 hours before the election day, between 10:00 am and 11:00 pm only. ·         Microphone use is prohibited after 10:00 pm. DU students submit memorandum demanding DUCSU election roadmap ·         Only Ducsu and hall union voters and candidates may campaign; no external campaigning is allowed within the campus. ·         Permission must be obtained at least 24 hours in advance for holding any meetings or gatherings. ·         Each candidate or group may hold one projection meeting in each hall and a maximum of three across the university. ·         Meetings, gatherings, or processions are restricted to locations approved by the chief returning officer or returning officers. Violations of the code of conduct may result in cancellation of candidacy and a fine of Tk 20,000. Besides, offenders may face expulsion or other penalties under applicable university or state laws. Reforms in the Ducsu Constitution: ·         This new Ducsu constitution includes notable reforms: ·         The mass uprising of 2024 has been formally recognised. ·         Two new sub-sections have been added under Section 2: ·         2(b): To establish the spirit of the July 2024 uprising against all forms of discrimination and fascism, and uphold the legacy of democratic movements in Bangladesh’s history. ·         2(c): To strive for excellence in students’ academic and co-curricular pursuits. The post of Secretary, Struggle for Independence and Liberation War Affairs has been restructured as Secretary, Liberation War and Democratic Movements. The roles of Cultural Secretary and Literature Secretary have been merged into a single position—Secretary, Culture and Literature. The Treasurer will be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from among the university’s professors, in consultation with the union’s executive committee. Any objections regarding the election must be submitted to the president within three clear days of the results’ publication. The president’s decision will be final. DU Chhatra Shibir demands DUCSU election roadmap announcement by Jan However, the previous clause stating, “No action will lie against this decision in any court of law,” has now been removed.    

An experimental initiative in Natore has led to the development of a bio fish feed that could significantly reduce fish farming costs while ensuring safety for human health, say researchers involved in the project. Developed by biologist Dr GNM Elias, the innovative feed is made from protein-rich Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, combined with mustard oil cake, molasses and a fungus called Trichoderma. The ingredients are locally sourced, making the feed not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. Dr Elias told UNB that after years of research, he devised this organic formula by rearing BSF larvae on discarded vegetables like eggplants. The larvae consume the waste, reproduce and die, leaving behind eggs rich in protein and vitamins that fish find highly nutritious. “The feed is completely safe and healthy for human consumption,” said Dr Elias, adding that it also improves water quality and enhances ecological balance in fish ponds. In trial applications, the feed has shown promising results by boosting plankton growth—the natural food source for fish—while also supporting the organic matter needed for duck farming in the same ecosystem. To enhance the feed's nutritional value and sustainability, Dr Elias used sugar mill byproducts and refined the Trichoderma fungus through research support in Malaysia. According to him, the formula releases nutrients in phases, contributing to the steady growth of fish and maintaining the natural equilibrium of the water body. Local farmers who participated in the trial are encouraged by the outcome. Shafiul Haque, a fish farmer in the region, described the innovation as “timely and promising” and said commercial production could make aquaculture more cost-effective and sustainable. Another farmer, Mehedi Hasan, said their ponds have shown encouraging results using the feed and urged authorities to take steps towards its large-scale production. Dr Elias previously focused on applying Trichoderma in organic fertilisers, which proved effective in potato and other root crop farming. 12 people injured in attack by auto-rickshaw drivers in N’ganj By blending poultry litter and sugar mill press mud with Trichoderma, he created a bio-fertiliser that increased yields by nearly 30% in northern Bangladesh. This year, farmers in the region have reported strong harvests of potatoes and onions using the organic mix.    

Having drawn back from the brink of all-out war, India and Pakistan have been exchanging conflicting versions of what exactly brought about the ceasefire mediated by the United States, that was first announced by President Donald Trump  on Saturday evening (in South Asia, morning in the US).  The announcement came as a surprise, since there was no prior word that the US was even involved in any kind of mediation effort. Trump had repeatedly indicated it was too complicated for him, characterising it as a conflict stretching back millenia, while his vice president J.D. Vance, who was in India on April 22 when the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir killing 26 people took place, had even said it was “fundamentally none of our business”. As recently as last Thursday. Less than 24 hours later, it was Vance who ended up calling his friend Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, after the US reportedly received some “alarming intelligence” on Friday morning (US time, evening in South Asia), CNN reported on Sunday.    Trump administration officials that CNN spoke to declined to describe the nature of the information, citing its sensitivity, but said it was critical in persuading US officials monitoring the situation that Washington should increase its involvement. Vance first briefed Trump, then spoke with Modi at noon US Eastern time on Friday (close to 10pm in India), making clear to the Indian prime minister that the White House believed there was a “high probability for dramatic escalation” if the conflict went into the weekend.  After days of heavy firefights, calm reported along Indian and Pakistan borders Vance encouraged Modi to resume direct communications with Pakistan, and to consider options for de-escalation, the officials told CNN. Vance also outlined to Modi a potential off-ramp that the US understood the Pakistanis would be amenable to. Then began the work of communicating with their counterparts in India and Pakistan, that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was particularly involved in, and this would last through the night, the sources said, till Trump’s announcement at 7.55am US ET on Saturday (5.25pm in India).  Trump announced the “full and immediate ceasefire” on social media, and minutes later Rubio posted, “I am pleased to announce the Governments of India and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire and to start talks on a broad set of issues at a neutral site.” The timing certainly was strange: Pakistan was just getting started, while India was in a position to press home its first-mover advantage. The fighting had been fierce throughout Saturday, and a ceasefire was seemingly the last thing on anybody’s mind at that point. Then came the Trump post on Truth Social.  The ceasefire announcement drove Brahma Chellaney, the hardline strategic affairs analyst, to lament how India had “snatched defeat from the jaws of victory”.   If the timeline is correct, it means Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan al Marsoos, its tit-for-tat response to India’s Operation Sindoor, even as the US mediation was going on, in the early hours of Saturday.  The new narrative emerging from the CNN report however, undermines much of the jingoistic reporting we have witnessed from both sides. As part of this blitz of conflicting information, the Indian media has been rife with suggestions that Pakistan “begged for a ceasefire” after India hit some of its airbases as the day progressed on Saturday itself, in retaliation for the missile and drone strikes on multiple Indian military targets by Pakistan as Op. Bunyan al Marsoos commenced.  India, Pakistan military officials to hold talks as ceasefire brings border calm Pakistan on the other hand, has latched on to India’s de-escalatory rhetoric following the start of Operation Sindoor (on the night of May 6-7), to claim that India had been asking for a ceasefire from the start. "If you look at public statements from India's Ministry of Defence and armed forces, they were clearly calling for de-escalation," Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the director general of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said at a press conference Sunday.  “Put it on record that Pakistan never requested for a ceasefire,” he added.  The reporting from CNN though, suggests neither side’s claims hold much water. The ceasefire may rather have been imposed on them by the Trump administration, after it got majorly spooked by which way things were headed.  What did Washington know? Naturally this has drawn attention now to what exactly was the ‘alarming intelligence’ Washington received, that forced it to change its stance and play such a pre-eminent role in defusing the tensions. CNN itself has studiously refrained from any speculation as to what it might have been.  However, British newspaper The Guardian reported on Monday that according to their sources, the Trump administration officials’ attitudes shifted after concerns were raised by US intelligence that the conflict posed a risk “of escalating into a full nuclear threat”. Given the way Vance was tasked with calling Modi first, it can be held that the intel was coming from the Pakistan side, or at least concerned Pakistan. Modi was the one who needed to be filled in.   Most of the speculation tends to centre Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal - according to one narrative doing the rounds on Indian media, while striking the Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad, India’s Brahmos missile system had unwittingly come close to striking Pakistan’s nuclear establishments, including storage facilities - risking untold damage that could have spilled over to India itself, since the result would have been a nuclear meltdown.  This is completely unsupported by any kind of official statement by either of the two armies or governments. There is also no previous reporting that suggests Pakistan’s nuclear facilities are located close to the Indian border. Most importantly, the Indian hit on Nur Khan occurred in the early hours of Saturday, well after Vance's call to Modi.   Intriguingly, Pakistan has also, since 2011, developed a series of so-called tactical nuclear weapons - short-range nuclear weapons designed for more contained strikes, that are meant to be used on the battlefield against an opposing army without causing widespread destruction.  Another line of speculation suggests the intelligence the US received was that Pakistan was getting ready to use its Hatf-IX (Nasr) short range battlefield 'nuclear' missile, as early as next week. Famously, or rather infamously, Pakistan does not have a No First Use policy, when it comes to its nuclear arsenal (India does). Even if it did, whether its tactical nuclear weapons would be covered by it is itself uncertain. Pakistan has said it considers India’s move to put the Indus Waters Treaty  in abeyance as an ‘act of war’ - that can be used as the provocation for it to escalate.  Preparations to deploy the Nasr would make sense as something that Modi needed to know, provided the US was in possession of that information. It is the urgency of the US response, along with what the sources told The Guardian, that makes this a strong possibility - not that Pakistan would have used it, but rather that the US received some strong intelligence along those lines. The veracity or reliability of the intel could itself be questioned of course.  While Islamabad praised the overt US involvement, New Delhi downplayed it – for over fifty years, India has sought to avoid the ‘internationalisation’ of its issues with Pakistan, particularly over Kashmir, which is the essence of the 1972 Simla Agreement, signed in the aftermath of the Bangladesh War of Liberation, after India had achieved a decisive victory. It said that all issues between the two countries would be worked out bilaterally.  As the stronger power, this works to India’s advantage of course.  In a little-noticed response to India’s move centring the IWT, Pakistan had announced that it was suspending the Simla Agreement - meaning it would no longer resist third party intervention in the issues affecting the two nations’ relations, and may even seek to invite it.  Ultimately, that may be the principal source of the discontent in India with the ceasefire. The fact that it was effectively announced ‘from Washington’ was immediately seized upon by the opposition Congress party.  "America announced the ceasefire, and the American side also said things like 'discussions to be held at a neutral place'. It's a worrying subject. Internationalisation of Kashmir is not acceptable to us," said senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot, the party’s national general secretary.   The immediate task for the Modi government therefore, would most likely entail how to untangle itself from any such commitment. But if the US becomes assertive over its role, with Trump having smelt the kind of success he has been looking for in Gaza and Ukraine, this may prove more complicated than it looks at the moment. 

Dhaka, May 12 (UNB) – A group of weak banks, including those linked to S Alam and others, are floundering under non-performing loans (NPLs) amounting to Tk1.3 lakh crore, dragging the country’s banking sector into a prolonged crisis. Pervasive irregularities over the past decade and a half have severely affected these banks—mostly Shariah-based—which are said to have borne the brunt of extensive misappropriation. As a result, these financial institutions have seen a worrying rise in NPLs. Despite reforms within their boards of directors, little meaningful progress has been achieved. According to Bangladesh Bank data, 10 banks operating under Shariah principles currently hold defaulted loans totalling a staggering Tk1.3 lakh crore, accounting for over 23 percent of their total loan disbursements. Efforts by the central bank to tackle the crisis—such as dissolving the boards of these struggling banks—have produced limited results. Even capital injections have failed to restore depositor confidence. In response, the central bank’s Governor, Dr Ahsan H Mansur, has proposed merging some of the weaker banks into two larger entities. Although the proposal has been met with cautious optimism, analysts remain divided over its viability. They warn that forced mergers may not deliver the desired outcomes. Dr Shah Md Ahsan Habib, a professor at the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM), told UNB, “I am in favour of mergers, but not of forcing them. The balance sheet of one bank would be merged with another, and their operations integrated. US touts ‘substantial progress’ in tariff talks with China, but details are still scarce “Therefore, forcing these mergers is not advisable. I hope they succeed, but I have my doubts.” Mohammad Nurul Amin, Chairman of Global Islami Bank, said, “No forensic audits, damage assessments or valuations have been conducted yet. It is also unclear whether a bridge bank structure will be used. There is no issue with forming two large banks. We support that. But combining two major negative narratives could result in a significantly adverse impact.” Experts argue that it will be difficult to restore normalcy in several of the troubled Shariah-based banks. Some have proposed turning these merged institutions into sector-specific specialised banks, although there are differing opinions on the idea. Amin suggested, “Sector-based banks—such as one for the textile sector—could be considered. A separate bank for SMEs or any other targeted arrangement could work. Assigning specific responsibilities, similar to what Krishi Bank has, isn’t a bad idea in principle.” Prof Ahsan said, “Our experience with specialised banking isn’t encouraging. A bank focused on just one or two activities may not be effective. We’ve heard these arguments before. BRAC Bank began as an SME-focused bank. But success requires more than a narrow focus.” Bangladesh Bank has confirmed that a task force has been established to address the crisis and that a Bank Resolution Act is currently being drafted. This new law will offer detailed guidelines on the merger process. Arif Hossain Khan, Executive Director and spokesperson of Bangladesh Bank, explained to UNB, “Some banks may be merged, while others could be acquired. The actual outcomes and the procedures involved will be detailed in the Bank Resolution Act.” While bank mergers are inherently complex, crafting a universally acceptable policy poses an even greater challenge. Once that task is accomplished, the subsequent steps should be more straightforward, he added. Prof Yunus issues five directives for quick capital market reforms Meanwhile, Bangladesh Bank has indicated that it will need additional time to receive the task force’s report on the potential mergers and other actions regarding these ailing institutions.

The soft jingle of rickshaw bells weaving through the bustling alleys and traffic-choked arteries of Dhaka has long been a signature sound of the city’s heartbeat.  From dawn to the deep hours of night, these humble three-wheelers — both pedal-powered and battery-run — remain an inseparable thread in the capital’s urban fabric. Yet, as the megacity steadily advances towards modernity, the continued presence of these iconic vehicles has sparked fervent debate.  At the heart of the discourse lies a pressing question: Can Dhaka ever become truly rickshaw-free? A Choking Gridlock Although precise figures remain elusive due to the absence of a comprehensive survey, urban experts estimate that nearly one million rickshaws ply the streets of Dhaka daily.  Of these, alarmingly, only around 80,000 are formally registered with Dhaka North and Dhaka South City Corporations.  The remainder operate informally, contributing to a chaotic and often unregulated streetscape. Rickshaws in Dhaka: The untold mystery of their numbers Their overwhelming numbers significantly impede the city’s traffic flow. Average vehicle speeds on main roads often dwindle to a sluggish 6–7 kilometres per hour. This inefficiency transcends mere inconvenience.  A 2018 World Bank report starkly quantified the cost of congestion, estimating annual economic losses of $3–5 billion for the city. Human Cost and Social Ties Yet, while rickshaws may bear the brunt of blame for traffic snarls and lost productivity, they also represent a crucial lifeline for millions.  An estimated 2.5 to 3 million people directly rely on rickshaws for their livelihood — a sprawling ecosystem comprising drivers, garage owners, mechanics and manufacturers. For countless residents, particularly those from lower- and middle-income brackets, rickshaws remain the most affordable and accessible means of daily transport — especially in underserved areas where buses and mass transit fail to reach. Governmental Hesitation and Public Pushback In 2019, the Dhaka South City Corporation sought to impose a ban on rickshaws along several key corridors — including Gabtoli-Azimpur, Science Lab-Shahbagh and Kuril-Banani.  Battery-run rickshaws won’t be allowed on Dhaka's main roads: DNCC Administrator But the plan, introduced without viable alternatives, was swiftly met with public uproar and soon abandoned. “Completely banning rickshaws is detached from reality,” an urban planner told UNB. “What we need is a planned, zone-based regulation system. Rickshaws should be allowed where they are suitable, such as narrow streets and lanes.” Rise of Battery Rickshaws and Call for Policy Reform Ashis Kumar Dey, General Secretary of the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways, voiced concerns  over the proliferation of battery-operated rickshaws, which he described as chaotic and dangerously prone to accidents. He, however, acknowledged the irreplaceable role these vehicles play. “The movement of these small three-wheeled vehicles across Dhaka has created employment for 2.5 to 3 million people. About 6 million more depend on their income. So, there is no scope for stopping these vehicles,” he said. He called for a dedicated policy under local government control, encompassing everything from infrastructure development to the licensing, registration and training of drivers. Notably, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet ) has already developed a pilot model of battery-rickshaw infrastructure, which it has submitted to Dhaka North City Corporation for review. “If the government approves it, positive results will come,” he added. Unchecked Growth and Need for Control Saidur Rahman, Executive Director of the Road Safety Foundation, acknowledged rickshaws’ enduring importance but cautioned against their unchecked proliferation.  “There is no doubt that rickshaws are an essential mode of transport for residents of the capital. However, the number must be determined based on road capacity,” he said. Rickshaw puller, passenger jailed for obstructing traffic police in Dhaka According to him, the rampant rise of battery-operated rickshaws has paralysed the city with congestion. "Alongside this, accidents are rising. People from across the country are flocking to Dhaka to operate auto-rickshaws. Controlling or stopping this influx has become a major challenge for the government.” He advocated for sustainable, phased interventions, “To keep the capital at least somewhat functional, we must regulate auto-rickshaws through short-, medium-, and long-term plans. These include banning the import of components, improving vehicle safety, and enforcing strict registration.” Rahman’s broader recommendations extended to economic decentralisation and youth development: mandatory licensing for drivers, establishment of industrial zones outside the capital, structured market systems for agriculture, and overseas employment opportunities for the educated youth.  “Such steps will not only curb the unchecked dominance of auto-rickshaws but also bolster the national economy,” he asserted. A City of Megaprojects, But Few Alternatives While ambitious projects like the metro rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) promise transformative change, their full-scale functionality remains a distant dream. In their absence, the lack of last-mile connectivity continues to tether residents to the modest rickshaw — a vehicle as nimble as it is essential. Even efforts like bus route rationalisation have stalled, mired in delays and resistance. As a result, rickshaws persist as a vital, if imperfect, link in Dhaka’s transport chain. A senior officer from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Traffic Division, speaking to UNB on condition of anonymity, offered a pragmatic view, “If every rickshaw is brought under digital registration, drivers are trained, and a route-based regulation is enforced — they can remain an essential part of Dhaka’s transit system.”  

Recycling in Bangladesh is no longer just about managing waste — it’s about creating livelihoods, reducing poverty, and driving sustainable economic growth.  With the right investments and policy support, the sector could provide secure employment for millions more, while helping the country move toward a greener and more inclusive future, experts defined. Bangladesh's recycling industry is fast becoming a crucial engine for employment and income generation, particularly for low-income and marginalised communities. As the country grapples with rising urban waste and environmental challenges, recycling has emerged as both an ecological necessity and an economic opportunity. Two individuals fined a lakh for operating illegal battery recycling factory in Kushtia In Bangladesh, the burgeoning recycling sector is not only addressing environmental concerns but also emerging as a significant source of employment. From informal waste collection to advanced recycling facilities, the industry is creating diverse job opportunities across the nation. The sector currently employs over 700,000 people, many of whom are part of the informal waste collection network including waste pickers, sorters, and aggregators. In cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna, waste pickers earn a daily income by collecting plastic, paper, metal, and electronic waste, selling it to recycling centers or middlemen. For many, this has become their sole source of livelihood. A study by the Bangladesh Waste Management Foundation reveals that an individual waste collector can earn between TK 300 to 800 per day, depending on the type and amount of waste collected. Though modest, this income helps support families who would otherwise be unemployed. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the recycling sector are thriving. In areas like Narayanganj and Gazipur, plastic shredding units, paper mills, and textile recycling units are employing thousands of workers. These jobs include machine operators, sorters, supervisors, and transporters — roles that require minimal formal education but offer regular wages. "Before joining a recycling unit, I worked as a day labourer  with no job security. Now I earn TK 12,000 per month and get paid on time," said Anwara Begum, a worker at a textile recycling plant in Gazipur. Bangladesh, being the world’s second-largest garment exporter, produces a significant volume of textile waste. The rise of circular fashion and green textile recycling plants is creating new jobs in areas such as sorting, fabric regeneration, and chemical recycling. Local startups and foreign investors are collaborating on projects to upcycle garment waste, with promising job creation potential. One such initiative, the Circular Apparel Innovation Hub, aims to create over 50,000 new jobs by 2030 , primarily for women, by scaling textile waste recycling technologies. Fatema Bibi, a plastic sorter, Dhaka told UNB “The work is hard and the smell is bad, but it feeds my family. If we had gloves and proper shelters, life would be better.” The informal recycling sector plays a pivotal role in waste management. Thousands of workers, predominantly women, are engaged in collecting, sorting, and processing waste materials. In areas like Narayanganj, these workers often endure long hours under challenging conditions for minimal wages. Despite the hardships, this sector provides livelihoods for many who might otherwise lack employment opportunities. While the informal sector remains the backbone of recycling in Bangladesh, workers often lack safety equipment, job security, and health benefits. Advocates argue that better regulation, training programs, and access to micro-finance can significantly improve earnings and working conditions. Dr. Salma Akter, a waste management expert at BRAC University, says, "Formalizing informal waste work through cooperatives and municipal partnerships can increase incomes by 25% or more, while also improving environmental outcomes." Anwara Begum, worker at Textile Recycling Plant, Gazipur, “Before this job, I worked as a maid with irregular pay. Now, I earn TK 12,000 per month and my children go to school. It changed my life.” Despite the positive trends, challenges persist, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of formal recognition for informal workers, and limited access to advanced recycling technologies.  Addressing these issues through policy support, investment in technology, and worker training programs is essential to fully realize the employment potential of the recycling sector. Sajid Rahman, a machine operator at Paper Recycling Unit said “I got trained on the job. Now I handle machines and supervise others. It’s honest work, and I’m proud to be part of a growing industry.” As Bangladesh continues to urbanise and industrialise, the recycling industry stands as a beacon of sustainable development, offering both environmental benefits and vital employment opportunities for its growing population. In Dhaka, the rise of localised recycling collection centers— known as kachra collection points or bsorting hubs — has become a vital source of employment for thousands. These centers act as intermediaries between informal waste collectors and larger recycling facilities. “Before this job, I worked irregularly in homes. Now I come to the center every morning and get paid weekly. It's tough work, but better than nothing,"  Waste Sorter at Mirpur Rina Akter said. They provide jobs for sorters, balers, transporters, loaders, and basic accounting staff. In areas like Mirpur, Jatrabari, Mohammadpur, and Uttara, these centers not only help streamline the recycling process but also offer steady income opportunities to low-skilled workers, many of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds. One of collection centre  Manager of Jatrabari Hasibur Rahman  “We employ 15 people daily, including women who sort plastic and paper. Most of them are the sole earners for their families.”* Primary collection service provider (PCSP) manage waste in eveey wards under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North Ciry Corporation. Waste Transporter in  Mohammadpur Mizanur Rahman said he collected sacks of recyclables from households and deliver them to the center. It’s physical work, but it pays the rent and school fees of children. In a bid to ensure ecological sustainability, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) has implemented its Purbachal, Uttara, and Jhilmil projects without relying on waste dumping. Instead, modern sewerage systems with pipelines have been installed, while transfer stations have been set up for effective waste collection and transportation — ensuring minimal waste is lost or mismanaged. Rajuk has undertaken several initiatives to promote sustainable waste management. Officials say viewing waste management from a business perspective could make the process not only easier to implement but also economically viable. An example of such innovation can be seen in Sakhipur, Tangail, where a BUET student has established a small-scale plant on just three kathas of land. The plant processes both human waste and kitchen garbage from nearly 50,000 people, using a proprietary method to produce organic compost. The output is now being used in agriculture and rooftop gardening. Experts believe that if the government establishes similar transfer stations between urban and rural areas, a large volume of waste could be converted into useful resources. In Jamalpur, local innovator Toufiqul Rahman is producing petrol, diesel, and kerosene by melting single-use plastics through high-heat local technology. The initiative, known as "polyfuel," has received official approval and is set to be rolled out in all 64 districts, following a Cabinet decision. Many industrial processes in Bangladesh remain linear — raw materials are used to produce goods, and waste is discarded. If this waste can be recycled, industries could turn it into a source of profit. To tackle liquid waste, Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) have been made mandatory for certain industries, with government-appointed representatives overseeing compliance. Though production costs may slightly increase, officials stress that environmental protection must take priority.  

Dhaka, May 11 (UNB) – The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has initiated a move to track down owners of land, flats and buildings across the country in an effort to widen the country’s narrow tax net. The move comes as more than two-thirds of income tax return submissions fall below the taxable threshold of Tk 3.5 lakh, according to NBR data. As per the law, people with annual income below this threshold are exempt from paying income tax. Currently, the number of Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) holders in the country stands at over 1.15 crore. However, only slightly more than 40 lakh of them submitted their income tax returns. Among these, a significant portion reported income below the taxable limit. Under existing law, having a TIN is mandatory for purchasing land, buildings or flats in Bangladesh. Both buyers and sellers of property valued above Tk 1 lakh within city corporations, cantonment boards and municipalities at district headquarters must have TINs, as stipulated in the Finance Bill. The twelve-digit electronic TINs (E-TINs) of both parties must be included in the deed documents during the registration process of such properties. “So, for the sake of the revenue collection, we have taken the move to chase these owners of land, building and flat,” a senior official of the NBR told UNB. He acknowledged that the revenue authority had previously fallen short in pursuing these property owners for tax purposes.“We are ready to strike this sector from now on,” he added. NBR has instructed tax commissioners to bring all eligible individuals and organisations under the tax net and work to eliminate fears surrounding the tax process. The Board also directed its offices to intensify tax surveys and reactivate dormant TINs as submission of income tax returns has been made mandatory for every TIN holder. The Income Tax Wing has issued guidelines to field offices instructing them to collect taxpayer information from city corporations, Rajuk, sub-registrar offices and other relevant authorities. This effort, known as “internal survey,” involves collecting secondary data – information already held by various institutions. The NBR has extended this survey to the upazila level targeting potential taxpayers through secondary data gathering. For example, an official may identify potential taxpayers from an employer’s staff list. “This is called internal survey,” the senior NBR official explained to UNB. Initially, the focus is on gathering data from trade licences issued by city corporations and municipalities. TINs will then be issued to these businesses to bring them under the tax net. Besides, the NBR is obtaining data from Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) for foreign nationals, BRTA for vehicle owners, sub-registry offices for land transactions, power distribution companies, and service providers. Information on flat and house ownership is also being collected from the National Housing Authority. "We hope that this’ll help us raise revenue collection,” the NBR official added. NBR sources said board officials are also conducting door-to-door surveys to identify new taxpayers. To further this initiative, NBR has signed data-sharing agreements with various agencies including BRTA, power distribution companies, the Department of National Savings and BIDA. According to NBR data, income tax collection till May 2025 stood at Tk 1,14,924 crore, while actual collection was Tk 85,428 crore.    

Highlighting the importance of permanent solutions, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs Professor Shahab Enam Khan has said although the situation between the two South Asian nations has "stabilised" for now, there remains a risk of renewed escalation if either India or Pakistan makes a "strategic miscalculation". "The ceasefire marks a meaningful beginning, but a prevailing "retaliation" mentality could jeopardise it, possibly leading to further military confrontations," Khan, who also serves as a professor at the Department of International Relations of Jahangirnagar University, told UNB on Sunday. The foreign affairs expert said this risk is a "significant concern" for the international community, especially major powers like Beijing and Washington, as well as regional neighbours such as Tehran and others in the Middle East and South Asia, who are closely monitoring developments. India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday after “US-led talks” to end the most serious military confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades but accused each other of violating the deal just hours later. The ceasefire had been expected to bring a swift end to weeks of escalating clashes, including missile and drone strikes, triggered by the mass shooting of tourists last month that India blames on Pakistan, which denies the charge. But multiple explosions were heard in two large cities of Indian-controlled Kashmir hours after the countries agreed to the deal. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said late Saturday that “there had been repeated violations of the understanding arrived between the two countries” and accused Pakistan of breaching the agreement. Focus on Permanent Solutions To promote lasting peace, Prof Khan said, it is politically wise to avoid retaliatory rhetoric and focus on permanent solutions. He said this strategy should incorporate the growing international consensus on resolving the tensions surrounding Kashmir and terrorism. Dhaka appreciated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for agreeing to a ceasefire with immediate effect and to engage in talks. "I most sincerely commend Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan for agreeing to a ceasefire with immediate effect and to engage in talks," said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in a message on Saturday night. Prof Yunus expressed his deep appreciation to US President Donald Trump and US Secretary of State Rubio for their effective mediation.  India and Pakistan accuse each other of violating ceasefire hours after reaching deal "Bangladesh will continue to support our two neighbours to resolve differences through diplomacy," Prof Yunus said. Delhi could consider sharing information and evidence related to the Pehelgaon attacks, while Pakistan should disclose evidence indicating that military actions on its territory violated international law and principles of war, Prof Khan said. Role of International Community He said the international community can play a vital role in facilitating investigative support and implementing confidence-building measures to alleviate tensions and mistrust. "Therefore, India and Pakistan must maintain open and honest dialogue at various levels, including among political parties," Prof Khan said. The ongoing communication between both militaries and discussions at the national security adviser level are aiding the de-escalation process and bridging gaps in political communication. "However, a critical issue both countries must address is misinformation and disinformation," Prof Khan said, adding that without a political commitment to counter misinformation warfare, public perception will continue to pose political challenges. Nonetheless, he thinks, history demonstrates that periods of tension often serve as opportunities for improved relations, as seen with European states or the Asean group. India and Pakistan agree to ceasefire in US-mediated talks "This recent episode could potentially pave the way for greater cooperation between the two developing countries, with India assisting Pakistan in combating terrorism and Pakistan helping India expand its economy," Prof Khan said. The revitalisation of a reformed Saarc has never felt more necessary than in the past week of heightened tensions, he said, adding that the earlier they embrace regional cooperation, the better it will be for South Asia and its neighboring countries. Efforts by Trump Administration "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” US President Donald Trump said through his verified social media handle on Saturday night. Responding to a question, Prof Khan told UNB that the recent escalation of tensions has increased geopolitical risks in the region, posing threats to peace, stability and economic growth. "It is commendable that the Trump Administration played a key role in alleviating these tensions and reducing military pressures," he said. India-Pakistan clash sees use of Chinese missiles, French jets, Israeli drones and more Diplomatic efforts from Beijing and Tehran have also contributed to diffusing the situation, Prof Khan observed. Meanwhile, he said, Delhi has made a positive gesture by indicating a willingness not to complicate matters unless Islamabad continues to pose military threats.

With a growing reputation for quality education and affordable tuition, China has emerged as a popular destination for Bangladeshi students pursuing higher studies, drawing thousands to its top universities in fields such as engineering, medicine, business, and technology. China offers a wide range of opportunities for international students, with one of the main attractions being the availability of scholarships. The Chinese government, along with numerous universities, provides generous scholarships such as the China Government Scholarship, Belt and Road Scholarship, and various Provincial Scholarships. These often cover tuition fees, accommodation, and even monthly living expenses. The quality of education in China has also improved significantly, with many Chinese universities now ranked among the best in the world. Bangladeshi students have the opportunity to learn from experienced professors, access modern laboratories, and interact with peers from diverse international backgrounds. Times Higher Education Ranking: NSU is among top 5 universities in Bangladesh In response to a question about the facilities available to international students in China, Professor He of Minzu University said that studying in China is considerably more affordable than in many European countries, primarily due to the low tuition fees. He further noted that most students—particularly undergraduates—live on campus and are supported through a structured tutorial system. When asked whether there are any specific scholarships or financial aid options available for Bangladeshi students, Professor He said that while China offers a wide range of scholarships, he was unsure if there is any financial aid programme tailored specifically for Bangladeshi students. Speaking to UNB, Md Ataur Rahman Sobuj, a BSc student at Beijing Jiaotong University, remarked that China is one of the greatest countries in the world. Times Higher Education Ranking: NSU is among top 5 universities in Bangladesh He said, "I've been living here since 2018 and doing everything smoothly. I only had to pay around Tk 40,000 in my first year of diploma. Later, I got a Tk 1 lac scholarship due to my good result in the first year, and I did not have to pay any money for the diploma. Now, I am doing my BSc, and I also secured a China Government Scholarship."  

Tucked away in the serene coastal embrace of Barguna’s Taltoli upazila, Nidra Sea Beach—endearingly called 'Nidrarchar' by locals—stands like a poem unwritten, a portrait of natural splendour yearning to be discovered. Nestled within the Sonakata union, this enchanting coastal stretch is bordered by the rhythmic murmurs of the sea on one side, the gentle lapping of a river on the other, and flanked by the soothing green of mangrove forests and majestic jhau trees. Its untamed elegance and peaceful surroundings are steadily elevating it as one of Bangladesh’s most promising and pristine tourist destinations. As the tide breathes in and out, leaving intricate patterns on the golden sands, the landscape unfolds a mesmerising sight: expansive meadows painted in green, mangrove roots that seem to whisper secrets of the earth, and a gentle wind that carries the scent of salt and soil alike. Nidra Beach doesn’t merely offer a place—it offers a feeling. “The scenic beauty and diversity of Nidra Beach are enough to attract tourists from all over the country,” said Abdul Awal, a local of Taltoli upazila. “With proper infrastructure development, it could become one of Bangladesh’s leading tourist hotspots.” His sentiment is echoed by Arif Rahman, a local entrepreneur whose eyes gleam with the potential he sees in his homeland. How to Visit Kotka Beach at Sundarbans “Tourists are already drawn to the beach's unspoiled charm. If basic facilities are ensured, this place could turn into a top-tier destination," he said. The local administration, too, recognises the hidden promise of this coastal wonder. Umme Salma, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Taltoli, noted, “The government has taken plans to develop tourism centred on Nidra Beach. We are working to ensure security and amenities for visitors.” The surrounding region, too, is a treasure trove for nature lovers and explorers alike. Just a stone’s throw away lies the famed Shubh Sandhya Beach, renowned for its annual Moonlight Festival, where revellers gather to bathe in the glow of lunar beauty. Nearby attractions such as Tengragiri—the country’s second-largest mangrove forest—Fatrar Char, and the Sonakata Ecopark complete a rich and diverse eco-tourism palette. Most Popular Cox’s Bazar Beaches Considering Scenic Beauty and Recreation