United News of Bangladesh

Renowned Bangladeshi publishing house Seba Prokashani has announced the temporary suspension of all its operations following allegations of internal irregularities and financial inconsistencies. The announcement was made in a notice published on Wednesday, signed by Kazi Shahnoor Hossain, a partner of the publishing house. According to the notice, various allegations involving internal mismanagement and financial discrepancies have recently surfaced within the organisation. To ensure an impartial investigation and comprehensive audit of the allegations, the authorities have decided to suspend all operational activities until further notice. Established in 1963 in Dhaka by legendary writer Kazi Anwar Hossain, Seba Prokashani has long been one of Bangladesh’s most popular and influential publishing houses. Over the decades, the publisher gained widespread popularity among young readers through iconic series such as Tin Goenda, Masud Rana, and Kuasha. Through its publication of adventure stories, detective fiction, thrillers and translated literature, Seba Prokashani has played a significant role in shaping popular Bengali literature for generations of readers.

The United States and China are seeking to repair economic damage caused by a prolonged tariff war that sharply reduced trade between the world’s two largest economies. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are meeting in Beijing as both sides aim to stabilise strained relations after a turbulent 2025. A decade-long trade conflict has significantly cut US-China trade from the boom years of the 2000s and 2010s, forcing companies to restructure supply chains. Many US firms have shifted production to countries such as Vietnam and India, while Chinese exporters have expanded into Europe and Southeast Asia. Trump pauses to observe grand welcome in Beijing Despite tensions, both economies remain highly interdependent. “The idea of China being totally independent of us and us being totally independent of China is a fiction,” said former US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. The summit is expected to focus on stabilisation, with limited policy announcements. A trade truce reached in October is likely to be extended, while China may increase purchases of US soybeans, beef and Boeing aircraft. Washington has also floated plans for a Board of Trade. Tariffs, which averaged 3.1% in 2018, remain near 48% today. US-China trade has fallen from 13% of US global trade in 2016 to 6.4% last year, with Mexico and Canada now the top partners. The US deficit with China dropped from $377 billion in 2018 to $168 billion last year, while China posted a record $1.2 trillion global surplus. Both sides have also shifted supply chains and imposed restrictions on chips, rare earths and critical materials as they seek a more stable but competitive trade relationship.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi has claimed that Kuwait carried out an “unlawful attack” on an Iranian vessel and detained four Iranian citizens in the Persian Gulf. Araghchi said, “Kuwait has unlawfully attacked an Iranian boat and detained four of our citizens in the Persian Gulf.” He further stated that the incident took place near an island allegedly used by the United States to launch attacks against Iran, describing it as a “clear attempt to sow discord.” Iran signals tighter control over Strait of Hormuz amid regional concerns His remarks came after Kuwait on Tuesday announced that it had arrested four individuals it accused of being members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), alleging they attempted to infiltrate Bubiyan Island by sea and injured a Kuwaiti soldier during the operation. In a statement posted on X, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior said the operation was carried out on May 1. It added that naval officers were arrested aboard a fishing vessel “specially chartered to carry out hostile actions against Kuwait.” The ministry further said the detainees admitted during interrogation that they had been assigned by the IRGC to carry out infiltration activities. With inputs from Al Jazeera

The Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) organised a two-day specialised training programme titled “School of TFGBV: Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence — Prevention, Mitigation, Response and Digital Development Campaign:, held on 12–13 May at a training centre in the capital. The programme brought together 90 participants from Dhaka and different districts across the country. BNNRC empowers community radio to combat technology-facilitated gender-based violence BNNRC is implementing the project titled “Strengthening Resilience Against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Digital Development.” The initiative is being carried out under the Nagorikata: Civic Engagement Fund (CEF) programme, funded by Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, with technical support from GFA Consulting Group.

At least 70 students fell sick during class hours at a school in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna on Wednesday afternoon, triggering panic among students and teachers. The incident occurred around 2:00pm at Muladuli High School, when students of Class-VI began experiencing illness shortly after their midday break. According to initial information, two students first became unwell after reportedly noticing a strong smell coming from a plastic container found inside the classroom. Housewife killed, 10 injured in BNP factional clash in Pabna Later, more students from the same class began to feel sick one after another. Several students from classes VII and VIII also reportedly fell ill due to panic. School authorities immediately informed the Fire Service, who rushed to the scene and rescued the affected students. They were later admitted to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex, said its Medical Officer Dr Kaveri Saha. Acting headteacher of Muladuli High School Basna Rani said two students first became ill, followed by symptoms, including dizziness, headache and nausea among many others. She said a plastic container was found in the classroom, which doctors suspected may have contained lice-killing medicine. Several students have since recovered, she added.

In a bid to ensure transparency, accountability, and to prevent potential conflicts of interest, Bangladesh Bank (BB) has prohibited its officials and employees from participating in training programmes, seminars, and workshops funded by banks and other financial institutions. The central bank issued an office order on Wednesday, detailing strict guidelines regarding local and international events sponsored by the very entities it is tasked with regulating. The circular, issued by the Human Resources Department-2 (Training and Development Wing), outlines the following mandates. Bangladesh Bank slashes penalty interest rate to 0.5pc to boost investment No Funded Participation BB officials and employees are barred from participating as trainees or trainers in any training or workshop, domestic or foreign, funded by government or private banks, financial institutions, or other organisations. Service Provider Restrictions Personnel cannot participate in any foreign training, seminar, or workshop funded by any organisation that receives services from or supplies goods to Bangladesh Bank. Strict No-Honorarium Policy While officials may participate as trainers or speakers in domestic seminars or discussion meetings organised by banks or financial institutions—provided they have prior approval from Human Resources Department-2—they are strictly forbidden from accepting any honorarium from the organising agency. Conflict of Interest Generally, central bank staff are directed to refrain from attending any event where the acceptance of an honorarium could create a conflict of interest with the activities of Bangladesh Bank. The directive stated that these decisions were taken to maintain the integrity of the financial sector's regulatory framework. The order has been issued with the approval of the appropriate authority and takes effect immediately.

Thailand Ambassador to Bangladesh Thitiporn Chirasawadi on Wednesday met with State Minister of Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj. As Bangladesh prepares for the Fifth Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP-5), both sides explored opportunities for cooperation in primary education, particularly in teacher capacity building and the integration of classroom technology. To facilitate this exchange, both parties agreed to explore a meeting with Thailand’s Ministry of Education and the development of future training programmes to share technical expertise and best practices, said the Thai Embassy in Dhaka. The Ambassador also provided updates on ongoing educational projects under the patronage of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Bangladesh, Thailand keen to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, culture These initiatives include Master’s degree scholarships at Mahidol University, the Princess Maha Chakri Award (PMCA) for outstanding teachers, and the development programmes currently supporting five schools across Dhaka, Gopalganj, and Rangpur.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police has arrested a former salesman in connection with the theft of a large quantity of gold from a jewellery firm at Bashundhara City Shopping Complex in the capital over several years. The arrestee was identified as Krishna Basak, also known as Swapan Basak, 47, son of Gaur Chandra Basak of Daulatpur in Manikganj. CID arrests app developer for alleged role in selling sensitive citizen data A special team of the CID’s Dhaka Metro West Division arrested him from in front of Bashundhara City Shopping Complex on Tuesday noon, according to a CID media statement issued on Wednesday. According to the case, the complainant’s father is the managing director of a jewellery business operating multiple shops at the complex. During a stock check, it was found that 7,550 bhoris of gold ornaments — estimated to be worth around Tk94.37 crore — had been embezzled from the shops at different times between January 2019 and September 2024. Investigators said Krishna Basak had been working as a salesman at the company and, in collusion with others, breached the owner’s trust and misappropriated a large amount of gold. The investigation also found a mismatch between his income and assets. Although he earned a monthly salary of around Tk10,000-Tk15,000, he was found to have accumulated significant wealth. This includes an investment of about Tk 33 lakh in a jewellery business, a flat and car parking worth Tk44.55 lakh, shares worth Tk16.78 lakh in the capital market, and 50 bhoris of gold declared in tax documents. Preliminary findings also indicate unusual transactions in his bank accounts. Police have sought remand to recover the embezzled gold and identify other suspects involved. Earlier, another accused in the case gave a confessional statement before a court under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The CID’s Dhaka Metro West Division is continuing the investigation and operations to uncover further details and arrest others involved.  

Police Week 2026 concluded on Wednesday with a firm commitment to transforming the Bangladesh Police into a modern, technology-driven and pro-people force. The four-day event, held under the theme "My Police, My Country, Bangladesh First," ended through a series of colourful ceremonies and service-oriented programmes aimed at strengthening the bond between the police and people. Police allowed full use of fuel and travel budget allocations The final day featured a conference between serving and retired police officers held in a cordial environment in the evening. Retired officers shared their experiences and guidance from long years of service, while serving officers exchanged views on further modernisation of the force, strengthening professional capacity and enhancing citizen-focused policing. Throughout the week, discussions were held on key issues, including law-and-order management, crime control, cyber security enhancement, anti-narcotics operations, traffic management, community policing and improving public service delivery. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening trust and engagement between police and the public. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated Police Week on May 10. He also delivered a directive speech. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and other ministers also provided guidance on transforming Bangladesh Police into a more modern, efficient and public-oriented force. A series of conferences were held between the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and field-level officers during the week, where various operational challenges and proposals for improving service delivery and expanding the use of technology were discussed. Officials said all sessions were highly participatory and productive, with active involvement from field-level officers. Authorities expressed hope that the festive and dynamic observance of Police Week 2026 will further strengthen the professionalism, human values and service commitment of Bangladesh Police.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday said the country must move towards ensuring quality technical education to meet future workforce demands. “We have higher technical education. We just need to improve the quality of that education,” he said while speaking at the “IUT Excellence Award 2026” ceremony held at the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) in Gazipur, an institution run under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The minister said the government is committed to improving the quality of higher education, adding that IUT is playing an important role in producing skilled graduates. The programme was organised to recognise IUB’s outstanding contributions to education, research, and institutional development. Awards and honours were presented to teachers, students, and officials for academic excellence, research achievements, and contributions to the university’s development. IUT Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam presided over the event.  

An elderly man died following a scuffle reportedly over Tk20 outstanding debt at Aditmari upazila on Wednesday. The victim, Kaiyum Ullah, 75, was a resident of the Nayahat area. Police and witnesses said Kaiyum Ullah had earlier purchased bananas from a local vendor, Majidul Islam, and owed him Tk20. When he went to the market on Wednesday morning, the shopkeeper demanded the due money, which led to an altercation between them. At one stage, the shopkeeper allegedly pushed Kaiyum Ullah during the scuffle. He fell to the ground and became unconscious, they said. Locals rescued him and rushed him to a local hospital, where doctors declared him dead at around 4pm. Nazmul Haque, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Aditmari Police Station, said they had heard that Kaiyum Ullah died of a possible stroke following the scuffle over the money. “The matter will be investigated and necessary legal action will be taken accordingly,” he added.

The Islami Bank Central Laboratory has organised a seminar on “Treatment, Prevention, and Awareness of Measles.” Prof Dr M Masud Rahman, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Islami Bank Foundation and Director of Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC, graced the event held on Tuesday at its Nayapaltan office in the capital as the chief guest. Members of Islami Bank Foundation and Director of the Islami Bank Md Abdus Salam and Md SM Abdul Hamid were present as special guests. Retired Islami Bankers' concern over ‘Bank Resolution Ordinance’ The seminar was presided over by Dr AAM Kamar Uddin Mozakkir, acting Director of the Islami Bank Central Laboratory. Kabir Uddin, AGM of Islami Bank Foundation (IBF), and the Superintendents from Islami Bank Central Hospitals in Kakrail, Nayapaltan, Motijheel, Mirpur, and Mugda, as well as the Islami Bank Hospital and Cardiac Centre, Mirpur, were present. Pediatrician Prof Dr Ahmed Mortuza Chowdhury presented the keynote paper at the seminar. During his presentation, he provided a detailed discussion on the symptoms, treatment, complications, and prevention of measles. He particularly emphasised the critical importance of regular vaccination for children to mitigate the risks associated with the disease.

Reaffirming the United Nations’ continued partnership with Bangladesh, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Carol Flore-Smereczniak on Wednesday assured all possible support and cooperation from UN agencies for the country’s development and progress. She made the comments when she paid a courtesy call on Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman at the Army Headquarters, according to Bangladesh Army’s verified Facebook page. The meeting marked Carol Flore-Smereczniak’s first official interaction with the Army chief after assuming her appointment on 23 March 2026. Army to return to barracks after new govt’s oath: Waker-Uz-Zaman During the meeting, the UN Resident Coordinator highly appreciated the Bangladesh Army’s long-standing and significant contributions to UN Peacekeeping Operations and its unwavering commitment to global peace and stability, particularly during the current challenging period faced by UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. She expressed deep condolences for the peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag, especially those who lost their lives in Abyei in December 2025. The UN Resident Coordinator also commended Bangladesh’s strong focus on the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda through the deployment of a significant number of female peacekeepers in various UN missions. She further praised the Bangladesh Army’s role in maintaining internal security since July 2024.

A madrasa superintendent was allegedly beaten to death over a land dispute in Charmba Union of Lohagara upazila in Chattogram on Wednesday afternoon. Victim Maulana Abul Kashem, was the superintendent of Charmba Jamiul Ulum Madrasa and a resident of Ward No. 6 of Charmba Union. According to police and local sources, Abul Kashem had an argument with an opponent over a long-standing land dispute. At one stage, he was hit with a stick during the clash and sustained serious injuries. He was later rescued by locals and taken to hospital, where the doctor on duty declared him dead. He had injury marks on his head. Mohammad Abdullah, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Lohagara Police Station, said police recovered the body from the hospital after receiving information and sent it for autopsy. He added that one person had been taken into custody on suspicion of involvement, and efforts were underway to arrest others involved in the incident.  

Four fishermen were rescued after a gunfight between forest guards and a gang of robbers at Singartek in Kokilmoni area of the Sundarbans on Wednesday morning. Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Md Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said during a joint patrol by the Shelarchar patrol team and the Smart Team, the robbers’ presence was detected in Singartek area. When the patrol team conducted a drive the robbers opened fire, triggering a gunfight with the forest guards. About seven rounds were fired during the gunfight and the robbers later fled the scene, leaving behind a trawler and four hostages. After the gunfight, forest guards rescued four fishermen who had been tied up. They also recovered an engine-run boat, a rifle and ammunition left by the robbers. The rescued fishermen are Abdul Barek Khan of Sonatala village in Sharankhola upazila, Md Hasan of the same upazila, Nasim of Batiaghata upazila in Khulna, and Irak Sheikh of Dakop upazila. The DFO said the rescued fishermen are now at the Shelarchar patrol post and arrangements are being made to return them to their families. The robbers involved are believed to be members of the ‘Sharif Bahini’.  

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the administration of US President Donald Trump of trying to  “usurp” influence over the global energy market. Lavrov said Washington’s strategy is aimed at pushing Russian energy companies such as Lukoil and Rosneft out of international markets as part of a broader plan to dominate global energy flows. “The United States has adopted several doctrinal documents, one of which states that it must dominate global energy markets,” Lavrov said in an interview with  Media. Trump pauses to observe grand welcome in Beijing He added that the US objective is “quite clear,” alleging that Washington seeks to bring all major energy supply routes under its control. Lavrov’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions, as the US and Iran continue separate blockades around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route through which nearly 20 percent of the world’s energy supplies pass. With inputs from Al Jazeera

The Finance Ministry has approved the full utilisation of allocated funds for several expenditure sectors of Bangladesh Police, including petrol, oil and lubricants, electricity, gas and fuel, and travel expenses, in the revised budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The decision was disclosed through an order issued by the Budget Branch-6 of the Finance Division on Tuesday. Mosleh Uddin, Shamima Parveen elected President, Secretary of BPSA According to the order signed by Deputy Secretary Nahid Sultana, the approval was granted following a request from the Ministry of Home Affairs, with a relaxation of condition No. 4 of Finance Division’s circular No. 596 dated April 5, 2026. The directive states that 100 percent utilisation of the allocated funds under the four expenditure sectors of Bangladesh Police has been approved for the current fiscal year. However, the order clearly mentions that this approval cannot be used as a precedent in future cases. Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs had submitted a request to the Finance Division on May 3 seeking approval in this regard.

The certification of the Bengali film 'Contract Marriage' has been suspended over allegations of contractual breach and irregularities. Model and actress Zeba Jannat alleged that she was verbally contracted to act in a single play and had participated in shooting of a few scenes. She later found that posters of the film 'Contract Marriage', featuring her still images, were circulating on social media. The actress further alleged that footage shot for the play was later used in the film without her consent. Renowned celerity couple Omar Sani and Moushumi also criticised the producer and director over the film in various media and online platforms, leading to negative public reaction. In view of the allegations and related disputes, the Bangladesh Film Certification Board said in a press release on Wednesday that it suspended the certification of the film under Section 8 of the Bangladesh Film Certification Act, 2023. The order takes immediate effect, and the film cannot be screened in any cinema hall or other platform in Bangladesh until further notice.  

Ankhi Khatun, a mother of three minor children from Naogaon, was granted bail on Wednesday after spending 15 days in jail in a drug-related case. She was released from Naogaon District Jail around 4:00pm following the bail. Ankhi had been imprisoned under a mobile court order. Her husband died in March. With no one to support the family, her three young children were left in distress, often waiting near the jail. The matter drew public attention after a private television channel ran a report on it. Following this, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the authorities concerned to look into the matter and ensure legal assistance for the woman. Following his instructions, local BNP leaders, led by Mahadevpur upazila BNP President Rabiul Alam Bullet, stepped in to provide legal support for the woman. Subsequently, the court granted her bail after due process. Public Prosecutor of the Naogaon District and Sessions Judge’s Court Md Shahriar said he was instructed to take necessary steps so the woman receives justice in accordance with the law. He said after the matter was placed before Senior District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Raknuzzaman, the court asked the defence to file a petition. The accused’s lawyer, Advocate Abu Zayed Mohammad Rafiqul Alam Rafiq, submitted the application and after hearing both sides, the court granted bail to the woman. After her release, Ankhi held her children close, as if trying to make up for every lost moment. Tears streamed down her face – not of sorrow alone, but of relief, of love, of finally being home. Her children clung to her, feeling a warmth they had missed every single day. It was more than just a reunion—it was a healing of broken time. In that moment, the world seemed kinder. The Prime Minister’s humanitarian initiative did not just free a woman—it restored a family, rekindled love, and gave lost hearts a new direction in the darkness.  

Police have detained a woman on charges of attempting to kill her husband by slitting his throat over a family dispute in the Babupura area of Lalmonirhat municipality on Wednesday afternoon. The accused, Umme Jannat Sathi, 28, is the wife of Hridoy, 32, of the same area. Quoting locals, police said there had been frequent arguments between the couple over family matters. 12 arrested in different cases in Lalmonirhat’s Aditmari As a sequel to this, Sathi allegedly attacked her sleeping husband with a knife around noon, leaving him critically injured with cuts on his throat. Hearing his screams, family members rushed to the spot and rescued Hridoy in a critically injured and bloodied condition. He was first taken to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital and later shifted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Saad Ahmed, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station, said police rushed to the spot after being informed and detained the accused. He said the blood-stained knife used in the attack was recovered and the motive behind the attack is under investigation.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Wednesday said the current Parliament could become a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic history if democratic institutions are established on strong foundations. “If we can strengthen our democratic institutions on solid foundations for the future of democracy in Bangladesh, this Parliament will certainly remain a milestone in the country’s democratic history,” he said while addressing a round-table discussion titled “The Current National Parliament: A New Milestone in Democratic Politics” at a city hotel. Former Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury chaired the event arranged by Citizen’s Forum, Bangladesh. “Our key responsibility now is institutional building,” Moyeen Khan said. Drawing comparisons with the United States, he said democratic institutions built over centuries help sustain democratic governance even during periods of political uncertainty. “In Bangladesh, after more than 50 years, we must ask ourselves what democratic institutions we have truly built,” he said. The BNP leader said the present Parliament bears an additional responsibility to establish durable democratic institutions capable of protecting democracy in the future. He said it was still too early to conclusively determine whether the current Parliament will ultimately emerge as a milestone, but stressed that the discussion itself reflected the country’s renewed democratic aspirations. “Time will say whether this Parliament becomes a new milestone. But I believe the sacrifices made by people during the movement against authoritarianism created an opportunity to move Bangladesh forward through democratic institutions,” Moyeen Khan, who had experience serving in five parliaments, said. Referring to the responsibilities of lawmakers, he said the primary duty of MPs was lawmaking, but in developing countries like Bangladesh parliamentarians are also expected to address various public demands at the grassroots level. “In our context, MPs have to do everything from lawmaking to solving people’s immediate social problems,” he said. The BNP leader questioned how effectively lawmakers were able to fulfil their legislative responsibilities given the large volume of laws and ordinances processed by Parliament. He referred to discussions over 133 ordinances promulgated during the interim administration in the maiden session of 13th Parliament and said lawmakers had to review and pass a substantial number of laws within a limited timeframe.  

Additional Inspector General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Mosleh Uddin Ahmed and Superintendent of Police of Dhaka district Shamima Parveen have been elected unopposed as president and general secretary, respectively, of the Bangladesh Police Service Association for the next one year. The election was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh Police Lines on the fourth and final day of Police Week 2026. It was a request, not an order: BPSA President on its recent statement The newly elected president and general secretary will form a full committee of the association within the next 15 days and submit it to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and chief patron of the association, Md Ali Hossain Fakir. Additional IGP (Administration) AKM Awlad Hossain conducted the election as the Chief Election Commissioner. Members of the association were present during the election.

A sub-committee of the Parliament Library Committee has recommended advising the main committee to take steps for selecting a suitable location for the Bangladesh Institute of Parliamentary Studies (BIPS) and appointing a rector for the institute. The recommendation came at the first meeting of the Library Committee’s Sub-Committee No. 3 held at the Jatiya Sangsad Library on Wednesday, according to a press release issued by the Parliament Secretariat. The meeting was chaired by the sub-committee convener Dr Mahabubur Rahman and attended by members Nayab Yusuf Ahmed and Mohammad Nazibur Rahman. During the meeting, discussions were held on preparing a report for submission to the main committee regarding plans to operate the institute in accordance with the Bangladesh Institute of Parliamentary Studies (BIPS) Act, 2001 by integrating the National Parliament Library with the institute. The sub-committee also discussed presenting and reviewing a comparative overview of parliamentary institutes in Asian and Commonwealth countries alongside Bangladesh’s BIPS. To make BIPS operational, it recommended necessary amendments, additions and revisions to the law before placing it in the Library Committee. Meanwhile, the first meeting of Sub-Committee No. 4 of the Jatiya Sangsad Library Committee was also held at the Parliament Library on Wednesday with convener Mohammad Nazibur Rahman in the chair. Committee member Nayab Yusuf Ahmed also attended the meeting. The meeting discussed the National Parliament Library Regulations 2012 and the National Parliament Research Policy 2023. The sub-committee recommended making necessary amendments, additions, deletions and revisions to the National Parliament Library Regulations 2012 before placing the revised document before the main committee.It also directed that the National Parliament Research Policy 2023 be further reviewed and revised for presentation at the next meeting.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami spent over Tk 4.49 crore in the 13th parliamentary election, while Jatiya Party reported spending only Tk 5 lakh, according to official election expenditure statements submitted to the Election Commission (EC). A total of 50 political parties participated in the February 12 election, but some 25 parties have submitted their election statements to the EC as of Wednesday. The remaining parties, including ruling BNP, have to submit the expense statements to the EC. Election Commission imposes vehicle restrictions ahead of polls Jamaat submitted its election expenditure statement signed by Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar on Tuesday, showing a total expenditure of Tk 4,49,47,972 in the election. Of the total amount, Tk 4 crore was distributed as donations to 225 candidates, averaging around Tk 1.78 lakh per candidate. Jamaat reported expenses for designing and printing election manifestos, organising press conferences, hospitality, transportation of election materials, tours by central leaders and advertising. It spent Tk 20,90,827 on election campaigning, Tk 8,700 on transport, Tk 14,17,599 on public rallies and tours, Tk 2,85,902 on staff expenses and Tk 9,44,944 on accommodation and administrative costs. An additional Tk 2 lakh was listed under miscellaneous expenses. Jatiya Party submitted its election expenditure report signed by its chairman GM Qauder to the EC on Wednesday. According to the statement, submitted by Jatiya Party Additional Secretary General Rezaul Islam Bhuiyan, the party spent only Tk 5 lakh in the election though 196 Jatiya Party candidates took part in the polls. But the party did not allocate any funds directly to candidates for campaign activities. Its polls campaign expenses stood at Tk 3.25 lakh, while Tk 1.15 lakh was spent on public rallies and Tk 65,000 on staff expenses. The party also informed the EC that all election-related expenditures were made through an account at Prime Bank PLC’s Banani branch, which currently holds a balance of Tk 38,500. A political party shall not spend an amount that exceeding Tk 4.5 crore as election expenses in case of fielding more than 200 candidates, while Tk 3 crore incase of 101-200 candidates, Tk 1.5 crore in case of 51-100 candidates, and Tk 75 lakh in case of 1-50 candidates, according to the Article 44CC of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. Every political party nominating any candidate for election shall submit an election expenditure statement within 90 days after the election to the Election Commission for its scrutiny, as per the Article 44CCC of the same law.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday joined a doa mahfil for Begum Jebunnesa, mother of Social Welfare, and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, who died last week. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman attended the doa mahfil held after Asr prayers at Gulshan Azad Mosque in the capital. The Prime Minister also joined a munajat seeking eternal peace and forgiveness for the departed soul of the minister’s mother, he said. Leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies, along with relatives and well-wishers, also attended the doa mahfil. Begum Jebunnesa died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the capital on May 7 at the age of 83. In a condolence message issued on the day of her death, the Prime Minister expressed deep shock and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family members, relatives and well-wishers.

Speakers at a round-table discussion here on Wednesday said the country’s current Parliament has created renewed public expectations for democratic governance, though its long-term success will depend on performance, inclusiveness and institutional reforms. The discussion titled “The Current National Parliament: A New Milestone in Democratic Politics” was arranged by the Citizen's Forum, Bangladesh (CFB) at a city hotel where BNP Standing Committee Member Abdul Moyeen Khan spoke as the chief guest. Moyeen Khan calls for strong institutions to make parliament democratic milestone In his speech, Moyeen Khan said the current Parliament could become a milestone in Bangladesh’s democratic history if democratic institutions are established on strong foundations. “If we can strengthen our democratic institutions on solid foundations for the future of democracy in Bangladesh, this Parliament will certainly remain a milestone in the country’s democratic history,” he said.

The Board of Directors of Bangladesh Bank (BB) has given primary approval to the liquidation of five Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) that are struggling with massive loan defaults and an inability to repay depositors. The liquidation process for these institutions is expected to commence in July, according to sources privy to the decision made during a board meeting chaired by Governor Mostaqur Rahman on Tuesday. The five institutions slated for liquidation are FAS Finance, Fareast Finance, Aviva Finance, People's Leasing and Financial Services, and International Leasing and Financial Services. According to the central bank data, the non-performing loan (NPL) ratios of these institutions have reached critical levels, ranging from 93 percent to nearly 100 percent. Due to their prolonged failure to recover loans, they have been unable to honour withdrawal requests from depositors. The central bank plans to shut down these entities under the Bank Resolution Act 2026. As part of the process, it will appoint one of its directors as an administrator for each institution, assisted by two additional officials. These institutions will eventually be declared defunct. Central bank officials estimate that approximately Tk 5,000 crore will be required to return funds to individual depositors. The central bank reportedly moved forward with the liquidation decision after receiving positive assurances from the government regarding fund allocation in the upcoming national budget. The Bank Resolution Act provides a framework for the merger, restructuring, or closure of financially distressed institutions and dictates how assets should be liquidated to pay off creditors. The decision follows a lengthy review process. In May last year, the central bank issued show-cause notices to 20 NBFIs for high NPLs and failure to return deposits. Later, nine institutions with unsatisfactory recovery plans were earmarked for closure. That list was trimmed to six in January and finally to five, with Premier Leasing being excluded from the current final list. The financial health of these entities, as of December last, paints a dire picture with FAS Finance having 99.99 percent NPL ratio, International Leasing 99.44 percent, Fareast Finance 98.50 percent, People's Leasing 95 percent and Aviva Finance 93.93 percent NPL ratio. Industry insiders attribute this collapse to years of systemic irregularities, corruption, and massive loan scams. Notably, disgraced businessman PK Halder is accused of embezzling at least Tk 3,500 crore from four institutions: People's Leasing, International Leasing, FAS Finance, and BIFC.  

Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman has extended support to six-month-old Nur Nahar, who has been battling measles and pneumonia amid severe financial hardship, after media reports highlighted the infant’s critical condition and her mother’s desperate struggle to continue treatment. The matter came to the attention of Zubaida Rahman, Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and one of the organisers of internationally recognised voluntary organisation Suravi, after a report titled “Six-month-old battling measles in critical condition; mother has no money and does not know what to do” was published in a daily. Zubaida Rahman stresses women’s empowerment for social progress After learning about the infant’s condition, she instructed that immediate medical support be arranged for Nur Nahar.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan on Wednesday asked the canal grabbers in Mirpur to remove their structure within a specific time, warning that legal action will be taken against them for failure to comply. “It cannot be accepted that the whole of Mirpur's residents will suffer for a few people. We cannot continue spending public money to clean canals every day only to see them return to the previous condition the next day,” he said while visiting the canal-cleaning activities at the Sangbadik Colony canal in Kalshi in the capital. DNCC Administrator inaugurates road-drain development from Mirpur-10 to Talatola If those who have illegally occupied canal land and built structures there fail to remove them within the stipulated time, drives will be conducted to dismantle the establishments legally with the support of local residents, the DNCC administrator said. The canal will be cleaned over the one week on an emergency basis to provide temporary relief from waterlogging for local residents, he said. At the same time, discussions will be held with house owners’ associations and local residents to find a permanent solution to the problem, Safiqul said. He claimed that long-standing mismanagement of the canal has been causing severe waterlogging in the area. “Although we cleaned the canal several times in the past, it returned to its earlier condition within a short period. That is why we have taken initiatives for a permanent solution,” he said. The DNCC administrator stressed that there is no alternative to recovering canals and keeping the drainage system functional to free residents from waterlogging. Mentioning that there is no scope for rehabilitating illegal occupiers, he said any individual constructing structures illegally on government land will have to bear responsibility. However, requests for additional time to remove structures could be considered through discussions on humanitarian grounds, Safiqul said. Expressing frustration over indiscriminate waste dumping, he said drains and canals are not places for garbage disposal and urged residents to act responsibly. “Without public awareness, cleaning alone cannot provide a permanent solution.”

A pink-coloured albino buffalo, weighing around 700kg and named “Donald Trump,” has become a major attraction in Narayanganj ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. The animal is being raised at Rabeya Agro Farm in the Paikpara area of Narayanganj city where visitors are arriving daily to catch a glimpse of it. During a recent visit, the buffalo was seen among other sacrificial animals, including cows, goats and sheep, prepared for Eid-ul-Azha. However, the three-and-a-half-year-old albino buffalo stood out due to its pinkish skin and distinctive long hair on the front of its head. Farm owners said they named it ‘Donald Trump’ because its hairstyle resembles that of the US president. Its calm temperament and striking appearance have further boosted its popularity among visitors. According to farm authorities, the buffalo was purchased from a cattle market in Rajshahi shortly after last year’s Eid-ul-Azha and has since been raised with special care. The animal has already been sold to a buyer in Dhaka at Tk 550 per kg live weight and will be delivered before Eid. Farm owner Zia Uddin Mridha said the name was inspired by its hairstyle. “It is an albino buffalo. Such animals are generally calm in nature and do not become aggressive unless provoked,” he said. The buffalo’s unusual appearance and name have turned it into a local sensation, drawing curious visitors of all ages to the farm every day. Milton Mia, a resident of Paikpara, said people from different areas are coming just to see the buffalo. “We also came after hearing about ‘Donald Trump’,” he said. Another visitor, Sultana Akter, said the buffalo looked beautiful and its hair resembled that of the American president. Farm caretaker Kawser Mia said the animal receives special care and is fed twice daily on a strict schedule. Its diet includes corn, soybean, oil cake, wheat bran, sesame cake, rice husk, straw and fresh grass, while regular health care is ensured, he added. Sources at Rabeya Agro Farm said around 200 sacrificial animals have been prepared this year for Eid-ul-Azha, but the pink buffalo remains the main attraction. District Livestock Officer Abdul Mannan said the district’s demand for sacrificial animals this year is around 103,000, while about 113,000 animals have been prepared at 6,535 farms. Asked about the pink buffalo, he said he had also heard about the animal named “Donald Trump” at a local farm.

Public health experts on Wednesday called for a major overhaul of Bangladesh’s tobacco taxation and pricing system in the national budget for fiscal year 2026-27, saying a revised structure could prevent more than 372,000 youths from taking up smoking and save over 185,000 young lives in the long run. The demand came at a national seminar titled “The Necessity of Effectively Increasing Taxes and Prices on All Tobacco Products in the Upcoming FY 2026-27 Budget for Protecting Public Health,” organised by the Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP) at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka. Raising taxes on tobacco products essential to protect future generations: speakers at nari maitree discussion meeting Presenting the keynote paper, Dr Shafiun Nahin Shimul, Director of the Institute of Health Economics at Dhaka University, pointed out that Bangladesh currently has a four-tier cigarette pricing system – low, medium, high, and premium – with nearly 90 percent of cigarettes sold belonging to the low and medium tiers. “Due to their affordability and accessibility, these cigarettes are rapidly addicting young people and low-income groups,” he said.  Shimul proposed merging the low and medium tiers in the upcoming fiscal year and setting the minimum retail price at Tk 100 per 10-stick pack, Tk 150 for the high tier, and Tk 200 for the premium tier, while maintaining a 67 percent supplementary duty across all tiers and imposing a specific tax of Tk 4 per pack. He stated that implementing this tax and pricing proposal could discourage more than 372,000 youths from initiating smoking and prevent the premature deaths of over 185,000 young people in the long term. Speaking at the seminar as the chief guest, Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad said tobacco products in Bangladesh remain significantly cheaper than essential commodities.   Referring to data from the Department of Agricultural Marketing, he noted that between 2021 and 2023, the prices of essential goods such as sugar, potatoes, flour, eggs, and soybean oil increased by 27 percent to 89 percent, whereas cigarette prices rose by only 6 percent to 15 percent. “As a result, tobacco products have become more accessible, particularly to youth and low-income populations, leading to an alarming increase in smoking rates that poses a major threat to public health,” the secretary said, emphasising the need to increase the prices of cigarettes at a rate higher than inflation and income growth to reduce these health risks. Special guest Nahid Nowshad Mukul, First Secretary (VAT Monitoring and IT) of the National Board of Revenue, said due to the current tobacco tax structure, the government is losing the opportunity to generate an additional Tk 44,000 crore in annual revenue.  Md Akhteruzzaman, Director General of the National Tobacco Control Cell, said Bangladesh has the highest tobacco use rate in South Asia at 35.3 percent, and nearly 200,000 people die prematurely every year from tobacco-related diseases. In 2024, the economic and environmental damages caused by tobacco amounted to nearly Tk 87,000 crore – more than double the revenue generated from the sector, he said. The welcome speech at the seminar was delivered by AHM Noman, founder and CEO of DORP, while the concluding remarks were delivered by Mohammad Nurul Amin.

The world is falling short on health targets, with progress uneven, slowing, and in some areas reversing, according to the World Health Statistics 2026 report, published on Wednesday by the World Health Organization (WHO). The World Health Statistics 2026 report sends a clear message - while global health efforts are delivering results, progress is fragile and insufficient. Accelerated action, stronger health systems, and improved data are urgently needed to renew progress toward the 2030 health goals, WHO said. While there have been meaningful improvements in global health over the past decade, with millions benefiting from better prevention, treatment and access to essential services, persistent and emerging challenges mean that the world remains off track to achieve any of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The notable progress outlined in the report includes: new HIV infections fell by 40% between 2010 and 2024; both tobacco use and alcohol consumption have declined since 2010; and the number of people needing interventions for neglected tropical diseases has dropped by 36% between 2010 and 2024. Access to services that shape health outcomes expanded rapidly between 2015 and 2024. During this period, 961 million people gained access to safely managed drinking water, 1.2 billion to sanitation, 1.6 billion to basic hygiene, and 1.4 billion to clean cooking solutions. Encouragingly, the WHO African Region has achieved faster-than-global reductions in HIV (-70%) and tuberculosis (-28%), and the South-East Asia Region is on track to meet its 2025 milestone for malaria reduction. However, challenges remain. For example, the report said, malaria incidence increased by 8.5% since 2015, moving the world further away from global targets while overall progress remains highly uneven across regions. Preventable risks continue to undermine health, slowing progress. Anaemia affects 30.7% of women of reproductive age, with no improvement over the past decade. The prevalence of overweight among children under five reached 5.5% in 2024. Violence against women remains widespread, with intimate partner violence affecting 1 in 4 women globally. These persistent risks highlight the urgent need for stronger prevention and social protection policies. “These data tell a story of both progress and persistent inequality, with many people – especially women, children and those in underserved communities – still denied the basic conditions for a healthy life,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. . “Investing in stronger, more equitable health systems, including resilient health data systems is essential to target action, close gaps and ensure accountability.” Urgent need to protect progress under pressure Progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) has slowed sharply. The global UHC service coverage index rose only slightly from 68 to 71 between 2015 and 2023. One quarter of the global population faced financial hardship from health costs, and 1.6 billion people were living in or pushed into poverty due to out-of-pocket health spending in 2022. At the same time, childhood vaccination coverage remains below target, with immunity gaps contributing to outbreaks. Although global maternal mortality has fallen by 40% since 2000, it remains nearly three times higher than the 2030 target. Under-five mortality has declined by 51%, yet many countries are off track. Progress in reducing premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases has slowed significantly since 2015. Many drivers of ill health – nutritional, behavioural and environmental risks – are not improving fast enough. Air pollution contributed to an estimated 6.6 million deaths worldwide in 2021, while inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene contributed to 1.4 million deaths in 2019. “These trends reflect too many deaths that could have been avoided,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data. “With rising environmental risks, health emergencies, and a worsening health financing crisis, we must act urgently – strengthening primary health care, investing in prevention, and securing sustainable financing to build resilient health systems and get back on track.” The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed vulnerabilities in global health systems. Between 2020 and 2023, it was linked to an estimated 22.1 million excess deaths, including indirect deaths. This is more than three times the number of officially reported COVID-19 deaths. This reveals the scale of the pandemic’s global impact, reversing a decade of gains in life expectancy, with recovery remaining incomplete and uneven across regions. Better data, better health decisions The report highlights major data gaps that prevent full assessment of progress. As of end 2025, only 18% of countries were reporting mortality data to WHO within one year, and nearly one third have never reported cause-of-death data. Just one third of countries meet WHO standards for high-quality mortality data, while about half have low or very low-quality or no data. Of the estimated 61 million deaths globally in 2023, only about one third were reported with cause-of-death information, and only about one fifth had meaningful International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coded data. “Data gaps severely limit the ability to monitor real-time health trends, compare outcomes across countries, and design effective public health responses,” said Dr Alain Labrique, Director for the Department of Data, Digital Health, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. “Country efforts to invest in stronger systems, digitalization and improved reporting standards are encouraging and should be sustained – they are essential to enable countries to collect, integrate, analyse and use health data for better decisions”.

Speakers at a dialogue on Wednesday highlighted the urgent need to transition towards evidence-based policymaking that integrates scientific data, spatial analysis, and community-generated evidence. They said Bangladesh must urgently shift from reactive responses to evidence-based, data-driven climate action to address its escalating climate emergency. The dialogue titled “Bangladesh in Climate Emergency: Evidence-Based Pathways for Climate Action” was held in Dhaka. The event was organised by Oxfam in Bangladesh and its partners, with support from the Australian government, which brought together senior policymakers, development partners, experts, and practitioners to explore innovative pathways for climate action, ecosystem restoration, and climate finance. Joining the discussion, renowned climate expert Prof Ainun Nishat emphasised strengthening climate governance through innovation and data. “Bangladesh stands at a critical moment where climate challenges must be addressed with precision, transparency, and forward‑looking strategies,” he said. The expert said evidence‑based approaches are essential for strengthening their policies, guiding investments, and amplifying their leadership in global climate negotiations. Global and national data underscored the urgency of the crisis. Climate-related disasters have increased by 83% globally, rising from 3,656 events between 1980 and 1999 to 6,681 events between 2000 and 2019. More than 9,700 extreme weather disasters were recorded between 1995 and 2024, causing over 830,000 deaths and more than USD 4.5 trillion in economic losses worldwide. In Bangladesh alone, over 300 disasters have affected approximately 190 million people between 1995 and 2024, with annual economic losses estimated at USD 3 billion. With this data and information, Dr Mohammad Emran Hasan, Head of Climate Justice and Natural Resource Rights, Oxfam in Bangladesh, presented a paper on "Bangladesh in Climate Emergency: Evidence-Based Pathways for Climate Action” that also shares that Bangladesh is experiencing a deepening climate crisis marked by frequent floods, cyclones, salinity intrusion, and ecosystem degradation. The dialogue also highlighted growing global concerns around tipping points and accelerating damages. Scientists now warn that tipping points in the climate system may occur sooner than previously expected, while climate-related damages have been rising by 5–7% annually. Dr M. Shahidul Islam, Professor of Geography and Environment, University of Dhaka, highlighted the growing gap between knowledge and action: “Bangladesh has the experience, knowledge, and capacity. "The challenge is translating that knowledge into timely and effective action. Evidence must drive decision-making if we are to address the complexity of climate risks.” Moderated by Md Sariful Islam, Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media of Oxfam in Bangladesh, the event featured a presentation of a comprehensive position paper outlining the scale of the climate crisis and proposing actionable solutions. It presented two of Oxfam’s innovative tools, i.e., the Loss and Damage Dashboard and the Interactive Spatial Decision Support System (iSDSS), to help facilitate the climate actions and climate finance through evidence backed by 3 Senses (i.e., social sensing by community reporting; remote sensing by utilising earth observation to verify and validate reported cases; and finally, common sensing by utilising the data and evidence). Nayoka Martinez‑Bäckström, first secretary and deputy head of development cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, underscored the global dimension of climate justice and finance. “Countries like Bangladesh are paying the highest price for a crisis they did not create." Evidence from the ground is crucial to ensure that climate finance reaches the most vulnerable communities in a fair and accountable way,” she said. Ashish Damle, country director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of linking people, policy, and evidence. “Climate action must remain rooted in the realities of those most affected. Through innovations like the Loss and Damage Dashboard and spatial decision systems, we are bringing community voices into policy spaces and strengthening accountability in climate finance.” The discussion also highlighted Bangladesh’s increasing vulnerability, including rising temperatures of 0.5–1.0°C over the past decades; sea-level rise affecting over 100 coastal upazilas; and projections that 13.3 million people could become internal climate migrants by 2050. Organised under the Blue Economy and Inclusive Development for Climate Justice (BID4CJ), supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government and implemented by Oxfam in partnership with BTS, CODEC, and BELA, it focuses on advancing inclusive climate justice through evidence‑based approaches, ecosystem restoration, and community stewardship.

Three hundred youngsters waved miniature American and Chinese flags in front of themselves and then over their head in unison. “Welcome, welcome! Warm welcome!” the children chanted in Chinese. U.S. President Donald Trump greeted dignitaries after deplaning, then stopped and grinned, taking in the scene. He didn’t answer questions, instead climbing in a limo on the way to his hotel. The president has nothing more on his public schedule until Thursday. Following him off the plane were Trump’s son, Eric, and Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, as well as assorted travelers, including Space X chief Elon Musk.  

Low-lying areas in two unions of Haluaghat upazila have been flooded after a section of embankment along the Ghoraghat River collapsed due to onrush of water from hilly areas and continuous rainfall. Gazirvita and Bhubankura unions were inundated as water from the Garo hills rushed into the area since early morning, raising concern among local residents. Officials said the water level of the Ghoraghat River increased rapidly due water flow from hills, submerging farmlands and low-lying settlements in some villages. Many families have started preparing to move to safer locations as water continues to enter residential areas. Faysal Ahmed, Haluaghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), said water is entering the locality through Gazirvita and Bhubankura points along the border area. He added that two earthen roads in the affected unions have already been damaged due to the flooding. “All necessary preparations have been taken to deal with the situation,” he said.

Bangladesh Bank has reduced the maximum penalty interest rate on overdue loans to 0.5 percent, aiming to boost investment and productivity amid the prevailing global economic challenges. According to a circular issued by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) on Wednesday, the central bank lowered the penalty interest cap from 1.5 percent to 0.5 percent. The directive, signed by BRPD Director Gazi Md Mahfuzul Islam, revises earlier guidelines issued in May 2024 on market-based interest rate determination. Under the revised rules, banks may now charge a maximum of 0.5 percent penalty interest on overdue loans or instalments. For continuous or demand loans, the penalty will apply to the entire outstanding amount, while for term loans, it will apply only to the overdue instalment. The central bank said the decision was taken in view of the “prevailing global economic situation” and the need to “increase investment and productivity”. The new instruction takes immediate effect, the circular said. It also clarified that all other provisions of BRPD Circular No. 10/2024 will remain unchanged, including the validity of actions already taken under the previous framework.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain on Wednesday highly praised Nevian’s success in exporting medicines to Canada, noting that the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most important sectors for diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket. “Nevian’s initiative, in partnership with Switzerland-based Sandoz, can serve as a role model for achieving rapid growth in this sector,” he said joining an event virtually. The event was held at Nevian’s manufacturing plant in Tongi attended by senior government officials, representatives from regulatory authorities, and local public representatives. Gazipur-2 MP M Manjurul Karim Rony and Gazipur City Corporation Administrator Shawkat Hossain Sarkar, among others, attended the event. Nevian Life Science PLC (formerly Novartis Bangladesh Limited) celebrated a milestone in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical export sector by commencing medicine exports to Canada. The export initiative has begun under a contract manufacturing arrangement with Sandoz AG, world’s no. 1 generic pharmaceutical company headquartered in Switzerland. In the first phase, Sandoz Canada Inc. is importing multiple pharmaceutical products manufactured at Nevian’s Tongi plant against purchase orders from Sandoz AG, Switzerland. Under the same agreement, several countries across Europe, North America, and South America under the Sandoz network are expected to be added as future export destinations. This marks the first time Bangladesh has exported pharmaceutical products to highly regulated North American markets, including Canada, on behalf of a leading multinational pharmaceutical company, said the company. Nevian’s Managing Director Musawath Shams Zahedee said when we embarked on their journey as Nevian, they pledged to uphold the quality standards of Novartis in Bangladesh. “Today, through exporting medicines to a country like Canada on behalf of a multinational company, that commitment has been fulfilled. Nevian is now the first company in Bangladesh to engage in multi-country partnership-based contract manufacturing and exports.” Chairman of Radiant Pharmaceuticals Md Nasser Shahrear Zahedee said that the foundation of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry was established through the historic Pharmacy Ordinance enacted during the presidency of Ziaur Rahman in 1976, which paved the way for Bangladesh’s self-sufficiency in medicines. He said the policies and plans introduced by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in 1994 for the development of the pharmaceutical sector would now be reinstated and modernised by the current nationalist government to further advance public health protection and the growth of the pharmaceutical industry.

While Bangladesh’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors showed signs of expansion in April, other key segments of the economy, particularly construction, continued to contract, leaving businesses in sectors like steel struggling to stay afloat, experts and economist said at a discussion on the country's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data on Wednesday. The event, jointly organised by UK International Development, Policy Exchange Bangladesh and the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), was held at the MCCI's Gulshan office. Hasnat Alam, Senior Manager at Policy Exchange Bangladesh, presented findings from the latest PMI survey at the programme. Responding to questions from journalists, he explained that the PMI is calculated by surveying senior executives or owners of firms across various sectors, asking seven to eight structured questions on trends in employment, imports, exports, output and new orders. Aggregating the responses across firms and sectors, Hasnat said, yields a composite picture of the economy's overall direction – expanding, contracting or stagnating. The PMI findings were broadly consistent with official data presented in a concurrent MCCI quarterly economic review. The review showed that the industry sector registered a sharp growth deceleration, falling to 1.27 percent in Q2 of FY26 from 6.82 percent in the previous quarter, while the manufacturing sub-sector slowed even more steeply, to 1.13 percent from 6.09 percent. Construction growth collapsed from 9.35 percent in Q1 to just 1.56 percent in Q2, with the sector's difficulties creating knock-on effects for building materials industries. Agriculture, by contrast, outperformed expectations. The sector grew 3.68 percent in Q2 of FY26, up from 2.11 percent in Q1, buoyed by favourable weather and timely government support for inputs and financing. The sector accounts for approximately 44 percent of the country's labour force. Domestic food grain production targets of 45.39 million metric tons were set for FY26, with Boro rice, accounting for about 52 percent of total rice output, expected to meet its target. The services sector also registered a modest slowdown, growing 4.45 percent in Q2 compared to 4.51 percent in the previous quarter, with its share of GDP declining 1.47 percentage points to 50.57 percent. Meanwhile, overseas employment recorded solid growth, with manpower exports rising 15.25 percent to 7,64,149 persons during July-February period of FY26 compared to 6,63,021 persons a year earlier. The government is currently pursuing diplomatic efforts to reopen labour markets in Malaysia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, while separately working towards placing 1,00,000 Bangladeshi workers in Japan over the next five years under a bilateral agreement. The MCCI cautioned that the overall recovery, while showing some gradual improvement, remains exposed to both domestic risks, including political uncertainty and weak private investment, and external headwinds from the Middle East conflict and global trade disruptions.

Bangladesh's key financial regulators convened on Wednesday at the Dhaka Stock Exchange PLC (DSE) to bolster the capital market's defences against money laundering and terrorist financing, underscoring growing concerns over illicit financial flows threatening investor confidence. The workshop titled “Stable Capital Market: Progress in AML/CFT Compliance and Risk Management” was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU), the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and the DSE. Chaired by DSE General Manager and acting Chief Risk Officer Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Bhuiyan, the event brought together senior officials from all three institutions to assess implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks across the securities sector. In his welcome address, Shafiqul Islam warned that the capital market now faces layered risks, from money laundering and terror financing to cyber-enabled financial crimes, insider trading and market manipulation, all of which erode investor trust and undermine sound governance of the financial system. BSEC Additional Director Md Ohidul Islam, speaking as a special guest, stressed that effective implementation of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) framework is indispensable for building a transparent, resilient and trust-based capital market. He cautioned that illicit financial flows and laundering risks directly damage market integrity and pose a systemic threat to financial sector stability. BFIU Director Syed Kamrul Islam, the chief guest, called for clearer and more actionable AML/CFT guidance for capital market participants. A transparent, accountable and well-governed capital market, he said, plays a decisive role in attracting both domestic and foreign investors. AML/CFT guidelines enforce strict protocols to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, primarily focusing on risk-based approaches (RBA), Customer Due Diligence (CDD), and transaction monitoring. Key requirements include identifying beneficial owners, conducting regular audits, reporting suspicious activities (STR/SAR), and complying with international standards, such as those from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The workshop comes as Bangladesh's capital market regulators face intensifying pressure to align with international financial integrity standards ahead of upcoming FATF-related assessments.  

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam on Wednesday said  a long-term plan has been undertaken to improve the living standards of sanitation workers, including the construction of 18 modern multi-storey residential buildings by replacing old and risky structures. At the same time, DSCC is working to ensure alternative accommodation during the construction period, resolve gas and water supply problems, and provide playgrounds and places of worship for children and residents, he said. The DSCC administrator made the remarks while addressing sanitation workers and local residents after visiting the sanitation workers’ housing colony at Dayaganj in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. Referring to the dilapidated condition of the existing buildings, Abdus Salam said the current structures are highly risky and residents would be relocated to safer places before demolition and reconstruction work begins. “The faster you cooperate, the sooner we will be able to complete the construction of modern housing facilities,” he added. He said plans for constructing 18 multi-storey buildings in different colonies, including Mironzilla, Dhalpur, Ganaktuli, Dayaganj, Wari and Postogola, have already been sent to the ministry for approval. Work will begin soon after approval is obtained, he said. Regarding utility bills, he said sanitation workers would be allowed to pay outstanding electricity bills in instalments while DSCC would take initiatives to pay gas bills on their behalf. Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, he directed sanitation workers to remove sacrificial waste within eight hours and announced special rewards for good performance. Calling for greater public awareness, Abdus Salam said maintaining a clean city would not be possible through sanitation workers alone unless citizens acted responsibly. “Waterlogging occurs mainly because people dump waste into drains and canals. City dwellers must become more responsible in this regard,” he said. MP for Dhaka-7 Hamidur Rahman Hamid, local public representatives and senior DSCC officials were present during the visit.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to take effective measures to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure necessary services for them across the country. He also stressed the importance of building disability-friendly infrastructure and ensuring equal access to education, healthcare and other essential services as part of efforts to create an inclusive society. 9 development projects get ECNEC nod The directives came at a meeting held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat to discuss measures for protecting the rights and ensuring services for persons with disabilities, said a release issued by the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. The Prime Minister said people with special needs must be given proper dignity and their capabilities should be duly recognised at every level of society. “Practical steps must be taken so that they can actively participate in all activities of society and the state,” he said. During the meeting, state ministers from different ministries highlighted various challenges, limitations and inadequate facilities faced by persons with disabilities. The Prime Minister also instructed authorities to ensure disability-friendly infrastructure and toilet facilities in all government and private establishments, including hospitals and restaurants, under the building construction policy. He said doors of rooms should be designed in a way that allows easy access for wheelchair users. Tarique Rahman also directed that the planned electric buses for women should include necessary facilities for persons with disabilities. He asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to strengthen awareness campaigns and arrange programmes focusing on persons with disabilities. The Prime Minister asked the authorities to examine whether schools for children with disabilities across the country are functioning properly. He suggested including children with special needs in the “Notun Kuri Sports” competition as well. The meeting decided to launch the “Shishu Swarga” project initially in 10 upazilas across 10 districts to ensure healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with special needs. Officials said the programme will be launched soon. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar and secretaries of the relevant ministries attended the meeting. Founder of the Bangladesh Protibondhi Kallyan Somity Abdus Sattar Dulal also joined the meeting.

The government has fixed the prices of salt-applied rawhides of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, raising cowhide rates by Tk 2 per square foot compared to last year. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced the prices at a press briefing at the ministry in Dhaka on Wednesday. Under the new rates, salt-applied cowhide in Dhaka has been fixed at Tk62–Tk67 per square foot, up from Tk 60–Tk 65 last year. Outside Dhaka, the price has been set at Tk57–Tk62 per square foot, compared to Tk55–Tk60 last year. Goat hides will sell for Tk25–Tk30 per square foot across the country, while she-goat hides have been fixed at Tk22–Tk25 per square foot. The minister said the government will again provide salt worth Tk17.6 crore free of cost for preserving rawhides. Traders as well as mosques and madrasas in different areas will be involved in preservation. He said the government is working to ensure that no rawhide is wasted during Eid-ul-Azha. In future, district and upazila administrations will train people from mosques and madrasas to properly preserve hides after sacrifice, he added.  

U.S. President Donald Trump has arrived in Beijing for his highly anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a restless moment for a world worried about war, trade and artificial intelligence. A red carpet was rolled out for him after Air Force One landed. The president was to be greeted by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng; Xie Feng, China’s ambassador to Washington; Ma Zhaoxu, executive vice minister of foreign affairs; as well as the U.S. envoy to Beijing, David Perdue, according to the White House. The welcoming ceremony includes some 300 Chinese youths, a military honor guard and a military band.

Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has signed a contract with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) joint venture to rehabilitate the deck of Jamuna Bridge and convert its long-abandoned rail lane into a motorable carriageway. The agreement was signed Wednesday at the BBA conference room, aiming to significantly ease traffic pressure on one of the country's most critical transport arteries. BBA Chief Engineer Kazi Md Ferdaus signed the agreement on behalf of the authority while Wang Benqian signed for the CCCC-CRBC JV. BBA unveils 3 research papers to fast-track cashless toll collection The project involves deck renovation, widening and structural capacity enhancement of the bridge, with the disused rail lane, rendered idle after rail traffic was separated from the bridge, to be converted for vehicular use. This will add 3.5 metres to the bridge's existing road width. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Altaf said higher authorities have directed that the expansion work be completed on time and to standard in order to reduce public suffering. “Jamuna Bridge is an inseparable part of our national economy,” he said, adding that the project marks a significant milestone in modernising the bridge and ensuring its long-term durability. He said once the renovation is complete, travel between the northern and southern regions of the country will become smoother and economic activity will gain momentum. Senior officials from the Bridge Division and BBA, along with senior representatives of the CCCC-CRBC JV, attended the ceremony. The Jamuna Bridge, which connects Bangladesh's northern and southern regions, has long faced mounting traffic pressure. Officials and stakeholders at the event expressed confidence that the rehabilitation will make the bridge a more durable and effective transport corridor in the years ahead.

Commonwealth of Independent States-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CIS-BCCI) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Labaid Group, Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Centre and Lifeplus Bangladesh Limited to provide healthcare benefits to its members. The agreement was signed at the CIS-BCCI office in Gulshan-1 in the capital, said a press release. Under the MoU, CIS-BCCI members will receive a 20 percent discount on pathological and biochemistry investigations and a 10 percent discount on CT scans, MRIs, ECGs, ultrasonograms, echocardiograms and ETT services at all branches of Labaid diagnostic centres and hospitals across the country. Besides, members will receive a 30 percent discount on all pathological and biochemistry investigations, and a 15 percent discount on X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ECG, ultrasonogram, echocardiogram, and ETT services at Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Centre. Members will also enjoy a 10 percent discount on Emergency Telemedicine services and a 5 percent discount on Specialist Telemedicine services offered by Lifeplus Bangladesh Limited. President of CIS-BCCI, Jadab Debnath and the Managing Director of Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Centre, Deputy Managing Director of Labaid Group and Vice President of CIS-BCCI, Sakif Shamim, FLMI, FACHE, signed the MoU. Among others present at the signing ceremony were CIS-BCCI Senior Vice President Tauhida Sultana,  Directors Salma Hossain Ash, Abdul Latif Sarker, Md. Enamul Haque, Md. Khayer Mia, Md. Hasen Ali, Md. Farukul Islam Shova, Khan Md. Iqbal, Helena Jahangir and Md. Kamruzzaman Khan, Advisers Mahbub Islam Runu, Sheikh Fayez Alam and Masud Ahmed, Chief Business Officer, Labaid Cancer Hospital and Super Speciality Centre along with other senior officials from both the organizations were also present at the signing program.    

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for crucial talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the Iran war, trade tensions and US arms sales to Taiwan expected to dominate discussions. The main bilateral meeting and formal banquet are scheduled for Thursday, but Chinese authorities rolled out a grand welcome for Trump upon arrival, including a reception led by Vice President Han Zheng and senior officials, alongside a ceremonial guard and youth delegation. Speaking before departure, Trump highlighted the significance of the meeting, describing the United States and China as the world’s leading powers. Despite projecting confidence, the visit comes at a sensitive time for his administration, amid domestic concerns over inflation and the ongoing Iran conflict. Trump is seeking progress on trade, including expanding Chinese purchases of American goods such as soybeans, beef and aircraft. Washington is also pushing to establish a new “Board of Trade” mechanism aimed at managing economic disputes and preventing a renewed escalation of the tariff war that was paused under a one-year truce last October. However, the Iran war remains a pressing backdrop. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, particularly through tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump said Iran may not be a primary focus of talks, it continues to weigh heavily on his domestic agenda. Taiwan high on the agenda Taiwan is expected to be a central issue in the discussions, with Beijing strongly opposing US plans to supply weapons to the self-governed island, which China considers part of its territory. Trump confirmed he would raise an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan that was approved last year but not yet implemented. His approach toward Taiwan has drawn scrutiny, with questions over whether Washington might adjust its level of support. Taiwan’s strategic importance has also grown due to its dominance in semiconductor manufacturing, a key component in global technology and artificial intelligence supply chains. Ahead of the visit, China’s state media reiterated that Taiwan remains a “red line” in bilateral relations and the most sensitive point of tension between the two countries. Trump says relationship with Xi is on solid footing Trump expressed optimism about long-term ties with China, suggesting both sides could maintain a stable relationship for decades. He also indicated plans to encourage greater access for US businesses in China during his talks with Xi. Despite this optimism, analysts say China may enter the meeting from a relatively stronger position, particularly in areas such as technology restrictions and tariff negotiations. Separately, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held talks on economic issues in South Korea ahead of the summit. Trump is also expected to propose a trilateral nuclear arms agreement involving the US, China and Russia. However, China has previously shown reluctance to join such a pact, given the significant gap between its nuclear arsenal and those of Washington and Moscow. The high-profile summit is being closely watched globally, though expectations for major breakthroughs remain limited.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen has met President of Chevron Javier LaRosa to discuss ongoing cooperation in Bangladesh's energy sector. Chevron supplies nearly 60% of Bangladesh's natural gas - powering homes, businesses, and economic growth across the country, said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday. Ambassador Christensen also talked with President and CEO of Excelerate Energy Steven Kobos about meeting Bangladesh's growing energy demands by tapping American innovation to expand LNG and energy infrastructure to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy to homes and businesses. The US envoy recently led a delegation of 25 Bangladeshi business leaders to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch recently visited Bangladesh and held ‘productive’ meetings with Bangladeshi government officials, the US business community, Bangladeshi companies, and labor organizations. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen the trade and investment relationship through implementation of the US-Bangladesh agreement on reciprocal trade, which the US thinks will enhance economic growth in both countries by improving market access, removing barriers to investment, and boosting commercial opportunities.

Eight more children died from measles and similar symptoms in the country in 24 hours till 8:00am on Wednesday, taking the death toll to 432. Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related, while the remaining seven were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the suspected deaths, highest three were recorded in Sylhet division. With this, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 69 and suspected deaths to 363, it said. According to DGHS data, a total of 1,489 suspected measles cases were recorded in the 24 hours. The total number of suspected cases has reached 53,056 during the period. During this period, 126 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 7,150. Since March 15, a total of 38,054 suspected measles patients have been hospitalised of whom 33,832 have recovered.

The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) has fined top officials of Fortune Shoes Limited over unpaid cash dividends and listing fees, while also taking several policy decisions at its 1,013th commission meeting. The meeting was held on Tuesday at the commission’s headquarters with BSEC Chairman Khondoker Rashed Maqsood in the chair, according to a press release issued on Wednesday. The commission said Fortune Shoes had declared a 10 percent cash dividend and a 5 percent bonus dividend for the financial year ended June 30, 2022. However, the listed company failed to disburse Tk 3.98 crore out of its total cash dividend payout of Tk 16.25 crore. The company also failed to pay Tk 18.29 lakh in listing fees to the Dhaka Stock Exchange for the previous three years until July 31, 2023. The commission directed the company to clear the unpaid cash dividend and listing fees within 30 days of the order. It also decided to impose financial penalties on responsible individuals for violating securities laws and harming investors’ interests. The fines must be deposited with the commission within seven days. Under the decision, Fortune Shoes Chairman Md Mizanur Rahman was fined Tk 5 crore. Directors Md Amanur Rahman, Robiul Islam and former director Md Khosrul Islam were each fined Tk 50 lakh. Managing Director Roksana Rahman was also fined Tk 50 lakh. Chief Financial Officer Jamil Ahmed Chowdhury was fined Tk 10 lakh, while former Company Secretary Riaz Uddin Bhuiya was fined Tk 5 lakh. In another decision, BSEC said if any listed company’s board is restructured by a primary regulatory authority and the reconstituted board jointly holds less than 30 percent shares, restrictions on capital raising through rights shares, bonus shares or similar measures will no longer apply. The commission also decided that listed banks under the ‘A’ category on stock exchanges will be allowed to maintain dividend accounts with their own banks. Besides, BSEC decided to continue organising the “BSEC Capital Market Journalism Excellence Awards and Fellowship 2026”, following last year’s initiative aimed at encouraging transparent, research-based financial journalism. The commission said the fellowship would help journalists enhance their knowledge of global financial markets, strengthen analytical skills and promote ethical reporting standards. Last year, BSEC introduced the programme for the first time and awarded nine journalists in print, electronic and online media categories.    

Israeli drone strikes on multiple vehicles across Lebanon on Wednesday killed at least 12 people, including a woman and her two children, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The ministry said seven separate strikes targeted vehicles, including three along a major highway south of Beirut. While it confirmed the overall death toll, it did not provide a detailed breakdown of casualties in each vehicle. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, two of the strikes hit a key highway linking Beirut to the southern port city of Sidon, while another targeted the town of Saadiyat near the busy route. These attacks alone left eight people dead, including the mother and her two children. Another strike near the northern entrance of Sidon in the early afternoon killed one person and injured another, the Health Ministry said. Three additional drone strikes on vehicles in southern Lebanon claimed three more lives. An Associated Press photographer reported seeing the bodies of three victims at strike sites near the coastal towns of Barja and Jiyeh. The Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in several areas of southern Lebanon, hours after warning residents of six villages to evacuate. The attacks come as Lebanon and Israel are set to hold another round of direct talks in Washington on Thursday, with the Trump administration seeking to ease tensions between the two sides, which have remained in a state of war since 1948. Meanwhile, cross-border hostilities have continued despite a US-brokered ceasefire reached on April 17. Hezbollah said it carried out further attacks on Israel, including drone strikes, as both sides continued to exchange fire. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) expressed growing concern over escalating clashes near its positions, warning that peacekeepers are increasingly at risk. UNIFIL said a suspected Hezbollah drone exploded داخل its headquarters in Naqoura on Tuesday, following similar incidents earlier in the week. No casualties were reported, though some facilities were damaged. The current Israel-Hezbollah conflict began on March 2, when the Lebanese group launched rockets into northern Israel shortly after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Since the start of the conflict, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said 2,896 people have been killed and 8,824 injured.

Turkish business leaders and Bangladesh's leading trade body DCCI explored new avenues for bilateral investment Wednesday as a seven-member delegation from Turkey met office bearers of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) in the capital. The delegation was led by Burak Basegmezlar, Vice President of the Turkish Electro Technology Exporters' Association (TET), and attended by Turkey’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ramis Şen. Welcoming the visitors, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said Bangladesh and Turkey share longstanding friendly ties and expressed hope that such high-level business exchanges would give fresh momentum to bilateral trade. He disclosed that total bilateral trade between the two countries in FY 2024–25 stood at approximately USD 1.05 billion, with Bangladesh's imports from Turkey amounting to USD 416.76 million and exports reaching USD 634.53 million. “Turkish entrepreneurs have already invested USD 74.05 million across various sectors in Bangladesh.” Taskeen invited Turkish investors to explore both joint ventures and sole investments in sectors including readymade garments, leather and footwear, jute goods, agro-processed products, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, ICT services and software, home textiles, and consumer goods. Basegmezlar said Bangladesh presents strong demand for electronic equipment, home appliances and generators, and noted that Turkish investors are actively interested in entering these segments through both independent and collaborative arrangements. He announced that a Turkish business delegation from the electronics and electrical equipment sector is planning to visit Bangladesh in November, during which B2B sessions between private sector representatives of both countries would be held to unlock investment potential and deepen trade ties. Ambassador Şen underscored the considerable scope for expanding bilateral trade and said stronger business-to-business linkages are key to realising that potential. He noted that DCCI is well-placed to serve as an effective bridge between the private sectors of the two countries. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury and Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman, among others, were present at the meeting.

The operator of the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius said it is awaiting further information before deciding whether the vessel will continue its scheduled cruises later this summer. Oceanwide Expeditions said on Wednesday it expects clarity by the end of the week on whether the Dutch-flagged ship will proceed with its planned voyages, including an Arctic cruise scheduled for later in May. The development comes after an outbreak on board the vessel, which has so far resulted in 11 reported cases, including nine confirmed infections, and three deaths. Health officials believe a Dutch couple among the victims were initially exposed to the virus during a visit to South America. More than 120 passengers and some crew members disembarked in Spain’s Canary Islands earlier this week and have since been placed in quarantine across several countries. Following the evacuation, the vessel departed for Rotterdam in the Netherlands, where it is expected to arrive around May 17 or 18. According to the company, 25 crew members, two health workers and the body of one deceased passenger remain on board, with no one currently showing symptoms of the virus. Earlier, Oceanwide had indicated that it did not expect any disruption to its operations, including a cruise set to begin on May 29. However, it has now said a final decision will depend on further assessments in the coming days. Hantavirus is typically transmitted through contact with infected rodent droppings and is not easily spread between humans, though the Andes strain linked to the outbreak may allow limited person-to-person transmission. Symptoms usually appear between one and eight weeks after exposure.  

A four-tier security arrangement will be taken for the upcoming 199 th Eid-ul-Azha congregation at the historic Sholakia Eidgah in Kishoreganj district. The main congregration of Eid-ul-Azha will begin at 9am at Sholakia Eidgah maidan. The decision was announced at a preparatory meeting held on Wednesday morning at the conference room of the deputy commissioner’s office in Kishoreganj. Representatives from the local administration, law enforcement agencies, Islamic Foundation Bangladesh and the organising committee attended the meeting and discussed overall preparations and security measures for the congregation. Besides, police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansar members and volunteers will be deployed to ensure smooth and secure participation of devotees. Security measures will include installation of CCTV cameras in and around the Eidgah ground, construction of watchtowers, frisking at entry points and arrangements for emergency medical services. Following long-standing tradition, the Eid jamaat will begin at 9am with three ceremonial gunshots. This year’s prayers will be led by Mufti Abul Khair Mohammad Saifullah, khatib of the district’s Boro Bazar Jame Mosque. One of the country’s largest Eid congregations, the Sholakia Eid jamaat carries nearly two centuries of tradition and attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees every year.    

Several American companies are expanding their operations in China, highlighting continued confidence in the country’s large consumer market, strong manufacturing base and long-term business opportunities. Essential oils company doTERRA announced in March that it will build new manufacturing facilities in Shanghai. The project will add to the company’s existing China headquarters and research and development centre in the city. The new facilities are expected to improve supply chain efficiency and help the company create a fully integrated operation covering research, production and sales. Owen Messick, president of doTERRA China, said the investment reflects the company’s confidence in China and will help combine its innovation capabilities with the country’s well-developed manufacturing ecosystem. doTERRA will also take part in the China International Import Expo for the ninth year in a row. The company’s booth space has grown from 9 square metres at the first expo in 2018 to 300 square metres this year. The company is among several major US firms, including Tesla, Apple, Eli Lilly and Company and ExxonMobil, that continue to expand in China. Fashion brand Coach, owned by Tapestry, Inc., recently opened a new store in Chongqing as part of efforts to strengthen its presence in central and western China. Tapestry now operates more than 350 stores in over 90 Chinese cities. Coach has also partnered with Donghua University to host a youth exhibition on sustainable fashion in Shanghai to support local design talent. Liliana Lucioni, president of Coach China, said China remains one of the company’s most important markets and continues to offer significant long-term potential. She said the company plans to expand its retail network and deepen cooperation with local creative communities. According to a March report by the American Chamber of Commerce in South China, 95 percent of surveyed companies said they would continue operating in China, while 45 percent named the country as their top investment priority, up six percentage points from last year. Eric Zheng, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, said Chinese authorities remain supportive of foreign investment and that many US firms are committed to growing their presence in the country. He said businesses hope to see more government measures to boost domestic demand, noting that China remains an important supply base with a highly competitive manufacturing network. China continues to attract foreign investors due to its large market, expanding innovation capacity and ongoing economic opening. Official data showed that more than 70,000 foreign-invested enterprises were established in China last year, an increase of 19.1 percent from the previous year. Yan Bing of Nankai University said foreign companies are increasingly investing in China not only for market access but also to benefit from the country’s growing innovation ecosystem.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday approved nine development projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 36,695.72 crore. Of the total project cost, Tk 36,490.93 crore will come from the government’s own funds while Tk 204.79 crore will be financed from the concerned agencies’ own resources. The approval came at an ECNEC meeting chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Among the approved projects, three are new projects, five are revised and one project received a time extension. Ministers, state ministers, planning commission officials and senior government representatives concerned were present.    

Researchers in Australia have developed a next-generation malaria vaccine that requires no refrigeration and shows strong potential to provide long-lasting protection and reduce transmission by mosquitoes. The vaccine is predicted to be low-cost, and its cold-chain independence strongly enhances its deployability, said a statement of Australia's Griffith University released on Wednesday. Malaria kills more than 500,000 people each year, mostly in developing countries where vaccine storage and distribution remain major challenges. "Existing vaccines offer only partial and short-lived protection and are difficult to distribute across the globe as they require strict refrigeration," said Griffith University Professor Bernd Rehm, whose team led the vaccine development. The vaccine remained stable and effective for at least one month at temperatures up to 37 degrees Celsius, removing the need for cold-chain logistics and improving access in rural and remote areas, said the study published in the journal Small. "It attacks two critical stages at once -- before infection and during transmission by stopping the parasite from reaching and infecting the liver, and also by preventing parasites from developing inside mosquitoes and spreading to others," Rehm said. The vaccine uses engineered bacterial particles, acting like a scaffold to display key malaria proteins, training the immune system to recognize and destroy the parasite, researchers said. Preclinical results showed the vaccine reduced liver infection by up to 80 percent, completely protected about a quarter of recipients, and cut mosquito transmission by roughly two-thirds, with immunity lasting at least six months.

Following the 104-run win in the first of the two-match Test series against Pakistan, several Bangladeshi players climbed in the latest ICC Rankings. Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh captain, climbed 16 places after his outstanding performance of hitting a ton in the first innings and falling short of another century in the second innings. Left-handed middle-order batter Mominul Haque scored twin fifties in the same match that lifted him to the 35th Test batter in the rankings. Mushfiqur Rahim, the former captain and wicketkeeper, also attained a better place. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam also moved up in the rankings and is now the 13th Test bowler. Nahid Rana, the right-arm pacer who bagged a five-for in the fourth innings of the Test and sealed the match for the hosts, moved to 64th place. The second and final Test of the series will take place in Sylhet from May 17th. In the last meeting, Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-0 on their home soil. Bangladesh can complete a back-to-back series win over Pakistan if they can pull off another win in Sylhet.  

Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest for a maiden Saudi Pro League title was put on hold in dramatic fashion on Tuesday after a late own-goal saw Al-Nassr settle for a 1-1 draw against rivals Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr appeared to have the victory secured, holding a 1-0 lead into the eighth minute of stoppage time. However, in the final seconds of the match, Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento fumbled a long throw-in, inadvertently sending the ball into his own net. Ronaldo, who had already been substituted and was watching from the bench, appeared visibly distraught as the final whistle blew. Despite the setback, the 41-year-old superstar remained optimistic, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that the "dream is close" and urging his team to take the final step. Al-Nassr, seeking their first league title since 2019, currently holds a five-point lead over second-placed Al-Hilal. They can clinch the championship with a victory over Damac in the final round on May 21. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, must win their remaining two matches and hope for an Al-Nassr slip-up to stay in contention. Before the league finale, Ronaldo has the opportunity to secure his first major trophy with the club this Sunday, when Al-Nassr faces Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the Champions League Two final in Riyadh. The veteran striker, who is approaching 1,000 career goals, is also preparing for his sixth World Cup with Portugal. FIFA recently deferred a portion of a match ban, ensuring he is eligible for Portugal's opening game in what he has confirmed will be his final attempt at winning the World Cup.  

China’s expanded zero-tariff policy for African goods is helping businesses in central Hunan Province cut costs and increase imports from Africa, opening a new trade route through the inland province. The new policy allows goods from all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China to enter the Chinese market duty-free. China is the first major economy to offer such broad unilateral tariff-free access to all its African diplomatic partners. One of the first companies to benefit was Hunan Express Wisdom Information Technology Co., Ltd., which imported more than 6,000 bottles of South African wine through Changsha Huanghua International Airport on May 1. The shipment saved the company 21,000 yuan (about $3,000) in import duties. Chairman Zhang Xin said South African wine had previously faced a 14 percent tariff. With the duty now reduced to zero, the company expects to save around 5 million yuan annually. Officials say the policy is lowering import costs and attracting more African products, including agricultural goods, raw materials and consumer items, to Hunan for processing and redistribution. Hunan has become a key hub for China-Africa trade, supported by the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and a pilot zone for deeper economic cooperation. Trade between Hunan and Africa has been growing by an average of 15 percent annually, reaching 58 billion yuan and ranking the province first among central and western Chinese provinces in trade with Africa. In 2025, Hunan’s imports from Africa rose 27.2 percent year-on-year to 30.92 billion yuan. In the first four months of 2026, total trade between Hunan and Africa reached 18.16 billion yuan, up 8.8 percent from a year earlier, while imports jumped 29.4 percent to 10.41 billion yuan. Major suppliers include Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Changsha Customs said the removal of tariffs on industrial components and raw materials will help local manufacturers reduce costs and diversify supply chains. The lower tariffs are also expected to benefit products such as flowers, fruit, coffee, cocoa and shea butter. During the recent May Day holiday, an African goods market in Changsha attracted nearly 89,000 visitors over six days, offering products from more than a dozen African countries at lower prices. Hunan Yufei Industry Investment Co., Ltd. said its “Quality African Products” brand now includes more than 400 items from 13 African countries. Local coffee chain Coffee Z also plans to expand direct imports from Ethiopia and Kenya. Founder Jing Jianhua said the company aims to bring more affordable, high-quality African coffee to consumers across China by taking advantage of the zero-tariff policy.

Health experts on Wednesday urged the government to ensure sustainable financing and increase budgetary allocation in the upcoming FY2026-27 national budget to strengthen hypertension prevention and treatment services nationwide. The call came at a discussion titled “Prioritising Hypertension Control: Bangladesh Perspective,” organised by research and advocacy organization PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator at the BMA Bhaban in Dhaka on Tuesday, marking World Hypertension Day 2026. This year’s global theme is “Controlling Hypertension Together.” Speakers at the event said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) currently account for 71 percent of all deaths in Bangladesh, with hypertension being a major contributing factor. According to the World Health Organization’s 2025 report, around 283,800 people died from cardiovascular diseases in Bangladesh in 2024, and 52 percent of those deaths were linked to hypertension. They noted that although the government has initiated the distribution of free anti-hypertensive medicines at the grassroots level, inadequate financing continues to hamper uninterrupted medicine supply at Community Clinics and Upazila Health Complexes across the country. Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Health Economics Unit, stressed the need for both increased allocation and effective utilisation of the budget for hypertension control. Md. Khorshed Alam, NDC, Managing Director (Additional Secretary) of the Community Clinic Health Support Trust, said the government is working to ensure uninterrupted supply of hypertension medicines at grassroots health facilities. Public health expert Dr. Lelin Choudhury said ensuring free medicine supply at the community level would significantly reduce hypertension-related diseases and deaths. Professor Dr. Malay Kanti Mridha of BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health emphasised the importance of research-based prevention and treatment strategies to effectively control hypertension. Professor Dr. Shafiun Nahin Shimul, Director of the Institute of Health Economics, University of Dhaka, said sustainable financing for hypertension control should be viewed as a long-term investment. Among others, Dr. Geeta Rani Devi of the Directorate General of Health Services, Shamsun Naher Nahid of BIRDEM General Hospital, and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA, also spoke at the event.    

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced that RS-28 Sarmat, Russia's new intercontinental ballistic missile, was successfully test-launched and described it as the most powerful missile in the world. Putin said the nuclear-capable missile, also known in the West as “Satan II,” will be placed into combat service by the end of this year. “This is the most powerful missile in the world,” he said, claiming that its multiple nuclear warheads have more than four times the combined power of similar Western missiles. The launch is part of Russia’s long-running programme to modernize its nuclear forces. The Sarmat is designed to replace the Soviet-era Voyevoda missile, which has been in service for decades. Putin has frequently highlighted Russia’s nuclear capabilities since ordering troops into Ukraine in February 2022, warning Western countries against increasing military support for Kyiv. Just days earlier, Putin said the war in Ukraine was nearing its end. Since coming to power in 2000, Putin has overseen a major upgrade of Russia’s nuclear arsenal, including new land-based missiles, nuclear submarines and strategic bombers. The Sarmat programme began in 2011. Before Tuesday’s launch, the missile had only one publicly known successful test and reportedly suffered a major explosion during a failed test in 2024. Putin said the missile has improved accuracy and can travel more than 35,000 kilometres, including along suborbital paths, making it harder to intercept with missile defence systems. The Sarmat is one of several advanced weapons unveiled by Putin in 2018. Others include the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle, the Oreshnik missile, the Poseidon underwater drone and the Burevestnik cruise missile. Putin said these weapons were developed in response to US missile defence systems, which Russia sees as a threat to the strategic balance between Moscow and United States. The last major nuclear arms control treaty between Russia and the United States expired in February, leaving no limits on the two countries’ nuclear arsenals for the first time in more than 50 years and raising concerns about a new arms race.

Twelve people suffered burn injuries in an explosion apparently from gas leakage at the canteen of a power plant in Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj district on Wednesday. The victims were Ramijul, 15, Monir Hossain, 45, Badrul Huda, 9, Tuhin sheikh, 30, Suprobhat Ghosh, 42, Osman Goni, 30, Al amin, 30, Nazmul sheikh, 40, Saiful Islam, 30, Shankar, 25, Kawsar, 30 and Amir, 25. The injured were taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Resident surgeon of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery Assistant Professor Dr Shaon Bin Rahman said the explosion occurred around 1:45 pm at the canteen of the power plant near Meghna ghat, leaving 12 people injured.

The government has appointed 96 more candidates who had long been deprived despite passing the 27th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification on Wednesday appointing them to different BCS cadres following recommendations by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC). Earlier, on December 18 last year, the ministry appointed 673 candidates from the 27th BCS nearly two decades after they won a prolonged legal battle. The newly appointed officials have been asked to join their respective cadre-controlling ministries or divisions by May 18. If no further instruction is issued by the authorities concerend, they must join on that date. According to the notification, failure to join within the stipulated time will be considered as unwillingness to accept the appointment and the appointment order will stand cancelled. The notification also said the appointments will be considered effective retrospectively from the date the first appointment notification for their batch was issued in order to preserve their seniority. Their notional seniority will remain effective from the joining date mentioned in the original batch notification. However, they will not be entitled to any arrear financial benefits as a result of the retrospective effect. The results of the first viva voce examination of the 27th BCS were published on January 21, 2007, during the BNP-led government, where 3,567 candidates passed. Later, on June 30 that year, the then military-backed caretaker government cancelled the viva results over allegations of irregularities and corruption during the state of emergency. The successful candidates challenged the cancellation in the High Court, but on July 3, 2008, the court upheld the government’s decision. The petitioners later filed a leave-to-appeal petition with the Appellate Division against the verdict.

The government on Wednesday approved a Tk 33,474.45 crore project to build the first phase of the Padma Barrage, aiming to revive drying river systems, reduce salinity intrusion and improve irrigation and water management in vast Padma-dependent regions. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Wednesday approved the project titled “Padma Barrage (1st Phase)”following endorsement by the Planning Commission. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting held at Secretariat. The project will be implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board under the Ministry of Water Resources at an estimated cost of Tk 33,474.45 crore entirely from government funding. According to project documents, the implementation period has been set from July 2026 to June 2033. PM chairs ECNEC meeting at secretariat The project area will cover 19 districts across Khulna, Dhaka, Rajshahi and Barishal divisions, targeting restoration of several major river systems including the Hisna-Mathabhanga, Gorai-Madhumati, Chandana-Barashia, Baral and Ichamati rivers. Officials concerned said the proposed barrage is expected to play a critical role in addressing long-standing water management challenges in the country’s southwest and northwest regions, where reduced dry-season flow of the Padma River has severely affected agriculture, fisheries, navigation, forestry and biodiversity. The project is also aimed at reducing salinity intrusion in Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat districts, ensuring freshwater supply for the Sundarbans ecosystem and mitigating waterlogging in areas including Bhobodah in Jashore through dredging and drainage improvement works. According to the proposal, the key objectives of the project include reviving five river systems, restoring ecological balance in the Sundarbans, enhancing groundwater recharge, reducing arsenic contamination, improving irrigation facilities and creating employment opportunities through planned land development activities. The proposed infrastructure package includes construction of a 2.1-kilometre main Padma Barrage along with associated structures such as 78 sluice gates, 18 undersluices, fish passes, navigation locks, guide embankments and approach embankments. The project also includes construction of off-take structures at Gorai, Chandana and Hisna rivers, along with spillways, navigation and fish passage facilities. In addition, two hydropower plants with a combined generation capacity of 113 megawatts are planned under the scheme. Of these, a 76.4MW hydropower plant will be constructed alongside the main barrage, while another 36.6MW plant will be installed at the Gorai off-take point. Major river restoration works under the project include dredging of 135.60 kilometres of the Gorai-Madhumati river system and re-excavation of 246.46 kilometres within the Hisna river system. An additional 180 kilometres of afflux embankments are also proposed to support water regulation and flood management. According to project  documents thePadma-dependent area covers nearly 37 percent of Bangladesh and accommodates roughly one-third of the country’s population. The government linked the region’s deteriorating river flow situation to the diversion of dry-season water upstream through the Farakka Barrage, constructed in India during the 1970s to maintain navigability of the Kolkata port through the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system. Officials said reduced flow in the Padma over the decades has caused many distributary rivers in southwest and northwest Bangladesh to dry up during the lean season, leading to declining agricultural productivity, fisheries depletion, ecological stress and increased salinity in coastal districts. The project proposal stated that freshwater scarcity has also adversely affected the Sundarbans, threatening biodiversity and forest resources in the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem. The Planning Commission observed that implementation of the project would increase dry-season flow in the Padma River by conserving water through the barrage system, thereby helping revive major river networks and improving irrigation, drainage and flood resilience in the affected regions. The proposal was reviewed at a Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting held on Jan 15, 2026 under the Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division of the Planning Commission. Following the review, the commission recommended the project for ECNEC approval with full government financing.  

Asian stock markets were mixed on Wednesday as excitement over artificial intelligence-related shares eased and concerns over the ongoing conflict involving Iran continued to weigh on investor sentiment. Nikkei 225 in Japan rose 0.8 percent in afternoon trading, while Kospi in South Korea jumped 2.7 percent, recovering from earlier losses linked to uncertainty over possible government measures involving AI company profits. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.5 percent. Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong was little changed, while Shanghai Composite Index in China gained 0.6 percent. Market analysts said strong corporate earnings and continued interest in AI stocks are still supporting markets, but rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions are making investors more cautious. Oil prices slipped in early trading but remained far higher than before the conflict in the Middle East intensified. Analysts said the disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has added to concerns about global energy supplies. On Wall Street overnight, the S&P 500 fell 0.2 percent from its record high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.1 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.7 percent. Technology and chip stocks led the decline. Intel fell 6.8 percent, while Micron Technology lost 3.6 percent. In the bond market, U.S. Treasury yields rose, reflecting expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged to control inflation. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened slightly against the Japanese yen, while the euro edged lower against the dollar. Investors are now watching developments in the Middle East and signals from central banks for clues about the direction of global markets.

Bangladesh has received 3,83,080 doses of polio vaccine from Chinese company Sinovac Biotech, Health and Family Welfare Minister Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain said on Wednesday. “We now have sufficient vaccine stock in hand. We will begin administering polio vaccines and there will be no problem in this regard,” he said at a press conference on the current status of government vaccines. Currently the government is prioritising restoring public confidence in vaccination programmes instead of identifying those responsible for any mismanagement related to measles vaccines, he said. Many measles patients later develop pneumonia which in some cases becomes life-threatening and requires ventilator support as the final stage of treatment, he said. “We have ensured adequate ventilator support. As of today, we have received 10 more ventilators donated from the United States by a private pharmaceutical entrepreneur and those will be distributed today,” he added. The minister said anti-rabies vaccination has already resumed and assured that no patient would remain outside vaccination coverage. “All vaccination programmes are now continuing,” he said, adding that there is currently a slight shortage of Vitamin A capsules, but sufficient supplies are expected by June. Vitamin A supplementation campaigns would continue twice a year according to the existing schedule, stressing that no shortage would be allowed in the sector, he said. Children who are still outside routine immunisation coverage would be identified and vaccinated under the ongoing Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), he said. Responding to a question on whether the government would investigate alleged mismanagement in vaccination activities, he said the authorities would take a decision after the current crisis subsides. Responding to a question on whether those responsible for mismanagement in the vaccination programme would face an investigation, the minister said, “I did not say that we would not investigate. We are currently going through a crisis period. Once this crisis ends, we will take a decision centrally.”

Processed and ultra-processed foods including packaged snacks and processed meat are among the leading contributors to excessive salt intake in Bangladesh, speakers said at an awareness seminar on Wednesday. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive salt consumption causes nearly 1.7 million deaths globally each year. In Bangladesh, high-sodium foods are linked to around 24,000 deaths annually. The information was shared at a public awareness seminar organised to mark Salt Awareness Week 2026, being observed globally from May 11 to 17 with  the slogan, ‘Let’s reduce salt in our food together.’ The seminar jointly organised by the BFSA and the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB) was held at the conference room of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA). BFSA Chairman (Additional Secretary) Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar chaired the event. Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection Faruk Ahmed attended as chief guest, while BFSA member Prof Dr Mohammad Shoaib also addressed the programme. Prof Shoaib said that although salt is essential for the human body many diseases caused by excessive intake can be prevented through simple dietary changes. He warned that excess sodium raises blood pressure and significantly increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, vascular dementia, osteoporosis, stomach cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). “Excessive salt intake can also lead to fluid retention, swelling, a heavy feeling in the body, reduced joint flexibility and unhealthy weight gain,” he said. Regular consumption of salty foods puts additional pressure on the heart, brain, kidneys and blood vessels, increasing long-term health risks, he added. Citing the 2023 Global Burden of Disease Study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Prof Shoaib said around 11 million deaths worldwide in 2023 were linked to high blood pressure, including 1.67 million directly associated with high-sodium diets. “Excessive salt intake has become one of the leading preventable dietary risk factors driving the global epidemic of non-communicable diseases,” he said. He noted that NCDs are now the leading cause of death in Bangladesh, accounting for nearly 570,263 deaths annually — around 71 percent of total deaths in the country. Of these, about 51 percent are premature deaths while heart disease alone accounts for 34 percent of fatalities. The recommended daily salt intake for an adult is less than five grams, but the average consumption in Bangladesh exceeds nine grams, he added. Instead of adding extra salt, people can use spices such as garlic, onion and ginger to enhance flavour, he suggested. NHFB researcher Ahmed Khairul Abrar said many young people mistakenly believe they do not need to reduce salt intake because they currently have no health complications. “However, reducing salt consumption is important at every stage of life,” he said. WHO Bangladesh official Dr Samina Israt said non-communicable diseases claim 43 million lives globally every year. “To prevent premature deaths, we must reduce salt consumption,” she said.

Teachers of Barishal University continued their complete ‘shutdown’ programme for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and promotion of teachers. All classes and examinations at the university remained suspended while administrative activities came to a standstill due to ‘shutdown’. Students said they are suffering due to the suspension of academic activities and expressed hope for a quick resolution to the crisis. Teachers alleged that recruitment of teachers and promotions at the university have remained stalled for a long time, disrupting academic activities. Vice-Chancellor Dr Toufik Alam said there was no scope to promote teachers outside the regulations set by the University Grants Commission. “However, the teachers are not accepting the existing provisions and are demanding promotions under the previous rules. This is not within my jurisdiction,” he said adding that efforts are underway to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, the Eid vacation is schedule to begin from Thursday and the campus is expected to reopen in the first week of next month. The protesting teachers warned that the shutdown would continue even after the holidays if their demands are not met.

Former minister and veteran freedom fighter Engr Mosharraf Hossain died on Wednesday morning at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 83. He was declared dead around 10:15 am, his eldest son Sayedur Rahman Sumu told the media. Mosharraf, a presidium member of Awami League (now facing a ban on its activities), had been suffering from multiple age-related complications. He was admitted to Square Hospital in Dhaka about a month ago where he was treated for pneumonia and other complications. He is survived by wife, four children, grandchildren and a host of admirers. Family sources said his namaj-e-janaza will be held after Asr prayers on Thursday at Mohajonhat Fazlur Rahman School and College ground in Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram. A janaza is also planned in Dhaka but the venue and time are yet to be finalised. Engineer Mosharraf Hossain was a six-time Member of Parliament from Chattogram-1 (Mirsarai) and served in several key ministerial roles including as Minister for Housing and Public Works. He was born on January 12, 1943, at Dhum village of Mirsarai upazila in Chattogram. He completed his secondary education at Chittagong Collegiate School and higher secondary education at Sir Ashutosh Government College. He later earned a BSc in Mining Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore in 1966. During his student life, he was involved in the Six-Point Movement and served as president of the East Pakistan Students’ Union. After returning home, he joined Awami League under the leadership of MA Aziz. He was elected a member of the then East Pakistan Provincial Assembly in 1970. After independence, he was elected member of parliament in 1973, 1986, 1996, 2008, 2014 and 2018. During the Liberation War in 1971, he served as sub-sector commander of Sector 1 and took part in several operations including the demolition of the Shuvopur Bridge to resist advancing Pakistani forces. After independence, he was one of the framers of Bangladesh’s Constitution in 1972. In 1986, he served as the Opposition Whip in Parliament and after the Awami League formed the government in 1996, he held the posts of Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister and Housing and Public Works Minister. In 2015, he again assumed the responsibility Housing and Public Works Minister. In October last year, he was arrested by the interim government led by Professor Yunus after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. He was later shifted from the prison hospital to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital. Following his deteriorating condition, his wife Ayesha Sultana made several written appeals to the chief adviser of the intrim government seeking his bail and better medical treatment. He was granted bail while in intensive care, after which his health condition further worsened.

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rains or thundershowers in parts of Bangladesh in 24 hours from 9 am on Wednesday. “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty or squally wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Dhaka and Chattogram divisions and at one or two places over Khulna and Barishal divisions,” said a Met office bulletin. Moderately heavy to very heavy fall is expected at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, it said. Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The low-pressure area over Southwest Bay and adjoining area now lies over Southwest Bay and adjoining Westcentral Bay.  It is likely to intensify. Another trough lies over west Bengal and adjoining area.  

The Bangladesh-Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BPCCI) has formally handed over the Bangladesh-Philippines Business Delegation Report 2026 to Ambassador of the Philippines in Bangladesh Nina P. Cainglet. The report outlined strategic recommendations for strengthening institutional and business partnerships between the two friendly nations. It  highlighted prospects for enhanced bilateral trade, investment, tourism, ICT collaboration, agriculture, healthcare, education, and people-to-people connectivity between Bangladesh and the Philippines. The BPCCI delegation was led by President Raquib Md. Fakhrul (Rocky), accompanied by immediate past President Humayun Rashid during a meeting held at the Embassy in Dhaka recently. During the meeting, the delegation shared key outcomes, recommendations, and future cooperation opportunities arising from the successful high-level business delegation visit to Manila, Philippines held from April 26 to May 2, 2026. The meeting reflected the growing momentum of Bangladesh-Philippines bilateral cooperation and BPCCI’s active role in promoting trade diplomacy and private sector partnership, an official at the bilateral chamber told UNB. BPCCI President Raquib expressed sincere appreciation to the Embassy of the Philippines in Dhaka and the Embassy of Bangladesh in Manila for their valuable support and cooperation in making the delegation visit successful. He emphasised BPCCI’s commitment to further expanding bilateral economic engagement and creating new business opportunities for entrepreneurs of both countries. Immediate Past President Humayun Rashid highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue and private sector collaboration to unlock the untapped trade and investment potential between Bangladesh and the Philippines. The Ambassador appreciated BPCCI’s initiative and welcomed continued engagement to strengthen economic and commercial relations between the two countries.

Scientists have identified unexpectedly high levels of a little-known silicone-based pollutant in the atmosphere, found across cities, rural areas and forests, raising concerns about its possible impact on human health and the climate. The compounds, known as methylsiloxanes, are widely used in cosmetics, industrial products, transport systems and household items. Researchers say they are now being detected almost everywhere in the air, from densely populated cities to remote natural areas. The study was conducted by researchers from Utrecht University and University of Groningen and published in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics. Scientists say this form of pollution has received far less attention compared to better-known contaminants such as PFAS and microplastics, even though it may be more widespread in the atmosphere. Researchers previously believed these chemicals mainly entered the air through evaporation from personal care products and industrial materials. However, the new findings show that larger forms of methylsiloxanes are also released from vehicle and ship engines through lubricating oils. The study found that these larger particles are not limited to traffic-heavy zones. They were detected in urban centres, coastal regions, rural areas and even forests, suggesting they are globally distributed. Lead researcher Rupert Holzinger of Utrecht University said the findings show atmospheric levels are higher than expected. According to the study, methylsiloxanes make up between 2 percent and 4.3 percent of total organic aerosols in the air, making them one of the most common synthetic substances found in airborne particles. By comparison, PFAS levels in the atmosphere are more than a thousand times lower. Researchers explained that engine lubricants containing methylsiloxanes can enter combustion chambers during vehicle operation. Because the compounds are highly heat-resistant, they do not fully break down and are released into the air through exhaust emissions. The highest levels were recorded in urban areas, including São Paulo in Brazil, while the lowest were found in forest locations in Lithuania. Samples from rural areas in the Netherlands showed moderate levels. Scientists collected air samples from multiple regions, including Europe, South America and rural locations, to understand how the pollutant spreads across different environments. Researchers warn that people are likely inhaling these compounds continuously, but the long-term health effects remain unknown. Holzinger said estimated daily exposure may already exceed that of other synthetic pollutants such as PFAS and microplastics, calling for urgent research into possible health risks. The study also raises concerns about climate impacts. Methylsiloxanes may affect how aerosols behave in the atmosphere, potentially influencing cloud formation and ice processes. Scientists also found that more than half of the pollution likely comes from vehicle emissions. The chemicals appear to travel long distances in the atmosphere due to their stability, making them more persistent than some related hydrocarbons. Researchers say further studies are needed to understand how far the compounds spread globally and what risks they may pose over time.

Two people were killed and two others injured when a truck hit an auto-rickshaw on Dhaka-Mawa highway at Teghoria of South Keraniganj in Dhaka early Wednesday. The identities of the deceased could not be known immediately. Saiful Alam, officer-in-charge of South Keraniganj Police Station, said the accident occurred around 1 am near Mehera Petrol Pump when the truck hit the auto-rickshaw, leaving two people dead on the spot and two others injured. The injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.

In a quiet forested area on the outskirts of Kinshasa, a rare sanctuary is giving orphaned bonobos a second chance at life as poaching continues to threaten one of humanity’s closest relatives. At the Lola ya Bonobo centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo, caregiver Micheline Nzonzi gently held a one-year-old bonobo, feeding and comforting the fragile orphan she will help raise for the next several years. “Without me, without us, these bonobos cannot survive,” said Nzonzi, who has worked as a foster mother for 24 years. “They survive thanks to human affection.” The sanctuary is the world’s only facility dedicated to orphaned bonobos, many of whom are rescued from poachers or taken from households where they were illegally kept after being captured for bushmeat. Although bonobos are legally protected, hunting continues in parts of the Congo Basin, where demand for wild meat remains high. Conservation workers say bonobos often fetch higher prices because of their symbolic value as great apes. “We are educating people not to kill bonobos,” said Arsène Madimba, an educator at the sanctuary. “They cannot be kept as pets and cannot be eaten. Because of poaching, orphaned bonobos are traded across the country.” Bonobos raise their young for four to five years, making their population slow to recover. Conservation experts warn this leaves them highly vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting pressure. Last year, Congolese authorities floated the idea of “bonobo credits,” a scheme similar to carbon credits that would reward communities for protecting forests. The plan has yet to be implemented. Experts also point to cultural differences in attitudes toward primate meat in the region, which continue to fuel illegal trade despite bans intended to stop it. Inside the sanctuary, dozens of adult bonobos live alongside 11 young ones, each assigned to a human foster mother who cares for them until they are strong enough to join larger social groups. In rare cases, some bonobos may eventually return to the wild after years of rehabilitation. Scientists estimate that only about 20,000 bonobos remain in the wild today, down from around 100,000 in the 1980s, a sharp decline driven mainly by the bushmeat trade. Known for sharing nearly 99 percent of human DNA, bonobos are considered among the closest living relatives of humans. They are also noted for their peaceful social behavior and female-led groups. Despite protections, illegal trade continues in markets around Kinshasa, where wildlife meat is still sold secretly, including primates in some cases. Sanctuary workers say rescued babies often form strong emotional bonds with caregivers, recognizing them individually. During feeding time, bonobos gather excitedly, sometimes even showing gestures interpreted as gratitude.

International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) has mourned the death of Dr Abdul Majid Molla, one of the pioneering researchers behind Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and Rice ORS, and a distinguished figure in paediatrics and global public health. Majid Molla passed away on May 8, 2026 in Dhaka at the age of 85. Born in 1941, he devoted his life to improving child health, advancing diarrhoeal disease research, and strengthening medical education across South Asia and beyond. His long association with icddr,b began in 1965 at the then Pak-SEATO Cholera Research Laboratory (CRL), shortly after completing his MBBS degree from Dhaka Medical College in 1963. In 1975, Majid Molla completed his PhD at the University of Leuven, Belgium, focusing on celiac disease in children with diarrhoea, while also specialising in paediatrics. He rejoined icddr,b as a scientist in 1978, continuing his work in clinical research, patient care, and child health. Majid Molla was widely respected for his devotion to patient care and his commitment to scientific excellence. His significant contributions to clinical research, especially the development of Rice ORS, remain among the landmark achievements in diarrhoeal disease management. In the mid-1980s, he joined Aga Khan University as Professor and Chair of the Department of Paediatrics. He later joined Kuwait University as Professor of Paediatrics in 1992, continuing his contributions to medical education and child health internationally. Majid Molla is survived by his wife, one son, and two daughters. His wife Dr Ayesha Molla was also a valued member of the icddr,b community, serving as an Associate Scientist. During a defining period in the history of diarrhoeal disease research, Majid Molla became part of a generation of scientists and clinicians whose work contributed to transforming the treatment of dehydration and saving millions of lives worldwide. His contributions to ORS and Rice ORS helped advance one of the most important public health innovations in modern medicine. Majid Molla leaves behind a legacy that continues to shape healthcare around the world, and his work stands as part of a scientific journey that has improved and saved countless lives across generations, according to a press release.

More than three decades after the once-ambitious Trust Modern Hospital in Mirpur shut its doors, the government is now considering whether the abandoned facility can be revived or replaced with a new modern healthcare complex. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs is currently assessing the feasibility of constructing a contemporary medical facility on the site, following the dissolution of the Freedom Fighter Complex Fund Committee and the transfer of its assets to the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust. Located on 13.22 acres in Senpara Parbata, the property carries a long and complicated history tied to post-independence welfare initiatives for freedom fighters and families of martyrs. The land was originally leased in 1980 under directives issued during the tenure of former president Ziaur Rahman. A four-storey building was later constructed in 1984 on part of the land to accommodate wounded freedom fighters and families of martyrs. Officials said the facility initially housed 16 injured veterans and five martyr families before the residents were relocated to pave the way for the establishment of Trust Modern Hospital. Under a joint French-Bangladeshi grant arrangement, the hospital was expanded into a 100-bed medical facility and formally inaugurated by former prime minister Khaleda Zia on December 1, 1991. Despite the ambitious plan, the hospital failed to continue operations and was shut down just two years later in 1993. Since then, the building has remained abandoned. Officials involved in recent assessments described the structure as severely deteriorated after decades of neglect. According to ministry documents, the existing building is now around 45 years old and in an “extremely dilapidated condition”, raising concerns over whether renovation is technically feasible. Authorities are also questioning whether the designated 68-decimal hospital zone would be sufficient for a modern healthcare facility in densely populated Mirpur, where population growth and urban expansion have accelerated significantly since the 1990s. The building is dilapidated after 30 years of abandonment,said an official document reviewed by UNB. It said any future development would require detailed technical assessments to determine whether the site can meet current healthcare infrastructure standards. While the original 1980 lease stipulated a 30-year term with options for two subsequent renewals, the lease was not renewed under the Fund Committee's name when the first term expired in 2010. Following the May 2025 gazette notification, the Dhaka District Administration is currently processing the transfer of the lease to the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust. The Freedom Fighter Complex Fund Committee was formally abolished through a government gazette notification issued on May 28, 2025. Following the move, all assets and land management responsibilities were transferred to the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust. Officials said the Dhaka district administration is currently processing the transfer of the lease in the trust’s name. The original lease agreement signed in 1980 had a 30-year tenure with provisions for two renewals. However, the lease was not renewed under the Fund Committee after the initial term expired in 2010. Ministry officials said a final decision on whether the hospital will be renovated, reconstructed, or replaced entirely will depend on consultations between technical experts and the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs. For now, the abandoned hospital — once envisioned as a major welfare initiative for freedom fighters — stands as a reminder of an unfinished promise, awaiting a decision on whether it can once again serve public healthcare needs.

A meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) is underway with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair. The meeting began on Wednesday morning at the Public Administration Conference Room of the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to a release from the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, among other committee members, are present at the meeting. Officials concerned also have attended the meeting to place and discuss various development project proposals.

French President Emmanuel Macron is facing backlash after he interrupted a panel at the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya to demand silence from the audience. Macron reportedly stormed the stage to rebuke audience members for what he called a “total lack of respect,” accusing them of disrupting speakers during a presentation by artists and young entrepreneurs. He had earlier described himself as a “Pan-Africanist” during a news conference. The summit is meant to showcase France’s new policy for the continent — a shift from a former colonial power seen as dominating to what Paris describes as a partnership of equals. On Tuesday, Macron announced a $27 billion investment into various sectors in Africa, including energy, artificial intelligence and agriculture. Videos of Macron’s heated intervention on Monday quickly spread across social media, drawing a mix of mockery, praise and criticism. Appearing visibly frustrated by the noise in the room, Macron abruptly walked onto the stage and asked the speaker to hand him the microphone, saying he would “restore order.” Addressing the audience in English, he criticized attendees for talking over the speakers and creating disruptions during the session. Some audience members applauded the intervention, but Macron also drew criticism over his response. “Just imagine what would happen if an African leader did the same thing in America or Europe,” said Thierno Mbaye, a history student at a university in Senegal’s capital, Dakar. “He acted like a schoolteacher scolding children,” Mbaye told The Associated Press. The intervention also drew criticism in France. “It’s stronger than him: as soon as he sets foot on the African continent, he can’t help but behave like a colonizer,” Danièle Obono, a lawmaker for the hard-left party France Unbowed, said in a post on X. Diplomatic and military setbacks in West Africa The Africa Forward Summit, which is set to close on Tuesday with a declaration that is expected to be signed by all 30 heads of state, comes amid a fallout between France and its former colonies, mostly in West Africa. France has long maintained a colonial policy of economic, political and military sway dubbed Françafrique, which included keeping thousands of troops in the region it controlled. After years of criticism from leaders and opposition parties in many West African countries over what they described as a demeaning and heavy-handed approach, France has withdrawn most of its troops from the region. It completed the withdrawal of troops from Senegal in July. Macron had already faced a backlash ahead of the summit for claiming Sunday at news conference alongside Kenyan President William Ruto that “we are the true Pan-Africanists.” “We believe that Africa is a continent, and that this continent has an enormous amount to build,” Macron said. Pan-Africanism refers to an ideology seeking the unity of Africans and the elimination of colonialism. Given France’s colonial history across the continent, the remark went viral on social media and drew swift backlash. “Pan Africanism is not a brand, Mr. Macron, neither is it a diplomatic posture,” Farida Nabourema, a Togolese human rights activist, said in an open letter on Monday. “It is a political philosophy that said no to everything France spent three centuries saying yes to: slavery, colonialism and neocolonialism,” she added. Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst at geopolitical risk consultancy Control Risks, said Macron is trying to distance France from its diplomatic and military setbacks in West Africa by turning to the east of the continent, signaling that its strategic priorities now follow where it finds goodwill. She said Macron’s remarks were raising questions about whether France’s renewed engagement with Africa represented a genuine equal partnership or merely convenient rhetoric. The French presidency and Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Paris will be respectful of each African country’s independence, Macron said on Tuesday, adding that “sovereignty and autonomy is shared, and your success is our success.” ‘Inauthentic or politically manipulated’ Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think tank, said Macron’s remark might also be a subtle jab at Russia, which has replaced France as the main security partner in some West African countries. “When Macron describes himself as the ‘true’ pan-Africanist, it is also a subtle response to the pro-Russian pan-Africanist voices online, which French officials tend to view as inauthentic or politically manipulated,” Tine said. He said relations between Western powers and African states are inherently paternalistic and France is no exception, but that Macron has shifted policy away from the colonial legacy through a more informal diplomatic style aimed at rebuilding trust. According to an Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of the French Foreign Ministry in nine African countries ahead of the summit, 74% of respondents said they have a positive image of France. Support was highest in English-speaking countries and among respondents under 35. Macron, who is the first French president born after the colonial era, had pledged after his first election in 2017 that he would reset French relations with Africa.

King Charles III will on Wednesday formally present the UK government’s legislative agenda for the coming year in the traditional State Opening of Parliament, a ceremony marked by historic pageantry and royal symbolism. The speech, written by the government, will outline its planned laws and priorities. However, attention is likely to focus less on the program itself and more on whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer can remain in office to deliver it. Starmer is under mounting pressure after his Labour Party suffered heavy defeats in local and regional elections last week. The losses have weakened his authority and triggered criticism from within his own party, with some accusing him of failing to take strong enough action on the cost-of-living crisis, inequality and strained public services. His position has become more uncertain following a recent speech to party supporters that was widely criticized as underwhelming. On Tuesday, former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips resigned from the government, saying ministers needed to be more forceful in defending and explaining their policies. Ceremony meets political uncertainty The State Opening of Parliament is one of Britain’s most symbolic political events, blending centuries-old royal tradition with modern democratic governance. It highlights the constitutional shift from royal rule to parliamentary democracy, where elected lawmakers hold real power. But this year’s ceremony comes at a time of political instability, with Starmer’s leadership in question and the government facing broader challenges, including economic pressures, rising public debt, limited military capacity and ongoing debates over immigration and public services. Policy plans in focus The speech is expected to include measures aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis, encouraging investment through a proposed national wealth fund, and tightening asylum rules. Other possible proposals include ending jury trials for some cases in England and Wales, lowering the voting age to 16, and introducing a “duty of candor” for public officials to promote honesty and cooperation in investigations. However, many of these proposals have already been announced in some form, raising doubts over whether they will be enough to rebuild political confidence in Starmer’s leadership. Royal tradition in Westminster During the ceremony, the monarch travels from Buckingham Palace to Parliament in a horse-drawn carriage, wearing ceremonial robes and the Imperial State Crown before entering the House of Lords. A symbolic ritual follows in which a royal messenger, known as Black Rod, is sent to summon members of the House of Commons. The Commons door is traditionally slammed in response to underline its independence, before MPs proceed to the Lords’ chamber to hear the speech. After the address, Parliament begins several days of debate on the government’s proposed legislative program.

US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing on Wednesday for a highly anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, at a time when global tensions over war, trade and artificial intelligence are shaping the international agenda. Speaking to reporters before departing the White House, Trump described the United States and China as the world’s two dominant powers, saying both are the strongest militarily. The visit comes at a politically sensitive moment for Trump, whose domestic standing has been affected by rising inflation linked to the US and Israel’s conflict with Iran. The war has also disrupted global energy flows after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, driving up oil and gas prices. Trump is expected to focus heavily on trade during the talks, with Washington seeking agreements for increased Chinese purchases of US agricultural products and aircraft. His administration also hopes to begin discussions on creating a new “Board of Trade” mechanism to manage economic disputes and reduce tensions that escalated after tariff increases last year. That earlier trade dispute triggered Chinese retaliation involving restrictions on rare earth exports, leading to a temporary truce last October. Despite this, Iran remains a major backdrop to the visit, though Trump suggested it would not be a central topic in his discussions with Xi, saying the situation was already “under control.” Taiwan is also expected to be a key point of discussion. The US has approved an $11 billion weapons package for the island, which China claims as part of its territory, although delivery has not yet begun. Beijing has strongly opposed the move, calling Taiwan a core “red line” in US-China relations. At the same time, Taiwan’s importance in global semiconductor production — critical for artificial intelligence development — continues to shape US strategy. Washington has been pushing to expand domestic chip manufacturing while increasing imports from Taiwan this year. Trump has signalled a generally positive tone ahead of the meeting, saying he expects a strong long-term relationship with Xi and suggesting a future reciprocal visit by the Chinese leader to the United States. He also indicated he would ask Xi to open China further to US businesses, arguing that greater market access would benefit both sides. Analysts, however, say China enters the talks from a relatively stronger position, with expectations that Beijing will seek relief from US tech restrictions and tariffs. Beyond trade and Taiwan, Trump is also expected to raise the idea of a trilateral nuclear arms control agreement involving the US, China and Russia. However, China has previously shown little interest in such a deal, citing the significant gap between its nuclear arsenal and those of the two larger powers. The last major nuclear arms treaty between Washington and Moscow expired in February, ending formal limits on the world’s two largest nuclear stockpiles for the first time in decades, while efforts to expand future agreements to include China have yet to gain traction.

Americans continue to have a complex love-hate relationship with the iPhone, a device that has become deeply embedded in daily life while also raising concerns about overdependence. For many users, the iPhone feels almost essential, offering instant access to a wide range of services. People use it to take and share photos on social media, play games, watch videos, listen to music, send messages, check emails, browse the internet, follow news updates, get navigation directions and even make digital payments. Making or receiving phone calls, however, has become just one of many uses. At the same time, critics say the device often encourages excessive screen time. Constant notifications and alerts can pull users into endless scrolling, reducing attention spans and making it harder for people to disconnect. The debate reflects a broader paradox in American life as smartphones, including those powered by Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android systems, have become almost unavoidable in modern society. The iPhone was first introduced in 2007 by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who predicted it would transform everyday life. Since then, it has reshaped communication, entertainment and work habits in ways few could have fully anticipated. Some surveys even suggest that many people would choose to sleep beside their phones rather than their partners if forced to decide, highlighting how deeply integrated the devices have become in personal routines. Now, observers are questioning how society can balance the benefits of smartphones with their potential downsides, including whether their impact should be compared to addictive products such as cigarettes, alcohol or junk food. For now, however, the trend appears to continue toward greater digital dependence, as daily life becomes increasingly centered around glowing screens.

The United States is experiencing what researchers describe as a “reading recession,” with student reading performance continuing to fall nationwide even as some districts show local improvements, according to a new analysis. At a classroom in Modesto, California, teacher Nancy Barajas uses an unusual pre-test routine — dimming the lights, playing music and letting her sixth graders dance under a disco ball — to boost confidence before exams. The approach appears to be working locally. Schools in Modesto have recorded steady gains in both reading and math scores in recent years, though overall performance remains below grade level. However, national data paints a more concerning picture. A study by researchers from Harvard, Stanford and Dartmouth examined state test scores for grades three to eight across more than 5,000 school districts in 38 states, compiled into a national Education Scorecard. The findings show that only five states and the District of Columbia recorded meaningful improvement in reading between 2022 and 2025. Overall, students remain about half a grade level behind pre-pandemic reading benchmarks, with only marginal gains in math. The decline in reading achievement, experts say, began well before the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress shows falling reading scores for eighth graders since 2013 and for fourth graders since 2015. Harvard professor Thomas Kane, who helped develop the Education Scorecard, said the pandemic worsened a longer-term decline, describing it as “a mudslide that followed seven years of steady erosion in achievement.” Researchers point to several possible causes, including increased screen time and reduced recreational reading among children, as well as weaker accountability systems in schools. Despite the national trend, some states — including Louisiana, Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana — have shown progress after adopting “science of reading” methods that emphasize phonics-based instruction over older approaches that relied more on context-based guessing. Several states have also introduced dyslexia screening, teacher training programs and instructional coaching to improve literacy outcomes. However, the reforms have not guaranteed success everywhere, with some states still seeing declines. In Modesto, schools have revamped reading instruction during and after the pandemic, while also expanding support for English learners and investing in teacher training programs, including a phonics-based initiative known as LETRS. The district reports gains equivalent to roughly 18 weeks of additional learning in math and 13 weeks in reading, though overall achievement remains low. Other districts have also seen improvement by focusing on attendance. In Detroit, Michigan, increased school attendance combined with literacy reforms has helped boost performance, though scores still lag behind national averages. The district, once the subject of a lawsuit over the right to read, used settlement funds to expand learning support and improve school services. In some schools, additional staff now provide small-group instruction, while attendance officers actively follow up with absent students to keep them in class. In the southern United States, several states have led reforms in reading and math instruction. Louisiana and Alabama are among the few states where math scores have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Louisiana is also the only state to exceed its 2019 reading average. Alabama’s phonics-based reading reforms have contributed to notable gains, later expanded into broader math reforms requiring standardized instruction and regular student assessments. Despite improvements in some regions, educators and researchers say nationwide recovery remains uneven. They stress that sustained investment, consistent instruction and stronger accountability will be needed to reverse the long-term decline in reading performance.

Iranian officials have not yet issued a detailed response to recent comments made by Qatar and Türkiye, while maintaining that they do not view the strategic waterway as being used as a “weapon of war,” according to available reports. The stance of Tehran reflects its broader position on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global maritime passage. Iranian officials have indicated that efforts are underway to expand their operational reach to strengthen control over the route. At the same time, they have emphasized that commercial vessels are being allowed to pass safely through the corridor under designated arrangements set by the IRGC Navy. They further said that shipping traffic is required to coordinate with IRGC naval authorities while transiting the area, underscoring continued oversight of maritime movement through the strait. #From Al Jazeera

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Pakistan to step up its mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, including initiatives aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Wang made the appeal during a phone conversation with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. During the call, Dar briefed Wang on Islamabad’s recent diplomatic engagement efforts to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran. He also expressed appreciation for China’s continued support and called for closer coordination between the two countries, Xinhua reported. Wang praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating talks and helping extend a temporary ceasefire. He said Islamabad’s efforts were important for regional stability and urged it to maintain momentum in supporting peace initiatives. The Chinese foreign minister also reiterated Beijing’s backing for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, saying China would continue to support and contribute to diplomatic initiatives aimed at easing tensions in the region. #From Al Jazeera

Vijay has granted special permission for 9 am screenings of the upcoming Tamil film Karuppu, extending support to the makers just two days after taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The action drama, directed by RJ Balaji, stars Suriya and Trisha Krishnan in the lead roles and is set for worldwide release on May 14. The filmmakers announced the decision on their official social media account on Tuesday evening and thanked Vijay for approving the special morning shows. “Special thanks to our honorable Chief Minister Thiru. Joseph Vijay for granting the special permission for the 9AM shows of Karuppu. FDFS begins at 9AM from May 14,” the post said. While early morning screenings are common in several Indian states, theatres in Tamil Nadu have largely avoided them in recent years due to law and order concerns linked to intense fan celebrations around major releases. Written and directed by RJ Balaji, Karuppu features an ensemble cast including Indrans, Natty, Swasika, Sshivada, Anagha Maya Ravi and Supreeth Reddy in key roles. Music for the film has been composed by Sai Abhyankkar. Vijay and Trisha are regarded as one of Tamil cinema’s most successful on-screen pairs. They have acted together in several popular films, including Ghilli, Thirupaachi, Aathi, Kuruvi and Leo. Vijay and Trisha have also frequently been the subject of online speculation about their personal relationship, especially after Trisha attended Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony as chief minister. Despite ongoing rumours, neither of them has publicly addressed the claims. Their close friendship has long been discussed on social media, with some users alleging a relationship between the two. More recently, after details from Vijay’s divorce filings became public, sections of social media again linked him with Trisha. Some political figures have also referred to the alleged relationship while criticising Vijay. #From NDTV

Spinner Sophie Molineux will captain Australia women's national cricket team at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup following the retirement of former skipper Alyssa Healy. Cricket Australia announced its first women's World Cup squad since Healy stepped down earlier this year. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has been named one of two vice-captains after missing out on the captaincy. Healy announced in January that she would retire after the home series against India women's national cricket team. She ended her one-day international career in March with a blistering 158 as Australia secured a comfortable victory over India. The 12-team tournament will be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, with 33 matches scheduled across seven venues. The final will be played at Lord's. Australia will begin its campaign against South Africa women's national cricket team on June 13 at Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Defending champion New Zealand women's national cricket team won the previous edition in the United Arab Emirates in 2024, defeating South Africa by 32 runs. Australia won the 2023 title, its sixth overall and third in a row. Left-arm fast bowler Lucy Hamilton earned a surprise call-up in place of Darcie Brown, who has taken 34 wickets in 41 T20 internationals. Grace Harris and all-rounder Annabel Sutherland have returned to the squad. Selector Shawn Flegler said the squad has the experience and balance needed to challenge for another world title. He said Brown was unfortunate to miss out, but Australia opted for Hamilton because her left-arm pace offers a different option in conditions where outright speed may be less effective.

A rise in criminal cases in Cumilla during April has triggered concern among residents and officials, with murder, rape, theft and violence against women showing an upward trend in the district. According to data presented at the monthly district law and order committee meeting, a total of 584 cases were filed in April across different categories of crime, up from 517 cases in March — an increase of 67 cases within a month. The statistics were disclosed at a meeting held recently at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan. Officials said the increase in cases could indicate both a rise in criminal activities and stronger enforcement measures by law enforcement agencies. However, they expressed particular concern over the growing number of incidents involving theft, snatching and rape in different upazilas, including areas under the city corporation. According to the district law and order committee’s report, 10 murder cases and 20 rape cases were filed in April. In addition, 28 cases were lodged over violence against women and children, while 41 theft cases and 60 unnatural death cases were recorded during the month. The highest number of cases -205- were filed under the Narcotics Control Act, alongside several cases related to robbery, dacoity and physical assault. The report also showed that cases increased in seven categories of comparatively serious crimes, while five categories saw a decline. Lawyer Badiul Alam Sujan, public prosecutor of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal in Cumilla, said the rise in cases reflects a worsening crime situation. “The increase in cases means crimes are also increasing. This is certainly a negative sign,” he said. “We are witnessing deterioration in the law and order situation with our own eyes. Naturally, this is increasing public anxiety and insecurity,” he added. Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan, who also heads the district law and order committee, however, said the rise in cases could partly be attributed to greater willingness among victims to seek legal remedy. He said law enforcement agencies were instructed during the meeting to strengthen measures to curb crimes ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. Important decisions were also taken to ensure security on highways during cattle transportation, prevent circulation of counterfeit currency and curb theft and snatching incidents at shopping malls and cattle markets, he added.

Dhaka ranked 36th among the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 67 at 08:50 am. The air quality was classified as ‘moderate’, indicating a moderate health concern for a very small number of individuals who are unusually sensitive to air pollution, according to the AQI scale. Lahore in Pakistan, Delhi in India and Jakarta in Indonesia occupied the top three spots, with AQI scores of 188, 173 and 157 respectively. According to AQI standards, a reading between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151 to 200 ‘unhealthy’, 201 to 300 ‘very unhealthy’, while levels above 301 are deemed ‘hazardous’, posing serious health risks. The AQI, which provides daily updates on air quality, indicates how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health impacts. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five major pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution, with air quality typically worsening in winter and improving during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year, mainly due to stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Grocery prices in the United States rose by 0.7 pc in April, the sharpest month-to-month increase in almost four years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. US media reports said the rise supports concerns that the ongoing war involving Iran is contributing to higher food costs for American consumers. Fresh vegetable prices have surged by more than 44 pc on an annualized basis over the past three months. During the same period, prices of other essential items, including bread and milk, increased by 8 pc and 5 pc respectively. Coffee and beef prices have also risen sharply due to the impact of the conflict and other global market pressures. Higher shipping costs and strong international demand are adding to the pressure. Over the past three months, retail coffee prices in the US have climbed at an annualized rate of more than 22 pc. #From Al Jazeera

Two giant bulls named ‘Kala Babu’ and ‘Dhala Babu’ have become major attractions in Thakurgaon district ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, drawing crowds of curious visitors and potential buyers to a local farm every day.The bulls, weighing a combined total of around 85 maunds, are being raised at Bismillah Agro Farm in Sadar upazila of the district under special care.People of different ages are flocking to the farm from distant areas, with many coming out of curiosity while others are looking to buy cattle for sacrifice during Eid-ul-Azha.The festive atmosphere at the farm has intensified as the huge bulls gained popularity on social media due to their enormous size and eye-catching appearance.Farm authorities said the Friesian breed cattle have been raised carefully for the past three years with a strict and nutritious diet that includes green grass, bran, oil cake, corn, straw and various fruits.Workers of the farm said the bulls were raised naturally without using any harmful medicines or injections.To attract buyers ahead of Eid, the bulls have been decorated in a groom-and-bride style with colourful ribbons, ornaments and patterned fabrics, further increasing visitors’ interest.Many visitors were seen taking photos and videos with the cattle and sharing them on social media.However, due to their massive size, farm workers are facing difficulties controlling the animals, especially when they are occasionally taken outside the farm at visitors’ requests.Md Rafiqul Islam, director of the farm, said ‘Kala Babu’ has four permanent teeth while ‘Dhala Babu’ has two. “We have raised them with great care for the last three years. Regular care and quality food helped them achieve this size,” he said.The cattle will be sold at Tk 450 per kilogram based on live weight, he added.Many people are visiting just to see them, while others are asking about the price with interest.“We want to provide healthy and quality cattle for Eid sacrifice,” Rafiqul said.A farm employee said the bulls are cleaned every morning and given special food according to a fixed diet plan throughout the day.“Due to the hot weather, they are bathed regularly and proper rest is ensured,” he added.District Livestock Officer Md Saidur Rahman said they are maintaining strict monitoring to prevent the use of harmful substances in cattle fattening ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.“Farms are being inspected regularly to ensure safe and healthy animals,” he said.

The US-Israeli war on Iran has cost the United States approximately $29 billion so far, according to a senior Pentagon official. Jules Hurst, who is performing comptroller duties, told US lawmakers that the total includes updated costs for equipment repair and replacement as well as operational expenses. He said the figure marks an increase of $4 billion from an estimate provided late last month. Iran war raises fears of bunker fuel shortage, higher shipping costs The conflict of US-Israeli war on Iran spread across the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader on February 28. Iran retaliated by launching attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf region. The fighting escalated rapidly and extended to Lebanon, with casualties and damage mounting on all sides. The United States and Iran later agreed to a conditional two-week ceasefire starting on April 7. Source: Al Jazeera

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has formally launched its source segregation of waste initiative, aimed at improving urban cleanliness and strengthening waste management in the capital. The programme was inaugurated on Tuesday morning at an event in Gulshan, where green and yellow colour-coded waste bins along with polybags were distributed among participants. DNCC Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan attended the event as the chief guest, while Chief Waste Management Officer Commodore Mohammad Humayun Kabir was present as a special guest. DNCC urges residents to join dengue prevention efforts Speaking at the event, the DNCC administrator said building a clean city requires responsible behaviour from every citizen. He emphasised the importance of developing the habit of disposing of waste in designated bins instead of throwing it on the streets. Safiqul said awareness should be spread through societies, mosque committees, educational institutions and housing associations, and assured full support from the city corporation in this regard. He further noted that DNCC is working in a coordinated manner in areas, including mosquito control, canal and drain cleaning, and waste management, adding that citizen cooperation is key to the success of these initiatives. The Chief Waste Management Officer said the source segregation is the foundation of proper waste management, and it has been clearly outlined in the Solid Waste Management Rules 2021. He added that the initiative has been launched to raise awareness and ensure effective implementation. Humayun said bins are being distributed on a priority basis in high-traffic public places such as mosques, temples, churches, educational institutions, markets and transport terminals. In the first phase, a total of 500 fibre bins are being distributed, including 250 green bins and 250 yellow bins, along with 100 polybags per bin. Instructional labels have been attached to each bin to clearly indicate where different types of waste should be disposed of. The initiative will be implemented in phases across all 10 zones of DNCC.

Police recovered the body of a housewife from beneath a pile of sand at an under-construction building in Sadar upazila of Feni on Tuesday evening. The deceased was identified as Shirin Akhter, 38, wife of expatriate Mohammad Manik of Jer Kachar village under Shorshadi union. Police and locals said Shirin had been living with her children in a rented house beside a plot purchased by her husband, where construction of their new house was underway. Youth hacks grandmother to death in Mymensingh When she could not be found since Tuesday afternoon, her children and other family members started searching for her. At one stage, acting on suspicion, family members began removing sand from a room of the under-construction building and found Shirin’s body buried underneath. Later, police recovered the body and sent it to Feni General Hospital for an autopsy. One construction worker reportedly went into hiding after the incident, according to local residents. Officer-in-Charge of Feni Model Police Station Gazi Muhammad Fauzul Azim said prima facie, it appears to be a planned murder.

Popular young content creator Kaarina Kaisar was taken to Chennai by an air ambulance on Monday night for advanced treatment after being placed on life support due to serious liver complications. In a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon, her father, former national footballer Kaisar Hamid, wrote: “Last night, my daughter Kaarina Kaisar was taken abroad by jet air ambulance for advanced treatment.” He said Kaarina was accompanied by her mother, Lopa Kaisar, while her two brothers, Mustafa S. Hamid and Sadat Hamid, travelled as liver donors. Kaisar Hamid requested everyone to pray for his daughter. Kaarina suffered liver failure on Friday (May 8) and was later placed on life support. Family sources said she had been unwell for several days. After being admitted to hospital, doctors reportedly found an infection and confirmed that she had contracted Hepatitis A.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized a large consignment of Indian prawn fry worth around Tk 2 crore during a special drive in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj district on Tuesday. A special patrol team of Habiganj Battalion (55 BGB) took position near the Muktijoddha Chattar along the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in the morning, according to a press release. Around 7:00am, the team stopped two microbuses and a truck passing through the area and carried out a search operation. BGB seizes smuggled Indian goods in Cumilla border raids

A significant block has been detected in the heart of President Mohammed Shahabuddin during a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, prompting immediate angioplasty and placement of a stent. The stent implantation procedure was performed at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge on Tuesday afternoon, President's Press Secretary Sarwar Alam said, adding that he is currently in stable and satisfactory condition. President leaves for UK for medical check-up Quoting President’s personal physician Colonel Dr AKM Faizul Haque, who is accompanying him in the UK, Sarwar told UNB that Shahabuddin underwent an angiogram under the supervision of interventional cardiologist Dr Stephen Holley at the hospital. During the examination, a major block was identified in one of the coronary arteries, prompting immediate angioplasty and placement of a stent, he said. The press secretary also said the President is now under close observation and care of the hospital’s medical team and sought prayers from the people of Bangladesh for his speedy recovery. In October 2023, President Mohammed Shahabuddin underwent open-heart surgery at the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore. Since then, he has been receiving follow-up treatment for heart-related complications at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge. Royal Papworth Hospital is internationally renowned for its advanced cardiac treatment and research and is recognised as one of the institutions involved in the world’s first successful heart transplant procedures. The President left Dhaka for London on May 9 for follow-up treatment and health examinations. He is scheduled to return home on May 18 after completing his medical care.

A local leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami was electrocuted in Chandina upazila of Cumilla on Tuesday morning. The deceased was identified as Alamgir Miaji, son of Ali Miaji of Jorpuni village under Madhiya union in the upazila. He was the president of the Jorpuni unit of Jamaat. According to locals, the incident occurred in the morning when Alamgir came in contact with a live electric wire while working in his farm. Internet lineman electrocuted in Dhaka Though locals rescued him, he died from the electrocution shortly afterwards.

Bangladesh and Thailand at seminar on Tuesday highlighted the immense potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment, strengthening regional value chains, and fostering deeper economic cooperation between the two friendly nations. The seminar titled “Enhancing Bangladesh-Thailand Economic Engagement: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward in the Future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Process” was held at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in Bangkok. Bangladesh, Thailand keen to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, culture The Embassy of Bangladesh in Bangkok, in collaboration with UN ESCAP, Thailand’s International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD) and Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI), organised the event. The seminar brought together policymakers, diplomats, trade experts, business leaders, academics, and development partners from Bangladesh and Thailand to exchange views on trade, investment, connectivity, and the future prospects of a Bangladesh-Thailand FTA, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok.

A young woman who came to Sylhet for visiting religious sites, has allegedly been gang-raped in the city. Following the incident that took place on Monday night, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-9) arrested three suspects on Tuesday. The arrestees were identified as Atiqur Rahman, 40, of Airport Mahaldi area, Shamsul Haque, 45, of Loharpur area, and Ashikur Rahman, 30, of the city. DNA test clears imam in Feni, a month after arrest on rape allegation RAB-9 Additional Superintendent of Police KM Shahidul Islam said the victim, a woman from Satkhira district, came to Sylhet to visit the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA). While returning to Sylhet Railway Station from Shah Paran shrine on Monday night, Atiqur, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, allegedly took her to a house at Loharpar, where the three suspects took turns to rape her throughout the night. The victim on Tuesday morning narrated the incident to locals, who later alerted the elite force. Acting on the information, RAB conducted drives and arrested the three suspects from different places. The victim was admitted to the One-Stop Crisis Centre (OCC) at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for medical treatment.

Practitioners and humanitarian leaders at a workshop in Cox’s Bazar have stressed the importance of financial inclusion for the Rohingya community alongside skills development initiatives to improve livelihoods and strengthen resilience. The workshop titled “Financial Inclusion for the Rohingya: Perspectives and Possibilities,” was organised by BRAC’s Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme (HCMP) with support from UK Aid on Tuesday at a local hotel. PM seeks OIC support in resolving Rohingya crisis Speakers highlighted several potential initiatives to enhance financial inclusion among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs), including pilot programmes on digital cash and Mobile Financial Services (MFS), partnerships with banks and MFS providers, literacy and women-focused inclusion programmes, youth engagement in digital income-generation activities, and integrating financial services with livelihoods and skills development interventions.