United News of Bangladesh

The government will begin providing honorariums to khatibs, imams and muezzins in some areas before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, as part of implementing an election pledge. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Saturday. Talking to reporters at the PMO gate, the Prime Minister’s adviser Mahdi Amin said the government promised monthly honorariums and festival allowances for khatibs, imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths. “Our election commitments were discussed today. The Prime Minister particularly spoke about the pledge to provide monthly honorariums and festival allowances for respected khatibs, imams and muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths,” he told reporters. “Following the Prime Minister’s directive, a decision has been taken that, InshaAllah, after completing preparations we will gradually start the programme before Eid. In some areas, respected khatibs, imams and muezzins will be given an honorarium, InshaAllah," Mahdi added. He, however, said the amount of the honorarium has not yet been fixed and will be finalised at an inter-ministerial meeting. Mahdi also said the government discussed wider election promises, including creating employment opportunities on merit without discrimination across public and private sectors, entrepreneurship and overseas employment. He said reforms in education, especially technical and vocational training, and policy changes for business and industry were also discussed to help create skilled manpower and faster job opportunities. Earlier, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said Saturday marked the Prime Minister’s third working day in office and that he issued several directives to implement election pledges. PM Tarique begins work at Tejgaon PMO for first time State Minister for Local Government and Cooperatives Shahe Alam and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon were also present at the briefing. PMO sources said a meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony was first held at the PMO in Tejgaon in the afternoon with the Prime Minister in the chair. Ministers, state ministers and relevant senior officials attended the meeting held at the Cabinet Conference Room of the PMO. Later, another meeting on establishing a cheerful and career-oriented education system, creating employment opportunities, and expanding sports infrastructure and training facilities was also held at the PMO. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting. Ministers, state ministers and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting. The Prime Minister began work at the PMO on Saturday for the first time after assuming office. Though it was a public holiday, he went to the office at 10:10am, where Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon received him.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday at the UNDP Bangladesh office to promote gender-inclusive sustainable finance in Bangladesh. The partnership will help develop new types of bonds, called Orange Bonds that raise funds for women-led businesses and underserved communities. The aim is to attract more private investment while ensuring transparency, accountability, and clear development results. Govt signs two project documents with UNDP Under this collaboration, UNDP and IIX will carry out studies, support policy discussions, engage with key stakeholders, and provide technical support and training to potential bond issuers. They will also help strengthen monitoring and reporting systems so that investments deliver real and measurable impact. “Mobilizing capital for gender equality and climate resilience requires strong market infrastructure, informed policy dialogue, and trusted partnerships,” said Stefan Liller, Resident Representative at UNDP Bangladesh. “This collaboration with IIX allows us to combine UNDP’s policy expertise and country presence with global innovations in sustainable finance.” IIX, the creator of the Orange Bond Principles, brings experience in gender-focused investing, bond design, independent verification, and impact measurement. The Orange Bond Initiative, inspired by Sustainable Development Goal 5 on Gender Equality, aims to direct investment toward projects that advance women’s empowerment and climate action, while building investor confidence through clear standards. "UNDP has been playing an instrumental role in shaping Bangladesh's impact and sustainable finance ecosystem,” said Prof Durreen Shahnaz, Founder and CEO of IIX. UNDP to support Bangladesh’s capital market with thematic bond development “Our partnership with UNDP reflects our shared commitment to engage with key public, private, civil society, and development sector stakeholders toward strengthening the impact investment and Orange capital markets in the country. The partnership will enable the institutional adoption of inclusive finance, creating pathways for meaningful and measurable change for women and underserved communities to help achieve the country's SDG agenda." As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC), access to concessional finance and trade benefits is expected to decrease,” said UNDP. Strengthening capital markets and introducing innovative financial tools will be key to sustaining growth and ensuring development remains inclusive and resilient. The UNDP-IIX partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a transparent, inclusive, and forward-looking sustainable finance ecosystem that supports Bangladesh’s long-term development goals.

The Bangladesh 'A' women's cricket team continued their imperious form in the Women's Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, dismantling the Malaysia women's national team by 90 runs today. The victory secures a clean sweep for Bangladesh in the group stage, having won all three of their matches to finish as undisputed champions of Group B. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted a commanding total of 151 for 7 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by the experienced Lata Mondal, who top-scored with a fluent 48 off 44 balls. ACC summons cricket ace Shakib Al Hasan She found able support from Sharmin Sultana (30) and captain Fahima Khatun (29). Mondal and Khatun stitched together a crucial 55-run partnership for the fifth wicket, helping the team accelerate and add 54 runs in the final five overs. In reply, Malaysia crumbled under pressure, managing only 61 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Fatema Jahan made a dream debut in recognized cricket, tearing through the Malaysian lineup with figures of 3 for 10. She was well supported by off-spinner Sharifa Khatun (2 for 13) and Lata Mondal, who capped a brilliant all-round performance with figures of 1 for 2 from her two overs. Only one Malaysian batter, Nur Arianna Natsya (22 not out), managed to reach double figures as the team slumped to 30 for 7 at one stage in the 13th over. Lata Mondal was named Player of the Match for her all-round contribution. With 6 points from 3 matches, Bangladesh 'A' have topped the group. They previously defeated Sri Lanka 'A' by 4 runs and edged past hosts Thailand by 3 wickets in a thriller. Top 16 brands take part in “bKash Cricket Carnival 2025” Bangladesh will now face Pakistan 'A' in the semi-finals on Friday. The opponent for India 'A' in the other semi-final will be decided by the match between Sri Lanka 'A' and Thailand.

The newly elected BNP government will take necessary steps to defer Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status, Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said on Wednesday. “We will take all required measures to defer the LDC graduation. Work on the matter has already begun,” Muktadir told reporters at the Secretariat on his first day in office. Muktadir said the government is keen to defer the graduation timeline and will do whatever is necessary to that end. The initiative has started from the Ministry of Commerce and will be pursued in coordination with the Economic Relations Division (ERD) to expedite required communications and procedures. Referring to long-standing demands from business leaders, he said the issue is being treated with utmost priority. “There is no obligation to send a letter within the first week, but we have started working on it from today.” On the recent slowdown in exports, the Commerce Minister said Bangladesh’s export basket remains highly concentrated, with nearly 85 percent of total exports dependent on a single product. To overcome the vulnerability, Muktadir stressed the need for diversification by adding new products and expanding into new markets. The private sector, particularly investment-oriented entrepreneurs, will receive necessary support, he said. Responding to concerns over the Ramadan market, Muktadir said stable supply would ensure market stability. “The government has adequate stocks of essential commodities for Ramadan and the subsequent period, with sufficient supplies also in the pipeline. There is no reason to panic over the Ramadan market.” Explaining the price hikes of certain items at the beginning of Ramadan, he said the increases are often driven by a one-off surge in demand as consumers tend to purchase for the entire month at once, temporarily impacting the retail market. “Such impact does not last long.” Finance Minister Amir Khosru unveils ambitious reform plan on day one Asked whether the onset of Ramadan immediately after the new government assumed office poses a major challenge, Muktadir said managing the holy month will be a crucial test for the government. “We must meet people’s expectations. There is no alternative to success.” On foreign and domestic investment, the minister noted that investment does not flow amid uncertainty. A stable environment is the primary condition for attracting investment, as investors seek assurance of expected returns against their capital and labour. Muktadir said Bangladesh has a large working-age population, with around 2 to 2.2 million people entering the labour market every year. Investment stagnation over the past two to three years has created significant pressure and failure to address the situation promptly could pose serious risks to employment and the broader economy. State Minister for Commerce Md Shariful Alam and Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman were present. Later, the Commerce Minister exchanged views with senior officials and heads of departments under the ministry.

Inviting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family to visit India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said Bangladesh and India can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. “I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he said in a letter that was handed over to Prime Minister Tarique on Tuesday. Tarique Rahman: From London exile to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla represented the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accompanied the Speaker.

Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC will provide a motorcycle through a digital raffle draw on every banking day (Sunday-Thursday) for sending cash remittance through Ria Money Transfer. Remittance recipients will also get a key ring as a common gift. This offer will continue from 19 February to 18 March, 2026, on the occasion of Holy Ramadan. Md. Omar Faruk Khan, Managing Director of the Bank, inaugurated Islami Bank- Ria Nabil Mustafizur Rahman to be appointed MD of Sammilito Islami Bank Money Transfer Remittance Fiesta, as the chief guest on Tuesday, was held at Islami Bank Tower. Dr. Emil Ruban, Managing Director & Senior Regional Director of India and South Asia, Ria Money Transfer, spoke at the event as the guest of honor. Md. Altaf Hossain, Engr. Mohammad Jamal Uddin Mazumder and Dr. M Kamal Uddin Jasim, Additional Managing Directors addressed the program as a special guest. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Deputy Managing Director Presided over the program while Standard Bank rebranded as ‘Standard Islami Bank’ Rashedul Islam Talukder, Country Manager of Ria Money Transfer, Bangladesh, also spoke at the program, and Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, head of overseas banking.

The price of gold in Bangladesh has been reduced by Tk 2,216 per bhori, with the new rate for 22-carat gold set at Tk 258,824 per bhori (11.664 grams), Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) announced on Tuesday. In a morning notification, BAJUS said the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) declined in the local market, prompting the adjustment.  The revised rates have come into effect immediately. Under the new pricing structure, 21-carat gold has been fixed at Tk 247,044 per bhori, while 18-carat gold will cost Tk 211,760 per bhori.  The price of gold produced under the traditional method has been set at Tk 173,327 per bhori. The selling price of gold must include a mandatory 5 percent government VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS. However, the making charge may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewellery. On February 9, BAJUS had increased the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 2,216 per bhori to Tk 261,040. Gold Price Shock: Tk16,330 surge hits Bangladesh overnight So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 29 times in the local market—raised on 18 occasions and reduced 11 times. Despite the fall in gold prices, silver rates remain unchanged. Currently, 22-carat silver is being sold at Tk 6,357 per bhori. The price of 21-carat silver stands at Tk 6,065 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 5,190 per bhori, and traditional silver at Tk 3,907 per bhori.

The Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation rate has remained at a five-year low in the first seven months of the running fiscal during the tenure of the interim government, continuing the trend observed over the past several months, according to the latest progress report. Data released by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under the Ministry of Planning shows that the pace of spending and execution has slowed significantly compared to previous years, raising concerns about delays in development activities. NEC cuts ADP by Tk 30,000 crore The implementation progress during the July–January period remains subdued. In the first seven months of FY2025–26, total spending reached Tk 50,556.29 crore, representing 21.18 percent of the annual allocation. During the same period of FY2024–25, implementation stood at Tk 59,876.87 crore or 21.52 percent. In FY2023–24, the implementation rate for the July–January period was 27.11 percent with expenditure amounting to Tk 74,464.19 crore. The rate was 28.16 percent in FY2022–23 with spending of Tk 72,090.21 crore, while FY2021–22 recorded 30.21 percent implementation, with Tk 71,532.97 crore spent. However, For the current fiscal year 2025–26, the total ADP allocation stands at Tk 238695.64 crore. In comparison, allocations in recent years were Tk 278,888.90 crore in 2024–25, Tk 274,874.02 crore in 2023–24, Tk 265,003.27 crore in 2022–23 and Tk 236,793.09 crore in 2021–22. Officials said the current year’s rate is the lowest among the last five years for the corresponding period, indicating a continued slowdown in project execution. Monthly data also reflects the sluggish pace. In January alone, ADP implementation in FY2025–26 stood at Tk 8,679.42 crore, accounting for just 3.64 percent of the annual allocation. In January of the previous fiscal year, spending was slightly higher at Tk 9,874.53 crore, or 3.55 percent of the allocation. The persistent slowdown has been attributed to multiple factors, including administrative adjustments, cautious expenditure management and slower approval processes during the interim administration period. Project officials have also pointed to delays in procurement, land acquisition and fund release as key reasons behind the lower execution rate. Record low ADP implementation rate clouds Planning Ministry's performance in 2025 As per the economists, the ADP plays a critical role in driving economic activity, employment and infrastructure development. A sustained slowdown in implementation may affect overall growth momentum, especially in sectors reliant on public investment. Despite the lower execution rate, planning ministry officials expressed hope that spending would accelerate in the remaining months of the fiscal year as ministries and agencies traditionally speed up project implementation towards the end of the budget cycle. The ADP is the government’s primary development budget, financing major infrastructure, social sector and regional development projects. A higher implementation rate is generally seen as a sign of strong administrative capacity and efficient project management, while slower spending often signals bottlenecks in execution. With less than half the fiscal year remaining, the pace of implementation in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the government can narrow the gap with previous years or whether FY2025–26 will end with the lowest execution rate in recent times.

Five Bangladeshi nationals including four members of a family have been killed in a road crash in Saudi Arabia. The deceased were identified as Mizanur Rahman, 42, his wife Meher Afroz Sumi, 30, their two-daughters—Mohna, 13 and Subah of Ramganj upazila and Hossain Mohammad Jilani alias Babo, 30 of Balakot area in the upazila. Another daughter of Mizanur identified as Faiza Akter, 11 in  undergoing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia, said their family. Eight shops gutted in fire in Laxmipur Firoz Uddin Chowdhury, Officer-in-Charge of Ramganj Police Station, said the accident occurred around local time 3 am (Bangladesh time 11 pm) in Abha area of Saudi Arabia. Baharul Alam, elder brother of Mizanur, said Mizanur had long been involved in hotel business in Saudi Arabia. On February 3, Mizanur along with his wife and three daughters went to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. They met the  tragic accident while returning home after performing Umrah.  

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) on Sunday observed the 57th death anniversary of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque with due solemnity. Marking the day, a Milad Mahfil was held after Fajr prayers at the central mosque of Bangladesh Air Force Base Zahurul Haque in Chattogram, seeking divine blessings for the departed soul and continued peace and prosperity of the country. Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Zahurul Haque, Air Vice Marshal Md Abdullah Al-Mamun, along with senior officers, airmen and other members of the base, attended the programme.\ BAF marks 55th death anniversary of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque: ISPR On this day in 1969, Sergeant Zahurul Haque, a Bengali member of the then Pakistan Air Force and an accused in the Agartala Conspiracy Case, was shot dead by a Pakistani soldier while in detention at Dhaka Cantonment. He had been arrested in December 1967 in connection with the case filed by the Pakistan government and was initially kept at Dhaka Central Jail, according to an ISPR media release. He was later taken into custody under the Air Force Act and held at Dhaka Cantonment. Amid the mass uprising of 1969, the then Pakistani ruler Ayub Khan withdrew the Agartala Conspiracy Case. However, Sergeant Zahurul Haque was killed on February 15, 1969, while still in detention. BAF observes 54th death anniversary of Sergeant Zahurul Haque In recognition of his contribution to the country’s liberation struggle, a residential hall of Dhaka University was named Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall, and Bangladesh Air Force Base Zahurul Haque in Chattogram was named in his honour in 1982. He was posthumously awarded the Swadhinata Padak in 2018.