Bangladesh - The Daily Ittefaq

PM joins national conference of July mass uprising

UNB — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 12:09:36 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday joined the July National Conference-2026, organised to mark the second anniversary of July mass uprising and honour those killed and injured during the movement. The programme began at 10:12 am at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon with a remembrance ceremony jointly organised by the July 24 Martyred Families Society and the... Details

Speaker pays tribute at state funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader

BSS — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 10:56:41 +0600

Speaker of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, has paid tribute on behalf of Bangladesh at the state funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. At the solemn ceremony held at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla, the Speaker offered prayers for the departed leader and conveyed condolences and solidarity to the people of Iran on behalf of the... Details

Dhaka's air quality remains ‘moderate’ this morning

UNB — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 10:53:55 +0600

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked 44th among the world’s most polluted cities on Saturday morning, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 57. Maps According to the AQI scale, the city’s air quality was classified as ‘moderate’ at 09:22 am. The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kinshasa, Uganda’s Kampala, Pakistan’s Lahore and India’s... Details

EC extends new voter registration to July 31

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:18:46 +0600

The Election Commission (EC) has extended the deadline for new voter registration from 30 June to 31 July to ensure eligible citizens can vote in the upcoming national election. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud announced the decision to reporters at the Election Commission headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Thursday (2 July). He said election officials had submitted a plan... Details

Gold price raised for 2nd straight day

UNB — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:07:46 +0600

The Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (BAJUS) raised the price of gold for the second consecutive day on Friday, pushing up the rate of 22-carat gold by 4,374 per bhori. The organisation announced the new price through a notice in the morning. According to the new rate, each bhori (11.664 grams) of 22-carat gold will now cost Tk 228,556 in the domestic market, including VAT.... Details

Speaker conveys Bangladesh's solidarity with Iran

UNB — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:03:49 +0600

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Friday expressed his profound condolences at the tragic demise of Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and condemned his brutal killing. He conveyed the solidarity of the government and the people of Bangladesh with the government and the brotherly people of Iran during this period of national mourning. The Speaker held a meeting with Mohammad Bagher... Details

Bangladesh likely to face flooding in July-August

BSS — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:25:47 +0600

Bangladesh may witness flooding in the Brahmaputra and Meghna River basins in July and August this year due to heavy precipitation in their upper catchment areas, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC). "Bangladesh remains vulnerable to flooding in July and August due to climatic reasons. During this period, heavy rainfall occurs in major river basins and upstream areas,... Details

Fresh food inflation hits Dhaka kitchen markets

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:10:13 +0600

Retail prices of broiler and Sonali chickens have increased by Tk20 per kilogram within the past three to four days. Prices of potatoes, eggplants, and green chilies have also gone up at the retail level. In addition, several varieties of rice have recorded slight price increases. According to the sellers, the higher prices of broiler chicken, eggplants, and green chilies are mainly due to... Details

Dhaka’s air quality ‘moderate’ on Friday morning

UNB — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:12:28 +0600

Dhaka’s air quality was in the ‘moderate’ category on Friday morning, ranking 14th among cities with the worst air quality. At 9:35am, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 97, according to air monitoring data. Meanwhile, Kinshasa, the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, topped the list with an AQI score of 159, making it the... Details

Bangla QR records Tk 22.02cr transactions in 48hrs: BB

UNB — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:40:59 +0600

Highlighting a significant momentum in the country’s push toward a cashless society, the nationwide mandatory rollout of the unified "Bangla QR" payment standard recorded 77,165 transactions amounting to Tk22.02 crore over a span of just two days, central bank data showed. The transactions were registered on June 30 and July 1, 2026, marking the official eve and day of the Bangladesh... Details

Govt devising new visa policy, body formed to revise draft

UNB — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 20:23:52 +0600

The government is formulating a new visa policy by amending the existing one introduced in 2006 to simplify the entry and exit of foreigners, attract foreign investment and promote tourism. A draft of the proposed Visa Policy 2026 was placed at a meeting of the Cabinet on Thursday. To further refine the draft, a cabinet committee, headed by the finance minister, was formed at the meeting.... Details

Govt cuts LPG, auto gas prices

BSS — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:41:13 +0600

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) today reduced the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and auto gas, lowering the retail price of a 12kg LPG cylinder by Tk 357 and auto gas by Tk 16.53 per litre. Under the revised rates, a 12kg LPG cylinder will now be sold at Tk 1,528, down from Tk 1,885, while the retail price of auto gas has been reduced to Tk 70.40 per litre from Tk... Details

PM calls for inclusive, safe society, protection of animals

UNB — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:10:10 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged people to embrace the humanistic ideals of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, saying the government is committed to building an inclusive society where people of all faiths can live safely and peacefully, and animals are protected from cruelty. "The present government is working to build such a state and society where every person, irrespective of... Details

Rains across country predicted

UNB — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:23:39 +0600

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rains in all the divisions in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Thursday. “Light to moderate rain/thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at many places over Mymensingh, Chattogram & Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna & Barishal... Details

HSC, equivalent exams begin

UNB — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 10:10:59 +0600

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations began simultaneously across the country on Thursday, with over 12.70 lakh candidates set to appear under 11 education boards. HSC exams began at 10 am with Bangla 1st Paper on the first day. Students from 9,439 educational institutions are expected ti sit for the examinations at 2,697 centres under the country's nine general... Details

Cabinet body okays import of 2.7 lakh tonnes of wheat

UNB — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 19:56:07 +0600

The Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) on Wednesday approved two separate proposals for importing 2.7 lakh tonnes of wheat to strengthen the country’s food grain stocks. The recommendations were made at a meeting of the committee held with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury in the chair, following proposals submitted by the Ministry of Food. Under the first... Details

New police uniform takes effect

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:19:04 +0600

In response to the changed circumstances, the police uniform has once again been revised. Starting Wednesday, July 1, police personnel began performing their duties in the new uniform, which consists of a dark blue or light olive shirt paired with khaki trousers. The new uniform was seen during the inauguration of the newly constructed Barkau Police Camp at the Purbachal New Town Project in... Details

HSC 2026 begins Thursday

UNB — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:20:44 +0600

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations will begin simultaneously across the country on Thursday, with over 12.70 lakh candidates set to appear under 11 education boards. Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque revealed this information at a press briefing held the Secretariat on Wednesday. Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon and... Details

NICAR approves three new upazilas, one police station

UNB — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:44:58 +0600

The National Implementation Committee for Administrative Reorganisation (NICAR) on Wednesday approved the creation of three new upazilas and one new police station to improve public administration and service delivery. The decision was taken at the 121st meeting of NICAR held at the Cabinet Division conference room at Secretariat with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair, said PM’s... Details

10th anniversary of Holey Artisan Café attack being observed

UNB — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:56:01 +0600

The 10th anniversary of the Holey Artisan Bakery attack, the deadliest terrorist incident in Bangladesh's history, is being observed on Wednesday with solemn remembrance of the 22 people who lost their lives in the tragedy. Family members, friends and well-wishers of the victims both in Bangladesh and abroad are paying tribute to those killed in the attack through various commemorative... Details

Global aviation giants eye Bangladesh's airport transformation

BSS — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 12:51:17 +0600

Bangladesh's aviation sector has reached a significant milestone as five of the world's leading airport service providers compete to operate at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's (HSIA) Third Terminal, reflecting growing global confidence in the country's ambition to emerge as a regional aviation hub. For the first time since Bangladesh's independence, internationally renowned airport... Details

Floodwaters recede, Teesta erosion intensifies

UNB — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:58:20 +0600

Although water levels of the Teesta River have started receding, thousands of people in northern Bangladesh remained stranded while fresh riverbank erosion is threatening homes, roads, embankments and critical infrastructure in five districts. At least 20,000 families are still marooned in low-lying and char areas of Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha and Nilphamari as floodwaters from... Details

Padma Bridge toll revenue reaches Tk 3,429cr

UNB — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:45:36 +0600

Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has collected Tk 3,429 crore in toll revenue from the Padma Bridge since it was opened to traffic in June 2022. A total of 2,68,62,808 vehicles crossed the bridge till June 29 this year, generating Tk 3,429.45 crore in toll revenue, according to a BBA statement issued on Tuesday. During the period, the authority repaid Tk 2,516.68 crore to the government in... Details

Forex reserve stands at $37.56b

BSS — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:51:04 +0600

Bangladesh's foreign exchange reserves stood at US$37.56 billion, according to the latest data released by the Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Tuesday. The central bank said that under the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM-6) accounting standard, the country's reserves were recorded at $32.90 billion. Officials noted that the... Details

Kamalapur joins Metro route in March

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 22:02:45 +0600

Dhaka's metro rail network is set to reach another milestone, with the Kamalapur station expected to open in March next year as authorities also prepare to gradually extend operating hours to meet rising passenger demand. The extension from Motijheel to Kamalapur is being implemented under the third phase of the MRT Line-6 project, which was launched in 2022. According to DMTCL sources, work... Details

Traditional post-budget dinner scrapped under PM's austerity directive

UNB — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:43:44 +0600

As part of the government's austerity drive, the Ministry of Finance has skipped this year's traditional post-budget dinner for MPs on the directive of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, saving around Tk 50 lakh. “The traditional post-budget dinner was cancelled this year following the Prime Minister’s directive as part of the government's austerity measures,” said Prime... Details

US Embassy launches ‘America Week 2026’ in Bangladesh

UNB — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:01:36 +0600

The US Embassy in Dhaka on Tuesday announced the launch of ‘America Week 2026’, a seven-day, multi-city celebration in Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Rajshahi honoring the 250th anniversary of American independence as part of President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 initiative. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen will bring US culture, history, and values directly to... Details

Tk 9,38,000cr budget for FY26-27 passed

UNB — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:10:21 +0600

Parliament on Tuesday passed a Tk 9,38,000 crore national budget for 2026-27 fiscal year, setting ambitious targets to accelerate economic growth to 6.5 percent and bring inflation down to 7.5 percent after prolonged price pressures eroded living standards for much of the population. The budget, the first presented by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, is 19 percent larger than the... Details

A-Challan mandatory for all govt receipts from July 1

BSS — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:44:51 +0600

The government has made A-Challan mandatory for depositing all public revenues and other government receipts from July 1, 2026, aiming to bring every receipt into the Treasury Single Account in real time, end manual challans and strengthen public cash management. From the beginning of FY2026-27, no ministry, division, department or subordinate office will be allowed to collect or deposit... Details

BMD predicts rainy weather across country for 5 days

UNB — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:57:32 +0600

Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds and lightning are likely to occur across the country over the next five days, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said in its 120-hour forecast on Tuesday morning. According to the regular bulletin issued by the weather office, the trough of low pressure lies over Gangetic West Bengal to the Northwest Bay.... Details

NBR gets new chairman

BSS — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 22:47:29 +0600

The government has appointed Ahsan Habib as the new chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), replacing Md Abdur Rahman Khan. The appointment was announced through a government notification issued today. Prior to his elevation, Ahsan Habib served as an NBR member and as director general of the Central Intelligence Cell (CIC), the tax intelligence unit responsible for investigating tax... Details

JS passes Finance Bill 2026

BSS — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 21:08:30 +0600

The Jatiya Sangsad (JS) today passed the Finance Bill 2026 with a good number of significant changes, including raising the income tax-free ceiling for individual taxpayers and withdrawing the proposed provision on the disclosure of investments. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury moved the bill, which was passed by voice vote with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, in... Details

PM pledges to restore discipline in economy

UNB — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 19:08:30 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today pledged to restore discipline in the country’s economy expressing his government’s commitment to recover the money laundered abroad as quickly as possible. The Prime Minister proposed several people-friendly amendments to the proposed national budget including reducing the tax burden on ordinary citizens, withdrawing the controversial provision... Details

Karnaphuli Tunnel costs nearly twice its earnings: Minister to JS

UNB — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:33:10 +0600

The operational and maintenance costs of the Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chattogram are more than double its monthly toll earnings, with the government spending nearly Tk 6.95 crore a month against an average monthly income of Tk 3.37 crore from toll collection, Parliament was told on Monday. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam disclosed the information while responding to a... Details

FY27 budget ‘life-friendly’, aims to bring relief to all: PM

UNB — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:20:10 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday described the proposed national budget as a “life-friendly budget”, saying it was designed to provide relief to people from all walks of life while helping the country overcome economic challenges inherited by his government. Participating in the general discussion on the proposed FY2026-27 budget in Parliament, he also said the government... Details

Gold price drops by Tk 3,266 per bhori

UNB — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:01:43 +0600

The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has reduced gold prices by Tk 3,266 per bhori, setting the new price of 22-carat gold at Tk 225,290 per bhori, including VAT, effective from 10am on Monday. In a statement issued in the morning, BAJUS said the price adjustment was made following a decline in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market.= Under the revised rates, a bhori... Details

Legendary cultural figure Mustafa Monwar passes away

UNB — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:25:20 +0600

Eminent artist and cultural personality Mustafa Monwar passed away at a hospital in Dhaka on Monday. He was 90. The renowned artist breathed his last around 8:30 am while undergoing treatment at the hospital due to old-age complications, said his family. In a condolence message, Bangla Academy Director General Prof Mohammad Azam said Bangladesh’s legendary cultural figure and honorary fellow... Details

PM urges Banglalink to make digital services more accessible

UNB — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:05:45 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged Banglalink authorities to take steps to make smartphones more affordable and consider reducing internet prices further so that digital services become accessible to people from all walks of life. The call came when Augie Fabela, Chairman of VEON, the parent company of Banglalink, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister's... Details

Dhaka's air quality 'moderate' Monday morning

UNB — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 09:28:13 +0600

Dhaka ranked 19th among cities with the worst air quality on Monday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 80 at 8:40 am. Uganda's Kampala topped the list with an AQI score of 176, making it the world's most polluted city. Pakistan's Lahore ranked second with an AQI score of 164, while Indonesia's Jakarta placed third with a score of 159. An AQI score between 51 and 100 is... Details

Remittance inflow rises 17.3pc till June 27 in FY26

BSS — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 23:38:11 +0600

Bangladesh received US$35.21 billion in remittances during the period from July 2025 to June 27, 2026, marking a 17.3 percent increase compared with US$30.01 billion received during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. According to the latest data, expatriate Bangladeshis sent US$140 million in remittances between June 25 and June 27. During the first 27 days of June... Details

1,320 candidates recommended for cadre posts, 201 non-cadre

UNB — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 21:14:40 +0600

The Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) on Sunday published the final results of the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination recommending 1,521 candidates for appointment. The results were published on the PSC's website. According to the results, 1,320 candidates have been provisionally recommended for appointment to various cadre services while 201 candidates for non-cadre... Details

Teesta water rises again, triggers flashflood fears

UNB — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 19:02:36 +0600

The water level of the Teesta River has started rising again due to incessant rainfall and upstream runoff from India, raising fresh fears of flooding in low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat district. According to the Teesta Barrage authorities, the river was flowing 12 centimetres below the danger level at the Teesta Barrage point at 3pm on Sunday. To cope with the increased inflow, all 44 gates... Details

PM inspires students to be responsible citizens

UNB — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 17:42:14 +0600

Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged students to develop themselves into competent, skilled and responsible citizens as he hosted a lunch for students, teachers and visitors at Parliament. The lunch was held at the VIP Cafeteria of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The guests included 29 law students from the Canadian University of Bangladesh, 21 underprivileged... Details

PM orders SPARRSO modernisation during surprise visit

BSS — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:42:58 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed the authorities concerned to develop the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO) as a modern, future-ready, self-reliant space research institution capable of making effective contributions to national security and development. He gave the directive during his surprise visit to SPARRSO office here this morning. The... Details

JS budget session resumes

BSS — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:57:53 +0600

The sitting of the second session of the 13th parliament (budget session 2026) resumed at 10.34 am today at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir-Bikram inthe chair. The day's proceedings began with recitation from the Holy Quran. Details

Zero tariff on solar equipment import proposed

BSS — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:39:30 +0600

The BNP government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is prioritizing the renewable energy sector to reduce import dependence in power generation, strengthen energy security and ensure environment-friendly energy. To this end, the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal has proposed a zero-percent tariff on the import of solar power equipment. This is being regarded as a... Details

Speaker irked by low attendance

UNB — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:45:39 +0600

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Saturday expressed frustration over the absence of more than 40 percent of lawmakers who had enlisted to participate in the budget discussion in Parliament, saying many members failed to appear when their names were called. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad expressed his dissatisfaction after the BNP MP elected from Dhaka-2 Md. Amanullah Aman refused to deliver his speech... Details

PM's China visit elevates ties to highest level: FM

BSS — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:43:30 +0600

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman today said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China elevated Dhaka-Beijing relations to their highest level, marking the beginning of a "China-Bangladesh Community with a Shared Future." "This is the highest step in terms of China's bilateral engagement," the foreign minister told a media briefing at the foreign ministry while highlighting the... Details

National Vitamin ‘A’ Plus Campaign tomorrow

BSS — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 17:41:27 +0600

The National Vitamin ‘A’ Plus Campaign will be held simultaneously across the country tomorrow. Under this programme, the government has set a target of feeding Vitamin ‘A’ capsules to about 2,40,36,022 children aged 6 months to 59 months. The campaign will run from 8 am to 4 pm. However, a child-to-child searching activity will be conducted in 714 wards of 290 unions... Details

68,297 Bangladeshi Hajis return home

BSS — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 14:02:12 +0600

A total of 68,297 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia as of Friday, following the completion of this year's Hajj held on May 26. "A total of 188 return flights were operated by three designated carriers -- 102 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 63 by Saudia Airlines and 23 by Flynas Airlines," an official said. The Hajj office said that so far, 4,459 Hajis have... Details

Rainfall likely to continue across country over next 5 days

UNB — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 12:26:58 +0600

Rainfall is likely to continue across the country over the next five days as the monsoon remains fairly active over Bangladesh, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at a few places... Details

EC eyes mandatory NID renewals

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 11:55:34 +0600

The Election Commission (EC) is considering making the renewal of National Identity Cards (NIDs) mandatory. Under the proposal, citizens may be required to renew their NIDs once they reach the 15-year validity period. Although the current law allows NID renewal, it is not mandatory. However, according to relevant sources, the EC is working on implementing mandatory renewal to ensure that... Details

2 dead in Katabon building fire

UNB — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 11:11:18 +0600

Two people were killed after a fire broke out at a high-rise building in Katabon area of Elephant Road in the capital early Saturday. The deceased were identified as Md Jony, 24, son of Babul Mia of Kishoreganj district and Abdus Salam, 20, son of Selim Sarkar of Kahalu upazila in Bogura district. Jony served as a clerk to Barrister Moazzem and Salam, a clerk of Prosecutor Abdullah Al Noman... Details

PM returns home ending maiden 6-day overseas visit

UNB — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 22:09:55 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home from Beijing on Friday night, wrapping up his two-leg six-day maiden overseas trip to Malaysia and China. A China Southern Airlines flight carrying the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and the accompanying delegation landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at 7:45pm, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. Local... Details

PM leaves China for home

UNB — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:55:09 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Beijing for Dhaka on Friday afternoon, concluding his four-day official visit to China after a series of high-level meetings, investment engagements and the signing of 17 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). A China Southern Airlines flight carrying the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and the accompanying delegation departed from Beijing Daxing... Details

Holy Ashura being observed

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:27:44 +0600

The Holy Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), is being observed in the country today with due religious fervour and solemnity. Ashura, the 10th of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, commemorates the date in the Hijri year of 61, when Hazrat Imam, the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family members and 72 followers embraced the martyrdom in... Details

Rain likely in parts of country

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:13:01 +0600

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) today forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers in different parts of the country during the next 24 hours commencing at 9 am. "Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind and lightning are likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over... Details

PM Tarique, Chinese President Xi Jinping hold talks in Beijing

UNB — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:13:18 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday morning held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, in one of the most important engagements of his four-day official visit to China. The meeting, which began at 10:40am local time (8:30am Bangladesh time), lasted for around half an hour, Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said. A... Details

172 Bangladeshis repatriated from Libya

UNB — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 21:12:17 +0600

A total of 172 irregular Bangladeshi migrants detained at the Ganfuda Detention Centre in Benghazi, Libya, were repatriated to Bangladesh early Thursday. The returnees arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:18 am on a special flight operated by Buraq Air. The repatriation was carried out with the support of the Libyan government and the International Organization for Migration... Details

India reopens doors to Bangladeshi tourists

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:15:14 +0600

After nearly two years, India has reopened tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens. Applications can be submitted starting June 28, and visa issuance will begin on July 1. On Thursday (June 25), India's newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, shared this information with journalists after visiting the Indian Visa Application Centre at Jamuna Future Park in the capital,... Details

Dhaka, Beijing agree to deepen Teesta Project ties

UNB — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:26:00 +0600

Bangladesh and China on Thursday agreed to deepen cooperation in river management, including the “Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project," as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sought greater Chinese support for water resource management, flood control and environmental protection efforts. The understanding came during a meeting between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and... Details

PM invites Chinese companies to expand value chains into Bangladesh

UNB — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 10:53:00 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday invited Chinese companies to extend their manufacturing value chains into Bangladesh, assuring investors of sweeping reforms, faster approvals and stronger institutional support as his government wants to position the country as a major destination for foreign investment. Addressing the Bangladesh Investment Forum in Beijing, the Prime Minister also... Details

Bangladesh’s external debt stands at $78.22bn: Khosru

UNB — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:20:45 +0600

Bangladesh’s total outstanding external debt stood at the equivalent of $78.22 billion as of March 2026, with concessional loans accounting for nearly 62 percent of the total, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury told Parliament on Wednesday. Responding to a written question from BNP lawmaker Md Mustafizur Rahman Babul, he said the government’s total external debt reached... Details

Govt sets inflation target at 7.5% for next Fiscal Year

BSS — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:18:44 +0600

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today said the government has set a target of reducing inflation to 7.5 percent and raising economic growth to 6.5 percent in the next fiscal year 2026-27. He made the remarks while replying to a written question tabled by ruling party lawmaker Md Fazle Huda (Naogaon-3) in Parliament. The day’s sitting began with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir... Details

World Bank approves $450mn to strengthen banking sector

UNB — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:43:10 +0600

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors on Wednesday approved $450 million in financing to help Bangladesh strengthen the foundations for a stronger banking sector, a prerequisite for the revival of the country’s economic growth and job creation. The Financial Sector Support Project II aims to bolster the deposit protection system to protect small depositors and build Bangladesh... Details

PM leaves Dalian for Beijing by bullet train

BSS — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:50:35 +0600

After attending the World Economic Forum (WEF), Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today left Dalian for Beijing by a bullet train. Tarique Rahman left here for Beijing by a high-speed bullet train from Dalian North Railway Station at about 2:00 pm (local time). Dr Zubaida Rahman, spouse of the premier, is accompanying him. The premier arrived at the railway station by a jeep from... Details

Gold prices drop as BAJUS cuts rates

UNB — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:48:43 +0600

The prices of gold jewellery fell sharply in Bangladesh on Wednesday as the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) reduced rates across all categories, citing a decline in local bullion prices. The price of the finest 22-carat gold jewellery, including VAT, was cut by Tk 5,482 per bhori (11.664 grammes) to Tk 2,25,290, effective from 10:00am. BAJUS said the adjustment was made in line with... Details

Strategic investments to drive new chapter in Bangladesh-Saudi ties

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 13:38:04 +0600

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah has said they expect greater emphasis on strategic investments, industrial partnerships and technology transfer, noting that the next five years could represent a "transformative phase" in Bangladesh-Saudi economic relations. "Bangladesh offers one of the most dynamic investment destinations in South Asia, with a market of more... Details

PM attends WEF plenary session in Dalian

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:26:36 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined the plenary session of the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF), also known as Summer Davos, here on Wednesday morning. The plenary session began at 9:00am local time at the Dalian International Conference Centre, bringing together global leaders, policymakers and business executives to discuss innovation-driven growth... Details

Bangladesh's trade deficit widened to $24.17bn in FY25: Minister

UNB — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:51:33 +0600

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Tuesday told Parliament that Bangladesh's trade deficit widened to US$ 24.17 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25, as the increase in import expenditure outpaced growth in export earnings. He disclosed the information while responding to a question from BNP lawmaker from reserved women seat Nilufar Chowdhury Moni. The minister said the country... Details

BB launches NRCTA for NRBs

UNB — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:59:21 +0600

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has introduced a new account facility, the Non-Resident Convertible Taka Account (NRCTA), aimed at encouraging greater participation of Non-Resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) in the country's economy by providing a flexible and fully repatriable investment and savings platform. The central bank today issued the directive under the provisions of the Offshore Banking Act,... Details

63,783 Bangladeshi Hajis return home

BSS — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:49:23 +0600

A total of 63,783 Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims have returned home from Saudi Arabia as of Monday following the completion of this year's Hajj held on May 26. “A total of 164 return flights were operated by three designated carriers -- 84 by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, 58 by Saudia Airlines and 22 by Flynas Airlines," an official said. Hajj office said so far, 4,319 Hajis returned... Details

3 more children die, death toll now 686

UNB — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:41:59 +0600

Three more children have died with symptoms consistent with measles in 24 hours until 8:00am on Tuesday, taking Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 686. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to... Details

Light to moderate rains likely across country

UNB — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:35:05 +0600

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rains in many places of the country in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Tuesday. According to a Met Office bulletin, light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions. Rains are also expected at a few places over Rajshahi and Dhaka divisions,... Details

Ministers’ absence from budget session sparks debate in JS

UNB — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:22:31 +0600

A debate broke out in Parliament on Monday after an opposition lawmaker raised concerns over the repeated absence of ministers during the ongoing budget session. Opposition lawmaker elected from Dhaka-12 Saiful Alam Khan Milon raised the issue during the general discussion on the proposed national budget chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad. The Speaker acknowledged the issue and called for... Details

BB eases remittance of consular, visa processing fees

BSS — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:17:04 +0600

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has relaxed regulations governing the remittance of consular and visa processing fees, allowing Authorized Dealers (ADs) to transfer such funds abroad without obtaining prior approval from the central bank. The move is aimed at streamlining foreign exchange procedures related to diplomatic and consular financial transactions, said a BB circular today. Under the revised... Details

PM leaves Malaysia for China

UNB — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:50:22 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Malaysia for the Chinese port city of Dalian on Monday afternoon after concluding his two-day official visit to the Southeast Asian country. A special Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and members of the delegation departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport around 5:00pm local time, said Prime... Details

Bangladesh faces 1,146 MMcfd gas deficit daily

UNB — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:00:31 +0600

Bangladesh currently has 7.63 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable natural gas reserves, while the country is experiencing a daily gas supply deficit of around 1,146 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd), Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood told Parliament Monday. Responding to a question from Jamaat MP Md Tajuddin Khan (Meherpur-1), the minister said the... Details

Govt for reducing business start-up time to 14 days: Minister

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:55:04 +0600

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Monday said the government is working to simplify the licensing process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles to enable entrepreneurs to start a business within just 14 days. “Where it once took around a year to start a business, our target is now to create opportunities for businesses to begin operations within 14 days. Under ideal situations, a company... Details

Draft 'Jalmahal Act' ready

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:58:03 +0600

The government has prepared the draft of the 'Government Jalmahal (Waterbody) Act, 2026' to bring discipline to public waterbody management, prevent encroachment and pollution, conserve biodiversity, and protect the rights of genuine fishermen. The draft law incorporates strict penal provisions, including imprisonment and monetary fines, against offenses such as illegal encroachment,... Details

Gold price rises by Tk 4,432 per bhori

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:51:35 +0600

Bangladesh Jeweller’s Association (BAJUS) on Monday raised the gold price in the domestic market by Tk 4,432 per bhori, ending a two-round decline, with 22-carat gold now priced at Tk 2,30,772 per bhori. In a notice issued in the morning, BAJUS cited a rise in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market as the reason behind the upward revision. According to the new rates,... Details

Dhaka, KL eye concluding mutually beneficial FTA in 2027

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:52:20 +0600

Bangladesh and Malaysia on Monday expressed their commitment to advancing the negotiations with a view to concluding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries in 2027 for a "mutually beneficial, comprehensive and forward-looking" agreement that reflects current global trading practices. The leaders - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim -... Details

BWCCI founding president Selima Ahmad passes away

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:11:59 +0600

Selima Ahmad, founding president of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) and a prominent woman entrepreneur, passed away in Bangkok on Sunday after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was the wife of former FBCCI president and Chairman of Nitol-Niloy Group Abdul Matlub Ahmad. According to BWCCI, Selima Ahmad breathed her last at a hospital in Bangkok. Her body is... Details

Argentina fans in Bangladesh launch nationwide tree plantation drive

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:07:34 +0600

A group of football supporters in Bangladesh are turning their World Cup passion into environmental action through a nationwide tree-planting campaign under the banner "Argentina Fans for Nature." The initiative aims to plant 4,000 native fruit, medicinal, and forest trees across the country while encouraging youth participation in climate action and environmental conservation. The movement... Details

PM urges Malayasia to recruit more Bangladeshi workers

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:49:39 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged Malaysia to open labour market for Bangladeshi workers as soon as possible as well as recruit more Bangladeshis. “Bangladeshi workers, students, professionals, and entrepreneurs in Malaysia serve as an important bridge between the two countries. Their contributions benefit both our economies and societies. I requested His Excellency Prime Minister... Details

Flash flood sweeps away shops in Jaflong

UNB — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:38:28 +0600

Hundreds of shops at Jaflong Zero Point, one of Sylhet’s most popular tourist destinations, were destroyed after a sudden surge in the Piain River's water level triggered a flash flood overnight, leaving traders counting heavy losses. Affected traders said heavy rainfall in the Indian state of Meghalaya on Saturday night caused the river’s water level to rise sharply, inundating... Details

PM urges expats to focus on serving country

UNB — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:13:27 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday night urged Bangladeshi expatriates to move beyond a culture of placing demands and instead focus on what they can contribute to the country, calling on them to play a greater role in Bangladesh’s development and rebuilding efforts. Addressing a view-exchange meeting with members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community at the Shangri-La Hotel in... Details

NBR staring at Tk 88,000cr shortfall from revised target

UNB — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 22:55:00 +0600

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) expects to collect a record Tk 4.15 lakh crore in revenue in the outgoing 2025-26 fiscal year, although the figure is likely to fall short of the revised target by around Tk 88,000 crore. According to an NBR press release, the revised revenue collection target for FY2025-26 was set at Tk 5.03 lakh crore. NBR warns jobseekers against fraud promising Income... Details

PM off to Malaysia on maiden overseas visit

UNB — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:17:13 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left for Malaysia on Sunday afternoon on his first overseas visit since taking office, aiming to strengthen economic ties, boosting investment, expand labour market opportunities and deepen strategic cooperation. A special Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying the Prime Minister, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and members of the accompanying delegation departed... Details

PM to leave for Malaysia today

BSS — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 06:21:28 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave for Malaysia today on an official visit at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the premier is scheduled to depart Dhaka for Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon. After completing his visit to Malaysia, he will travel directly to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Ahead of... Details

Food grain stocks in country exceed 20.6 lakh tons

BSS — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:10:06 +0600

The government food grain reserves remain at a satisfactory level, helping ensure the country's food security. According to Directorate General of Food’s daily report on the food grain situation on June 17, the total government stock of food grains in the country, including floating stocks, has reached 2,060,507 metric tons. The government warehouses currently hold 1,596,579... Details

Govt targets efficient public expenditure, higher revenue

UNB — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:46:11 +0600

Amid mounting fiscal pressure and growing development needs the government has embarked on a medium-term reform agenda aimed at making every taka of public spending count while strengthening revenue collection and safeguarding debt sustainability. The strategy outlined in the FY2026-27 national budget seeks to improve the quality and efficiency of public expenditure, raise the country’s... Details

Dhaka, Beijing to sign 15-17 instruments during PM’s visit: FS

BSS — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:13:33 +0600

Bangladesh and China are expected to sign 15 to 17 bilateral instruments during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to China, with discussions on the long-awaited Teesta project. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam disclosed the information at a media briefing at the foreign ministry today, ahead of the Prime Minister’s two nations visit- Malaysia and China- beginning... Details

Light to moderate rain likely in parts of country

UNB — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:11:33 +0600

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rains in parts of the country in 24 hours commencing 9am on Saturday. “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions... Details

Rohingyas keen to return home, Bangladesh tells UN

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:52:05 +0600

Bangladesh has renewed its call for the early repatriation of the Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. Speaking at a UN briefing by the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar on June 19, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury underscored that the Rohingya crisis originated in Myanmar and that its durable solution must also be found there. He... Details

Five specialised children's hospitals set to open in five divisions

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 11:21:02 +0600

The government is set to launch five 200-bed specialised children’s hospitals in Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Rajshahi divisions and Cumilla district within the next six months, significantly expanding pediatric healthcare services across the country. According to the Health Ministry, all necessary preparations have been completed to open the hospitals, having Intensive Care Unit (ICU)... Details

Five specialised children's hospitals set to open in five divisions

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 11:20:50 +0600

PM Tarique begins twin visit to Malaysia, China Sunday

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 11:17:29 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s twin visit to Malaysia and China is set to begin on Sunday that represents a strategic diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s economic partnerships, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing connectivity. The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for Kuala Lumpur on Sunday afternoon at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister... Details

PM stresses investment on education & health

BSS — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:52:47 +0600

Emphasizing that “investment in children’s education and health is the most important investment in nation-building,” Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued a message on the occasion of the “Primary School Gold Cup Football Tournament (Boys and Girls) 2026,” which begins tomorrow. In his message, the Prime Minister said sports, culture and creative activities... Details

Rainfall likely to continue across country over next 5 days

BSS — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:11:53 +0600

Rainfall is likely to continue across the country over the next five days as the monsoon remains fairly active over Bangladesh, according to the latest weather forecast issued by the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). The Met Office said a trough extending from Gangetic West Bengal to the Northwest Bay persists, while the monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and weak to moderate... Details