United News of Bangladesh

IDLC Investments Limited, a subsidiary of IDLC Finance PLC, has been awarded by FinanceAsia as Bangladesh’s Best Investment Bank, Best Equity Capital Markets (ECM) House, and Best Debt Capital Markets (DCM) House at the FinanceAsia Awards 2026. These awards reinforce IDLC Investments’ position as a leading investment banking institution in Bangladesh, reflecting its capabilities across equity and debt capital markets, structured finance, syndication, advisory, underwriting, and trustee services. The awards recognise IDLC Investments’ performance during a challenging year for Bangladesh’s capital markets, marked by liquidity tightening, higher interest rates, and limited public equity issuance. Despite having a difficult market environment, IDLC Investments led the country’s only public equity issuance of the year, expanded structured debt solutions, supported regulatory capital formation, and delivered green, Shariah-compliant, syndicated and advisory solutions for leading corporates and financial institutions. Speaking at the awards ceremony in Hong Kong, M Jamal Uddin, Managing Director and CEO of IDLC Finance PLC, said, “Bangladesh may be a small market, but it tells one of Asia’s most resilient growth stories. The next chapter of the nation’s economic growth will require deeper equity markets, stronger debt capital markets, sustainable finance and more institutional capital. We dedicate this prestigious recognition from FinanceAsia to our honorable clients, investors, regulators, and shareholders.” Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, Managing Director of IDLC Investments Limited, said, “We are honoured to receive the three prestigious recognitions from FinanceAsia. The achievements reflect the strength of our integrated investment banking platform, the trust of our clients and investors, and our commitment to quality, innovation and execution excellence.”

Alliance Française de Dhaka successfully hosted The Colour Atlas of Bangladesh, a fashion workshop and exhibition curated by fashion designer, educator, and textile researcher Rokaiya Ahmed Purna, celebrating Bangladesh's rich cultural identity through research-driven contemporary fashion on Tuesday. The exhibition presented the outcomes of an intensive workshop in which nine emerging designers explored Bangladesh's six seasons as a source of inspiration for fashion design, according to a press release. Guided by a research-based methodology, participants examined the country's landscapes, traditions, textiles, rituals, and everyday life before translating their findings into original colour palettes, mood boards, design concepts, and contemporary garments. The exhibition transformed the gallery into a vibrant archive of colour and creativity, showcasing research books, visual narratives, range plans, and finished designs that reflected each participant's unique interpretation of Bangladesh's seasonal identity. Together, the works demonstrated how heritage can inspire innovative design while preserving cultural memory. Speaking through her curatorial vision, Rokaiya Ahmed Purna emphasised the importance of approaching fashion as a process rooted in research, observation, and storytelling. The project encouraged young designers to look beyond decorative references and engage deeply with Bangladesh's environment, traditions, and evolving visual culture. The exhibition attracted artists, designers, educators, students, members of the diplomatic and cultural community, and fashion enthusiasts, fostering meaningful dialogue around design education, sustainability, cultural heritage, and the future of Bangladeshi fashion.

Fifty customers can win TVs, smartphones, smartwatches and earbuds each week by making the highest number of payments through bKash. Under the ‘Payment Champion’ campaign till July 18, 2026, users can win these exciting prizes on bKash payments at merchant points across the country. To qualify for the campaign, customers need to make at least seven transactions between Sunday to Saturday, with a minimum payment of BDT 200 per transaction. A customer will be considered for the prize only once during the campaign. Every week, the top five customers with the highest number of payments will get a 55-inch Samsung LED TV. The next 10 customers will win smartphones, followed by 10 customers who will receive smartwatches while the rest 25 top customers will be awarded earbuds. Details of the campaign are available in this link- https://offer-finder.com/campaign/exciting-prize-on-most-number-of-payment. In addition, customers can enjoy discounts of up to BDT 200 by making payments through bKash at selected merchants using the promo code ‘HAMZA’. It is mentionable that bKash continues to work towards strengthening Bangladesh’s digital payment ecosystem by leveraging technological innovation. From small neighborhood grocery stores to renowned brand shops, the availability of bKash QR payments at nearly one million merchants across the country has made digital payments more accessible than ever. Customers can also enjoy the convenience of shopping through ‘Pay Later’, a special collateral-free credit facility, even when they do not have sufficient balance in their accounts. Besides, customers can make payment through Visa card, already saved in the bKash app. Moreover, bKash users can add money from highest numbers of banks directly to their bKash accounts.

Emerging leaders from across Asia’s textile and apparel sector gathered in Bangkok on Thursday for the inaugural NexGen CEOs Roundtable 2026, a high-level platform aimed at fostering innovation, collaboration and strategic thinking to shape the future of the global industry. Held on the sidelines of the Global Sourcing Summit 2026 and the 2nd Asia Sourcing Show 2026 (Textiles & Apparel) at IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, the event brought together young industry leaders, entrepreneurs and executives to exchange ideas on sourcing, manufacturing, trade, sustainability and technological innovation, according to a press release. Organisers described the roundtable as more than a networking event, calling it a platform for the next generation of decision-makers to contribute to the transformation of the textile and apparel ecosystem. Participants discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and emphasised the importance of involving future leaders in shaping policies and strategies that will define the sector in the years ahead. The event highlighted the need for stronger regional cooperation, innovation-driven growth and resilient supply chains amid evolving global market dynamics. Organisers said the discussions initiated in Bangkok would continue through future collaborations, partnerships and industry-led initiatives aimed at building a smarter and more connected global textile and apparel sector. The NexGen CEOs Roundtable 2026 was jointly organised by the International Apparel Federation (IAF) and CEMS-Global USA. The Bangkok edition received support from the National Federation of Thai Textile Industries (NFTTI) and the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA). The roundtable was chaired by Chalumpon Lotharukpong, Chairman of TGMA. Industry leaders attending the event expressed optimism that the platform would help cultivate a new generation of leadership capable of guiding the textile and apparel industry through a rapidly changing global landscape.

MetLife Bangladesh has installed a 104-kilowatt (kW) on-grid solar panel system at its Motijheel head office, enabling the company to generate up to 10 percent of its electricity needs from solar power. The initiative strengthens MetLife’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable operations. Serving Bangladesh for over 74 years MetLife continues to upgrade the workplace with modern, sustainable improvements. This solar installation aligns with Bangladesh’s national drive toward renewable energy, where commercial rooftop solar projects can play an important role in accelerating clean power adoption.“Sustainability is integral to how we operate and how we serve Bangladesh,” said Ala Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, MetLife Bangladesh. “By generating up to 10% of our energy needs through solar power at our historic head office, we are demonstrating that progress and preservation can go hand in hand. As the number one life insurance company in Bangladesh, we believe it is our responsibility to support national priorities while creating a more resilient future for our customers, employees, and communities.” Business Division 4 of Sena Kalyan Sangstha executed the technical implementation, ensuring strict compliance with national grid connection standards.

Like previous years, bKash has rolled out a wide array of attractive discounts and cashback offers to make Eid-ul-Adha shopping more joyful and affordable. Customers can avail of over Tk 8,000 in discounts and cashbacks by making bKash payments for clothes, footwear, electronics, groceries, food delivery, ticketing, and hotel bookings etc. These offers will be available till 31 May 2026. Details of all offers can be found at this link: https://www.bkash.com/en/campaign/eid-ul-adha-shopping-with-bkash.  Here are some of the notable offers– Groceries: Customers can enjoy discounts or cashbacks by applying specific coupon codes when making bKash payments for their essential Eid groceries. This offer is available at leading superstores including Agora, Unimart, Meena Bazar, and Daily Shopping, as well as on various online platforms. Lifestyle Brands: Purchasing new clothes and preferred lifestyle products to celebrate Eid is now even more joyous. By using specific codes during bKash payments at renowned brand outlets, customers can avail themselves of various discounts and cashbacks. Details of these offers can be seen here: https://offer-finder.com/en/campaigns?category_slug=lifestyle. Home Decor & Electronics: To enhance the festive spirit, customers can enjoy cashbacks on furniture, home decor, and essential electronics when paying with bKash, adding more colour to their Eid celebrations. Ticketing and Hotel Booking: The joy of travelling home during the Eid holidays or taking a trip with family and friends can be multiplied with bKash payment. Users can avail of various offers on bus, train, and flight tickets, as well as hotel bookings, by using specific coupon codes while making bKash payments. Additionally, various discounts and cashbacks are available for online shopping and food orders at restaurants.

Bangladesh’s leading conglomerates, Abul Khair Group, has honored six exceptional individuals with the “M-Rise Hero” award for their relentless efforts in bringing positive change to society despite numerous challenges. The winners were honored at the grand “M-Rise Gala Night” held on Thursday at InterContinental Dhaka. The event featured documentary showcases based on the heroes’ lives, hero reveals, and cultural performances. Popular megastar Shakib Khan handed over the honorary crests to the winners, symbolically connecting reel-life heroism with real-life change makers. Sheikh Shabab Ahmed, Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Legal at Abul Khair Group, was also present at the event. In the inaugural edition of M-Rise, honors were awarded to Chattogram-based tech innovator Joy Barua Lablu, who has created affordable bionic hands and opened new possibilities for many people. Md. Rostom Ali from Cox’s Bazar was recognized for supporting neglected elderly people and orphaned children through the “Ma-Baba Foundation.” Animal welfare activist Md. Abdul Kaiyum from Dhaka was honored for his long-standing work in rescuing and treating stray animals. Additionally, Md. Rizwan from Chattogram received recognition for his “Education for One Taka” initiative, which supports underprivileged children with educational opportunities. Mariam from Cox’s Bazar was honored for empowering coastal women economically through seaweed farming. Meanwhile, Prosenjit Kumar Saha was recognized for his “Ucchash” initiative, which works on education, skill development, and health awareness. Some of the award recipients also shared their feelings and thanked Abul Khair Group for encouraging social initiatives through such a unique platform. Joy Barua Lablu said, “I have always believed technology should not only be about innovation, but also about making people’s lives easier and better. Seeing smiles on people’s faces is what inspires me to keep moving forward. I welcome initiatives like this.” Md. Rostom Ali, founder of Ma-Baba Foundation, said, “While working for neglected elderly people and orphaned children, I have always tried to priorities humanity. I thank Abul Khair Group for recognizing our work and inspiring positive social initiatives. I hope more people in the country will come forward to support humanitarian causes.” Expressing his feelings while handing over the awards, Shakib Khan said, “I am truly proud to honor these real-life heroes. The people who are silently working for society deserve this recognition. Their achievements are not only personal accomplishments, but also an inspiration for the entire nation. Platforms like M-Rise bring forward those individuals who create real change beyond the spotlight. I believe such initiatives will inspire younger generations to become more socially responsible and compassionate.” Expressing his enthusiasm for recognizing true heroes, Sheikh Shabab Ahmed, Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Legal at Abul Khair Group, said, “The journey of Abul Khair Group itself is an inspiring story. From humble beginnings, the organization has grown into one of the country’s leading conglomerates. Beyond business success, Abul Khair Group has always worked for the betterment of society and people. The M-Rise initiative was born from that very vision.” The organizers of the M-Rise platform also mentioned that this is not just an award programme, but a platform to spread the stories of individuals creating positive change across the country. They added that similar initiatives to highlight contributors to society will continue in the future. Alongside senior officials of Abul Khair Group, journalists and more than a hundred content creators attended the event.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has seized Indian goods worth around Tk 84 lakh in separate drives conducted in the border areas of Brahmanbaria and Cumilla districts. The operations were carried out on Tuesday by patrol teams of various border outposts (BOPs) under the Sultanpur Battalion (60 BGB). The drives were conducted in different border areas of Kasba upazila in Brahmanbaria, including Gosaisthal, Chandidar, Moinpur, Madla and Khadla, as well as in Shashidal, Shankuchail, Kharera and Borojwala areas of Brahmanpara, Burichang and Adarsha Sadar upazilas in Cumilla district. Indian national held in Jashore with Tk 1.93cr gold, foreign currencies During the operations, BGB teams recovered various Indian smuggled goods including sarees, cumin, akashmoni round timber, basmati rice, fuchka, shrimp fry, cattle and cannabis. The seized items will be handed over to the customs following legal procedures, said BGB sources. Lt Col SM Shariful Islam, commanding officer of Sultanpur Battalion, said the BGB remains committed to preventing smuggling and drug trafficking. He added that intelligence surveillance and operational activities along the border have been further strengthened.

bKash, the country’s most loved brand and the largest mobile financial service provider, has won three awards at the third edition of the Bangladesh Retail Awards (2026). Organised by the Bangladesh Retail Forum and the Bangladesh Brand Forum, these awards honour organisations and initiatives that have revolutionised the country’s retail industry in the digital era. In this edition, bKash has secured the ‘winner’ title in the categories of ‘Best Innovation in POP Merchandising’ for its ‘bKash Payment Speaker’ service and ‘Best Innovation in Retail Payment Solution’ for ‘bKash Salesforce App’. Additionally, the company received an ‘Honorable Mention’ for its ‘bKash NFC’ service in the ‘Best Use of Technology in Retail’ category. Senior officials from bKash received the awards on behalf of the company. The bKash Payment Speaker announces the transaction amount as soon as a payment is made at a merchant point, providing instant confirmation of a successful payment to both the customer and the merchant. This service has already received an overwhelming response. Furthermore, the bKash NFC service has made transactions even more seamless and quick by offering the convenience of instant contactless payments. In this year's event, 40 initiatives were declared winners and 24 received honorable mentions from among the top innovations in the country’s retail sector.

As part of a revenue-sharing arrangement, Nagad, one of the country’s leading mobile financial service providers, has disbursed BDT 13 crore 82 lakh 30 thousand 470 to the Bangladesh Post Office. This amount represents the Post Office’s share of revenue generated by Nagad from January 2024 to June 2025. The cheque was formally handed over on Tuesday at the Dak Bhaban in Agargaon in the capital by Nagad’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Afzal Ahmed, to Mr. Kazi Asadul Islam, Director General of the Department of Posts. Among others SM Haroonur Rashid, Additional Director General of the Department of Posts, Bangladesh Bank appointed associate administrator Md Nahim Uddin, Nagad’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Md. Samsul Islam, along with senior officials from Nagad Limited and the Department of Posts were also present at the event. According to the agreement with the Post Office, Nagad Limited bears all investments required for operating the business, including technological infrastructure and Department of Posts does not make any financial investment in service operations. However, it receives 51 percent of the revenue generated, while Nagad Limited retains the remaining 49 percent. Previously, since the launch of the service, Nagad has disbursed a total of BDT 14,60,94,660 to the Post Office as its share of revenue at different times. This includes a cheque of BDT 5,51,37,558 handed over in May 2024, BDT 4,50,46,647 in 2022, and BDT 1.12 crore in 2020. Following the cheque handover, Director General Kazi Asadul Islam expressed his gratitude to Nagad’s management. He stated that Nagad has successfully created significant competition in the sector, encouraging customers to adopt cashless transactions, which in turn is contributing to substantial growth in Bangladesh’s financial services sector. He said that Nagad is a service of the Postal Department. Together, the Postal Department and Nagad will take the platform even further ahead. Just as the Postal Department owns Nagad, the government also holds ownership. Currently, around BDT 13–14 crore is being received annually which could reach to BDT 100 crore and boost the government’s exchequer. Nagad Administrator Md. Motasem Billah remarked that the organization has played an outstanding role in financially including marginalised populations through technology. He added that Nagad has been instrumental in ensuring customer interests by fostering competition and innovation in the market, while also contributing significantly to government revenue every year. Since its launch in March 2019, Nagad has earned the confidence of the common users and has brought about a transformation in the country’s digital financial landscape by integrating underserved communities into the financial system. The platform now handles an average transaction volume of approximately BDT 15,000 crore a day. In addition to ensuring innovative services and the lowest cash-out charges, Nagad has brought unprecedented changes to the financial sector. The organization has played a key role in distributing funds under the government’s Family Card programme. It is also actively involved in disbursing stipends for primary and secondary education, grants from the Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust, and various government social safety net allowances with transparency and efficiency. In the future, Nagad is expected to play a significant role in distributing funds under initiatives such as the Farmer Card programme, allowances for imams and muezzins, and other government subsidies and grants.