United News of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi expatriates have sent remittances to local bKash accounts more than five million times within 10 months via Pubali Bank. This hassle-free and secure service, offered by the mobile financial service (MFS) provider bKash, has earned the trust of expatriates and their families, encouraging sending remittances through legal channels, strengthening the country’s foreign currency reserves. Recently, a ceremony was held at bKash’s headquarters to celebrate this achievement where Pubali Bank’s Managing Director and CEO Mohammad Ali and bKash’s CEO Kamal Quadir, along with senior officials from both organisations were present. They highlighted the significance of this joint service and pledged to make remittance services even easier and safer for users. As a vital lifeline for the country's economy, these hard-earned remittances from expatriates are boosting the country's foreign exchange reserves and contributing to macroeconomic stability. To facilitate this, Pubali Bank and bKash have created a robust ecosystem for expatriates, to send remittances easily and securely. Currently, expatriates from 33 countries can send remittances through 11 international Money Transfer Operators (MTOs), which are settled instantly in the recipient's bKash account through Pubali Bank. Besides, recipients receive a government incentive of Tk 25 per thousand. They can easily cash out the remittance from nearby bKash agent points. Moreover, Families of the expatriates can utilise remittance to take various services through their bKash accounts, including paying for products and services, utility bills (gas, electricity, water), sending money, mobile recharge, paying educational and government fees, donations, insurance premiums, microfinance payments and many other services from the comfort of their homes. In addition to offering convenient, instant and secure remittance transfers, bKash has lowered cash-out fees. Beneficiaries can now withdraw remittances at a minimal cost of Tk 7 per thousand from approximately 2,500 ATMs of 19 leading commercial banks.

Hamza Choudhury, skipper of Bangladesh National Football Team and a player of English club Leicester City, has become the brand ambassador of bKash. Hamza, rejuvenating Bangladeshi football fans with fresh spirit, will participate in various promotional activities of bKash to encourage customers in cashless transactions. Alongside encouraging the behavioural shift towards cashless transaction, bKash and Hamza will work together to strengthen the growing digital financial ecosystem of the country. Recently, an agreement was signed between bKash and Hamza Choudhury at a hotel in the capital, said a media release issued on Friday. bKash’s Chief Marketing Officer Mir Nawbut Ali, Chief Legal Officer M Mazedul Islam, Chief External & Corporate Affairs Officer Major General Sheikh Md Monirul Islam (retd), Head of Brand Ashraf Ull Bari along with other senior officials, were present at the event. As a brand ambassador of bKash, he will participate in various promotional activities to raise awareness on bKash’s services and promote the company’s values. Regarding his association with bKash, Hamza said, “Joining a brand like bKash, which serves millions of people, is a great opportunity. Representing bKash is a matter of pride for me. I am eagerly looking forward to working together to promote the best brand of the country as well as encouraging the cashless habits.”  

Nahar Khan, Global Vice President of Cosmos Group, attended and spoke at the EAST X EAST Asia Meeting 2025, an invitation-only gathering held on November 6–7 in Taipei, Taiwan. The forum brought together CEOs, founders, family offices, technologists, and policy thinkers for two days of high-level dialogue on leadership, technology, climate, culture, and global resilience. Positioned by EAST X EAST as a private circle for leaders shaping the future, the meeting addressed the profound shifts driven by AI, sustainability pressures, geopolitical instability, and rapidly changing workforce dynamics.

To help people learn about daily transactions, income-expense planning, savings, loans, investments, insurance, and managing emergencyfunds—along with staying safe in financial dealings—online learning platform 10Minute School and the country’s largest mobile financial service provider bKash havelaunched a free special course. Designed to make people of all backgrounds, especiallythe youth, more skilled, aware, and secure in financial management, the course includes25 educational videos across five modules. As in developed countries, digital transactions are increasing in Bangladesh. The use ofMobile Financial Services (MFS) and other digital financial tools has already begun tochange habits, especially among youth. In the journey toward a cashless Bangladesh,understanding digital financial management has become essential. The course isstructured with simple tips and fundamental information to prepare users for tech-based transactions. Recently, 10 Minute School hosted a live event on its Facebook page to inaugurate thecourse titled “MoneyGyani: Digital Financial Mastery.” The five modules are“Introduction to Money, Transactions, and Income-Expense”, “A Bit of Personal Financefor Yourself”, “Financial Transactions in the Digital World”, “Digital Financial Security”and “Advanced Financial Literacy for Responsible Citizens”. Instructors include AymanSadiq and experts from 10 Minute School and bKash. After watching the video sessions,participants can test their understanding through simple Q&A segments. Uponcompletion, participants will receive a digital certificate. To enrol, interested candidates should visit 10 Minute School’s website or click this link:https://tinyurl.com/yc6rh6t3 . Next, they should tap the “Enrol for Free” button andenter their mobile number or email ID. An OTP will be sent to the designated mobile oremail ID. After submitting the OTP, they will be proceeded to next step. Here, they needto provide their name, password and re-enter password to confirm enrolment. The module “Introduction to Money, Transactions, and Income-Expense” covers thehistory of money, the use of cash and digital currency, their pros and cons, and theirimportance. “A Bit of Personal Finance for Yourself” teaches how to plan expenses, save,take loans, and invest based on income. “Financial Transactions in the Digital World”explains how to conduct daily transactions easily, safely, and instantly using digitalmethods. “Advanced Financial Literacy for Responsible Citizens” helps individuals contribute tothe broader financial system by understanding taxes, emergency funds, inflation,insurance, stock markets, bonds, and how national financial policies impact theeconomy. “Digital Financial Security” teaches how to protect one’s bank account, mobilewallet, and personal financial information from fraudsters. Since its inception, bKash has been working to enlighten the new generation byincreasing knowledge, skills, and awareness. In continuation of that mission, bKash haspartnered with 10 Minute School to launch this digital financial literacy course toprepare everyone—including future generations—for a cashless digital financiallifestyle.

The PMO Convergence 2025, hosted by PMaspire Global Group in collaboration with PMO Global Institute Inc., brought together 120+ PMO leaders, executives, and innovators from across industries from 80+ organizations to explore how Project Management Offices (PMOs) are shaping economic growth, governance excellence, and nation building in the new era of intelligence.   The event, themed “PMO as a Nation Builder,” showcased how PMOs have evolved from administrative units into strategic engines of transformation. Through keynote speeches, expert panels, and community networking, the conference emphasized how leadership, intelligence, and purpose must converge to drive national development.   In his keynote, Dr. Abdulla the Transformer, Founder and CEO of PMaspire Group and PMO Global Institute Inc., delivered a message about the rise of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the future of project management.   “When intelligence grows beyond us, leadership must grow within us,” said Dr. Abdulla. “The era of Artificial Superintelligence is coming in just a few years, when AGI will exceed the capacity of humans. If we do not integrate intelligence into how we lead and execute, human project professionals will be replaced, not by machines but by those who adapt intelligently.”   Dr. Abdulla urged PMO leaders to embrace convergence, the unification of purpose, intelligence, and execution, as the foundation of sustainable progress and nation building.   The highlight of the event was a dynamic panel discussion on “PMO as a Nation Builder – How PMOs Are Shaping Economic Growth and Governance Excellence,” featuring distinguished leaders from diverse sectors:   ●       Ajuba Khandaker – General Manager and Chief of Compliance and Monitoring, Pubali Bank PLC ●       Md Mosta Gausul Hoque, PMP – Retired Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh ●       Ar. Khurshid Shahid Almeher, PhD – CEO, Kaymonto and Partners ●       Moderated by: Golam Rahmani Quraishy, PMU, Max Foundation   Panelists offered thought-provoking insights on how PMOs can act as national enablers across government, finance, real estate, and infrastructure sectors.   Md Mosta Gausul Hoque emphasized the challenges in the public sector, stating, “The lack of ecosystem and absence of structured project management learning within government institutions remain major gaps. There is a need for national-level initiatives to strengthen capacity building and institutionalize PMO practices across the public sector.”   Ar. Khurshid Shahid Almeher, PhD highlighted the untapped human potential in the PMO domain, saying, “We have immense human potential waiting to be harnessed through the PMO space. With the right framework, our professionals can lead globally recognized projects and drive sustainable development.”   Ms. Ajuba Khandaker addressed the critical role of PMOs in the financial sector, noting, “Structured project management practices and strong PMO functions are essential in banking to ensure governance, risk control, and innovation. The banking industry must adopt PMO maturity models to enhance efficiency and accountability.” The evening also featured the PMO Networking Contest and 360 Photo Contest, celebrating participants’ collaboration, creativity, and community engagement. Dr. Abdulla the transformer concluded the event with a call to action, saying, “PMOs are not just offices of management, they are engines of national transformation. Together, we can build a future where every project contributes to stronger organizations, smarter governance, and better nations.”

Kumi Analytics, a leader in geospatial intelligence for environmental sustainability, and Savanna Collective, a tourism company dedicated to sustainable development, today announced a collaboration agreement to support sustainability initiatives across Asia. Together with Vulcanest, an innovator in industrial optimization technologies, and Overview Effect, a capacity building for nature-based solutions and ecotourism company, the partnership will address critical environmental challenges while laying the groundwork for nature-based ecotourism in Bangladesh. The initial focus of the collaboration will be on Bangladesh, where Kumi Analytics and Savanna Collective will work together to identify polluted waterways and trace major sources of contamination, as well as detect and combat illegal logging. These efforts will help restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity in one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions. Vulcanest will play a central role in reducing industrial emissions through its agentic AI engine, which continuously optimizes the performance of facilities such as oil refineries, chemical plants, and other high-emission industries. This innovation not only drives down emissions but also delivers significant cost savings for operators. Kumi Analytics will provide satellite-based monitoring and measurement of these emission reductions, ensuring transparency and accountability. Savanna Collective, in partnership with Overview Effect, will transform these sustainability outcomes into long-term opportunities for communities by developing capacity building programs for nature-based solutions, equipping local stakeholders with skills and knowledge to design and scale sustainable conservation initiatives in the Sundarbans and other unique ecosystems. Beyond capacity building, Overview Effect will also deliver ecotourism itineraries to provide local communities with economic opportunities in support of nature. “By combining advanced geospatial analytics, AI-driven industrial optimization, capacity building and sustainable tourism, this collaboration addresses the environmental challenges of today while building opportunities for tomorrow,” said Clinton Libbey, Founder and CEO, Kumi Analytics. “Our monitoring capabilities ensure that improvements in emissions, pollution, and deforestation are measurable and transparent.” Ceaser Wesala, Founder, Savanna Collective, added: “Tourism, when managed responsibly, can be a powerful force for conservation and community development. Working alongside Kumi Analytics and Vulcanest, and with our partners at Overview Effect, we aim to create unforgettable ecotourism experiences while building long-term local capacity in nature-based solutions.” The vision of the collaboration is to transform heavily polluted and degraded regions into sustainable ecotourism hubs, where biodiversity thrives, communities prosper, and visitors from around the world can experience Asia’s most unique natural landscapes. About Kumi AnalyticsKumi Analytics is a Singapore-based environmental intelligence company delivering advanced analytics on land, air, and water systems. The company partners with governments, NGOs, and businesses to enable sustainable decision-making and drive measurable environmental impact. About Savanna CollectiveSavanna Collective is a tourism company dedicated to creating sustainable travel experiences that protect ecosystems while empowering local communities. Through strategic partnerships, including with Overview Effect, Savanna Collective designs itineraries that connect travelers with the world’s most unique natural and cultural destinations. About VulcanestVulcanest is an AI Reasoning Copilot focused on heavy industrial performance, improving process operations and finding cost savings to reduce energy and emissions. Its agentic AI engine trains LLMs to organize and compute voluminous data streams to optimizes facility operations in real time, reducing emissions while improving cost efficiency. Vulcanest partners with industry leaders and sustainability organizations to enable a cleaner, more profitable future for global industry. About Overview EffectOverview Effect is a sustainability solutions provider specializing in capacity building for nature-based solutions and the design of innovative ecotourism initiatives. By working with local communities and global partners, Overview Effect enables scalable conservation projects that protect ecosystems, strengthen resilience, and create sustainable livelihoods.

United News of Bangladesh (UNB) Executive Editor Nahar Khan explained the need for journalism to adapt to the shifting dynamics of AI-driven news consumption. Speaking at the AsiaNet Forum 2025 panel session in Singapore, Nahar said that audiences are increasingly relying on AI-generated summaries instead of reading full articles.

For Pioneering Contributions to Conception and Development of Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and Leadership in Its Practical Application - The Honda Foundation has selected Dr. Kenichi Iga (honorary professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo and 18th president of former Tokyo Institute of Technology), as the recipient of the 2025 Honda Prize. The international award in science and technology honors his pioneering work in conceiving the Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and his contributions to advancing fundamental research and practical applications. The foundation is a public interest incorporated foundation established by Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and his younger brother Benjiro. In 1980, the Honda Foundation established the Honda Prize to acknowledge research achievements that contribute to "the creation of a truly humane civilization." Foreseeing the new potential of ecotechnology,*1 the Honda Prize is Japan’s first international award for scientific and technological achievements across a wide range of academic fields, encompassing the entire research process from discovery and invention to application and widespread usage. In 2025, the 46th Honda Prize will be awarded to Dr. Iga for his conception of VCSEL in 1977 and his pioneering contributions to its development and practical applications. The award ceremony will take place at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, on November 17, 2025. In addition to the prize medal and diploma, Dr. Iga will receive 10 million yen in prize money.Ecotechnology: Human-friendly philosophy founded on science and technology and designed to harmonize the natural and human environments and find resolutions to social issues, adopting a methodology that implies something more than just "being friendly to the Earth," which is the meaning usually associated with the word "ecology."

Dhaka, Bangladesh — 28 August, 2025 — The Dhaka American Women’s Club (DAWC), founded in the 1970s as a vibrant community for women in Dhaka, is proud to announce its new global affiliation with the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas (FAWCO). FAWCO, established in 1931, is a United Nations–recognized non-governmental organization (NGO) with over 50 member clubs in more than 30 countries. For nearly a century, FAWCO has worked to inspire and connect women worldwide, focusing on education, the environment, human rights, and health. With this exciting new affiliation, DAWC members will benefit from FAWCO’s international programs, advocacy platforms, and global conferences, while continuing to enjoy the friendships, cultural exchange, and philanthropic opportunities that have defined the Club’s role in Dhaka for decades. “As DAWC enters this next chapter, we are thrilled to extend our community beyond Dhaka and into the global network that FAWCO represents,” said Lesley Ahmed, President of DAWC. “Our members will now have the chance to learn, share, and collaborate with women across the world, while continuing to strengthen our community here at home.” For members, this means access to a worldwide sisterhood that offers both global perspective and local impact. DAWC’s affiliation with FAWCO ensures that the voices of women in Dhaka contribute to international conversations while also bringing home fresh ideas, resources, and opportunities for engagement. About the Dhaka American Women’s Club (DAWC)Since its forming, DAWC has fostered friendship, cultural exchange, and support among women in Dhaka. Through social, cultural, and philanthropic activities, DAWC creates a welcoming community for members and their families. About the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas (FAWCO)Founded in 1931, FAWCO is a global network of independent American and international volunteer organizations. Recognized as a UN NGO, FAWCO’s mission is to inspire and connect women worldwide, championing education, the environment, human rights, and health through advocacy and global initiatives.

NOVOAIR, one of the country's private airlines, has announced an additional 20 kg of baggage for free to the passengers going for Umrah and students traveling abroad. Passengers will be able to carry 40 kg of baggage in their checked-in baggage on domestic routes, said a press release issued on Wednesday. Generally, passengers are allowed to carry 20 kg of baggage in their checked-in baggage and 7 kg in their hand baggage. Mofizur Rahman, Managing Director of NOVOAIR, said, “NOVOAIR is always committed to improving the quality of service and providing special facilities. This initiative is to make the journey of the Umrah passengers and students affordable and comfortable.” The airline currently operates daily flights from Dhaka to Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Saidpur and Sylhet.