United News of Bangladesh

To make festive shopping more joyful and affordable during Durga Puja, bKash is offering over Tk 8,000 in cashback and discounts across more than 40,000 physical retail outlets and online platforms nationwide. Customers can avail these offers on bKash payments across multiple categories, including clothes, footwear, electronics, groceries, restaurant dining, ticketing, and hotel bookings. The offers will remain valid till 31 October 2026. Details of all offers can be found at this link: https://www.bkash.com/en/campaign/payment-means-bkash. Here are some of the notable offers – Groceries: Customers can enjoy discounts or cashback by applying designated coupon codes while making bKash payments for festive cooking essentials and daily groceries. This offer is available at top superstores including Shwapno, Meena Bazar, Unimart, Agora, Daily Shopping, as well as on various e-commerce grocery platforms. Lifestyle Brands: Purchasing new clothes and preferred lifestyle products to celebrate Puja festivity is now even more joyous. By using specific codes during bKash payments at renowned brand outlets, including Aarong, Infinity, Lubnan, Sailor, customers can avail themselves of various discounts and cashbacks. Details of these offers can be seen here: https://offer-finder.com/en/campaigns?mega_campaign_slug=payment-means-bkash-campaign&category_slug=lifestyle. Food & Beverage: Dining out with family at favourite restaurants comes with discounts on bKash payments. The offers cover diverse dining segments, including biryani, traditional cuisine, fast food, sweets, bakery items, and coffee shops. 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 Puja celebrations. Ticketing and Hotel Booking: Making travel plans during this five-day Puja holiday--whether heading home or going on a vacation with family--is now more economical. Users can avail of various offers on bus 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, health check-ups, IELTS course fee payments, and purchases from a vending machine.

A forestation programme has been launched in Khulna under the ‘bKash Forest’, which enables customers to contribute to real world tree planting by growing virtual trees through their digital transactions. Khulna City Corporation and bKash jointly inaugurated the programme by planting trees at Solar Park and Linear Park in the city. Shaikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Nazrul Islam Monju, Administrator of Khulna City Corporation, inaugurated the programme at Solar Park. Rajib Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Khulna City Corporation; Imran Ahmed, Conservator of Forests, Khulna Circle; Humayun Kabir, EVP and Head of the Regulatory & Corporate Affairs Department at bKash; and other senior officials were also present on the occasion. Under the programme, a total of 25,000 trees will be planted across Khulna. Speaking as chief guest, Shaikh Faridul Islam said, “Under this joint forestation programme with bKash, trees will be planted and maintained in Khulna. They are also giving due importance to selecting suitable tree species for each location and ensuring their proper care.” Referring to the government’s plan to plant trees across the country, he added, “The ministry is working to encourage individuals and organisations to undertake tree plantation initiatives alongside the government.” Noting that Khulna and the entire southern region of the country remain vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Nazrul Islam Monju said the government has undertaken tree plantation programmes across the country, including in coastal areas, to address environmental risks. “The Sundarbans not only sustain our lives by providing oxygen but also protect lives and property from disasters such as cyclones and storm surges. We must therefore develop a green belt across the coastal region,” he said. Thanking bKash on behalf of the people of Khulna for participating in the forestation programme, he expressed hope that the initiative would encourage many other organisations to contribute the environmental protection. This is the first time that a mobile financial app-based initiative for ecological protection has been introduced in the country. Every time a user takes a low-carbon action, such as using paying utility bills, opening DPS, adding money, availing loan, recharging mobile or sending money through bKash app, will earn points called “green points.” As users accumulate green points, a virtual sapling gradually grows into a tree within their bKash Forest in bKash app. Once the required number of points has been earned and the virtual tree reaches maturity, bKash plants a corresponding tree in the real world. Users can subsequently view updates about the real tree through the app. In this way, the ‘bKash Forest’ initiative will enable users to make a tangible contribution to the environment through their everyday digital transactions.

Five relatives of United Kingdom (UK) - based expatriates won motorbike and electronic device coupons by receiving the highest amount of remittances sent directly to their bKash accounts through ‘Taptap Send’ from the UK. The prizes were handed over to the winners at a ceremony held recently at the bKash head office. The top remittance recipient won a motorcycle coupon worth Tk 180,000, while the subsequent winners received electronic device coupons worth Tk 50,000, Tk 30,000, Tk 25,000, and Tk 15,000, respectively. Winners were selected based on the remittance amounts they received from UK-based relatives between August 1 and 31, 2026. The campaign was designed to encourage expatriates to send remittances--a vital lifeline of the country's economy--through safe, convenient, and legal channels. The remittance service of bKash has been gaining popularity and trust among expatriates and their loved ones due to its secure, convenient and easy nature. At present, expatriates can instantly send remittances to their loved ones’ bKash account through 142 international MTOs from over 170 countries around the world that get settled at 28 top commercial banks in the country. Meanwhile, expatriates’ relatives can cash out remittances from nearly 2,500 ATM booths of top commercial banks across the country for a charge of only Tk 7 per thousand, using the bKash app or dialling *247#.

Multiple International Tradeshows - 10th Edition of Bangladesh BUILDCON 2026 and BEST CNC Router Presents 10th Bangladesh WOOD International Expo 2026 with INTERIOR & EXTERIOR Expo and SOLAR BANGLA Renewable Energy Expo is scheduled to be held between September 17 and 19 2026 at Expo Village, International Convention City Bashundhara Dhaka, organised by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Futurex Trade & Events Pvt Ltd. with Interior Design Bangladesh (IDB) as the knowledge partner for the event. Dr. Engr. Giasuddin Haider, Director General, (Additional Chief Engineer, PWD), Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) Dhaka will be the Chief Guest along with dignitaries from sector and the event will be inaugurated at 3pm on 17th Thursday 2026 at Expo Village. “ Stakeholders from Building & Construction Industry and Wood & Wood working industry, Interior Exterior and Users of Solar solutions can visit this premier platform for innovation, networking and business opportunities and discover the latest in Construction, Building Materials, Interior Solutions, Solar Products, Wood working machinery and furniture supplies all under one roof” said Mr. Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan, Managing Director of ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd. Construction being an ongoing activity, stakeholders are always looking for technology helping to issues related to cost, efficiency as well as being eco-friendly. The display at Bangladesh BUILDCON expo addresses the main concerns of the sector. The furniture sector, dotted by unorganised players, always have to modernise themselves to offer better products as well as to be able to manage scale of production. BEST CNC Router presents 9th Bangladesh WOOD exp0 2026 is the only and premier tradeshow related to the sector has always been bringing global technology closer to the doorsteps of the end users. As per the ongoing trend SOLAR BANGLA Renewable Energy Expo and INTERIOR EXPO Solutions are also part of this expo. Interior Design Bangladesh (IDB) is organising a focused seminar on titled ARCH*INTERIOR BRIDGE - 2026” to be addressed by Ar. N.R. Khan and Ar. Tanya Karim on 19th September 10.00 am onwards concurrent to the tradeshow to strengthen the connection between architecture and interior design while creating an engaging learning platform for professionals and emerging designers. A business visitor gets the advantage of seeing large range variety on display under-one-roof such Adhesive & Chemicals, CNC Boiler, Fiber Laser, CO2 Laser, Wood Printing, Concrete Block Machine, Hardware & Locks, Particle Boards, Power Tools, Batch Plan, Construction Equipment, Pipe & Fitting, Cables, Sealant, Software, Construction Chemicals, Ceramic, Electrical Switches & Accessories, Water Pumps & motor, Solar Power Equipment, Kitchen Appliances, Home Automation, Aluminium Panels and many more. Expo is open to all business visitors between 11 am and 7 pm on all days.

Four engineering students from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have received the Honda Young Engineer and Scientist’s (Y-E-S) Award 2025 for their academic excellence and potential contribution to science and technology. Honda Foundation, in collaboration with Bangladesh Honda Private Limited (BHL), presented the awards at a ceremony at a city hotel on Monday. The awardees are Sakif Naieb Raiyan, Quazi Tajgir Tahmin Raevan and Md Adnan Rahman from BUET, and Lilatul Barat Siddika from KUET. Each recipient received US$ 3,000, a medal and a certificate. The awardees will also be eligible to receive up to $ 10,000 under the Honda Y-E-S Award Plus programme if they pursue further study or training within four years of receiving the award. The support covers master’s or doctoral programmes and study-abroad opportunities at Japanese universities, as well as approved internships at Japanese research organisations or private companies. Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh Naoki Takahashi attended the ceremony as a special guest. SA Abul Hayat, actor, director and writer; Susumu Morisawa, managing director and CEO of BHL; Gaku Azumai, secretary general of Honda Foundation; Shah Muhammad Ashequr Rahman, chief marketing officer of BHL; Yukiyoshi Matsuda, country director of JICE in Bangladesh, and representatives of participating universities were also present. The Honda Y-E-S Award was first introduced in Vietnam in 2006, followed by India in 2007, Laos and Cambodia in 2008, Myanmar in 2014 and Bangladesh in 2019. In Bangladesh, the award is open to eligible undergraduate students of four public engineering universities — BUET, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), KUET and Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET). Up to four students are selected each year in Bangladesh. The programme seeks to promote the dissemination of eco-technology among young people while strengthening interaction and knowledge exchange between Japanese youth and young people expected to lead science, technology and industry in their respective countries. The Honda Foundation, established in 1977 by Honda founder Soichiro Honda and his younger brother Benjiro, works to promote a humane civilisation through science and technology. Its activities include the Honda Prize, international symposia and the Honda Y-E-S Award programme. Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) serves as the liaison for the Honda Foundation’s Y-E-S Award programme in Bangladesh.

To make cash out costs more affordable for its users, bKash has once again reduced its charge. From now on, customers can cash out up to Tk 50,000 per month at a cost of Tk 13.95 per thousand from two Priyo Agent numbers. As always, this fee includes VAT and all other costs, ensuring customers will not face any extra expenses. This initiative is set to make daily transactions more affordable for bKash’s 84 million customers across the country. In a calendar month, customers can conveniently add two ‘Priyo Agents’ out of the 350,000 plus bKash agents nationwide. If needed, they can also change the ‘Priyo Agent’ numbers once the calendar month ends. To add a ‘Priyo Agent’ number, customers can simply tap the ‘Cash Out’ icon on the home screen of the bKash app, select the ‘Priyo Agent’ menu, and follow the on-screen instructions. Alternatively, the number can be added by dialling *247#, navigating to the ‘My bKash’ menu, and selecting the ‘Priyo Number’ option. Additionally, customers can check their monthly low-cost cash-out limits at any time from the ‘Limit’ feature of the app. Notably, cash out charge of Tk 18.50 per thousand will be applicable in case customers exceed Tk 50,000 per month limit and withdraw money from other agents.

Shopping at Apex stores with bKash payment has become more affordable, attractive, and delightful for customers. To deliver this experience, Apex, the popular footwear and lifestyle brand, and bKash, the country’s largest mobile financial service provider, have jointly taken various initiatives. By eliminating the need for carrying cash and loose change, these initiatives enable customers to make secure digital payments more conveniently across Apex’s nationwide network of 342 outlets and online store, alongside access to multiple exclusive offers. In this regard, an agreement was signed recently at the Apex head office in Gulshan, Dhaka. From Apex - Firoze Mohammad, Chief Executive Officer; Md. Raihan Kabir, Head of Marketing and from bKash - Ali Ahmmed, Chief Commercial Officer; Faisal Shaheed, Head of Merchant Payments; S. M. Khaled Bin Halim, Vice President of Merchant Payments along with other senior officials from both organisations were present in the occasion. During this Football World Cup season, customers can win a jersey autographed by national football team star Hamza Choudhury. A customer will be eligible for this offer on a bKash payment of over Tk 3,000 upon purchasing shoes, sandals, bags, and t-shirts of the popular lifestyle brand ‘Sprint’. Every day, up to 20 customers can win this jersey during the campaign till 8 July 2026. A customer can avail this once during this period. As the exclusive payment partner of the ‘Apex School Smart Campaign’, bKash users are also getting a 5% discount on selected products for bKash payment. In addition to these offers, both companies expressed their joint commitment to continuously introduce a variety of payment offers for customers throughout this year. Beyond gifts and discounts, bKash payment features a special collateral-free loan facility called ‘Pay-Later’ for a flexible shopping experience at Apex. This service allows customers to make immediate purchases even if they do not have a sufficient account balance at the time of payment. Additionally, the bKash app allows users to pay via linked Visa cards. They can also bring money to their bKash accounts from banks and cards through the ‘Add Money’ feature.

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.