United News of Bangladesh

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.

WaterAid Bangladesh, supported by the Embassy of Sweden, has hosted a national workshop to mark the completion of the ‘WASH for Urban Poor (WASH4UP) Phase II’ project, highlighting achievements, lessons and future priorities for inclusive, climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene services. The workshop highlighted key achievements, lessons learned, challenges and stakeholder reflections from the project, which was implemented from April 2023 to March 2026. It also presented baseline and endline findings and discussed priorities for sustaining and scaling inclusive, climate-resilient water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services for the urban poor in Bangladesh. Speaking as the chief guest, Mohammad Saiful Islam Mazomder, Joint Secretary of the Policy Support Branch under the Local Government Division, said the issues raised at the event would be reflected in government policies and necessary steps would be taken to support their implementation. Special guest Nayoka Martinez-Bäckström, First Secretary (Environment and Climate) and Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Dhaka, said the partnership with WaterAid extends beyond the two phases of the programme and spans nearly two decades. She noted that globally, the collaboration focuses on ensuring accessible, quality and sustainable WASH services and emphasised that the sector is interconnected with multiple factors. Mohammad Mamun-Ul-Hasan, Chief Social Welfare and Slum Development Officer of Dhaka North City Corporation, stressed the importance of maintaining infrastructure alongside fulfilling responsibilities towards citizens. He expressed hope that WaterAid’s initiatives would continue to expand, said a press release. The event was chaired by Hasin Jahan, Country Director of WaterAid Bangladesh, who also delivered the vote of thanks. In her closing remarks, she said that inspired by WaterAid’s work, the Directorate of Education has taken various initiatives using its own funding to promote positive WASH behaviour among students. She also underlined the importance of coordinated research involving the Department of Public Health Engineering, WASA, city corporations and private institutions to support evidence-based decision-making. Around 120 participants, including policymakers, government officials, donor representatives, academics, think tanks, sector experts and NGO and INGO representatives, attended the workshop. Despite the perception that urban areas enjoy better WASH services, significant disparities persist among people living in slums and informal settlements. These communities remain highly vulnerable to waterborne diseases, poor sanitation and environmental hazards such as waterlogging and flooding. The WASH4UP Phase II project aimed to improve environmental health and resilience among these underserved populations. It was implemented in Dhaka North and South, Chattogram and Khulna city corporations, as well as in the municipalities of Paikgacha, Sakhipur and Saidpur.

As the holy month of Ramadan begins, people across Bangladesh are engaging in acts of charity with renewed dedication. While traditional in-person giving remains common, a rapidly growing number of donors are now opting for digital financial services to distribute their zakat and other forms of donations. Thanks to technological advancements, charitable organisations are reaching beneficiaries faster, more securely, and with greater transparency than ever before. bKash, the country’s leading mobile financial services, is playing a key role in expanding the proper distribution of donations and zakat. Through its platform, Zakat and donations can now be easily sent to more than 50 charitable and volunteer-based organisations working across the country, ensuring that financial assistance reaches thousands of vulnerable people in need. In addition, zakat and donations can also be sent through the merchant accounts of various organisations and institutions in the country. Although donations are made throughout the year, the volume of donations increases significantly through digital platforms during Ramadan. Customers can donate easily by clicking the ‘Donation' icon from the bKash app. Users can choose their preferred organisation can be selected from the list, provide their name, email, and contribution amount; and complete the process with just a few taps. If donors want to hide their identity, they can tick the ‘I don't want to share my identity’ option, and every transaction generates an instant acknowledgement receipt. Emran Hossain, a resident of Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Living a busy life in the city, distributing zakat every Ramadan has been a challenge for him. He said, “Living in Dhaka, it was always difficult to identify the right people to give zakat to. Because of my busy schedule, it became a burdensome task. But for the past two years, I have been able to send my zakat through bKash to my trusted organisations. It ensures the money reaches the right place without extra effort. Honestly, technology has made our lives easier.” Saira Rahman, who returned to Bangladesh after living abroad for many years, does not know many people in the country. She said, “It’s a relief. Last year, I was able to give my zakat and some donations very easily to my preferred organisations through bKash. This digital process has made donating extremely simple for me.” One of the organisations that receives donations and zakat through bKash is Obhizatrik Foundation, which supports disadvantaged children for education, runs community kitchens like Appayon, provides daily iftar during Ramadan, and uses zakat funds to empower people through sustainable initiatives. Executive Director of Obhizatrik Foundation, Ahmed Imtiaz Jami, said, “People can visit our office directly to donate if they wish. However, digital platforms have made fundraising much more dynamic. Now people from any part of the country are donating through our platform using bKash”. Organisations that receive donations through bKash: Anjuman Mufidul Islam, Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation, Center for Zakat Management, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Friendship, Armed Forces Division Relief Fund, BRAC, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, TMSS, As-Sunnah Foundation, Action Aid, Al-Markazul Islami, Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Hospital, Food for All–Khukumoni Foundation, Islami Bank Foundation (Zakat), icddr,b, JAAGO Foundation, Liberation War Museum, Mastul Foundation, Bidyanondo Foundation, Mojar School, National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, Obhizatrik Foundation, Prothom Alo Trust, Quantum Foundation, Sajida Foundation, Shakti Foundation, SOS Children’s Village Bangladesh, UNICEF, World Food Programme, July Shaheed Smriti Foundation- among many others. In addition to the bKash app, customers can visit this website https://www.bkash.com/en/products-services/donation to know details about donation.

NOVOAIR, one of Bangladesh’s leading private airlines, has entered its 14th year of operations on January 9, marking another milestone in its journey in the country’s aviation sector. To celebrate the occasion, the airline has launched a series of special initiatives beginning Thursday. As part of the anniversary celebrations, NOVOAIR announced a 14% discount on airfares for one month for its valued passengers. To enjoy the offer, tickets can be purchased from NOVOAIR sales centers, website and mobile apps. Passengers also can purchase tickets from the website and mobile apps using the promo code VQANNI14. Read More: Novoair stops flight operations due to financial crisis NOVOAIR commenced its journey on 9 January 2013 with its inaugural passenger flight on the Dhaka to Chattogram route. Within a short span of time, the airline has established itself as a trusted name in domestic air travel, earning passengers’ confidence through its commitment to service quality, punctuality, and safety. Over the past 13 years, NOVOAIR has operated more than 1 lakh 42 thousand flights and safely served over 8 million passengers. To enhance passenger convenience and deliver a more modern travel experience, NOVOAIR became the first airline in the country to introduce the “SMILES” Frequent Flyer Program, Co-branded cards, a dedicated mobile app for ticket purchases, and web check-in facilities. In addition, SMILES members enjoy exclusive discounts at renowned brand outlets and passenger enjoy special benefits under the Boarding Pass Privilege Program. Read More: NOVOAIR to resume flight operations from May 21 Extending greetings to the concerned authorities, business partners, and valued passengers on the occasion of the anniversary, NOVOAIR Managing Director Mr. Mofizur Rahman said, “We are committed to passengers’ expectations by ensuring on-time flight operations and safe travel. Overcoming various challenges, NOVOAIR has emerged as a trusted and reliable name in air travel. Looking ahead, our focus remains on further enhancing passenger services while expanding both domestic and international routes.” Currently, NOVOAIR operates daily flights from Dhaka to Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and Saidpur.

NOVOAIR, a leading airline of Bangladesh, has been awarded the prestigious “Excellence in Business–2025” at the Digital Excellence Award ceremony organised by Eastern Bank PLC (EBL). The award recognizes NOVOAIR's digital excellence and commitment to service quality, said a press release issued on Tuesday. The award ceremony was held on Sunday at a renowned convention center in the capital. Sohail Majid, Director (Marketing & Sales) of NOVOAIR received the awards from Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Bank PLC. Sohail Majid said, “This recognition will further inspire us in our journey ahead. NOVOAIR continues to prioritize modern technology and digital innovation to enhance passenger services. Our commitment to delivering improved service and ensuring customer satisfaction remains steadfast across all levels of our operations.” Currently, NOVOAIR operates daily flights from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Sylhet, and Saidpur.  

Metro Rail users now will be able to recharge their cards from the comfort of their home using Nagad wallet. The passengers can recharge their cards through the link available on the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) website. At present, two types of cards are used in the Metro Rail system – Rapid Pass and MRT Pass. Commuters can recharge both types of cards through Nagad, said media release on Monday  To recharge, passengers need to first visit the Rapid Pass website (www.rapidpass.com.bd) or app. If not registered on the Rapid Pass platform, they must complete the process with the required information. After that, they need to register their card by providing the card details. After registration, users must sign in. Once signed in, passengers can select their card and choose the desired recharge amount. In the payment method section, they will need to choose the mobile banking option and find the Nagad option. Then, they will enter their Nagad number and insert the OTP received via SMS. Once the password is provided, the recharge will be completed. For future recharges, Nagad users can save their wallet number, so they do not need to enter it every time. On completion of the online recharge, passengers must tap their card at the Add Value Machine (AVM) at respective stations to load the recharged balance. Once the recharge is successful, an SMS will be sent to the registered mobile number. A minimum of Tk 100 and a maximum of Tk 5,000 can be recharged at a time.  

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.