Finance Minister Amir Khosru unveils ambitious reform plan on day one

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on his first day in office on Wednesday laid out an ambitious reform agenda centred on institutional recovery, deregulation and broad-based economic participation.“Government’s ability to deliver depends fundamentally on the strength and efficiency of its institutions,” he said while speaking to reporters after assuming charge at the ministry.He said that state institutions are currently in a poor condition and require urgent attention. “Our primary problem (right now) is that the state institutions are in a very bad shape. We have to address this first. The institutions must be improved.”Amir Khosru stressed that restoring professionalism, transparency and efficiency within public institutions would be the first priority.According to him, without these core elements, even the most ambitious economic programmes would fail to produce meaningful results.“We have to bring professionalism into the institution...

Tk 10,000-cr food industry expands in Bangladesh; are our meals safe?

Bangladesh’s booming food industry, now estimated to be worth over Tk 10,000 crore, is expanding at an unprecedented pace across urban and semi-urban areas but experts warn that this growth is outpacing quality control and regulatory oversight, posing a serious public health risk.From roadside carts to high-end restaurants, food businesses are mushrooming nationwide with minimal monitoring.The absence of strict regulation, coupled with unsafe raw materials, is fueling concern among consume...

Bangladesh poultry industry fears market concentration as govt moves to restrict parent stock imports

The country’s poultry industry has expressed concern over a proposed policy that would impose conditions on the import of parent stock, warning it could gradually concentrate control of the Tk 50,000 crore ($4.5 bi...

Youth demand enactment of the approved Tobacco Control Ordinance into Law

Bangladesh’s renewed journey began through the sacrifices and united movements of its youth. Yet today, it is young people who face the highest risk of death from the deadly grip of tobacco. To ensure their own protection, youth have strongly demanded that the approved Tobacco Control Ordinance be enacted into law at the very first session of the newly formed National Parliament.On Wednesday (18 February), this demand was raised at a youth assembly titled “Demand for Enacting the Tobacco Control Ordinance into Law,” jointly organized by Nari Maitree and the Notre Dame College Socio-Economic Club at Notre Dame College. Farzana Hossain, a faculty member of the Department of Management at Notre Dame College and moderator of the Socio-Economic Club, was present as a special g...

Finance Minister Amir Khosru unveils ambitious reform plan on day one

BCB trashes rumours of president Aminul’s departure

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday dismissed speculations that its president Aminul Islam has left the country permanently following the recent general election.Board officials clarified Aminul Islam is currently in Australia on a personal visit to meet his family and is scheduled to return.Rumours of Aminul’s departure gained traction after several media outlets suggested he might not return, given that the interim government under which he took office is set to hand over power within a day.Adding to the speculation is the fact that Aminul was a resident of Australia before assuming the BCB presidency.Amzad Hussain, BCB Director and Chairman of the Media Committee, told UNB, “He went to meet his family. From there, he will join the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars final match. Then he will come back.”  The controversy surrounding Aminul’s travel comes at a turbulent time for Bangladesh cricket. The national team recently opted out of the ongoing T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India.The BCB had requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to relocate their matches to Sri Lanka, a plea that was ultimately rejected.While some cricket analysts have labeled the withdrawal a diplomatic failure on Islam’s part, the BCB and the outgoing interim government have stood firm on their decision.They maintain that the safety of Bangladeshi players, fans and journalists in India could not be guaranteed and have expressed no regret over the move....

Restore trust, enforce discipline at Sammilito Islami Bank

The launch of Sammilito Islami Bank marks a critical turning point for Bangladesh’s troubled banking sector. After months of frozen accounts, uncertainty and public anxiety, the resumption of no...

Violence against children must end

We are deeply concerned about a media report that children are increasingly falling victim to rape, murder and various other forms of violence across the country. Acts of violence against children have become a common phenomenon in the country. It so...

KFC's 'Eidi for Angels' Spreads Eid Joy to Underprivileged Kids

To stem the scourge of smoking, follow the science, not the dogma

Benefits of Having an Oven in Your Kitchen