United News of Bangladesh

The highly anticipated film Cha Gorom premiered at Star Cineplex on Monday, drawing cultural influencers, government officials, development partners, industry professionals, and journalists. The film offers a moving portrait of life inside Bangladesh’s tea estates—communities that remain central to the nation’s economy yet largely invisible in mainstream storytelling.Directed by Shankha Dasgupta and jointly produced by Chorki and Oxfam in Bangladesh, with support from the European Union, Cha Gorom brings to the screen a human story rooted in lived reality. Set against the lush yet challenging landscape of the tea estates, the film follows the journey of Irene—played by Safa Kabir—a young doctor who enters a world far from her own and discovers the resilience, struggles, humour, and dreams of a community often overlooked. ‘Cha Gorom’ to premiere on Pahela Baishakh, spotlighting tea garden workers’ livesBangladesh is the 9th-largest tea-producing country, home to more than 167 tea estates and thousands of workers whose labour sustains both national consumption and global supply. Despite this, tea garden workers—many from historically marginalised communities—continue to face persistent social and economic challenges. Cha Gorom sheds light on these realities through characters whose stories echo the lives of real workers.Director Shankha Dasgupta emphasised the significance of portraying the tea garden not merely as a backdrop but as a living world: “For decades, tea gardens in Bangladesh have been used as scenic backgrounds in films. With Cha Gorom, we wanted to go inside to understand the people, their rituals, their happiness, and their pain. What we found were stories far more powerful than we imagined. This film is a tribute to their humanity, dignity, and unspoken strength.”Lead actress Safa Kabir, who portrays Irene, shared how the film reshaped her understanding of community and struggle: “Cha Gorom tells the story of people who live on the margins yet carry extraordinary courage. Playing Irene taught me how much we miss when we fail to look beyond our world. This film is about empathy, solidarity, and standing beside one another. I believe viewers will feel its emotional depth.”Actor Partho Sheikh, who plays Mithu, said: “The philosophy of the story is hidden in the tea leaf itself. Just like a tea plant grows when allowed space, people grow when their dreams are not uprooted. Cha Gorom is about that quiet struggle—what happens when ordinary people dare to hope.”Redwan Rony, CEO, noted the platform’s commitment to meaningful narratives: “Cha Gorom aligns with our mission to bring stories that matter to audiences. This film blends entertainment with social reality, reminding us that storytelling can open hearts and inspire change. Releasing it during Pahela Baishakh symbolises renewal—a chance to see and feel differently.”Oxfam in Bangladesh has long worked in the tea industry of Bangladesh. Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, said: “Tea workers are central to Bangladesh’s economy, yet their stories are rarely heard. Cha Gorom opens a window into their lives—their dreams, struggles, humour, and resilience. Through this collaboration with Chorki, we hope viewers not only see a film but also recognise a community whose dignity and aspirations deserve national attention.”Scheduled to release officially on Chorki on 14 April, Cha Gorom also features AK Azad Setu. The story and screenplay of 'Cha Goram' were written by Saifullah Riyad. The film's idea, research and project implementation have been led by Md Sariful Islam, Head of Communications and Advocacy of Oxfam in Bangladesh. Robi and Revival Tea join as the partners of the film. Cha Gorom is more than a cinematic work, it will strengthen collective understanding and inspire action toward the sustainable tea industry.

Bangladesh is facing a deepening energy crisis driven by heavy reliance on imported fuels, rising global prices, and mounting pressure on foreign exchange reserves, according to the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA). At a press briefing held at the National Press Club on Monday, BSREA said the current situation underscores the urgent need to accelerate the country’s transition to renewable energy as a long-term, sustainable solution. The association noted that the high cost of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), coal, and oil is forcing the government to provide substantial daily subsidies estimated at over Tk 200 cr to sustain power generation. This trend poses serious risks to fiscal management and overall macroeconomic stability. Bangladesh currently depends on imports for more than 60 pc of its energy needs, making it highly vulnerable to global price shocks and supply disruptions. The ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the United States and Iran, have further destabilized global energy markets. Crude oil prices have surged to around $115–$120 per barrel, while the Strait of Hormuz through which almost 20 pc of global oil and LNG shipments pas remains at risk, adding to supply uncertainty. The situation has been compounded by declining domestic gas production. While daily gas demand in the power sector exceeds 2,500 mmcfd, supply has dropped to only 850–900 mmcfd, creating a significant shortfall. This could result in a power generation deficit of 1,500–1,800 megawatts. At the same time, Bangladesh lacks a strong strategic petroleum reserve, with current storage capacity sufficient for only 35–40 days far below levels seen in countries like China and Japan. These constraints are already affecting industrial output, particularly in export-oriented sectors such as readymade garments, where production has declined by up to 30–40 percent due to gas shortages and load shedding. Despite its potential, the renewable energy sector especially solar power has not received adequate policy support, BSREA said. Import duties, taxes, and value-added tax on renewable energy equipment currently range between 50 and 60 percent, discouraging investment and expansion. In contrast, the conventional energy sector continues to benefit from various subsidies and policy incentives, creating an imbalance in energy policy. BSREA highlighted that countries such as India, Vietnam, and China have successfully expanded renewable energy by offering tax exemptions, low import duties, and affordable financing. To address the crisis, BSREA outlined a series of policy recommendations: · Reduce or eliminate import duties and taxes on renewable energy equipment to make the sector more competitive. · Remove duties on lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems to support renewable integration. · Ensure long-term, low-interest financing (3.5%–4.5%) for renewable energy projects. · Revive 31 stalled solar power projects with a combined capacity exceeding 3,000 MW. · Introduce fair wheeling charges to encourage private investment. · Relaunch rooftop solar programmes across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. · Offer tax holidays of up to 20 years for renewable energy projects. · Identify land and facilitate transparent bidding for utility-scale solar projects. · Promote solar-powered irrigation by offering duty-free benefits and financial support. · Develop clear policies for waste-to-energy projects and encourage private sector participation. · Simplify net metering systems to make them more accessible and efficient. BSREA emphasized that while the current energy crisis presents significant challenges, it also offers a historic opportunity for Bangladesh to transition towards a more sustainable, self-reliant, and environmentally friendly energy system. “With the right policy support, financial incentives, and private sector participation, renewable energy can play a transformative role in ensuring long-term energy security,” the association said.

Bangladesh’s potential accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could deliver positive trade and welfare gains, but also pose significant fiscal and structural challenges, according to a new study. The analysis, conducted by the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) and published recently, suggests that while joining the world’s largest trade bloc may not immediately transform Bangladesh’s export performance, it could act as a long-term catalyst for economic diversification, regional integration and investment inflows. RCEP, the world’s largest free trade agreement, was signed in November 2020 and came into force on January 1, 2022. The bloc brings together 15 Asia-Pacific economies, comprising the 10 ASEAN member states along with Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, and accounts for nearly 30% of global GDP and population. The agreement aims to lower tariffs, harmonise trade rules and facilitate more efficient regional supply chains. Bangladesh has expressed interest in joining RCEP and has sought New Zealand’s support to secure membership in the world’s largest trade pact. The request was made in March during a bilateral meeting between Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and New Zealand Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on the sidelines of a World Trade Organization conference. The study finds that Bangladesh’s exports to RCEP markets could rise modestly, reflecting the country’s existing preferential access as a Least Developed Country (LDC) in several member economies. Simulation results show exports could increase by about $415 million, with an additional $80 million diverted from non-RCEP markets, amounting to less than 1 percent of total exports. “This relatively small gain should not be misinterpreted as a lack of potential,” the report notes, highlighting that Bangladesh already enjoys duty-free access in key markets such as China, Japan and Australia. However, the broader significance lies in positioning Bangladesh within the fast-growing production networks of East and Southeast Asia, where trade is increasingly driven by integrated value chains rather than standalone exports. Currently, Bangladesh’s trade with RCEP is heavily import-dependent, with nearly 70% of total imports sourced from the bloc, while exports remain limited and concentrated in ready-made garments. One of the most immediate risks identified is a sharp decline in tariff revenue following liberalisation. The study estimates that Bangladesh could lose around $4.2 billion in tariff revenue under full liberalisation, equivalent to roughly 1.7% of GDP and nearly 75% of current tariff income. The largest losses are expected from imports originating in China, followed by India and Japan, as tariff elimination and trade diversion shift sourcing patterns. Key affected sectors include electrical machinery, industrial inputs, metals and motor vehicles – products that currently generate a substantial portion of government revenue. Despite these losses, the study notes that consumer welfare will improve due to lower import prices, generating a net welfare gain of over $950 million. The modelling results indicate that Bangladesh will experience a net positive trade effect, driven primarily by increased imports from more efficient RCEP suppliers. Trade creation is expected to exceed trade diversion, although the margin remains relatively narrow. China is projected to capture the largest share of increased trade flows, followed by countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, reflecting their strong industrial base and competitiveness within the bloc. At the same time, non-RCEP partners such as India, the European Union and the United States could face reduced market share in Bangladesh due to shifting import patterns. The report emphasises that Bangladesh's real opportunity lies beyond immediate trade gains, particularly in integrating into regional value chains. Lower-cost imported inputs and improved trade facilitation could enhance competitiveness across multiple sectors, including textiles, leather goods, footwear, pharmaceuticals, plastics and light engineering. Footwear and selected non-RMG products show particularly strong growth potential, with some items projected to see export increases exceeding 100% under tariff liberalisation scenarios. Such diversification is critical as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation, which will gradually erode its existing preferential market access. The study also highlights opportunities in digital trade and services, supported by RCEP provisions on e-commerce, paperless trade and data flows. RCEP accession could also serve as a signal to global investors that Bangladesh is ready to operate within a rules-based trade framework. The agreement’s investment provisions covering transparency, investor protection and capital flows could help attract foreign direct investment, particularly in export-oriented manufacturing sectors. However, realising these benefits will depend heavily on domestic reforms, including improvements in infrastructure, logistics, regulatory consistency and energy supply. “RCEP can act as a strategic catalyst, but only if complemented by strong domestic policy adjustments,” the report suggests. Beyond tariffs, Bangladesh will need to align with a wide range of non-tariff measures under RCEP, including standards on customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary rules, and technical regulations. While these changes could reduce trade costs and improve market access, they would require significant institutional upgrades and regulatory capacity. The compliance burden is expected to be substantial, particularly given existing constraints in administrative and technical capabilities. The study recommends a phased approach to tariff liberalisation, allowing Bangladesh to manage revenue losses while strengthening domestic tax systems. High-revenue sectors such as fuels, machinery and chemicals may require longer transition periods to avoid abrupt fiscal shocks. At the same time, broader tax reforms, including improvements in VAT administration, will be necessary to offset declining border taxes. Overall, the report concludes that RCEP accession presents a mixed but potentially transformative opportunity for Bangladesh. While short-term export gains may be limited and fiscal risks significant, the long-term benefits – ranging from industrial upgrading to deeper regional integration – could be substantial. As Bangladesh navigates its post-LDC transition, joining RCEP could help secure more stable market access, attract investment and integrate into global production networks. However, the success of such a move will depend on careful policy design, institutional preparedness and the ability to manage the economic adjustments that come with deeper trade liberalisation.

Greeting people in Bangladesh and other Bengali-speaking communities worldwide on Pahela Baishakh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday expressed hope that cultural values of tolerance, generosity and harmony will strengthen democracy and promote peaceful coexistence. “Farewell 1432. Welcome Bengali New Year 1433. Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of the country and Bengali-speaking communities around the world,” he said in a message posted on his verified Facebook account. MP demands ‘Child FF’ recognition for PM Tarique Rahman The Prime Minister said Pahela Baishakh is a unique symbol of the nation’s history, culture and identity. “For centuries, this day has returned to our lives each year with a call for renewal. The arrival of the New Year inspires us to leave behind old decay and disrepair and move forward,” he said. Tarique Rahman said Pahela Baishakh is closely linked with agriculture, nature and the region’s farm-based economy. “Even in this golden age of information technology, farmers still plan their cultivation in harmony with nature.” He said the thousand-year-old traditions, folk culture and values of Bengali-speaking people are revived through Pahela Baishakh. The Prime Minister said traditional events such as Baishakhi fairs, rallies and processions and Halkhata highlight the rich diversity of the culture and strengthen a sense of unity among people. He also said the Bengali New Year brings new hopes and possibilities, where the renewal of nature and human optimism together create a vibrant festive atmosphere. Referring to his party’s election pledges, Tarique Rahman said after the end of what he called a decade and a half of fascist rule, a new democratic government began its journey following victory in the national election held on 12 February. Taking office, the government has begun implementing various programmes aimed at improving the living standards of people from all walks of life in society, he said. As part of its electoral commitments, the Prime Minister said the government has already launched initiatives such as family cards, sports cards, canal excavation programme, and financial support for imams, muezzins, khatibs and religious leaders of other faiths. He also mentioned that a farmer card programme linked to agriculture and the rural economy will be introduced from the first day of the Bengali New Year, expressing hope that it will play a transformative role in strengthening the country’s agricultural sector. “I hope that the practice of tolerance, generosity and harmony rooted in the religious and social values and culture of the people of Bangladesh will further strengthen democracy and reinforce the coexistence of diverse opinions,” Tarique Rahman said. He said the world is facing various crises and conflicts, making the practice of peace, compassion and mutual respect more important than ever. “On this auspicious moment of the New Year, let us rise above narrowness and selfishness and follow the path of human welfare – this be our pledge. At the first dawn of the New Year, we express our commitment to overcoming all past frustrations and limitations and move forward with renewed energy.” Concluding his message, the Prime Minister wished peace, happiness and prosperity for all. “I once again extend heartfelt greetings to the people of the country. Happy New Year 1433.”

Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Monday said that small-scale efforts by grassroots entrepreneurs can place Bangladesh’s economy on a strong foundation of self-reliance. He said that in the current global context marked by instability and crises, self-sufficiency is the key strength for a nation’s survival. Strengthening the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector and ensuring the maximum use of local resources could be an effective pathway to sustainable development, he added. The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the opening session of ‘Chayanika Women Entrepreneurs Festival 2026’, organised by Chayanika at Bangladesh Mahila Samiti on Bailey Road in the capital, marking Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh 1433. The event was chaired by Tamanna Rahman, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Samiti, while internationally acclaimed fashion icon and UNESCO Artist for Peace Bibi Russell inaugurated the event. Highlighting women entrepreneurs as a strong driving force of the country’s economy, the minister said they are earning through engagement in cottage industries, agro-based businesses, fashion, handicrafts, food processing and other small-scale activities. In doing so, they are not only making their families self-reliant but also contributing to increased local production, job creation and the development of new markets, thereby advancing the national economy. Referring to the needs of grassroots people across the country, including his own constituency, he said employment opportunities at the grassroots level remain limited. Emphasis should be placed on making rural people work-oriented and ensuring easier marketing of locally produced goods. Women entrepreneurs can play an effective role in this regard, he added. Among others, Anisa Haque, president of Dhaka Ladies Club, Bengal Foundation Director General Luva Nahid Chowdhury, and Nazmun Nahar, Bangladesh’s first flag-bearing world-travelling female explorer, spoke as special guests. SB Biplob, founder of Chayanika, delivered the welcome speech. At the end of the programme, the chief guest inaugurated the festival’s signature board and distributed certificates among women entrepreneurs in recognition of their creativity and talent. Notably, women entrepreneurs are participating in the three-day fair by showcasing their locally made products through various stalls at the Bangladesh Mahila Samiti fair ground.

For years, youth in Bangladesh have been calling for more meaningful roles in decision-making rather than just being consulted. The Youth Conclave 2026, held at the Bangladesh Military Museum, brought together young leaders, policymakers and civil society to address this gap and push for more meaningful youth participation in governance and civic spaces. Organised by Plan International Bangladesh in partnership with Prothom Alo, the day-long conclave focused on moving beyond “tick-box” participation and ensuring that young people can positively influence real decisions. Dr. Gazi Md. Saifuzzaman, Director General (Grade-1), Department of Youth Development (DYD) said, “Around 7.5 million young people have received free training from the Department of Youth Development, and many have also been provided with loan support. As a result, youth participation in the agriculture and fisheries sectors has increased, and this is playing a significant role in reducing unemployment.” The highlight of the conclave was the Youth Equality Award 2026, where six youth-led organisations were recognised for their work across key thematic areas of Plan International Bangladesh. The awardees Jeans2Totes, Youth Action for Development, Coastal Education & Diversity Improvement Organization, FFCRJ Youth Development Organization, CapeC, and Noboprobhaat Foundation were selected for their innovative, community-driven solutions led by young people. The Department of Youth Development (DYD) collaborated with Plan International Bangladesh in initiating and supporting the Youth Equality Award, reinforcing a joint commitment to promoting meaningful youth leadership and participation. Kabita Bose, Country Director, Plan International Bangladesh said,“There are around 45 million young people in Bangladesh who have led every movement and change. We are working to strengthen their voices, leadership, and ability to create impact. Today’s award-winning youth-led organisations represent that hope and will inspire others to follow their path.” The first panel, “Youth Voice in Governance,” focused on how young people can move beyond being consulted to actually influencing policies and decisions. Speakers stressed the need to create structured and continuous opportunities within institutions so that youth engagement is not limited to one-off consultations but becomes part of regular governance processes. The second panel, “From Tokenism to Meaningful Youth Engagement,” addressed the reality of superficial participation and why it persists. Speakers pointed out key barriers such as gender inequality, urban–rural divides and limited access for marginalised youth, and emphasised that meaningful engagement requires deliberate, collective efforts to ensure youth voices are genuinely considered in decision-making. The conclave concluded with a strong call for institutions to move from symbolic engagement to shared decision-making. Organisers emphasised that the Youth Equality Award is not just a recognition platform but a step towards shifting resources and responsibility to young people. The six award-winning organisations will now implement their projects with continued mentoring and support, while the organisers aim to take forward the discussions from the conclave into policy dialogues and programme design.As discussions at the conclave made clear, meaningful youth engagement is no longer optional, it is essential for building inclusive and responsive systems.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Monday expressed grave concern over the ‘Bank Resolution Act, 2026,’ claiming that new provisions will facilitate corruption and allow "identified looters" to regain control of the banking sector. The anti-graft watchdog stated that the inclusion of Section 18(a) in the Act guarantees impunity instead of ensuring justice for those responsible for the collapse of weak banks. In a statement, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman described the move as "self-defeating," noting that it effectively rewards individuals who plundered the sector. TIB urges cancellation of new Bangladesh Bank governor’s appointment The TIB chief pointed out that the “Bank Resolution Ordinance, 2025”—issued during the interim government—had barred individuals responsible for a bank’s collapse from returning to ownership even if funds were repaid. However, the new 2026 Act reverses this stance. “Whatever justification the government may offer, this decision facilitates and shields corruption. It does not ensure legal accountability; instead, it signals a shift in policy capture, leaving room for the re-emergence of kleptocratic practices,” Dr. Zaman said. TIB questioned the logic behind allowing former owners to re-acquire shares by depositing only 7.5 percent of a government-determined amount, with the remaining 92.5 percent payable over two years at a 10 percent interest rate. “By what magic have the former owners, who pioneered the plundering of this sector, suddenly attained such purity?” Dr. Zaman asked, questioning how these individuals would suddenly be capable of covering capital shortfalls and repaying all depositors. The organization expressed skepticism over the central bank's ability to monitor these conditions, fearing that Bangladesh Bank remains "plagued by conflicts of interest." Call for Reconsideration: The statement further noted that passing such a law by majority vote in Parliament contradicts the ruling party’s electoral manifesto regarding financial sector reforms. TIB warned that without a proper legal process to ensure accountability, no qualitative improvement will occur in the banking sector. The organization urged the government to reconsider the provisions to prevent the burden of deeper insolvency from falling on the general public.

A housewife has reportedly been gang raped by four people in Manpura upazila of Bhola district on Sunday. The crime incident came to light on Sunday as the rape survivor filed a case with Monpura Police Station, said Md Farid Uddin, officer-in-charge of Monpura Police Station. According to the case statement, some 3-4 people, led by Miraj swooped on the house of the rape survivor around 1am, breaking open the door, on Saturday and violated her in turns in front of her two children. 3 held for violating speech-impaired woman in Bhola The husband of the housewife was absent as he used to live in char areas due to rearing buffellowes. They also looted valuables including gold ornaments from the house. Police arrested the prime accused Miraj, son of Kamal of Hazirhat union, in this connection on Sunday night. The father of the housewife was also injured as Miraj hit him with a sharp weapon on Sunday as he tried to catch Miraj. He was taken to Noakhali for better treatment. Police are trying to arrest the others involved in rape, said OC.

A young man reportedly committed suicide jumping off a multi-storey building in the capital’s Kalabagan area, after failing to obtain money for online gambling. The deceased was identified as Faisal Mahmud, 21, son of late Dr AKM Mahmudul Haque of Jorpukurpar area in Chandpur Sadar upazila. Quoting family members, police said Faisal had long been addicted to online gambling. He sought money from his mother on Sunday night and after being refused, he jumped off their 12th floor apartment around 9:30pm. He fell on the first floor of the building, leaving him dead, said Sub-Inspector Md Shamsul Haque Sumon of Kalabagan Police Station. On information, police recovered the body and sent it to Dhaka Medical College for autopsy. Police said the exact reason behind the can be known after receiving the autopsy report.

French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Monday said aspirations for ‘non-discrimination’ and for an ‘inclusive’ Bangladesh continue to shape the current political landscape and civil society. “France firmly believes that development can only be sustainable if it is inclusive,” said the French Ambassador, noting that citizens of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities face legal and social obstacles. The Embassy of France, together with the Embassy of Germany, co-hosted a curated event, ‘Proloyer Daak’, celebrating diversity and the power of art on the eve of Pahela Boishak – the Bengali New Year. The event brought together local craft makers and artists whose handcrafted works were on display, offering guests an opportunity to engage directly with the artisans and their practices. A live traditional Bengali dance performance and food stalls serving local finger foods and desserts created a festive, community-centred atmosphere that honoured the cultural significance of the Bengali New Year. The French Ambassador, German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz, and Deputy Secretary (Cultural Exchange Section) of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Amitav Porag Talukder, spoke. The French Ambassador said it was a great honour for the Embassy of France to host this event together with the Embassy of Germany and celebrate diversity and the power of art on the eve of Pohela Boishakh. He said Bangladesh experienced a civic movement in July 2024, which changed the course of the country and led to the formation of a new government after the election in February.