National Parlament Election 2026

The state-owned cargo vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra of Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has successfully crossed the strategically important and high-risk Strait of Hormuz and is now heading towards the waters of Fujairah Port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for bunkering and necessary clearance procedures.

According to a BSC statement, all 31 crew members aboard the vessel are Bangladeshi nationals and remain safe and in good health.

The ship entered Middle Eastern waters on January 26. It was initially carrying 39,000 tonnes of steel coils from Mesaieed Port in Qatar to Jebel Ali Port in the UAE. However, while the vessel was at Jebel Ali, a regional military conflict broke out on February 28, creating significant uncertainty and operational risks.

Despite the deteriorating security situation, the vessel successfully completed the unloading of its steel cargo at Jebel Ali Port on March 11.

Following the unloading operation, concerns emerged over the ship’s ability to transit through the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating regional tensions. To avoid remaining idle and to ensure uninterrupted charter operations, the vessel was redirected to Ras Al Khair Port in Saudi Arabia. There, it loaded approximately 37,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer destined for Cape Town and Durban in South Africa.

The situation became more complicated on April 18 when Iranian authorities reportedly declined transit permission for the vessel through the Strait of Hormuz, citing security and strategic considerations. As a result, the ship remained unable to pass through the vital waterway for an extended period.

Throughout the crisis, BSC ensured uninterrupted supply of food, drinking water, fuel and other essential logistics for the crew. The sailors were also provided with additional benefits, including a special daily meal allowance of US$5, special Eid incentives and war-risk allowances to support their physical and mental well-being.

According to the statement, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman closely monitored the situation and provided necessary directives throughout the period. Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam, State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan and Shipping Secretary Zakaria also maintained regular contact with the vessel’s captain and crew through video conferences and telephone communications.

BSC described the successful passage through the Strait of Hormuz as a significant achievement and expressed gratitude to the government, the ministry concerned, the corporation’s management and the crew members for their resilience and professionalism during the challenging mission.

The vessel is now proceeding toward Fujairah, marking the successful conclusion of a difficult chapter that tested both operational capability and the determination of Bangladesh’s maritime professionals amid a volatile regional security environment.

The Padma Barrage Project is emerging as one of Bangladesh’s largest water management and regional development initiatives, with officials and experts expecting it to boost agricultural production, create jobs and transform the economy of the southwestern region.

The government has approved the project at an estimated cost of Tk 34,497 crore to address water shortages, improve river management and revive dying rivers in the region. The project will be financed entirely through domestic resources and is scheduled for completion by June 2033.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad said the project is not only about river management but also about improving the lives and livelihoods of millions of people.

“The full potential of the region’s river system could not be utilized due to navigability problems and limited management over the years,” he said.

According to the state minister, the project will improve river management, water conservation, irrigation facilities, riverbank protection and flood control.

He said the initiative is expected to benefit nearly five crore people living in 161 upazilas across 24 districts in the southwestern region.

Major Boost for Agriculture

Agricultural experts believe the project could significantly increase crop production by ensuring a reliable supply of freshwater for irrigation.

More than 200,000 hectares of single-crop land could be converted into double-crop land, while over 100,000 hectares may become suitable for triple-crop cultivation.

The availability of freshwater in coastal and southwestern areas is also expected to improve soil fertility and increase food production.

Researchers estimate that average Boro rice yields could rise from the current 4.5-5 tonnes per hectare to between 6 and 7 tonnes per hectare.

Wheat production could increase from 3.5 tonnes to 4.5 tonnes per hectare, maize production from 8 tonnes to 10-12 tonnes per hectare and potato production from 25 tonnes to 30-35 tonnes per hectare.

Experts estimate that increased agricultural production could directly benefit three to four million people while raising farmers’ incomes by 25 to 40 percent.

Flood Control and River Erosion Protection

The project is also expected to play a major role in addressing river erosion and flood risks in the Padma basin.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), hundreds of hectares of agricultural land are lost every year due to erosion along the 341-kilometre stretch of the Padma River within Bangladesh.

Over the past two decades, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 hectares of farmland have been affected by erosion, while 10,000 to 15,000 families face direct threats from riverbank erosion annually.

Experts say regular dredging, improved flow management and protective structures could reduce erosion rates by 30 to 50 percent.

The project is also expected to provide protection from flooding and river erosion for between two and 2.5 million people while safeguarding farmland, roads, bridges, educational institutions and homesteads.

Improved drainage systems and increased water-carrying capacity could reduce flood risks by 20 to 30 percent, according to water resource specialists.

New Opportunities for Industry and Employment

Officials believe the project will stimulate economic activity across the region through increased agricultural production and agro-based industries.

Experts say the improved availability of water and agricultural raw materials could support the establishment of more than 1,000 small and medium-sized agro-based enterprises.

According to economic analysts, each agro-based enterprise generates employment for 20 to 30 people on average.

Based on these estimates, project-related investments could create between 100,000 and 200,000 new jobs in the long term.

Increased agricultural output is also expected to inject additional income into local economies, benefiting three to four million people directly and indirectly.

Long-Term Regional Development

State Minister for Cultural Affairs and Rajbari lawmaker Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam said people across the southwestern region are eagerly awaiting implementation of the project.

He described the initiative as a long-cherished demand of the region and expressed optimism about its economic impact.

Water resource experts believe the Padma Barrage Project has the potential to become a transformative development initiative by addressing water scarcity, improving agricultural productivity, reducing flood and erosion risks and creating new opportunities for employment and industrial growth.

Officials say the project could play a key role in narrowing regional disparities while strengthening the national economy through improved water management and sustainable development.

Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has said the government has taken initiatives to secure approval of the Teesta Master Plan (TMP) from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) as soon as possible.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has considered the Teesta Master Plan a priority project. The people living along the Teesta River will have no more worries,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while exchanging views with river erosion victims near the Teesta Bridge in Rangpur alongside Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad.

Earlier, Anee visited the Teesta Barrage, Teesta Irrigation Canal and Charalkata River in Nilphamari and held discussions with officials on the technical aspects of the project.

Addressing the meetings, the minister said the Teesta Master Plan would be implemented with full domestic financing alongside domestic and foreign technical assistance.

“We are moving quickly to implement the Teesta Master Plan, which has long been awaited by the people of northern Bangladesh. Teesta is not only the sorrow of Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Rangpur; it is the sorrow of the entire country,” he said.

According to the minister, the project will strengthen the economy of northern Bangladesh and contribute to national economic growth.

He said necessary surveys and technical preparations are already underway on issues related to dredging, water conservation and river management.

The minister said the government is working to find a permanent solution to the problems facing the Teesta basin.

Through the implementation of the project, measures will be taken to prevent river erosion during the monsoon, control floods and conserve water during the dry season, he added.

The stored water will support agriculture and fisheries and help improve the quality of life of people living in the region.

Anee recalled that former President Ziaur Rahman launched the Teesta Barrage Project to promote agricultural development in northern Bangladesh.

He said the current government is now working to implement the Teesta Master Plan to address long-standing challenges in the river basin.

The minister noted that riverbank erosion has intensified due to strong water flows from the upstream Gajoldoba Barrage, while excessive flows have made life difficult for people in many riverbank areas.

He said planned dredging and embankment construction would be undertaken to address these challenges.

Speaking at the event, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu urged residents not to be influenced by misinformation or controversy surrounding the project.

“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken the Teesta Master Plan very seriously. We will succeed,” he said.

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad said experts from different countries are reviewing the technical and practical aspects of the project to ensure its successful implementation.

Senior officials, including Water Resources Secretary Dr AKM Shahabuddin, Bangladesh Water Development Board Director General Engineer Md Enayet Ullah, local administrators and public representatives, were present at the programme.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman informed Parliament that the government has begun the process of recruiting 100,000 health workers to address manpower shortages in healthcare facilities across the country.

Replying to a starred question from opposition lawmaker Masum Mustafa in the Jatiya Sangsad, the Prime Minister said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has adopted short, medium and long-term action plans to implement the recruitment initiative.

“In line with the election manifesto, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has adopted a long, medium and short-term action plan to recruit 100,000 health workers, for which activities are underway in various stages,” he said.

The Prime Minister said healthcare services are currently being provided through maternal and child health units under the Directorate General of Family Planning at all upazila hospitals, alongside 3,290 Union Health and Family Welfare Centres across the country.

He noted that there are 17,870 approved posts at upazila and union-level health service centres, of which 11,501 are filled while 6,359 remain vacant.

According to Tarique Rahman, recruitment activities are already underway to fill the vacant positions and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Replying to another question from ruling party lawmaker Md Monjurul Islam, the Prime Minister said the government remains committed to ensuring universal health coverage under its “Health for All” policy.

Highlighting several healthcare development initiatives, he said steps have been taken to upgrade the Mental Hospital in Pabna into an international-standard mental health institute with full government funding.

He also said a project to establish a 1,000-bed hospital in Nilphamari Sadar with Chinese grant assistance has already been approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

In addition, work is underway to establish a 150-bed Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

The Prime Minister further said proposals have been made to establish a 500 to 700-bed specialised hospital in the Dhaka North City Corporation area and a rehabilitation centre at Krishnanagar in Dhamrai with Chinese assistance.

He said these initiatives are part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare services and improve access to quality medical treatment across the country.

Govt Unveils Creative Economy Plan Targeting 500,000 Jobs

The government has announced an ambitious plan to develop a nationwide network of Creative Hubs and promote region-specific products through a “One-Village, One-Product” initiative, aiming to generate 500,000 new jobs and increase the creative economy’s contribution to 1.5 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The initiative was outlined in the proposed FY2026-27 budget, which allocated Tk 300 crore for the development of the creative economy sector. An additional Tk 500 crore is expected to be mobilised through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) sector of Bangladesh Bank.

Presenting the budget in parliament, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government seeks to unlock the economic potential of the country’s creative industries and integrate them into the mainstream economy.

“Our goal is to unlock the vast economic potential of the country’s creative industries and integrate them into the mainstream economy,” he said.

Under the “One-Village, One-Product” programme, the government plans to identify and promote unique regional products across the country, including handloom items, pottery, terracotta products, shital pati, shataranji, wooden toys, handmade jewellery and other traditional crafts.

To improve product quality and competitiveness, the government will establish a National Pool of Designers and modernise the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Design Centre to international standards.

A key component of the initiative is the establishment of Creative Hubs at national and regional levels.

According to the plan, the hubs will function as cultural and commercial centres featuring cultural venues, bookstores, reading facilities, cineplexes, cafeterias and dedicated spaces for showcasing and marketing regional products.

The government is also preparing a 10-year investment strategy and a time-bound action plan for developing Creative Hubs across the country.

A world-class central Creative Hub is proposed on 160 acres of land in Purbachal under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Feasibility studies are also underway for potential hubs on unused land in Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon and vacant industrial plots under BSCIC.

The programme will be expanded beyond Dhaka, with plans to establish Creative Hubs at divisional, district and upazila levels. Similar facilities are also planned at Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises.

The budget document described Creative Hubs as essential for building a vibrant creative economy ecosystem and creating opportunities for cultural and economic activities nationwide.

Alongside the Creative Hub initiative, Innovation Hubs have already been established in engineering and technology universities. The government is preparing a roadmap to expand these facilities to other universities and undergraduate colleges.

The finance minister said the proposed measures are aimed at strengthening production, promotion and marketing of creative economy products while encouraging entrepreneurship, cultural development and employment generation.

He reiterated the government’s long-term goal of transforming Bangladesh into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034 through investment, productivity and job creation.

Officials expect that the combined implementation of the One-Village, One-Product programme, Creative Hubs, Innovation Hubs and design support initiatives will significantly expand the creative economy’s role in national development while creating half a million new jobs.

Govt Unveils Creative Economy Plan Targeting 500,000 Jobs

The government has announced an ambitious plan to develop a nationwide network of Creative Hubs and promote region-specific products through a “One-Village, One-Product” initiative, aiming to generate 500,000 new jobs and increase the creative economy’s contribution to 1.5 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The initiative was outlined in the proposed FY2026-27 budget, which allocated Tk 300 crore for the development of the creative economy sector. An additional Tk 500 crore is expected to be mobilised through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) sector of Bangladesh Bank.

Presenting the budget in parliament, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government seeks to unlock the economic potential of the country’s creative industries and integrate them into the mainstream economy.

“Our goal is to unlock the vast economic potential of the country’s creative industries and integrate them into the mainstream economy,” he said.

Under the “One-Village, One-Product” programme, the government plans to identify and promote unique regional products across the country, including handloom items, pottery, terracotta products, shital pati, shataranji, wooden toys, handmade jewellery and other traditional crafts.

To improve product quality and competitiveness, the government will establish a National Pool of Designers and modernise the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Design Centre to international standards.

A key component of the initiative is the establishment of Creative Hubs at national and regional levels.

According to the plan, the hubs will function as cultural and commercial centres featuring cultural venues, bookstores, reading facilities, cineplexes, cafeterias and dedicated spaces for showcasing and marketing regional products.

The government is also preparing a 10-year investment strategy and a time-bound action plan for developing Creative Hubs across the country.

A world-class central Creative Hub is proposed on 160 acres of land in Purbachal under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Feasibility studies are also underway for potential hubs on unused land in Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon and vacant industrial plots under BSCIC.

The programme will be expanded beyond Dhaka, with plans to establish Creative Hubs at divisional, district and upazila levels. Similar facilities are also planned at Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises.

The budget document described Creative Hubs as essential for building a vibrant creative economy ecosystem and creating opportunities for cultural and economic activities nationwide.

Alongside the Creative Hub initiative, Innovation Hubs have already been established in engineering and technology universities. The government is preparing a roadmap to expand these facilities to other universities and undergraduate colleges.

The finance minister said the proposed measures are aimed at strengthening production, promotion and marketing of creative economy products while encouraging entrepreneurship, cultural development and employment generation.

He reiterated the government’s long-term goal of transforming Bangladesh into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034 through investment, productivity and job creation.

Officials expect that the combined implementation of the One-Village, One-Product programme, Creative Hubs, Innovation Hubs and design support initiatives will significantly expand the creative economy’s role in national development while creating half a million new jobs.

The government has announced an ambitious plan to develop a nationwide network of Creative Hubs and promote region-specific products through a “One-Village, One-Product” initiative, aiming to generate 500,000 new jobs and increase the creative economy’s contribution to 1.5 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The initiative was outlined in the proposed FY2026-27 budget, which allocated Tk 300 crore for the development of the creative economy sector. An additional Tk 500 crore is expected to be mobilised through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) sector of Bangladesh Bank.

Presenting the budget in parliament, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government seeks to unlock the economic potential of the country’s creative industries and integrate them into the mainstream economy.

“Our goal is to unlock the vast economic potential of the country’s creative industries and integrate them into the mainstream economy,” he said.

Under the “One-Village, One-Product” programme, the government plans to identify and promote unique regional products across the country, including handloom items, pottery, terracotta products, shital pati, shataranji, wooden toys, handmade jewellery and other traditional crafts.

To improve product quality and competitiveness, the government will establish a National Pool of Designers and modernise the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Design Centre to international standards.

A key component of the initiative is the establishment of Creative Hubs at national and regional levels.

According to the plan, the hubs will function as cultural and commercial centres featuring cultural venues, bookstores, reading facilities, cineplexes, cafeterias and dedicated spaces for showcasing and marketing regional products.

The government is also preparing a 10-year investment strategy and a time-bound action plan for developing Creative Hubs across the country.

A world-class central Creative Hub is proposed on 160 acres of land in Purbachal under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Feasibility studies are also underway for potential hubs on unused land in Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon and vacant industrial plots under BSCIC.

The programme will be expanded beyond Dhaka, with plans to establish Creative Hubs at divisional, district and upazila levels. Similar facilities are also planned at Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises.

The budget document described Creative Hubs as essential for building a vibrant creative economy ecosystem and creating opportunities for cultural and economic activities nationwide.

Alongside the Creative Hub initiative, Innovation Hubs have already been established in engineering and technology universities. The government is preparing a roadmap to expand these facilities to other universities and undergraduate colleges.

The finance minister said the proposed measures are aimed at strengthening production, promotion and marketing of creative economy products while encouraging entrepreneurship, cultural development and employment generation.

He reiterated the government’s long-term goal of transforming Bangladesh into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2034 through investment, productivity and job creation.

Officials expect that the combined implementation of the One-Village, One-Product programme, Creative Hubs, Innovation Hubs and design support initiatives will significantly expand the creative economy’s role in national development while creating half a million new jobs.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Cox’s Bazar on a daylong tour tomorrow to attend a series of official programmes.

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said the Prime Minister will travel to Cox’s Bazar by air and participate in several events during the visit.

According to the schedule, Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the re-excavation work of the Patli Canal in Pmkhali Union of Chakaria and launch the nationwide tree plantation programme at Malumghat Reserve Forest.

The tree plantation initiative is part of the government’s plan to plant 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will also travel to Pekua to offer prayers at the grave of July mass uprising martyr Md Wasim and meet his family members.

He is also scheduled to lay the foundation stones of the newly established Pekua Municipality and Matamuhuri Upazila.

In the afternoon, Tarique Rahman will address a public rally organised by the BNP at the Chakaria Upazila Bus Terminal.

Later in the day, he will inspect the Marine Drive road and Cox’s Bazar sea beach.

The Prime Minister is also expected to attend a civic reception at a local hotel before returning to Dhaka by air in the evening.

This will be Tarique Rahman’s first visit to Cox’s Bazar since assuming office as Prime Minister.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said a Chinese delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh within the next two months to explore investment and industrial opportunities, particularly in the northern region.

He made the remarks while addressing a programme as the chief guest at Shaheed Mohammad Ali Stadium in Thakurgaon district town.

“A Chinese delegation is expected to visit Bangladesh within two months to explore business opportunities here, especially in the northern part of the country. Their visit will help accelerate potential Chinese investment and industrialisation initiatives, which will further strengthen economic activities in the region,” he said.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen was present at the programme.

The minister said industrialisation is essential for national development and employment generation, adding that the government is working to establish new industries in different parts of the country.

“We want to develop industries in the country. Thakurgaon and its surrounding areas have significant potential for industrialisation,” he said.

Fakhrul also stressed the importance of strengthening domestic capacity, expanding education and promoting hard work, saying national development cannot be achieved through external assistance alone.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen said Bangladesh and China would continue working together to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

He also confirmed that a Chinese delegation is expected to visit the region in July or August to assess potential areas for investment and cooperation.

Following the programme, educational materials were distributed among 6,308 students from 36 educational institutions under Thakurgaon municipality.

Local public representatives, educationists, political leaders and people from different walks of life attended the event.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the government is giving the highest priority to expanding domestic gas exploration to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imports and support sustainable economic growth.

Presenting the proposed Tk 9.38 lakh crore national budget for FY2026-27 in Parliament, the finance minister proposed an allocation of Tk 14,996 crore for the Power Division and Tk 2,349 crore for the Energy and Mineral Resources Division.

He said the government is working to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and improve the efficiency of power generation, transmission and distribution systems.

“The government has undertaken initiatives to diversify energy sources to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity and energy, while strengthening related infrastructure,” he told parliament.

Highlighting the importance of domestic energy resources, Chowdhury said priority is being given to both onshore and offshore natural gas exploration, alongside strengthening the capacity of Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX).

He said the government aims to raise electricity generation capacity to 35,000 megawatts by 2030 while intensifying oil and gas exploration activities.

The finance minister noted that Bangladesh currently imports around 95 percent of its petroleum requirements, about 34 percent of its natural gas demand as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nearly all of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) needs.

To reduce external vulnerabilities, the government has undertaken initiatives to increase domestic oil and gas production, expand petroleum refining capacity and diversify import sources.

Chowdhury said incentives are also being provided for renewable energy adoption and the use of modern technologies to ensure efficient energy consumption in industrial, agricultural and residential sectors.

Reaffirming the government’s long-term vision, he said Bangladesh aims to generate between 30 and 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050.

As part of ongoing exploration efforts, plans have been taken to conduct 270 kilometres of geological surveys, 700 line-kilometres of two-dimensional seismic surveys and 700 square kilometres of three-dimensional seismic surveys between FY2025-26 and FY2027-28.

BAPEX is also expected to drill 69 wells and carry out workover operations on 31 wells using its own drilling rigs.

The minister said nine shallow-water blocks and 15 deep-water blocks have been opened to international oil companies for exploration under production-sharing agreements.

He also announced that an action plan is being prepared to connect gas supplies from Bhola to the national grid.

According to the finance minister, the government is encouraging greater private-sector participation and public-private partnerships to attract new investment in the energy sector and support long-term economic development.

The 57th Director General-level Border Coordination Conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) concluded in New Delhi, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace, stability and security along the Bangladesh-India border.

The four-day conference was held at the BSF Headquarters in New Delhi from June 8 to 11.

BSF Director General Praveen Kumar led the Indian delegation, while BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui headed the Bangladesh delegation.

According to a joint press release, the conference was held in a cordial, positive and forward-looking atmosphere, reflecting the cooperation and mutual trust between the border forces of the two countries.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the overall border situation and discussed a range of issues related to border security and management.

The delegations focused on preventing trans-border crimes, including the smuggling of narcotics, arms, counterfeit currency, gold and other contraband goods, as well as illegal border crossings and human trafficking.

Border deaths, illegal and inadvertent crossings, construction of border infrastructure, implementation of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and confidence-building measures were also discussed.

Both sides agreed to strengthen coordinated patrols, improve vigilance, enhance real-time information sharing and intensify joint efforts against trans-border criminal networks.

The two forces also stressed the importance of raising awareness among border residents about respecting the international boundary and preventing illegal activities in border areas.

BGB and BSF reiterated their zero-tolerance policy against trans-border crimes, insurgent activities and any actions that could threaten border security.

The conference concluded with the signing of the Joint Record of Discussions.

Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, mutual trust and professional engagement for secure and peaceful borders.

The next DG-level conference is scheduled to be held in Dhaka in November 2026 at a mutually convenient time.

The government has proposed continuing monthly allowances for the families of those killed during the July Uprising and injured participants, while expanding the number of beneficiaries and increasing support for housing assistance in the upcoming fiscal year.

Announcing the proposal in the FY27 budget, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said families of the martyrs of the July Uprising will continue to receive a monthly allowance of Tk 20,000.

Under the proposed budget, injured individuals classified under categories A, B and C will also continue to receive monthly allowances of Tk 20,000, Tk 15,000 and Tk 10,000 respectively.

The finance minister said the allowance structure would remain unchanged, but the government plans to significantly expand the programme’s coverage.

The number of beneficiaries is proposed to increase by 1,857, raising the total number of recipients to 16,513.

He said the initiative is aimed at ensuring continued financial support for the families affected by the July Uprising and those who suffered injuries during the movement.

In addition to the allowance programme, the government has proposed Tk 300 crore for housing assistance under an ongoing rehabilitation project.

The allocation will be used to provide housing support to the families of those who lost their lives during the July Mass Uprising and to the families of July fighters who have permanently lost their earning capacity.

According to the finance minister, the housing programme is intended to strengthen social protection measures and improve the living conditions of affected families.

He said the proposed allocation reflects the government’s continued commitment to supporting the victims of the July Mass Uprising through direct financial assistance and long-term rehabilitation programmes.