Japan and Bangladesh Sign Landmark Economic Partnership Agreement to Secure Post-LDC Trade

Dhaka, Feb 6, 2026: In a move set to redefine South Asian trade dynamics, Bangladesh and Japan officially signed a historic Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) on Friday.

This milestone marks Bangladesh’s first-ever comprehensive trade deal, aimed at protecting its export growth as the nation prepares to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category later this year.

The agreement was signed in Tokyo by Bangladesh’s Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Horii Iwao. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking diplomats, including Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Japan Md Daud Ali and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi.

Unlocking the Japanese Market: 7,300+ Products to Go Duty-Free

The centerpiece of the EPA is the massive expansion of market access. Under the deal, approximately 7,379 Bangladeshi products will enjoy 100% duty-free entry into Japan.

A critical victory for Bangladesh is the inclusion of the "single-stage transformation" rule for the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector. The Change: Previously, exporters faced complex "rules of origin" that required multiple stages of production to occur within Bangladesh.

The Benefit: Now, apparel manufacturers can qualify for duty-free access even if they use globally sourced fabrics, provided the final sewing is completed in Bangladesh.

In exchange, Bangladesh will gradually open its doors to 1,039 Japanese products, offering them preferential tariff treatment over several years to prevent sudden revenue shocks.

A Strategic "Lifeline" for LDC Graduation Trade analysts describe the EPA as a strategic "lifeline." When Bangladesh graduates from LDC status in November 2026, it risks losing many existing trade preferences. This binding agreement ensures that duty-free access remains permanent, providing the predictability required by international investors.

Beyond Goods: Opportunities for Professionals The EPA isn’t just about shipping containers; it’s about people. The deal opens 120 service sub-sectors for Bangladeshi professionals, creating new pathways in:

# Information Technology (IT) and Engineering

# Education and Healthcare

# Caregiving and Nursing

Conversely, Bangladesh has committed to opening 98 sub-sectors for Japanese participation, paving the way for advanced Japanese technology in local manufacturing, logistics, and energy.

The Path to the Agreement

The journey to this historic Friday began with seven rigorous rounds of negotiations spanning political shifts in Dhaka. Originally initiated by a joint study group in 2023, the talks were briefly paused during the political transitions of August 2024 but were fast-tracked by the current interim government to meet a one-year completion target.

"This is more than just a commercial pact," stated Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin. "It is a reflection of the deep mutual trust and the long-standing friendship between our two nations."

With the world’s fourth-largest economy now a formal partner, Bangladesh is poised to attract significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and enhance its global industrial competitiveness.

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 2/07/2026 12:10:00 AM

Read more ...

DNCC Issues New Rent Guidelines: No Increase Before 2 Years

Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh, Jan 20, 2026: Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has introduced a new set of guidelines aimed at regulating house rent in the capital, placing limits on how frequently and how much landlords can increase rent.

The guidelines were announced on Tuesday afternoon at a press briefing held at the DNCC Nagar Bhaban, where DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz outlined the key provisions. The directive has been formulated in line with the House Rent Control Act, 1991, according to city authorities.

Under the new rules, landlords will not be allowed to increase rent before a minimum period of two years. Even after that period, rent adjustments can only be made during June and July. Additionally, the total annual rent of a residential property must not exceed 15 percent of its prevailing market value.

DNCC officials said the guidelines are mandatory for both landlords and tenants. In case of disputes related to rent, either party may seek resolution through the regional executive officer assigned to their respective DNCC zone.

Explaining the background of the decision, Administrator Mohammad Ejaz said Dhaka’s housing pressure has intensified over the years. Despite the city housing an estimated 35 million people, the combined number of residential buildings in Dhaka North and South remains between 2 to 2.5 million, making a large portion of city dwellers dependent on rented accommodation.

He noted that rural-to-urban migration, private relocation, and the concentration of administrative and economic opportunities in Dhaka have placed significant strain on the housing sector.

He added that while international standards suggest housing costs should not exceed 30 percent of a household’s income, many residents of Dhaka are currently spending between 50 and 65 percent of their earnings on rent.

Mohammad Ejaz also pointed out that ambiguities and weak enforcement mechanisms surrounding the House Rent Control Act, 1991 have allowed repeated and excessive rent hikes over the years. At the same time, he said, the rights and livelihoods of landlords have not always received adequate protection, creating imbalance in the rental market.

The newly issued guidelines include detailed responsibilities for both parties. Landlords are required to keep rental properties habitable and ensure uninterrupted access to utilities such as gas, electricity, and water, along with regular household waste collection. Any reported issues must be addressed promptly.

The guidelines also encourage landlords and tenants—subject to prior approval—to engage in greenery initiatives on rooftops, balconies, and open spaces. For safety reasons, especially considering fire hazards and natural disasters, landlords are instructed to provide tenants with conditional access to rooftop and main gate keys.

Tenants are required to pay rent within the first 10 days of each month, while landlords must issue written receipts as proof of payment. Advance rent cannot exceed one to three months, and all rental agreements must be documented in writing, clearly stating rent terms, advance payments, rent revision conditions, and notice periods.

The directive further outlines eviction procedures, notice requirements for contract termination, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Ward- and zone-based landlord and tenant associations are to be formed, with mediation at the local level prioritized before escalating matters to DNCC officials.

DNCC authorities said awareness campaigns and zone-based consultation meetings will be organized to ensure both landlords and tenants understand and comply with the guidelines, with the aim of creating a more balanced and transparent rental market in Dhaka.

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 1/20/2026 06:04:00 PM

Read more ...

Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation Pushes for Inclusive Socioeconomic Change in Bangladesh

Staff Correspondent

Dhaka, Jan 8, 2026: The Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2024, has emerged as a dedicated force for social change in rural Bangladesh by expanding access to education, empowering women, and supporting under-resourced families.

Recently, the chief patrons of the foundation travelled from the United States to Bangladesh to strengthen and oversee charitable activities in remote areas of Shailkupa upazila in Jhenaidah district.

During their visit, the patrons visited two primary schools where they distributed scholarships among top-performing students from classes one to five. Alongside scholarships, essential educational materials were also handed out to support the children’s learning needs.

The above are recipients of Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation scholarships from Bashantapur Government Primary School at Shailkupa in Jhenaidah, Bangladesh.

A festive atmosphere prevailed on the school premises as Upazila Primary Education Officer Bishwajit Saha and Upazila Assistant Primary Education Officer Mazedur Rahman, guardians, headmasters from neighbouring institutions, and local social dignitaries gathered to take part in the programme, lending it added significance and warmth.

Reflecting its commitment to gender equality and social inclusion, the foundation’s patrons also distributed financial assistance among vulnerable women in the upazila, aiming to help integrate them into the social and economic mainstream.

The above are recipients of Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation scholarships from Khulna Bazar Government Primary School at Shailkupa in Jhenaidah, Bangladesh.

Rooted in community-centered and sustainable initiatives, the foundation operates on a simple but powerful belief: opportunity should never be determined by where a person is born.

Named in honour of Sharifa and Tofiz—whose lives embodied generosity, wisdom, and a deep respect for education—the foundation carries forward their legacy by addressing long-standing inequalities in rural communities.

Across these communities, many talented students struggle to remain in school, women face persistent barriers to financial independence, and families often lack access to basic resources. Through targeted support, mentorship, and skill-building, the foundation seeks to bridge these gaps and unlock human potential.

Education remains at the heart of the foundation’s work. Its Scholarship for Academic Excellence programme recognises high-achieving students from low-income rural backgrounds, providing tuition assistance, educational materials, and mentorship.

These scholarships are awarded through community gatherings that foster connection, encouragement, and shared purpose, reinforcing the value of education within families and villages.

Alongside education, the foundation is steadily expanding its focus on women’s empowerment. In many rural areas, women remain underrepresented in the workforce and underserved in social and economic opportunities.

The foundation is preparing initiatives that include vocational training, educational workshops, and micro-level financial support to help women build independent and sustainable livelihoods. New programmes in women’s empowerment and family support are set to be launched soon.

“Family and community support form the third pillar of the foundation’s mission. From providing school supplies to offering emergency assistance, the organization stands beside families facing financial hardship.

Over the long term, it aims to develop programmes that promote sustainable livelihoods, public health awareness, and localized community infrastructure, ensuring resilience beyond short-term aid,” the foundation said while outlining its objectives.

The foundation is led by a diverse and committed leadership team. President and Co-Founder Dr. Mizan Rahman, an engineering leader in the medtech industry and a former faculty member of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), brings decades of research and leadership experience.

Now based in California, Dr. Rahman co-founded the organization to honour his parents’ legacy by creating meaningful opportunities for underserved communities in Bangladesh.

Secretary and Co-Founder Mounia Rahman, a Cognitive Science student at Occidental College, contributes a youth-driven perspective, focusing on initiatives that inspire students—particularly young girls growing up in rural areas.

Executive Director Dr. Salim Kaiser, who also serves as Director of the Lab and Student Research Innovation Center at the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), provides strategic and academic leadership, drawing on his extensive background in engineering education and applied research.

The foundation also benefits from the guidance of its Chief Patron and Advisor, Dr. Sharmin Jahan, a California-based physician specialising in child neuropsychiatry, whose expertise strengthens programmes related to education, mental health, and women’s advancement.

The Sharifa-Tofiz Foundation acknowledges that its impact would not be possible without strong local partnerships.

Teachers and volunteers from Bashantapur Primary School, Khulna Bazar Primary School, and surrounding villages play a crucial role by guiding students, organising scholarship ceremonies, and supporting workshops and family assistance activities.

Their local leadership, generosity, and dedication ensure that support reaches the families and children who need it most, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to lasting, community-driven change in rural Bangladesh.

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 1/08/2026 11:40:00 PM

Read more ...

Indian-Imported Concrete Sleepers Pose Safety Risk to West Zone Railway

By Sarker Shariful Islam, Rajshahi Bureau Chief
RAJSHAHI:
The Western Zone Railway is facing a growing safety crisis as thousands of concrete sleepers, imported from India and installed over the last two decades, have begun to crack and disintegrate.

The widespread degradation has left several sections of the 345-kilometer track vulnerable, forcing railway officials to conduct daily inspections to prevent derailments.

Widespread Damage and Safety Concerns

Since 2003, concrete sleepers were installed to replace traditional wooden ones across 345 kilometers of track. However, despite being a relatively recent installation, these sleepers have shown premature failure.

A field visit revealed that the most severe damage is concentrated on the 48-kilometer stretch between Ishwardi (Pabna) and Ullapara (Sirajganj).

Railway officials confirmed that approximately 2,500 sleepers are broken or severely cracked on this segment alone.

Locally, the situation is even more dire; across the entire Joypurhat-to-Parbatipur stretch, an estimated 50,000 sleepers are reportedly damaged or at risk.

History of Accidents

The deteriorating infrastructure has been linked to a series of recent incidents that have alarmed local residents and commuters:

December 2021: A freight train derailed at Boral Bridge station.

May 2023: A derailment occurred at Ullapara.

June & September 2025: Line cracks were discovered near Bhangura and Dilpasha stations. In one instance, jute sacks were used as a makeshift "fix" to allow a train to pass.

September 29, 2025: The Panchagarh Express derailed near Bhangura, suspending rail traffic for six hours.

"Major accidents can occur at any time," warned Ali Akbar, a resident of Bhangura. "We see sleepers being replaced, only for more to break shortly after. The risk is constant."

Technical Debate: Wood vs. Concrete

While railway experts generally prefer concrete for its longevity, local sentiment is shifting. Monirul Islam, a resident of Ishwardi, noted, "The concrete sleepers don't seem to last even 10 years, whereas the old wooden sleepers lasted 40 to 50 years without issue."

However, Ahmed Hossain Masum, Chief Engineer of Western Railway, maintains that concrete remains the superior material.

He clarified that the current issues stem from specific batches of imported stock. "We no longer import these sleepers; they are now manufactured domestically. Locally made sleepers are far more durable," Masum stated.

Proposed Solutions and Budget

The Railway Ministry is currently considering a Tk 22 crore project aimed at replacing the broken sleepers over the next five years. The proposal is currently awaiting approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

While Engineer Masum downplayed the immediate danger—stating that only 2% to 4% of the 550,000 total sleepers are damaged—field officials acknowledge that the lack of budget for bulk replacements has forced them into a cycle of "urgent-only" repairs.

Until the ECNEC approves the new project, the safety of the Western Zone's rail movement relies on the vigilance of daily trolley-car inspections.

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 12/22/2025 02:26:00 PM

Read more ...

Chief Justice Inaugurates SC Secretariat and Help Line Center

Dhaka, December 11, 2025 — Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, inaugurated the newly established Supreme Court Secretariat and a dedicated Supreme Court Help Line Center today, marking a significant step toward judicial independence.

Inauguration of the Supreme Court Secretariat

The Supreme Court Secretariat, located at Administrative Building-4 (adjacent to the Supreme Court Jame Masjid) of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, was officially opened by the Chief Justice at 3:20 PM.

During the inauguration, the Chief Justice described the day as a "historic juncture," stating that this achievement was made possible through collective cooperation and effort.

He emphasized that the establishment of the Secretariat legally vests the constitutional authority for managing the judiciary and its operations directly with the Supreme Court.

"From today, we will enjoy the success of this Secretariat, and likewise, the accountability for any failure will also rest upon us," the Chief Justice said.

He called upon political parties and all stakeholders to ensure that the Supreme Court Secretariat maintains its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and democracy in the future.

Distinguished Attendees

The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Justices of the Appellate Division , Dr. Asif Nazrul, Advisor to the Interim Government on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ambassadors from various foreign embassies and the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh, UNDP Resident Representative, Attorney General for Bangladesh, President and Acting Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Vice Chairman of the Bar Council, Senior Secretary of the Supreme Court Secretariat and the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Law and senior lawyers and officials from the Supreme Court Secretariat and Registry.

Background on the Secretariat’s Establishment

The establishment of the Secretariat follows the issuance of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025, which aims to ensure the full independence of the judiciary. This ordinance was published by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on November 30, 2025, upon instruction from the President.

Key developments leading up to the inauguration include:

December 1, 2025: The Chief Justice of Bangladesh assigned Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqi, Registrar General of the Supreme Court, with the additional charge of Secretary of the Supreme Court Secretariat.

December 1, 2025: An eight-member "Post Creation" Committee was formed, chaired by Honorable Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam of the Appellate Division.

December 7, 2025: The Post Creation Committee decided to create 489 officer and supporting staff positions for the Secretariat.

December 10, 2025: An eight-member "Development and Planning" Committee was constituted, chaired by Honorable Justice Rezatul Hoque of the Appellate Division.

Launch of the Supreme Court Help Line Center

Earlier in the day, at 3:00 PM, Chief Justice Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed also inaugurated a dedicated "Supreme Court Help Line Center" office.

The modern facility is located on the second floor, South-West corner (the former High Court Dispatch Branch) of the main building of the Bangladesh Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court Help Line service was initially launched on September 26, 2024, to assist litigants and service recipients who face difficulties or obstacles in accessing services from any branch of the Supreme Court Registry.

Following a significant positive response, a second help line number was introduced on January 5, 2025. The service was subsequently expanded to 64 District and Sessions Judge Courts and 8 Metropolitan Sessions Judge Courts across the country.

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 12/11/2025 06:56:00 PM

Read more ...

Supreme Court Secretariat to Be Inaugurated Tomorrow

M Firoz Al Mamun

The newly established Supreme Court Secretariat is set to be inaugurated tomorrow (Thursday) with Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed scheduled to formally launch its operations at 2:30 pm. The confirmation came today from Supreme Court Public Relations Officer Md. Shafiqul Islam.

According to him, the Secretariat will begin functioning on a limited scale with two rooms on the second floor of Administrative Building-4, located beside the Supreme Court Jame Mosque.
‘Planning and Development’ Committee Formed
A press release issued by the Supreme Court Secretariat announced that the Chief Justice has constituted an eight-member Planning and Development Committee. This follows the issuance of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, 2025 on 30 November.

Once fully functional, the Secretariat will be responsible for all administrative and secretarial functions related to subordinate courts and administrative tribunals, including supervision and management.

Under the ordinance, the Secretariat will handle all matters related to the posting, promotion, transfer, discipline, leave, and ancillary issues of judges engaged in judicial work. Overall control of the Secretariat will rest with the Chief Justice, while its Secretary will act as the administrative head.

The newly formed Planning and Development Committee is headed by Appellate Division Justice Rezaul Haque. Other members include High Court Division Justices Zafar Ahmed and Md. Zobayd Hossain, the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, the Registrar General of the Supreme Court, the Senior Secretary of the Supreme Court Secretariat, the Secretary of the Law and Justice Division, and the Secretary of the Planning Division.

Earlier, on 1 December, the Supreme Court administration assigned Registrar General Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiquee the additional responsibility of Secretary of the Supreme Court Secretariat to initiate its activities immediately, as per Article 4 of the ordinance.
‘Post Creation’ Committee Formed; First Meeting Held
Another notification from the Supreme Court administration announced the formation of a Post Creation Committee to review the organizational structure of the Supreme Court Registry, the Supreme Court Secretariat, administrative tribunals, and subordinate courts.

The committee has also been tasked with creating, abolishing, or restructuring various posts as required. The committee was formed on 1 December under Article 17 of the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance, with Appellate Division Senior Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam as its chair.

The committee held its first meeting on 7 December at the Supreme Court’s conference room. Seven out of eight members attended, with the Senior Secretary of the Finance Division absent.

According to a press release issued the same day by PRO Md. Shafiqul Islam, the meeting unanimously approved the creation of 489 posts for the Secretariat. Among them, 107 are officer-level posts and 382 are support staff positions.

Of the 107 officer posts, 105 fall under administrative positions of the Judicial Service, while the remaining two include the positions of Chief Accounts Officer and System Analyst.

Other members of the Post Creation Committee include Appellate Division Justice A. K. M. Asaduzzaman, High Court Division Justices Md. Atabullah and Md. Bazlur Rahman, the Senior Secretary of the Supreme Court Secretariat, the Senior Secretary of the Law and Justice Division, the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, the Senior Secretary of the Finance Division, and the Registrar General of the Supreme Court.

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 12/10/2025 09:37:00 PM

Read more ...