Govt to Make Food Business Registration, Licensing Mandatory

The government has taken an initiative to establish accountability in food management - from production to marketing - by making registration and licensing mandatory for food businesses. Under the new regulations, which will come into effect on November 1, licences will be mandatory for specified categories of special food products manufactured for children, elderly people and individuals suffering from particular diseases.Besides, street food stalls and small restaurants, as well as large food processing establishments and importers, will also have to comply with the new provisions.The requirement to display the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) registration number on food product packaging will also enable consumers to identify the source of food and lodge complaints about irregularities.The Safe Food (Registration and Licensing) Regulations, 2026 have been formulated to protect public health, ensure food safety and establish discipline in food businesses.Published in the ...

PM seeks Japan’s support to diversify Bangladesh’s exports

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday sought Japan’s cooperation in diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket and expanding trade and investment opportunities as the two countries work to strengthen their economic partnership.He made the call during a meeting with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) President Susumu Kataoka in Tokyo at 11:45am local time, according to the Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.Tarique also called for increased...

German Vice Minister visits Abul Khair Steel Melting factory

Staff CorrespondentA delegation led by Dr. Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary Vice Minister and State Secretary to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Germany, visited the factory of Abul K...

Misinterpretation of religion & patriarchal mindsets remain major challenges to women’s empowerment: Zahir Uddin Swapan, MP

BP DeskSave the Children in Bangladesh celebrated ‘IDG Carnival 2026’ to mark the International Day of the Girl, calling for stronger efforts to uphold the rights of girls and adolescent girls, develop their leadership, advance their empowerment, and ensure their meaningful participation at all levels of society.Held on Thursday at a hotel in the capital under the theme “Rooted in Every Region, Advancing Every Adolescent Girl,” the event brought together policymakers, development partners, youth representatives and other stakeholders.Speaking as the Chief Guest, Zahir Uddin Swapan MP, Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, said, “Misinterpretation of religion and patriarchal attitudes remain major challenges to achieving gender equality and ensuring women&rs...

Nahid accuses govt of plotting to put its own men in caretaker govt

Shadman completes 3rd Test century, then falls

Shadman Islam completed his third Test century in the first over of the second day against West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday, then was out lbw to Joshua Bishop for 105 three overs later.Resuming on 99, the left-handed opener pushed the second ball of the day to the leg side for two to reach his hundred off 220 balls.He added only four more runs. With the fifth ball of the 77th over, Bishop pitched a good-length delivery outside off stump that came back in and struck Shadman high on the front pad as he defended on the back foot.The umpire gave him out. Shadman spoke to his batting partner Liton Das and reviewed the decision, but UltraEdge showed no contact with the bat and ball-tracking showed the ball pitching in line, hitting in line and going on to hit middle stump. It was Bishop's first Test wicket.Shadman's 105 came off 234 balls and included 11 fours. Bangladesh were 221 for four when he was out.The century was Shadman's first in 17 Test innings. His previous hundred came against Zimbabwe in April 2025, and his first was also against Zimbabwe, in 2021.Towhid Hridoy resumed his innings after Shadman's dismissal. He had retired hurt on 42 on the first day and was carried off on a stretcher.Bangladesh ended the opening day on 213 for three in 74 overs after bad light cut play short. Shanto won the toss and chose to bat, and Bangladesh are without Mushfiqur Rahim, who injured his finger at practice on the eve of the match, reports UNB....

Save Teesta farmers: Break the cycle of water insecurity

Farmers living on the chars of the Teesta River in northern Bangladesh face a relentless struggle against nature and economic uncertainty. During the monsoon, excessive rainfall and rising river level...

NBFI crisis: Time to restore discipline and accountability

The continued rise in non-performing loans in Bangladesh’s non-bank financial institution (NBFI) sector is no longer a problem that can be addressed through isolated corrective measures. It has become a serious issue for depositors, the financi...

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