May 21, 2026 - TheStatement24

May212026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Bangladesh SOEs cost treasury Tk 882b as losses mount: World Bank study

Bangladesh’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) drained nearly Tk 882 billion from the national exchequer in a single year, emerging as one of the country’s biggest fiscal risks, according to a World Bank study. The study report highlighted that the deteriorating financial condition of public enterprises has become “unsustainable” at a time when Bangladesh is already facing falling revenue collection, slower economic growth and mounting pressure on public finances. It said the growing losses of SOEs are consuming resources that could otherwise be invested in healthcare, education and social protection. The findings were presented at a dissemination workshop on the report titled “Financial Performance and Fiscal Risk of SOEs in Bangladesh” held at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka on May 21, 202...

May212026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Effective Tobacco Tax and Price Increase Demanded in the Upcoming National Budget

Breaking News, NGO News

A discussion meeting organized by Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP) was held on Thursday, 21 May 2026, at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, demanding effective taxation and price increases on all tobacco products in the upcoming national budget for FY 2026–27 to protect public health. The keynote paper presented at the event stated that Bangladesh currently has a four-tier cigarette pricing structure—low, medium, high, and premium. Around 90 percent of cigarettes sold in the market belong to the low and medium tiers, making tobacco products highly affordable and easily accessible, especially to young people and low-income populations. As a result, tobacco control efforts are becoming ineffective among these groups. The paper proposed merging the low and medium ti...

May212026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

British Council launches new position paper calling for language-responsive education systems

Breaking News, Education

The British Council has launched a new global position paper advocating for language-responsive education systems that better reflect the linguistic realities of learners and support more inclusive, equitable and effective education. The position paper outlines the organisation’s approach to language policy and practice in education, recognising the evolving and complex role of English globally while emphasising the importance of linguistic diversity and contextual decision-making. Across many education systems worldwide, students learn in multilingual environments where the language used at school may differ from the language spoken at home. While English continues to play an important global role in education, mobility and opportunity, the British Council’s position stresses that there ...

May212026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Uber Expands Its Footprint in Bangladesh with Launch in Chattogram

Breaking News, Business

Uber, Bangladesh’s leading ridesharing app today announced the launch of its services in Chattogram, further expanding access to convenient, affordable, and technology-enabled mobility solutions across Bangladesh. With this launch, residents and visitors in the city will now be able to seamlessly request rides through the Uber app while drivers gain access to flexible earning opportunities. Starting today, riders in Chattogram will be able to access Uber’s mobility offerings through the app, designed to make everyday travel more reliable, safer, and efficient. The expansion reflects Uber’s continued commitment to supporting urban mobility and economic opportunity in Bangladesh. As Bangladesh continues to witness rapid urban growth and increasing demand for tech-enabled transportation...

May212026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Samsung’s Eid offers and cashback with every Smartphone purchase

Breaking News, Business

This Eid-ul-Adha, Samsung Mobile is set to double the festive joy by offering guaranteed prizes across its entire smartphone lineup. With every purchase, customers will stand a chance to win exclusive gifts, enjoy exciting cashback offers on select devices, and receive a complimentary one-time screen replacement. Samsung Bangladesh has officially launched the campaign on May 19, 2026, across all authorized outlets nationwide. Under the campaign, customers purchasing any Samsung mobile device will be eligible to win household electronics, with a Samsung Refrigerator as the first prize, a Samsung TV as the second prize, and a Samsung Microwave Oven as the third prize. In addition to the giveaway, buyers can enjoy up to BDT 7,900 cashback on selected devices. Select credit card users will a...