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Aug282026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Apex Introduces 100% biodegradable bags designed to decompose within seven months

Apex Footwear Limited has taken a step towards a more sustainable Bangladesh by introducing 100% biodegradable shopping bags, turning its commitment to environmental responsibility into a practical choice for customers.Made from internationally certified bio-resins, the bags are free from harmful synthetic materials such as polyethylene and polystyrene commonly found in conventional plastic packaging. They have also undergone independent testing by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR).Designed to return naturally to the soil, the bags completely decompose within seven months after disposal in natural soil, without leaving harmful residues behind. For customers, the change offers a simple way...

Aug272026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Germany’s Popular Bark Café Opens New Outlet in Dhaka’s Gulshan

Breaking News, Feature

Bark Café, a popular café chain from Germany, has expanded its presence in Bangladesh with the opening of a new outlet in Gulshan 2, Dhaka. The grand opening ceremony was held on Monday, August 24, at the café's new location at House 9/B, Road 52/53, Gulshan 2. Speaking at the event, Badal Ahmed, Head of the Organization, said the new outlet will offer a diverse menu of food and beverages alongside a pleasant ambience tailored to Bangladeshi customers, reflecting the brand's commitment to bringing an international café experience to the local market. The opening ceremony was attended by invited guests, the German Ambassador, Bark Café Chain CEO Janet, and other individuals associated with the café. Café stakeholders noted that the new outlet, situated in one of Dhaka's most upscale neig...

Aug272026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Are Untreated Waste Discharges Killing Bangladesh’s Rivers?

Breaking News, Opinion

Moazzem Hossain TipuBangladesh is widely known as a riverine country. Its rivers are not merely part of the country’s geography; they are closely connected with agriculture, fisheries, navigation, industry, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people. Yet many of the country’s rivers are now under severe pressure from untreated industrial effluents, municipal sewage, and solid waste.Various government assessments of river and water quality have highlighted serious concerns about pollution in and around major urban and industrial areas. According to a national water-quality assessment by the Department of Environment (DoE), municipal and industrial solid waste, untreated sewage, and industrial effluents are among the major sources of river pollution in areas surrounding ...

Aug262026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Call for ‘Front-of-Package Labelling’ to Curb Diet-Related NCDs- Speakers at Journalists’ Workshop

Breaking News, NGO News

The consumption of ultra-processed packaged foods high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats is rapidly rising among people of all ages, including children, adolescents and young adults in Bangladesh. At the same time, diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing alarmingly. In this context, clear warning labels or Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) can play a crucial role in preventing NCDs.These issues were highlighted by speakers at a two-day long journalists' workshop titled "Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) in Bangladesh: Importance, Progress and Way Forward," held on August 24-25 at the BIP Conference Room in Dhaka. Twenty-six (26) journalists from print, television and online media attended the workshop organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from t...

Aug262026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Honor leads global market as the fastest-growing smartphone brand in H1 2026

Breaking News, Technology

Amid a downturn in the global smartphone market, Honor recorded a 9 percent year-on-year increase in smartphone shipments in the first half of 2026, according to market research firms International Data Corporation (IDC) and Omdia.The growth placed the company at the forefront of the global Android market, making it the fastest-growing major vendor during the period. The company was also the only Chinese Android manufacturer to record positive year-on-year shipment growth globally.The brand’s momentum was particularly pronounced across several international markets, where it grew despite contractions in overall smartphone demand.In the Middle East, smartphone shipments declined 13 percent year on year in the first half, while Honor’s shipments grew 35 percent, according to Omdi...

Aug262026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

MetLife Invests BDT 50 Crore in EBL Subordinated Bond

Breaking News, Business

MetLife Bangladesh has invested BDT 50 crore in the fourth subordinated bond issued by Eastern Bank PLC (EBL), reinforcing the insurer’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and diversify its investment portfolio in the country.Apart from investing in government bonds, MetLife Bangladesh continues to diversify into corporate bonds to support sustainable financing for corporates, while delivering enhanced, long term returns for its policyholders. With this latest investment, MetLife Bangladesh’s total investment portfolio has reached approximately BDT 19,000 crore.Commenting on the investment, Ala Ahmad, CEO of MetLife Bangladesh, said: “As one of the largest investors in the country, our partnership with EBL represents a shared commitment to strengthening the financial ecosystem, while re...

Aug252026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Hamza Choudhury Becomes Brand Ambassador for TECNO Bangladesh

Breaking News, Technology

Global innovative technology brand TECNO has announced Bangladesh national footballer Hamza Choudhury as its Brand Ambassador in Bangladesh, bringing together technology, football and a shared spirit of ambition under TECNO's "Stop At Nothing" philosophy.Hamza has become one of the most recognized faces of Bangladeshi football, inspiring a new generation of fans through his journey in professional football and his commitment to representing Bangladesh. His determination, performance-driven mindset and connection with young audiences make him a natural fit for TECNO.The partnership also comes at an exciting time for football in the country. TECNO is the Title Sponsor of TECNO SAFF Championship Bangladesh 2026, strengthening the brand's commitment to creating deeper connections with ...

Aug252026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Banglalink installs 50-kW rooftop solar system at Cumilla data center

Breaking News, Business

Reinforcing its commitment to environmentally responsible digital infrastructure, Banglalink, the country's leading digital operator, has installed a 50-kW rooftop solar power system at its Cumilla Data Center. The system utilizes 2,500 square feet of previously unutilized rooftop space and is expected to generate approximately 85,000 kWh of clean energy annually, resulting in an estimated 6% reduction in grid electricity consumption during solar generation hours.This initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions by about 52 tons each year and save approximately BDT 1.2 million in energy costs annually.In addition, the system will support Banglalink's ESG goals while helping ensure uninterrupted data center operations during emergencies and power outages.Notably, Banglalin...

Aug252026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

Bangladesh must diversify energy sources to ensure energy security: Experts

Breaking News, National

Bangladesh must diversify its energy mix, reduce fuel wastage, improve efficiency and embrace modern technologies to ensure long-term energy security, experts said on Monday.They made the remarks at a seminar titled “Energy Security in Bangladesh: Understanding the Challenges and Shaping the Way Forward”, organized by the Young Engineers Chapter of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB).The seminar was held at the Council Hall of the IEB headquarters at Shahid Engineer Bhaban in Ramna, Dhaka, on Monday afternoon.Energy security requires a broader approach Presenting the keynote paper, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) member Professor Dr Engineer Syeda Sultana Razia said uninterrupted and affordable energy supply is essential for Bangladesh’s economic deve...

Aug252026 by Statement DeskNo Comments

A Burning Cigarette on a Moving Bus: An Overlooked Threat to Road Safety

Breaking News, Opinion

Kazi Mohammad Hasibul HuqWhen we talk about road safety in Bangladesh, the conversation usually revolves around familiar concerns: unsafe roads, unfit vehicles, reckless driving, unlicensed drivers and excessive speed. These are undoubtedly major risks. But there is another, less visible form of dangerous behavior that deserves far greater attention-smoking while driving.A cigarette in the hand of a driver may appear to be nothing more than a personal habit. Behind the steering wheel of a moving bus or truck, however, it becomes a potential source of distraction. Finding a cigarette, reaching for a lighter, lighting it, handling the cigarette, shaking off ash and dealing with a dropped or burning cigarette can all compete with the driver's primary responsibility: maintaining contin...