DOHA, March 9, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Several more explosions were heard across Doha and warning sirens sounded in Manama on Monday, according to AFP journalists, as Iran pressed its aerial campaign against Gulf neighbours. The oil-rich Gulf states have been targeted by waves of drones and missiles since Tehran launched its retaliation campaign in the wake of the US and Israeli attacks against Iran.
Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Prime Minister's Adviser on the Ministry of Finance and Planning, on Monday described the government’s newly announced ‘Family Card’ programme as a landmark and epoch making initiative aimed at reforming Bangladesh’s social safety net system, reducing wastage and ensuring benefits reach the intended recipients. “If you consider the circumstances and the legacy of economic pressures we received, this programme is a groundbreaking step,” he said. According to him, the new programme will further strengthen the government’s efforts to ensure inclusive development and social protection. The Adviser emphasized that the ‘Family Card’ programme aims to address these longstanding issues. He explained that a substantial portion of funding would come from improving efficiency within existing social safety net programmes.
In the spirit of the Holy Month of Ramadan, UAE Aid and the Emirates Red Crescent have distributed Ramadan food parcels among nearly 4,000 underprivileged families across several districts of Bangladesh, bringing timely relief to communities observing the holy month. The initiative aims to support vulnerable families with essential food supplies so they can prepare daily iftar meals with greater ease and dignity during Ramadan. Through this initiative, the UAE Government and the Emirates Red Crescent aim to stand beside the people of Bangladesh and help ease the burden on vulnerable families during this blessed month. We are grateful for the opportunity to share the spirit of Ramadan with communities here.”Beneficiary families expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirates Red Crescent for extending this support, noting that the assistance would significantly help households manage daily iftar meals. It reinforces the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh.
On Monday (March 9), the Foreign Exchange Investment Department (FDID) of the central bank issued a master circular in this regard. It highlighted various steps to simplify the regulatory framework related to foreign investment and further liberalize the investment environment. The central bank said that this decision has been taken to simplify the process of capital repatriation in line with international standards. According to the new directive, from now on, approval from the central bank will not be required in many cases. It has been instructed to report the information of every transaction completed at the bank level to the central bank within 14 days.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan addressed an iftar and doa mahfil organized by Dhaka Sub-Editors Council (DSEC) at the Jatiya press Club today. Photo: BSSDHAKA, Mar 09, 2026 (BSS)- Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said the government aims to support develop an international standard journalism in the country. The minister said many institutions related to the media sector, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are still operating under outdated structures. He said the government wants to prepare a roadmap for the media sector through consultation with journalists for its digital transformation. He said a comprehensive policy for the development of the media sector will soon be formulated and presented to the stakeholders.
Photo: CollectedDHAKA, Mar 9, 2026 (BSS) – State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, MP, today said that the government is working on appropriate policies to implement the financial commitments outlined in the election manifesto of the newly elected government. Dr. Monzur Hossain, Member (Secretary), General Economics Division, Bangladesh Planning Commission, A.H.M. Jahangir, Additional Secretary & Project Director, Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP) and Dr. Mohammad Akhtar Hossain, Chief Economist, Bangladesh Bank also spoke as special guests. Dr. Monzur Hossain, Member (Secretary), General Economics Division (GED), Bangladesh Planning Commission said that the new government is working to support initiatives aimed at building a society free from income inequality. Jahangir, Additional Secretary & Project Director, Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP) mentioned that as a Least Developed Country, Bangladesh has long benefited from duty-free trade privileges.
“If you consider the circumstances and the legacy of economic pressures we received, this programme is a groundbreaking step,” he said. Titumir noted that Bangladesh has made progress towards achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that had previously remained unmet. According to him, the new programme will further strengthen the government’s efforts to ensure inclusive development and social protection. The Adviser emphasized that the ‘Family Card’ programme aims to address these longstanding issues. He explained that a substantial portion of funding would come from improving efficiency within existing social safety net programmes.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam spoke to reporters at the foreign ministry this afternoon. Photo: MoFADHAKA, Mar 9, 2026 (BSS) – Bangladesh has sought consular access to two suspects detained in India in connection with Osman Hadi murder case, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said today. “We asked the consular access … we will pursue the matters through diplomatic channels,” she told reporters at the foreign ministry this afternoon. “Once we receive the full details and consular access is granted, we will be able to move forward with the next steps,” she said. “We have requested consular access and are following our rules and procedures.
This award has previously been presented to dominant names in the music production industry, including Calvin Harris and Paul Epworth. PinkPantheress’ career thus far is a masterclass in building a celebrated musical platform on a budget. To this day, PinkPantheress has three official projects to her name, including the mixtapes To Hell With It (2021), Fancy That (2025) and the studio album Heaven Knows (2023). PinkPantheress’ distinct eras have seen an increase in boldness since her professional start, signifying her progressive adaptation to the big stage. With her record-breaking accomplishment at the BRIT Awards, PinkPantheress continues to be an inspiration for Gen-Z music artists of all sorts.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Monday said there will be no increase in edible oil prices and there is no supply shortage in the market, urging consumers not to engage in panic buying. “Panic buying could create temporary supply pressure in some areas, unnecessarily complicating the situation,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with importers and refinery owners to review the overall supply of edible oil at Secretariat. Mentioning that there is adequate stock of edible oil in the market, the minister said, “We held the meeting to review the situation. Responding to a question from journalists, he said there is no shortage of edible oil, fuel oil, or gas, urging media and public not to associate these products with “shortage,” which could create confusion. The minister added that market monitoring and supervision will be strengthened and called on everyone to refrain from spreading rumours or panic.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir held a high-level meeting with importers and refinery owners at the Ministry of Commerce conference room in the city. The Minister identified panic buying as the primary driver of temporary supply strains and localized price volatility. To understand the ground reality, the Minister, accompanied by the Commerce Secretary conducted a personal observation of the market in Shewrapara. He issued a stern warning against the abuse of the word crisis in relation to edible oil or fuel. "The price of oil will not increase even by a single drop,” the Minister reiterated.
Corsicana, TX (75110)TodayPartly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 70F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..TonightPartly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low near 70F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
Community Bank Bangladesh PLC. has signed syndication agreements with RA Spinning Mills Ltd and Outpace Spinning Mills Ltd to arrange Tk650 crore through a syndicated financing structure. The financing will support the continued growth and operational excellence of RA Spinning Mills Ltd. and Outpace Spinning Mills Ltd, both of which are recognized for their state-of-the-art European production machinery, energy-efficient and technologically advanced manufacturing facilities, and strong compliance with sustainability standards. The companies have also been able to avail sustainable financing facilities supported by Bangladesh Bank, reflecting their commitment to environmentally responsible operations. Kimiwa Saddat, managing director (current charge) of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC, signed and exchanged the mandate agreements with Razeeb Haider, managing director of RA Spinning Mills Ltd, and Outpace Spinning Mills Ltd, at the head office of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC.
City Bank PLC and Toyota Bangladesh Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strategic partnership at City Bank’s head office. The MoU was signed by Premmit Singh, managing director of Toyota Bangladesh Limited, and Mashrur Arefin, managing director & CEO of City Bank PLC, in the presence of senior officials from both organizations. Under this arrangement, City Bank has extended credit facilities to Toyota Bangladesh Limited to support its operations in Bangladesh. Premmit Singh announced special discounts on Toyota vehicles for City Bank employees and expressed his intention to further strengthen the cooperation between the two organizations. Both parties stated that they look forward to continued collaboration in the future.
