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Bangladesh backs rule-based global economic cooperation: Touhid

17 Jan, 2026 16:04 pm
DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to a rule-based international order and collective global action, stressing dialogue and cooperation to address shared economic challenges. "As a responsible neighbor and an active member of the United Nations and other international bodies, Bangladesh advocates for a rule-based international order and collective action in addressing global economic challenges. We support active engagement to promote dialogue, confidence-building, and cooperative solutions to shared concerns," he said. The adviser was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of the SAFA International Conference on "Next Generation Profession: Converging Ethical AI and Sustainability Reporting" in the city. Touhid said Bangladesh remains engaged with multilateral institutions to promote stability, trust and cooperative solutions. The foreign adviser said the convergence of ethical artificial intelligence and sustainability reporting is increasingly relevant as technological innovation transforms professions worldwide, while global emphasis grows on transparency, accountability and responsible governance. He said for Bangladesh, the integration of technology and sustainability is crucial to sustaining economic growth and strengthening global integration, noting that professionals must remain not only technically capable but also ethically grounded and socially responsible. Touhin Hossain said platforms such as the SAFA conference provide important opportunities for knowledge exchange, sharing of best practices and fostering collaboration among professionals across the region and beyond. He expressed encouragement that the conference brought together experts, practitioners and thought leaders from South Asia and other regions, saying their discussions would help guide the next generation of professionals by balancing integrity, accountability and innovation. Meanwhile, experts at the conference said the global accounting profession is entering a new phase as Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Sustainability Reporting begin to converge, reshaping business risk, investor expectations and public trust. Organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), the conference was themed "Next Generation Profession: Converging Ethical AI and Sustainability Reporting".  Delegates from Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka participated in the event, which featured three technical sessions and a valedictory session. Bangladesh Competition Commission Chairperson A H M Ahsan and Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Bangladesh chairman Dr. Md Sajjad Hossain Bhuiyan attended as special guests. Ahsan said technological advancement presents both opportunities and challenges, noting that while AI-driven systems can boost efficiency and strengthen compliance, they also pose risks such as algorithmic collusion, opacity and exclusionary practices without strong ethical safeguards. For the first time in Dhaka, ICAB hosted Jean Bouquot, President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), along with Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, Adviser to the South Asian Federation of Accountants, as Guests of Honour. Bouquot said greater transparency in financial disclosure combined with AI adoption could enable professionals to deliver services more efficiently, stressing the global relevance of ethical AI and sustainability reporting. ICAB President NKA Mobin delivered the welcome address, while Muhammed Farhad Hussain, Past President of ICAB and Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, also spoke. The keynote address was delivered by Past President of ICAB and Senior Partner at Rahman Rahman Huq, Chartered Accountants, Adeeb Hossain Khan.  He said the adoption of AI in sustainability reporting is "no longer a distant concept, but a structural shift already influencing how economic value is created, measured, and disclosed." Khan urged the profession, regulators and standard-setters to work together to ensure AI-enabled sustainability reporting remains transparent, explainable and aligned with global standards and investor confidence.
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Biman’s Boeing procurement based on market demand: CEO
Biman’s Boeing procurement based on market demand: CEO
By Md Tanzim Anwar  DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) – Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and CEO Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman has dismissed the allegations of political motivation behind the decision of procurement of 14 Boeing aircraft, saying it was taken on the demands based on operational and commercial grounds. “The aircraft procurement decision followed detailed assessments of fleet compatibility, maintenance support, financing options, delivery schedules and long-term operational efficiency,” he told BSS in an exclusive interview today. Rahman said the policy-level approval for the aircraft acquisition was granted by the Biman board at the airline’s Annual General Meeting held on December 30 last, chaired by the Civil Aviation and Tourism Adviser, who also serves as the board chairman. According to the Biman chief, the approval covers the purchase of eight Boeing 787-10 aircraft, two Boeing 787-9s and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, subject to price negotiations and financing arrangements. On future growth, he said, Biman’s expansion strategy focuses on measured network development aligned with market demand and operational capacity and emphasis particularly on strengthening international operations and expanding capacity on routes with strong diaspora and business demand. Expansion of Biman fleet in the Middle East remains a key priority, considering remittance flows, transit passengers and cargo movement, he said, adding that new routes would be introduced in phases following commercial viability assessments and careful fleet planning. Responding to a question regarding his achievement, Rahmn said that restoring financial discipline and operational stability during a challenging time of global aviation sector are among the most significant achievements of his tenure. He said achieving sustained profitability, maintaining uninterrupted operations, improving aircraft utilisation and strengthening internal controls reflected collective efforts across the airline. He stressed that stability and reliability remain as critical as expansion for a national flag carrier. Responding to the criticism over higher fares and low passenger loads in the past, Rahman said earlier challenges were partly driven by syndicate practices in ticket sales, which created artificial price hikes and reduced transparency.  He said Biman now has ensured transparent online ticketing, improved revenue management and adjusted flight frequencies. Rahman said Biman’s recent record profits were the outcome of long-term measures, including strict cost control, improved fleet utilisation, route rationalisation and stronger revenue management, alongside support from the Board of Directors and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. He said the airline optimised fuel consumption, renegotiated service contracts, reduced avoidable operational losses and strengthened financial oversight. Demand recovery in key international markets and disciplined capacity planning also contributed to the turnaround, he added. Addressing jet fuel liabilities, Rahman said the dues were a legacy issue accumulated over many years and that Biman is pursuing a structured repayment approach without affecting day-to-day operations. The airline is currently repaying Taka 25 crore per month while purchasing fuel on a cash basis, he noted. Regarding the resumption of direct Dhaka–Karachi flight, Rahman said nonstop services would significantly save time and money of the passengers get them free from long transit at Dubai, Doha and Sharjah. He noted that a nonstop Dhaka–Karachi flight would reduce journey time from up to 13 hours or more to around four to four-and-a-half hours. Airline officials said the revived Dhaka–Karachi service will initially operate on a trial basis from January 29 to March 30 as a “strategic observation”, during which passenger demand, load factors and commercial performance will be assessed before a final decision on permanence or frequency increase. Biman suspended the service on the route in 2012 due to sustained losses and low passengers with officials saying the cautious resumption reflects lessons learned from past experience.  

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Date : 17 Jan, 2026
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BAU’s dairy farm emerges as hub of education and research

MYMENSINGH, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), known for its natural beauty and aesthetic architecture, has long been a cornerstone of agricultural and livestock research in the country.  Among its key facilities, the university’s 70-acre dairy farm has emerged as a unique and vital center for education, research and sustainable livestock development. Established just three years after the founding of the university, the dairy farm has evolved over the decades with continuous modernization. Today, it stands as a comprehensive hub combining animal husbandry, farming, education, research and production. According to farm sources, the dairy unit currently houses around 270 animals, including 70 dairy cows, 120 calves, 31 cows in reproductive rest and 49 buffaloes.  Improved breeds such as Holstein Friesian, Jersey, Shahiwal and Red Chittagong cattle are raised alongside Murrah, Nili-Ravi and indigenous buffalo breeds. The farm produces an average of 380 litres of milk daily. A portion is used for calf feeding, while the remainder is sold to university teachers, officials, employees, students and local residents at Taka 75 per kilogram. In addition to raw milk, the farm produces yogurt, cheese and ghee, which are widely appreciated for their quality and taste. Beyond production, education and research remain the core strengths of the dairy farm. Graduate and postgraduate students of the Department of Dairy Science receive hands-on training, gaining practical experience in areas such as animal nutrition, milk production, disease prevention and reproductive management.  Simultaneously, research is being conducted on improving milk yield, animal health, nutrition and disease control. To ensure animal health, regular vaccination and deworming programs are carried out. Preventive measures are taken against major infectious diseases including anthrax, foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease (LSD). High-quality feed management further supports the health and productivity of the livestock. Tamanna, a graduate student of the Department of Dairy Science, said the farm serves as a vital practical learning platform. “We can directly observe and apply what we learn in theory. This hands-on experience will play a crucial role in our future careers,” she said. Postgraduate student Md. Abdur Rahman highlighted the research potential of the facility. “We are working on improved cow and buffalo breeds, milk quality,  productivity and animal health. With more modern equipment and research support, international-standard research could be produced here,” he said. Dr. AKM Masum, executive member of the dairy farm and professor of the Department of Dairy Science, said the farm has been producing skilled graduates since the establishment of the university.  “Our students are working with distinction both at home and abroad. However, increased budgetary support and the introduction of modern technologies are essential to further expand research and advanced education programs,” he said. Overall, BAU’s dairy farm is not merely a milk production unit but a successful model of integrated education, research and sustainable livestock development in Bangladesh.
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