United News of Bangladesh

Coast Guard personnel rescued four fishermen from the Sundarbans who had been kidnapped by robbers demanding ransom, officials said on Friday. The rescued fishermen were identified as Md. Mofizul Islam (42), Md. Habibur Rahman (37), Shahjan Ali (40), and Md. Habibur (35), all residents of Khulna and Satkhira districts. The rescue operation was carried out early Friday morning near the Arbauni Canal along the Shipsa River in the eastern Sundarbans by members of the Mongla Coast Guard base and Nalian outpost. During the operation, three firearms and three live rounds used by the robbers were recovered. However, the gang members managed to escape, and no arrests were made. According to Coast Guard sources, the fishermen had been held hostage for 10 days by the notorious Jahangir gang in the Sundarbans. Lieutenant Commander Siam-ul-Haq, Coast Guard media officer, said the gang had abducted several fishermen for ransom and kept them captive at their hideout. Acting on a tip-off, Coast Guard members launched a special operation at 5:00 am Friday in the Arbauni Canal area. During the raid, two blank rounds were fired to urge the robbers to surrender, but the gang escaped into the deep Sundarbans with their boats and hostages. Later, the Coast Guard searched the abandoned boat and rescued the four fishermen. In addition to the firearms, an air gun and three live rounds used by the gang were recovered. Commander Siam-ul-Haq confirmed that legal action is underway regarding the rescued fishermen and the seized weapons and ammunition.

India on Friday trashed the remarks made by Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury blaming New Delhi for recent violence, calling those allegations 'false and baseless'. “We categorically reject these false and baseless allegations," said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while responding to a question during the weekly media briefing. He said the interim government, which is unable to maintain law and order in the country, has a tendency of routinely trying to shifting the blame elsewhere. The MEA Spokesperson urged Bangladesh to 'introspect and conduct serious investigations' into the actions of local extremists committing violence, arson and land grab against minority communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Bangladesh, India emotionally linked by shared sacrifices: Verma Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday alleged that the current unrest in Khagrachhari was being instigated by India or fascist elements. “All necessary measures have been taken to ensure the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja, but a vested quarter is trying to disrupt the festival,” he said.

The land deep depression over coastal Odisha and adjoining area moved northnorthwestwards, weakened into a land depression over Odisha and adjoining Chhattisgarh at 3pm on Friday, according Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). It is likely to move in a north-northwestward direction further and weaken gradually. Under its influence, steep pressure gradient persists over the North Bay. Gusty or squally weather may affect the maritime ports, the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh, according the BMD update.   Depression intensifies into ‘Deep Depression’ over Bay Maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal No-three (3). All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice, reads the update.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday listed six major achievements during Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus' recent UNGA tour, including his government's democratic commitment and vision for a collaborative future. Prof Yunus led Bangladesh’s high-level delegation to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York last week, where he addressed the international community, held bilateral meetings with world leaders, and outlined Bangladesh’s vision for democracy, humanitarian leadership, and future economic cooperation. He returned home on Thursday morning, concluding a nine-day visit marked by extensive engagements during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The Press Secretary shared a summary of Prof Yunus' UNGA tour achievements. ⁠A Message of Democratic Commitment In his address to the General Assembly, Prof Yunus reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to democracy, transparency, and inclusive governance. Political leaders show unity at UNGA ahead of elections: Shafiqul Alam Highlighting the government’s preparations for free, fair, and participatory elections, he assured the global community that Bangladesh is ready to uphold the democratic values cherished by its people and partners. Accompanying the Chief Adviser were six representatives from Bangladesh political parties. This was the first time such a distinguished group of political leaders had traveled together. During the visit, they held key meetings with diplomats, diaspora leaders, and business representatives. These engagements sent a powerful message that all of Bangladesh is moving together toward democratic, free, and fair elections, Alam said. Strategic Engagements with Global Leaders During his visit, the Chief Adviser held a series of high-level bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s global partnerships and advancing shared priorities. Key engagements included talks with leaders from Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Australia, Albania, Kosovo and Bhutan, focusing on democratic governance, trade, climate resilience, and human development. He also met with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell UN Under Secretary General Rabab Fatima, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Prof Yunus attended a dinner hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump where he met a number of top world leaders. Nowhere tragedy more visible than in Gaza: Prof Yunus tells UNGA Significant discussions also took place with a Special Envoy of the US, underlining Bangladesh’s pivotal role in regional cooperation and multilateral diplomacy, Prof Yunus said. Humanitarian Leadership on the Rohingya Crisis A central focus of Prof Yunus’ mission was the Rohingya crisis, where he emphasized Bangladesh’s continued leadership in providing shelter and humanitarian assistance to over a million displaced people. In meetings with UN agencies and donor nations, he called for renewed global action to ensure safe, voluntary, and dignified repatriation to Myanmar and urged the international community not to let the crisis fade from global attention. Prof Yunus was able to gain the commitment of $96 million from the US and UK to aid the Rohingya refugees. Invitation for Independent UN Assessment on Bangladesh's LDC Graduation Readiness In a significant move to underscore the government’s commitment to accountability and development, the Chief Adviser invited the United Nations to conduct an independent assessment of Bangladesh’s progress as a Least Developed Country (LDC) transitioning toward middle-income status. "This invitation demonstrates Dhaka’s confidence in its economic trajectory and openness to constructive international evaluation," said the Press Secretary. New Economic and Employment Opportunities Bangladesh’s engagement at the UNGA also opened new doors for overseas employment and labor mobility, Alam said. No alternative to regional cooperation among neighbours: Prof Yunus tells UNGA Chief Adviser Yunus held productive discussions with officials from Kosovo, Albania, and other European countries exploring avenues for Bangladeshi workers to contribute to their growing labor markets. These opportunities are expected to bolster remittance inflows and strengthen people-to-people ties with new partner nations, said the Press Secretary. A Vision for a Collaborative Future Chief Adviser Yunus’ participation in the UNGA underscores Bangladesh’s role as a responsible global actor committed to democratic governance, humanitarian solidarity, and constructive international cooperation.

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman on Friday said that there is no legal barrier to implementing the July Charter in line with the decision of the National Consensus Commission (NCC). He made the remarks while attending a views-exchange meeting with journalists at Johan Dream Valley Park in Jhenaidah town. The attorney general said the government will take decisions regarding officials who were involved in major crimes during the Awami League regime, considering their offences. Asked whether a neutral election is possible under the current administration, he said the Election Commission is aware of the matter and he believes it will form a neutral administration ahead of the polls. July Charter: Parties still divided on constitution order He also said that people change the structure of the state when they feel insecure under any fascist rule and they protest, and sacrifice their lives for the country. Chaired by Jhenaidah Press Club president Asif Kazal, the meeting was attended, among others, by district BNP president Advocate MA Majid and journalist leaders.

A human chain was formed in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday morning, demanding a fair investigation into the brutal murder of six-year-old Tayeba, who was a resident of Shakhiur in Shariatpur. Professionals, students, parents, and concerned citizens from Sakhipur, who are living in Dhaka, formed the human chain to demand justice for Tayeba. Speakers at the human chain alleged that Ayesha Khatun killed her niece, Tayeba, over a family dispute and dumped her body in a septic tank on September 24. The child had remained missing for two days before locals found her half-decomposed body on September 26. The speakers said that they are frustrated with the role the police are playing. They accused the police of being negligent in performing their duty. Influential quarters are also trying to protect the suspect, the speakers said. The speakers also complained about the police failing to protect those who are being intimidated for demanding justice for Tayeba. DU students held human chain protesting BNP leader Fazlul's statement They said that the police were late to secure the crime scene and spent a while analyzing mobile call records, giving rise to suspicion. They demanded that the case be transferred to the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal to ensure a fair trial. They also called for the protection of the victim’s family and witnesses, the removal of the Sakhipur OC from the case, and a departmental investigation against him. Tayeba’s parents - Titu Sardar and Dolly Begum – joined the human chain.

Two people were killed and three members of a family were injured when a dump truck collided with a CNG-run autorickshaw in Kaliganj upazila of Gazipur on Friday morning. One of the deceased was identified as Md Ali Ullah, a resident of Sukandi village in Monohardi upazila of Narsingdi. The identity of the other deceased could not be immediately confirmed. Inspector Ashraful Islam of Kaliganj Police Station confirmed the deaths. Student killed in train accident in Khulna The injured are Hafizur, his wife Chalma Begum, and their four-year-old son Tamim. All three were undergoing treatment at Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex with serious injuries. Eyewitnesses said a Narsingdi-bound autorickshaw was hit head-on by a dump truck coming from the opposite direction around 9 am in the Deopara area on the Tongi-Ghorashal bypass road.

Two hundred and sixty-three more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 48, 491 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: 56 in Barishal Division (Out of CC), 64 in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), 34 in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), 56 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 35 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), and 18 in Mymensingh Division (Out of CC). The number of deaths remained at 202, as no new fatalities were reported during this period, the DGHS added. Two more dengue deaths reported, total reaches 202 Currently, 2, 301 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.

Unidentified gunmen intercepted a passenger bus in the capital on Friday morning by firing blank shots before leading all passengers out to set the bus on fire. The bus belonged to the city bus service operator Alif Paribahan. The bus was intercepted in Mirpur’s Senpara around 7:00am. Witnesses said that there were three men involved in the incident. The men first assaulted the driver and his helper after intercepting the bus. Panic-stricken passengers quickly got off the vehicle. One of the attackers fired several shots at the front windshield, shattering it, before two others set the bus ablaze and fled the scene, witnesses said. Police rushed to the spot and seized the bus. JaPa office set ablaze in Lalmonirhat Contacted, Kafrul police station’s officer-in-charge Abdullah Al Mamun said that the attack likely stemmed from a long-standing dispute over the bus’s ownership. “No case has been filed yet, but we have seized the bus and started an investigation,” the OC said, adding that CCTV footage from nearby areas is being analyzed to identify the attackers. Police said several parts of the bus were damaged before the fire was brought under control.

After entering the Palestinian time zone, Shahidul Alam, a Bangladeshi member of the global Sumud flotilla, almost all of whose boats have been intercepted by Israel, reaffirmed their determination to reach Gaza despite all obstacles. In a video message released on Friday, Alam said their boat had entered the Palestinian time zone. Of the nine boats in the flotilla, which are still not intercepted by Israel, the boat Alam is in is trailing behind but is expected to catch up with the rest and take the lead soon. “Since we will be in the leading position, our boat may be targeted by Israeli forces,” he said. “But we are prepared to take any risk and are committed to breaking through any illegal obstacles to reach Gaza.” Although carrying relief aid, Alam emphasized that their mission is primarily to break the illegal siege of Israel. “We are going not just with aid—we are going to break the Israeli siege,” he said. “We have the right to go to Palestine, to observe the situation, and inform the world.” “Carrying the love of Bangladesh:” Shahidul Alam departs to join Gaza-bound Media Flotilla In an English text message accompanying the video message, Alam, also a celebrated photographer, mentioned that his boat was carrying 96 people, including 82 representatives from the media and medical profession. Alam condemned the killing of civilians, journalists, and healthcare workers by Israeli forces. “Fourteen doctors from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have been killed, yet we are still waiting to see how France will respond. So far, we have only seen words, no action,” he said. “This is not a time for talk. It is a time for action,” he added. “Even if some world leaders fail, we, as civilians, will do whatever we can.” He concluded by expressing gratitude to the public for support: “Your love and encouragement are our strength.”