United News of Bangladesh

A bus of Dhaka University was vandalised at the Science Lab intersection in the capital on Thursday during a blockade enforced by students of seven government colleges, leaving at least two students injured. The incident occurred around 2:30 pm (January 15, 2026) when a Dhaka University bus was halted due to the blockade, said witnesses. Read More: Affiliation of 7 colleges with Dhaka University officially terminated They said an argument broke out between students travelling on the bus and the protesting students of the seven colleges. When members of the university’s proctorial team arrived and were escorting the bus away from the area, bricks were thrown from behind, shattering the bus windows and damaging its exterior.

The government will take necessary diplomatic and policy measures following the decision to suspend the US immigrant visa process for citizens of 75 countries including Bangladesh, said Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Thursday. “The decision was announced only yesterday and the government would engage with Washington through the Foreign Ministry and national security advisers to determine a course of action,” she told reporters responding to a question from journalists at the Secretariat. When asked whether Bangladesh has failed in any area that led to the decision, Rizwana said the move was not targeted at Bangladesh alone. Read More:  Autocratic forces must be confronted through elections: Syeda Rizwana “The US government has decided that such restrictions and conditions will be imposed on countries from which large numbers of immigrants go, from which people seek political asylum or from which people become dependent on their social services,” she said. Earlier on Wednesday, the US State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said that consular offices have been instructed to halt immigrant visa processing for nationals of the affected countries under an order tightening scrutiny of applicants who could become “public charges” in the United States. The move follows broader immigration restrictions introduced by the administration of President Donald Trump and expands earlier travel and visa limitations imposed on nearly 40 countries. Officials said the decision is aimed at preventing what they described as abuse of the US immigration system.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Thursday fixed January 20 for hearing the appeal filed seeking death penalty of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-Home Minister Asaduzzaman Kamal in a case over crimes against humanity. Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Md Rezaul Haque passed the order. On December 15, last year, the state counsel filed the appeal seeking the death penalty of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman in the case. On November 17, 2025, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced them to death on one charge and sentenced them to imprisonment unto death on a separate charge. Read More: ICT-1 sets dates for charge framing hearing against Hasina, army officers Later, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Tajul Islam sought the death penalty for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in the case. On October 13 last year, the prosecution presented several documentaries as evidence which it said could play a significant role in the trial. On October 14, 2025, during the third day of arguments, the prosecution played recorded conversations involving Sheikh Hasina, ex-ministers Hasanul Haq Inu and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, alongside presenting footage of the July-August movement and testimonies of several witnesses. Chief Investigation Officer Md. Alamgir was cross-examined by state-appointed defence lawyer Md. Amir Hossain, representing Sheikh Hasina and Kamal on the same day. The defence challenged the July massacre claims and argued that law enforcement officers were compelled to use force under duress. On July 10, 2025, former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun confessed before the tribunal admitting to crimes against humanity committed during the mass uprising. The prosecution brought five charges of crimes against humanity against the three accused.

Law and Sports Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Thursday expressed displeasure over public suffering caused by various movements that block roads, stressing the need for social resistance against such practices. “There have been around 2,000 movements in the last 16 months,” he said at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. He said while people’s expectations grow in a post-uprising period, a corresponding sense of responsibility is often lacking. Traffic chaos grips Dhaka as 7-college students block roads The Adviser said the mass public has the scope to play a responsible role in reducing public suffering. The Law Adviser said the Council of Advisers is eagerly awaiting the end of its tenure, which concludes in a month. “What can be done if minimum civic responsibility is not demonstrated?” he said, referring to the public suffering caused by street protests. The Adviser also said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and his family will pay a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus later in the day. Stay vigilant against banned organisations, DMP Commissioner asks officers Asked about the agenda, he said there is no specific agenda for a courtesy meeting. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were also present at the media briefing.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Thursday presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and said he looks forward to strengthening the Bangladesh-US relationship.  “Today I had the honor of presenting my Ambassadorial credentials to President Shahabuddin. The United States is proud to call Bangladesh a friend," he said in a brief statement after the ceremony. In over 50 years of partnership, the US Ambassador said they have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth benefiting both the two countries, and the sovereignty of their great nations. "I look forward to continuing this work and further strengthening the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship," he said. Read more: UAE rulers grant royal pardons to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners “It is an honor for me to serve the United States as the 19th Ambassador to Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Christensen who along with his wife Deanne Dao arrived in Dhaka on Monday. In a brief statement shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka soon after his arrival, he said they both are thrilled to return to a country that holds many fond memories for them.

Bangladesh and Nepal have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, focusing on finalising a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), easing visa facilitation and reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. The issues were discussed at the 8th Commerce Secretary-level Meeting between the two countries held at a city hotel in Dhaka from January 13–14. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman while the Nepal side was headed by Commerce Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire. During the meeting, both sides reviewed ways to increase market access for goods from both countries, facilitate payment systems and strengthen reliable transaction mechanisms to boost bilateral trade. Read More: Australia to issue visas for Bangladeshis from Dhaka The commerce secretaries also discussed development of port infrastructure, expansion of rail connectivity, simplification of customs procedures and effective implementation of transit facilities to reduce trade costs and improve connectivity. Special emphasis was given to the early finalisation of the Bangladesh-Nepal PTA. Both sides underscored the need to conclude the draft text, Rules of Origin and product lists through the Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) within the next three months. Visa facilitation for businesspersons, professionals and tourists was another key agenda item, with both countries agreeing to take concerted steps to simplify and expedite visa procedures to enhance trade, investment and people-to-people contacts. The meeting also agreed on closer cooperation to address non-tariff barriers, streamline product testing and certification processes, and expand bilateral trade through improved logistics and customs facilitation. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the existing excellent bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening economic partnership through enhanced connectivity, trade facilitation and market access. With a view to strengthening bilateral trade, both sides discussed organising trade fairs and exhibitions, as well as exchanging business delegations at the government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) levels. They agreed to hold regular trade fairs, exchange market information, undertake capacity-building initiatives and enhance cooperation at the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) level. It was also agreed that the 9th Commerce Secretary-level Meeting would be held in Nepal at a mutually convenient time.

Joint forces in a drive arrested four people along with arms and ammunition from Lohagora upazila in Narail district early Thursday. The arrestees were identified as Tofayel Mandal, 25, son of Kamruzzaman, Russel Biswas, 19, son of Tabibur Biswas, Ismail Hossain alias Pintu, 50, son of Nur Islam Gazi and Aminur Gazi, son of Tofazzal Gazi. Acting on a tip-off, a team of Lohagora police, along with army personnel, conducted a drive at Tofayel Mandal’s house in Digoholia in the dead of night and arrested him with one pistol and a magazine, said Abdur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Lohagora Police Station. Read more: Cold and fog bite into Narail’s honey season Later, the joint forces, along with Tofayel, conducted a raid at a fish enclosure and arrested three more people with 800 bullets and sharp weapons. The drive was conducted as part of regular operations ahead of the national election, the OC said.

‘Bangladesh and Singapore: A Tale of Two Nations’, authored by Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan, was unveiled in Dhaka on Wednesday, exploring historical parallels, cultural exchanges and the deepening economic ties between the two countries, with a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) charting a new course for bilateral relations. Fresh from its Singapore launch, the book was formally introduced at a programme titled ‘Book Launch: Bangladesh and Singapore: A Tale of Two Nations’ held in the city's Baridhara in the evening, where speakers discussed its key themes and future-oriented insights. In his opening remarks, author Enayetullah Khan, also Editor-in-Chief of UNB, said that following the book’s launch in Singapore on November 27, he felt Dhaka’s winter provided the right moment to present it to Bangladeshi readers. The book, he noted, captures nearly six decades of dynamic relations between Bangladesh and Singapore from multiple perspectives. “Bangladesh and Singapore do not merely stand on the conventional foundations of bilateral ties,” Khan said, adding, “Their relationship rests on a powerful narrative — trust, trade, investment and respect. These four principles form the strong pillars of Bangladesh–Singapore relations,” he said, adding that the book examines the economic outlook of both countries alongside their historical connections. Singapore’s independence from Malaysia came six years before Bangladesh achieved independence from Pakistan in 1971, and both nations were led by towering figures — Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh and Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore. Despite differing trajectories and transformations after independence, bilateral relations between the two countries have remained resilient. Building on this foundation, the book outlines prospects for a new economic pathway. “Bangladesh is a South Asian country, while Singapore is in Southeast Asia. In today’s global power politics, the Bay of Bengal offers immense opportunities for Bangladesh. If shipping and trade potentials of the Bay are fully utilised, Bangladesh can witness a new wave of economic growth. In this context, a Bangladesh–Singapore FTA could open new doors and usher in a new horizon for both economies,” Khan added. Echoing similar optimism, Singapore’s Acting High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Mitchel Lee, who attended the event as a guest of honour, said the two countries share not only common waters of the Indian Ocean, but also intertwined historical journeys.

Newly appointed US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent Christensen on Thursday presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin. Welcoming the new envoy, the President expressed the hope that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the US would further strengthen in the coming days particularly in the areas of business, investment, education and culture, said Shabbir Ahmed Akunjee, private secretary to the Public Division secretary at the President’s Office. Ambassador Christensen pledged to make all-out efforts to deepen and expand Bangladesh–US relations. He also sought the President’s overall cooperation in carrying out his diplomatic duties.  

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members arrested a fugitive convict from Ashulia in Savar on Wednesday night. Jamshed Hossain, 46, a resident of Nazirpur village under Bauphal upazila in Patuakhali district, was sentenced to life term imprisonment in a case six years back, said Officer-in-Charge of Savar Police Station Arman Ali said. Read more: Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2: 67 arrested in 24 hours in Dhaka He was arrested in a joint operation conducted by RAB-8, CPC-1 Patuakhali Camp and RAB-4, CPC-2 Nabinagar Camp based on secret information. After arrest, Jamshed was handed over to Savar Police Station for taking legal action.