United News of Bangladesh

The United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, was forced to take shelter in a bunker five times in a single night as Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles across Israel in retaliation for recent attacks on its nuclear and military installations, report agencies. In a post on social media platform X, Ambassador Huckabee described the experience as a “difficult” night. “I had to go to the shelter five times,” he wrote, as air raid sirens blared and missiles targeted locations across the country. The missile onslaught prompted hundreds of thousands of Israelis to seek refuge in bomb shelters throughout Friday night, highlighting the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel following weeks of rising hostilities. “This is Shabbat now,” Huckabee noted, referring to the Jewish day of rest. “We should remain quiet. Perhaps the attacks are over. The entire nation has been instructed to remain near shelters.” Huckabee, known as a staunch supporter of Israel, has sparked controversy in recent remarks. Earlier this week, he stated that there is “no such thing” as the West Bank, aligning with hardline Israeli positions. He also suggested that an Israeli strike on Iran without US coordination or approval would be “virtually impossible.” Speaking to Israeli news outlet Ynet, Huckabee said, “I don’t believe that such an action would take place due to issues of trust and coordination. There is a deep trust between the United States and Israel — and I emphasise the word ‘trust’.”  Missiles strike Israel as Iran retaliates over attacks on nuclear, military targets “I often say: we have many friends and allies, but we have only one partner — and that is Israel. That doesn’t mean we don’t have good relations with other countries,” he asserted. Huckabee went on to explain the unique nature of the US-Israel alliance, saying, “There is no other country with which we share intelligence, military equipment, strategic objectives, and common goals the way we do with Israel. This is because we share a civilisation based on a Judeo-Christian worldview.” The missile barrage comes amid heightened fears of broader regional conflict, as both Iran and Israel exchange threats and military responses. The international community has urged restraint, while the United Nations has called for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.  

Bangladesh has once again emerged as the frontrunner in gender equality in South Asia ranking 24th globally with a gender parity score of 77.5% in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2025. The report identifies Bangladesh alongside Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Ecuador and Ethiopia as the most effective economies in overcoming gender disparities across all income levels. Among the seven economies in South Asia, Bangladesh remains the only country to secure a place in the global top 50, reflecting its continued progress in closing gender gaps, especially in political empowerment and education. Southern Asia, as a region, ranks 7th out of eight global regions with an overall parity score of 64.6%, according to the report. While the region has made significant gains in economic representation for senior (+9.1 percentage points) and professional and technical workers (+17.2 percentage points), challenges remain. The parity in estimated earned income has declined by 7.8 percentage points. In education, Southern Asia ranks sixth with a parity score of 95.4%. However, stark disparities persist — Nepal and Pakistan report literacy parity scores below 75%, in contrast to full parity in the Maldives. The region's Health and Survival score stands at 95.5%, with modest improvements in healthy life expectancy (+0.9 percentage points) offset by a 1-point decline in the sex ratio at birth. On the political front, Southern Asia ranks fourth globally with a score of 26.8%. Bangladesh leading in South Asia in achieving gender parity: WEF report The region had the highest baseline in 2006 at 21.9% and has since improved by 4.9 percentage points. Notably, Bangladesh is the only country in the bloc that has achieved political parity at the head-of-state level. According to the WEF, the global gender gap has narrowed slightly, improving from 68.4% in 2024 to 68.8% in 2025 across 148 economies. However, the pace of progress remains slower than pre-pandemic trends, and at the current rate, full gender parity is not expected for another 132 years. High-income economies have, on average, closed 74.3% of their gender gaps. Still, the report notes that the best performers in lower-income categories – such as Bangladesh – have outpaced many wealthier nations in terms of tangible gains. Besides, India slipped to 131st place, behind neighbours like Bhutan (119th), Nepal (125th), and Sri Lanka (130th). Countries like Pakistan (148th), Sudan (147th), and Chad (146th) remain at the bottom of the index, continuing to grapple with wide gender disparities. At the top of the 2025 rankings, Iceland retained its position as the world’s most gender-equal country for the 16th consecutive year, closing 92.6% of its gender gap – the only country to surpass 90%. Other top-ranked countries include Finland, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Dhaka on Saturday morning, wrapping up his four-day visit that witnessed a series of meetings highlighting broader and deeper Dhaka-London relations. Prof Yunus and his small entourage departed from Heathrow (LHR) Airport, London by a commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at 7:15 pm (London time) and arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9:45am on Saturday, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Abida Islam saw him off at the airport. Nobel Laureate Prof Yunus received the ‘King Charles III Harmony Award’ at the St James Palace on Thursday. Receiving the award, he said it is a fantastic way to project what they stand for, and it will inspire young people in Bangladesh “to create a country they dream about”. Prof Yunus leaves London, to reach home Saturday  The award recognises Prof Yunus' "unique contribution to ensuring harmonious coexistence between people, nature and the environment, bringing about positive changes in the lives of the marginalised  communities and building a peaceful, harmonious and sustainable world." "It is a wonderful prize," the Chief Adviser said, thanking His Majesty for standing by Bangladesh during this pivotal period in the country's history. "This is recognition of the work we have done to uplift vulnerable communities and reflect the values His Majesty The King also champions," the Chief Adviser said while receiving the award. The King Charles III Harmony Award is awarded to an individual to recognize long-term outstanding commitment to and support for His Majesty’s Harmony philosophy, which looks to prioritise sustainability and nature across all sectors. Prof Yunus has spent his life promoting social business principles and encouraging sustainable, socially responsible projects, having a significant impact on poverty alleviation in Bangladesh and beyond, according to the King's Foundation. Ahead of the Award Ceremony, His Majesty King Charles welcomed the Chief Adviser for a private audience at Buckingham Palace. During the half an hour long one-on-one meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interests, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary. Regarding the prestigious 'Harmony Award' by King Charles III, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said it is a rare honour for Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and a big honor for the people of Bangladesh. In June 2024, King Charles launched a new set of awards celebrating living in harmony with nature. Election possible before Ramadan: Prof Yunus tells Tarique The British monarch is an admirer of Prof Yunus' work, including his pioneering microcredit bank, his championing of social businesses to combat poverty, and his campaign for Three Zeroes to save civilisation from self-destruction, Alam said. King Charles even wrote a foreword for one of Prof Yunus' books, he said. Prof Yunus also had a meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and discussed the roadmap for the next general election in Bangladesh.

Five people were killed and at least 15 injured when a Dhaka-bound bus crashed into a mango-laden truck parked in Nurjahanpur area of Ghoraghat upazila early Saturday. The accident occurred around 4:20 am on the Dinajpur-Gobindaganj Highway, said Ghoraghat Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Nazmul Haque. He said the identities of the deceased were not immediately known. 3 killed in Dinajpur truck-microbus collision According to the OC, several trucks carrying mangoes were parked at the location.  The bus of Nabil Paribahan, travelling from Panchagarh to Dhaka, lost control and slammed into one of the trucks, he said.  Police and fire service teams rushed to the scene upon receiving information and rescued the injured. The 15 injured were admitted to a local hospital, the OC added.    

At least one person was killed and 13 others injured when a truck hit a passenger bus from behind on the Mawa end of the Padma Bridge late Friday night. The incident led to the immediate closure of the Dhaka-bound lane, causing significant traffic congestion in the area, said Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Assistant Director of Munshiganj Fire Service. 13 push-ins detained by BGB in Moulvibazar The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately. According to authorities, mobil oil from the truck spilled onto the bridge following the collision, blocking the flow of traffic. BNP supporter hacked to death in Shariatpur Rescue operations are currently underway, with efforts focused on clearing the wreckage of the bus and truck using a wrecker. Two units of fire service personnel are working in the rescue efforts, added the fire official.

Bangladesh has urged the United Nations and the international community to act collectively in support of a stable Middle East, underscoring that diplomacy and mutual respect remain the only viable path to lasting peace. "Bangladesh calls upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from any actions that may further escalate tensions in an already volatile region," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Who was Hossein Salami, the IRGC chief killed in Israeli strike? Bangladesh unequivocally expressed its strong condemnation and deep concern over the latest Israeli military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This blatant act of hostility constitutes a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law and the sovereignty of Iran, Bangladesh said. "It poses a serious threat to regional and global peace and security with far-reaching consequences."

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam listed five specific achievements as Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus concluded his four-day visit to the United Kingdom on Friday. He said a "historic meeting" between the leader of the Interim government -- Prof Muhammad Yunus and leader of the country's largest political party BNP's acting Chairman Tarique Rahman -- is one of the five achievements.  "It is a "game-over" moment for the conspirators," Alam said in a post from his verified Facebook account. BB Governor seeks stronger UK ties on asset recovery The Press Secretary said a prestigious award from King Charles III and a 30-minute one-on-one meeting with the British monarch is a recognition of the July uprising and epochal changes in Bangladesh since July last year. He said UK's NCA freezes 320 properties worth £170 million of a top Hasina aide.  NCA officials said this was the single biggest asset freeze by the agency, Alam mentioned.  Prof Yunus, Tarique agree on pre-Ramadan election if preparations complete   "It is a message for all the corrupt officials, business people and politicians. It is also a highlight of what the Professor Yunus-led IG has been doing to recover assets," said the Press Secretary. He said a series of meetings between British ministers, lawmakers and officials, and Bangladesh officials, including the Bangladesh Bank governor and the ACC chief paved the way for deeper engagements for asset recovery.  "Hopefully, we can use this experience all across the world," Alam said. He listed "some more hope for resolving the Rohingya issue" as the fifth achievement of the visit.  Prof Yunus and his small entourage departed from Heathrow (LHR) Airport, London by a commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at 7:15pm (London time), Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.  Gordon Brown lauds Prof Yunus for economic leadership High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom Abida Islam saw him off at the airport.  The Chief Adviser is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday morning. 

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left here for home, wrapping up his four-day visit that witnessed a series of meetings highlighting broader and deeper Dhaka-London relations.  Prof Yunus and his small entourage departed from Heathrow (LHR) Airport, London by a commercial flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at 7:15 pm (London time), Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB.  Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Abida Islam saw him off at the airport.  The Chief Adviser is scheduled to arrive at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday morning.  Prof Yunus arrived in London on Tuesday, beginning his four-day official visit to renew their bilateral ties with the United Kingdom, with an increased focus on economic cooperation, trade and investment. Nobel Laureate Prof Yunus received the "King Charles III Harmony Award" at the  St James Palace on Thursday.  Receiving the award, he said it is a fantastic way to project what they stand for and it will inspire young people in Bangladesh "to create a country they dream about." The award recognises Prof Yunus' "unique contribution to ensuring harmonious coexistence between people, nature and the environment, bringing about positive changes in the lives of the marginalised  communities and building a peaceful, harmonious and sustainable world." "It is a wonderful prize," the Chief Adviser said, thanking His Majesty for standing by Bangladesh during this pivotal period in the country's history. "This is a recognition of the work we have done to uplift vulnerable communities and reflect the values His Majesty The King also champions," the Chief Adviser said while receiving the award. The King Charles III Harmony Award is awarded to an individual to recognize long-term outstanding commitment to and support for His Majesty’s Harmony philosophy, which looks to prioritise sustainability and nature across all sectors. Prof Yunus has spent his life promoting social business principles and encouraging sustainable, socially responsible projects, having a significant impact on poverty alleviation in Bangladesh and beyond, according to the King's Foundation.  Ahead of the Award Ceremony, His Majesty King Charles welcomed the Chief Adviser for a private audience at the Buckingham Palace. During the half an hour long one-on-one meeting, they discussed issues of mutual interests, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary. Regarding the prestigious 'Harmony Award' by the King Charles III, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said it is a rare honour for Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and big honor for the people of Bangladesh. In June 2024, King Charles launched a new set of awards celebrating living in harmony with nature. The British monarch is an admirer of Prof Yunus' work, including his pioneering microcredit bank, his championing social businesses to combat poverty, and his campaign for Three Zeroes to save civilisation from self-destruction, Alam said. King Charles even wrote a foreword for one of Prof Yunus' books, he said. Prof Yunus also had a meeting with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and discussed the roadmap for the next general election in Bangladesh.

The government’s recent decision to ban rawhide-laden vehicles from entering Dhaka for ten days following Eid-ul-Azha has cast a shadow of anxiety over Natore, home to the country’s second-largest rawhide market. A field visit to the Chak Boidyanath rawhide hub on Friday revealed warehouses overflowing with salted rawhides, with excess stock piling up along adjacent roads due to lack of space. Traders and wholesalers said the ban has stalled business operations, raising fears that goat and sheep hides will degrade in quality despite salting, especially in the summer heat. One trader Rakib Uddin Kamal said, “The sudden decision lacks practicality. If hides can’t be sent to Dhaka within two to three days of salting, the quality deteriorates. This leads to losses for both traders and tannery owners.” He also noted that banks being closed during this period has made financial transactions impossible, compounding the crisis. Veteran trader Nurul Islam echoed the concerns, calling the restriction “unjustified,” and urged authorities to avoid such decisions in the future. According to Abdul Halim, general secretary of the Natore Leather Traders’ Association, over 300 warehouses and godowns in the market are already full. “The hides must be transported to tanneries urgently. Without lifting the entry restriction, we are heading towards heavy financial losses,” he warned. According to Halim, Natore supplies about 40 percent of the country’s total rawhide to tanneries. He further demanded that future decisions regarding rawhide transport and market operations be taken in consultation with both tannery owners and regional leather traders.

British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Homelessness and Democracy) Rushanara Ali has said the UK government is committed to deepening the Bangladesh-UK trade and investment partnership, and their shared ambitions for economic growth, job creation and prosperity. The UK has been clear in its support for the Interim Government’s work on accountability and creating a pathway to an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh, she said in a post from her verified Facebook account on Friday. Along with former Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Scotland, UK trade envoy to Bangladesh, Baroness Rosie Winterton and Minister for Climate, Kerry McCarthy MP, Rushanara said it was a pleasure to meet with Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh Prof Muhammad Yunus on his official visit to the UK.