United News of Bangladesh

India has strongly criticised the United States for imposing additional tariffs related to its oil imports from Russia, calling the move "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." In a statement issued Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said the United States has in recent days targeted India's oil imports from Russia. "We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and done with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people of India. It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US should choose to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” the ministry said. “India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests,” added the statement.

The Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS) screened the Liberation War-based film Hangor Nodi Grenade on Wednesday evening, calling on the people of Bangladesh to stand united against all conspiracies aimed at distorting the history and spirit of the Liberation War. The screening took place at around 7pm at the Payra Chhatar near the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University. In a press release issued by DUFS Public Relations Secretary Abrar Nadim Mumshad, it was said that the screening aimed to uphold the memories and aspirations of Bangladesh’s great liberation struggle. The 1997 film, directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam and based on the novel by Selina Hossain, remains a poignant portrayal of the war. The statement further noted that the event was organised to inspire viewers to remain active in resisting all malicious efforts to undermine or defile the legacy of Bangladesh’s mass movements and the Liberation War.

A 23-member delegation of Bangladeshi journalists, invited by the Chinese government, arrived in the Chinese City of Kunming on Wednesday on a four-day visit. The delegation, led by Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, earlier departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Kunming around 2:40pm on a China Eastern Airlines flight and reached Kunming International Airport at around 4:50pm (BST). The Chinese Embassy, in coordination with the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, arranged the tour to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The journalists are scheduled to visit medical facilities and hospitals in Yunnan Province that admit Bangladeshi patients. They will also visit the Kunming International Flower Market, a Yunnan ethnic village, various historic sites and the offices of several IT companies. Mohammad Khaled, Bangladesh’s Consul General in Kunming, and an official of the Chinese Foreign Ministry received the team in Kunming. Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad and Assistant Secretary Sushmita Tithi are also part of the delegation. The members of the delegation include Md Abu Noman of Amar Desh, ASM Moinul Haque of New Age, Muhammad Khorshed Alam of BTV, Mustak Ahmed of Daily Prothom Alo, Jasmin Ara Moli of bdnews24.com, SM Rashidul Islam of BSS, Muhammed Abdur Rahman Jahangir of UNB, Mohiuddin Alamgir of The Daily Star, Jahangir Alam of Bangla Vision, Umme Marufa of News 24, Fakhrul Islam Mazumder of Desh TV, Md Ashiqur Rahman of ATN News, Md Belayet Hossain of Ekhon TV, Lamia Sultana of Jamuna TV, Jesmin Akter of Jago News, Md Rabiul Haque of Daily Khoborer Kagoj, Md Borhanul Ashekin of Channel 24, Md Muzaherul Hoque of Ekattor TV, M A K Zilani of Somoyer Alo and Nazmul Huda of Somoy TV. They are scheduled to return to Bangladesh on Saturday.  

Speakers at the regional consultation meeting of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) highlighted that regenerative agriculture is a transformative pathway to reverse decades of environmental damage, rejuvenate soil ecosystems, and restore harmony between agriculture and nature. The consultation aimed to address growing environmental challenges in agriculture by focusing on key issues such as restoring degraded soils, enhancing biodiversity, and building climate-resilient food systems to ensure long-term food security in South Asia. The SAC has concluded a three-day virtual Regional Consultation Meeting, from August 4 to 6, on "Promotion of Regenerative Agriculture in SAARC Member States." The event brought together delegates from six SAARC countries, agricultural research bodies, universities, and international agencies to develop a collaborative strategy for promoting regenerative agriculture across the region. Urgency and Collaboration Emphasised Ambassador Abdul Motaleb Sarker, additional foreign secretary (SAARC and BIMSTEC) of Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, served as the chief guest for the opening session. He stressed the urgent need to restore soil health and biodiversity and urged the SAC to lead a regional movement for agricultural transformation, integrating digital tools and practical strategies. Md. Harunur Rashid, director of the SAARC Agriculture Centre, chaired the session. He highlighted that regenerative agriculture is a "transformative pathway to reverse decades of environmental damage, rejuvenate soil ecosystems, and restore harmony between agriculture and nature." He emphasised that these practices are crucial for long-term food security, improving farmer livelihoods, and strengthening regional agri-food systems. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat, Nepal, attended as a Special Guest. He pointed out the economic benefits of regenerative agriculture, stating, "This approach not only improves soil and environmental health but also delivers financial returns to farmers." He called for a collaborative framework involving governments, scientists, and the private sector to scale up these practices. Expert Presentations and Recommendations Over the three days, six technical sessions featured more than 20 expert presentations. Focal point scientists and national specialists from SAARC member states presented country-specific papers, highlighting common regional challenges like rising temperatures, soil degradation, water scarcity, and financial constraints faced by farmers. The experts advocated for knowledge sharing, farmer training, and the creation of large-scale extension programs tailored to the region's specific needs. Many speakers called for strong government support and greater cooperation among SAARC countries to facilitate the widespread adoption of regenerative practices, according to a press release.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched an investigation into the murder of Islamic University (IU) student Sajid Abdullah, proceeding on verbal orders due to delays in formal transfer procedures. CID officials started collecting evidence from the crime scene, according to IU official sources on Wednesday. The probe is being conducted alongside parallel investigations by the Islamic University Police Station and the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). On August 4, Sajid’s father, Ahsan Habibullah, filed a case at the Islamic University Police Station, specifically requesting that the CID take over the investigation—a process currently underway. Sajid’s body was found on July 17 in a pond near Shah Azizur Rahman Hall on the IU campus at around 4:45pm. A viscera report released on August 3 confirmed he died from strangulation and was likely killed approximately 30 hours before the autopsy, placing the time of death at around 3:30am on July 16. As the investigation progresses, students and the university community are demanding swift, transparent justice, intensifying pressure on law enforcement to ensure accountability.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Wednesday formally presented the insignia of the Honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) to Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) Shaheen Anam. “I am delighted to present this award to Shaheen Anam on behalf of His Majesty The King,” Sarah Cooke. At the ceremony held at the British High Commission in Dhaka, she said, “Her tireless dedication and commitment to human rights, social justice and gender equality have made a lasting impact in Bangladesh, reflecting the shared values and enduring partnership between our two countries.” Anam was named an Honorary MBE by His Majesty King Charles III in February 2025 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social justice, inclusion and gender equality in Bangladesh—values that are deeply shared by both the UK and Bangladesh.  The UK has maintained a longstanding partnership with the Manusher Jonno Foundation for over two decades, working collaboratively to advance human rights and empower marginalised communities across the country, said a media release. Through this partnership, the UK government has supported over 460 grassroots organisations, enabling transformative work that promotes dignity, inclusion and justice for all.

Two people were killed and three others injured in a head-on collision between a drum truck and a battery-run autorickshaw in Gafargaon upazila of Mymensingh on Wednesday afternoon. The accident occurred around 3pm in the Noor Masjid area on the Gafargaon-Hossainpur road. The deceased were identified as Munju Mia, 40, son of Razzak from Haturia village in Saltia union, and Alauddin, 60, son of Wahedullah from Jashra village in Jashra union. Two killed in mob attack over alleged cattle theft in Sirajganj According to police and local sources, Munju Mia was en route to attend a post-wedding event at his daughter Mim Akter’s in-laws' home, following her marriage in Dutterbazar village under Pagla Police Station on Tuesday. While travelling with relatives in an autorickshaw, their vehicle collided head-on with a sand-laden drum truck near the Shilasi Noor Masjid area. The autorickshaw was severely damaged, and five passengers sustained critical injuries. Locals rushed to the scene and rescued the injured, transporting them to Gafargaon Upazila Health Complex. Emergency duty doctors declared Munju Mia and Alauddin dead upon arrival. Two children drown in Bhairab River in Chuadanga Two of the injured were referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Bachchu Mia, officer-in-charge (OC) of Gafargaon Police Station, said that police have inspected the scene and necessary legal procedures are underway.

A Bangkok-bound flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines was forced to return to Dhaka about an hour after take-off on Wednesday due to a technical fault. The aircraft, carrying 146 passengers, landed safely at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the passengers were later flown to their destination on a replacement flight, Al Masud Khan, public relations manager of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, told UNB. The affected passengers were accommodated on another flight — a Boeing 777 — which departed for Bangkok at 6:02pm, he added. He further added that the matter is under investigation by the engineering department. According to Biman officials, flight BG-388 departed from Dhaka at 12:06pm for Bangkok using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft (registration: S2-AFL), which has a capacity of 170 passengers. While flying over Myanmar airspace, the pilot detected an unusual vibration in one of the engines. Prioritising passenger safety, the pilot made the decision to turn back, and the aircraft landed safely in Dhaka at 1:21pm. This marks the second such incident within a week. On 28 July, Biman flight BG-349 en route to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, had to return to Dhaka after flying for an hour. That flight, operated by a Boeing 777-ER, departed at 3:33pm and returned at 4:33pm.

The Office of the Chief Adviser on Wednesday sent a letter to the Election Commission requesting it to complete all preparations to hold the next parliamentary election before Ramadan in February 2026. “With this letter, the formalities of the government's request to the Election Commission to arrange the election have been completed,” said a media release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Wednesday night. In the letter sent to EC's Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, Chief Adviser’s Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah requested him to take all necessary measures to arrange a "free, fair, peaceful and festive" national election of the expected quality within the specified time. CEC awaits govt letter over election timeframe This move came a day after Chief Adviser Professor Yunus’ announcement in his televised address to the nation on August 5, the Day of Mass Uprising, where he said the government would formally request the Election Commission to arrange the election before Ramadan, beginning in February next. Referring to the address to the nation, the letter said the Chief Adviser in his speech talked about the immediate start of all preparations and institutional arrangements in this regard (election arrangements). ‘July Charter’ a historic achievement; it's now at final stage: Prof Yunus The Chief Adviser had emphasised on making arrangements so that the next election would be memorable as a day of great joy and festivity in the context of citizens not being able to vote in the last fifteen years. He also assured the EC of the government's full cooperation in arranging an expected "fair, free, peaceful, and festive" election.

Speakers at a dialogue on Wednesday emphasised the importance of media freedom and the need for quality journalism free from personal or political bias. They pointed out that harassment, tagging and fascist tactics continue to persist, even in an environment with relatively freer media. The discussion also highlighted the need for empowering journalists with absolute, not ad-hoc freedom, along with dignity and financial security, stressing that this would help keep journalists free from greed or partisan pressures. The speakers urged the interim government to take concrete steps towards these goals during its remaining six months in office. The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) hosted the informative dialogue session at CIRDAP Auditorium to discuss reforms related to the mass media. Head of the Constitution Reform Commission and Vice Chairman of National Consensus Commission Dr Ali Riaz, Editor-in-chief of daily Manab Zamin Matiur Rahman Chowdhury joined the discussion as the guests of honour. Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Executive President, Gono Forum; S. M. Shameem Reza, Prof of Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Dhaka; Parvez Karim Abbasi, Executive Director, CGS; Rezwanul Haque Raja, Editor-in-Chief, Maasranga Television and Chairman, Trustee Board, Broadcast Journalist Center; Reaz Ahmad, Acting Editor, Dhaka Tribune; Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Convener, BNP Media Cell; Asif Bin Ali, PhD Candidate, Georgia State University, Atlanta, US; Mahbub Morshed, Chief Editor and Managing Director of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS); Mahmuda Habiba, Member, BNP Media Cell and Joint Secretary General, Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal; Kazi Jesin, freelance journalist ; Manjurul Islam, Executive Editor, Bangladesh Pratidin; Zahid Newaz Khan, senior journalist; Barrister Shihab Uddin Khan, advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh also spoke at the discussion moderated by CGS President Zillur Rahman. Ali Riaz said first, they must talk about the freedom of the media, and they need to understand who they mean by 'media'. “Sometimes I ask journalists: stand in front of a mirror and ask yourself, are you a journalist or a politician?” he said, referring to the kind of journalism that the country witnessed during the July movement. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said the unhealthy politics also engulfed them and media cannot function freely if it does not get free from politics or political bias.