United News of Bangladesh

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Monday said police might resort to crossfire if the government allows it and it becomes necessary to maintain law and order and curb crimes. “When the police act tough, they are called fascist police and when they remain silent they are called weak police,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at the formal inauguration of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC’s Islamic banking service, ‘Community Islamic’, at Chawkbazar of the capital. “If the government permits and it becomes necessary to maintain law and order and suppress crimes, we will not hesitate to resort to crossfire,” the IGP said. He said police are working under a zero-tolerance policy to prevent the spread of drugs. Stressing that attempts to render the police ineffective would not be tolerated, he said maintaining social order would be difficult if the police are repeatedly targeted or obstructed from performing their duties. He said police officers found involved in criminal activities are not being spared, adding that the force has its own system of checks and balances. The IGP also said some members of then Awami League (now facing ban on activities)  patronised the spread of drugs, while some police personnel had also been involved in the drug trade. “Drugs are widespread at almost every gathering in neighbourhoods and local communities today. Who created this situation? If you look closely, you will see that the leaders of the then ruling party patronised it. Some members of our police force were also involved, and some still are,” he said. Fakir said around 27 police members have been sent to jail over the past two months as part of efforts to address wrongdoing within the force. “We are cleaning up our own house first, as you can see. Yet, various misinterpretations are being spread even about this,” he said. He called for greater empowerment of the police, saying restoring peace in society would not be possible without allowing law enforcement agencies to enforce the law. The IGP also urged people to avoid rumours and misinformation and cooperate with the police in discharging their duties in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Speaking about the banking sector, Fakir, also chairman of Community Bank, stressed the need for ethical practices, transparency and accountability in Islamic banking. He said interest and bribery were strictly prohibited in Islam, adding that genuine Islamic banking should be entirely interest-free and based on partnership, ethical conduct and fair business practices. Criticising past irregularities in the banking sector, including the takeover of banks and alleged deception of ordinary customers through promises of high profits, he said effective supervision and monitoring by Bangladesh Bank are essential to ensure compliance with the law. He urged customers to place their trust in the bank’s current management, saying there would be no opportunity for a recurrence of past irregularities or crises under the present management. He also emphasised the need to strengthen monitoring of mobile financial services (MFS). Community Bank Bangladesh PLC’s directors, managing director and senior officials at different levels attended the inauguration ceremony.

Hearings on complaints filed with the Information Commission are set to resume on November 16 after a hiatus of nearly two years. A total of 920 complaints have been lodged with the Commission during the period, according to a press release. The newly constituted Commission held a meeting on Monday to review and scrutinise the complaints ahead of the resumption of hearings. On October 17, the government constituted the Information Commission by appointing Prof Dr Nahreen Islam Khan of the Department of Geography and Environment at Jahangirnagar University as Chief Information Commissioner and journalists SAM Mahfuzur Rahman and Khan Mohammad Abul Hossain as Information Commissioners. Following the formation of the new Commission, it held its first meeting to address complaints filed under the Right to Information Act.  

The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to the attend 18th edition the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), a leading global defence and security event, and the 8th edition of the Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2027) which will be held in Abu Dhabi in January next.  Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, said the UAE Embassy in Dhaka on Monday. The two events will be held from January 25 to 29, 2027 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in the UAE capital. The Crown Prince of Dubai said Prime Minister Tarique’s esteemed presence would greatly enrich this significant occasion and contribute meaningfully to the success of the exhibitions. He conveyed to the Prime Minister the assurances of his highest consideration and profound appreciation. IDEX and NAVDEX are premier international platforms for presenting the latest advancements and innovations across the land, naval and air defence sectors. The exhibitions bring together eminent experts and leading global companies specialising in defence and security. IDEX is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and is organised by capital events in association and with the full support of the Ministry of Defence. The International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) brings together government officials, military leaders, industry experts, and key decision-makers to showcase the latest technologies, drive innovation, and strengthen international collaboration. IDEX 2027 provides direct access to a global network of defence leaders, procurement stakeholders, OEMs, prime contractors, and international delegations, creating valuable opportunities for business growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion.

Microplastics (MPs) have been detected in all commercially dried seafood samples examined from four coastal regions of Bangladesh, with abundance ranging from 0.25 to 1.30 MPs g− 1 dry weight, according to a latest study. Hazardous polymers (PP, PE, PET) contributed to elevated risk levels and multivariate analysis revealed distinct spatial pollution signatures. Microplastic (MP) contamination in seafood has received increasing attention, yet information on commercially dried seafood remains limited. Mohammed Ashraful Azam Khan, Kazi Nusrat Jahan Ouishi, Habibur Rahman Pias, Nadia Islam Riya, Shanjida Akter Joyoti from the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, University of Chittagong, conducted the study titled “Occurrence, characteristics, and polymer associated hazard of microplastics in commercially dried marine seafood from coastal Bangladesh.” The study assessed MP abundance, physical characteristics, polymer composition, spatial variation, and polymer associated hazard in commercially dried seafood from the Sundarbans, Kuakata, Teknaf, and Cox's Bazar. Six species were examined: Harpadon nehereus, Trichiurus lepturus, Setipinna phasa, Johnius argentatus, Penaeus monodon, and Metapenaeus monoceros. MPs were detected in all samples, with abundance ranging from 0.25 to 1.30 MPs g− 1 dry weight. Regional mean abundance ranged from 0.57 ± 0.26 MPs g− 1 in Teknaf to 0.91 ± 0.36 MPs g− 1 in Sundarban, with no significant difference among the four regions (p = 0.165). Fibers were the dominant morphology, blue and black particles were frequently observed, and smaller size fractions constituted a substantial proportion of the recovered MPs, according to the Marine Pollution Bulletin, an international peer-reviewed journal published by Elsevier that focuses on the marine environment, pollution control, and the management of ocean and coastal resources. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified seven polymer types, with polyethylene (30.49%) and polypropylene (24.39%) occurring most frequently. The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) varied markedly among regions, from 86.7 in Sundarban to 2642.7 in Kuakata, reflecting differences in polymer composition and polymer specific hazard scores. Multivariate analyses further revealed interconnected variation in MP abundance, physical characteristics, and polymer composition across the examined samples. Overall, the findings provide a quantitative baseline for MP occurrence and polymer-associated hazard in commercially dried marine seafood from coastal Bangladesh and highlight the need to distinguish environmental contamination from inputs occurring during post-harvest processing and handling. Overall, this study provides a quantitative baseline for the occurrence, characteristics, polymer composition, and associated polymer hazard of MPs in commercially dried marine seafood from coastal Bangladesh. As contamination may occur at different stages, from the marine environment through postharvest processing and handling, future studies comparing seafood before and after drying, together with assessment of individual processing stages and dietary exposure, are needed to clarify the major contamination pathways and establish the implications for consumer exposure and food safety. Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as one of the most persistent and ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic environments. They originate from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris (secondary MPs) as well as from primary sources, including industrial products, synthetic textiles, wastewater effluents, and personal care products. Owing to their persistence, resistance to degradation, and continuous release into the environment, MPs have become widely distributed throughout marine ecosystems, where they are recognised as an emerging threat to ecological integrity and environmental sustainability. What is Microplastic? Microplastics are tiny particles of synthetic polymers and plastics and their products that are less than 5 millimeters in size. Microplastics can either be intentionally added to products, for example in cosmetics or cleaning products, or be a waste product from the decomposition of larger plastic parts. Microplastics enter the environment through many different pathways, where they are difficult to degrade and can pose a potential threat to wildlife and human health.

A total of 21 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Thakurgaon-1 constituency to ensure a peaceful by-election slated for October 29. Colonel Md Suruj Mia, BGB sector commander in Thakurgaon, told reporters on Monday that the personnel would work as mobile and striking forces to prevent any untoward incidents during the election. Drones, body-worn cameras and K-9 units have also been placed to strengthen security, while intelligence surveillance and patrols have been intensified. Colonel Suruj Mia said BGB personnel have been deployed in the constituency since Sunday across 22 unions and one municipality under three upazilas. He said the force remained on high alert to prevent unrest and violence and ensure voters could cast their votes without fear. The BGB is also working with the local administration and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a level playing field for all candidates, allowing them to campaign without obstruction, he added. Surveillance and patrols along the border have also been strengthened to prevent criminal activities, including smuggling, illegal border crossings and possible acts of sabotage. He also sought cooperation from local residents, political parties, candidates, the administration and the media to ensure a peaceful and orderly election. Meanwhile, the district administration has imposed restrictions on the presence of outsiders in the constituency. People who are neither residents nor registered voters of the constituency will not be allowed to remain in the area from 8:00am on October 27 until 4:00pm on October 30, except for those exempted under the order. The Thakurgaon-1 seat fell vacant after Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was elected president. Five candidates are contesting the by-election: Mirza Faisal Amin of the BNP; Delwar Hossain, representing Jamaat-e-Islami and like-minded parties; Md Khademul Islam of Islami Andolan Bangladesh; Md Abdul Alim Nizami of Bangladesh Khilafat Andolan; and Hussain Muhammad Omar Faruk of Bangladesh Congress.

A 63-year-old woman died while undergoing treatment after being severely beaten allegedly by her son over demands for money and the transfer of family property into his name in Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet. The deceased, Piara Begum, wife of late Faizul Islam of Pangabot village in Zakiganj municipal area, died at Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical College Hospital around Sunday midnight. Four other family members were also seriously injured in the attack. Police arrested the prime accused, Sumon Ahmed, 32, from his home shortly after the incident. He was produced before Senior Judicial Magistrate Ibrahim Sarkar’s court in Zakiganj on Sunday, which ordered him to be sent to jail. According to police and family members, the incident followed an earlier altercation on Friday (October 23), when Sumon allegedly struck his stepmother Kutina Begum, 45, with a wooden pole, injuring her eyes. Piara later took Kutina to the house of another son, Shahin Ahmed, to protect her from further attacks. On Saturday night, around 11:00pm, Sumon again demanded money from family members and insisted that they transfer their land and property to his name. An altercation broke out, during which Sumon allegedly attacked them with a wooden stick, leaving his mother Piara, step mother Kutina, his brother Shahin, 38, Shahin’s wife Shahana Begum, 32, and their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Israt Jahan, injured. Local residents rescued the injured and took them to Zakiganj Upazila Health Complex for treatment. On Sunday morning, Shahin filed a case naming Sumon and another brother, Shamim Ahmed, 47, as accused. Muhammad Abdur Razzak, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Zakiganj Police Station, said a murder charge will be included in the case under the Penal Code following Piara’s death. Several other cases were also pending against Sumon at the police station, he said. Family members said Sumon had a history of drug abuse and frequently harassed them for money. Shahin said his wife and daughter are in critical condition.

The body of a man was recovered after fire raged through Aman plastic factory in Narikel Bagh area of Keraniganj in Dhaka on Monday. The fire broke out on  the ground floor of the seven-storey factory around 12:25 pm and spread to the 3rd floor, said Talha Bin Jashim, an official at the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters. On information, seven firefighting units rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control around 2 pm and retrieved the body. UNB Keraniganj correspondent reports: 10-12 people were injured in the fire at the factory. Three of them were sent to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. Ruhul Quddus, Officer-in-Charge of Keraniganj Model Police Station the fire originated following an explosion apparently due to existence of flammable substances. The flames quickly spread from the ground floor to the fourth floor of the building, he said. Aman Hossain had been operating  business in the building for about a year. Local residents claimed that between 600 and 700 people, including a large number of women and children, were working inside the factory at the time of the incident.

The five-day 21st National Furniture Fair 2026 will begin at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka on Tuesday. The Bangladesh Furniture Shilpa Malik Samity (BFSMS) is organising the fair – under the slogan “My Country, My Dream – Decorating Homes with Local Furniture”— to promote the domestic furniture industry and expand export markets for Bangladeshi furniture. Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Mohammad Hasan Arif will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony, while Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Administrator Md Fazlul Hoque and Bangladesh Furniture Exporters Association President Dr KM Akhtaruzzaman will attend as special guests. Sheikh Abdul Awal, BFSMS vice chairman and convener of the Fair Committee, will deliver the welcome address. BFSMS Chairman Selim H Rahman will preside over the opening ceremony. According to a press release, the fair will remain open from 10:00am to 9:00pm daily until October 31 across Hall 2 (Pushpoguchcho), Hall 3 (Rajdarshan) and Hall 4 (Noboratri) of the ICCB. A total of 44 leading furniture companies will display their products and designs in 323 stalls at the fair. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and purchase the latest furniture designs from well-known brands, including Akhtar, Hatil, Brothers, Nadia, Ayoto, Omega, JMG, Navana, Athena’s, Partex, Regal and Legacy, all under one roof. Abdul Awal said the entry is free for visitors. He also said there will be a children’s art competition on the opening day, with 20 to receive awards.  

Foreign loan disbursement to Bangladesh fell by nearly 48% year-on-year in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, while commitments from development partners rose, according to provisional official data. Development partners disbursed $541.74 million in loans during July-September of FY2026-27, down from $1,038.12 million in the same period of FY2025-26, the Foreign Assistance Monthly Report of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) shows. Total foreign assistance disbursement, including grants, also declined to $662.31 million from $1,148.59 million in the corresponding period a year earlier. The fall came despite an increase in foreign assistance commitments, which rose to $1.27 billion in the first quarter of FY27 from $910.67 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Loan commitments increased to $1.15 billion from $821.70 million, while grant commitments rose to $125.45 million from $88.97 million. Project assistance accounted for the entire amount of foreign aid commitments during the period, as no food assistance was committed in either of the two comparable quarters. On the disbursement side, project assistance totalled $652.31 million in July-September of FY27, down from $1.14 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year. This included $541.74 million in loans and $110.57 million in grants. Food assistance disbursement remained unchanged at $10 million, entirely in grants, during the two periods. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s debt-servicing burden increased in the first quarter of FY27. The country paid $1.35 billion in principal and interest on foreign loans during July-September, compared with $1.28 billion in the same period of FY26. Principal repayments rose to $858.92 million from $816.99 million, while interest payments increased to $492.31 million from $462.96 million. In taka terms, total debt servicing reached Tk16,646.46 crore in the first quarter of FY27, up from Tk15,591.69 crore a year earlier. The principal repayment amounted to Tk10,584.62 crore, while interest payments stood at Tk6,061.84 crore. The figures are provisional and were published in the ERD’s Foreign Assistance Monthly Report for July-September 2026.

Cyclonic Storm Arnab is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday midnight, Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said. The deep depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining south-east Bay moved north-westwards and intensified into Cyclonic Storm Arnab, said a special weather bulletin of the BMD on Monday morning. At 6:00am on Monday, the storm was centred over the east-central Bay and adjoining west-central Bay, near latitude 15.4°N and longitude 89.0°E. It was about 820km south-west of Chattogram, 745km south-west of Cox's Bazar, 785km south of Mongla and 745km south of Payra, the bulletin said. The storm is likely to move west-north-westwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay by midnight and expected to move north-westwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm, it added. The maximum sustained wind speed near the storm's centre is about 62 kilometres per hour, rising to 88kmph in gusts or squalls. The sea is likely to remain very rough near the centre of the storm. The BMD has advised the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra to hoist distant warning signal No. 2 (R) instead of warning signal No. 1. All fishing boats and trawlers operating in the North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice, the bulletin added.