United News of Bangladesh

BGB on Wednesday rescued and brought back a Bangladeshi citizen from the Myanmar border area, who was abducted from the Poyamhuri border in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban. The victim was identified as Dulal, son of Ezahar Ali from Baganpara village in Alikadam upazila of Bandarban.Lt Col Kazi Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, commander of Ramu Battalion (30 BGB) said that a drive conducted under a special patrol team of BGB was able to rescue the kidnapped Dulal on Wednesday and bring him back to Bangladesh without any ransom, approximately 800 yards north of Border Pillar-56. Earlier on June 3, five to six Myanmar nationals reportedly lured Dulal, over trade of cows and took him inside Myanmar through the area between border pillars 54-55. Later on June 10, BGB contacted the kidnappers through local sources and learned that the abducted person was being held captive at a place called Mansionpara inside Myanmar, opposite the area under the responsibility of BGB BOP Poyamhuri. “The Commander of BGB's Poyamuhuri BOP handed over the rescued person to his family in presence of the local UP Chairman Md Kafil Uddin,” said Lt Col Kazi Mahtab.

Nagorik Coalition, a platform advocating for democratic reforms in the state structure, has termed the upcoming meeting between Chief Adviser Yunus and BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman a “hopeful development” on Wednesday. In a press release, the platform said that a crisis is deepening due to the firm stance of the BNP and several other political parties against the proposed roadmap for April elections and their demand for polls to be held in December. “This political deadlock is expected to escalate further after the Eid holidays,” it warned. It added that there are clear signs of conspiracies, both domestic and international, being orchestrated to destabilise Bangladesh. All eyes now on Prof Yunus-Tarique talks amid strained BNP-govt ties Against this backdrop, the Nagorik Coalition described the upcoming June 13 meeting in London between Yunus and Tarique as “a very hopeful development amid the current political impasse.” The platform said it hopes their proposed ‘7/2’ constitutional reform agenda to feature prominently in the discussion, the reforms aim to prevent constitutional authoritarianism and ensure neutrality in appointments, along with establishing institutional checks and balances in power. Key elements of the proposal include, adopting the July Charter as a foundation for political consensus, allocating seats in the upper house through proportional representation, ensuring impartiality in constitutional appointments, reinstating the caretaker government system, and electing women’s reserved seats through direct voting. The platform further stated that neither December nor April is a practical timeframe for holding the next national election. “Reaching consensus, enacting legal reforms, and preparing for elections within December would be highly challenging,” it said, “while holding elections in April would discourage elderly and ill voters due to extreme heat.” It further mentioned that nationwide election-related activities and campaigning during the scorching Ramadan period would be difficult for political parties and government officials alike. Additionally, the schedule would clash with the country’s key public examinations—SSC and HSC—posing serious obstacles to a fair electoral process. Despite these constraints, the government has yet to explain why it proposed April as the election timeline, the coalition said. Even if election dates are set for the first half of April, there has been no announcement on when or how the key reform and election-related steps will be implemented, it added. It warned that any delay in executing these phases could ultimately push back the proposed April election as well.

British Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade Jonathan Reynolds held a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the British parliament on Wednesday. They discussed the issues of mutual interest. Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Secretary Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Abida Islam and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke were, among others, present. No desire to be part of next elected govt: Prof Yunus Jonathan Reynolds was appointed Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade on July 5, 2024. He was elected as the MP for Stalybridge and Hyde in May 2010.

Prominent banker and policy analyst, Mamun Rashid, has been appointed as the Chairman of BD Venture Limited, a leading private sector investment firm. According to a press release, BD Venture Limited is a distinguished investment entity, jointly owned by several prominent financial institutions, including Mutual Trust Bank (MTB), National Bank, Green Delta Insurance, EBL Securities, LankaBangla Finance, Midas Financing, Asia Pacific General Insurance, and DataEdge Limited. Biman Bangladesh shuts Makkah, Madinah temporary desks amid Saudi visa ban The firm also boasts ownership from leading individual bankers, accountants, and capital market professionals in the country. Rashid joined the position recently BD Venture Limited. He brings over four decades of diverse experience in banking, consultancy, and institution building. His significant contributions to the reform of Bangladesh's financial sector are widely recognized, and he has long collaborated with various public and private organizations on policy and strategic matters. Mamun Rashid's extensive career includes holding top-level positions at esteemed international financial institutions such as ANZ, Standard Chartered, and Citibank N.A., where he made notable contributions to expanding banking services and promoting financial inclusion.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has requested Hajj pilgrims to contact its Jeddah or Madinah city offices for return flight services this year, as the airline is unable to operate its temporary service desks in Makkah and Madinah due to Saudi Arabia’s visa restrictions. In an urgent notice issued on Wednesday, Biman informed that it had made all necessary preparations to open temporary offices in Makkah and Madinah for the 2025 Hajj season, following its yearly practice aimed at ensuring smooth, hassle-free return journeys for pilgrims. However, due to recent visa policy changes by the Saudi authorities, which imposed temporary visa restrictions on citizens of 14 countries including Bangladesh, Biman officials and staff have been unable to travel to Saudi Arabia despite completing all required visa formalities. As a result, the airline will not be able to provide services from its temporary offices in Makkah and Madinah this year. Instead, pilgrims in need of assistance with ticket changes or other return-related services are advised to contact Biman's Jeddah or Madinah city offices. 18 teams assigned to serve Bangladeshi hajj pilgrims in Mina Biman also requested Hajj agencies and their representatives to contact the following offices during working hours for any necessary assistance: Dhaka Office Biman Bhaban, Motijheel, Dhaka, Bangladesh Phone: +8802-223357002, +8801727990922 Email: [email protected] Chattogram District Sales Office Biman Bhaban, 1/2 CDA Avenue, East Nasirabad, Chattogram Email: [email protected] Phone: +8801777715700, +8801777715723, +8801777715725 Sylhet District Sales Office Biman Bhaban, Mazumdari, Airport Road, Sylhet Email: [email protected] Phone: +8801777715710, +8801725235664

Two cousin sisters drowned while bathing in a water-filled pit near their home in Pitua village of Kadirjangal union under Karimganj upazila in Kishoreganj on Wednesday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Yasmin Akhter, 8, daughter of Shafiqul Islam, and Taiyeba Akhter, 9, daughter of Russel Mia. Both were students of a local primary school. Two dead, 10 injured in Kishoreganj road accident Dr Riyad Shahed Rony, Karimganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, said the two children were brought to the hospital dead. Emergency department physician Dr Hadiur Rashid declared them dead upon arrival. According to family members, the incident occurred around 12:30pm when the two girls went to bathe in a rainwater-filled pit near their house. As they did not return for a long time, family members began searching and eventually found them submerged in the mud under the water. They were rescued around 2pm and rushed to Karimganj Upazila Health Complex, where doctors pronounced them dead.    

Ten new COVID-19 cases were reported in Bangladesh in the last 24 hours till Tuesday evening, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). With the latest figure, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has risen to 20,51,770. The death toll from the virus remains unchanged at 29,500. A total of 107 samples were tested during the latest reporting period of 24 hours [between 8am Tuesday and 8am Wednesday], resulting in a daily positivity rate of 9.35 per cent. 13 fresh COVID-19 cases reported in 24hrs The overall positivity rate stands at 13.05 per cent till now, while the fatality rate based on detected cases remains at 1.44 per cent, said the DGHS press release. Meanwhile, the number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 in the country now stands at 20,19,380.

Attorney General Advocate Asaduzzaman on Wednesday said daytime votes will never again be held at night in Bangladesh, assuring that the government is committed to ensuring every citizen can safely reach the secret polling booth to cast their vote freely. Speaking at several meetings and seminars over a week in Shailkupa, the Attorney General strongly criticised former Chief Justices Khairul Haque and Syed Mahmud Hossain, labelling them as "disgraceful" for abolishing the 13th amendment, which he said effectively stripped people's voting rights. “There will be no mafia in the judiciary, and no syndicate of vested circles,” Asaduzzaman asserted. The Attorney General said he is actively fighting against drugs and corruption and claimed to be achieving success in this ongoing battle. Urging people to assist in this effort, he called upon them to provide information on drugs and corruption. Govt working sincerely to fulfill people's expectations: Asif Nazrul “We will build a drug-free Shailkupa. I promise that the identity of informants will be kept confidential, and only the names and identities of those involved in drugs will be revealed,” he said. During the week-long campaign, Attorney General Asaduzzaman attended various gatherings, seminars and meetings across local markets in Shailkupa Upazila, including an event hosted by the Bankers’ Forum of Shailkupa. Referring to the development works currently underway in Shailkupa, he noted, “These developments are being carried out with your tax money.” He warned that if any officials of the departments concerned are found involved in corruption, they must be reported. “No one will be allowed to misuse development funds. Those who engage in corruption will face consequences,” he cautioned.

A man was killed and ten others were injured when a bus overturned on the road in Charkalibari area of Mymensingh city on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Manjurul Hasan, 41, a helper of the bus driver and resident of Sribordi in Sherpur district. 2 killed in Mymensingh after trees fall during nor'wester The accident occurred around 8 am near Shambhuganj China intersection when the Dhaka-bound ‘Junayed Express’ train from Sherpur overturned as its driver lost control over steering, leaving one killed and ten others injured, said Md Firoj Hossain, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Model Police Station. The injured were taken to Mymensingh Medical College and Hospital. Police could not arrest its driver as he managed to flee the scene.

Sylhet, June 11 (UNB) – A 15-year-old boy drowned in Piyain river of Jaflong area in Gowainghat upazila of Sylhet on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Mahi, son of Jamil Ahmed of Bayezid area of Chattogram district. Quoting local people, Sarkar Mohammad Tofayel Ahmed, officer-in-charge of Gowainghat Police Station, said local people rescued Mahi in an unconscious condition from Zero point area at around 2 pm. Later, he was taken to a local hospital where the doctors declared him dead. Mahi along with his friend came here to visit the place and went missing after he went to the river to take a bath.