United News of Bangladesh

Detectives in a drive arrested eleven leaders and activists of Awami League and its associate’s bodies from different parts of the capital in the past 24 hours till Monday morning. The arrestees were identified as Sultana Ahmed Lipi, 46, Women councilor of Kadamtoli 58-59-60 ward, Sabur Hossain, 48, Aps of former AL leader of Gaibandha-2 constituency, Shah Bipul Khandaker alias Bodi, 40, general secretary of Pabnapur union unit Kreshak League in Gaibandha, Kamal Pasha Chowdhury, 65, AL blogger and online activist, Sohagh Mia, 33, vice-president of Kishoreganj district unit banned Chhatra League, Matlab Munshi, 55, vice-president of Dhaka Cantonment unit Awami League, Ramij Uddin Sarkar, 58, president of Subol union unit Awami League in Cumilla, Ayub Ali Tarafdar, 47, president of Sariakandi upazila unit Jubo League, Saidur Rahman Titu, 48, vice-president of Bongshal unit Jubo League, Syed Amanullah Hossain alias Apu, 59, general secretary of Tejgaon Induatrial unit AWami League and Ariful Islam, 38, vice-president of Dhaka North city unit Chhatra League. Tipped off, a team of DB police conducted drives in different parts of the capital and arrested them, said Talebur Rahman, DC (Media) of the DMP. All of them were wanted in different cases filed during the July uprising.

Two more deaths were reported from dengue in the 24 hours till Monday morning, raising the total fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 86 this year. The deaths have been reported in Barishal and Chattogram divisions (Out of CC), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the period, 395 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the number of confirmed cases to 22,065 this year. Jamaat Ameer undergoes 'successful' bypass surgery According to the DGHS, new cases were reported as follows: 58 in Barishal Division (Out of CC), 61 in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), 69 in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), 34 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 50 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 56 in Khulna Division (Out of CC), 6 in Mymensingh Division, 48 in Rajshahi Division (Out of CC), 9 in Rangpur (Out of CC), and 4 in Sylhet Division. Climate migration affects healthcare in Bangladesh, study calls for reforms Currently, 1,235 patients are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.

The bus strike, enforced by the District Road Transport Workers Oikya Parishad, called off on Tuesday following assurance from the authorities concerned to meet their three-point demand.  A meeting was held at noon at the deputy commissioner’s office where leaders and activists of the District Road Transport Workers Oikya Parishad and authorities of Sunamganj Science and Technology University (SSTU) were present, with deputy commissioner Samar Kumal Pal in the chair.  Later, the District Road Transport Workers Oikkya Parishad, called off their indefinite strike, said Sujaul Kabir, president of the organisation.  Bus services on Sylhet-Sunamganj road remained suspended from Sunday as the District Road Transport Workers Oikya Parishad called an indefinite strike over a scuffle between students of Sunamganj Science and Technology University (SSTU) and a bus employee over fare on Sunday.  "Since the university proctor has expressed regret and assured that no student will misbehave with drivers or helpers in the future, the parishad has decided at this moment to withdraw the indefinite strike and resume transport services on all routes across the country," said Sujaul.  Besides, commuters faced severe difficulties from Sunday due to the sudden strike. Many passengers expressed frustration after being unable to reach their destinations on time. No buses left Sunamganj from Sunday evening. On Monday morning, CNG auto-rickshaw drivers also joined the strike. Sources said some university students boarded a bus from Sunamganj town to their temporary campus in Shantiganj on Sunday. An argument over fares broke out between the students and transport workers, leading to scuffle.  The transport workers allege that students vandalised the bus and assaulted the driver and helper. Workers blocked the Sylhet-Sunamganj highway for two hours on Sunday afternoon, halting traffic on both ends. Although police intervention ended the blockade by 5pm, transport workers announced an indefinite strike on Monday demanding justice.

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) inaugurated at a three-day virtual regional consultation meeting on Monday to promote regenerative agriculture among its member states. The consultation, titled “Promotion of Regenerative Agriculture in SAARC Member States,” will continue until Wednesday, and includes participants from SAARC nations, various agricultural research organisations, universities, and international bodies. The opening session Ambassador Abdul Motaleb Sarker, additional foreign secretary (SAARC and BIMSTEC) from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was present as the chief guest. He underscored the critical need for South Asian countries to adopt regenerative agriculture, emphasising its potential to restore soil health, leverage digital tools, and develop effective strategies. He called on the SAC to lead this initiative, which he believes will also help in restoring biodiversity across the region. Md. Harunur Rashid, the director of SAC, who chaired the meeting, reiterated SAC's commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative farming practices in South Asia, stating that regenerative agriculture not only addresses environmental issues but also ensures long-term productivity and resilience for farming systems. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director (ARD & SDF) of the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal, attended as a special guest. He highlighted the economic benefits of the approach, noting that it improves soil and environmental health while also delivering financial returns for farmers. He stressed that a collaborative regional framework is essential to scale up these practices throughout the SAARC region. The inaugural session also featured presentations from experts, including  Debashis Chakraborty of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and  Sikander Khan Tanveer, a senior program specialist at SAC. Their presentations focused on how regenerative agriculture can restore the "Earth’s balance through soil, science, and stewardship" and provided an overview of the consultation’s objectives and program. The first day of the event included presentations from each of the SAARC member states, with scientists and specialists sharing their country-specific reports on regenerative agriculture. The consultation's primary goal is to foster regional cooperation, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, and align policies to promote these practices, with a focus on restoring degraded soils, enhancing biodiversity, and building climate-resilient food systems in South Asia, according to a press release.

The Ministry of Commerce has dissolved the executive committee of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) to ensure the smooth operation of the organisation. Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Motakabbir Ahmed, has been appointed as the new administrator. The decision was announced in a gazette notification from the Ministry of Commerce's Trade Organization-2 branch on Monday (August 4). ATAB calls for strict action against manipulation of air tickets The notification stated that the current ATAB committee won their election through an "illegal vote." It also cited allegations that the committee, in defiance of a directive from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, misappropriated funds from many shareholders through a platform called "ATAB Online." The current president of the association's executive committee is facing multiple allegations of irregularities, and there have been public demonstrations and demands for the arrest of both the president and the secretary general. The government's action follows a request from the ATAB Reformation Council to dissolve the executive committee and appoint an administrator to ensure the proper functioning of the association. Govt intervention cuts airfares by 75%, says ATAB According to the notification, the newly appointed administrator is tasked with updating the voter list and holding a fair and neutral election within the next 120 days. After the new committee is elected, the administrator will hand over charge and notify the Ministry of Commerce.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Monday said Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' leadership helped secure international solidarity for Bangladesh when it was needed most. "His public-spirited approach offers a blueprint for what comes next," he said in a post on his verified Facebook post. Alam said there are moments in a nation's life when clarity and courage matter more than politics. July 2024 was one such moment. "The Hasina regime had unleashed unthinkable violence—hundreds of young people were killed including many from the BNP and other opposition parties," he said, stressing that amid this darkness, it was Professor Muhammad Yunus who spoke with the moral force and international credibility the moment demanded. Fascist roots must be uprooted to build happy, prosperous Bangladesh: President On July 21, Alam, said as the violence peaked, Prof Yunus issued a global appeal. "He urged the UN and world leaders to stop what he rightly called a “nationwide killing spree.” "He demanded international investigations and called on people of conscience to stand with Bangladesh. That intervention helped shift international opinion and isolate Hasina. It gave our struggle global weight and helped pave the way for the peaceful transition that followed," said the Press Secretary. “Prof Yunus did not speak as a politician but as a citizen and he saluted the protesters, referred to their victory as our ‘Second Victory Day’, and called on Bangladeshis to refrain from revenge and begin the work of rebuilding,” Alam said, adding, "He stood not above the fray but within it—clear-eyed, principled, and trusted by a generation hungry for dignity and change.” This leadership was not born overnight, Alam said. For years, he said, Prof Yunus had condemned Hasina’s authoritarian rule. Interim govt committed to restoring state power to people: Prof Yunus "He called it ‘fascist’, decried its sham elections, and demanded reform of the judiciary, bureaucracy, and constitution. He warned the world of Bangladesh’s democratic collapse and suffered greatly for it: public vilification, legal harassment, travel restrictions, and over 100 politically motivated cases—including a prison sentence in early 2024 that he avoided only by securing bail," the press secretary said. When the people demanded a transitional figure who stood apart from party rivalries and embodied the values they had risked their lives for, they turned to him. Not because he sought power, but because he had earned their trust, said the Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary in a post shared from his verified Facebook account. Prof Yunus to read out July Declaration Tuesday At that crucial moment, Alam said, they did not hear the same kind of international urgency or moral leadership from figures like Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin. "He had long opposed Hasina, and like many in the BNP, he and his party endured enormous abuse at the hands of her regime. But in July 2024, when voices were needed on the global stage, Major Hafiz's was not among the loudest or most effective." “That distinction matters—not to diminish anyone’s suffering or contribution—but to understand why Professor Yunus became the voice of a national movement,” Alam said.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus will read out the July Declaration on Tuesday. The July Declaration ceremony will be held at 5pm at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Monday. Interim govt committed to restoring state power to people: Prof Yunus He said Bangladesh Television will broadcast the event live.  

In the wake of different types of train accidents, Bangladesh Railway authorities have urged all to extend their cooperation in preventing the incidents. It also called upon all to remain alert, said a press release of Bangladesh Railway. Recently, several trains have derailed on various routes and have been involved in accidents. Due to initial precautions and immediate measures taken in these accidents, it has been possible to avoid loss of life and property. However, multiple probe committees have been formed to investigate the accidents and legal action will be taken against those who were found responsible based on the investigation of the reports, it said. Initial investigations suggest that in some cases, individuals or groups unaffiliated with railway personnel may have been involved in deliberate acts of sabotage, the release added. On August 3, a major accident was narrowly avoided near Madhnagar in Natore when a chain and padlock were found wrapped around the railway track, apparently placed to derail a train. A local key man noticed the obstruction and immediately halted the Chilahati Express train allowing time for the chain to be removed and the train to proceed safely. Authorities suspect the act was a deliberate and premeditated attempt to cause a serious accident, said the notice. High demand, higher losses: Bangladesh Railway's financial strain deepens Law enforcement and intelligence agencies have been informed and all concerned have been instructed to exercise maximum caution to prevent further incidents. Railway officials noted that such malicious activities cannot be prevented by the government or the Bangladesh Railway alone and public involvement and collective cooperation are essential. Citizens are urged to immediately inform railway authorities or local administration if they notice any suspicious activity near rail tracks or any obstruction that may lead to an accident. They may call the Bangladesh Railway hotline at 131 or the toll-free emergency number 999. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.      

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday said the fascist roots must be uprooted and the spirit of July be fully realised to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. “The July Uprising was an outburst of the youth and the masses against longstanding deprivation, misrule, corruption, looting, enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, the denial of voting rights and all forms of oppression and tyranny,” said the President in a message marking the July Mass Uprising Day.  The core aim of the July Uprising was to dismantle this discriminatory fascist system, restore democracy, empower the people, and ensure freedom of expression, he added.  Interim govt committed to restoring state power to people: Prof Yunus The president expressed the hope that the aspirations of the July uprising will be reflected in the reform process and a new Bangladesh based on justice and equality will emerge through a true democratic transition. “Today is the historic July Uprising Day. On this day in 2024, students, workers, and the people united in collective resistance against the discriminatory state system and fascist misrule and achieved a decisive victory,” said the President.  He extended his greetings and congratulations to the freedom-loving students-people of the country. He also paid deep homage to all the martyrs of the July Uprising who made the ultimate sacrifice in the struggle to free the country from authoritarian misrule.  He prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed souls. “I remember with profound gratitude the sacrifices and contributions of all the brave July fighters who were injured, became disabled, or lost their eyesight in the uprising,” said President Shahabuddin.  He said ensuring justice for the families of the martyrs and the injured is a sacred responsibility of the state. The state remains committed to fulfilling this responsibility, he added.  He wished all the programmes taken on the occasion of July Mass Uprising Day a grand success.    

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said the interim government is committed to restoring the state power to people through a peaceful, fair and transparent election, as part of a sustainable political solution. In a message on the occasion of the July Uprising Day, he also said, “To accelerate our democratic journey, dialogue continues with political parties and stakeholders on necessary reforms, including the political and electoral systems.” The Chief adviser called upon all to stand united beyond all divisions to confront and defeat all threats to nation. “Together, we will build a Bangladesh where tyranny will never rise again.” Harness the Spirit of July to build 'fascism-free' Bangladesh: Information Secretary He said July rekindled the nation’s hope, a hope for a just, equal and corruption-free Bangladesh. Prof Yunus said the sacrifice of thousands has gifted the country’s people this rare opportunity for national reform and it must be protected at any cost. He also warned that the fallen autocrats and their self-serving allies remain active, conspiring to derail the country’s progress. “Today marks an unforgettable chapter in the history of Bangladesh. It was on this very day, one year ago, that the July Uprising reached its triumph, liberating our beloved nation from the grip of long-standing fascist rule,” the Chief Adviser said. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Bangladesh whose united struggle brought about this historic achievement. “On this solemn day, I remember with deep reverence the brave youth, workers, labourers and professionals who sacrificed their lives while confronting the fascist forces. My profound respect goes to every martyr of the uprising,” Prof Yunus said. He also remembered with deep gratitude all the July warriors who were injured, permanently disabled and even lost their eyesight. “The nation shall forever honour their sacrifices.” Stating that the July Uprising was a collective eruption against sixteen years of oppressive authoritarian misrule, the Chief Adviser said, “At its core, it was a fight to establish a new system free from discrimination, corruption and tyranny. The goal was to restore democracy and return the country to the hands of its people.” BNP to hold victory rallies Tuesday, Wednesday marking July Uprising Since assuming responsibility, he said the interim government has undertaken extensive reform efforts across all sectors of the state to fulfill these aspirations. “The trials related to the July killings are progressing swiftly. Measures have been initiated to preserve the memory of the July martyrs and rehabilitate the injured July fighters,” the Chief adviser added.