United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh and Pakistan have discussed a range of regional and global issues on the sidelines of the extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers' (CFM) meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on the sidelines of the extraordinary session of the OIC CFM meeting and discussed the issues of mutual interest. Both dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the robustness of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. They discussed bilateral relations in diverse fields, especially high-level exchanges, trade and educational collaboration. Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain also spoke with the Pakistani Foreign Minister ahead of the minister-level meeting of the OIC. The two counterparts reviewed bilateral matters and discussed recent regional developments, and appreciated the timely convening of the extraordinary session of the OIC CFM. The extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers was held on Saturday at the OIC headquarters in Jeddah, to discuss the rapidly evolving and dangerous developments in the Federal Republic of Somalia. Foreign Adviser communicates with Pakistani counterpart ahead of OIC ministerial meet on Somalia The meeting came against the backdrop of recent developments, namely Israel's declaration – the occupying power – of its recognition of the so-called ‘Somaliland’ region as an independent state, a move that is considered an infringement on Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting formulated a unified Islamic position regarding these developments, and to reaffirm unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, in accordance with international conventions and relevant resolutions of the OIC.

Canada has said it remains steadfast in its support for efforts to advance accountability, dignity and justice for the Rohingya. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh met three Rohingya survivors who will be travelling to The Hague to testify in the upcoming International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings in the landmark genocide case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar for atrocities committed against the Rohingya. The discussion focused on the long-standing persecution and violence faced by the Rohingya in Myanmar, their ongoing struggle for rights and justice, and the importance of international accountability, said the High Commission on Monday. UN court begins hearings on ‘genocide’ of Rohingya by Myanmar The Rohingya representatives expressed their appreciation for Canada’s support, including support to ensure Rohingya victims voices are heard in the landmark ICJ case. The High Commissioner acknowledged their courage in testifying and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to human rights, accountability and international justice. Bangladesh is currently hosting over 1.3 million Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar camps and Bhasan Char.

The body of an unidentified young man was recovered from a footpath behind the BRTA counter on Kuril Biswa Road on Monday. Pedestrians took the youth, aged over 20, to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in an unconscious state around 10:45 am where doctors at the emergency department pronounced him dead. Inspector Md. Faruk, in-charge of the hospital police camp said the body has been kept at the morgue of the hospital’s emergency department. Unidentified man killed in road accident on Kuril Bishwa Road flyover Khilkhet police station was informed about the matter, he added.

The Meteorological Department on Monday said a mild cold wave is sweeping Rajshahi, Pabna, Dinajpur, Panchagarh, Nilphamari, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia, and may continue. Weather is expected to remain generally dry with temporary partly cloudy skies over the country, said a Met office bulletin. Moderate to dense fog may occur at places over river basins while light to moderate fog is likely elsewhere during late night and morning hours. Cold wave disrupts life, livelihoods across northern Bangladesh The Met Office also forecast that night and day temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged across the country. The lowest temperature was recorded in Tentulia at 8.4 degrees Celsius.

Khulna University administration has suspended Professor Dr. Rubel Ansar of Bengali Department for two years following allegations of sexual harassment by a female student. The information was disclosed on Sunday in a letter issued by the university’s acting registrar Professor Dr. S M Mahbubur Rahman. According to university sources, in August last year, a female student accused Professor Rubel Ansar of indecent behavior, sexual harassment, and proposing an unethical relationship. Shortly afterward, another female student from a different department submitted a similar complaint. A seven-member committee was formed to investigate both allegations. On December 26, Sexual Harassment Prevention Center of the university submitted two separate reports to the committee. Both reports were adopted at the university’s 234th syndicate meeting on December 28. Professor Dr. S M Mahbubur Rahman said the syndicate based on the committee’s recommendations decided to relieve Professor Rubel Ansar from one of the allegations. Khulna University student found hanging at residence Regarding the second allegation, he has been suspended from all teaching, examination, and administrative duties in the Bengali Department for the next two years. The registrar added that although Professor Rubel Ansar is barred from classes and examinations he will continue to receive his salary and other benefits during the suspension period. When contacted, Professor Rubel Ansar said he had received the university’s letter and would comment on the matter later.

Bangladesh Bank has instructed all scheduled banks and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to play an active role in raising public awareness to ensure the upcoming national referendum is successful and meaningful. The directives were issued during a "Bankers’ Meeting" held at the central bank headquarters on Sunday. The meeting was presided over by Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur, with four deputy governors and managing directors of all private commercial banks in attendance. According to meeting sources, the central bank has mandated that every bank branch across the country display at least two awareness banners regarding the referendum. This initiative aims to provide citizens with a clear understanding of the referendum's importance and objectives. The instruction follows a prior directive issued by the Chief Adviser’s Office. The central bank also suggested that banks provide financial assistance from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to NGOs that undertake grassroots awareness programs. "If NGOs initiate field-level campaigns to educate the public about the referendum, banks can support them through CSR allocations to ensure a wider reach," a BB official stated. Aside from the referendum, the meeting addressed several key financial indicators: Default Loans: Non-performing loans (NPLs) in the banking sector fell to 30.34 percent at the end of December. Excluding five merged banks, the NPL rate stands at 24.53 percent. Loan Restructuring: The Governor directed banks to overhaul micro and digital nano-loan programs to prevent them from falling into the hands of "risky" or "bad" borrowers. School Banking: Each branch manager is now required to visit at least two schools annually to encourage students to open bank accounts. Forex Reserves: The central bank noted that foreign exchange reserves are on an upward trend. Officials expect increased remittance inflows ahead of the upcoming Ramadan and Eid-ul-Adha festivals. The meeting highlighted that the government is simplifying approval processes for foreign investors. Furthermore, reforms to the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act are currently underway. Regarding interest rates, the central bank clarified that there is currently no scope to reduce rates as inflation has not yet reached the desired level. However, the central bank is working on strategies to bring interest rates to a tolerable level as soon as possible. Masrur Arefin, Chairman of the Association of Bankers, Bangladesh (ABB), emphasized that banks are fully committed to making the referendum successful while maintaining the positive momentum in reserves and remittances.

A memorial meeting in memory of Begum Khaleda Zia, the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a key architect of the country's democracy, will be held in Washington DC on Monday (January 12, 2026). The programme is scheduled to take place at the National Press Club. Washington-based diplomats, senior US government officials, policymakers and media representatives are expected to attend the event. The event will be organised by National Press Club member and Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, who previously served as Assistant Press Secretary to Begum Khaleda Zia from 2001 to 2006 during her tenure as Prime Minister. The event will commemorate Begum Khaleda Zia's political life, her role in the restoration and consolidation of democracy, and her significant contributions to the history of Bangladesh with due respect and dignity.

At least 26 people, including women, were injured in a clash between two groups in Charachithulia village of Shahjadpur upazila in Sirajganj on Sunday. Of the injured, 17 were admitted to Pabna General Hospital and several private clinics for treatment. Saiful Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Shahjadpur Police Station, confirmed the incident. He said the clash broke out between the Fakir group and the Sarkar group following a dispute between two children. On Saturday night, two boys named Nirab and Shimul got into an argument while attending an Islamic sermon in the village. The argument later turned into a scuffle. Following the incident, tensions grew between the two groups. On Sunday morning, supporters of Ziarul Fakir and Mahfuz Sarkar got into a violent clash. Both sides used local weapons, hurled bricks and stones, and vandalised houses. The clash continued for several hours with chases and counter-chases, spreading panic in the area. At least 10 houses were vandalised and looted during the violence. Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Additional police have been deployed in the area and patrols have been strengthened. The OC said legal action will be taken if any complaint is filed. “The situation is now calm,” he added.

Bangladesh government has halted the import of onions from India through the country’s largest land port, Benapole, for the past two weeks, raising concern about a price hike. Importers, however, can continue bringing in onions under previously issued permits until January 30. Officials did not grant any new permits for onion imports from India on Saturday. Since December 24, no onion shipments have entered through Benapole. The last consignment of 60 metric tons arrived on that date, while 390 metric tons were imported between December 15 and 24 through six consignments carried in 13 trucks. Royal Islam, an onion importer, said the government usually allows onion imports when local prices rise sharply. Imports of onion were resumed on December 7 after a three-month halt, initially in limited quantities, which did not meet demand. Later, when import permissions increased, prices began to stabilise, falling to Tk 35–40 per kilogram. Since imports have now been suspended again, prices are rising to Tk 50–70 per kilogram, he said. “If the halt continues, prices could climb to Tk 80–85. Even the news of the suspension has already pushed prices up by Tk 10 per kilogram at the port,” he added. Shyamal Kumar Nath, Assistant Plant Quarantine Officer at Benapole, confirmed that onion imports from India have been halted for the past two weeks and no new permissions have been issued. Onions can still be imported under previously issued permits until January 30, he added.  

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a money laundering case against former law minister Anisul Huq, his female friend Taufiqa Karim, and two others over allegations of extortion and illegal financial transactions involving nearly Tk 25 crore. The CID lodged the regular case with Bhatara Police Station on Sunday under Section 4(2) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended in 2015), said CID Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan. The other accused are Md Rashedul Kawsar Bhuiyan alias Jibon and Md Kamruzzaman. According to the CID’s Financial Crime Unit, the four accused allegedly formed an organised crime ring and systematically collected money through illegal means over an extended period. The investigation found that Md Kamruzzaman, who joined the National Bank of Pakistan as managing director in 2015, regularly transferred funds to Taufiqa Karim’s personal bank account under the pretext of a legal consultancy agreement with her law firm, Sirajul Huq Associates. Until Kamruzzaman went into hiding on August 5, 2024, the group allegedly collected Tk 10.80 crore from the bank alone. In addition, CID said Taufiqa Karim’s personal accounts received approximately Tk 10.60 crore from various individuals and organisations. CID further stated that after Anisul Huq became law minister, his close associate Taufiqa Karim and Md Rashedul Kawsar Bhuiyan appointed Jibon as his personal secretary (PS). During this period, the accused allegedly formed an NGO named Legal Assistance to Helpless Prisoners and Persons. Taufiqa Karim served as its chairperson, Md Rashedul Kawsar Bhuiyan Jibon as secretary general, and Anisul Huq as treasurer. Investigators found that the NGO collected a substantial amount of money as donations through accounts maintained at Sonali Bank PLC, Supreme Court Branch. From March 11, 2015, to June 30, 2024, more than Tk 24.53 crore was deposited into the NGO’s accounts. During the investigation, the Dhaka Metropolitan Special Judge Court ordered the freezing of over Tk 24.53 crore deposited in 26 bank accounts in the name of accused Taufiqa Karim, CID officials said. The case is currently under investigation by the Financial Crime Unit of the CID. Authorities said efforts are underway to determine the full extent of the alleged offences, identify additional suspects, and take further legal action. The CID reaffirmed its commitment to combating money laundering and financial crimes, stating that all those involved in such offences will be brought to justice.