United News of Bangladesh

Two motorcyclists were killed as a speeding bus crashed into their vehicles on a Padma Bridge slope at the Zanjira end of Shariatpur district on Saturday night. One of the deceased was identified as Mohammad Ali Antu and a resident of Hemayetpur of Savar. Md Nakib Akram, officer in-charge (OC) of Padma Bridge Dakshin Police Station, said the bus rammed into the bikes from behind while moving towards the Expressway from the Padma Bridge service area around 10:15 pm, leaving the duo dead on the spot. One killed, three injured in Dhaka-Mawa Expressway accident On information, police recovered the bodies and handed them over to Shibchar Highway Police Station, he said, adding that they were trying to know details about the incident.

The government has made the submission of income tax returns through online mandatory for all individual taxpayers for the running 2025–2026 assessment year. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued a special order in this connection on Sunday, stating that the order will be applicable from August 4. According to a new order four specific categories of people will be exempted from this compulsion. They are senior citizens aged 65 years or above, physically-challenged or especially abled taxpayers (upon submission of valid certification), Bangladeshi taxpayers residing abroad; and legal representatives filing returns on behalf of deceased taxpayers. Online tax returns cross 10 lakh, registrations over 16 lakh The NBR, however, clarified that these exempted individuals may still opt to file returns online if they wish. The order also notes that, in the case of technical difficulties with registration in the e-return system, any individual taxpayer (except those exempted) may apply to the concerned Deputy Tax Commissioner by October 31, 2025, stating valid reasons. Upon approval by the relevant Additional or Joint Tax Commissioner, such taxpayers will be allowed to submit their returns in paper form, it said.

The bodies of two Bangladeshi men were recovered from the Padma River near the Masudpur border in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj on Saturday afternoon. Locals alleged that the two men were tortured and killed by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), though the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has not confirmed the cause of death. The deceased were identified as Shafiqul Islam, 45, son of Sirajul Islam, and Selim, 35, son of the late Mortuza — both residents of Tarapur village in Manaksha Union under Shibganj upazila. Four killed as train hits auto-rickshaw in Cox's Bazar According to locals, the bodies were spotted floating in the Padma River near Batasi More around 2:30 pm. Upon being informed, members of the Masudpur BGB camp recovered the bodies. Samir Uddin, member of Ward No. 8 of Manaksha Union Parishad, said that the two men had crossed into India last Thursday to bring back cattle and had been missing since then. On Saturday, locals identified their bodies when they surfaced in the river. He alleged that the bodies bore signs of brutal torture, including acid burns and deep cuts from sharp weapons. Locals claimed that Indian BSF personnel were responsible, accusing them of changing their methods to disguise the killings and dumping the bodies into the river after confirming death. Lieutenant Colonel Fahad Mahmud Rinku, commander of the BGB’s 53rd Battalion, confirmed that the bodies were found approximately 2.5 km inside Bangladesh territory from border pillar 4/2-S at around 3pm. 2 passenger go missing, 28 injured in Sylhet bus plunge "The bodies were recovered and their identities confirmed. Police have been informed to take further action. The cause of death is still unknown. We have informed the BSF, who responded that they have no knowledge of the incident," said the BGB official.

Bangladesh High Commission in Canada has opened “July Beyond Borders” on Friday — a stirring photo exhibition and documentary screening marking the first anniversary of the 2024 July Uprising. The exhibition remains open to the public through to 5 August. Held at the High Commission auditorium in Ottawa, the launch event gathered members of the Bangladesh diaspora and other Canadian guests. The exhibition presents powerful visual testimony from a movement that began with students on the streets and grew into a nationwide cry for justice, dignity, non-discrimination, and emancipation. What started as peaceful protests against a job quota system in mid-2024 became a sweeping uprising against state repression.

A 29-year-old woman died early Saturday at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, allegedly due to wrong treatment during an earlier admission at a private hospital in Chandpur. Aggrieved citizens, including relatives of the patients, vandalised the hospital and put it under lock, causing severe distress to other patients. The deceased, Umme Hasna Ripa, a resident of Kabaraj Bari in East Nazimhor, underwent a caesarean section on June 26 at Shahrasti General Hospital, performed by retired Dr Tanjana Sultan, who was long associated with Shahrasti's local Upazila Health Complex. Ripa was discharged on June 30 but continued to experience worsening pain. On July 15, Ripa was readmitted to the hospital as her condition deteriorated. That night, she was referred to Cumilla Tower Hospital, where doctors reportedly discovered a bladder rupture — allegedly a result of medical negligence during her earlier surgery. She was later admitted to Padma Hospital in Dhaka on July 26 and eventually transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital on July 29, where she died while undergoing treatment at 2:30 am on August 2. When Ripa’s body was brought back to Shahrasti on Saturday morning, enraged family members and locals vandalised Shahrasti General Hospital and locked its gates, trapping several patients and attendants inside. No hospital staff were present at the time. Relatives of the deceased claimed that the hospital has a history of medical negligence and alleged that their doctors were directly responsible for Ripa’s death. Abul Bashar, officer-in-charge (OC), of Shahrasti Police Station, said police visited the scene to assess the situation. “We will take appropriate action once a formal complaint is filed,” he said. Dr Akalmia Jahan, Health and Family Welfare Planning Officer of the Upazila, said: “So far, no written complaint has been submitted. Once received, necessary action will be taken.”

Police have submitted the chargesheet in the first murder case linked to the mass uprising in Chittagong, which took place during the political unrest in July last year. Investigating Officer SI Nurul Haque of Chandgaon Police Station submitted the chargesheet to the prosecution branch of the Chittagong Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court on Thursday. The court also fixed a hearing on the chargesheet for August 25, in the presence of the plaintiff, said Chandgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aftab Ahmed. The case involved the killing of Shahidul Islam Shahid, a shop employee, who was shot dead during a student-led movement in the Bahaddarhat area of Chittagong city on the evening of August 3, 2024—just two days before the fall of the Awami League government. The chargesheet, filed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, named 231 individuals as accused. Among them are several high-profile political figures, including Former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury Jabed and Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel. Other prominent accused include former Chittagong City Corporation mayors Rezaul Karim Chowdhury and AJM Nasir Uddin, as well as former MPs ABM Fazle Karim Chowdhury, MA Latif, Abu Reza Muhammad Nezamuddin Nadvi, Mohiuddin Bachchu, Abdus Salam, Didarul Alam Didar, SM Al Mamun, and Noman Al Mahmud. Also listed are former city councilors Jaharlal Hazari, Esrarul Haque, Nur Mostafa Tinu, Pulak Khastgir, Salimullah Bachchu, and Ziaul Haque Sumon, alongside city Awami League president Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury and numerous leaders and activists from affiliated bodies like Jubo League and Chhatra League. According to court sources, 128 individuals have been named as witnesses. An application has been made for the trial to proceed and the court will now determine the next course of legal action, added the OC.

The Bangladesh Ikebana Association (BIA) made its debut presentation at India House in North Gulshan, showcasing a traditional Ikebana arrangement during a recent cultural event. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the High Commission of India in Bangladesh invited the BIA to participate in the program, said a press release on Saturday. Themed ‘Stripes of Green: A Celebration of Tigers and Our Planet’, the event is aimed at raising awareness about environmental conservation with a particular focus on the Royal Bengal Tiger. In line with this theme, BIA’s Immediate Past President, Shahinoor Baby, created a captivating Ikebana composition inspired by the natural beauty of the Sundarbans—the homeland of the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. The Ikebana corner drew significant attention from attendees, who praised both the artistry and the meaningful message conveyed through the floral display. Ann Merry George, First Secretary (Culture & Political) at the High Commission of India, honored the BIA team during the event, presenting crests to Masud Karim, Shahinoor Baby and Shormila Yesmin in recognition of their contributions. The event was followed by dinner and a group photo session.

Bangladesh and the United States have concluded Tiger Shark, a bilateral military exercise designed to enhance regional security cooperation, improve interoperability and build mutual capacity between the armed forces of both nations.  “This joint military exercise reaffirms our commitment to a safer, stronger and more prosperous Indo-Pacific. It also symbolises the strong US-Bangladesh partnership,” said US Chargé d’ Affaires Ambassador Tracey Jacobson marking the conclusion of the joint military exercise. Tiger Shark reflects the enduring commitment of the United States and Bangladesh to promote peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region, said the US Embassy in Dhaka in a media release on Saturday.

Environmental adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the recent advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate finance, while not legally binding, establishes a moral obligation for responsible states to act. She made the remarks at a roundtable discussion held on Saturday at the Department of Environment in the capital’s Agargaon. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Department of Environment, said a media release. Syeda Rizwana Hasan emphasised the special significance of the ICJ’s opinion, creating a moral obligation that pressures states to meet their climate responsibilities - when combined with citizen pressure, can compel action. It has created moral pressure on high-emitting states. She said the court’s reaffirmation of the 1.5°C temperature limit and stressed the urgency to phase out fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy.” She also said that the future generations—especially youth, who are already deeply engaged—will be the most impacted, and we cannot ignore this rule on their behalf. Dr. Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) said the ICJ’s opinion is not just about international obligations—it brings domestic climate justice to the forefront. “All ministries, from Planning to Finance, must now integrate a climate and vulnerability lens into their work. The opinion provides a strong basis to push for accountability, both globally and within our own systems.” She mentioned it as a wake-up call to strengthen institutions and ensure no one is left behind. “We invite NGOs and civil society to continue engaging with us in shaping an inclusive and just climate future,” she added. The event was co-organised by Friendship, Centre for Climate Justice-Bangladesh (CCJ-B), BRAC and Centre for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD). Environmental lawyer Adv. M. Hafijul Islam Khan delivered the keynote presentation at the event. He said that the ICJ’s opinion makes it clear—climate action is no longer discretionary but a binding legal obligation. Legal counsel to Bangladesh at the ICJ, Professor Payam Akhavan, described the opinion as a turning point that transforms climate negotiations from voluntary commitments into enforceable legal duties. He urged Bangladesh to use international law to amplify its calls for climate finance, compensation, and accountability. Prof Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, professor of the University of Cambridge, emphasised the importance of collaborative initiatives, highlighting the partnership between the Government of Bangladesh and the University of Cambridge, which includes scholarships for online courses. Youth climate activist Sohanur Rahman said “Following the ICJ’s advisory opinion, Bangladesh must enact a strong climate law to ensure equity in NDCs, protect vulnerable communities, and guarantee justice for future generations.” On July 23 2025, the ICJ delivered this landmark advisory opinion from The Hague, addressing climate finance, compensation, and adaptation. The court warned that failure to provide compensation for climate damages could expose responsible states to legal action. This followed the March 29, 2023 resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which unanimously requested the ICJ to provide its advisory opinion. Bangladesh was among the 18 core countries that led the initiative and helped draft the legal questions considered by the court.

Four people, including the driver of a CNG-run auto-rickshaw, were killed after being struck by a train in Rashidnagar Union of Ramu upazila on Saturday. The deceased were identified as Shahab Uddin, the driver; passenger Morjina and her child. The identity of the fourth victim is yet to be confirmed. Md Tayebur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Ramu Police Station, said the accident occurred around 1:30pm at the Rashidnagar level crossing. The auto-rickshaw was on its way to Cox’s Bazar town from Bharuakhali in Cox’s Bazar Sadar upazila when it was hit by the train while crossing the tracks. Following the incident, an agitated crowd gathered and blocked the rail route, halting train services for about three hours. The train involved in the accident was also stopped. Superintendent of Police Saifuddin Shaheen said the crowd was dispersed from the railway track around 5pm with the assistance of the army and members of Railway East Bengal (REB). “Train operations have since resumed, and the situation is now under control,” he added.