United News of Bangladesh

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin has said the information in the trade agreement following the negotiations with the United States will be released after the agreement is signed, subject to the consent of the United States. “So, due to our rights to information (Right to Information Act- RTI), and based on the US’ consent, we will definitely disclose the agreement,” he said, adding that there will be a joint statement once the deal is signed. The Commerce Adviser said it was to some extent unfortunate that the issue of the agreement was leaked. “You have seen, too. There is nothing against the country’s interest actually.” He made the remarks during a conversation with Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington Golam Mortoza who shared it from his verified Facebook page for the media.  The Commerce Adviser said they have clearly come out from those issues which might go indirectly against the country’s interest and mainly they involved the private sector. He said there is no alternative to increasing Bangladesh’s capacity if they want to implement the trade agreement. “At the same time, there is no room for complacency about this.” “Its success or failure will depend on our capacity and competitiveness. To get fruits from this, we need to boost our capacity and competitiveness. I have heard that there is no room for complacency. I hundred percent agree on this. Under no circumstances, we have no room for complacency,” he added. Asked about the purchase of 25 Boeing aircraft from the United States, Bashir said the United States did not raise the issue at all in the trade talks. “This issue is one-sided. Boeing made 12 aircraft last year. So according to this agreement, they may be able to deliver the first aircraft in 2037.” The United States was interested in agricultural products. Bangladesh imports food products worth $ 15 to 20 billion and the US is also a large producer of agricultural products. Bangladesh has mainly talked about reducing the trade deficit on the basis of energy and agricultural products, products that Bangladesh already has to import. The Commerce Adviser said the trade deficit with Bangladesh is about $6 billion. Bangladesh can try to reduce the trade deficit of $2 billion by increasing the import of cotton, soybean, corn and wheat products. He said this approach will help Bangladesh significantly to reduce the trade deficit. “Boeing aircraft are not a very important issue,” Bashir said, adding that “You don’t buy it every day but you buy soybean every day.” The Adviser laid emphasis on boosting the operational capacity of the aircraft and the interim government is trying to do that. Bangladesh’s national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines has the potential to transport an additional 10 million passengers, he said, adding that considering that, 25 aircraft are not much. The Commerce Adviser dismissed the speculations of any secret deal with the United States in exchange for the reciprocal tariff reduction on Bangladeshi exports from 35 percent to 20 percent, saying all discussions prioritised the national interests. “There is no room to ignore our own interests. Whatever we did, we did by prioritising our country—just as the US prioritises its national security," the Adviser said. He also noted that a Bangladeshi business delegation is currently in the USA, and "they will not do anything that goes against their own interests."

BNP Standing Committee member Hafizuddin Ahmed on Saturday lamented that a political party which opposed Bangladesh’s Liberation War is now trying to say the nation made a mistake in 1971. Speaking at a discussion, he also said it is very unfortunate that a proposal has been made to allow unelected individuals to amend the Constitution without people’s consent. “Nowhere in the world’s history have unelected people changed a constitution. How can they even think of changing the Constitution we built with our blood in 1972? They want to throw that away. A political party that opposed the Liberation War now wants to say that the nation made a mistake in 1971 and it was a stray nation,” the BNP leader said. Hafizuddin, a valiant freedom fighter, questioned how such people are getting the chance to say these things. “It really pains me. I was wounded in the war. I was young, full of dreams. But the Awami League did not fulfill those dreams,” he said. The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB Dhaka Centre) arranged the discussion to honour the families of martyrs at its auditorium in the capital, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. Hafiz said it is heartbreaking that the heroes who gave their lives in times of national crisis are often forgotten once that time passes, mainly because of the selfishness of political parties. He said no one sacrificed their life in the July-August movement thinking about whether elections would be held under a proportional representation system or a seat-based one. “They gave their lives for one reason to bring back democracy. And the only way to do that is through elections,” Hafiz said. He said those who have tasted the pleasures of power now do not want to leave it as they have continued dragging things out with excuses like reforms. The BNP leader said the only reform needed is to hold the national election under a non-partisan caretaker government to ensure a free and fair vote. “Only through such a proper election can we move to a truly democratic system. Instead of coming up with new ideas every day and talking about examples from America, London, or Germany — try to focus on this. What benefit do we get from those?” he asked. Hafiz said people want a leader they know and trust and someone who has stood by them in good and bad times. “People won’t vote for someone they don’t know, someone who has never been there for them. How can we expect that by voting for an unknown and unfamiliar election symbol?” He said in every movement, it is the ordinary people who shed their blood and give their lives. “But a certain group of politicians enjoy the benefits and keep misleading the nation.” Hafiz said the main reason behind the country’s current dire state is the absence of an elected government. “Whether we (politicians) are good or bad, we must be accountable to the people as their elected representatives. But now some people say, ‘They (BNP leaders) will just loot, so we don’t need elections.’ What kind of logic is that? Without an elected government, no one will invest here. Law and order will also never be restored,” he said. Hafiz said that Bangladesh is no longer a people’s republic. Now it is controlled by oligarchy, mobocracy, and aristocracy. “Borrowing ideas from abroad, some so-called intellectuals are trying to tell us how to run our country. Many of them don’t even know whether planks grow on paddy stalks or not, but they keep giving us lectures. Some of them don’t even bother to vote because they don’t want to stand in line — they just sleep comfortably. But now they want to control the country’s politics?” he said. Hafiz said the interim government’s main responsibility was to ensure treatment for those who were injured, maimed, or lost eyes or limbs in the democracy movement. “But they couldn't even do that simple task.” He said the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina was brought down through a long struggle and many sacrifices, including the lives of martyrs. Hafiz expressed sorrow that the interim government has failed to take meaningful steps to fulfill the dreams of the martyrs or ease the suffering of their families because it does not carry the spirit of the mass uprising. BNP Standing Committee member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the people of Bangladesh, through united efforts, removed Sheikh Hasina from power last year. He said conspirators at home and abroad are now trying to break that unity for their own benefit. Zahid warned that any disunity among democratic forces would only open the door for fascist elements to return. He also said people are eagerly waiting for the national election and warned that any attempt to delay it will end in failure and frustration for the plotters.

Masud Jamil Khan, Deputy Managing Director of Cosmos Group and Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh,  received a certificate along with other distinguished fellows as the Capstone Course 2025/2 at the National Defence College (NDC) concluded with a ceremony highlighting strategic leadership and national development. The intensive three-week programme held from July 13 to July 31 at Mirpur Cantonment brought together 45 distinguished fellows including senior military officers, bureaucrats, senior judges, eminent academicians, prominent doctors, engineers and scientists, senior officials from government and non-government organisations, diplomats, journalists, and corporate leaders. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh Army, graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest and distributed certificates among the Capstone fellows. In his address, General Waker-Uz-Zaman extended warm congratulations to the Fellows for completing the intellectually demanding course. He highlighted the importance of strategic leadership in navigating the contemporary challenges of nation-building emphasising the need for dynamic, reform-minded leaders who can steer the country’s institutions toward greater efficiency and inclusivity. Calling upon the Fellows to lead by example, he urged them to embrace their roles in shaping a prosperous and resilient Bangladesh, capable of meeting the hopes and aspirations of its people. Reflecting on the objectives of the Capstone Course, the chief guest acknowledged the platform’s vital role in creating a convergence of ideas among the country’s rising thought leaders. Lieutenant General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque, Commandant of NDC, emphasised the significance of informed dialogue and consensus-building in areas of national importance. He noted that the Fellows' enthusiastic engagement throughout the course has strengthened the network of strategic thinkers in Bangladesh and furthered the College’s mission to develop visionary leadership. The Fellows' active, thoughtful, and respectful engagement throughout the course has broadened strategic understanding and strengthened a national network of cross-sectoral leadership. The Capstone Course, one of the flagship programmes of the National Defence College, is designed to build strategic awareness, foster critical thinking, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, and develop a shared understanding of national security and development issues across various spheres of leadership in Bangladesh. The closing ceremony was attended by senior military and civil officials, faculty and staff from National Defence College and dignitaries from the Armed Forces and other national institutions.

Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Saturday said the July Declaration represents the vision and aspirations of the July mass uprising and stands as a documentary proof of the historic movement. He said this while talking to reporters after a rally marking the July Uprising at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital. About the ongoing work on the July Declaration, the adviser said it is being drafted based on opinions from various political parties and it would be signed by August 5. Highlighting the activities of the ministry surrounding the uprising, Mahfuj Alam said efforts are underway to preserve the memories of the event. Fifteen directorate and agencies under the Information and Broadcasting Ministry are involved in disseminating information, archiving documents and producing documentaries on the July Uprising, he said. He said Bangladesh Betar and BTV are broadcasting documentaries and programmes on the uprising while the Press Information Department and Press Institute of Bangladesh are conducting research. The Department of Films and Publications has already produced several documentaries and the Bangladesh Film Archive has taken a project to preserve historical records. The Journalist Welfare Trust has extended financial support to the families of journalists killed or injured during the movement. The adviser said people from all walks of life, particularly teachers, social workers, and cultural activists participated in it during the final days. “We began the uprising here at the Shaheed Minar and celebrated victory here,” he added. As long as the martyrs are remembered and the pain of the injured is felt the commitment to build a new Bangladesh will remain strong, he said. Calling for national unity in rebuilding the country, Majfuj Alam said, “Through the sacrifices of the martyrs we’ve gained a new sense of freedom and a renewed opportunity to build the nation.” Secretary of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Mahbuba Farzana along with officials, employees, and journalists attended the rally and the gathering. Earlier in the day, a colourful rally marking the anniversary of the July Uprising was organised by the ministry. It began at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium premises and ended at the Central Shaheed Minar.

As India continues taking unilateral steps on shared rivers, experts and activists are urging Bangladesh to intensify its struggle for fair water rights, warning that the country’s environment and the lives of millions are at serious risk. Speaking at an event on Saturday, they called for stronger public mobilisation and basin-based joint management of the 54 rivers shared with India. They also pointed out that the only existing water-sharing deal—the Ganges Water Treaty—is set to expire in December 2026, making a fresh agreement all the more urgent. The calls were made at the launch of a memorial book on Atiqur Rahman Salu at the Jatiya Press Club. Speakers alleged that India, without any bilateral agreement, has built dams upstream and regularly diverts water during the dry season, choking Bangladesh’s rivers and worsening environmental degradation. In contrast, they pointed out, India releases sudden torrents of water during the rainy season without prior warning, leading to devastating floods and river erosion downstream. They stressed that the solution lies in basin-based joint river management, ensuring that both upstream and downstream nations benefit, and that rivers remain ecologically alive from their Himalayan origins to the sea. The memorial book on Atiqur Rahman Salu, featuring a foreword by Emeritus Professor Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, carries 30 articles highlighting his lifelong struggle for river water rights in Bangladesh. His work was described as a model of unwavering activism that will continue to inspire future generations. Salu had envisioned organising another mass gathering like the one held in Chilmari on March 4, 2005, where a million people rallied to demand fair water sharing. That event echoed the historic Farakka Long March led by Maulana Bhashani in 1976, which paved the way for the 1977 Ganga Water Treaty. Saturday’s event was organised by the International Farakka Committee (IFC), Bangladesh. IFC New York Chairman Syed Tipu Sultan presided over the programme, while Mostafa Kamal Majumder, President of IFC Bangladesh, moderated it.  Dr Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Ministry of Finance,  Mostafa Jamal Haider, Chairman, Jatiya Party (Zafar), Professor Jasim Uddin Ahmad, Chief Adviser, IFC Bangladesh,  Professor Shahria Akhtar Bulu, former MP, Farida Eusufzai, wife of Atiqur Rahman Salu and publisher of the book; Mostafafizur Rahman Iran, Chairman, Bangladesh Labour Party; Kamrul Huda, editor of the book, among others, attended the event. Others who spoke at the event included Gias Ahmed (Bhashani Foundation, New York), Principal Sheikh Firoz Ahmad, Professor Israrul Haque, Kamal Uddin Chowdhury, Principal Abdul Mannan Khan, Advocate Mujibur Rahman, Jamaluddin Jamal, Rafiqul Islam Azad, and Ataur Rahman Ata, according to press release.

A 33-year-old van puller was stabbed to death allegedly by the ex-husband of his wife at Nandanpratap village in Dighalia upazila of Khulna district early Saturday. The deceased was identified as Al Amin Sikder, 33, son of Kawsar Sikder. Md Jamil, sub-inspector of Kamargati Police Camp, said Asadul, first husband of Al Amin’s wife, stormed into their house around 5:30 am and hit Al Amin with a sharp weapon, leaving him dead on the spot. On information, police recovered the body and sent it to a local hospital morgue. Police suspected that Asadul, hailing from Jhenaidah, killed Al Amin for marrying his wife.  

A construction worker died after falling from the under-construction library building at Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Friday. The deceased was identified as Md Ariful Islam, 40, hailing from Shailkupa upazila in Jhenaidah district. Ariful fell from the fourth floor of the lecture theatre section of the library building around 8:30am in the Bot Tola area of the campus, said witnesses. Ariful was initially taken to the university medical centre and then  to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar where he succumbed to his injuries around 4:30pm. Dr Ningtom, duty physician at the JU medical centre, said "A group of workers brought him in around 11am. They said he had fallen from a height. He had facial injuries and lost several teeth. We immediately sent him to Enam Medical College Hospital in the university’s ambulance.” The library construction is being implemented by Anik Trading Corporation Ltd. Asked about the incident, Mominul Karim, chief engineer of the contractor firm, said, “Currently, our work there is on hold. I’m in Dhaka, but I was informed that some workers were still present at the site. I was told that a worker died after falling. I don’t have further details yet. We will look into the matter.” JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan expressed deep sorrow and frustration over not being informed earlier. “It’s unfortunate that such a tragic incident happened on the campus and I was not notified until late at night. I have called an emergency administrative meeting at 10am on Saturday. Besides compensation, we must ensure that those responsible face justice,” he said.  

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman  has undergone successful coronary artery bypass surgery at a private hospital in the capital. “The surgery was completed without any complications,” renowned cardiologist Dr Jahangir Kabir, who conducted the surgery, told media at the hospital on Saturday. He is currently at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and is expected to return home in seven days, he added. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman had been under medical care at United Hospital in Dhaka since mid-July, following a health scare during Jamaat's national rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on July 19. He fell ill twice while delivering his speech and had to complete his remarks seated before being rushed to hospital for examination. Nazrul Islam, his personal secretary, earlier said that Dr. Shafiqur was undergoing a series of health check-ups which ultimately revealed the need for urgent cardiac intervention.  

The interim government has finalised the draft of the July Declaration which will be unveiled before the nation on Tuesday. “The July Declaration will be presented to the nation on Tuesday (August 5) at 5:00 pm in the presence of all political parties involved in the mass uprising,” said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. He said further details in this regard will be announced shortly. July Charter to be signed soon, hopes BNP leader Salahuddin

Some 114 unidentified victims killed during the July Uprising and buried in Rayerbazar Intellectual Graveyard will be identified soon, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday.“We have begun the process of identifying the bodies. Once confirmed, the families may decide whether to leave the remains there or move that elsewhere,” he said while talking to reporters during a visit to the Rayerbazar graveyard in the morning.Earlier, the families of the deceased were initially reluctant to assist the authorities in the identification process but now they have agreed to cooperate with, he said, adding, “This graveyard holds a mass grave of 114 people whose identities remain unconfirmed.” No security concern over August 5: Home AdviserHe also prayed for salvation of the departed souls.Raising concerns about reported irregularities in the graveyard’s construction work, the adviser said, “As you can see, the quality of materials used—bricks and gravel—is very poor.”Expressing regret, he said, “It is disheartening to see corruption even in the construction of graves for those who gave their lives for the country. This cannot be allowed to continue.” He urged journalists to expose such corruption. “Those responsible for these wrongdoings will be brought to justice,” he warned.Earlier in the day, the adviser visited Mohammadpur Police Station.