United News of Bangladesh

The newly elected women MPs will take oath on Sunday to represent their respective parties from the reserved seats. Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, will administer the oath to the MPs-elect at 9pm on Sunday at the Oath Room of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, said Director (Public Relations) of the Parliament Secretariat Md. Monir Hossain told UNB on Saturday. Earlier on April 30, the Election Commission published a gazette declaring 49 lawmakers elected unopposed to the reserved women’s seats in the 13th parliament. The 49 women lawmakers-elect include 36 MPs from the BNP-led alliance, 12 from the Jamaat-led alliance and one independent. The 36 BNP alliance MPs are Selima Rahman, Shirin Sultana, Rasheda Begum Hira, Rehana Akter Ranu, Newaz Halima Arly, Farida Yasmin, Bilkis Islam, Shakila Farzana, Helen Jerin Khan, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Zeeba Amina Khan, Mahmuda Habiba, Sabira Sultana, Sunsila Jabrin, Sanjida Islam (Tulee), Sultana Ahmed, Fahmida Haque, Anna Minz, Subarna Shikdar, Shamim Ara Begum Swapna, Shammi Akter, Ferdousi Ahmed, Bithika Binte Hossain, Suraiya Jerin, Mansura Akter, Jahrat Adib Chowdhury, Momtaz Alo, Fahima Nasrin, Arifa Sultana, Sanjida Yasmin, Nadia Pathan Papon, Shawkat Ara Akter, Madhabi Marma, Selina Sultana and Rezeka Sultana. The 12 Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance newly elected lawmakers include Nurunnisa Siddika, Marzia Begum, Sabikun Nahar, Nazmun Nahar, Mahfuza Hannan, Sajeda Samad, Shamsunnahar Begum, Marzdia Momtaz, Rokeya Begum (mother of July martyr Jabir Ibrahim),  Mahmuda Alam Mitu (NCP), Tasmia Pradhan (Jagpa) and Mahbuba Hakim (Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish). The independent MP for the lone reserved seat is Sultana Jasmin. There are 50 reserved seats for women in the Parliament. For the last remaining seat, which is supposed to go to the National Citizen Party, the Election Commission has already rejected the nominations of two NCP aspirants - Monira Sharmin's candidacy was deemed ineligible, while Nusrat Tabassum submitted her paperwork late.  It remains to be seen how Parliament resolves the issue of the vacant NCP seat.    

Youth from Satkhira formed a human chain in the capital on Saturday, pressing a 16-point demand aimed at ensuring sustainable development, employment generation, and environmental protection in their home district. The programme, held in the city's  Mohammadpur under the banner of Satkhira Unnayan Samunnoy Forum, called for integrating Satkhira into the country’s broader economic growth strategy. Participants said that despite its rich natural resources, Satkhira remains vulnerable to climate change and has long been neglected. With proper planning and effective initiatives, they noted, the district could emerge as a key driver of the national economy. During the event, the organisers raised  a 16-point development agenda. Key demands include establishing a Sundarbans Development Authority to promote tourism and environmental conservation, setting up food processing industries to ensure fair prices for farmers, and creating a fish processing zone for preservation and export of shrimp and other fisheries, says a press release .  They also called for upgrading the Satkhira–Shyamnagar highway, declaring Patkelghata as a sub-district, modernising Bhomra Land Port to international standards, and establishing railway connectivity from Navaron to Bhomra and Munshiganj. Other demands include relocating the bus terminal outside the town to ease traffic congestion, setting up an international standard science and technology university in Debhata, and formulating a sustainable master plan to tackle flooding and storm surges. The agenda further emphasises construction of durable embankments, ensuring safe drinking water through rainwater harvesting in coastal areas, improving healthcare services, and upgrading the medical college hospital into a fully functional 500-bed facility with specialist doctors and a cancer research centre. In addition, the youth demanded development of ecotourism zones in Neeldumur and Munshiganj, construction of border roads to curb smuggling and drug trafficking, and establishment of modern sports complexes and gymnasiums. Speakers at the event, including Forum President Iqbal Masud, Chief Adviser Afsar Ali, General Secretary Bokuluzzaman and Joint Secretary S M Mehedi Hasan, said implementation of the 16-point agenda would ensure overall development of Satkhira and contribute positively to the national economy, particularly in the health and tourism sectors.

Former five-time Member of Parliament from Mymensingh-6 (Fulbaria) constituency and Awami League leader Advocate Moslem Uddin has passed away. He died while undergoing treatment at Japan-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital in Dhaka on Saturday at 11:30am. He was 88. Family sources said Moslem Uddin was admitted to the hospital due to age-related complications and breathed his last at around 11:30am while under medical care. The veteran politician served as the president of Fulbaria Upazila Awami League, a former member of the Constituent Assembly, a Member of Parliament, and former president of the Mymensingh District Lawyers’ Association. He was elected Member of Parliament from Mymensingh-6 constituency as an Awami League candidate in 1986, 1996, 2008, 2014 and 2018. He is survived by three sons, two daughters, and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. His son Imdadul Haque Selim, said the first namaz-e-janaza will be held at Taqwa Mosque in Dhanmondi, Dhaka after Zuhr prayers on Sunday. On the same day, second janaza will be held at 10am at Mymensingh District Bar Association, followed by another at 3pm at Fulbaria Government High School ground and at 5pm at Alhaj Md Moslem Uddin Orphanage ground. After the janaza prayers, he will be buried at his family graveyard at his ancestral home in Newgi Kushmail following his final rites.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam on Saturday said the government is working to rehabilitate hawkers in an organised manner as their unregulated occupation of roads and footpaths in the past caused public suffering and disorder. “From now on, a fixed number of hawkers will be allowed to sit at designated places on footpaths or roads for a specified period of time. We are working to rehabilitate hawkers in an organised manner while ensuring uninterrupted movement of pedestrians and vehicles,” he said. He made the remarks while attending a foundation stone laying programme for road development works at Haq Residential Society area under Zone-2 of DSCC. Abdus Salam attended the programme as the chief guest while State Minister for Railways and the Road Transport and Highways Division Habibur Rashid Habib was present as the special guest. The project, being implemented with DSCC’s own funding, includes the development of around 1.1 kilometres of roads along with pipe drains in lanes and by-lanes at an estimated cost of Tk 3.67 crore. Speaking after the ceremony, the DSCC Administrator said the present government believes in work and the Prime Minister is closely monitoring the overall activities of the city corporations. He added that the ongoing development projects would be implemented in coordination with the respective lawmakers. Speaking at the event, State Minister Habibur Rashid Habib expressed optimism that DSCC would fulfill public expectations under the new government with its highest level of capability. Senior officials of Dhaka South City Corporation and local political leaders were also present at the programme.

Bangladesh will join the rest of the world in observing World Press Freedom Day on Sunday  through various programmes at a time when limited media and information literacy and weak verification practices are eroding public trust in credible journalism. In 1993, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 May as World Press Freedom Day, marking a historic step toward promoting a free press and freedom of expression globally. Since then, the global media landscape has undergone significant transformation, driven by the expansion of independent media and the rapid evolution of digital technologies. 9 globally renowned rights groups urge Bangladesh PM to urgently address concerns over press freedom International frameworks and human rights standards have continued to reinforce the central role of press freedom in democratic governance, sustainable development, and peace. Marking the day, Information and Broadcasting Ministry will hold a discussion at the conference room of the Department of Film and Publications on Sunday morning, an official told UNB. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan will join the discussion as the chief guest while the State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury will join as special guest. Leaders of the Jatiya Press Club, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Editors’ Council, and Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) will also speak. Meanwhile, a separate interactive discussion in celebration of World Press Freedom Day 2026 will be held at the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in city’s Dhanmondi area in cooperation with UNESCO.        However, in recent years, the challenges facing journalists and media institutions have become increasingly complex. UNESCO’s global analyses highlight a growing decline in media independence, rising self-censorship, and increasing threats to journalists, particularly in politically sensitive contexts. The digital transformation of the information ecosystem has further complicated these dynamics, accelerating the spread of misinformation and disinformation while challenging the sustainability and credibility of professional journalism. In this context, the concept of “Information as a Public Good,” reaffirmed in the Windhoek+30 Declaration (2021), remains highly relevant. Rebuilding Public Trust Public trust in media is fundamental to democratic governance, enabling citizens to access reliable information, engage in informed public debate, and hold power to account, according to a concept note shared by UNESCO. As emphasised by UNESCO, independent, pluralistic, and professional media are essential to safeguarding freedom of expression and ensuring access to information. However, UNESCO’s World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development points to a global decline in media independence and rising self-censorship, particularly in politically sensitive contexts such as elections and democratic transitions. In Bangladesh, these challenges are particularly pronounced as the country navigates an evolving political and reform landscape, said UNESCO. A recent media assessment by UNESCO and UNDP highlights that legal constraints, political pressures, and structural imbalances within the media sector continue to limit the full exercise of press freedom. These dynamics have direct implications for the ability of journalists to report independently on issues of public interest, including governance, accountability, and electoral processes, ultimately affecting public trust in both media and democratic institutions. The transformation of the information ecosystem has further intensified these challenges. The digital environment in Bangladesh has become increasingly contested, with the rapid spread of misinformation, disinformation, and politically motivated narratives. During electoral periods, these risks are amplified, undermining informed decision-making and distorting public discourse. UNESCO’s work on the ensuring the safety of journalists underscores that threats, harassment, surveillance, and legal pressures against journalists not only endanger individuals but also restrict the public’s right to information. In Bangladesh, such pressures, combined with concerns around media ownership concentration and economic vulnerabilities, can contribute to self-censorship and reduced editorial independence, particularly in coverage of politically sensitive issues, UNESCO said. Rebuilding public trust in this context requires addressing both structural and political dimensions of the media environment. Recognising these dynamics, there is a need to examine how media stakeholders, including journalists, editors, media owners, policymakers, and civil society, can work collectively to reinforce media credibility, safeguard independent journalism, and strengthen democratic accountability in Bangladesh. Objectives of World Press Freedom Day 2026 World Press Freedom Day 2026 aims to examine the role of media independence in rebuilding public trust and strengthening democratic accountability in Bangladesh, in line with global commitments to freedom of expression and SDG 16.10. The discussion will reaffirm the universal commitment to freedom of expression and press freedom and explore the relationship between media independence, public trust, and democratic accountability. The discussion will identify key challenges affecting media credibility, including disinformation, political pressures, and safety concerns and promote collaboration among media stakeholders, government institutions, civil society, and development partners and encourage strengthening of professional standards, media ethics, and information integrity in journalism. The event will begin with an inaugural session, setting the tone for discussions on press freedom, media independence, and public trust in Bangladesh, followed by a high-level panel discussion to stimulate informed debate on media independence, public trust, and democratic accountability in Bangladesh. A moderated panel will bring together journalists, editors, policymakers, academia, and civil society to examine the theme “Rebuilding Public Trust: Media Independence and Democratic Accountability in Bangladesh.”

A Russian national died on Friday after falling sick while exercising at the residential area of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna. The deceased was identified as Churkin Vladimir, 25, an employee of Atomstroyexport, a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, working on the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. According to police and project sources, Vladimir suddenly fell sick and collapsed while working out inside the residential complex. Colleagues rushed him to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. Officer-in-Charge of Ishwardi Police Station Asadur Rahman said the body was sent to Pabna Medical College Hospital for an autopsy following legal procedures on Saturday. “The exact cause of death will be known after the autopsy report. Necessary steps will be taken to send the body to his home country after completing legal formalities,” he added.

A man was killed and four others injured in a gas cylinder explosion at a scrap shop in Boro Kumira Majar Gate area of Sitakunda upazila in Chattogram on Saturday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Arman,30, a van driver hailing from Cumilla. Police said the explosion occurred at the scrap shop owned by Kamal Uddin  around 12 pm, leaving Arman, who was near the shop, dead on the spot. Kamal Uddin and three other people sustained injuries. Two of the injured were admitted to Sitakunda Upazila Health Complex while the other two to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Officer-in-Charge of Sitakunda Police Station Moinul Islam said police are investigating the cause of the explosion.

Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), on Saturday warned that the government’s practice of borrowing from the central bank to meet budget deficits is ‘suicidal’ for the national economy. Such borrowing fuels inflation and severely erodes the purchasing power of general public, she said at a shadow parliamentary debate organised by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC). She urged the government to prioritise international sources instead of banking channels to mitigate deficit pressures. Addressing the upcoming FY 2026-27 budget, Dr. Fahmida advocated for a ‘cost-effective’ budget with clear policy directions. She called for a transition from wholesale subsidies to a target-based system, specifically prioritising sectors like agriculture, irrigation, and public transport. "Wholesale subsidies in power and energy often benefit capable individuals who do not require them," she said suggesting that these funds be diverted to ensure food security. The CPD chief lauded the government’s initiatives like the Family Card and Farmer’s Card under social safety net programmes but stressed the need for transparency. "To reap the real benefits, accountability in beneficiary selection must be ensured to prevent the irregularities and corruption seen in the past," she added. Dr. Fahmida recommended temporary waivers on VAT and taxes for imported essential goods to provide relief to citizens amidst global market volatility. She cautioned that the impact would be limited if market management remains weak. She also suggested adjusting domestic fuel prices in sync with the global market to ensure reductions reach consumers when international prices drop, increasing revenue through digital compliance rather than bank borrowing, boosting allocations for productive sectors and skill development programmes to address unemployment. She also emphasised the need to enhance energy storage capacity to manage emergency situation. Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron highlighted the severe economic challenges facing the country. He noted that the current BNP government assumed office while grappling with the lingering impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war and the ‘economic scars’ left by the previous government. “The government is struggling with an energy crisis, rising inflation, low investment, and a high volume of non-performing loans and foreign debt,” Kiron said. He noted that while the government attempted to stabilise the market without raising fuel prices, it was eventually forced to adjust prices for diesel, petrol, octane, and kerosene in line with the global market. Kiron revealed that the government incurred a loss of Tk 165 crore daily on fuel sales, totaling a loss of Tk 4,300 crore in April alone. Without the price adjustment, the subsidy requirement would have reached Tk 12,000 crore by June, he added. Debaters from Kabi Nazrul Government College (Government side) and Dhaka College (Opposition side) participated in the shadow parliament. Trophies, crests, and certificates were awarded to the participants. The panel of judges included Professor Abu Mohammad Rais, Dr. S.M. Morshed, Dr. Tajul Islam Chowdhury Tuhin, and journalists Abul Kashem and Maidur Rahman Rubel. Kabi Nazrul Government College was declared the winner of the debate.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday directed law enforcement agencies to eliminate middlemen from police stations across the country, including those under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). He issued the directive while visiting Ramna Model Police Station in the capital where he inspected different sections including detention rooms (thana Hajat room) and reviewed the overall environment. During the visit, the Home Minister also spoke with the Officer-in-Charge and other on-duty police personnel, inquired about their work conditions and listened to their concerns. Emphasising integrity and professionalism, he instructed police members to provide services to the public with honesty, fairness and sincerity. He warned that strict action would be taken if any police officer or member found guilty of negligence or corruption.

Saying that his government’s main responsibility is to protect the interests of people and resolve their problems, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged citizens of all strata to stand by his government to help take Bangladesh forward and place it alongside developed nations. “This government is your government. You elected it and brought it to power. Its number one duty is to protect the interests of people and solve their problems,” he said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Basia River at Kashipur Union in Sylhet. Tarique sought support from people of all walks of life to carry forward development plans and address the challenges facing the country. “If you stand by us, we will be able to move Bangladesh forward and make it capable of standing alongside developed nations—if we all work together,” he said. The Prime Minister said the people of Bangladesh voted in the election on the 12th February to install a government that will work for them. “Our only accountability is to the people of this country. That is why we want to carry out programmes and take actions that truly benefit the people.” He said local leaders told him that there are not enough mills and factories in Sylhet, leaving many young people unemployed. “We promised before the election that if BNP formed the government, we would reopen closed factories. Here with you is your own representative, Muktadir (Khandaker Abdul Muktadir), who is the Industries Minister. Soon after the election, within five to seven days, I sat down with him to review where factories are closed. Insha’Allah, we will reopen them gradually,” Tarique said. He also said the government is working to create employment opportunities for young people abroad. The Prime Minister said, “Less talk, more work. Now is the time to build the country.” Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad and Prime Minister’s adviser Humayun Kabir were present at the programme. The Basia River, which connects the Surma River and the Kushiyara River, has long suffered from loss of navigability and remained nearly defunct. The re-excavation initiative has been undertaken by the Ministry of Water Resources following demands from local residents. The Prime Minister earlier inaugurated the re-excavation work of the Basia River canal at Kashipur Union around 1:20pm by cutting soil with a spade. Addressing local residents, Tarique said the canal was originally excavated in 1977 by former president Ziaur Rahman but has since become silted up and nearly unusable. “We want to re-excavate this canal because around 80,000 farmers will benefit directly, while another 150,000 will benefit indirectly,” he said. Tarique, also the Chairman of BNP, said the project is expected to increase crop production by nearly 7,000 metric tonnes in nearby areas. The Prime Minister said similar canal re-excavation projects will be carried out across the country to support farmers. Highlighting the government’s pro-farmer approach, he said the distribution of farmers’ card has already begun in Tangail and will gradually reach farmers nationwide. “Through the farmers’ card, we will provide benefits such as access to loans, fertiliser, seeds and pesticides,” Tarique said adding that each farmer will receive Tk 2,500 annually to support their farming needs. He also said loans of up to Tk 10,000 for farmers have been waived. Tarique said canal excavation work has already started in around 60 places across the country and that the 23-kilometre stretch of the Basia canal will be completed over two dry seasons. Work will resume in November after the monsoon, with efforts to complete the project next year, he added. The Prime Minister also announced plans to plant around 50,000 trees along both sides of the canal to protect it and benefit local communities.