United News of Bangladesh

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested alleged notorious criminal Md Akash alias “Tan Akash” in connection with the shooting that took place in the Pallabi area of the capital on June 10. According to the elite force, infighting erupted among members of the “Langra Rubel” group on Avenue-5 of Mirpur-11 under Pallabi Police Station on the day over establishing dominance in the locality. During the clash, Akash, “Gal Kata” Rabbi, Al-Amin, Rapper Parvez and several others allegedly displayed foreign firearms and opened fire, injuring Hridoy, also known as “Gondar," according to a press release issued by the RAB headquarters on Tuesday afternoon.  The suspects also allegedly abducted a man named Abdullah during the incident, spreading widespread panic in the area. Following the incident, RAB-4 launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those involved. Based on intelligence inputs and information technology-based surveillance, it tracked down Akash and arrested him from Hemayetpur in Savar in the early hours of Tuesday. During preliminary interrogation, the elite force came to know that Akash has allegedly been involved in various criminal activities, including murder, extortion, robbery and drug-related offences, in Pallabi and surrounding areas of Dhaka. RAB said around 13 cases, including ones filed on murder charges, extortion, robbery and drugs, are currently pending against Akash at different police stations in the capital. The arrested accused was handed over to police for legal action, the release added.

A 20-year-old man was shot dead and 10 others were injured in a clash between two groups of villagers over establishing supremacy at Nilakhya in Raipura upazila of Narsingdi district early Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Anik, son of Osman Member, a resident of Dariga area under Nilakhya union and a supporter of Nazim Uddin. Police said Nazim Uddin of Haripur area and Alal Munshi of Dariga area under Nilakhya union had long been at loggerheads over establishing supremacy in the area. On Tuesday morning, both groups, equipped with lethal weapons and firearms, attacked each other. During the clash, supporters of both groups were seen carrying firearms and wearing bulletproof jackets and helmets. Several rounds of bullets were exchanged during the clash, leaving 11 people, including Anik, Raju, Sumon, Kashem and Mobarak, injured with bullets. The injured were taken to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital. Later, three of them, including Anik, were referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where Anik succumbed to his injuries, said Mojibur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Raipura Police Station. On information, police, RAB and local administration officials rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.    

Bangladesh Consul General in Los Angeles Kazi M. Jabed Iqbal has recently visited the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and held a meeting with senior representatives of the David Geffen School of Medicine’s Global Health Program and the UCLA International Institute. The discussions focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration between UCLA and relevant institutions in Bangladesh in healthcare, medical education, research, and capacity building. Iqbal highlighted Bangladesh’s priorities in cancer management and research, child health and development, thalassemia prevention and treatment, medical technology transfer, research development, and professional training for healthcare professionals. The UCLA team shared insights into their global health initiatives, emphasizing capacity building, academic exchanges, evidence-based research, and long-term institutional partnerships. Both sides expressed strong interest in developing collaborative programmes that could contribute to strengthening Bangladesh’s healthcare sector and research capabilities. The meeting ended on a positive note, with discussions on future exchange visits, faculty engagement, joint research initiatives, and the potential development of formal institutional partnerships. Iqbal expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Dr. Sadath Sayeed, Director of the Global Health Program; Zoe Stathopoulos, Director of Operations; Kathryn Paul, Assistant Vice Provost and Director for International Collaborations; and Kevan Wilbanks, Special Assistant to the Vice Provost. The visit marks an encouraging step towards enhancing Bangladesh-UCLA cooperation in health and medical sciences and reflects a shared commitment to advancing healthcare through international collaboration, said the Bangladesh Mission in a media release.

One more child has died from measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Tuesday, raising Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 657. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest death as suspected measles fatality, saying no confirmed measles deaths were recorded during the period. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to 564, while the number of laboratory-confirmed measles deaths remains unchanged at 93. During the 24-hour period, 1,006 suspected measles cases were reported, taking the cumulative number of suspected cases nationwide to 87,929. Meanwhile, 136 new confirmed measles cases were recorded, bringing the number of laboratory-confirmed infections to 10,523. Since March 15, a total of 72,405 patients with suspected measles have been hospitalised across the country, of whom 68,782 have recovered, according to DGHS data.    

Seven Bangladeshi nationals were detained on Monday night on allegation of assisting an attempted push-in by India's Border Security Force (BSF) through Rokonpur border in Gomastapur upazila of Chapainawabganj district. The detainees were 38, Azam, 35, Asmaul Haque, 33, Mesbaul Haque, 35, Babul Akhtar, 40, Emdadul Haque, 38, and Royal, 28 of Rokonpur area. Of them, four were detained by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the remaining three by police.  Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gomastapur Police Station, Noor-e-Alam on Tuesday said members of BSF attempted to push a woman into Bangladesh through Rokonpur border on Monday night and detainees assisted the woman’s entry into the country. BGB personnel intervened and successfully thwarted the push-in attempt, he said. Four of the accused were handed over to Gomastapur Police Station around 4 am, the OC said. Police later detained three more individuals on the same allegation. Legal action is being taken against all seven detainees, he added. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commanding officer of the Naogaon-16 BGB Battalion, said members of the BSF's RK Wada Camp tried to push a woman into Bangladesh by boat at around 10:45 pm on Monday. However, the attempt was foiled due to the vigilance and prompt response of the BGB patrol team deployed at the border, he said. The BGB official said four detainees assisted the BSF in exchange of money.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday approved five development projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 7,003.36 crore. Of the total project cost, Tk 4,536.10 crore will come from the government’s own funds, while Tk 2,467.26 crore will be financed through project loans. Pre-budget ECNEC meeting discusses development projects, proposals The approval came at an ECNEC meeting chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tarique Rahman at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Among the approved projects, three are new and two are revised. The approved projects include the “Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone” under the Prime Minister’s Office. The Ministry of Water Resources secured approval for three projects: rehabilitation (first phase) of Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project in Feni district; Karatoa River System Development Project; and project(first revised) for protecting Talbaria area in Mirpur upazila and Komarkandi area in Shilaidaha Union of Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia district from erosion by the Padma River. The fifth project, titled “Establishment of One Technical School and College in Each of 100 Upazilas (Third Revised)” under the Ministry of Education was also approved . The meeting was also informed about four projects costing less than Tk 50 crore each that had already been approved by the Planning Minister under delegated authority. These projects are: construction of an airmen’s barrack complex at Bangladesh Air Force Base Cox’s Bazar; establishment of Navy School and College, Savar; construction of physical infrastructure to improve educational standards and teaching capacity at the existing BAF Shaheen College in Bangladesh Air Force Station Shamshernagar; and the fourth phase of the Pagoda-based pre-primary and Tripitaka education programme. Officials said the approved projects are expected to strengthen infrastructure, improve flood control and river management, expand technical education facilities and support industrial investment in the country.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said he decided to return home from New Delhi as an instant protest, stressing that this is a government with an overwhelming majority and popular mandate, not the Sheikh Hasina government. “I did not go there as an individual; I went as a representative of the government. Therefore, what happened to me there required an instant protest…. just to give a message that I was maltreated and was not treated appropriately. That is why I decided to return,” he told reporters at a press conference at the Press Information Department (PID) conference room at the Secretariat. He said that after a certain point, the Indian authorities made repeated efforts sincerely to persuade him to enter the country and continue with his scheduled engagements. “As the Prime Minister’s adviser, I felt that there should be a clear signature or position from the state or the government regarding the incident,” he added. Friends May Change, Neighbours Do Not The adviser said he does not believe the incident will have any impact on future Dhaka-Delhi engagement. “I want to engage with India. There is an opportunity to improve relations in trade and commerce on the basis of equality,” he said. The adviser said one can change a friend but cannot change his or her neighbour, and it is true for both Bangladesh and India. Stating that it is not the intention to create any negative situation through this incident, the adviser said he hopes the incident will not affect future engagement between the two countries. In response to a question on whether he would visit India in the future, he said, “I will definitely go. I am making this very clear: if I receive a proper invitation, I will definitely go. I want to engage with India logically and rationally.” “When I talk about engaging with India, some people think that I am going to sell out the country. This government will never have relations with India by selling out Bangladesh. First of all, we are saying - Bangladesh First,” he added. Dr Zahed also said Bangladesh continues to maintain important cooperation with India on water-sharing and regional issues, including the Ganges Water Treaty, the Teesta agreement, and other transboundary river discussions. The adviser also appreciated the efforts of Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, who, according to him, did his utmost to resolve the matter. “I never intended for this to create any kind of reciprocal negative situation. I felt that a message needed to be conveyed to everyone in this country and outside the country, which is that this is not the Sheikh Hasina government. This is a government with a popular mandate.” The adviser said a government with a popular mandate must operate both inside and outside the country with that in mind. “At the same time, others must also take that into cognizance.” Bangladesh has a clear policy in its future engagements not only with India but with any other country, he said. “We do not want any kind of very bad situation with any country, let alone hostility.” Not Carrying Diplomatic Passport Isn’t An Issue He dismissed claims that the issue was related to holding a diplomatic passport, saying such a document is optional and not mandatory for foreign travel. “There is no specific reason (for not availing of a diplomatic passport),” the adviser said, indicating that the issue of a diplomatic passport is not relevant in this case. He said a SAARC sticker was attached to his passport, which was supposed to be effective in the same way as a diplomatic passport in such situations. “So, it is not a reason at all.” “If I do not avail of a diplomatic passport, does that mean I cannot travel abroad? Holding a diplomatic passport is not mandatory. It is a privilege that I can avail of. It is not that I must hold or use a diplomatic passport,” the adviser said. Bangladesh had informed the Indian Ministry of External Affairs about Dr Zahed’s visit to Delhi at least two days in advance. Despite this, he was kept waiting for two hours at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. After landing at the airport, he was received by Bangladesh High Commissioner in Delhi M Riaz Hamidullah and taken to the immigration desk. The adviser was scheduled to attend the 28th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). India hosted the meeting (June 15-16) in New Delhi. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner and Chargé d’Affaires to Bangladesh Pawan Badhe and conveyed Dhaka’s displeasure to New Delhi regarding the incident involving PM’s Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman at Delhi airport. Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman described the incident as “unexpected and unfortunate” and said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is taking appropriate steps regarding the matter. “It is an unexpected incident, unfortunate too,” he said while briefly talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While responding to a question, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said the incident is certainly not “welcoming”, and they do not expect this kind of incident to happen. “Our ministry is looking into this and communicating with India, and will certainly take action, if required, once the full details of the incident are known,” she said.  

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast moderately heavy to heavy rainfall in Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions in the next 24 hours starting from 9:00am on Tuesday. “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers accompanied by temporary gusty wind and lightning flashes is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country,” it said. Besides, a mild heat wave is sweeping over the districts of Rajshahi, Pabna, Jashore, Chuadanga, Kushtia and Khulna and it may continue. Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The Trough persists from Gangetic West Bengal to Northwest Bay. Monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and weak to moderate elsewhere over North Bay.    

A 27-year-old man was stabbed to death in Kamrangirchar area of the capital on Monday night. The deceased was identified as Mohammad ,27, son of Alauddin of Eidgah field adjacent area in Kamrangirchar. He used to work  as an employee at a local shop. Family members and witnesses said a group of 15–20 people led by Mujahid stabbed Mohammad over previous enmity, leaving him wounded. He was immediately taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital with the help of his sister Sharmin Akter and locals where on-duty doctors declared him dead at around 9:50pm.  Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the DMCH police camp, said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy and legal action is underway.

Police on Tuesday recovered the body of a seven-year-old girl packed in a sack from a cornfield in Aditmari upazila of Lalmonirhat. The deceased was Nandini ,daughter of Nolini Kanta of Folimari village under Velabari union. According to police and locals, the girl went missing on Monday evening. Despite repeated searches by her family and locals throughout the night and the following morning, she could not be traced. Later suspicion arose when locals noticed unusually soft soil in a cornfield adjacent to her house. The body was found wrapped in a sack and buried, they added. Nazmul Haque, Aditmari Police Station Officer-in-Charge(OC), said police visited the spot after receiving the information and prepared an inquest report. The body has been sent to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.