United News of Bangladesh

Two journalists were injured in an attack carried out by a group of criminals at Baten Khan intersection in Chapainawabganj district town on Thursday night. The injured are Channel 1 correspondent Tarique Rahman and Mytv correspondent Tarique Aziz. The victims said they were gossiping at the intersection around 10:15pm after finishing office work when a group of 6-7 people, led by listed criminal Rabbi, swooped on them. Tarique Rahman was reportedly dragged onto the street and beaten for about 30 minutes, while Tarique Aziz suffered serious injuries after being struck with a broken teacup, which cut his finger. Locals later rescued them and took them to Chapainawabganj District Hospital. The motive behind the attack remained unclear. Officer-in-Charge of Chapainawabganj Sadar Model Police Station Ekramul Hossain said both journalists had visible injury marks. He added that police visited the scene, and drives are underway to apprehend those involved. Rabbi is accused in multiple cases, including murder, police said.

Heavy rainfall for nearly two hours since early Friday has triggered waterlogging in many parts of the capital, causing inconvenience to commuters, though the impact remained limited due to reduced traffic on the public holiday. The downpour began shortly after 5:00am and continued till just before 7:00am. As a result, roads in many areas, including Malibagh, Mouchak, Moghbazar, Green Road, Karwan Bazar, Panthapath, Jigatala, Dhanmondi, West Tejturi Bazar, West Shewrapara, Mirpur-10, Kazipara and Madhubagh, went under water. However, the number of vehicles on the streets was relatively low since it was a holiday, reducing overall suffering.

The historic May Day is being observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere across the world today. May Day, also known as the International Workers' Solidarity Day, commemorates the historic uprising of working people in Chicago, USA at the height of a prolonged fight for an eight-hour workday in the late nineteenth century. This year’s theme is “Healthy Workers, Productive Hands, A New Dawn Awaits” (Sustho Sramik, Karmotho Hat, Ashbe Ebar Nobo Provat). The day is a public holiday. Newspapers have published supplements while radio and television channels are airing special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. Different socio-cultural organisations, political parties are observing the day with various programmes. On May 1, 1886, 10 workers were killed when police opened fire on a demonstration in the US city of Chicago near Hay Market demanding an eight-hour working day instead of a 12-hour shift. On the height of agitation, the authorities had to accept the workers' demand and the eight-hour day has been introduced universally. On July 14, 1889, an international workers' rally in Paris declared May 1 as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day in recognition of the Chicago workers' sacrifice and achievement and since 1890, the day has been observed globally as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day. The day has been observed globally as the International Workers’ Solidarity Day since 1890. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the occasion. In his message, President Shahabuddin said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had taken various groundbreaking steps to establish workers’ rights and welfare. Continuing that legacy, the current government has adopted various programmes and policies for the welfare of the working class, he said. These include labour law reforms, ensuring fair wages, providing reasonable wages and social security for workers in the informal sector, introducing a self-financed pension system, ensuring trade union rights, reopening closed industries, providing food at fair prices, and ensuring job security for permanent workers and employees. The President expressed hope that the implementation of these programmes would improve the lives of workers. He said the contribution of the working class to national development is immense, describing workers as the main drivers of the country’s progress. To achieve the goal of building a prosperous Bangladesh, Shahabuddin said, it is essential to ensure workers’ rights, a safe working environment, and social security. In his message, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said working people are the backbone of any country’s development, prosperity and progress. Industry, agriculture, infrastructure and a strong economy are built on their hard work, he said. Tarique Rahman said improving their living standards, ensuring fair rights, creating a safe working environment and establishing social dignity are key commitments of the current democratic government. He wished overall success for all programmes undertaken on the occasion of May Day.

Media leaders from across Asia and beyond have gathered in the Philippine capital to examine how journalism is evolving amid shifting audience behaviour, platform dynamics and revenue pressures. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Vice Mayor Chi Atienza opened the Digital Media Asia 2026, organised by World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) on Thursday. Opening remarks were delivered by Kah Whye Lee, Director, Asia at WAN-IFRA, who underscored the need for news organisations to innovate across both editorial and business fronts as the industry undergoes rapid digital transformation. The conference brought together leading regional and international media organisations, including Channel NewsAsia, SPH Media, Agence France-Presse and South China Morning Post, among others. A key session moderated by OneNews Anchor Regina Hing (Lay), featured speakers including Nahar Khan of Marana Media and United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Cania Citta of Malaka Indonesia, focusing on how changing audience behaviour is reshaping the use of platforms, crafting messages, addressing target audiences, and asks what traditional media can learn from it. Drawing on her presentation, Nahar Khan highlighted a fundamental shift in how audiences consume news, noting that social media has become a top source of news for most of Generation Z.  “The hook must land in three seconds — or they scroll,” she said. She emphasised that the transformation goes beyond platforms to a deeper change in communication itself. “It’s not just that they use different platforms. It’s that they think in a different language - visual language,” she said. “The headline is now an image. The argument is a meme. The news is a 30-second video.” Khan said visual storytelling is increasingly central to how information is processed and shared. She also highlighted that different platforms now play distinct roles in the news ecosystem, requiring newsrooms to tailor content and strategy accordingly.

A court in Joypurhat on Thursday sent seven leaders of the Awami League to jail after they surrendered in multiple cases, including murder, filed over incidents during the July student-led mass movement. The accused appeared before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court seeking bail. However, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Milon Chandra Pal rejected their bail petitions and ordered that they be sent to jail. They were later taken to Joypurhat District Jail under tight security. The jailed leaders are Fazlur Rahman, general secretary of Kalai upazila Awami League; Abdul Kuddus Fakir, vice-president of the upazila unit and chairman of Punot Union Parishad; Rafiqul Islam, president of Jindarpur union Awami League; Ziaur Rahman, president of Kalai upazila Jubo League and chairman of Jindarpur Union Parishad; Akbar Ali, president of Ahmedabad union Awami League; Enamul Hossain Fakir, member of Kalai upazila Awami League; and former student leader Minhajur Rahman Mithun. Public Prosecutor of Joypurhat District and Sessions Judge Court Advocate Shahanur Rahman Shahin confirmed the matter.

A fire broke out at a market in Mongla upazila of Bagerhat on Thursday afternoon, leaving at least five shops, a cooperative office and a dwelling house gutted, with losses estimated at around Tk 50 lakh. The incident occurred around 4:00pm at Sarkar Market in Burirdanga union. On information, two units of Mongla EPZ Fire Service rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control after about an hour of efforts. The fire damaged several establishments, including a pharmacy, an electronics shop, grocery stores, a cooperative society office and a residential house. Affected traders said the fire had left them devastated, causing significant financial losses. Sarkar Market Committee General Secretary Supad Biswas said five to seven shops were completely gutted in the fire. There was a cooperative society in the market with around Tk 15–16 lakh in cash, and the shop where the money was kept was also burnt. In total, the losses may range between Tk 50 lakh and Tk 60 lakh, he said, adding that traders are now worried about how to recover from the damage. Mongla EPZ Fire Service Senior Station Officer Md Emran Hossain said the fire was brought under control after an hour-long effort by two firefighting units. He said five shops were completely destroyed in the blaze, adding that the fire was initially believed to have originated from an electrical short circuit.

Fifteen Bangladeshi sailors of the ill-fated vessel MV Seaload Ark, which sank off the coast of Phuket, Thailand, have returned home on Thursday after 82 days. The sailors arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at noon on an IndiGo Airlines flight, appearing emotional upon their return. The ship, carrying containers bound for Bangladesh, sank in the sea on February 7 while en route from Port Klang, Malaysia, to Chattogram port. It was scheduled to reach Chattogram on February 12. Officials said the vessel went down about four nautical miles off the Phuket coast, after which the Thai navy rescued all crew members. However, legal complications delayed their repatriation for weeks. The return of the sailors was confirmed by Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association (BMMOA) General Secretary Md Sakhawat Hossain. He said the return of the sailors after 82 days is a “great relief and a moment of joy,” adding that the ship’s master will remain in Thailand for a few more days for legal procedures. According to sources, the vessel was carrying 101 forty-foot containers and 96 twenty-foot containers at the time of the incident. The ship had departed from Port Klang on February 5 and was scheduled to arrive at Chattogram port on February 12. BMMOA officials said they remained in continuous contact with the sailors and worked through the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to facilitate their repatriation. They added that technical manager of the vessel, Naf Marine Services CEO Capt Md Salahuddin Chowdhury, coordinated with the Bangladesh Embassy in Thailand and the Department of Shipping to resolve legal obstacles. The association also acknowledged the role of several international and local organisations, including the shipowners’ P&I Club, legal advisers Rajah & Tann (Thailand), and Ben Line Agencies in Phuket, for providing legal and logistical support. Sakhawat Hossain further said the shipowners ensured accommodation, food and salary payments for the sailors during their stay in Thailand. He also thanked Tysers, the Department of Shipping, ITF and the Bangladesh Embassy for their diplomatic efforts. Bangladeshi seafarers are our asset and pride. Our association will always stand beside them in any crisis, he added.

The election of the executive committee of the Khulna University Journalists’ Association (KUJA) for 2026 was held on Thursday. Md. Ibrahim Khalil, Khulna University correspondent of The Daily Amar Desh, was elected president, while Nahid Hasan of The Daily Jugantor was elected general secretary. Chief Election Commissioner Professor Dr Md Ashik Ur Rahman announced the results in the afternoon at the association’s office after the completion of voting. Other office-bearers are: Vice-President Sanzida Akter, Joint General Secretary Fahad Khandakar, Organising Secretary Md Abid Hasan, Treasurer Zahida Sultana Rima, Office Secretary Mahmud Sheikh, and Publication and Publicity Secretary Md Maruf Ahmed. The executive members are Yusuf Sadiq, Mehedi Hasan, and Sohan Sakib. Former and current members of the association were present during the announcement of the results. Assistant Professor Majidul Islam of the Mass Communication and Journalism Discipline and Associate Professor Dr Md Tarek Bin Salam of the Soil, Water and Environment Discipline served as assistant election commissioners.

The 123rd draw of the Tk 100 denomination prize bond was held on Thursday, with the number 001035 clinching the first prize of Tk 6 lakh. The number 0047748 won the second prize of Tk 3.25 lakh. The draw took place at the conference room of the Dhaka Divisional Commissioner's office, presided over by Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Director of the Local Government Division, Dhaka. According to the results, two third prizes of Tk 1.0 lakh each were awarded to 0538289 and 0675382, while two fourth prizes of Tk 50,000 each went to 0400451 and 0567644. Additionally, 40 winners were selected for the fifth prize of Tk 10,000 each. The winning numbers are: 0021749, 0217419, 0461472, 0588966, 0749740, 0022181, 0246045, 0462056, 0596346, 0759908, 0056378, 0296402, 0478015, 0600440, 0772773, 0092356, 0311130, 0480567, 0607349, 0813659, 0144567, 0356942, 0512024, 0639367, 0848046, 0155398, 0393277, 0551221, 0642002, 0849614, 0155934, 0413501, 0564760, 0650119, 0922597, 0175792, 0452441, 0573865, 0688773, and 0947665. The draw includes prize bonds sold at least 60 days prior to the draw date. Under Section 118 of the Income Tax Act 2023, a 20 percent tax is applicable to the prize money and will be deducted at source.

An analysis of the affidavits of candidates for the reserved women’s seats in the 13th National Parliamentary Election 2026 shows that nearly two-thirds of the nominated candidates are highly educated and millionaires. Among the nominees, around 65 percent are millionaires and more than 63 percent possess postgraduate or higher educational qualifications. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) presented this picture through an analysis of the affidavit information of 49 nominated candidates submitted to the Election Commission. Overall, including directly elected and reserved women’s seat members, 52.63 percent of all members hold postgraduate or higher degrees. Among the reserved women’s seat candidates, 27 percent are graduates and 4.1 percent have passed higher secondary education. The rate of self-educated candidates is 4.1 percent and secondary school graduates account for 2.1 percent. According to the analysis, a large portion of candidates for reserved seats are wealthy. Out of 49 candidates, 32 (65.31%) are multi-millionaires based on the total value of movable and immovable assets. Among them, separately, 25 are multimillionaires based on movable assets and 14 based on immovable assets. Party-wise analysis shows that among BNP’s 36 candidates, 26 (72.22%) are multimillionaires, and among Jamaat-e-Islami’s 9 candidates, 5 (56%) are multimillionaires. In addition, the sole candidate from JAGPA is also a multi-millionaire. Candidates with an average annual income above BDT 1 million account for 38.78 percent (19 people); among directly elected general seat MPs, this rate is 67.9 percent. However, overall in the 13th Parliamentary Election, including directly elected and reserved women’s seat members, the total number of multimillionaires is 269, which is 77.3 percent. Assets and Debt Analysis of the total assets of multimillionaire candidates in reserved seats shows that their total immovable assets exceeding one crore taka amount to BDT 66 crore and total movable assets amount to BDT 78 crore. However, when immovable and movable assets are added separately, the total amount of assets stands at BDT 152 crore. Notably, at least three candidates for women’s reserved seats have more than 100 bhori of gold ornaments either in their own names or jointly with their spouses—among them, one candidate alone has 502 bhori of gold ornaments in her own name. Alongside this vast personal wealth, the analysis also highlights debt burdens among reserved seat candidates, showing that 20.41 percent of candidates are in some form of debt or liability. Party-wise, the rate of indebtedness is equal for BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami candidates at 22.22 percent. However, compared to reserved seat candidates (20.41%), directly elected MPs (50.84%) have 2.49 times higher indebtedness. Analysis of affidavit information shows that among reserved women’s seat candidates, 5 candidates have fewer buildings or flats than their husbands. Similarly, 7 candidates have less land and 14 candidates have fewer movable assets than their husbands. Since most women candidates for reserved seats possess more assets than their husbands, considering Bangladesh’s demographic and asset acquisition context, this creates an opportunity for special attention. TIB believes that while the participation of highly educated women and professionals including lawyers in reserved women’s seats is positive, like general seats, the influence of wealth and the dominance of certain professions are also noticeable here, the impact of which may be far-reaching.