United News of Bangladesh

Two minor siblings were allegedly beaten, tied to a tree and tortured over a theft charge in Rangabali upazila of Patuakhali district. The incident reportedly took place on Sunday afternoon in Kolagachia Char of the upazila. The victims were identified as Shamim, 7 and his younger brother Jihad, 5—two sons of Swapan Dalal. Lightning strikes leave 4 dead in Patuakhali According to family members, the two children were first beaten on allegations of theft at a shop and later tied to a tree with ropes.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to urgently repair roads in Pirojpur district and make them suitable for smooth vehicular movement. He gave the instruction at a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat. “The Prime Minister said the government is firmly committed to ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted road communication system across the country,” said a PMO press release.  He also stressed thatroads which have long remained neglected and in poor condition must be brought under urgent repair and renovation programmes. The meeting reviewed the progress, challenges and future actions regarding various ongoing development projects under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Pirojpur district. Tarique emphasised the need for swift action to reduce the suffering of people in Pirojpur and instructed the relevant departments to take prompt and effective measures in this regard. Officials present at the meeting briefed the Prime Minister on the progress and current implementation status of LGED projects in the district. The meeting also discussed various irregularities and allegations of corruption in the implementation of these projects during the previous Awami League government. Officials said in some projects, then local Members of Parliament along with officials concerned were involved in corruption. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in taking forward development activities. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Public Works Ahmed Sohel Manzur (Pirojpur-2 MP), Pirojpur-1 MP Masood Sayeedi, Pirojpur-3 MP Ruhul Amin Dulal, Local Government Division Secretary Shahidul Hasan and other officials were present at the meeting.

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday defended Bangladesh’s position in its reciprocal trade agreement with the US, urging critics to view the deal in a global context and compare it with similar agreements signed by other countries. He made the remarks after a meeting with a delegation led by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch in the capital. Responding to a question on the conditions of the deal, the foreign minister said open discussion on such agreements is important. “It is very good that there is discussion on this and any agreement should be open to debate.” “We are not the only country to sign such agreements. Other countries around the world have done the same,” said the foreign minister. He cited examples, saying that countries like Indonesia have agreed to even higher numbers of similar provisions. “So, when you read Bangladesh’s agreement, you should read it alongside those of Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and others. That way, you will be able to better understand the context,” he added. Responding to a question regarding the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement—stalled since 2011 due to objections from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee—the minister said Bangladesh does not want to sit idle waiting for India’s initiative. “Look, a government has not yet been formed in West Bengal and what they are thinking or planning is for them to say. It is not my job to read their minds,” he said. “Of course, there will be expectations that the agreement reached earlier could be reconsidered in the current context. But we cannot remain idle for that we have to carry on with our own work,” he added. Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir also said on Tuesday that the Bangladesh-US trade agreement should be utilised for mutual benefit, stressing that there is no reason for concern over the deal. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch at the conference room of his ministry in the morning. The minister said international agreements are always built on mutual cooperation. “Any international agreement is shaped by both parties. It is designed to create a win-win situation, taking into account the interests of both sides. Therefore, there is nothing to worry about this agreement,” he said. He noted that the current government did not initiate the agreement but inherited it as part of state continuity. “A state-level agreement is not like a personal contract that can be cancelled at will. It is a reality, and we want to utilise it to expand trade and investment in the country,” Muktadir added. On the possibility of cancelling the agreement with the US, Muktadir said the government, as the elected representative of the people, always prioritises national interest. “If any clause in the agreement goes against Bangladesh’s interests, there is scope for amendment within the agreement itself. It has a self-correcting mechanism,” he said.

Leaders of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) called on Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher on Tuesday, seeking stronger government cooperation to develop the country's housing sector and ensure affordable homes for ordinary citizens. The courtesy call, held at the minister's office, saw wide-ranging discussions on the current challenges facing the real estate sector, the investment climate, and ways to make housing accessible to the general public. REHAB leaders pressed for policy-level support to sustain the sector's long-term growth. Narayanganj-1 Member of Parliament (MP) Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan (Dipu) and Housing and Public Works Secretary Md Nazrul Islam were also present at the meeting. REHAB President Dr Ali Afzal said the housing sector remains a significant contributor to the national economy, but is currently under strain due to policy complexities, high construction costs and financing constraints. “We are hopeful that with effective government cooperation, the sector will gain fresh momentum and it will be possible to ensure affordable housing for ordinary people,” he said. He also stressed that long-term policy support and expanded access to easy-term financing are essential if the sector is to move forward in a planned and sustainable manner. Minister Taher assured that the government is committed to the sector's advancement and has already taken up several initiatives in that direction. “Through coordinated efforts with REHAB, a modern, sustainable and people-friendly housing system will be established,” he said, adding that the government will continue to provide necessary policy support to ensure affordable housing for the common people. Both sides concluded the meeting expressing optimism about working together to drive meaningful progress in Bangladesh's housing sector.

The much-talked-about ‘pillow scam’ resurfaced on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joking that one of the unusually expensive pillows should be kept in a museum after reviewing an audit report linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. The 38 audit reports for the 2021–22 fiscal year, submitted to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, included findings on the ‘pillow scam’ linked to the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project during the previous government’s tenure. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Md Nurul Islam presented the audit reports on various ministries and agencies to the Prime Minister at his office in the Secretariat, said Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly. He said the reports also contain the investigation findings into the controversial purchase of pillows at unusually high prices. “The Prime Minister noted the matter in the report and, on a lighter note, said one of those expensive pillows should be kept in a museum,” the press secretary said. The controversy dates back to 2019, when allegations surfaced over unusually high costs in procuring furniture and household items for the Green City Housing Project under the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project. According to the audit findings, each pillow was priced at Tk 5,957, while an additional Tk 760 was charged as labour cost to carry each pillow to the flats. The report also highlighted irregularities in the purchase of other items. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the audit reports were prepared under Article 128(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh and Section 5 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Additional Functions) Act, 1974. CAG submits audit reports to PM As part of the process, a total of 38 compliance and performance audit reports covering 17 ministries and divisions, along with their directorates, departments, institutions and projects, were submitted to the Prime Minister before being placed in Parliament. During the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on key observations and recommendations highlighted in the reports.  He stressed the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending and in assessing whether development projects are achieving their intended objectives. He also underscored the need to strengthen performance audits alongside compliance audits. Officials said the audit reports will also be placed in Parliament. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Finance Secretary Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder and other senior officials concerned were present during the submission of the reports.  

Bangladesh Bank has relaxed conditions to avail new loans for raw hide traders ahead of Eid ul Azha, allowing them to access funds without having to clear their previous arrears. The central bank issued a circular to this effect on Tuesday (May 5), prioritizing liquidity flow into the market before the festival, which accounts for the vast majority of the principal input (raw hide) for the export-oriented leather industry. According to the new decision, the requirement for hide traders with rescheduled loans to pay a specific portion of their outstanding dues before availing fresh financing has been temporarily waived, specifically to facilitate the purchase of raw hides during the upcoming festive season. The circular emphasizes that the leather industry is a significant export sector in Bangladesh, heavily reliant on the peak supply of raw hides collected during Eid-ul-Azha. Ensuring traders possess sufficient cash reserves during this critical time is essential for the smooth collection, preservation, and subsequent trade of hides, the central bank noted. Consequently, banks have been directed to sanction and disburse required working capital loans to hide traders. The directive specifically highlights the need to extend credit not just to large-scale tannery owners but also to grassroots level collectors operating in villages and cattle markets. The circular specifies that the mandatory upfront payment required from borrowers with existing rescheduled loans when seeking new financing for rawhide purchases is suspended until June 30, 2026. This move effectively enables numerous traders to secure fresh funds despite unresolved previous dues. Furthermore, banks have been instructed to set specific lending targets for the leather sector for the fiscal year 2026. These targets must not be lower than the allocation made in the preceding year. Banks are required to submit their target figures and implementation reports to Bangladesh Bank by July 31. Stakeholders and sector insiders expect this initiative to significantly ease the anticipated liquidity crunch in the raw hide market during Eid. By accessing financing on easier terms, traders can aggressively pursue rawhide purchases, which in turn is likely to help ensure a fair price for sacrificial animal skins at the producer and middleman levels.  

All additional secretaries and equivalent-ranking officials of the government and state-owned institutions have been instructed to travel by economy class instead of business, club or executive class during official foreign trips as part of austerity measures. The Finance Division issued a notice in this regard following a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office dated April 29, 2026. The Finance Division said the decision was taken in view of the government’s efforts to contain expenditure and ensure prudent use of public funds. Govt moves to ensure safe animal feed, protect public health Under the previous rules, senior officials of the rank of additional secretary and above were entitled to travel in higher classes, including business or executive class, during official foreign tours. The directive will remain effective until a fresh order is issued.

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam on Tuesday said 58 people killed during the 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam’s protests have been identified. Besides, involvement of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other senior government officials have been found, he told reporters at the International Crimes Tribunal. Aminul Islam said around 90 percent of the investigation in to case over the killing has been completed and a formal report will be submitted to the tribunal by June 7. Hasina’s extradition request being 'examined:' India Sheikh Hasina would be the main accused in the Shapla Chattar case, he said. He also said over 30 individuals may be included as accused in the case. On May 5, 2013, Hefazat-e-Islam launched “Dhaka blockade” program protesting alleged insults to the Holy Quran and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and demanding a 13-point agenda. On that day, thousands of religious scholars, madrasa students and supporters gathered in Dhaka and later occupied the Shapla Chattar area in Motijheel. A late-night joint forces operation was carried out after which the gathering was dispersed amid gunfire, tear gas and sound grenades. Numerous casualties were reported although exact figures have long been disputed. Different organisations have provided varying estimates of the death toll. Hefazat-e-Islam published a preliminary list of 93 victims in 2025, while human rights group Odhikar reported 61 names in 2021. A 2014 publication titled “Shahidnama” documented 41 deaths. Despite 13 years passing since the incident, the trial has not yet been completed. However, the issue resurfaced following recent political changes. After the July uprising and formation of the interim government, Hefazat-e-Islam leader Azizul Haque Islamabadi filed a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal naming Sheikh Hasina and several others as accused. The complaint also includes names of former ministers, senior security officials and police chiefs.

A significant portion of Bangladesh’s population continues to face unmet healthcare needs, driven largely by rising out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures, according to a study of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS). Although unmet healthcare needs persist across all segments of society, the financial burden falls disproportionately on the poor, it showed. The research by Dr Abdur Razzaque Sarker of  BIDS  underscored that OOP spending remains the dominant mode of healthcare financing in the country, with its share reaching an alarming 79 percent in 2024. The study titled “Re-thinking unmet healthcare needs and dynamics of out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure in Bangladesh,”  was conducted under BIDS’ Population Studies Division. The study utilised data from the latest Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2022, comprising 14,400 households and 62,387 individuals where descriptive statistics were employed to analyses and summaries the percentage of unmet need, service utilisation across providers. The distribution of benefits from public spending and progressivity/regressivity is assessed using Benefit and Financing Incidence Analysis. The findings revealed that around 22 percent of the population reported a need for healthcare services on a monthly basis. Among them, 15 percent experienced unmet healthcare needs, accounting for 65 percent of the total need. Unmet needs were found to be significantly higher in rural areas compared to urban centres—68 percent versus 59 percent. Regionally, the highest levels of unmet need were recorded in Narail (81 percent) and Habiganj (80 percent), while the lowest was observed in Feni (18 percent). Healthcare spending and inequality On average, Bangladeshi households spend TK 3,454 per month on healthcare, representing about 11 percent of total household expenditure. Medicines and diagnostic services were identified as the primary cost drivers. The study noted that while public healthcare services are relatively equitably utilised, private healthcare services remain disproportionately concentrated among wealthier groups. Despite higher absolute spending among the rich, poorer households bear a significantly heavier financial burden. Healthcare expenses account for about 35 percent of total income for the poorest households, compared to just 5 percent for the wealthiest, indicating a regressive healthcare financing system. The heavy reliance on OOP payments often leads to catastrophic health expenditures, limiting access to necessary care and pushing vulnerable households further into poverty. The study concluded that although unmet healthcare needs persist across all segments of society, the financial burden falls disproportionately on the poor. To address these challenges, the researcher recommended urgent reforms in healthcare financing, particularly the development and implementation of risk-pooling mechanisms such as social health insurance. Such measures, the study suggested, are essential for reducing inequality in healthcare access and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Bangladesh.    

Six children died from measles and similar symptoms in the country in 24 hours till 8:00am on Tuesday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the new deaths, two were confirmed as measles-related, while the remaining four were classified as suspected. Of the suspected deaths, highest four were recorded in Dhaka and Sylhet. One death from measles-like symptoms in 24 hours: DGHS With this, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 54 and suspected deaths to 263 since March 15. According to DGHS data, a total of 1,186 suspected measles cases were recorded in the 24 hours. The total number of suspected cases has reached 42,979 during the period. During this period, 259 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 5,726. Since March 15, a total of 29,831 suspected measles patients have been hospitalised of whom 26,368 have recovered.