United News of Bangladesh

Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Pema Gyamtsho on Wednesday laid emphasis on greater collaboration in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region as they support the next generation of mountain scholars, innovators and leaders. "ICIMOD looks forward to continued collaboration as we support the next generation of mountain scholars, innovators, and leaders," he said as the ICIMOD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kathmandu University to formally transfer the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) secretariat. The ceremony was held at the ICIMOD Headquarters in the capital city of Nepal. "Today’s MoU reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional leadership and research for sustainable mountain development. Kathmandu University is exceptionally well placed to guide HUC into its next phase as an independent and regionally rooted consortium," said the ICIMOD DG. HUC was established in 2007 to bridge the gap in collaboration between universities in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and beyond to tackle shared development challenges, particularly on mountain issues. Hosted by ICIMOD and supported by its core donors, HUC has created a network of universities and knowledge-sharing institutions, connecting experts, students and other learners across the region and beyond. HUC has grown into a vibrant network of more than 100 universities and academic institutions from within and beyond the HKH. “It is truly a proud and heartening moment to see Kathmandu University take on the responsibility of hosting the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC), " said Dr Eklabya Sharma, former DDG, ICIMOD and former Steering Committee Member, HUC. Looking ahead, Dr Sharma said HUC’s strength and impact lie in deepening regional collaboration in research, education, capacity development, and the co-generation and dissemination of knowledge. "Such collective efforts will play a vital role in informing policies and practices for sustainable mountain development across the region." The transition of the HUC Secretariat to Kathmandu University marks an important next step, realising HUC’s long-envisioned role as an independent, regionally rooted, and academically driven consortium. “The Program Advisory Committee fully acknowledges and deeply appreciates that ICIMOD has hosted the HUC since its inception in 2007," saidTeresa Fogelberg, Programme Advisory Committee Chair. For more than seventeen years, Fogelberg said ICIMOD has nurtured this network, ensuring it had the support, stability, and visibility required to grow. "But we on the PAC also believe—strongly and unanimously—that the moment had come for the HUC to stand confidently on its own feet. And now, that moment has arrived. This transition is not only timely; it is truly remarkable," said the Programme Advisory Committee Chair.

Women workers from Bangladesh’s informal and marginalised sectors stepped forward on Wednesday to demand legal protection, fair wages and formal recognition at an event in Dhaka that spotlighted long-standing inequalities in the country’s labour landscape. The programme, titled “From Shadows to Leadership,” was organised by Oxfam in Bangladesh along with 33 civil society partners and co-funded by the EU under the Empowering Women Through Civil Society Actors in Bangladesh (EWCSA) project. According to baseline findings shared at the event, only 0.73% of women workers had formal contracts, while 85% lacked awareness of their rights. Most had also never interacted with a civil society organisation, underscoring deep-rooted policy gaps and systemic invisibility. Organisers, however, said five years of EWCSA interventions have helped women organise, advocate and engage with institutions that previously overlooked them. Domestic worker Putul Akhter from Barisal said she spent years feeling “unseen and humiliated” before gaining awareness about her rights.  “Now we demand legal recognition, proper contracts and dignity,” she added. Tea worker Shila Kurmi from Sylhet echoed the call for change. She said workers need a living wage, labour law enforcement, safe workplaces, healthcare and education, not as favours but as rights. Speakers stressed that legal reform is essential to achieving structural change. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed, Executive Director of BILS and former head of the Labour Reform Commission, said women in domestic work, tea gardens, fisheries and home-based garment production remain largely unprotected. “True change requires organisation, movement and cooperation,” he added. In a video message, Farida Akter, Adviser at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, said contributions of these workers must be formally recognised and included in policy frameworks. She called for stronger public awareness and greater media engagement so that rights “move from paper to practice.” Michal Krejza, Head of Development Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, said women under the EWCSA project have made “outstanding impact” but noted that progress remains incomplete.      

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday ordered the publication of a notice in two national dailies to summon Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a case related to crimes against humanity during the July-August uprising in 2024. A two-member judicial panel led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder with Justice Md. Shafiul Alam Mahmud, issued the directive after hearing from Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, who informed the tribunal that Joy, against whom an arrest warrant had been issued, was absconding. The tribunal granted the prosecution’s application to publish the notice and fixed December 17 for the next hearing. The other accused in the case, former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, is in custody and was produced before the tribunal on Wednesday. Lawyer Liton Ahmed stood on behalf of Palak. The charges against Joy and Palak include concealing information about killings during the mass uprising by shutting down the internet, incitement to massacre, conspiracy, and involvement in the killings.

The hanging body of a police sub-inspector was recovered from the CID Training Centre (DTS) in the capital's Paltan on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Aftab Uddin Regan, a resident of Moulvibazar district.  He was serving in the Cyber and Special branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch (DB). Shamim Hasan, Sub-Inspector of Paltan Police Station, said they received information about the incident and went to the scene. The door was broken open, and Regan’s body was recovered. His body was later sent to Dhaka Medical College morgue for autopsy. Regan joined the 35th Outside Cadet Sub-Inspector batch after completing training in 2017. He was staying at the CID Training Centre dormitory for ongoing training.

As the schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election is set to be announced on Thursday, the interim government urged people to refrain from holding any rallies or gatherings. All kinds of rallies and gatherings will be prohibited in the city once the election schedule is announced, said Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Wednesday. Legal action will be taken against anyone found violating this directive, it said. DMP has also sought the cooperation of all stakeholders to maintain law and order during this period.

The Chattogram Press Club on Wednesday announced its executive committee for the 2025–26 term, electing Daily Amar Desh Resident Editor Jahidul Karim Kachi as president and Baishakhi TV bureau chief Golam Maula Murad as general secretary. Chief Election Commissioner Saifullah Chowdhury declared the full committee during the second phase of the anniversary event of the club’s interim committee, held at the Karnaphuli Hall of the press club. Former general secretary and editor of Daily People’s View Osman Gani Monsur, NTV bureau chief Shamsul Haque Haidary, former senior vice president Kazi Abul Monsur, and election committee members Shishir Barua and Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman were present, among others. The new committee includes Mustafa Naeem of Kaler Kantho as senior vice president, and Daisy Maudud, bureau chief of Dainik Bangla, as vice president. The joint secretary post went to Mia Md Arif, special correspondent of BSS, while ATN Bangla senior reporter Abul Hasnat was elected treasurer. Rupom Chakraborty of Portrait News was chosen as cultural secretary, Cbarta24 editor Rubel Khan as sports secretary, former Islamic TV bureau chief Md Shahidul Islam as library secretary, Dinkal bureau chief Hasan Mukul as social welfare and hospitality secretary, and Dainik Purbodesh senior reporter Faruk Abdullah as publicity and publications secretary. Executive members elected are Saleh Noman of Times of Bangladesh, Rafiqul Islam Selim, deputy bureau chief of Daily Inqilab, UNB Chattogram correspondent and Ekattor TV bureau chief Saiful Islam Shilpi, and NTV senior reporter Arich Ahmed Shah.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has waived excise duty on air tickets for Bangladeshi pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj in 2026. The move is aimed at reducing overall pilgrimage expenses and making the holy journey more accessible for ordinary worshippers. According to an official notification issued on December 7, 2025, the NBR granted full exemption from excise duty applicable for air tickets for all outbound and inbound Hajj flights in 2026. The exemption mirrors a similar measure taken for the 2025 Hajj season. Officials said the government’s decision is part of its broader initiative to reduce Hajj-related costs and support devout Muslims who aspire to perform the pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia to allow 78,500 Bangladeshis for 2026 Hajj By lifting the duty, each pilgrim is expected to save around Tk 5,000 on their air travel. The NBR noted that the waiver reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating a smoother, more affordable Hajj experience, while upholding the welfare of citizens undertaking one of the most significant religious obligations in Islam.    

The High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh on Wednesday recognised Kalpona Akter and Rani Yan Yan as the inaugural laureates of the Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh Human Rights Defenders award for their meaningful contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights in Bangladesh. The event, to commemorate International Human Rights Day, provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of the laureates, strengthen relationships and reaffirm Canada’s support for human rights in Bangladesh. The two recipients were recognised for their sustained leadership as human rights defenders. In this respect, Kalpona Akter was recognized for her work as a labour rights advocate and founder of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity. Rani Yan Yan was recognised for her role as the Advisor to the Chakma Circle in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and for her work as an Indigenous peoples’ rights advocate. The ceremony was held at the official residence of the High Commissioner of Canada in Dhaka and was attended by Ambassadors and representatives from diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, academics and government institutions. In his opening remarks, High Commissioner Ajit Singh asserted that the defence of human rights is an underlying principle of Canada’s foreign policy. “By recognising human rights defenders who work tirelessly and courageously to uphold human rights, we acknowledge the important role these leaders play in building more just, inclusive, and prosperous communities where no one is left behind,” he said. Canada collaborates with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society and international partners like UNDP, the ILO and IFES to support programs for girls’ education, climate resilience, community-led development, labour rights, Indigenous rights and civic education for elections in Bangladesh. Kalpona Akter has worked for more than two decades to improve conditions for garment workers. Beginning her career in the sector as a young worker, Kalpona Akter’s journey began not in boardrooms or policy forums, but on the factory floor. At the age of 12, she was forced to drop out of school to support her family and entered the garment industry in Dhaka.

Highlighting the cultural interconnections between Bangladesh and India, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Wednesday recalled that Deepavali is widely celebrated across Bangladesh, often alongside Kali Puja and popularly known as Shyama Puja - Deepanita Mahotsav. These shared traditions, he said, reflect the deep historical and civilizational bonds that continue to anchor the friendship between the two countries. The High Commissioner noted that Deepavali, the festival of lights, embodies universal values—the victory of good over evil, the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, and the reaffirmation of hope over despair. “These virtues and values transcend nations, cultures and faiths; they belong to humanity,” he said. The High Commission of India in Dhaka celebrated a landmark cultural milestone at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) through a special programme titled ‘Deepavali Goes Global’, marking the inscription of Deepavali into UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Mobile phone traders blocked the Sonargaon crossing in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area on Wednesday evening demanding the reform of the proposed National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) policy, triggering severe traffic congestion that spread to other parts of Dhaka. Tejgaon Traffic Police ADC Tania Sultana said the traders took position at Sonargaon crossing around 6pm and obstructed vehicular movement, causing gridlock on major connecting roads. The blockade brought traffic to a standstill at the busy intersection, with the impact spilling over into several adjoining areas.