United News of Bangladesh

Highlighting the importance of Dhaka-Delhi friendship, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said they are willing to work together to fulfil the aspirations of their people and forge closer people-to-people ties, inspired by their shared sacrifices of the past and guided by the new aspirations for the future. "The bonds we share with Bangladesh are not transient; they are everlasting. A relationship forged in blood and sacrifice cannot be weakened. Together, we will carry this shared legacy forward into the future," he said while speaking at a programme in the evening. The High Commissioner said Bangladesh and India have come a long way since 1971. "We are today two fast-growing economies. Our societies and economies are closely linked, so closely that we are interdependent on each other. Our geographical proximity with each other offers us new opportunities driven by our growing capabilities and new ambitions," he said. India rejects assertions made by Bangladesh interim govt Pranay Verma said India stood with the people of Bangladesh in 1971 and will continue to support them, in realising the vision for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive nation. Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad hosted the programme where the High Commissioner and his wife joined marking the anniversary of Bangladesh’s Mahaan Muktijuddha – the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh. "December is the Victory Month. It is a time of remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices millions of people made during Bangladesh’s freedom struggle," Pranay Verma said. He paid tributes to the people of Bangladesh who overcame the long ordeals of oppression, killings and subjugation, with valour, grit and determination. "It is a time to cherish the values that underpinned that freedom struggle," said the High Commissioner. "Today is the Martyred Intellectuals Day. This day takes us back to one of the darkest chapters of 1971, when Bangladesh stood on the threshold of freedom," Verma said. The systematic elimination of scholars, doctors, journalists, artists and educators by the occupation forces was an act of desperation aimed at destroying the very soul of a future nation, he said. Dhaka urges stand against hatred, violence - online and offline "We remember and honour all those martyred intellectuals whose sacrifices serve as a guiding light – inspiring us to uphold the values of knowledge, wisdom, intellectual pursuit, and the courage of conviction," he mentioned. During the Liberation War, the envoy said, India stood with their brothers and sisters in Bangladesh, with immense pride, supporting them at every step in their cause for truth, justice, dignity and freedom of Bangladesh. "And in doing so, we also lost our own soldiers – in thousands. Countless more were left wounded," he said. There are many historical moments in India's support to Bangladesh during the Liberation War that are milestones in the history of our two countries that cannot be erased, said the High Commissioner. Just eight days ago, on 6th of December, he said, they commemorated the historic anniversary of the Maitri Dibos, the day when India recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation 54 years ago, ten days ahead of Bangladesh’s liberation. He said the Liberation War of 1971 was the beginning of a relationship built upon humanism, empathy and trust that has sustained, despite changes, challenges and ups and downs in our relationship. "As we approach the Victory Day on the 16th of December, we reflect on the historic triumphs and the indomitable spirit of the people of Bangladesh that led to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation," Pranay Verma said. Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s statements  He said it has been fifty-four years since the Bangladesh achieved its liberation, and it is as important as ever that today’s youth and children—the future custodians of this nation—learn and carry forward this indelible history. "The programme organized today by the Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad reflects this responsibility, which we greatly commend," the envoy said. He made a special mention of the remarkable paintings depicting the glorious Liberation War, created by school students from Daka, that we just saw. 'Their creativity, empathy and sense of history are truly inspiring." In the presence of the heroic war-wounded freedom fighters of 1971, he said the place their hopes in today’s children—that they will uphold the ideals, spirit, and values of the great Liberation War. "Only then will the sacrifices of all our martyrs find their true meaning." "Occasions like today’s are meant to reflect on what we have achieved together. But these are also the moments when we look forward, rising above distractions, to see new horizons of our partnership," the High Commissioner said.  

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to express his profound condolences over the tragic death of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers in a drone attack in Sudan. “I am calling to express my deep deep condolences. I am devastated,” Guterres told Professor Yunus, adding that he was horrified by the attack. The UN chief expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh and requested the Chief Adviser to convey his condolences to the bereaved families, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Professor Yunus said he was deeply saddened by the loss of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers and urged the UN to facilitate the evacuation of the injured soldiers to top medical facilities, as well as to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies. Guterres informed him that the injured peacekeepers were initially treated at a local hospital in Sudan and that arrangements were underway to transfer the seriously wounded to better-equipped hospitals. Professor Yunus thanked the UN chief for paying attention to the treatment and evacuation of Bangladesh soldiers. During the phone call, which took place at 7:00 pm Bangladesh time, Professor Yunus also recalled UN Secretary-General's visit to Bangladesh during last Ramadan. The two leaders discussed the upcoming general election, with Professor Yunus assuring Guterres that the Interim Government would hold a free, fair, peaceful, and festive election on February 12. Guterres expressed confidence that Bangladesh would successfully conduct the election.

A high-level dialogue held in Dhaka on Sunday urged political parties to prioritise women’s and children’s rights in their election manifestos. Seven leading national and international organisations attended the event. Organised under the banner of the Coalition for Equality and Justice, the event convened political leaders, civil society representatives, development practitioners and members of the media for a collective push toward a more inclusive national agenda ahead of the upcoming National Parliament Election. During the event, the coalition formally handed over its proposed position paper on women’s and children’s rights to representatives of political parties, urging its integration into their electoral commitments. The dialogue forms part of the coalition’s wider effort to strengthen collaboration between civil society and political actors, emphasising that political commitments must translate into concrete policy action and sustained investment to ensure a fairer, more resilient and inclusive future for women and children in Bangladesh. The coalition comprising Manusher Jonno Foundation, Breaking the Silence, JAAGO Foundation, Save the Children in Bangladesh, WaterAid Bangladesh, Plan International Bangladesh and Oxfam in Bangladesh was established to ensure that the lived experiences, needs and aspirations of women and children are meaningfully reflected in political agendas. Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said that Bangladesh has made notable progress in areas such as gender parity in primary education, maternal and child health, and poverty reduction. However, without sustained political commitment and Senior management representatives from Oxfam in Bangladesh, Save the Children in Bangladesh, WaterAid Bangladesh, Breaking the Silence, Plan International Bangladesh and the JAAGO Foundation shared their reflections, highlighting the growing challenges faced by women and children as a result of climate shocks, economic pressures, shrinking civic space and entrenched social norms. They called for stronger enforcement of laws, increased investment in public services, expanded social protection for marginalised families and enhanced accountability mechanisms to ensure that commitments translate into tangible change. The speakers emphasised that political parties must adopt rights-based, evidence-driven approaches and place women and children at the centre of national development priorities.

More than 500 underprivileged and needy people received free medical consultation and healthcare services at a daylong medical camp organised by Emadia Foundation in Syedpur of Nilphamari district on Sunday. The camp was held at Hatikhana Khanqah-e-Emadia in Syedpur, where patients were provided with free diagnosis, specialist consultation and primary treatment from morning to afternoon. Dhaka Division Health Director Dr Mohammad Jahangir Alam inaugurated the programme, while Syed Shah Mujibul Haque Emadi Al Azhari presided over the event. Among the special guests were Brigadier General Md Nazmul Haque, Rangpur Division Health Director Dr Gausul Azim Chowdhury, Nilphamari Civil Surgeon Dr Md Abdur Razzak, and Member Secretary of National Health Alliance Dr Md Abdul Ahad.

The authorities of Dhaka University (DU) have erased images of individuals convicted of war crimes that were painted at Jagannath Hall on the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, students alleged. To commemorate the martyred intellectuals of the 1971 Liberation War, the Jagannath Hall Students’ Union organised a programme titled “Tuli’r Anchore Droho” (Defiance Through Brushstrokes) last night. As part of the programme, students painted images of convicted war criminals Ghulam Azam, Matiur Rahman Nizami, and Abdul Quader Molla - all senior leaders of Jamaat e Islami in independent Bangladesh at the time of their convictions- on the road in front of the hall’s Rabindra Bhaban. However, according to students and organisers, the images were erased on Sunday morning on the instructions of the university administration. Speaking about the incident, Jagannath Hall Union Vice President Pallab Barman said that the programme was organised to remember the martyred intellectuals and to express students’ anger against the Razakars. “But the administration erased the painted caricatures without informing us. We have not received any explanation so far,” he added. Attempts to contact Jagannath Hall Provost Debashish Pal and DU Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed for comments were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to phone calls.

At least 258 factories shut down over the past year, leaving more than 100,000 workers unemployed and heightening social and economic risks, according to a report by the Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA). Amrin Hossain Annie, Gender Officer of Bangladesh Nari Progati Sangha, presented the findings at a dialogue titled “Actions Needed amid Technological Transition, Climate Change and Existing Labour Conditions” held at the National Press Club on Sunday. Presided over by labour leader Abul Hossain, the function was addressed, among others, by economist Prof MM Akash, Joint convenor of Sramik Karamchari Oikya Parishad Abdul Quader Howlader, President of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad Fouzia Moslem and Bangladesh Representative of AFWA Arifur Rahman. Speakers said the combined impact of technological transformation, climate change and fragile labour conditions had pushed the garment sector into a more complex and uncertain reality. They stressed the need for a coordinated roadmap integrating technology, climate resilience and labour rights to overcome the ongoing crisis. Amrin Hossain Annie said there was a clear disparity between the total profits generated by the garment industry and the wages received by workers. Despite Bangladesh’s critical position in the global supply chain, workers’ wages have yet to reach a living standard, she noted. Production costs and international competition are often shifted onto workers, limiting improvements in their quality of life. Currently, nearly four million workers are employed in the garment sector, more than 60 percent of them women. While women’s participation in the workforce is a major achievement for economic development, their access to safe employment, gender-sensitive workplaces and decision-making processes remains limited. Political instability, declining buyer confidence, export market competition, power and energy shortages, and the global economic slowdown have further deepened uncertainty in the sector, she added. Economist Professor MM Akash said resolving the crisis required coordinated action, including the declaration and enforcement of a humane, living national minimum wage. No worker’s wage should fall below the poverty line, he said, calling for rationing systems, training centres and the right to form trade unions across all sectors. He urged labour organisations to unite on a common platform to strengthen workers’ solidarity. In his closing remarks, labour leader Abul Hossain said resolving the industry’s problems required the participation of all stakeholders, including workers, owners and the government. He emphasised the need to address low wages and wage discrimination and to ensure healthy and safe working conditions in factories.  

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid, now in Riyadh, on Sunday said they must reject every incitement to hatred, including across digital platforms and stand against violence, intolerance and discrimination. "Keeping this in mind, let us promote the values of unity, illuminate the path of understanding, celebrate the beauty of diversity and uphold our shared humanity," he said while speaking at the 11th Global Forum of UNAOC. Adviser Hossain said they must empower youth, foster intergenerational dialogue and place young people at the heart of global efforts to champion respect across civilizations, cultures and beliefs. "We must invest in inclusive education that nurtures peace, tolerance and cohesion," he said, highlighting the importance of expanding cultural exchanges, arts, sports and responsible media to build empathy and trust. The Adviser also said they must uphold justice and ensure accountability for victims of forced displacement caused by ethnic discrimination. The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting the two-day Forum. The Adviser, who reached Riyadh on Saturday, is expected to return home on Tuesday, a senior at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Adviser Hossain also expressed their appreciation to the governments of Spain and Türkiye, Group of Friends of the Alliance and the High Representative for their forward-looking leadership. "Peace is the ultimate destination of UNAOC," he said, mentioning that Bangladesh is one of the leading troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations. "In line with our commitment to global peace, we strongly condemn yesterday's cowardly attack on the UN peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, which tragically claimed the lives of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and left several others injured," Adviser Hossain said. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that they live in a world where conflicts continue to surge, and humanitarian crises deepen, he said. "Shadows of xenophobia, intolerance, racism and Islamophobia stretch across continents. Persecution and displacement based on ethnicity or religion wound our collective conscience," saif the ForeignAffairsAdviser. At the same time, he said, division is travelling faster than ever in this digital age, misinformation, hate speech and deep fakes threaten peace and corrode their shared humanity. Against this backdrop, he said, Bangladesh proudly aligns with the Group of Friends in its steadfast commitment to intercultural and interfaith dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect. "Our annual UN resolution on the Culture of Peace demonstrates our pledge that peace rests not merely on the absence of conflict but on justice, compassion and human dignity," Hossain said. "True to this conviction, we opened our doors to over 1.2 million Rohingyas - victims of genocide in Myanmar, who must be allowed to return to their homes," he added. This Alliance has become a beacon of dialogue, where differences converge into understanding, mistrust yields to empathy and diversity becomes a source of shared strength, yet more must be done, said the Adviser.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Abu Fazal Md Sanaullah on Saturday said law enforcement agencies are fully alert to prevent any repeat of covert attacks ahead of the upcoming national election, asserting that the electoral process will proceed on schedule despite recent security concerns. The assurance came after a special meeting held at the EC involving representatives from the Home Ministry and various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to review the law and order situation since the election schedule was announced. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Sanaullah said the discussion particularly focused on the recent “covert and targeted attack” on Inquilab Manch spokesperson and independent Dhaka-8 aspirant Sharif Osman Hadi, which has raised serious concerns among political actors and voters alike. “While details cannot be disclosed for the sake of investigation, several important aspects have emerged,” he said, adding that the suspected attacker had gradually gained close proximity to the victim and has a past involving political violence and criminal records. The EC was informed that a significant number of previously arrested militants and criminals have been released on bail over time and are currently active in society, posing renewed security challenges. “This issue has been taken seriously, and we discussed what further measures are required,” he also said. The Election Commissioner said the meeting also examined whether the attack was an isolated incident or part of a larger coordinated plan, and whether there were any gaps or failures in preventive intelligence or operational responses. Participants further discussed recent attempts to set fire to two upazila-level election offices, which failed but were captured on CCTV footage. These incidents, the EC noted, indicate the possible involvement of individual or splinter actors attempting covert sabotage. “To ensure deterrence, we have stressed the need for increased checkpoints, restrictions on the movement of known criminals, recovery of illegal arms and ammunition, and intensified intelligence coordination,” the official said. Law enforcement agencies informed the commission that the second phase of the ‘Rebel Hunt’ operation resumed on Friday and is being carried out in a coordinated manner. Special emphasis has been placed on intelligence-sharing, border areas—particularly the southeast—and Rohingya-inhabited regions to assess any linkage with broader destabilisation attempts. The EC said cyber security units are already operational using existing national cyber infrastructure, with a dedicated coordination cell formed at the commission to monitor election-related disinformation and online threats. Responding to questions on whether the attack could create fear among candidates and voters, the EC official said, “That is precisely the intention behind such acts. But today’s meeting was meant to defeat that objective. These attempts will not be allowed to succeed.” Regarding a recent comment by the Home Adviser suggesting licensed firearms could be issued to candidates, the EC said no such discussion had taken place with the commission so far and the matter would be reviewed once official clarification is received. The EC also confirmed that three individuals have already been arrested in connection with the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, while further details remain confidential due to ongoing investigations. On election code of conduct enforcement, the commission said returning officers and executive magistrates are already active in the field to remove illegal posters and banners following the expiry of the 48-hour deadline. EC Sanaullah reiterated that while it is impossible to eliminate all risks during an election, the effectiveness and responsiveness of law enforcement agencies are key. “We are satisfied with the actions taken so far, though there is scope for further strengthening,” he said. He also urged political parties and candidates to remain vigilant, warning that infiltrators may pose as allies. “This incident has shown that sabotage can come from within close circles. Preventive caution is essential.” The Election Commissioner reaffirmed that the election will be held on time, and any attempt to derail or intimidate the democratic process will be met with firm and coordinated action by the state.

Newly appointed Youth and Sports Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Sunday said action will be taken against corruption or irregularities in the Youth and Sports Ministry if there is any scope to act. “Two months is a very short time, yet I have set two priorities. One of them is to take steps against any form of corruption or irregularity if I get scope,” he told journalists during an introductory meeting with the ministry officials at its conference room at the Secretariat. Adviser Asif Nazrul was appointed to lead the Youth and Sports Ministry after the resignation of its adviser Asif Mahmud. Asif Nazrul said he was supposed to take charge on his first day with great enthusiasm and interest. “But now I could not say I am assuming responsibility with a joyful mind due to the shooting of Osman Hadi and the overall situation prevailing in the country afterward.” The adviser praised his predecessor Asif Mahmud saying he was a very successful adviser who did a lot of work, especially in the sports sector. He said the country has achieved several rare successes in sports under Asif Mahmud’s leadership that had not been achieved before. The adviser also mentioned the Youth Festival Fair as a very good programme and said he would maintain the continuity of the work done earlier while also looking into what new initiatives could be taken. He said he would try to activate stadiums outside Dhaka as well as various offices of the ministry in different districts.

The International community, including the European Union (EU), the United States, the United Kingdom and France, stood beside Bangladeshi peacekeepers and extended their condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers killed in Sudan. They prayed and hoped for a speedy recovery for the eight who were injured. The EU Delegation to Bangladesh, in a message on Sunday, extended its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six UN peacekeepers from Bangladesh. "We wish all those injured in the attack a speedy and full recovery. The EU Delegation is grateful to Bangladesh for its invaluable contribution to UN peacekeeping, and for the courage, dedication and professionalism of Bangladeshi peacekeepers across the globe," said the EU. The US Embassy​ in Dhaka noted Bangladesh's long history of support to UN Peacekeeping Operations, and extended its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers killed in Sudan. The Embassy hoped for a speedy recovery for the eight who were injured. The British High Commission also extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who tragically lost their lives in Sudan, and wished a full and swift recovery to the eight injured. "The UK remains steadfast in supporting Bangladesh's commitment to global peacekeeping," said the High Commission. The Embassy of France, in a separate message, extended its deepest condolences to the families of the six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in Sudan, and wished a swift recovery to those injured. "France stands in solidarity with Bangladesh and honors its commitment to UN peacekeeping," said the Embassy. Bangladesh strongly condemned the attack on the Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were serving under the UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan. Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers have died and eight were injured when a drone attack was carried out on a United Nations base in Abyei, Sudan. Bangladesh mourns the death of her valiant sons and expresses deep condolences to the bereaved families. At the same breath, the government and people of Bangladesh sent prayers for the healing and early recovery of those wounded. The government through its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York requested the UN to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured peacekeepers. The Bangladesh Mission in New York is in close touch with the UN and working together to extend all support to the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent there.