United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested a total of 152 alleged extortionists during a special drive conducted across the capital over the 48 hours. The information was disclosed by DMP acting Commissioner Md Sarwar at a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday noon. He said ensuring security, comfort and a peaceful life for city residents remains a key commitment of the police. “As part of that effort, a coordinated special drive has been intensified since May 1 targeting extortionists, drug traffickers, armed criminals and online gambling networks across the city.” According to the acting DMP chief, the operation is part of a broader security strategy aimed at improving law and order and curbing crime nationwide in line with the government’s commitments. He said law enforcement agencies are conducting targeted operations in crime-prone areas, including sudden block raids, setting up checkpoints, and increasing intelligence surveillance alongside CCTV monitoring to restrict escape routes of offenders. Sarwar said suspected persons are being punished through mobile courts after scrutinising their offences, while major offenders are being processed through regular case procedures and sent to court. He added that joint efforts involving local thana, Detective Branch, Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime, plainclothes officers and cyber monitoring teams are being carried out using modern technology to track criminal activities, particularly online fraud and gambling. During the 48-hour drive, police arrested 58 listed extortionists and 94 associated members based on specific intelligence. Highlighting other successes, the acting DMP chief said 80 kilograms of cannabis were recovered in a drive on Saturday, alongside arrests of active drug traffickers. In recent weeks, law enforcement has shifted focus from small drug users and petty dealers to larger consignments, recovering over 100,000 Yaba tablets, around half a kilogram of heroin, and more than 200 kilograms of cannabis in separate operations, he said. Sarwar also said investigations are underway to identify and prosecute the “godfathers” behind drug networks, with steps being taken to file cases, including money laundering, in coordination with relevant units such as Criminal Investigation Department. He reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy on illegal arms holders, saying operations against online gambling operators and digital fraud rings are ongoing. To strengthen area-based security, police have already set up two camps in Bosila and Karwan Bazar, with plans to establish more in other important locations soon, the acting DMP chief added.

The government will provide food assistance for three months to farmers in haor regions affected by flashfloods and onrush of hilly water, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said on Sunday. As per the directives of the Prime Minister the food assistance will be provided to the affected farmers, he said. The Agriculture Ministry has also been instructed to take rehabilitation measures, he said while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of ‘Bidyanondo Self-Employment Project 2026’ Shaheed Abul Kashem College ground in Lalmonirhat district. Lists of affected farmers are being prepared in districts including Kishoreganj, Netrokona, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Sylhet and Brahmanbaria, said the minister. Besides, special cards will be issued to enlisted farmers, enabling them to receive monthly assistance, he said. The formal launch of the programme will take place on May 6 in Sunamganj, he added. Bidyanondo Foundation distributed income-generating support materials among 101 underprivileged families. The assistance included shop goods, vans, cattle and sewing machines aimed at improving livelihoods.

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) announced on Sunday that it will keep the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price unchanged for May, giving consumers a breather after two consecutive hikes last month. In a notice issued in the afternoon, BERC said LPG will sell at April's fixed rates in May, keeping the price of the widely-used 12-kg cylinder at Tk 1,940. The decision comes after the LPG price was revised upward twice in April: by Tk 32.30 per kg on April 2, and again by Tk 17.62 per kg on April 19, pushing the 12-kg cylinder price from Tk 1,728 to Tk 1,940. For autogas, BERC fixed the consumer-level price at Tk 89.52 per litre (VAT inclusive) for May, a marginal increase of Tk 0.02 per litre over the revised April rate. Autogas also saw two upward adjustments in April. On April 2, the price rose by Tk 17.94 per litre to Tk 79.77 (VAT inclusive), followed by a further hike of Tk 9.73 per litre on April 19, setting it at Tk 89.50 per litre.

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC suspended gas supply to the capital's Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and adjacent areas on Sunday following damage to one of its pipelines. In a notice, the state-run gas distributor said a gas line was damaged in Gulshan-Badda Link Road area, prompting authorities to shut valves as a precautionary measure to prevent casualties and property loss. Repair works are underway at the affected sections of the pipeline, the company said. Titas did not specify when supply would be restored but expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to residents of the affected areas.  

Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Limited (BIFPCL) has set a new record in national power generation, producing over 760 million units of electricity from Rampal power plant in April this year. Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Rampal contributed more than 9 percent of the country’s total electricity generation during the month, according to a press release issued by the power plant authorities on Sunday. This marks the fifth time the Rampal plant has crossed the milestone of generating over 700 million units in a single month. Anwarul Azim, Deputy General Manager (Public Relations) of BIFPCL said the plant operated at an impressive 97 percent plant load factor (PLF) during the first week of April, when electricity demand surged due to a heatwave, helping stabilise the national grid. Ramanath Pujari, Managing Director of BIFPCL said operating the plant at near full capacity during peak demand highlights its robust design and the dedication of its workforce.

The government has initiated the process of nationalising Shaheed Zia Degree College in Gabtali upazila of Bogura, fulfilling a commitment made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his recent visit to the district. The Ministry of Education issued a circular on April 29 asking the relevant authorities to take all necessary steps for nationalising the college, saying the Prime Minister has given in principle his approval to the matter. According to the circular, several administrative and legal steps have been ordered as part of the nationalisation process. These include a restriction on new recruitment and the transfer of moveable and immovable property, the submission of reports following an on-site inspection of the institution, and on its financial status, legal matters and other relevant issues. The ministry asked for a legal opinion from the legal adviser of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education on whether the institution is facing any cases, along with a formal affidavit from the head of the institution. Officials concerned have been instructed to complete the required procedures and submit their reports to the ministry as quickly as possible. During his visit to Bogura on April 20 last, the Prime Minister attended a public programme at the college ground in Bagbari of Gabtali, where local residents and students displayed banners and chanted slogans demanding that the institution be nationalised. Responding to the demand, Tarique Rahman immediately announced government takeover of the college. “Your demand is that this college should be nationalised? Consider it done. The paperwork will reach you,” he had said. The nationalisation of the college is expected to expand access to higher education in the area, particularly benefiting students from the birthplace of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday said the government has initiated the process of forming a strong Media Commission aimed at building an independent and responsible media framework in the country. “Regulation does not mean control; rather, the government wants to play the role of a facilitator in ensuring a healthy and normal environment,” the minister said at a discussion, marking the World Press Freedom Day, 2026 at the ministry in the capital. This year’s Bangladesh theme for the observance of the day is: “Independent and Responsible Media: A Key Partner in Establishing a Culture of Accountability.” The minister said the media sector is a vast and complex system and that the government does not want to impose decisions unilaterally. “We will form an advisory committee involving representatives from all sides under the leadership of a widely accepted media expert. Based on the committee’s well-considered recommendations, a permanent Media Commission will be established. We believe this will ensure full freedom and protection for the media,” he said. He said the initiative would be implemented through continued dialogue with the Editors’ Council, journalists’ organisations, media owners and other relevant stakeholders. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to journalists’ professional safety and legal protection, the minister said no journalist would be jailed without committing an offence. “As a matter of policy, the government will ensure professional protection for all journalists under the law. Defamation cases and other legal complexities will be brought under institutional management through the Press Council,” he added. Zahir Uddin said the global media landscape is currently passing through a complex reality where journalists face growing risks in conflict zones while the rapid expansion of digital platforms, social media and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the nature of information flow. “As a result, new challenges surrounding the media have emerged, and these can no longer be addressed through conventional thinking,” he said. He said the issue of media freedom and responsibility remains highly significant and the government wants to build an independent, strong and responsible media system in the country. The minister said  the government does not believe in interfering in the media and reiterated its commitment to fearless, objective and unbiased journalism. To combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the digital era, he emphasised the need for strong fact-checking mechanisms within every media organisation. “No news should be published without verification and institutional mechanisms must be developed for this purpose,” he said. He also noted that the media is not merely a business or industry but a crucial component in maintaining balance within the state and society, adding that the sector would receive necessary policy support and patronage. Speaking at the event, Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice A K M Abdul Hakim said efforts are underway to make the Press Council more effective in ensuring journalists’ professional rights and legal protection. “Without media freedom, democracy and the rule of law cannot be established. However, accountability must accompany freedom. Rights are inseparably linked with duties and responsibilities. Ignoring limits and jurisdictions in many cases can create disorder in society. Journalists must maintain high ethical standards and professional discipline,” he said. S M Shamim Reza, professor of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at University of Dhaka, presented the keynote paper at the event. Among the speakers at the discussion were Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, president of the Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and Editor-in-Chief of Manabzamin; Abdus Salam, secretary general of  Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) and chairman of Ekushey Television; Dewan Hanif Mahmud, general secretary of the Editors’ Council and editor of Bonik Barta and Hasan Hafiz, president of the Jatiya Press Club. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Shah Alam delivered the welcome speech at the programme. Earlier in the morning, a colourful rally was organised to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026. Senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and its affiliated departments and agencies joined the rally.    

Ten children died from measles and symptoms consistent with the highly contagious but preventable disease in the country in 24 hours till 8:00am on Sunday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related, while the remaining nine were classified as suspected. Of the suspected deaths, highest four were recorded in Dhaka. With this, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 50 and suspected deaths to 244 since March 15. According to DGHS data, a total of 1,166 suspected measles cases were recorded in the past 24 hours. Since March 15, the total number of suspected cases has reached 40,491. During this period, 95 new confirmed measles cases were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 5,313. Since March 15, a total of 27,816 suspected measles patients have been hospitalised, while 24,090 of them have recovered.

A Dhaka court on Sunday sentenced three people to life imprisonment for killing a source of Detective Brach (DB) of police in 1999. Judge of the Dhaka Additional Metropoltian Session Judge Court-4, Mosaddek Minhaz handed down the punishment. The lifers are Habildar Md Billal Hossain, Constable Abdur Rauf and manager of DB Canteen Anwar Hossain. The court also issued warrants for their arrest as all of them were tried in absentia. According to the prosecution, Jalal Ahmed Shafi, a source of DB police, left his Lalmatia residence in Mohammadpur Police Station area at around 3:00am on March 20, 1999, for the DB office with his vehicle license and chequebook. Later police recovered the decomposed body of Jalal from the water tank of the DB office on March 25, 1999. Later, the then sub-inspector of Ramna Police Station, SM Ali Azam Siddique, filed a case in this connection. After identifying the body, Abbas Uddin, son of Jalal, filed another case on April 4, 1999.

A total of 1,23,33,840 sacrificial animals are ready in the country for Qurbani (sacrifice) during Eid-ul-Azha this year, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said on Sunday. “The total number of animals suitable for sacrifice has been estimated at 1,23,33,840, while the projected demand stands at 10,106,334,” he said while speaking at a press conference held at the Secretariat. As a result, around 22,27,506 animals are likely to remain surplus this year, the minister added. Citing the latest data from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), he said the available animals include 56,95,878 cattle and buffaloes and 66,32,307 goats and sheep. Besides, there are 5,655 animals of other species, such as camels and dumba (fat-tailed sheep). The total availability of sacrificial animals was 1,24,47,337 during Eid-ul-Azha last year. At that time, it was initially estimated that there could be a surplus of over 20,68,000 animals. However, actual figures showed that 91,36,734 animals were sacrificed, leaving a surplus of around 33.10 lakh. State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku, Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, DLS Director General Md Shahzaman Khan were present at the press conference.