United News of Bangladesh

Veteran actor Ilias Kanchan is undergoing treatment for a brain tumor at a London hospital, his son revealed while attending a virtual press conference on Wednesday. Ilias Kanchan is also a proponent of the road safety movement in Bangladesh. His activism frequently brought him back into headlines as road accidents continued to plague Bangladesh. The actor underwent brain surgery on August 5, 2025 at Wellington Hospital, led by Professor Demetrius, said the actor’s son at a press conference attended virtually by him from Canada. The surgery could not get rid of the brain tumor, for its complete removal threatened to cause life-threatening complications, including paralysis and loss of speech or mobility, Joy said. So, only a portion of the tumor was surgically removed, he said, adding that the remaining portion will be targeted through radiation and chemotherapy. The press conference was organised by Nischa at the National Press Club. The surgery followed three months of medical examinations. The next phase of his treatment—consisting of 30 sessions of radiation and chemotherapy—is scheduled to begin this month and will last for six weeks, followed by a four-week observation period. Doctors will then assess his condition and possibly his time to return to Bangladesh. Joy said Ilias Kanchan moved to London on April 26, 2025 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in Dhaka. The actor was first diagnosed with the brain tumor at Anwar Khan Modern Hospital in Dhanmondi in the first half of April. Following the diagnosis, Kanchan’s condition was evaluated at the National Institute of Neurosciences in Agargaon. The board had advised that surgery would be highly risky as the tumor was deeply embedded in the brain, at the junction of critical nerves. Joy, also acting chairman of Nischa, requested that the people of Bangladesh pray for his father’s swift and complete recovery.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Wednesday said the Madrasa-e-Alia is not only educational institutions but also a shining chapter in the history of education, culture, social reform and national awakening of the subcontinent’s Muslim society. “The historic Madrasa-e-Alia stands as a monument of heritage. It is not just an educational institution, but a shining chapter in the history of education, culture, social reform, and national awakening of the Muslim society of this subcontinent,” he said. The adviser was addressing a discussion on the premises of Dhaka Madrasa-e-Alia premises, marking the 246th founding anniversary of the historic institution here in the capital. He said the Madrasa-e-Alia has a glorious legacy spanning over two and a half centuries. Khalid Hossain said thousands of its graduates have contributed in the civil administration, armed forces, law enforcement agencies and other sectors of the country. “The contribution of this madrasas is unforgettable. Many qualified people have been produced from here,” he said. Noting that Dhaka Alia Madrasa has played a crucial role in shaping the society and the state over the ages, Dr Khalid expressed optimism that the institution will continue to serve the welfare of the country and the nation in the coming days. Calling for unity, he urged all to forget small differences and spread the message of harmony from Madrasa-e-Alia. Recalling the early history of Alia madrasa education in the subcontinent, the adviser said the journey of the Alia system started through many struggles and sacrifices. “The British rulers never welcomed this system, they controlled its curriculum. Despite that, the Islamic scholars of that time carried out religious education and made immense contributions, which we recall today with deep respect,” he said. Sharing his personal attachment, Dr Khalid said, “I myself was a madrasa student. My first lessons began with Alif, Ba, Ta, Tha. I went on to achieve a PhD degree, but madrasa was my foundation. It was my greatest achievement, and later my general education added another dimension.” He cautioned against sidelining traditional subjects like Quran, Hadith and Fiqh under the weight of modern disciplines. “Of course we must embrace modern education, but madrasa education is specialised. A madrasa is a factory for producing Islamic scholars. Arabic education in particular must be given due importance,” said the adviser. Religious education being introduced for prisoners: Religious Adviser Education Adviser Prof Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar (CR Abrar) attended the event as the chief guest, while Secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division Muhammad Rafiqul Islam and Principal of Dhaka Alia Madrasa Mohammad Obaidul Haque spoke on the occasion.

Flashfloods are likely to hit seven districts--Feni, Chattogram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Sherpur, Netrakona and Mymensingh--as major rivers continue swelling due to heavy to very heavy rainfall in Dhaka, Chattogram and Rajshahi divisions of Bangladesh, as well as in upstream regions of India’s Tripura and Assam states. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) of the Water Development Board came up with the warning on Wednesday. According to the FFWC, water levels in the Gomti, Muhuri, Selonia and Feni rivers in Chattogram division have risen over the past 24 hours and are expected to keep increasing over the next three days. The Muhuri and Selonia rivers may flow above the danger level in Feni, causing short-term flooding in adjacent low-lying areas. Meanwhile, the Feni River may reach the warning level in Chattogram district, leading to temporary inundation of low-lying zones. In Rangpur division, water levels in the Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers have fallen during the last 24 hours, while the Teesta has remained stable. However, all three may rise again within the next three days. During this time, the Teesta may reach the warning level, temporarily flooding low-lying areas of Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari. In Mymensingh division, the Kangsha River has receded slightly in the past 24 hours, while the Someshwari and Bhugai rivers have remained steady. These rivers are likely to swell in the next three days, with the Someshwari, Bhugai and Kangsha rivers potentially flowing at warning level in Sherpur, Mymensingh and Netrakona districts, causing temporary inundation of surrounding low-lying areas. The FFWC also noted that coastal rivers in Barishal, Khulna and Chattogram divisions are experiencing higher-than-normal tides, a situation expected to persist for the next three days. Low over Bay intensifies into depression Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported that a well-marked low-pressure area over the west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay. It is likely to cross the south Odisha–north Andhra Pradesh coast within the next 48 hours. During the last 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall was recorded in Dhaka, Chattogram and Rajshahi divisions, as well as in upstream areas of Tripura and Assam. Similar conditions are likely to prevail across Bangladesh and adjoining upstream regions of India in the next three days, from 9 am Wednesday until October 4 (Saturday).

The well-marked low over west-central Bay and adjoining area moved northnorthwestwards and intensified into a depression over the same area. It is likely to move north-northwestwards and intensify further into a deep depression, said a Met office special bulletin. It was centered at 3:00 pm on Wednesday about 915 km southwest of Chattogram port, 865 km southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 800 km southwest of Mongla port and 795 km southwest of Payra port. Under its influence, steep pressure gradient persists over North Bay. Gusty or squally weather may affect the maritime ports, the North Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. Maximum sustained wind speed within 44 km of the depression centre is about 40 kph rising to 50 kph in gusts or squalls. Sea will remain moderate near the depression centre. The maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted local cautionary signal No three. All fishing boats and trawlers over North Bay have been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice, so that they can take shelter within a short notice.  

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Wednesday said there is no immediate plan to lift the ban on the activities of the Awami League. "When a political party's activities are banned, questions naturally arise regarding the temporary or permanent nature of the ban. However, I do not see any indication that the ban on the Awami League's activities will be withdrawn soon," he said. The adviser came up with the remark while talking to reporters after visiting different puja mandaps in Barishal city. Referring to an interview given by the Chief Adviser to a foreign media outlet, the adviser said the general election would be held in the first half of February. Asked about the unrest in Khagrachhari, Asif said, “The government would take action against those responsible for creating unrest in the region.” Law Adviser slams Hasina’s rule, claims she lacked understanding of State concept Earlier in the day, the adviser reached the Barishal Circuit House and later visited the 'Shankar Math' near Natun Bazar in the city. During the visit, he exchanged greetings with leaders of the Hindu community.

Enayetullah Khan, Editor-in-Chief of UNB and President of the Bangladesh Chapter of The International SeaKeepers Society, will represent Bangladesh at the Ocean Collective Summit (TOCS) 2025 in Singapore. The two-day summit, taking place on 2–3 October, will gather global experts, policymakers, business leaders, investors, scientists and environmental advocates to chart the future of ocean conservation. Hosted by The International SeaKeepers Society Asia, the conference will run under the theme ‘Turning What If into What’s Next’. The event will open with keynote addresses by Jay Wade, Chairman of The International SeaKeepers Society, Singapore’s Minister of State Alvin Tan, and world-renowned aquanaut Fabien Cousteau, who will call for bold global action to protect the oceans. Innovative solutions showcase exploring the role of AI, big data and robotics in marine sustainability, along with sessions on aligning business and policy, advancing waste management solutions and a design-thinking workshop led by Cousteau are among the first day’s highlights. Bangladesh delegation participates in BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit in India The second day will focus on restorative and inclusive conservation. Simon Bernard of Plastic Odyssey will share insights from their global plastic-reduction expedition, followed by Dr Daniel Mira-Salama of the World Bank on climate-resilient coastal communities. Philanthropy’s role in ensuring equity in ocean sustainability will also be discussed before the summit concludes with closing remarks from Cousteau and Julian Chang, President of The International SeaKeepers Society Asia. With the SeaKeepers Bangladesh chapter working to raise awareness, mobilise communities and advocate for responsible ocean stewardship, its President Enayetullah Khan’s participation underscores Bangladesh’s growing engagement in global marine sustainability efforts.  

Two more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 200 this year. During this period, 490 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, bringing the total number of cases to 47,832 so far this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), said DGHS. Besides, a total of 76 people died from dengue while15,866 cases were reported in the month of September, according to the DGHS. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: 138 in Barishal Division (outside city corporation), 60 in Chattogram Division (outside city corporation), 100 in Dhaka Division (outside city corporation), 78 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 64 in Dhaka South City Corporation, 28 in Mymensingh Division (outside city corporation) and 22 in Rangpur Division (outside city corporation). Currently, 2359 patients are undergoing treatment at various hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. The DGHS recorded 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries during the same period. In 2023, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record.      

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Director General (DG) Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui on Wednesday said the country’s largest religious festival of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, is being observed in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. Ashrafuzzaman made the remarks while visiting the traditional Dhakeshwari and Ramna Kali Mandirs in Dhaka. He said the BGB has been entrusted, alongside other law enforcement agencies, with ensuring security for Durga Puja celebrations across the country. “BGB is guarding more than 2,000 puja mandaps in border areas, in addition to providing security at major mandaps in Dhaka and other parts of the country. Our aim is to ensure that people of all faiths can celebrate their religious festivals without hindrance. With one day left, I firmly believe that with the collective efforts of all, this year’s Durga Puja will conclude in a very peaceful and harmonious manner,” he said. To prevent any untoward incidents, the DG said, the BGB has intensified intelligence surveillance and conducted special patrols in border areas. The force is also coordinating closely with local administrations and other law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order nationwide, he said. During his visit, the DG exchanged greetings with Hindu devotees and met with the presidents and members of the Durga Puja Celebration Committees of Dhakeshwari and Ramna Kali Mandiris. Additional Director General (Operations and Training), the Dhaka Sector Commander, and other senior BGB officials accompanied him. Home Adviser urges to observe Durga Puja preserving sanctity Since September 24, a total of 430 BGB platoons have been deployed, with 24 base camps set up across Dhaka and border districts to ensure security at 2,870 puja mandaps nationwide. Of these, 1,417 mandaps are in border areas, including 15 in the hill tracts, while 1,453 are outside border zones. Among the latter, 441 mandaps are in Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur city corporations; 694 in Chattogram metropolitan area, Raozan, and Rangunia; and 318 in other parts of the country.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at places across the country including Dhaka due to the influence of well-marked low over the Westcentral Bay and adjoining area during next 72 hours commencing 9 am on Wednesday. “Due to the influence of well-marked low over the Westcentral Bay and adjoining area and active monsoon, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to occur at places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions during next 72 hours,” said a Met office heavy rainfall warning. Due to heavy to very heavy rainfall landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Chattogram division. Besides, temporary waterlogging may occur at places over Dhaka and Chattogram meteopolitan areas.    

At least 200 birds of various species were killed in a fire that broke out at Kapasia Bazar in Gazipur district on Wednesday. Mahfuz Islam, in-charge of Kapasia Fire Service, said the fire started around 10:15 am in one shop and quickly spread to four neighbouring shops. “Two firefighting units rushed to the scene and managed to bring the blaze under control within half an hour,” he added. 4 sued over death of 4 in Gazipur chemical warehouse fire Shop owners estimated the total loss from the fire at around Tk 40 lakh. Barendra Mandal, a bird trader affected by the incident, said the fire claimed 200 birds, including cockatiels, parrots, pigeons, doves and other species. Besides, bird feed worth approximately Tk 2 lakh was destroyed in the blaze, he said.