United News of Bangladesh

Emphasising the need for an elected government, newly elected president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu has said there is no alternative to a people-mandated government to remove insecurity of investors. He made the remark while exchanging views with reporters at a hotel in Chuadanga district headquarters on Monday night. Forum secures clean sweep in BGMEA polls  “Currently, there is a caretaker [interim] government in the country, and investors are in uncertainty. The decrease in investment has created a kind of stagnation in the economy. Those who want to establish new industries or start a business are also waiting for an elected political government,” the business leader said. He said the sooner a legitimate government is formed through a credible election, the quicker the country’s economic momentum will be restored, investments will rise, employment opportunities will grow, and business will expand. The industrialist expressed the hope to establish a training centre in the district to equip unemployed youths with skills, enabling their integration into the industrial workforce.  BGMEA, AYAT Education, Integral Global Unite to promote wellness in RMG sector Managing Director of Sahid Group and President of the Bangladesh Business Chamber of Singapore Shahiduzzaman Torik, Managing Director of Zaman Group of Companies Asaduzzaman Asad, Chuadanga Press Club President Rajib Hasan Kochi, General Secretary Bipul Ashraf, journalist Hussain Malik and representatives from local media, were present at the meeting.

The US Embassy in Dhaka, in collaboration with Bangladeshi Fire Service and Civil Defense (FSCD), Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG), and Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), launched a comprehensive 'Medical First Responder' seminar in Chattogram. This initiative, led by the U.S. Civil-Military Support Element (CMSE), will improve coordination and synchronisation among the three organisations in response to port-related crises to protect critical key infrastructure, said the US Embassy in Dhaka. The week-long training is covering critical life saving techniques for emergency situations, including CPR and controlling massive hemorrhage.  Instructions include practical exercises, including a mass casualty exercise and prepare trainees to lead follow-on medical training for their respective organizations. DMP conducts special security drill ahead of Bangladesh-Singapore football match Since 2014, the US government has supported the training of over 25,000 Bangladeshi First Responders. This includes specialised sessions on topics like 'Swift Water Rescue, High Angle Rescue and Search and Rescue.'   The Embassy said these programmes reaffirm the US' commitment to bolstering Bangladesh’s self-sufficiency and crisis response capabilities, strengthening regional stability and making both America and Bangladesh safer.

A man identified as a notorious drug dealer was hacked to death in the early hours of Tuesday in what police suspect to be a deadly fallout of gang rivalry in Dhaka’s Pallabi area. The deceased was identified as Rakibul Hasan Sani, widely known by his alias ‘Paper Sani’, aged 29. Law enforcement officials and local sources suggest that the killing stems from long-standing turf wars involving rival drug syndicates. According to Pallabi Police, the incident took place between approximately 4:30am and 5:00am in Line-03, Block-B, of Mirpur Section-11, under the jurisdiction of Pallabi Police Station. Police said Sani, an alleged criminal with a reputation in the local drug scene, was attacked and slaughtered by a group of assailants who promptly fled after carrying out the brutal act. Initial reports point to the involvement of several known criminals and rival drug operatives from the area. DMP sub-inspector killed in Shahjahanpur bus accident Among those suspected are individuals identified as Langra Rubel, Tan Akash, Jinda and Gal Kata Rabbi—all said to be actively engaged in illicit activities. Following a tip-off, police recovered Sani’s body at around 7:00am and sent it to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Officials from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) later visited the scene as part of the investigation, and legal proceedings are currently underway. Confirming the incident, officer-in-charge of Pallabi Police Station, Shahidul Islam, told the media that the victim’s family is in the process of filing a formal complaint. Sources within the community allege the murder was driven by a conflict over control of the local drug distribution network, a scenario that has become increasingly common in areas plagued by narcotics and organised crime. The killing has spread fear and unrest among residents of Millat Camp, where the incident occurred. Locals expressed concern over the prevailing law and order situation, fearing reprisals or further violence in the wake of the attack.

Three friends were killed in a head-on collision between a motorbike and a passenger bus on the Itakhola-Shibpur regional road in Narsingdi on Monday night. The deceased were identified as Saiful Islam, 25, Opu Mia, 20, and Ashique Mia, 23, all residents of Mirzakandi area under Machhimpur union in Shibpur upazila. Quoting relatives, police said the trio had gone to the district town to roam around on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. While returning home, their motorbike collided with an oncoming passenger bus in Bandaria area around 11:30pm, leaving all three critically injured. They were rushed to the Upazila Health Complex, where Saiful and Ashique were declared dead upon arrival. 2 killed, 4 injured in Khulna road accident As Opu’s condition deteriorated, he was being taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital but succumbed to his injuries on the way. Sub-inspector Ajoy Bala of Shibpur Police Station said legal action will be taken upon receiving complaints from the victims’ families.

Calling corruption the biggest problem of the country, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday warned that those involved in ‘case trading and graft’ will not be spared. “No one involved in case trading and corruption will be spared. But, yes, corruption is the biggest problem in Bangladesh. If it could be brought under control, the country would have advanced significantly,” he said. Law and order satisfactory during Eid: Home Adviser Adviser Jahangir made the remarks while responding to questions from reporters during his visit to Gachha police station in Gazipur city Tuesday morning. Highlighting the police reform initiative, he said as part of the reform an initiative has been taken to accept cases and GDs online across the country and there will be no need to come to the police station in-person. Besides, he said, a ‘glass room’ will be provided for questioning the accused in custody, allowing people to see how they are being treated from outside. Replying to another query, he said the plaintiffs in the murder cases of July and August are a large number of people and it is taking time to end the investigations to determine who is guilty and who is innocent as there are many accused in their cases.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived here on Tuesday, beginning his four-day official visit to renew their bilateral ties with the United Kingdom, with an increased focus on economic cooperation, trade and investment. A flight of Emirates Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage arrived at Heathrow Airport, London at 7:05am (London time), Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. They left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London at about 7.30 pm on Monday. Abida Islam, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, received the Chief Adviser. “This is a very important visit,” said acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, noting that Professor Yunus will meet His Majesty King Charles III and hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside other high-level engagements. “The relationship between Bangladesh and the UK is very deep and diverse,” he added, emphasising that the visit will play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations. During the visit, King Charles III will formally confer the prestigious ‘Harmony Award 2025’ on Professor Yunus, recognising his lifelong efforts to promote peace, sustainability and harmony between people and the environment. The award ceremony will take place at St James’s Palace in London on June 12. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was the recipient in 2024. Prof Yunus leaves for UK on four-day official visit Prof Yunus is also expected to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along with other senior ministers, political leaders and influential figures from the UK’s policy and business communities. The Acting Foreign Secretary said the visit carries particular importance, as the UK, being a leading democratic nation, values the promotion of democratic principles and good governance in developing countries. He said the visit will provide an opportunity to showcase Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives, its democratic trajectory and the interim government's commitment to good governance. “And above all,” he noted, “as a Nobel laureate and a globally respected figure, the Chief Adviser has a unique and positive image around the world. A visit to the UK by a personality like him will further enhance and consolidate Bangladesh’s position in the global arena.” Discussions during the visit will also cover global and regional issues, with particular focus on climate change, sustainable development, the Rohingya crisis, and migration. An important component of the agenda will be leveraging British expertise and resources to support Bangladesh’s national development goals. Prof Yunus is also scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reinforcing Bangladesh’s wider international engagements. As part of his public diplomacy initiatives, the Chief Adviser will deliver a keynote address at Chatham House -- the Royal Institute of International Affairs -- on June 11. He will share insights into Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress, democratic transition, and future vision. The recovery of laundered money and overseas assets is also expected to be high on the agenda. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur recently told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy that the Chief Adviser will raise the issue during the London visit, as part of ongoing efforts to recover stolen funds and assets. According to the government, an estimated US$16 billion was illicitly transferred abroad annually under the previous administration. Prof Yunus to visit UK June 10–13; King Charles to present ‘Harmony Award 2025’ The Chief Adviser has already sought cooperation from the British government through its High Commissioner in Dhaka to trace and recover funds allegedly laundered to the UK by individuals associated with the former Sheikh Hasina-led regime.

Madrasas, orphanages and Lillah boarding schools across 10 districts of Khulna division have preserved 3, 26,794 pieces of rawhides of sacrificial animal using salt provided by the government during this year’s Eid-ul Azha. According to data sent to the Commerce Ministry’s control room from Khulna Division on Monday, the preserved list includes 119,112 pieces of cow and buffalo hides and 207,682 pieces of goat ones. District-wise data shows that the highest number of hides was preserved in Jhenaidah with 93,736 pieces followed by Jashore with 75,185, Kushtia with 36,737, and Narail with 30,715. Besides, 22,742 pieces of hides were preserved in Khulna, 23,313 in Satkhira, 18,085 in Meherpur, 13,057 in Bagerhat, 7,152 in Magura and 6,072 in Chuadanga. Tannery workers busy unloading, processing rawhides at Savar tannery estate The hides were preserved under the supervision of district and upazila administrations. The government provided 30,000 metric tonnes of salt this year to madrasas, orphanages and mosques across the country to facilitate the proper preservation of Qurbani hides.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) pushed 20 more people into Bangladesh through border points in Dinajpur and Thakurgaon districts on Monday night. Lt Col Abdullah Al Moin Hasan, Commanding Officer of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion-42, said a BGB patrol team detained 13 people after they were pushed across the Enayetpur border in Biral upazila of Dinajpur. Besides, seven more people were pushed in through the Chanduria border in Pirganj upazila of Thakurgaon, which also falls under the jurisdiction of the BGB-42 Battalion. BSF pushes 8 people across Bholahat border into Chapainawabganj Among those pushed into Bangladesh were four men, four women and 12 children. Despite repeated concerns raised by Bangladesh, the incidents of BSF pushing people into the country through various border points continue unabated.

Bangladesh reported five more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Monday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,021,747, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,500 as no new fatalities were reported during this period. Covid-19: Railways Ministry urges Eid holidaymakers to wear masks The daily case test positivity rate was 12.20 percent as 41 samples were tested, said the DGHS. The recovery and death rates stood at 98.42 percent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus left here for London on Monday evening, embarking on a four-day official visit to the United Kingdom from June 10 to 13. The two countries are working to renew their bilateral ties, with an increased focus on economic cooperation, trade and investment. A flight of Emirates Airlines carrying the Chief Adviser and his small entourage left Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for London at about 7.30 pm, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder told UNB. “This is a very important visit,” said acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, noting that Professor Yunus will meet His Majesty King Charles III and hold bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alongside other high-level engagements. “The relationship between Bangladesh and the UK is very deep and diverse,” he added, emphasising that the visit will play a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations. During the visit, King Charles III will formally confer the prestigious ‘Harmony Award 2025’ on Professor Yunus, recognising his lifelong efforts to promote peace, sustainability and harmony between people and the environment. Prof Yunus leaves for home wrapping up Japan tour The award ceremony will take place at St James’s Palace in London on June 12. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was the recipient in 2024. Prof Yunus is also expected to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along with other senior ministers, political leaders, and influential figures from the UK’s policy and business communities. The Acting Foreign Secretary said the visit carries particular importance, as the UK, being a leading democratic nation, values the promotion of democratic principles and good governance in developing countries. He said the visit will provide an opportunity to showcase Bangladesh’s ongoing reform initiatives, its democratic trajectory and the interim government's commitment to good governance. “And above all,” he noted, “as a Nobel laureate and a globally respected figure, the Chief Adviser has a unique and positive image around the world. A visit to the UK by a personality like him will further enhance and consolidate Bangladesh’s position in the global arena.” Discussions during the visit will also cover global and regional issues, with particular focus on climate change, sustainable development, the Rohingya crisis, and migration. An important component of the agenda will be leveraging British expertise and resources to support Bangladesh’s national development goals. Prof Yunus is also scheduled to hold courtesy meetings with the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), reinforcing Bangladesh’s wider international engagements. As part of his public diplomacy initiatives, the Chief Adviser will deliver a keynote address at Chatham House – the Royal Institute of International Affairs – on June 11. He will share insights into Bangladesh’s socio-economic progress, democratic transition, and future vision. Prof Yunus leaves Qatar for Vatican to pay last tribute to Pope Francis The recovery of laundered money and overseas assets is also expected to be high on the agenda. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur recently told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy that the Chief Adviser will raise the issue during the London visit, as part of ongoing efforts to recover stolen funds and assets. According to the government, an estimated US$16 billion was illicitly transferred abroad annually under the previous administration. The Chief Adviser has already sought cooperation from the British government through its High Commissioner in Dhaka to trace and recover funds allegedly laundered to the UK by individuals associated with the former Sheikh Hasina-led regime.