United News of Bangladesh

A suspected thief was killed in a lynch mob-attack in Mominpur area of Naldanga upazila early Monday, police said. The victim was identified as Abdul Mannan, 34. Locals said that around 2:30am, when they suspected the presence of thieves in the Mominpur area of Naldanga Upazila, they alerted others by announcing through the mosque's loudspeaker, resulting the gang to flee. UP member beaten to death in Gaibandha Later, the thieves threw a net into a pond leased by Hasan Ali and Afzal Hossain, both from the same village, and stole fish. The villagers then chased after them. Although the others managed to flee, local residents were able to catch Abdul Mannan and gave him a good thrashing, leaving him injured. Natore  BCL leader held in Pabna Upon hearing the news, the pond owners rescued Abdul Mannan and rushed him to the Sadar hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Mostafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Naldanga Police Station, said that they are investigating the incident.

A fire that broke out at a Bata showroom near Prashika Moar in the city’s Mirpur-6 sparked panic in the area but no casualties were reported, authorities said on Monday. The fire started at around 11:55 pm on Sunday night and was doused by 4:50 am on Monday, according to the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters control room. Firefighting teams from Mirpur and Kalyanpur fire stations responded promptly, it said. Hazaribagh leather warehouse fire extinguished, fire safety negligence highlighted Six firefighting units, including, three units from Mirpur, one unit from Sddique Bazar Fire Station and two units from Kalyanpur fire stations were dispatched to the scene and worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze. Duty Officer Lima Khanam of the Fire Service and Civil Defence Control Room confirmed that there were no reports of casualties. Child killed, 100 houses gutted in a Rohingya camp fire Further investigations are being conducted to determine the exact cause of the incident amid suspected short circuit.

A Bangladeshi couple, sentenced to five years in prison for illegal migration to India, returned home through the Benapole check post on Sunday, authorities said. The returnees are Md. Rashid Sheikh, 40, and his wife Jhorna Khatun, 32, from Mallik Para village in Jhikargachha upazila of Jashore. The Petrapole immigration police handed them over to the Benapole Immigration Police on Sunday evening through a special travel permit issued by the Indian government. Bangladeshi, Indian civilians face off along Chapainawabganj border Imtiaz Bhuiyan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Benapole Immigration Police, said they were handed over to the Benapole Port Police Station after due procedures. From there, an NGO called Rights Jessore will receive them and hand them over to their families, he added. Md. Jawadul Karim, Psychosocial Counsellor at Rights Jessore, said the couple had illegally crossed into India through the Chaugachha border in Jashore in March 2018 in search of better job opportunities. They found work in a vegetable shop in Gujarat but were arrested by Indian police in January 2020. Later, they were sentenced to five years in prison and sent to Gujarat Central Jail. After completing their sentence, the couple was placed in a shelter run by an Indian NGO. BGB detains 2 Indian nationals with smuggled goods With support from the embassies of both countries, the couple returned to Bangladesh on Sunday evening. Rights Jessore has confirmed that the couple will stay at their shelter home before being safely handed over to their families.

Bangladesh on Sunday laid emphasis on deepening trade ties with Russia and sought more investment from Russia in various sectors, including infrastructure, energy and manufacturing. Bangladesh also requested Russia for the recruitment of more skilled and semi-skilled manpower from Bangladesh. The issues were discussed when newly appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander G. Khozin met with Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin separately at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ambassador also expressed Russia’s readiness to export wheat to Bangladesh under deferred payment terms and making a bilateral arrangement for the supply of fertilizers as per mutual convenience.        Bangladesh reassured that it would continue its cooperation with the Russian Federation for the successful completion of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project. Bangladesh also conveyed thanks to the government of Russia for accepting more Bangladeshi students to pursue higher studies in Russia. Nuke Plant: Russian Ambassador hopeful of settling loan repayment issues Both sides addressed a variety of topics related to bilateral relations between the two countries. Key issues included cooperation in the power and energy sector, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project, trade and business expansion, food security, fertilizer supply, workforce export, and higher education and human resource development. They also touched on various global issues of importance. Ambassador Khozin reiterated Russia’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh in various areas of mutual interest. He briefed the Foreign Secretary on the latest developments of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Project. The Foreign Secretary welcomed Ambassador Khozin to Bangladesh and expressed hope that the bilateral engagements between the two countries will be further diversified during his stint. The Foreign Adviser and Foreign Secretary extended his best wishes to Khozin for his new role as the Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh.

Youth leaders from across the capital gathered at the Military Museum on Sunday for the “Dhaka Youth Climate Forum"- a platform to reflect on UN Climate Conference COP29 outcomes and set ambitious goals for COP30. Jointly organized by Nature Conservation Management (NACOM) and YouthNet Global, with support from the Climate Ambition Support Alliance (CASA) and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the forum underscored the vital role of youth in addressing the climate crisis and building a just and resilient Bangladesh. A.K.M. Sohel, Additional Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, attended as the chief guest. Nayoka Martinez-Bäckström, First Secretary (Environment & Climate) at the Embassy of Sweden, and Md. Ziaul Haque, Director of Air Quality at the Department of Environment, also joined as special guests, reaffirming the importance of youth in shaping national and international climate policies. Dr. S.M. Munjurul Hannan Khan, Executive Director of NACOM, chaired the session and highlighted the urgency of integrating youth perspectives into climate governance. In his keynote speech, Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, expressed frustration over the lack of substantial progress at COP29. He stressed the need for immediate and bold actions to address the climate crisis, stating, “Youth must be at the forefront of climate negotiations to ensure policies address the urgency of the climate crisis.” About 200 youth participants reviewed key outcomes from the COP29, including progress on climate financing and adaptation, while demanding stronger commitments for COP30. The forum concluded with a passionate call to action, urging young people to lead climate advocacy efforts and policy reforms. Youth leader Sujana Zahir Rafa presented the “Youth Declaration: A Call for a Just, Inclusive, and Resilient Bangladesh,". The youth declaration outlines critical demands to address the climate crisis, including the establishment of a grassroots-driven and inclusive Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) process, the adoption of science-based targets to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and the fulfillment of financial commitments by developed nations to address loss and damage. It also emphasizes the need for a just transition through education and reskilling for a low-carbon economy and calls for formal mechanisms to ensure meaningful youth participation in policymaking. “We are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the change agents of today,” declared Rafa, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring climate justice and resilience in Bangladesh.

The officer-in-charge (OC) of Gulshan Police Station, Touhid Ahmed, has been temporarily suspended as he allegedly refused to file a dacoity case involving an incident at a businessman’s residence in the capital’s Gulshan Avenue. According to sources, a group of dacoits posing as members of a joint force operation entered the residence of a prominent businessman on Road No. 29 in Gulshan Avenue on January 11. The bandits looted 60 tolas of gold ornaments, Tk 46 lakh in cash, and other valuables. The businessmen lodged a complaint with the Gulshan Police Station the following day. However, police allegedly denied filing the dacoity case, prompting the businessman to inform Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sajjad Ali. In response, OC Touhid Ahmed was suspended on Sunday afternoon and attached to DMP headquarters. DMP’s Deputy Commissioner (Media) Md Takebur Rahman confirmed the suspension, stating, “The OC was suspended for failing to register the case promptly. Necessary steps are being taken regarding the incident.” The DMP is yet to appoint a new officer to lead the Gulshan Police Station. Further investigations into the dacoity and the police’s handling of the case are underway.

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC disconnected 40 consumers in the Fatullah area in Narayanganj on Sunday. The drive was launched as part of Titas Gas’s ongoing drive against the illegal gas users. Titas Gas conducted drives at five different spots in Fatullah, Narayanganj, led by an executive magistrate of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, to disconnect illegal connections of Titas Gas. The drive team disconnected connections in the Modern Housing area of Fatullah for which about 400 residential double stoves were out of gas connections. About 300 feet of 3/4" diameter distribution pipe was removed from the area. In addition, a customer in a nearby area of Modern Housing was fined Tk90,000 by the mobile court as per Bangladesh Gas Act, 2010 for his illegal use of 28 double burner ovens in place of approved 8 double ovens. As part of the operation, the gas connection of the customer M/s New Top Textile BD Limited, which was previously disconnected due to using additional facilities than the approved one, was cut off from the control valve. Titas Gas officials said that initial investigation did not find evidence of gas connection in a mosquito coil manufacturing company and Alcoba washing factory in Pilkuni, Nandalalpur, Fatullah, Narayanganj areas. However, since there is a possibility of gas connection according to the activities of the Alcoba washing factory, it has been decided to keep the company under monitoring.

The government announced a significant step towards a tobacco-free Bangladesh, with new amendments to the Tobacco Control (TC) Law expected to strengthen the country's fight against tobacco consumption. Professor Mohammad Sayadur Rahman, Special Assistant (State-ministerial Rank) to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighted the government's efforts in controlling tobacco use and reducing its impact on public health. On Sunday (19 January), in the evening, he met with a delegation of tobacco control projects from the Development Organisation of the Rural Poor-DORP at the Secretariat to discuss the future of tobacco control in Bangladesh. The discussion centred on accelerating the passage of the law amendments and achieving a tobacco-free Bangladesh. Dr. Mohammad Sayadur Rahman emphasized the government's goal to prevent new smokers, citing both domestic and international research supporting the need for tobacco bans in public places, though he acknowledged that an outright ban is not currently feasible. A series of ambitious proposals have been included in the draft bill to align Bangladesh's tobacco control measures with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). These include abolishing smoking areas in public places and on public transport to safeguard non-smokers, banning tobacco product displays in sales outlets to prevent promotion, and prohibiting tobacco companies’ social responsibility programmes. The draft also suggests a ban on e-cigarettes and emerging heated tobacco products, as well as a ban on retail and open sales of tobacco products. Furthermore, the size of graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging would increase from 50% to 90%.

Head of the UN Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) Nicholas Koumjian on Sunday said they will investigate allegations of abuse against the Rohingyas, including those by the Arakan Army. “We have the mandate to investigate abuses committed by any group or force in Myanmar, whether it’s the Arakan Army, the Myanmar military, or any other entity,” he told reporters after his meeting with Foreign Adviser Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  They also discussed the recent developments in the Rakhine State.  Koumjian briefly shared about the Mechanism and expressed his gratitude for Bangladesh's consistent support in their work.  As an accountability actor, he conveyed the Mechanism’s eagerness to play a constructive role in the upcoming high-level conference on the situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.  If Rohingyas or anyone else are victims of abuse, Koumjian said they will investigate it and they are collecting evidence for this purpose. He said evidence is being collected through modern technology, social media, and interviews with victims, despite the lack of physical access to the country. Koumjian, who brings to this position over 35 years of experience as prosecutor, including almost 20 years of experience in the field of international criminal justice, stressed that the UN mechanism remains committed to ensuring accountability and justice for international crimes committed against Rohingyas in Myanmar.

Bangladesh will highlight its efforts for an improved business and investment climate during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland to attract the global business leaders and investors giving them a confidence to explore the opportunities that Bangladesh offers. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will lead the Bangladesh delegation at WEF annual meeting in Davos and focus business and investment opportunities during his series of engagements there. Dr Yunus is scheduled to leave Dhaka for Switzerland after Monday midnight (1am on Tuesday) and will return home on January 25 attending the WEF annual meeting to be held on January 21-24 in Davos.      “There will be an effort from the interim government to give an impression (to international business leaders and investors) about making investment in Bangladesh,” said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul kalam Azad Majumder while briefing the media at Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Sunday evening. He said Bangladesh will try to attract the internal businesspeople and investors to invest in Bangladesh taking advantage of what Bangladesh offers. The Chief Adviser will engage with the global leaders on regional and global issues in addition to his bilateral engagements. ‘Will lead consensus-building commission’, Dr Yunus tells Australian envoy Dr Yunus will have a number of important meetings, including meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, King Philippe of Belgium and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Top officials of the European Central Bank, Meta and Amnesty International will also meet the Chief Adviser.  DPS Azad said there will be a separate dialogue with the participation of important business leaders, CEOs which is very important for Bangladesh. “It is a rare opportunity for Bangladesh.” Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam on Thursday said Chief Adviser's Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed will accompany Dr Yunus during the visit. The annual meeting 2025 convenes global leaders to address key global and regional challenges. These include responding to geopolitical shocks, stimulating growth to improve living standards, and stewarding just and inclusive energy transition. This year's meeting will convene under the theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age' and the programme will be oriented around five distinct but highly interconnected thematic priorities: The meeting brings together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, and 350 governmental leaders, including 60 heads of states and governments, from all key regions.