United News of Bangladesh

Acting Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Sarwar on Saturday said law enforcers will take swift action to prevent criminals from resurfacing in the capital. He said the list of top criminals is being regularly updated as part of ongoing efforts to control crime, he said while speaking at the inauguration of a new police camp at Karwan Bazar in Dhaka. “Unlike before, there are no major top-listed criminals at present. However, their associates or those trying to establish influence in the underworld are under close monitoring,” he said. He said the DMP, along with Detective Branch (DB) and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, is working in coordination to maintain law and order in Karwan Bazar area. The newly established police camp is expected to play a key role in controlling extortion and other crimes in the area, he said, adding that police personnel will remain deployed round the clock. Immediate action will be taken based on information provided by local traders and additional force will be deployed if necessary, he said. The DMP official said special drives against extortion and drugs have already been launched in the capital, leading to several arrests. These drives will continue, alongside strengthened covert surveillance across different areas. Replying to a query, he said victims can contact the concerned Assistant Commissioner (AC), Deputy Commissioner (DC), or senior officials of DMP’s crime division if any police station refuses to record a case. He added that any complaint against police will be investigated seriously and necessary action will be taken. Sarwar expressed hope that the ongoing measures will significantly reduce crimes in Dhaka and said the special drives against all forms of crime, including extortion, will be further intensified.

Speakers at an event have expressed concern over what they described as persistent governance, economic, and institutional shortcomings, warning that key reform initiatives in Bangladesh remain stalled or inadequately addressed. They expressed the concern at a programme titled "Two and a Half Months of the BNP Government: Review, Concerns and Demands," organised by the Democratic Rights Committee at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital. The event was chaired by economist Anu Muhammad. At the programme reviewing the current political situation and reform agenda, they pointed to issues spanning public policy, education, energy, justice, and international relations, urging stronger accountability, structural change, and long-term planning to address mounting national challenges. Anu Muhammad called for fair prices for agricultural products based on production costs, a new wage structure, reasonable electricity tariffs for the agriculture and fisheries sectors. He renewed calls for justice in several unresolved high-profile cases including the killings of Toki, Tonu and journalist couple Sagar-Runi as well as the shooting of Limon. He said the government must thoroughly review the actions of the interim administration and publish a white paper examining agreements signed during that period, along with allegations of terrorism, corruption and abuse of power. Anu Muhammad said the current government appears reluctant to undertake such a review, possibly out of concern that it could expose its own past involvement in similar activities. He also expressed concern over the state of the judiciary, particularly judicial independence and accountability, citing a recent incident in which a judge allegedly intimidated a teacher as an example of troubling judicial overreach. Writer and researcher Altaf Parvez said around 1.9 million people in Assam and four million in West Bengal have been labelled as 'Bangladeshi' and stripped of their voting rights, creating what he described as a "time bomb" for Bangladesh. He also expressed disappointment over the government's handling of international relations, particularly with India, saying that despite improved bilateral ties, key issues such as border killings and renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty remain unresolved. Other speakers included Dhaka University professor Samina Luthfa, lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua, lawyer Manjur Al Matin and Dhaka University Assistant Professor Moshahida Sultana Ritu. Altaf Parvez said the BNP government's two-and-a-half-month tenure should be assessed alongside the preceding 18 months, making it effectively a 21-month review. He argued that the current government is neither colonial nor a conventional elected administration, but one born out of a "people's uprising" following the events of August 8, 2024. According to him, the public has every right to regularly review the government's performance, especially at the grassroots level, given the long history of movements by workers, indigenous communities, minorities and students over the past 15 years demanding fair elections and political reforms. He alleged that although the BNP had pledged to implement the July Charter in its manifesto, it later declined to join the constitutional reform council, effectively stalling the reform process. Raising concerns over recent economic decisions, Altaf criticised an ordinance allowing banks to return to their original shareholders, including individuals accused of corruption and money laundering. He also questioned the decision to purchase ten Boeing aircraft for $4 billion at a time when Bangladesh was seeking a $1 billion IMF loan tranche amid a foreign debt burden of $114 billion. Such a move, he warned, could destabilise the country's macroeconomy and national budget. Professor Samina Luthfa said campuses have increasingly become centres of political control rather than academic excellence. Even when one student organisation's influence declined, another quickly replaced it, perpetuating the cycle of political occupation. This environment, she said, fostered organised violence that later became popularly known as "mob rule." Over the past 21 months, no education reform commission has been formed, despite repeated calls, she said. She noted that Bangladesh allocates only about 1.7 percent of its GDP to education, based on 2023-24 figures, far below UNESCO recommendations. She called for gradually increasing the allocation to 7 percent over the next four years. Moshahida Sultana Ritu called for a comprehensive overhaul of Bangladesh's energy policy, including renegotiation of costly power deals, reduction in diesel prices and accelerated development of locally driven solar initiatives. She sharply criticised existing Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements, particularly capacity charges, saying they have imposed an enormous financial burden on the public. She also recommended allowing capacity charge payments in local currency rather than US dollars to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Moshahida warned that rising diesel prices have triggered widespread inflation by increasing transportation, food and agricultural production costs."A reduction in diesel prices is essential to protect farmers, ensure food security and prevent further economic hardship," she said. Highlighting the importance of a sustainable energy transition, she urged the government to prioritise solar power and formulate a realistic, locally tailored renewable energy roadmap. Her recommendations included expanding solar-powered irrigation pumps, facilitating affordable financing for rooftop solar and solar pump projects, and expediting solar installations on land already acquired for Special Economic Zones. She emphasised that Bangladesh must move away from short-term, reactive energy policies and instead pursue long-term planning rooted in local expertise and public participation. Advocate Manjur Al Matin said Megh, the son of slain journalist couple Sagar and Runi, lost his parents 14 years ago, yet justice remains elusive. Referring to the Tonu murder case, he noted that an arrest was made a decade after the killing, offering at least a glimmer of hope. He criticised repeated delays in legal proceedings, mentioning a recent six-month extension granted for investigation in the Sagar-Runi murder case. Justice, he said, is one of the fundamental pillars of any civilised society, and its absence inevitably leads to social decay. Manjur also underscored the importance of judicial independence, particularly the establishment of a separate secretariat for the judiciary. On the appointment of High Court judges, Manjur rejected the government's argument that constitutional constraints prevent reform. He noted that a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority has ample power to amend the constitution if it genuinely seeks change. He criticised the government's failure to enact stronger laws to address these issues and expressed concern that the repeal of certain legal protections had only worsened the situation.

Police on Friday recovered the body of a fisherman from the Arial Kha River in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur, three days after he went missing. The deceased was identified as Nirmal Malo, 60, a resident of Gharua village in the upazila. Family members said Nirmal went out to fish in the river on April 29 morning but did not return home in the evening. Despite frantic searches, his whereabouts remained unknown. Later, his wife Rina Malo filed a general diary with Bhanga Police Station over his disappearance. Rina said locals informed her on Friday afternoon after spotting a body floating in the river. Moshiur Rahman, Sub-Inspector of Bhanga Police Station, said police recovered the body after being informed by locals. He added that the body will be sent to Faridpur Medical College Hospital morgue on Saturday for an autopsy. Legal action will be taken accordingly if a complaint is filed by the victim’s family, he said.

Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Mohammad Zahid Hossain has emphasised the importance of raising public awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening preventive measures to combat heart disease in Bangladesh. He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of a two-day international scientific conference titled BD Intervention 2026 organised by the Bangladesh Society of Cardiovascular Interventions (BSCI) at a hotel in Dhaka on Friday. Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session, Zahid Hossain said that heart disease remains one of the major public health challenges in Bangladesh, said a PID handout. “The government is giving top priority to the development of the healthcare sector and aims to ensure world-class cardiac care in remote areas through modern technology and skilled specialists under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” said the minister. The minister also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among cardiologists to improve healthcare services for women and children suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof. Dr. Pravat Chandra Biswas said the conference is helping Bangladeshi physicians connect with the latest global research and technology which will significantly enhance the quality of cardiac care in the country. Director General of the Directorate General of Medical Education Prof. Dr. Nazmul Hossain, described training initiatives such as training villages and fellowship courses as timely steps toward developing the next generation of interventional cardiologists in Bangladesh. BSCI President Prof. Dr. Khalequzzaman said the main goal of the conference is to introduce Bangladeshi interventional cardiologists to global advancements in cardiovascular technology, adding that joint efforts are essential to ensure world-class treatment for patients in the country. The conference features live case transmissions from Dhaka and China, lectures from internationally renowned cardiologists, hands-on training sessions, fellowship courses, and case competitions. Discussions cover coronary, peripheral, and structural heart diseases. More than 1,100 cardiology experts from home and abroad are participating in the mega event, which organisers believe will have a long-term positive impact on the advancement of heart disease treatment in Bangladesh.

Electricity generation has resumed at Unit 1 of Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant after a six-day shutdown. The unit is currently supplying around 55 to 60 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, raising hopes of easing load shedding in the northern region. Chief Engineer Abu Bakkar Siddique said production at the power plant resumed at 10 pm on Friday. The plant, which has a total capacity of 525 megawatts across three units, brought its 125-megawatt Unit 1 back online after necessary repairs, he added. The unit had been shut down on April 25 due to a ruptured boiler pipe. Meanwhile, maintenance work is ongoing at the 275-megawatt Unit 3, which is expected to resume operations by mid-May. Once operational, it will further boost electricity supply to the national grid.  The authorities have also decided to repair and restart Unit 2, another 125-megawatt unit that has remained out of service for the past five years. Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant was established in 2006 to ensure the use of coal from the nearby Barapukuria coal mine and to support irrigation needs in eight agriculture-dependent northern districts. Initially, the plant began operations with two 125-megawatt units, and a third unit with a capacity of 275 megawatts was added in 2017.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated a project to develop both banks of the Surma River at Chandni Ghat in Sylhet, including beautification and flood protection infrastructure. He laid the foundation stone of the project at around 11:00am. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Adviser Humaiun Kobir and Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury were present at the programme. The Prime Minister's wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, also attended the event. Following the inauguration, officials briefed the Prime Minister on different aspects of the project. He is scheduled to address a civic reception there. Earlier, after arriving at Osmani International Airport at 10:05am on a domestic flight with his wife, the Prime Minister went straight to the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R), where he offered fateha and recited Darood Sharif. At noon, he is set to inaugurate the re-excavation of the Baisha River in Kashipur Union under Sylhet Sadar upazila. After offering Zuhr prayers and having lunch at the Circuit House, he will inaugurate Notun Kuri Sports-2026 at Sylhet District Stadium at 3:00pm. Later, he is scheduled to attend a meeting with party leaders and workers at the Shilpakala Academy before returning to Dhaka in the evening. This is Tarique Rahman's first visit to Sylhet as Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday offered fateha at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) during his first official visit to Sylhet since assuming office. After arriving at Osmani International Airport at 10:05am on a domestic flight with his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, the Prime Minister headed straight to the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) where he offered fateha and recited Darood Sharif. During his day-long visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of a Sylhet City Corporation project at Chandni Ghat aimed at easing waterlogging in the city and address a civic gathering there. At noon, he will inaugurate the re-excavation of the Baisha River in Kashipur Union under Sylhet Sadar upazila. After offering Zuhr prayers and having lunch at the Circuit House, Tarique will inaugurate Notun Kuri Sports-2026 at Sylhet District Stadium at 3:00pm. He is also scheduled to attend a meeting with party leaders and workers at the Shilpakala Academy later in the day before returning to Dhaka in the evening.This is Tarique Rahman's first visit to Sylhet as Prime Minister. He last visited the city on January 21 during the campaign for the 13th parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Saturday morning on his first official visit to the divisional city since assuming office. He landed at Osmani International Airport at 10:05am on a domestic flight accompanied by his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon told UNB. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Kaiyum Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner Mashiur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner Sarwar Alam and other senior officials received the Prime Minister at the airport. From the airport, Tarique headed straight to the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R)where he is scheduled to offer fateha. Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister left his Gulshan residence for Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at around 8:25am. During the day-long visit, he will lay the foundation stone of a Sylhet City Corporation project at Chandni Ghat aimed at easing waterlogging in the city and address a civic gathering there. At noon, he is scheduled to inaugurate the re-excavation of the Baisha River in Kashipur Union under Sylhet Sadar upazila. After offering Zuhr prayers and having lunch at the Circuit House, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Notun Kuri Sports-2026 at Sylhet District Stadium at 3:00pm. Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to attend a meeting with party leaders and workers at the Shilpakala Academy later in the day. He is expected to return to Dhaka in the evening. This will be Tarique Rahman's first visit to Sylhet as the Prime Minister. He last visited the city on January 21 during the campaign for the 13th parliamentary election, in his first trip to Sylhet in nearly two decades.

Severe erosion along the Teesta River has once again put vast areas of Kurigram at risk, swallowing cropland and homesteads and pushing thousands of riverbank residents into deep uncertainty. Farmland is disappearing almost daily, leaving farmers without livelihoods and families fearing the loss of their homes. “We are losing land every day. Now our homes are also at risk. We don’t know where we will go with our families,” said Mahbub Hossain, a resident of Palashpur village under Nazimkhan union. “We cannot even sleep properly due to the erosion. Every year we hear promises of work, but nothing changes in reality,” said housewife Rahima Begum. Farmers said the loss of cultivable land has cut off their only source of income. “My farmland has gone into the river. There is no way to earn anymore. We urgently need a permanent solution,” said Moksed Ali. Originating in India’s Sikkim, the Teesta travels about 315 kilometres before entering Bangladesh, flowing through Nilphamari, Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, and Gaibandha before meeting the Brahmaputra in Gaibandha. Around 115 kilometres of the river lie within Bangladesh. According to the Kurigram office of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), nearly 45 kilometres of the Teesta riverbank in the district are erosion-prone. Several vulnerable stretches have already been identified including 400 metres in Ramhari area under Ghoriyardanga union, 500 metres in parts of Nazimkhan union, 1,000 metres in Chaprarpar under Thetarai union of Ulipur upazila, 500 metres in Saduar Damarhat, and 700 metres in Bajra area. Despite recurring losses over the years, residents alleged that no effective long-term measures have been taken, said locals. Temporary efforts such as dumping sand-filled geo-bags, have failed to provide lasting protection. Shafiqul Islam Bebu, president of the Kurigram District Char Development and Implementation Council, said countries like the Netherlands have comprehensive systems to support erosion victims, including housing and rehabilitation. “In our country, there is no such structured support. A legal framework is urgently needed to ensure compensation for those affected,” he said. BWDB Executive Engineer Md Rakibul Hasan said the situation is being monitored closely. “We have identified the vulnerable areas. As an emergency measure, around 100,000 geo-bags filled with sand will be placed to prevent further erosion,” he said. However, locals said similar assurances are given every year without yielding durable solutions. As a result, fresh waves of displacement continue, with families losing their homes and land to the relentless river.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Friday responded to remarks made by Opposition Leader in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman, stressing that Bangladesh’s stance on the ongoing conflict in the West Asia region has been widely appreciated across the region. In his speech at the Jatiya Sangsad on April 30, the Opposition Leader questioned why a friendly country appeared to suggest that Bangladesh had not stood by them during a difficult time. The MoFA, in a statement however, said Bangladesh’s balanced and constructive policy has received positive recognition from regional countries. As an example, the ministry cited a recent statement from the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka, which commended Bangladesh’s approach.  The embassy also expressed concern over what it described as selective and fragmented reporting of its remarks in certain media outlets. On April 23, at a ceremony held at the Iranian Embassy marking the handover of emergency medical assistance from Bangladesh to Iran, Ambassador Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi underscored the deep and friendly ties between the two countries. He also conveyed appreciation for Bangladesh’s compassion and sincere support for the Iranian people during this challenging period.On April 21, the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka welcomed the meeting held between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran Dr. Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The Embassy said they will earnestly pursue the constructive and fruitful engagements and initiatives between the officials of the two countries and underscores the importance of further expanding bilateral relations across all areas of mutual interest. Iran appreciated the balanced and constructive position of the government of Bangladesh in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy, which remain essential for the region and the wider international community. The Embassy also expressed its sincere appreciation for the messages of condolence conveyed by the government of Bangladesh following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, the Leader of the Ummah and the great Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. Particular appreciation is extended for the adoption of a condolence motion at the opening session of the 13th Parliament, which constitutes a notable and exceptional gesture. The Embassy further expressed its gratitude for the presence of a senior official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dhaka to sign the condolence book. Iran also appreciated the decision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to send emergency medical assistance to the Islamic Republic of Iran through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. The Islamic Republic of Iran, while appreciating the support of the government and people of Bangladesh, expressed its heartfelt condolences over the loss of Bangladeshi nationals resulting from the war ‘initiated by the United States and the Zionist regime and their unlawful aggression’ against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in these unfortunate incidents.  It will continue its efforts to facilitate the safe passage of Bangladeshi vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and has also facilitated the safe evacuation of 186 Bangladeshi nationals from Iran via Azerbaijan. The Embassy, in a press statement, called upon all concerned to refrain from any actions or statements that may create misperceptions, and to uphold the spirit of mutual respect that governs the enduring ties between the two brotherly nations. Iran reiterates its firm commitment to strengthening the close and amicable relations between the two nations. The Embassy expressed its dissatisfaction with the selective dissemination of excerpts from recent media interviews concerning developments in the Middle East, which have been republished by certain media outlets and social media platforms. “Such actions are deemed inconsistent with the friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries,” said the Embassy, noting that these inaccurate and selective representations are regrettable and contrary to the principles of responsible media conduct. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the People's Republic of Bangladesh enjoy longstanding, friendly, and brotherly relations founded upon mutual respect and shared values. Iran reaffirmed its firm commitment to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.