United News of Bangladesh

An air ambulance, equipped with all emergency facilities for a critical patient, has landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to take bullet-hit Dhaka-8 aspiring independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi to Singapore for advance treatment. The ambulance landed today (December 15, 2025) at 11:22am, the airport authorities said. They said if all goes as planned, the air ambulance operated by Aspro Aviation, will depart for Singapore at noon with Hadi on board. The decision to send Hadi abroad for treatment was taken on Sunday (December 14, 2025). Read more: RAB arrests three more in Hadi shooting case The press wing of the Chief Adviser’s office said that necessary preparations, including the medical air ambulance, a team of doctors, and travel arrangements, had been completed. Arrangements for his treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of Singapore General Hospital have also been made. It was also stated that the government will bear all medical expenses for Hadi’s treatment. The Chief Adviser has instructed authorities concerned to monitor his treatment process around the clock, seeking prayers from the nation for Hadi’s speedy recovery. Over the past two days, the government contacted several hospitals in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia to arrange for Hadi’s advanced treatment. According to Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the Chief Adviser on health matters, Hadi’s current condition remains stable and unchanged. Read more: Hadi to be flown to Singapore on Monday: CA’s Press Wing Hadi, spokesman of the Inquilab Mancho, was attacked on Friday in Bijoynagar Box Culvert area of Dhaka while traveling in a rickshaw. The assailants on a motorcycle shot at his head with intent to kill and fled. He is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested three more people, including the wife and brother-in-law of suspected shooter Faisal Karim Masud, alias Daud Khan, in connection with the gun attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. The arrestees are Faisal’s wife Begum Samia, his brother-in-law Shipu and Begum Maria. RAB also recovered several bank cheques signed by Faisal Karim Masud and seized electronic devices from the arrestees. With the latest arrests, the total number of detainees in the case has risen to six. Hadi to be flown to Singapore on Monday: CA’s Press Wing RAB Legal and Media Wing Deputy Director Major Lutful Haider said the arrests were made on December 14 based on secret information. The arrestees were later handed over to the police. Earlier, on Sunday, RAB identified the motorcycle used in the attack and detained its registered owner from the Mohammadpur area of the capital. He was later produced before a court, which granted a three-day remand. Independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, was critically injured in a gun attack at Purana Paltan Culvert Road on Friday afternoon while travelling by a rickshaw after Jum’a prayers.’

Extending additional funding for the Rohingyas, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has said the situation of vulnerable groups - the Rohingyas - has become increasingly difficult at a time when global humanitarian resources are shrinking and some countries are significantly reducing their commitments. "China, as Bangladesh’s steadfast development partner and true friend, has continued to expand its support,” said Ambassador Yao. He said China will work closely with UNHCR and the government of Bangladesh to ensure the effective implementation of this project so that the displaced people from Rakhine State in Bangladesh can benefit at the earliest possible. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, on Sunday, welcomed China’s USD 2.5 million contribution to provide liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to meet the cooking needs of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The contribution from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund will enable UNHCR to supply cleaner cooking energy to approximately 458,000 refugees, or 94,000 households, until October 2026 — offering vital relief and protection in one of the world’s most densely populated refugee settings.  “This generous support from China comes at a crucial time, as resources shrink globally and many life-saving programmes risk being scaled back,” said Ivo Frejsen, UNHCR Representative in Bangladesh.  “We are deeply grateful for China’s solidarity. Their contribution does much more than provide cooking gas - it helps restore dignity, ensures safety, and reaffirms that refugees are not forgotten," Frejsen  said. Eight years into the Rohingya refugee crisis, Bangladesh continues to host 1.3 million Rohingya refugees, who remain dependent on humanitarian assistance to meet their daily needs.  The Chinese funding will secure refugees’ continued access to LPG—reducing dependence on firewood, improving safety, health, and nutrition, and protecting the forests around the camps, said the UNHCR.  “Rohingya refugees regularly tell me how essential LPG is to their daily lives,” said Ivo Freijsen.  “Since its introduction in 2018, they no longer have to venture out to collect firewood—avoiding significant risks. Women and girls face fewer protection challenges, and children can spend more time in schools. The use of LPG is also key in halting environmental degradation, regreening camps, and surrounding areas.” UNHCR continues to work closely with the government of Bangladesh and all partners committed to enhancing the well-being of Rohingya refugees.  Sustained international solidarity is essential for both refugees and hosting communities, said the UN Refugee Agency.  The LPG initiative shows the tangible impact of such support on families who fled conflict and persecution, and the generous assistance of countries, including China, remains vital to bolstering Bangladesh’s humanitarian response to the Rohingya refugee situation.  

The Election Commission (EC) has allowed the celebration of the national and international days and arrangements of social and religious events during pre-campaign period with prior permission or consent from the returning officers concerned. The directive was issued through a circular released on Sunday night (December 14, 2025) to ensure the maintenance of a conducive electoral atmosphere during the pre-election period. The circular mentions that the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum was announced on December 11, 2025, and the polls will be held on February 12, 2026. According to the Section 18 of the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rule, 2025, the electioneering can be conducted from three weeks before the polling day until 48 hours prior to the start of voting, subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions. Read more: UN briefs Bangladesh’s political parties on election commission support “Outside the stipulated campaign period, national and international days can be observed as well as religious, social and similar events can be organised without hampering the electoral environment and in compliance with the code of conduct. However, prior consent or permission from the returning officer concerned must be obtained,” says the circular signed by EC Deputy Secretary Mohammad Monir Hossain. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10), according to the schedule announced by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. This circular was sent to all the 69 returning officers – Dhaka and Chattogram divisional commissioners, Dhaka, Chattogram and Khulna Regional Election Officers and 64 district deputy commissioners. As per the schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. Read more: Bangladesh national election, referendum on Feb 12; schedule announced The last date for submission of appeal against the decisions of the returning officers is January 11 and the appeals would be disposed of on January 12-18. The returning officers will publish the final lists of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21. The balloting will be held from 7:30am to 4:30pm without any break on February 12.

A youth was shot dead by miscreants near the east side of the Rupsa Bridge in Chourasta area of Japusa in Rupsa upazila of Khulna district on Sunday night. The deceased was identified as Sagar Sheikh, 30, son of Foyek Sheikh and a resident of Green Bangla Residential Area. He had run a cloth shop. According to Rupsa police, local resident Abdur Rahman, hearing gunshots around 11pm, called the national emergency service 999 to report the incident. The police were subsequently informed and rushed to the scene. Sub inspector Saurav Das of Rupsa Police Station said he was on duty in the Japusa area and reached the spot after receiving the information. Preliminary investigation suggest that Sagar had recently purchased land and built a new house in the area, which might have led to the killing, he suspected, saying that the motive and identity of the attackers are yet to be determined. Officer-in-charge of the police station Abdur Razzak Mir said efforts were underway to detain those involved in the murder.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar on Sunday said scientific sea bass (coral) fish farming is creating new opportunities for strengthening Bangladesh’s food security and fish supply system. “I am very pleased to see that the entire process—from brood fish to egg production—is being conducted in a highly scientific manner. Its role as a hatchery is extremely important,” she said. The adviser made the remarks after visiting a modern greenhouse-based mariculture hatchery in Kalatoli, Cox’s Bazar, said a handout. She said the most encouraging aspect of the initiative is that such fish farming is not confined to coastal areas like Cox’s Bazar, but can also be implemented in regions such as North Bengal. As a result, fish production will increase across different parts of the country, further strengthening the national food supply system. Farida Akhtar said the government would support the expansion of mariculture (marine fish farming) in various ways, but stressed that private sector initiatives would be the main driving force behind its growth. “The greater the involvement of private entrepreneurs, the more technology development, employment generation and scientific fish production will be ensured,” she said. She added that such modern and sustainable initiatives would make a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s blue economy in the future, helping to build a strong foundation for the country’s economy and food security. Officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Department of Fisheries and other relevant agencies were present on the occasion.

Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of the July Uprising, a spokesperson for the Inqilab Moncho and an independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, will be flown to Singapore by air ambulance on Monday afternoon (December 15, 2025) for advanced medical treatment. Over the past two days, the government has contacted several hospitals in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia regarding Hadi’s treatment, said the CA's Press Wing on Sunday (December 14, 2025). On the instructions of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the decision was taken in an emergency conference call involving Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Health Ministry Affairs, Evercare Hospital specialist Dr Zafar and Hadi’s brother Omar Bin Hadi, the Press Wing said. It said all necessary arrangements, including the medical air ambulance, medical team and travel-related preparations, have already been completed. Read more: What we know about at least one of Hadi's would-be assassins Arrangements have also been made for his treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of Singapore General Hospital. Special Assistant Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman informed the Chief Adviser that Hadi’s physical condition has remained unchanged. The Press Wing said all expenses related to Hadi’s treatment will be borne by the state, while the Chief Adviser has instructed the authorities concerned to keep his health condition under constant observations. The Chief Adviser has also sought prayers from people for Hadi’s speedy recovery. Read more: NBR freezes bank accounts of Hadi’s suspected attacker Masud and his firm Osman Hadi was shot and injured by assailants in the capital’s Bijoynagar area at noon on Friday, triggering widespread concerns and condemnation.

In his farewell address as Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Syed Refaat Ahmed on Sunday said no legal provision in the world can ensure collective freedom if society is driven by the desire for unearned wealth, unjust luxury and the prestige of undue power, stressing that moral integrity must accompany the rule of law. “There is no point in establishing a separate secretariat for the judiciary unless we, the judges, are careful about personal dishonesty,” he said. The Chief Justice made the remarks while delivering his farewell address at the Supreme Court Auditorium on Sunday noon, ahead of his retirement as the country’s 25th Chief Justice on December 27. Addressing fellow judges, Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed urged them to regard the pursuit of knowledge and the habit of reading as the highest duty of their lives. He encouraged continuous study, research and the development of judicial experience. “Let the primary foundation of all our efforts be not merely the execution of work, but the pursuit of excellence in that work,” he said. The Chief Justice also called on judges to go beyond traditional legal learning and expand their understanding of society, culture, anthropology, history, economics and political thought. At the same time, he urged them to explore modern fields such as artificial intelligence, environmental science and cybersecurity. “As judges, we can never be certain which everyday occurrences in people’s lives may give rise to disputes and when unprecedented questions will be brought before the courts, testing our judgment and discernment,” he added. Referring to the historic establishment of the Supreme Court Secretariat, the Chief Justice said judicial independence and a separate secretariat must be firmly established as the primary guardians of the constitutional rights of the people. He emphasised that strict action must be taken against corrupt and dishonest judges and said members of the judiciary should no longer point fingers at others for injustices committed within the system. “We must fulfil our responsibilities fully to ensure speedy justice for the people. Political influence must be avoided in the pursuit of preferred outcomes,” he said. Judges of the Appellate Division, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, senior advocate Zainul Abedin, Supreme Court Bar Association President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, district and sessions judges, metropolitan sessions judges, chief judicial magistrates and chief metropolitan magistrates, among others, were present on the occasion.          

Highlighting the importance of Dhaka-Delhi friendship, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Sunday said they are willing to work together to fulfil the aspirations of their people and forge closer people-to-people ties, inspired by their shared sacrifices of the past and guided by the new aspirations for the future. "The bonds we share with Bangladesh are not transient; they are everlasting. A relationship forged in blood and sacrifice cannot be weakened. Together, we will carry this shared legacy forward into the future," he said while speaking at a programme in the evening. The High Commissioner said Bangladesh and India have come a long way since 1971. "We are today two fast-growing economies. Our societies and economies are closely linked, so closely that we are interdependent on each other. Our geographical proximity with each other offers us new opportunities driven by our growing capabilities and new ambitions," he said. India rejects assertions made by Bangladesh interim govt Pranay Verma said India stood with the people of Bangladesh in 1971 and will continue to support them, in realising the vision for a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive nation. Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad hosted the programme where the High Commissioner and his wife joined marking the anniversary of Bangladesh’s Mahaan Muktijuddha – the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh. "December is the Victory Month. It is a time of remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices millions of people made during Bangladesh’s freedom struggle," Pranay Verma said. He paid tributes to the people of Bangladesh who overcame the long ordeals of oppression, killings and subjugation, with valour, grit and determination. "It is a time to cherish the values that underpinned that freedom struggle," said the High Commissioner. "Today is the Martyred Intellectuals Day. This day takes us back to one of the darkest chapters of 1971, when Bangladesh stood on the threshold of freedom," Verma said. The systematic elimination of scholars, doctors, journalists, artists and educators by the occupation forces was an act of desperation aimed at destroying the very soul of a future nation, he said. Dhaka urges stand against hatred, violence - online and offline "We remember and honour all those martyred intellectuals whose sacrifices serve as a guiding light – inspiring us to uphold the values of knowledge, wisdom, intellectual pursuit, and the courage of conviction," he mentioned. During the Liberation War, the envoy said, India stood with their brothers and sisters in Bangladesh, with immense pride, supporting them at every step in their cause for truth, justice, dignity and freedom of Bangladesh. "And in doing so, we also lost our own soldiers – in thousands. Countless more were left wounded," he said. There are many historical moments in India's support to Bangladesh during the Liberation War that are milestones in the history of our two countries that cannot be erased, said the High Commissioner. Just eight days ago, on 6th of December, he said, they commemorated the historic anniversary of the Maitri Dibos, the day when India recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation 54 years ago, ten days ahead of Bangladesh’s liberation. He said the Liberation War of 1971 was the beginning of a relationship built upon humanism, empathy and trust that has sustained, despite changes, challenges and ups and downs in our relationship. "As we approach the Victory Day on the 16th of December, we reflect on the historic triumphs and the indomitable spirit of the people of Bangladesh that led to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation," Pranay Verma said. Bangladesh summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s statements  He said it has been fifty-four years since the Bangladesh achieved its liberation, and it is as important as ever that today’s youth and children—the future custodians of this nation—learn and carry forward this indelible history. "The programme organized today by the Itihash O Oitijjo Parishad reflects this responsibility, which we greatly commend," the envoy said. He made a special mention of the remarkable paintings depicting the glorious Liberation War, created by school students from Daka, that we just saw. 'Their creativity, empathy and sense of history are truly inspiring." In the presence of the heroic war-wounded freedom fighters of 1971, he said the place their hopes in today’s children—that they will uphold the ideals, spirit, and values of the great Liberation War. "Only then will the sacrifices of all our martyrs find their true meaning." "Occasions like today’s are meant to reflect on what we have achieved together. But these are also the moments when we look forward, rising above distractions, to see new horizons of our partnership," the High Commissioner said.  

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to express his profound condolences over the tragic death of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers in a drone attack in Sudan. “I am calling to express my deep deep condolences. I am devastated,” Guterres told Professor Yunus, adding that he was horrified by the attack. The UN chief expressed his solidarity with Bangladesh and requested the Chief Adviser to convey his condolences to the bereaved families, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Professor Yunus said he was deeply saddened by the loss of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers and urged the UN to facilitate the evacuation of the injured soldiers to top medical facilities, as well as to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies. Guterres informed him that the injured peacekeepers were initially treated at a local hospital in Sudan and that arrangements were underway to transfer the seriously wounded to better-equipped hospitals. Professor Yunus thanked the UN chief for paying attention to the treatment and evacuation of Bangladesh soldiers. During the phone call, which took place at 7:00 pm Bangladesh time, Professor Yunus also recalled UN Secretary-General's visit to Bangladesh during last Ramadan. The two leaders discussed the upcoming general election, with Professor Yunus assuring Guterres that the Interim Government would hold a free, fair, peaceful, and festive election on February 12. Guterres expressed confidence that Bangladesh would successfully conduct the election.