United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will not face mob action or any unlawful situation if she returns to the country but will have to face trial. “If she returns to the country, she will be welcomed. However, she will have to face trial through the legal process,” he said at a press briefing on the progress of various government activities at the Secretariat. Asked about speculation that Hasina might return to the country in December, the adviser said the issue has been discussed for a long time. He said that if she did not return in December, speculation might shift to June next year or the following December. The adviser said it better not to engage repeatedly in such speculation, as there is considerable conjecture surrounding her possible return. “She did not uphold justice, but we will ensure that justice is served. Let her come—we welcome her,” he said.      

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said the government is committed to building a modern, technology-driven and knowledge-based Bangladesh in line with the ‘Bangladesh First’ policy. “The government is working towards creating 1 million jobs in the digital sector over the next five years and transforming Bangladesh into a regional hub for information technology and artificial intelligence (AI),” he said, while addressing the ‘Bangladesh TechConnect 2026’ conference in the city. The Posts and Telecommunications Division and Huawei jointly arranged the conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. The Minister stressed the need for reliable, secure, high-speed and affordable digital connectivity throughout the country. To this end, he said it must develop modern telecommunications infrastructure, enhance digital skills, attract investment and encourage local innovation. The minister said the effective use of AI and digital technologies would play an important role in increasing productivity, creating new jobs and accelerating economic growth. At the same time, cybersecurity, personal data privacy and the responsible use of technology must be ensured, he added. Emphasising coordinated efforts by the public and private sectors, the minister said collaboration among the government, local industries and international technology partners could help build an inclusive and competitive digital economy. Jason Wu, Huawei’s president for South Asia, said the company was committed to working with the government and industry partners to develop Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure and expand the use of technology. Joint Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division Saida Afroz presented the keynote paper at the conference. Three panel discussions were held on ‘Future Technology and Connectivity’, ‘The Role of Technology in Enhancing Industrial Efficiency’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence: Global Trends, Impacts and Bangladesh’s Preparedness’. The discussions focused on the development of 5G and connectivity infrastructure, improving industrial efficiency through technology and Bangladesh’s preparedness for AI adoption. Participants also discussed the commercial potential of 5G, fixed wireless access and enterprise connectivity in sectors such as the readymade garment industry, ports, agriculture and healthcare. The speakers highlighted how cloud computing, automation, AI-based security systems and smart technologies could boost productivity, reduce operating costs and improve public service delivery. More than 500 participants, including government officials, policymakers, regulators, senior corporate executives, technology experts, entrepreneurs, academics and representatives of development partners, attended the conference.

The High Court on Tuesday summoned the taskforce chief and International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Prosecutor Tanvir Hasan Zohha to appear before it on April 29 next year to report on progress in journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi murder case. The HC bench of Justice Sikder Mahmudur Razi and Justice Fatema Anwar passed the order asked them to report the progress in examining seized CDs and other documents related to the case. It also gave the high-level taskforce six more months more to complete its investigation into the murder case as the mystery surrounding the killings remains unresolved after more than 14 years. Earlier, the taskforce submitted an interim progress report instead of the full investigation report, which was due on Tuesday. However, the taskforce sought an additional year to complete the investigation. After hearing both sides, the court allowed six months. During the hearing, Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kajol said ICT Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam and Prosecutor Tanvir Hasan Zohha had informed the taskforce about new developments in the investigation. Sagar Sarowar, news editor of Maasranga Television, and Meherun Runi, a senior reporter at ATN Bangla, were murdered at their rented apartment in West Rajabazar in the capital on February 11, 2012. The following day, Runi's brother, Nausher Alam Roman, filed a murder case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. The police initially investigated the case before the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch (DB) took over. After failing to identify the perpetrators during more than two months of investigation, the High Court transferred the responsibility to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on April 18, 2012. Several suspects were detained at different stages of the investigation. DNA tests were also conducted on evidence at laboratories at home and abroad, but available investigative findings indicated that the DNA profiles of those detained did not match those of Sagar and Runi. Amid prolonged delays and questions over the investigation's progress, a four-member high-level taskforce was formed on October 28, 2024. Investigative responsibilities were subsequently changed, and fresh efforts were undertaken to question witnesses and review evidence. The taskforce reported that 90 witnesses had been re-examined and statements from 24 people recorded between 2024 and 2026.  

In light of the rapidly changing global situation, a more prevalent supply chain risk, rapid technological innovation and mounting social issues, Bangladesh and Japan will upgrade BIG-B into “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity” as an initiative of “strategic cooperation” in the exclusive partnership between the two countries. This is aimed at enhancing the resilience and preserving each country’s freedom of decision, said the Japanese government.  Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Japan signed a number of Memoranda of Cooperation and other documents between the two countries, said the Japanese side. The two countries signed five cooperation documents covering economic relations and the business environment, agriculture, fisheries and livestock, and environmental protection. These include a memorandum of cooperation between Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Bangladesh’s Economic Relations Division; separate memoranda between Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock; a memorandum of cooperation on the environment between Japan’s Ministry of the Environment and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and a letter of intent between Japan’s Global Environment Bureau and Bangladesh’s Department of Environment under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity” BIG-B (the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt) is an economic development initiative with three pillars: (1) economic infrastructure development, (2) improvement of investment environment, (3) strengthening connectivity. It has served as the flagship initiative of Japan-Bangladesh cooperation, and has long supported Bangladesh’s economic growth. The “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity” positions Bangladesh as a hub to promote common prosperity and to contribute to mutual growth, said the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Japan and Bangladesh have agreed to strengthen cooperation in connectivity, energy security, disaster resilience, trade, investment and defence to promote economic growth and regional peace and stability. Under the proposed cooperation framework, the two countries will promote integrated economic infrastructure development centred on Matarbari Deep-Sea Port, including power and energy facilities, airports, roads, railways, inland waterways and special economic zones, to strengthen supply chains and develop Bangladesh into a logistics and industrial hub. They will also work to improve the investment climate, develop human resources, expand public-private partnerships and establish transparent and predictable rules to attract investment. Both sides will seek to expand trade and investment under the Japan-Bangladesh Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), improve market access and promote industrial upgrading and export diversification. The cooperation will also focus on building resilient supply chains in manufacturing, logistics, food and agriculture, information and communication technology, pharmaceuticals and other sectors. To strengthen energy security, the two countries will promote initiatives under Japan's “POWERR Asia” framework for a stable and economically viable energy supply and explore opportunities for energy infrastructure development in the Matarbari region. They will also enhance cooperation to address natural disasters and climate change, including strengthening emergency response capabilities and developing sustainable disaster-prevention infrastructure. In the security sector, Japan will support Bangladesh's capacity-building efforts and promote bilateral security and defence cooperation, with a focus on maritime security, maritime domain awareness, coastal patrols and port security. The framework includes providing patrol boats to Bangladesh under Japan's first Official Security Assistance (OSA) project, exploring a second OSA project and providing patrol vessels through official development assistance (ODA) to strengthen coastal security capabilities. Both countries will also work to improve their ability to respond to emerging technological challenges, including cybersecurity, as part of broader efforts to enhance resilience against geopolitical uncertainties and promote peace and stability. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations under the two countries’ Strategic Partnership, with a focus on regional peace, prosperity and stability. At a summit meeting in Japan, Takaichi congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as prime minister and described Bangladesh as a friend that shares the values of democracy. Amid growing international instability, she said Japan strongly supports Bangladesh’s ability to make its own decisions freely and strengthen its resilience under Japan’s updated “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP) vision. Takaichi also expressed her intention to work with Tarique Rahman to promote peace and prosperity in the region. In response, Tarique Rahman said Japan, as a peace-loving nation, was among the first countries to recognise Bangladesh’s independence and holds a special place in the hearts of the Bangladeshi people. He said the two countries had built longstanding friendly relations and expressed his commitment to working with Takaichi to take bilateral ties to new heights. The two leaders held the summit meeting on October 27 from 11:45am for around 25 minutes, followed by a joint press event and luncheon, according to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

The Green Voices project presented a set of evidence-based policy recommendations to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to support Bangladesh’s preparations for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). The recommendations were presented to Mohammad Navid Safiullah, Additional Secretary and Head of the Climate Change Wing at MoEFCC, on 18 October 2026. Developed in collaboration with BRAC University’s Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER), the recommendations aim to complement the Government of Bangladesh’s COP31 Position Paper by identifying practical measures to translate national climate priorities into effective, inclusive and measurable action. Drawing on national policy analysis, climate finance assessments and field-based evidence, the recommendations address ten interconnected priorities, including climate adaptation, climate finance, Loss and Damage, women's and young people's participation, capacity development and technology transfer. Particular attention is given to strengthening implementation and ensuring that climate policies and investments respond to the needs of communities most vulnerable to climate change. On climate adaptation, the recommendations emphasise strengthening the implementation of Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) through clearer institutional responsibilities, financing arrangements and monitoring systems. They also highlight the importance of inclusive indicators and disaggregated data to assess how adaptation interventions benefit different population groups. On climate finance, the recommendations call for more accessible, predictable and transparent financing, particularly for locally identified adaptation priorities. They highlight opportunities to improve access to international climate finance mechanisms while strengthening national and local capacities to develop, implement and monitor climate investments. The recommendations also address Loss and Damage, emphasising the need for stronger evidence and documentation of climate-related impacts, including displacement, livelihood disruption and non-economic losses. Alongside these priorities, they underscore the importance of women's leadership, meaningful youth participation, and access to appropriate technologies and technical capacities to support locally led climate action. During the meeting, Safiullah welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the relevance of practical, evidence-based recommendations to Bangladesh's preparations for COP31. The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange views on national climate priorities and explore how research and field-level perspectives could contribute to ongoing policy processes and implementation efforts. The engagement builds on Green Voices' broader efforts to connect evidence, local experiences and national policy discussions. Through research, policy dialogues, capacity development and innovation, the project promotes greater participation and leadership of women and young people in climate decision-making, while bringing the perspectives of climate-vulnerable communities into policy discussions. Green Voices: Empowering Women and Youth for Climate Action in Bangladesh is a consortium initiative supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, working with partners Bonhishikha and The Earth Society. The project also supports the Women's Climate Resilience and Adaptation Alliance (SheRAA), a network advancing women's leadership and participation in climate policy and decision-making.   As a research collaborator under Green Voices, BRAC University's C3ER contributes technical expertise in climate policy analysis and evidence generation, helping connect national policy priorities with practical implementation needs. Through this collaboration, Green Voices seeks to contribute to Bangladesh's climate policy processes by bringing together research, practical recommendations and the perspectives of communities facing the impacts of climate change, ahead of COP31 and beyond.

A tribunal in Jamalpur on Tuesday sentenced a man to death for killing his wife over dowry in 2015. Judge of the Jamalpur Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-1 Muhammad Abdur Rahim handed down the punishment. The condemned convict is Md Jony, 35, son of Yakub Ali of Lahirikanda village in Sadar upazila of the district. He was tried in absentia. The tribunal also fined him Tk 5 lakh. According to the prosecution, Jony married Toma, daughter of Abdul Hamid of Darihamidpur village in the upazila, in 2014. Four months after their marriage, Jony went to his father-in-law's house and demanded Tk 2.50 lakh to buy an auto-rickshaw. As his father-in-law failed to meet the demand, Jony took his wife to his own house. On March 19, 2015, an altercation was ensued between Jony and his wife when she asked him to go to the kitchen market. At one stage, Jony beat his wife mercilessly and strangled her to death after locking her in a room. He later fled the scene through a window. On March 20, a case was filed with Sadar Police Station against four people, including Jony. Police later submitted a charge sheet against the four accused. One of the accused died during the trial. After examining records and witness, the tribunal acquitted the other two accused as the allegations against them could not be proved.  

A delegation representing eight Australian clean energy companies visited Bangladesh from October 25 to 27 to explore commercial partnerships with Bangladeshi businesses and support the country’s energy transition. Cleaner, more reliable energy will power the next generation of Bangladeshi industry, and open new opportunities for local and Australian businesses to grow together, said the Australian High Commission in Dhaka. Led by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) as part of the Australian Government’s Accessing New Markets Initiative, the delegation brought together a diverse mix of Australian exporters offering utility-scale battery energy storage systems, residential and commercial solar PV solutions, specialised electrical engineering and IT infrastructure, carbon project development, and electric vehicle charging networks to accelerate Bangladesh’s shift to a cleaner, electrified future. The Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association hosted a networking event at the Australian High Commission, connecting the delegation with local businesses. At the event, High Commissioner Susan Ryle and Jodi McKay, Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for South Asia, launched the “Unlocking Bangladesh-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership Potential” scoping study, covering policy settings, distribution trends and high-value investment opportunities. To better understand Bangladesh’s clean energy ecosystem, the delegation also attended government meetings, an Australia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry seminar, and Renewable Energy Fest 2026 at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Clinton Pobke said, “As Bangladesh builds what comes next for its economy, Australia is backing its drive to diversify and innovate. This delegation is about turning clean energy’s potential into commercial partnerships that strengthen Bangladesh’s energy security, support new industries as they emerge, and grow trade for both countries.” Murray Spence, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission said Bangladesh and Australia share complementary strengths in the clean energy transition. “The delegation’s visit to Bangladesh reflects Australian businesses’ strong interest in partnering with Bangladeshi industry to bring technology and expertise that can help accelerate the development of reliable renewable energy networks, supporting greater energy self-sufficiency and security for local consumers.”

The July Museum has launched a special service providing free wheelchair access to visitors with special needs. The service, which became operational on Tuesday morning, allows physically challenged visitors to access wheelchairs directly from the museum’s main entrance. The museum has ensured that its infrastructure and exhibition halls are designed with barrier-free, wheelchair-friendly pathways to facilitate easy movement. Under the new arrangement, visitors accompanied by family members or relatives can operate the wheelchairs themselves to tour the facility. For those arriving alone, the museum has assigned trained volunteers to guide them and provide necessary assistance throughout their visit. "The July Museum is a place of memory and sentiment for every citizen of this country," said Director General Ehasan Mahamud. "With the objective of ensuring that no physical limitation becomes a barrier to learning history and visiting the museum, we have added this special service. Alongside family members, our volunteers will be ready so that any visitor can explore the entire museum without any hassle. We want to build the July Museum as a completely inclusive and open institution for all," he said. Visitors or their families can instantly avail of this service by contacting the museum's main gate upon arrival.  

Bangladesh’s dengue death toll has reached 400 this year after 11 more people died of the mosquito-borne disease in the 24 hours till Tuesday morning, the highest single-day toll recorded so far this year. Besides,  2,071 new cases have taken the total number of infections to 128,237, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the deaths, six were reported in Khulna division, three in Dhaka division and one each in Chattogram and Rajshahi divisions, it said. Earlier, the country recorded 10 deaths from dengue on October 6 and October 15 respectively. Currently, 6,415 patients are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Dhaka and outside Dhaka. Since January 1, a total of 128,237 dengue patients have been admitted to hospitals across the country. Of them, 121,422 have recovered.  

Dr Zubaida Rahman, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s wife and renowned cardiologist, on Tuesday urged the Sasakawa Peace Foundation to expand its cooperation with Bangladesh in the healthcare sector, particularly health research, maternal and child health, and modern medical infrastructure. She made the call while speaking at a health-related seminar organised by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo. Zubaida said the Bangladesh government has identified healthcare, education and social protection as key policy priorities and has taken various initiatives to ensure affordable healthcare for all, improve the quality of public healthcare, recruit healthcare professionals and expand access to health and education services for disadvantaged communities. The government is also working to improve people’s quality of life through employment-oriented education, expanded educational opportunities for disadvantaged students and family-based social assistance programmes, including the Family Card initiative, she said. Referring to health as an important area of her professional and personal interest, Zubaida said ensuring people’s physical and mental well-being is crucial. Bangladesh-Japan bilateral relations continue to grow, and there is scope to use the two countries’ experience, knowledge and capabilities to address emerging challenges in the health and social sectors, she said. Zubaida said both Bangladesh and Japan are committed to ensuring that children grow up in a healthy environment and have opportunities to reach their full potential. Achieving this goal requires sustainable social systems, a strong economy, quality education and protection of people from violence, poverty and other risks, she said.