United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Sunday observed the Martyred Intellectuals' Day paying rich tributes to a galaxy of intellectuals systematically killed by Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators just before the end of the Liberation War. Marking the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid homage to the nation's intellectuals at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur at 7am. Later, he stood there silently for a while. Followed by the President, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus also paid tribute to the nation's finest intellectuals and observed a silence for a while there. Family members of the martyred, freedom fighters and people from all walks of life paid tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreaths at the memorial in Mirpur and Rayerbazar Killing Ground in Mohammadpur. The government, socio-cultural, political organisations and different public universities observed the day with elaborate programmes. Dhaka University observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day through a series of programmes. On this occasion, black flags were hoisted at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and other important buildings of the university. Leaders and activists of different political and social organisations also paid homage to the martyred intellectuals at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard. Special doa and munajat are offered at mosques, temples and churches marking the day. Bangladesh Television and private television channels broadcasted special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. National dailies also published special supplements marking the day. On this day in 1971, some of the country’s renowned academicians, doctors, engineers, journalists, artists, teachers and other eminent personalities were dragged out of their homes, blindfolded and taken to unknown places. Their bodies were later found at Rayerbazar, Mirpur and some other killing fields in the capital. Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators committed the cold-blooded mass murder to cripple the emerging Bangladesh intellectually. Among the martyred intellectuals are Prof Munier Chowdhury, Dr Alim Chowdhury, Prof Muniruzzaman, Dr Fazle Rabbi, Sirajuddin Hossain, Shahidullah Kaiser, Prof GC Dev, JC Guha Thakurta, Prof Santosh Bhattacharya, Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury, journalists Khandaker Abu Taleb, Nizamuddin Ahmed, SA Mannan (Ladu Bhai), ANM Golam Mustafa, Syed Nazmul Haq and Selina Parvin.

On the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day, University of Dhaka has installed small placards bearing the names and identities of teachers, students, officers, and staff who were killed during the 1971 Liberation War, to pay tribute to their sacrifices and preserve their history. The program, held on Sunday from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, covered key areas across the campus, including the TSC grounds, in front of the Central Library, Hakim Chattar, Madhur Canteen, Kala Bhavan, Mall Chattar, VC Chattar, Soparjit Shadhinota Chattar, Law Faculty premises, Motahar Hossain Bhaban, Science Library, Karzon Hall area, Doel Chattar, Charukala, and areas adjacent to all residential halls. The placards commemorate the victims of atrocities carried out by the Pakistani army and their collaborators, including Razakars, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams forces. According to the university’s official list, 195 individuals from Dhaka University were martyred during the Liberation War. Dhaka University observes Martyred Intellectuals Day with due solemnity The organizer of the program, literature and publication secretary of DU Chhatra Dal, Abu Hayat Md. Zulfiqur Jesun, said that the martyrs of the Liberation War are not merely names confined to the pages of history; they are the very foundation of the nation’s existence, independence, and dignity. He said it is a moral responsibility to pass on the story of their sacrifices to the new generation. “In that spirit, it is our bounden duty to make the history of those from Dhaka University who were martyred in the Liberation War known to all,” he added. Through this initiative, the memories of the martyrs have been made visible across the campus, while also fostering among young students a deeper understanding of the Liberation War, a sense of responsibility, and an interest in learning the authentic history. The Chhatra Dal leader further expressed hope that such initiatives related to independence and sovereignty would continue in the future and would be regarded as an exemplary effort in preserving the memory of the martyrs.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Sunday said they have identified two suspects in connection with the gun attack on Inquilab Moncho leader and Dhaka-8 election candidate Osman Hadi. The DMP also issued border alerts to prevent them from fleeing the country. DMP Additional Commissioner Nazrul Islam disclosed the information at a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre at Mintu Road in the afternoon. DMP has also collected the passport details of suspected shooter Faisal and blocked his passport at immigration to ensure that he cannot flee the country. Confirming the identities of the two attackers, Nazrul Islam said Faisal opened fire while Alamgir was riding the motorbike used in the attack. Police are making all-out efforts to arrest both suspects, he said, adding that there is no information yet about their fleeing the country. Nazrul Islam also said Faisal’s passport has already been blocked. He said police have detained two suspected human traffickers Sibion Dion, 32, and Sanjoy Cichim, 30 from Nalitabari area of Mymensingh. “We are collecting information regarding some people involved in facilitating illegal cross-border movement through Mymensingh border areas,” he added. The DMP official said efforts to arrest those involved in the attempted killing are continuing and the government has taken special measures to ensure security for frontline July fighters and people contesting the upcoming election.

Dhaka University observed the Martyred Intellectuals Day today through a series of programs. On this occasion, black flags were hoisted at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and other important buildings of the university. Led by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, floral wreaths were laid at the graveyard adjacent to the university’s central mosque, the memorial at Jagannath Hall premises, memorials in various residential areas, and the Martyred Intellectuals Memorials at Mirpur and Rayer Bazaar. Special prayers were offered at the university’s central mosque and mosques of different residential halls seeking the eternal peace of the souls of the martyred intellectuals, while special prayers were also held at other places of worship. Marking the day, a discussion meeting was organized at the auditorium of the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of the university. At the beginning of the discussion, a one-minute silence was observed in tribute to the martyrs. The meeting was addressed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Professor Sajeda Banu, younger sister of martyred intellectual Gias Uddin Ahmed, DUCSU Vice-President Abu Shadik kayem, along with leaders of the University of Dhaka Officers’ Association, the Third level Employees’ Association, and the Technical Employees’ Association. Deans of various faculties, chairpersons of departments, directors of institutes, the proctor, provosts, teachers, heads of different offices, officers, and employees were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said that the historic events of 1952, 1969, 1971, 1990, and 2024 are not contradictory to one another; rather, they have collectively shaped Bangladesh’s national identity and history. He emphasized that the nation must remain aware and united against ongoing political attempts to create divisions by setting these events against each other. He further said that the sacrifice of the martyred intellectuals is not merely a part of memorable history; it forms the foundation of the nation’s unity, identity, and existence. As long as this sacrifice remains alive in collective memory, the unity of the nation will remain intact.

Bangladesh on Sunday witnessed a sudden surge in dengue cases, with five more deaths and 387 new hospitalisations recorded across the country in the last 24 hours. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the latest fatalities bring this year’s death toll from the mosquito-borne disease to 409. Of the newly reported deaths, two occurred in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), two in Barishal Division, and one in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). During the same period, 387 new dengue patients were admitted to hospitals, bringing the total number of cases reported this year to 100,477. Currently, 637 dengue patients are receiving treatment at hospitals in Dhaka, while 2,189 patients are hospitalised nationwide. DGHS data also shows that 62.5 percent of dengue patients this year are male, while 37.5 percent are female. Among the fatalities, 52.3 percent were men and 47.7 percent were women. Last year, the country recorded 575 dengue-related deaths, along with 101,214 cases and 100,040 recoveries during the same period.

India on Sunday categorically rejected the assertions made by the interim government of Bangladesh, noting that India has never allowed its territory to be used for activities inimical to the interests of the friendly people of Bangladesh. “We expect that the interim government of Bangladesh will take all necessary measures for ensuring internal law and order, including for the purpose of holding peaceful elections,” said the Ministry of External Affairs in a media release. The reaction came soon after the report of summoning the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh. In its reaction, India said they have consistently reiterated their position in favour of “free, fair, inclusive and credible” elections being held in Bangladesh in a peaceful atmosphere. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma to convey the government of Bangladesh’s serious concern to the government of India over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry expressed its objection over India allowing fugitive Sheikh Hasina to continue making incendiary statements, urging her supporters to engage in ‘terrorist’ activities in Bangladesh with the aim of disrupting the upcoming national election. Bangladesh reiterated her call for the expeditious extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face the sentences handed down by the judicial authorities in Bangladesh. Dhaka summons Indian envoy over Hasina’s statements  Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned High Commissioner Pranay Verma at State Guest House Padma, a senior official at the ministry told UNB. The ministry also drew the attention of the envoy to anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitive Awami League members staying in India, including planning, organising and helping to carry out terrorist activities inside Bangladesh in order to hinder the upcoming elections. The Indian government was called upon to expeditiously act to end the criminal actions by these fascist terrorists and extradite them to Bangladesh as soon as possible, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter into Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh. The Ministry emphasised that as a neighbour, India is expected to stand with the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes. The High Commissioner of India emphasised that India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all cooperation in this regard.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday reiterated the interim government’s initiative to secure Bangladesh’s membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the 11-member regional bloc that has emerged as a major global economic and trade force. He expressed optimism that Thailand would support Bangladesh’s membership bid. In the process, Bangladesh already floated its bid to become a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN. “We take it very seriously. It will connect South Asia with Southeast Asia,” he said, referring to Bangladesh’s planned ASEAN membership. Prof Yunus made the remarks when newly appointed Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh Thithiporn Chirasawadi paid a courtesy call on him the State Guest House Jamuna. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to strengthen further bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade and investment, maritime connectivity, prevention of online scams, multilateral engagement, and people-to-people exchanges, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing.

The interim government on Sunday said the police would provide security protocols for all political parties ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum. Under this protocol, there will be clear instructions on how security will be ensured for political leaders and potential candidates in the upcoming national elections and in their residences, offices, movements, public meetings and cyberspace, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Sunday. Besides, initiatives have been taken to provide additional security to the leadership of the frontline leaders of the mass uprising and other important political leaders. Police have already identified the attackers and their associates in the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the Inquilab Moncha and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency. Intensive operations by law enforcement agencies are continuing to arrest them, said the interim government. The motorcycle used in the attack has already been seized and the fingerprints of the suspects are being checked. To prevent the main suspect from crossing the border, photos and other information of the suspects were provided to all immigration check posts on Friday night. Patrols of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and RAB have been intensified in the border area. Although the location of the suspects has been identified several times within the country, it has not been possible to arrest them yet due to their repeated changes of location, the government said. Meanwhile, police have already collected the travel history of the main suspect and it shows that he has traveled to several countries in the past few years as an IT businessman. The latest information is that he traveled to Singapore on July 21. Several other suspects who may be involved in this attack have already been brought under surveillance. Bangladesh sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter the Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh. Bangladesh emphasised that India, as a neighbour, is expected to stand with the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes. The High Commissioner of India emphasised that India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all cooperation in this regard.

Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain on Sunday said the labour law enacted under the interim government is the best Bangladesh has ever had, compared to all previous labour laws in the country’s history. “Considering all labour laws in Bangladesh’s history, it was not possible to have a better law than the one enacted during the interim government,” he said. Speaking at a programme organised by the Citizen’s Platform at city’s Agargaon, Sakhawat said major changes were brought to the Bangladesh Labour Act based on the recommendations of the Labour Reform Commission. “While there may be frustration over other reform commissions, we have introduced significant changes to the Labour Act following the labour reform commission’s recommendations. This law can truly be described as worker-friendly,” he said. Sakhawat said conflict of interest had long been a major obstacle to formulating a strong labour law, adding that although the law could have been improved further, the newly enacted law is the best possible within the limited time. The adviser said business leaders had accused him of prioritising workers alone. “That allegation is true. This labour law has been prepared keeping workers’ rights in mind. Chief Adviser gave me full freedom in drafting this law,” he said. The adviser said the International Labour Organization (ILO) has praised the new labour law, describing it as an ‘eye-opening law’. “The ILO said they never expected such a strong labour law from Bangladesh.” Expressing frustration over the state of public administration, Sakhawat said nearly every ministry is facing severe institutional collapse and has yet to fully recover. “In the few months I have worked across different ministries, I found all of them in a collapsed administrative state. Massive misappropriation of public funds takes place here. Being part of the cabinet, there are many things I want to say but cannot,” he said. The adviser expressed optimism that reforms initiated during the interim government’s tenure would be completed by an elected government. “When the interim government assumed office, the country was in a shattered state. It was not possible for this government to fix everything under such circumstances—this limitation cannot be denied,” he added.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday summoned the Indian High Commissioner to convey the government of Bangladesh’s serious concern to the government of India over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry expressed its objection over India allowing fugitive Sheikh Hasina to continue making incendiary statements, urging her supporters to engage in ‘terrorist’ activities in Bangladesh with the aim of disrupting the upcoming national election. Bangladesh reiterated her call for the expeditious extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face the sentences handed down by the judicial authorities in Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned High Commissioner Pranay Verma at State Guest House Padma, a senior official at the ministry told UNB. The ministry also drew the attention of the envoy to anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitive Awami League members staying in India, including planning, organising and helping to carry out terrorist activities inside Bangladesh in order to hinder the upcoming elections. The Indian government was called upon to expeditiously act to end the criminal actions by these fascist terrorists and extradite them to Bangladesh as soon as possible, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter into Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh. The Ministry emphasised that as a neighbour, India is expected to stand with the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes. The High Commissioner of India emphasised that India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all cooperation in this regard. Police have already identified the attackers and their associates in the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the Inquilab Moncho and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency. Intensive operations by law enforcement agencies are continuing to arrest them, said the interim government. The motorcycle used in the attack has already been seized and the fingerprints of the suspects are being checked. To prevent the main suspect from crossing the border, photos and other information of the suspects were provided to all immigration check posts on Friday night. Patrols of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and RAB have been intensified in the border area. Although the location of the suspects has been identified several times within the country, it has not been possible to arrest them yet due to their repeated changes of location, the government said. Meanwhile, police have already collected the travel history of the main suspect and it shows that he has traveled to several countries in the past few years as an IT businessman. The latest information is that he traveled to Singapore on July 21. Several other suspects who may be involved in this attack have already been brought under surveillance.