United News of Bangladesh

Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay and Honorary Consul of Malta to Bangladesh Shoeb Chowdhury in a meeting on Monday discussed enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, preserving ancient culture and expanding its reach on the global stage. The meeting took place in Valletta, the capital of the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, according to a press release. ​Mayor Olaf McKay highlighted how the city of Valletta, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, has preserved its 7,500-year-old historic legacy while transforming into a modern and dynamic European capital city. He also expressed plans to present Malta's timeless culture and heritage more broadly on global platforms. ​During the meeting, Honorary Consul Shoeb Chowdhury emphasised the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art digital ecosystems in international tourism and cultural exchange. He proposed leveraging virtual technology and AI so that history enthusiasts and tourists from around the world can easily explore Valletta's heritage. Shoeb Chowdhury noted, "Through the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence, it is possible to impart a dynamic momentum to the diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Malta and Bangladesh." ​During the conversation, he extended an official invitation to the Mayor of Valletta to visit Dhaka. The mayor accepted the invitation and expressed his hope to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Executive Secretary of the Valletta Local Council Gabriella Agius and Editor-in-Chief of The Asian Age Dr Jesmin Chowdhury were also present at the meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, Olaf McKay presented a special crest of Valletta to Shoeb Chowdhury.

Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) on Monday strongly condemned and protested against what it described as objectionable remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir about journalists, demanding that he withdraw his sweeping comments on their professional integrity and responsibility within 24 hours. The organisation warned that it would launch a strong, united programme with other journalist organisations if the remarks were not withdrawn within the stipulated time. At an event in Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Monday, the IGP said, “Journalists write that the police are ineffective when they do not receive money from drug dealers. Such reports are published in various national media outlets.” In a joint statement on Monday evening, CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal and General Secretary M M Badshah said such comments from a senior official holding the highest position in the police force were undesirable and concerning. They said ensuring an effective police role in eliminating drugs was essential, while independent journalism also played a crucial role in ensuring accountability for police activities. If any journalist is accused of taking money from drug dealers, the allegation can be investigated on the basis of specific evidence and legal action can be taken accordingly, the CRAB leaders said. However, making such allegations against journalists as a whole without any specific evidence does not reflect responsible conduct, they added. The leaders said journalists were responsible for monitoring the activities of the police and other state institutions, exposing irregularities and corruption, and bringing issues of public interest to the attention of the people. Portraying journalistic reports or criticism of police effectiveness as a reaction to not receiving money from drug dealers raises questions about the environment for independent journalism, they said. Such remarks could create negative perceptions of journalists among the public and put them in an embarrassing position while carrying out their professional duties, the statement added. The CRAB leaders called on the IGP to withdraw the remarks immediately and take a responsible position on the issue. Otherwise, they warned, the organisation would join hands with other journalist bodies to launch a united programme to protect journalists’ dignity, freedom and professional rights.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, now visiting Spain, has highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to diversify exports, attract foreign investment and foster a more business-friendly environment. Inaugurating the third Bangladesh-Spain Expo 2026 in Seville, she drew attention to emerging opportunities in pharmaceuticals, leather and footwear, agro-processing, information technology, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. The State Minister encouraged Spanish entrepreneurs and investors to explore Bangladesh’s growing market and manufacturing capabilities. Masudur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Spain; Rocío Blanco, Minister of Employment, Business and Self-Employment of the Regional Government of Andalusia; and Ashiqur Rahman, President of the Spain-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, also spoke at the event.

Police on Monday prevented cultural activists from holding a human chain in the capital’s Dhanmondi to protest the obstruction of female Baul singers in Sunamganj and other alleged attacks on cultural programmes across the country, detaining former Bangladesh Chhatra Union president Dipak Shil during a confrontation. The activists gathered in front of Meena Bazar at Dhanmondi 27 around 4 pm under the banner of ‘Protestive Artists and People’ (Protiabadi Shilpi Janata) to protest what they described as attacks and aggression by groups acting in the name of ‘Tawhidi Janata’ against Baul music and other cultural events. More than 100 police personnel were seen deployed in the area from around 3:30 pm ahead of the planned programme. Drama activist Sumona Islam approached the police to ask whether the activists would be allowed to hold the human chain. She was later joined by Dipak Shil, who was involved in a discussion with police officers. The officers were heard saying they had instructions from higher authorities to ensure that no provocative remarks or slogans were made during the programme. Police also referred to a previous human chain at the same location where participants had chanted ‘Joy Bangla’.   In response, Dipak reportedly asked, "Why has the slogan Joy Bangla become invalid? We chanted this slogan during the July uprising as well." Police then asked for his identity. Following a heated exchange, officers detained him and took him to a police vehicle. Dipak is a former president of both the Dhaka metropolitan unit and the central committee of Bangladesh Chhatra Union. Sumona Islam tried to prevent police from taking him away and alleged that officers behaved aggressively towards her and pulled her during the incident. "Police detained Dipak without any reason. We condemn this and demand his immediate release," she said. Contacted for comment, Mohammad Ibn Mizan, deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Tejgaon division, said the activists were asked not to use provocative slogans or make provocative remarks. "They responded by questioning whether the slogan Joy Bangla had become invalid. During the ensuing argument, one person was detained for preliminary questioning," he said. At around 4:20 pm, the activists stood together and chanted slogans, including ‘No place for fundamentalists in this Bengal’, ‘Rise up, Bengal, against attacks on culture’ and ‘Your and my address is the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna’. One of the organisers, Faruk H Khan, told journalists that the incident reflected an inability to tolerate even a peaceful programme. "If even this kind of sit-in programme cannot be tolerated, then there is nothing more we can do. Baul and Bengali culture are under attack across the country. We strongly condemn and protest these incidents," he said. The protesters left the area around 4:30 pm. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Chhatra Union’s Dhaka metropolitan unit issued a statement condemning Dipak’s arrest and demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The statement, dated October 26, said his detention over the alleged chanting of ‘Joy Bangla’ violated freedom of expression and democratic rights. It described the slogan as deeply connected to Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and the Liberation War, adding that no one should be arrested or harassed for using it. The organisation also expressed concern over reported attacks on Baul and folk artists, restrictions on cultural programmes and attempts to silence dissenting voices. It called on the authorities to ensure cultural freedom and freedom of expression for Baul performers, folk artists, cultural activists and citizens, and urged students, artists and progressive democratic forces to unite in defending these rights.

A fire that broke out at a scrap warehouse in Konabari of Gazipur city on Monday evening has been brought under control after one and a half hours. The fire originated at Babul Haji's warehouse at Deuliabari around 6:00pm and quickly spread throughout the facility. On information, two units of Konabari Modern Fire Station rushed to the spot and began efforts to douse the blaze. As the fire intensified, two more units from Sarabo Modern Fire Station joined the operation. Fire Service Warehouse Inspector Moinul Islam said the fire was brought under control around 7:30pm through the joint efforts of the four units. The exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage could not be immediately determined. No casualties were also reported.

Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) on Monday expressed deep concern and strong protest over the "objectionable" remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir regarding journalists, issuing a 24-hour ultimatum for him to withdraw his statement and offer a public apology. DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel warned in a joint statement that the organisation would announce tough protest programmes if the police chief failed to apologise within 24 hours. Speaking at an event in Old Dhaka's Chawkbazar earlier on Monday, IGP Ali Hossain Fakir alleged that journalists write reports declaring the police ineffective when they do not receive drug money. Rejecting the statement, the DRU leaders called such generalized comments contrary to independent journalism and unacceptable coming from a top law enforcement official. They stressed that if any police officer has specific allegations against a journalist, it should be resolved through legal channels with concrete evidence, rather than making broad negative statements that undermine the dignity of the profession and public trust in the media.

Bangladesh Railway is preparing to invite a fresh tender for a vendor to manage its online ticketing system before its contract with Shohoz.com expires in February next year. The information was disclosed at the second meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Railways held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Monday. Committee Chairman Mohammad Ali Asghar chaired the meeting, which discussed measures to ensure transparency in the management of online railway ticketing. The Ministry of Railways informed the meeting that container trains operate regularly on the Chattogram-Dhaka route, while fuel and food grains are transported to different destinations by rail. However, the number of freight trains has declined due to a shortage of metre-gauge locomotives in Bangladesh Railway's fleet. The ministry informed the committee that a development project proposal (DPP) for procuring 30 metre-gauge locomotives has recently been approved, while a tender has already been invited to procure another 30 under a previously approved project. Once the two groups of locomotives are procured by 2029, Bangladesh Railway will be able to increase freight services carrying containers, fuel, food grains and other goods, thereby boosting its revenue, the ministry said. Procurement of another 20 metre-gauge locomotives under the World Bank-funded Green Railway project is also underway. The meeting was further informed that 200 broad-gauge coaches will be added to Bangladesh Railway's fleet in phases, with 18 already received. The committee reviewed progress in implementing the ministry’s budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. It also reviewed reports on Bangladesh Railway's land holdings, including land in use, leased land and illegally occupied land, as well as revenue from leased land, lists of leaseholders and illegal occupiers, and land-related court cases. The installation of solar panels on railway land and structures was also discussed. The committee recommended that the ministry appoint lawyers for Bangladesh Railway's legal department and take steps to resolve pending court cases. It also asked the ministry to take gradual steps to make Bangladesh Railway profitable and ensure the appointment of adequate personnel at level crossings. The committee further suggested that the ministry conduct a feasibility study on a railway line from Bhanga to Barishal and introduce a morning commuter train service between Benapole and Khulna. Committee members, State Minister for Railways Habibur Rashid, Abdul Mohit Talukder, Esrat Sultana Elen Bhutto and Muhammad Azizur Rahman attended the meeting. The railways secretary, additional secretaries, the director general of Bangladesh Railway, other senior officials concerned and officials of the Parliament Secretariat were also present.

Several hundred people in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat are spending anxious hours as a tiger spotted near the Amjhol border in Gotamari union remains at large despite efforts to locate it. The tiger was detected by a drone camera around midnight on Sunday after it attacked three people, including a woman, in the border area on Sunday afternoon. However, it later moved out of the camera's range, making it difficult to track. The members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is continuing drone surveillance to determine the animal's whereabouts, while a special team from the Forest Department is trying to rescue it safely. On Sunday, three people including a woman came under attack by tiger while the woman was attempting to save her goat from the tiger. All three injured victims were admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for treatment. Following the attacks, hundreds of local residents spent a sleepless night keeping watch with sticks and other makeshift weapons in an attempt to protect themselves from the tiger. The BGB also fired several blank shots to drive it away. Local administration suspects that the tiger entered Bangladesh from India by crossing the border. Locals believe the animal could be a large leopard, although its exact species has yet to be confirmed. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and safely capture the animal.

Bangladesh is projected to surpass India in per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026, though the neighbouring country maintains a significantly stronger position in terms of overall economic size, purchasing power, and growth momentum, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF's World Economic Outlook, released in October, estimates that Bangladesh’s per capita GDP will reach $2,886 this year, compared to $2,749 for India. Bangladesh previously overtook India in per capita GDP calculations in 2020 before India regained the lead in subsequent years. Despite the per capita GDP milestone, experts note that a wide gap remains between the two nations regarding broader economic capacity and true living standards. India's economy is roughly eight times larger than Bangladesh's, with India's total GDP projected to hit $4.15 trillion in 2026, while Bangladesh's total GDP is expected to stand at $506.4 billion. Per capita GDP measures a country's total economic output divided by its population, serving as an aggregate financial indicator rather than a direct measure of individual personal income or national income, which incorporates export earnings and remittances. Over the past two decades, Bangladesh has achieved notable economic progress, driven primarily by the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, robust remittance inflows, and rising female participation in the labor force. However, this momentum currently faces economic pressure due to high inflation and a slower growth trajectory.

Police have arrested the prime suspect involved in a crude bomb explosion near Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital's Segunbagicha area, officials said on Monday. The arrestee was identified as Abul Hayad Dipu, 32. A team from Ramna Model Police Station, with assistance from a special Detective Branch (DB) team, arrested Dipu from Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj around 3:00pm on Monday using information technology, according to a press release issued by DMP Additional Deputy Commissioner Niaz Mehedi. Unidentified miscreants detonated a crude bomb on the road east of Gate No. 2 of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy around 1:45pm on Tuesday (September 20), spreading panic in the area, According to Ramna Model Police Station. Following the incident, a case was filed under the Explosive Substances Act with Ramna Model Police Station. Police identified Dipu's involvement through technological analysis during the investigation, leading to his arrest. Legal proceedings against the arrestee are currently underway, police added.