United News of Bangladesh

A Chattogram court on Wednesday sentenced prime accused Abir Ali to death for killing five-year-old girl Alina Islam Ayat four years back. Judge of Chattogram Additional Metropolitan Session Judge Court-6 Muhammad Ali Akkas handed down the punishment in presence of the convict. According to the prosecution, Ayat went missing on November 14, 2022 on her way to a mosque where she used to learn Arabic at Bandartila area in Chattogram. The victim’s father, Sohel Rana, lodged a general diary with the local police station after she went missing. Abir, a former tenant of the victim’s family, kidnapped the girl for ransom and strangled the girl to death as he failed to secure a place to keep her hostage. She later chopped her body into six pieces after taking to a residence on Akmal Ali Road in the city and dumped the body wrapped in two bags in the sea in the city’s Kattali area. Ayat’s body parts were found from different parts of the city on November 30 and December 1, 2022. On November 9, 2023, Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) officer of the case Monoj Kumar Dey submitted chargesheet against Abir Ali.  

A 24-year-old worker of a hotel died as the hotel owner’s son allegedly hit him with a hammer at Khamar Intersection in Rangpur city on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Shaon, resident of Nurer Chak of Aditmari upazila of the district. Sanatan Chakraborty, deputy commissioner of Rangpur DB police, said police arrested Mizanur Rahman Monu, son of hotel owner Amir Hossain, in this connection. During interrogation Mizanur admitted that he had an argument with Shaon over spitting betel leaf residue near a utensil storage area and  following the dispute he hit Shaon with a hammer at night, said police. Meanwhile, family members of Misanur claimed that he has been suffering from mental health problems for a long time. Legal steps will be taken after getting complaint from the family members of the deceased, said police.

Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on Wednesday said the proposed national budget for FY2026-27 has taken several commendable steps to promote renewable energy but fossil fuels continue to enjoy discriminatory fiscal advantages, potentially undermining the country's energy transition objectives. CPD Senior Research Associate Helen Mashiyat Preoty came up with the observation while presenting  a paper titled "Proposed National Budget for FY2026-27: What is there on the Power and Energy Sector?" CPD Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem chaired the presentation event at its Dhanmondi office. The Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources received a total allocation of Tk 17,345 crore in the proposed budget, a modest 2.3 percent increase from the revised budget of FY2025-26. Of this, the development budget stands at Tk 17,193 crore, while operational expenditure is Tk 152 crore, up 7.8 percent. The think-tank flagged a worrying downward trend, the sector's share in the total national budget has declined steadily from 6.87 percent in FY2015-16 to just 1.85 percent in the proposed FY2026-27 budget. The Power Division received Tk 14,996 crore, a 3.9 percent decline from the revised allocation, while the Energy and Mineral Resources Division saw a sharp 72 percent jump to Tk 2,349 crore, driven largely by increased development expenditure. CPD acknowledged that for the first time, the proposed budget has offered substantial fiscal support to solar-based electricity generation. The government has proposed a zero percent tax rate on the solar power sector until 2035, a 5 percent tax rebate for consumers paying solar electricity bills, and elimination of import duty, regulatory duty, supplementary duty, and advance tax on essential solar components up to June 2030. Tax incidence on assembled solar panels has been proposed to drop from 28.7 percent to 22.2 percent, while that on lithium-ion batteries, critical for energy storage, is set to come down sharply from 61.8 percent to 26.3 percent. However, CPD cautioned that the benefits are tied to a restrictive list of conditionalities, primarily benefitting select solar power generation companies and firms operating under the RESCO model. This effectively excludes 63 percent of the country's electricity consumers, including residential users, small business owners, and rural solar irrigation farmers. “The proposed budget will encourage the private sector to move towards renewable energy transition, however, restructuring the fiscal treatment may be needed for end-user benefits,” the paper noted. Despite the government's stated ambition to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuel, CPD pointed out that LNG imports continue to enjoy full VAT exemption, resulting in a Total Tax Incidence (TTI) of only 9.5 percent for key LNG products. Besides, coal imports by power plants will also continue to enjoy concessionary duty benefits extended until June 2030. CPD recommended that the full VAT exemption on LNG be withdrawn and VAT be restored to 15 percent, arguing that the current arrangement artificially keeps LNG competitive and causes significant revenue foregone for the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The think-tank also raised concern over the budget speech's renewed emphasis on domestic coal exploration, including setting a production target of 6 lakh metric tonnes for FY2026-27 and undertaking new projects for the Barapukuria Second Phase and Dighipara Coal Field. “Such fiscal favours given to dirty coal is nothing but a hindrance towards energy transition,” the paper stated. Analysing the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for FY2026-27, CPD found that fossil fuel projects account for 98 percent of total generation-sector allocations, compared to a mere 2 percent for renewable energy projects. In the current ADP, only five renewable energy-related projects received allocations, three under the Power Division and two under the Energy Division. Notably, no new solar or renewable energy projects have been added in the current ADP, a development CPD described as concerning. Eleven renewable energy projects were left unapproved, including seven solar projects with a combined capacity of 640 MW, three grid modernisation projects, and a 25 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) pilot project. CPD warned this trajectory makes the government's target of achieving 20 percent renewable energy by 2030 extremely difficult, as it would require installing 1,662 MW of solar capacity per annum between January 2026 and December 2030. CPD said grid and transmission equipment continues to face some of the highest tax burdens in the energy sector, with TTI ranging from 33.6 percent to as high as 93.2 percent. The budget has proposed tariff reductions for only two components out of the full range of grid infrastructure items. Critical assets such as transformers, conductors, towers, and meters remain subject to multiple layers of taxation. The think-tank urged the government to reduce import, customs, supplementary, and regulatory duties on all grid infrastructure components to zero, noting that doing so would lower the TTI by roughly 30 percentage points and reduce the cost of grid expansion needed for renewable integration. The budget has significantly reduced the tax burden on electric vehicles (EVs), with import duties reduced from 93 percent to 64-80 percent depending on vehicle price and type. Import duties on EV charging equipment have been brought down from 39.75 percent to zero, a move CPD described as highly commendable. Annual income taxes on EVs have also been drastically reduced from Tk 2 lakh uniformly to between Tk 25,000 and Tk 1 lakh based on power capacity. Conversely, taxes on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have been increased to discourage their use, with one category of reconditioned cars now facing a TTI of 159.8 percent. CPD expressed disappointment that the budget has given little emphasis to solar irrigation for marginal farmers. The budget speech only mentions the installation of 98 solar-powered irrigation pumps and 27 solar-powered dug-wells. One solar irrigation project with a 40 percent completion rate received no allocation in the current ADP. “There is nothing much for solar irrigation in the proposed national budget FY2026-27,” the paper concluded. The budget proposes Tk 37,000 crore for electricity subsidy, up from Tk 36,000 crore in the revised FY2026 budget, primarily to offset Bangladesh Power Development Board's losses from purchasing electricity from IPPs, rental, and quick rental plants. CPD warned that while the government has signaled plans to rationalise electricity subsidies in coming years, the burden must not be passed on to consumers through tariff hikes. Instead, the government should phase out capacity payments to fossil fuel plants. CPD called on the government to increase allocations in the revised budget for projects nearing completion; approve more renewable energy projects through the revised ADP; shift NBR's fiscal approach from a restrictive entity-based model to an open, component-based zero-tariff framework; introduce targeted subsidies for solar irrigation farmers; and incorporate dedicated green grants for energy transition and smart grid development in the national budget.  

Seven Bangladeshi nationals were detained on Monday night on allegation of assisting an attempted push-in by India's Border Security Force (BSF) through Rokonpur border in Gomastapur upazila of Chapainawabganj district. The detainees were 38, Azam, 35, Asmaul Haque, 33, Mesbaul Haque, 35, Babul Akhtar, 40, Emdadul Haque, 38, and Royal, 28 of Rokonpur area. Of them, four were detained by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the remaining three by police.  Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gomastapur Police Station, Noor-e-Alam on Tuesday said members of BSF attempted to push a woman into Bangladesh through Rokonpur border on Monday night and detainees assisted the woman’s entry into the country. BGB personnel intervened and successfully thwarted the push-in attempt, he said. Four of the accused were handed over to Gomastapur Police Station around 4 am, the OC said. Police later detained three more individuals on the same allegation. Legal action is being taken against all seven detainees, he added. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commanding officer of the Naogaon-16 BGB Battalion, said members of the BSF's RK Wada Camp tried to push a woman into Bangladesh by boat at around 10:45 pm on Monday. However, the attempt was foiled due to the vigilance and prompt response of the BGB patrol team deployed at the border, he said. The BGB official said four detainees assisted the BSF in exchange of money.

A 27-year-old man was stabbed to death in Kamrangirchar area of the capital on Monday night. The deceased was identified as Mohammad ,27, son of Alauddin of Eidgah field adjacent area in Kamrangirchar. He used to work  as an employee at a local shop. Family members and witnesses said a group of 15–20 people led by Mujahid stabbed Mohammad over previous enmity, leaving him wounded. He was immediately taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital with the help of his sister Sharmin Akter and locals where on-duty doctors declared him dead at around 9:50pm.  Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the DMCH police camp, said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy and legal action is underway.

Police on Tuesday recovered the body of a seven-year-old girl packed in a sack from a cornfield in Aditmari upazila of Lalmonirhat. The deceased was Nandini ,daughter of Nolini Kanta of Folimari village under Velabari union. According to police and locals, the girl went missing on Monday evening. Despite repeated searches by her family and locals throughout the night and the following morning, she could not be traced. Later suspicion arose when locals noticed unusually soft soil in a cornfield adjacent to her house. The body was found wrapped in a sack and buried, they added. Nazmul Haque, Aditmari Police Station Officer-in-Charge(OC), said police visited the spot after receiving the information and prepared an inquest report. The body has been sent to Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Police have arrested a man for allegedly strangling his wife to death in Narail’s Lohagara upazila following a dispute reportedly linked to her TikTok activities. The deceased was identified as Sumona Ferdousi, 38. Her husband, Limon Mallik, 27, was arrested from Dighalia area on Monday night. During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to killing his wife, said Lohagara Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Ajit Kumar Roy on Tuesday. Sumona, originally from Narayanganj, was the second wife of Limon, son of Idris Mallik of Char Dighalia village in Lohagara upazila. During questioning, Limon told police that his wife regularly posted videos on TikTok in his absence and allegedly developed relationships with unknown men through social media, exchanging what he described as objectionable photos and videos. These issues frequently led to arguments between the couple, despite Sumona’s assurances that she would refrain from such activities in the future. Police said another altercation broke out around 8am on Monday over a TikTok video. At one stage, Limon assaulted Sumona, leaving her bleeding and collapsed on the floor. He then allegedly strangled her to death and later hung the body from a beam inside their house in an attempt to make the death appear as a suicide, said police. After the killing, Limon reportedly left for work around 10am as usual. He returned home at about 5pm and began shouting and crying after opening the door, drawing the attention of neighbours. Limon was subsequently taken to the police station for questioning later that night. “The body was hung to create the impression of a suicide and conceal the murder. We have informed the victim’s family, and legal proceedings are underway,” said Inspector Ajit Kumar Roy.

Leaders and activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League staged a protest march and briefly blocked the Dhaka-Khulna Highway in Gopalganj’s Kashiani upazila on Monday. The programme was held around noon in the Ratail Horticulture Centre area of the upazila, where protesters blocked the highway for a short period and chanted various slogans. According to locals, the demonstration was organized in protest against the vandalisation of a mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Kashiani Upazila Parishad premises and to demand the return of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to the country. An estimated 40 to 50 people participated in the programme, occupying a section of the highway for a brief period before leaving the area. Local sources said unidentified individuals smeared black paint on the mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Kashiani Upazila Parishad premises on the night of June 9. The following night, several Chhatra League leaders and activists were seen cleaning the mural and removing the paint. A video of the incident later circulated on Facebook, triggering widespread discussion and reactions on social media. Mahfuzur Rahman, Kashiani Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC), said a brief procession had taken place and we are investigating the matter. Since the organization has been declared banned, legal action will be taken against those involved.

An elderly farmer was killed after being struck by a brick during a clash between two relatives in Magura’s Sadar upazila on Monday noon. The deceased was identified as Arab Ali, 70, son of late Yakub Ali of Kodalia Shrirampur village under Haji Pur Union in Magura Sadar upazila. The incident occurred at Uttorpara of Kodalia Shrirampur village around noon during a clash between two relatives over a family dispute. Abdullah Al Mamun, Magura Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC), said the clash erupted between Sakhawat and Hasan following an altercation over a family issue. At one stage, both sides engaged in brick throwing. During the clash, Arab Ali went to the spot to witness the incident. Suddenly, a brick struck him on the head, leaving him seriously injured. Locals rescued him and took him to Magura 250-bed Hospital, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. OC Abdullah Al Mamun said he visited the hospital after receiving the information and a case has been filed in connection with the incident.

A Bangladeshi pilgrim who spent more than three years in hospitals in Saudi Arabia after falling seriously ill while performing Umrah has died just over a month after being brought back home through the efforts of the Bangladesh government. Hedayetul Islam, also known as Manik Huzur, 65, a resident of Maheshpushkarani village in Mirzanagar Union of Parshuram upazila in Feni, died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital at around 10am on Monday while undergoing treatment. According to family members, Hedayetul travelled to Saudi Arabia on February 1, 2023, along with his wife and several others to perform Umrah. After staying in Makkah for a few days, he suddenly fell ill in Madinah on February 12 and was later admitted to King Fahad Hospital in Madinah. Following four to five months of treatment in the CCU and ICU, he was transferred to another hospital. He remained under treatment at different hospitals in Saudi Arabia for nearly three years and three months. Family members said he remained unconscious throughout most of that period. The family had been trying for a long time to bring him back to Bangladesh. His second son, Al Shahadat Mohammad Hossain, later submitted an application to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which took up the matter. With the support of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Bangladesh Hajj Mission and the Saudi authorities, Hedayetul was finally brought back to Bangladesh on May 13 under a special arrangement. After returning home, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he remained under treatment for more than a month before passing away. His son Al Shahadat Mohammad Hossain said the family had hoped Hedayetul would recover after being brought home. "We were able to bring our father back after more than three years. We hoped he would return to us in good health, but that was not Allah's will. We seek prayers for the forgiveness of his soul," he said. The funeral prayers were scheduled to be held at around 9:30pm on Monday before his burial.