United News of Bangladesh

Detectives came under attack during an anti-drug drive at Tongi of Gazipur City Corporation on Wednesday night, prompting police to use sound grenades to bring the situation under control. A total of 28 people were also arrested in connection with the incident. According to police, the incident took place at Keranirtek under Tongi East Police Station when a team of the Detective Branch (DB), led by Assistant Commissioner (DB South) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP) Asabur Rahman, conducted a drive at the house of listed drug trader Runa Begum in the evening. At that time, a group of 10-12 people launched a sudden attack on the police team, leaving two members seriously injured. To control the situation and ensure self-defence, police exploded four blank sound grenades and later arrested seven people from the scene. It took nearly three hours to bring the situation under control. In a separate drive in the Haji Mazar slum area under Tongi West Police Station, law enforcers detained 21 more alleged drug traders and users. Confirming the incident, GMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Md Belayet Hossain said the situation is now normal and legal action is being taken against those involved.

A total of 370 campus journalists from across the country have strongly condemned the recent attack on members of the Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) and demanded exemplary punishment for those involved. In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the journalists, working at various public and private universities and colleges, expressed deep concern and outrage over the incident. They protested the assault allegedly carried out by some leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on DUJA members while they were performing their professional duties. DUJA expresses concern over attack on journalists by law enforcement The statement said the incident is not only a direct attack on independent journalism but also contradicts democratic values. “Such acts have raised serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.” The journalists further noted that repeated incidents of attack, harassment, and intimidation against journalists are not isolated, but rather part of a planned pattern. As the mirror of the state and society, they said, any attempt to silence journalists ultimately weakens democracy. They called for the immediate identification, arrest, and exemplary punishment of those responsible for the attack. At the same time, they urged the Dhaka University administration to take strict administrative action against the accused students. The statement also called on the government to conduct an impartial investigation into allegations of negligence by law enforcement agencies and to take necessary measures. The journalists emphasised that attacks, intimidation, or repression cannot stop the voice of truth. They affirmed that campus journalists across the country will remain united and vocal against such injustices. Expressing full solidarity with the just demands of the DUJA, they urged the relevant authorities to take swift and effective action. On April 23, DUJA members were reportedly assaulted while carrying out their professional duties inside Shahbagh Police Station, leaving at least 10 journalists injured. According to video footage and eyewitnesses, DUJA has so far identified 14 attackers and one alleged instigator, and has submitted a list to the investigation committee.

The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) on Wednesday underscored the urgency of deeper regional cooperation, technological modernisation, and increased investment to ensure food and nutrition security across South Asia. The call was made during a regional “Coordination Meeting with Development Partners and Investors” held in Dhaka. The event was organised by SAC in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Bangladesh and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), South Asia. Attending the event as the chief guest, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs and Agriculture Nazrul Islam Khan highlighted agriculture as the region's economic backbone. He called for the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to modernise the sector and address the pressing challenges of climate change. Ambassador AKM Shahidul Karim, Additional Foreign Secretary (SAARC & BIMSTEC), stressed the need for a transition from addressing food deficits to building a sustainable agricultural future. He called for technology-driven approaches and the sharing of technical expertise among member states to move from solutions to concrete actions. Tanvir Ahmad Torophder, Director at the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal, emphasised the necessity of robust public-private partnerships to achieve measurable results across the region. Dr Shahidur Rashid, Director of IFPRI South Asia, noted that collaboration with SAC is a cost-effective way to address common regional issues, while Dr Rudaba Khondker, Country Director of GAIN Bangladesh, emphasised mainstreaming nutrition and innovative financing to create affordable and sustainable food systems. Earlier, Dr Md Younus Ali, Senior Programme Specialist at SAC, delivered the welcome speech, focusing on strengthening livestock and food systems. Presiding over the event, SAC Director Dr Harunur Rashid highlighted the centre's strategic priorities, including climate resilience and innovation-led investment partnerships. The inaugural session was followed by two technical working sessions involving investors, scholars, and researchers from various SAARC member states to draft actionable strategies for the region's agricultural development.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam on Wednesday said cultural practice is indispensable for building a healthy, enlightened and drug-free society and guiding the younger generation in the right direction. “Alongside education, cultural activities are essential for a healthy society and sound mind,” he said while addressing a discussion, award-giving ceremony and cultural programme organised marking the “International Dance Day 2026” at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium in the capital. The DSCC administrator expressed concern that a large section of the younger generation is drifting away from its cultural roots due to excessive use of mobile phones. “Our adolescents and youths are becoming confined to digital devices, which is hindering their creative development,” he said. Abdus Salam also lamented that dance, one of the major elements of Bengali culture, is gradually losing its appeal among the younger generation, warning that such detachment from cultural and creative pursuits is not a positive sign for the future. Highlighting the role of culture in preventing drug addiction, he said youths engaged in dance, music or sports are less likely to fall prey to drugs. “If a young person remains involved in dance, music or sports, drugs can never consume him,” he said. Calling upon parents to encourage children to participate in cultural and creative activities alongside academic studies, the DSCC administrator said the cultural environment once prevalent in educated families needs to be revived. He urged all concerned to work collectively alongside the government to build a culturally enriched society. The event was presided over by Prof Dr Nigar Chowdhury, member of Bangladesh Nritya Shilpi Sangstha.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has relaxed its mandatory banking professional examination requirement for experienced senior officials seeking higher positions in other banks or financial institutions. According to a circular issued by the Banking Regulation and Policy Department (BRPD) on Wednesday, officials who have completed 15 years of service after joining or being promoted to the rank of Senior Officer (or equivalent) will no longer be required to pass the banking diploma for recruitment to a higher post in a different bank. The central bank cited the need to maintain professional mobility for skilled human resources within the banking sector as the reason for this policy adjustment. The move amends a previous directive issued in January 2025, which originally made the professional examination mandatory for any bank official seeking a higher-grade appointment at another bank starting from January 1, 2026. While the general requirement remains in place for mid-level and junior officials, the 15-year seniority threshold now acts as an exemption in recognition of extensive banking experience. Other instructions from the original 2025 circular remain unchanged.

Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Wednesday claimed that Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has effectively accepted its historical role as an "anti-liberation" force by not opposing the definition of "Bir Muktijoddha (Valiant Freedom Fighter)" in the newly amended Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (JAMUKA) Bill. He made the remark while taking part in the discussion on the thanksgiving motion on the President's speech in Parliament. Referring to the JAMUKA Bill, the minister noted that the legislation explicitly defines freedom fighters as those who fought against the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators, including the then Muslim League, Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezame Islam, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and Razakars. “Jamaat did not effectively oppose this law in Parliament. In fact, support was provided in writing on behalf of the NCP. I thank them for this. By operation of law and interpretation, it is now established who opposed the independence war in 1971 and who was involved in murder, forced disappearances, and rape,” he said. The minister expressed his vision for the current Parliament, formed following the July mass uprising, to build a nation that carries forward the spirits of the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 pro-democracy movement, and the 2024 mass uprising. However, he expressed disappointment over a leaflet distributed by the 11-party alliance regarding why the opposition wants reforms. Asaduzzaman pointed out that the leaflet fails to mention the "July Charter," which was signed by 33 parties. “In this Parliament, we want to talk about the country's development and future. Instead, we are discussing four questions for a referendum. The BNP had no objection to three and a half of those questions,” he claimed, describing the remaining portion as a mix of "half-love and half-deception." Reflecting on past election campaigns, the minister remarked that he had heard claims of some groups "selling tickets to heaven." “If those claims were fake, then they are admitting they are not the custodians of such tickets.” He also criticised the occasional "lifelessness" of Parliament in the past, noting that the House was sometimes boycotted or faced unnecessary tension without logical reasoning.

The Rural Microenterprise Transformation Project (RMTP), implemented by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), has made a significant contribution to building a more dynamic, inclusive and sustainable rural economy in Bangladesh, speakers said at the closing ceremony of the six-year initiative on Wednesday. They said the project has strengthened the role of micro-entrepreneurs in the national economy by increasing the incomes of micro-entrepreneurs, improving food and nutrition security, and expanding agriculture-based value chains. The RMTP was co-financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Danida. PKSF meeting highlights sustainable, resilient agricultural system

The Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday raised the retail price of both bottled and loose soybean oil by Tk 4 per litre, citing mounting pressure from global market volatility and sustained losses incurred by importers and refiners. The decision was announced by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdur Muktadir following a meeting with edible oil traders at the ministry's conference room. Under the revised pricing, bottled soybean oil will now retail at Tk 199 per litre, up from Tk 195, while loose soybean oil has been fixed at Tk 180 per litre against the previous rate of Tk 176. The price of five-litre bottled soybean oil has been adjusted to Tk 975 from Tk 955. Palm oil prices remain unchanged. Justifying the upward revision, the minister said traders had been purchasing oil at elevated prices since Ramadan and selling at a loss, prompting persistent appeals from importers and refiners for a price correction. “The prices of import-dependent commodities have risen due to adverse global condition, placing significant strain on businesses,” Muktadir said. “Traders had sought a steeper increase, but the government has kept prices within consumers' reach.” The minister assured consumers that prices would be reviewed and readjusted once the international soybean oil market stabilises. Traders pledged to sell at the newly fixed rates and committed to making no further revision requests ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, he added. The price adjustment comes amid a prolonged supply crunch lasting over a month, particularly for five-litre bottled soybean oil. Market surveys indicate the product has already been changing hands at Tk 980 to over Tk 1,020, well above the official ceiling of Tk 955 underscoring the gap between regulated and street-level prices that the revised rates now seek to narrow.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called upon MPs to raise public awareness to help reduce waterlogging across the country, saying blocked drains, canals and other water channels worsen the problem particularly in urban areas. “The problem in urban areas lies with big drains, lakes and canals. We use different things like plastic bottles and polythene. We are unintentionally blocking these canals and beels (by dumping these things into the water channels),” he said. The Prime Minister made the remarks at Parliament after treasury bench lawmaker Sayeed Al Noman (Chattogram-10) on a point of order raised the issue of waterlogging and public suffering in Chattogram city. Pointing at the lawmaker, Tarique Rahman said he has already spoken with the Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation in this regard and the mayor is working to address the issue. Noting that it has been a severe waterlogging and it would take time to address it, he said, “For the suffering caused by this, I sincerely express my sorrow to the residents of Chattogram city. We are trying our best to bring people out of this problem as quickly as possible.” Referring to media reports on inundation in Chattogram city, the Prime Minister said the problem is not confined to the port city alone but exists across the country including in Dhaka where blocked drains during rainfall often lead to serious waterlogging. Describing the waterlogging as a long-standing problem, he recalled that former president Ziaur Rahman had once taken initiatives to address it through canal re-excavation across the country, which created water reservoir and thus control flood and remove waterlogging. “We exactly need to return to that kind of work again,” he said, adding that the current government has already begun canal excavation programmes. Although the government has undertaken efforts to clean drains and improve drainage systems in Dhaka city, the problem often resurfaces within 7-10 days as people continue to dump waste indiscriminately that blocked the drains again, he said. Citing that the waterlogging problem is there in many constituencies including Dhaka-12, he said several lawmakers including Dhaka-12 MP Saiful Alam have raised similar concerns with him. “It is a huge problem. I believe the government will continue to take more initiatives,” he said. He also stressed reducing the use of plastic bottles, polythene and similar materials and ensuring proper disposal after use. "As members of parliament, I think we have a moral responsibility to make people aware of this issue," said the Prime Minister.

The government has initiated a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the reopening of several closed and underutilised airports as part of a broader plan to strengthen domestic air connectivity and promote balanced regional development. Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam made the announcement in Parliament on Wednesday while responding to a starred question from ruling party lawmaker SM Jahangir Hossain, elected from Dhaka-18. Bangladesh currently has 17 airports and aviation facilities including international and domestic airports, navigation installations, Bangladesh Air Force-operated bases, and former Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airfields, she said. Among them, three international airports — Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Shah Amanat International Airport, and Osmani International Airport — handle both international and domestic flights. Five domestic airports — Saidpur Airport, Shah Makhdum Airport, Jashore Airport, Barishal Airport, and Cox's Bazar Airport — currently operate domestic flights only. Six STOL airports built during World War II — Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, Ishwardi, Shamshernagar, Cumilla, and Patuakhali — which remain closed or underutilized, said the minister. She noted that although Cumilla Airport does not currently handle commercial flights, it still provides navigation services for international aircraft passing through Bangladeshi airspace. Meanwhile, Tejgaon Airport remains under the control of the Bangladesh Air Force and is not used for passenger operations. The government plans to build a nationwide air connectivity network by linking divisional and district towns through the development of small airports and airstrips, she said. “In response to public demand, initiatives have been taken to conduct feasibility study through local consulting firms to assess the viability of reopening closed airports,” the minister said. As part of this initiative, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology has been assigned to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed Bogura Airport. Officials say the move is expected to stimulate economic activity and support more balanced regional development across the country.