United News of Bangladesh

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Sunday fixed the date for hearing the appeal petitions in three high-profile cases including Narayanganj seven murder case, Abrar Fahad murder case and Major Sinha murder case. The Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Md Rezaul Haque fixed November 17 for hearing the appeal petition in the Narayanganj seven murder cases, November 24 for Buet student Abrar Fahad murder case and December 1 for Major Sinha murder case, said Attorney General Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal. The Attorney General said these cases have not only harmed several families but have also caused damage to the state. There is widespread public expectation that these high-profile and sensational cases will be resolved swiftly and that the verdicts will be executed, he said. In the Narayanganj seven-murder case, 21 appeals filed by different accused individuals, along with 16 criminal petitions filed by individuals sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment, have been placed before the court for hearing. The court has also been informed about 14 additional appeals in the Abrar Fahad murder case. In the Major Sinha murder case, the appeal filed by former Teknaf Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Pradip Kumar Das, who was sentenced to death, along with the related applications, has also been scheduled for hearing. Narayanganj seven-murder case On April 27, 2014, seven people, including Narayanganj City Corporation councillor Nazrul Islam and lawyer Chandan Sarker, were abducted from Narayanganj court area. They were later murdered and their bodies dumped in the Shitalakkhya River. The incident sparked widespread outrage across the country. Following the trial court's verdict, On August 22, 2017, the High Court upheld the death sentences of 15 of the 26 convicts sentenced to death. Abrar Fahad murder case On the night of October 6, 2019, a group of leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League's beat Abrar Fahad, a second-year student of electrical and electronics engineering (EEE) department, to death at Sher-e-Bangla Hall of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet). Following hearings on appeals and death references against the trial court's verdict, the High Court delivered its judgment on March 16, 2025, upholding the death sentences of 20 convicts and life imprisonment for five others. Major Sinha murder case Retired Major Sinha Md Rashed Khan was shot dead by police at Shamlapur checkpost in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, on the night of July 31, 2020. Following the trial court's verdict, the High Court delivered its judgment on June 2, 2025, upholding the death sentences of Pradeep Kumar Das, the then officer-in-charge of Teknaf Police Station, and Liaqat Ali, the then inspector of Baharchhara Police Investigation Centre. The case is now awaiting a hearing in the Appellate Division.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Sunday stayed a High Court directive for the immediate collection of Tk 666 crore in outstanding taxes from Grameen Kalyan. Chamber Judge Justice Md Rezaul Haque passed the order after hearing two leave-to-appeal petitions filed by Grameen Kalyan challenging the High Court verdict. The stay will remain in force until December 13, when a full bench of the Appellate Division is scheduled to hear the petitions. Senior lawyer Abdullah Al Mamun, representing Grameen Kalyan, said the stay means the National Board of Revenue (NBR) cannot collect the disputed amount until the matter is heard by the Appellate Division. On September 10, the High Court upheld the NBR’s demand for Tk 666 crore in income tax for five assessment years between 2012 and 2017, dismissing two writ petitions filed by Grameen Kalyan. The High Court bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Rezaul Karim delivered the verdict. The full text of the judgment was released on October 12. Abdullah Al Mamun said the tax dispute arose from advance tax deductions made by Grameenphone on behalf of the government in connection with investments involving Grameen Kalyan and Grameen Bank. He said an inspection in 2017 treated the amount as excess income, leading to the tax demand of Tk 666 crore against Grameen Kalyan. The lawyer also questioned why the tax demand was directed solely at Grameen Kalyan despite the business arrangement involving other parties. Deputy Attorney General Mohammad Mehedi Hasan represented the state during the hearing.

Japanese investors have announced an initial investment of US$1.2 billion in Bangladesh’s tourism and hospitality sector. Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat came up with the  announcement after a delegation of Japanese investors met him at his office, according to a PID handout. The minister said Bangladesh has vast tourism potential, with its rich natural beauty, heritage and culture. He highlighted major attractions, including the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest unbroken natural sea beach, and the tea gardens of Sylhet. The minister said the government welcomes foreign investment in the tourism sector and is ready to support Japanese investors. Describing Japan as a long-standing friend of Bangladesh, he noted its contribution to the country’s infrastructure development. He said the government favoured a “win-win” approach to foreign investment through public-private partnerships (PPPs). The Japanese representatives expressed their interest in investing in Bangladesh’s tourism sector and working with local partners. Welcoming the investment announcement, Millat assured the investors that the government would take quick steps after receiving their formal investment proposals. A delegation from the Bangladesh Tourism Board will also facilitate visits by the investors to various tourist destinations in the country.  

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Shariful Alam Sunday assured maximum financial and logistical support for research on Futi Karpas cotton, aimed at sustainable production and commercial expansion of Dhaka Muslin. "Steps will be taken to swiftly and effectively transfer the technology for producing the revived Muslin to private entrepreneurs," the state minister made the remarks while addressing a seminar on the development of Futi Karpas cotton varieties, the raw material for Dhaka Muslin, at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital. The Bangladesh Handloom Board organised the event. Describing Dhaka Muslin as a unique symbol of Bangladesh's glorious history and textile heritage, Shariful said research led by the Handloom Board has already made encouraging progress. Ongoing studies on Futi Karpas varieties, genetic traits and fibre quality, he noted, have opened up new possibilities for sustainable Muslin production. He said one of the key responsibilities now is to take the technology for producing the revived Muslin to private entrepreneurs. Commercial production could be expanded by involving skilled weavers, entrepreneurs and investors, he added. "If production, marketing and export opportunities can be created while preserving its distinctiveness and quality, it will contribute positively to employment generation, foreign exchange earnings and the national economy," he said. On support for the research, the state minister said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has discussed the progress of Futi Karpas and Muslin research with stakeholders several times and given necessary directives. "In line with the Prime Minister's directives, the Ministry of Textiles and Jute will provide maximum financial and other support for the research," he said. Shariful Alam said the main goal is to preserve the heritage of Muslin, strengthen it further and take it to domestic and international markets. "There is no alternative to research in this regard," he said, adding that the government and the ministry will extend all-out cooperation so that researchers can work without hindrance. Recalling the role of former President Ziaur Rahman in institutional development of the handloom sector, he said the foundation for the sector's growth was laid with the establishment of the Bangladesh Handloom Board in 1977. He also mentioned former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's plan to set up a Weavers' Bank to provide financial support to marginalised weavers.  Citing these initiatives, the state minister stressed enhancing weavers' financial capacity and ensuring production support. He further said the government, research institutions, universities and private entrepreneurs must work in a coordinated manner on Futi Karpas research, Muslin technology transfer, skills development for weavers and building an effective marketing system. "Alongside preserving the distinctiveness of traditional textile products, we must tap their commercial potential to increase their contribution to the economy," he said. The state minister also underscored the need to give due recognition to the contributions of researchers and stakeholders. He expressed hope that experts' research, considered opinions and advice would help advance Dhaka Muslin.

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Commissioner Nafiz Al Tarik has emphasized that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the capital market is creating unprecedented opportunities to simplify investment information, assist investor decision-making, and expand financial inclusion. Speaking as the chief guest at a strategic partnership signing ceremony between LankaBangla Securities PLC and Marcopolo AI at a hotel on Sunday, Tarik noted that technology-driven investment advisory can play a pivotal role in reaching the younger generation and small-scale investors. The event unveiled an initiative titled "End-to-End Investment Journey—Powered by AI," aimed at expanding tech-driven investment services. The partnership seeks to leverage AI-based analytics and automation to streamline investment processes, empower investors with data-driven insights, and foster a more efficient and inclusive capital market. Highlighting the shifting consumer landscape, Tarik pointed out that the financial needs and lifestyles of Generation Z and upcoming generations are evolving rapidly. Stressing the necessity of expanding digital outreach, he noted that traditional financial advisory services usually cater to high-net-worth individuals, leaving small monthly savers struggling to access personalized guidance. In this regard, he stated that digital platforms and AI-driven robo-advisory services can bridge the gap, enabling small and remote investors to access reliable capital market insights while mitigating information barriers. Industry Perspectives and Technological Shifts LankaBangla Securities Chairman Mahbubul Anam affirmed that the company's board fully supports technological innovation and digital transformation to enhance analytical efficiency, streamline market evaluation, and elevate customer service. LankaBangla’s Managing Director Mohammad Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and other capital market representatives were also present at the ceremony. LankaBangla officials revealed that approximately 60 percent of the brokerage's transactions are already conducted digitally. The incorporation of AI is expected to further enrich investor experience and attract the younger demographic, while strictly adhering to data security, transparency, and regulatory compliance. Echoing the focus on youth engagement, Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar observed a noticeable gap in youth participation in the capital market over recent years, noting that tech-led services are essential to reverse this trend. She also shared that the second phase of development for DSE's new website is currently underway, with a target launch by the end of December. Meanwhile, DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh (DBA) President Saiful Islam drew attention to existing infrastructural and informational limitations. He stressed that financial statements alone are insufficient for retail investors, as many listed companies fail to provide accessible data on their websites, hindering thorough market analysis. Islam underscored the urgent need to expand financial literacy and make market data easily comprehensible for young and small investors.

The Special Response Battalion (SRB), which replaced RAB, deployed its highest-ever number of members this year to ensure security during Durga Puja, with additional measures planned for idol immersion day to prevent any untoward incidents. Additional Inspector General of Police Md Ahsan Habib Palash, director general of SRB Forces, said this while exchanging views with journalists after visiting Dhakeshwari National Temple in the city on Sunday afternoon. He said SRB had intensified intelligence surveillance across the country and deployed around 6,500 members daily, along with 550 pickup vans and 450 motorcycles, for visible patrols in the areas under the responsibility of its 15 battalions. The enhanced security measures will remain in place until October 22, he said. Hindu devotees began celebrating their largest religious festival, Durga Puja, with Shasthi Puja on October 16. The festival will conclude with Bijoya Dashami on October 21. The SRB dog squad and bomb disposal unit are conducting regular sweeping operations at important puja mandaps and other key locations. Special force teams remain ready to respond to any emerging situation, with additional personnel kept in reserve, he said. The SRB chief said, SRB Battalions are coordinating with local puja committees, public representatives and other law enforcement agencies through their respective control rooms. The SRB headquarters control room is monitoring and coordinating security arrangements in Dhaka and across the country. Important puja mandaps are also being monitored through CCTV cameras. Legal action will be taken immediately against anyone creating disorder in puja mandap areas, the SRB chief said. He said no specific information had so far been found indicating any planned sabotage or extremist attack targeting Durga Puja, based on intelligence, cyber monitoring and analysis of other information. However, the elite force remains fully prepared to deal with any such threat. SRB's cyber monitoring team is also keeping round-the-clock watch on online platforms to prevent the spread of rumours and false information. Those attempting to undermine communal harmony by spreading misinformation and inciting people online will be identified and face legal action, he added. The top officer of the SRB expressed hope that, as in previous years, Durga Puja would be celebrated across the country with enthusiasm and in a festive atmosphere. He said SRB was working jointly with other law enforcement agencies to ensure security throughout the festival.

The Cabinet has approved in principle a proposal to relocate the Bangladesh Secretariat from Abdul Gani Road to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, with the government targeting to begin office operations at the new site by 2029. The approval was given at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani disclosed the decision at a press briefing following the meeting. The new Secretariat will be established at the former site of the Dhaka International Trade Fair at  Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Ghani said the government is moving ahead with the plan to ensure that offices could begin operating at the new location by 2029. The government earlier took a policy decision to relocate the Secretariat at a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, said the cabinet secretary. According to the Cabinet Division, the existing Secretariat occupies 17.57 acres and has 13 buildings, eight of which were constructed before Bangladesh's independence. Four buildings were built between 1937 and 1939, while another was constructed in 1947. Since Dhaka city is located in an earthquake-prone area, it is risky to conduct the operations of key government ministries and departments in these facilities. It also mentioned inadequate office space for officials and employees, insufficient toilet facilities and overcrowding in the buildings as obstacles to maintaining a healthy and conducive working environment. The existing Secretariat has around 1.876 million square feet of office space. However, an additional 1 million square feet or more is needed to meet the demand for extra space from different ministries and accommodate ministries and divisions currently operating outside the Secretariat compound. Following a decision at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), the Department of Architecture prepared a conceptual architectural design for the new Secretariat at the former trade fair grounds in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, in line with Louis I. Kahn's master plan for the area. Under the proposed design, 14 12-storey buildings with three basement levels will be constructed on around 31.58 acres of land, providing approximately 3.316 million square feet of space. The complex will have parking facilities for 3,800 vehicles, including 200 above-ground parking spaces, a mosque, two multipurpose halls with a capacity of 350 people each, a cafeteria and a post office. Around 30 percent of the project area will be allocated to greenery and water bodies.  

The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2027, traditionally held in February to commemorate the language martyrs, will begin on January 7, marking a departure from its customary schedule. The fair will run until February 6, according to a notice signed by Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam on Sunday. The decision was taken at an exchange of views with publishers’ representatives on October 13 at Shaheed Munier Chowdhury conference room of Bangla Academy. The meeting was chaired by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Cultural Affairs Dr Zahed Ur Rahman and secretary Yasmin Begum were also present. According to the notice, the dates were finalised based on a unanimous decision by the publishers’ representatives at the meeting. Amar Ekushey Book Fair is held annually to honour the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement and celebrate the Bengali language and literature.  

Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested six members of a motorcycle theft gang that allegedly broke motorcycle locks within seconds using specially designed iron keys and recovered nine stolen motorcycles. Two specially designed iron keys used to break the locks, nine stolen motorcycles  and an auto-rickshaw allegedly used in the thefts were also seized. The stolen motorcycles were sent to Cumilla and Noakhali, where other gang members sold them when opportunities arose, according to the DB. The arrestees are Rashedul Islam alias Rafiq alias Russell, 30, Amir Faisal alias Rabbi, 30, Faisal, 25, Sourav, 22, Jahangir Alam Pappu, 29, and Mozammel Haque Masum, 22. DMP's Additional Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam disclosed the information at a press conference at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday. He said that on October 2, a man parked his motorcycle in front of Baitur Rahman Mosque on Salimullah Road in Mohammadpur and entered the mosque for Asr prayers. Taking advantage of the opportunity, members of the gang used specially made iron keys to break the motorcycle's lock within seconds and fled with the vehicle. After CCTV footage of the theft attracted widespread attention on social media, the incident came to the attention of the DB, Shafiqul said. Subsequently, DB members conducted raids in Nandipara and Madartek areas under Sabujbagh Police Station and arrested Rashedul Islam alias Rafiq alias Russell along with two special keys and a stolen motorcycle. Based on information provided by him, Amir Faisal alias Rabbi was arrested with another stolen motorcycle in front of Saddam Market in Jatrabari. Shafiqul further said that, acting on information provided by the arrestees, DB teams conducted raids in Laksham upazila of Cumilla and recovered four stolen motorcycles, arresting Faisal and Sourav. In separate raids in Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali, they recovered three more stolen motorcycles and arrested Jahangir Alam Pappu and Mozammel Haque Masum. During preliminary interrogation, Russell and Rabbi told DB investigators that they stole motorcycles from different parts of the capital using the same method and supplied them to Faisal and Sourav in Laksham and Pappu and Masum in Chatkhil. According to the DB, Russell has 15 cases filed against him over motorcycle theft, while Rabbi has seven theft cases. A sentence warrant is also pending against Russell, while two case-related warrants remain pending against Rabbi. Legal proceedings against the arrestees are underway, the DB official said.

Six more people died of dengue and 2,088 new patients were hospitalised across the country in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Sunday. With the latest fatalities, the dengue death toll has risen to 348 in the country this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the deaths, two each were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation and Dhaka North City Corporation and one each in Dhaka Division and Sylhet division, it said. Since January 1 this year, a total of 112,400 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals across the country. Of them, 106,026 have recovered.