United News of Bangladesh

The government has reinstated the licence of Ad-din Medical College Hospital in Moghbazar, allowing it to resume operations on three conditions, one and half months after its licence was revoked following the deaths of six newborns. The Health Services Division issued a notification, signed by its Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, on Monday, withdrawing a previous order revoking the licence and permitting the hospital to restart its activities. According to conditions mentioned in the notification, the hospital must continue to comply with the provisions of the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (Regulation) Ordinance, 1982, complete the recruitment of duty doctors and nurses in accordance licence conditions as quickly as possible, and strictly adhere to all other licence conditions. It warned that the government may take legal action at any time if the hospital fails to comply with the conditions. On June 11, the government cancelled the licence of the hospital after six newborns died in its postnatal ward within three hours on May 27 due to alleged negligence.

The University of Dhaka (DU) has decided to build a 'July Memorial Monument' on its campus in memory of those martyred during the 2024 July Mass Uprising. The foundation stone of the monument is scheduled to be laid on August 5 as part of the university's observance of the second anniversary of the mass uprising. The decision was taken at a preparatory meeting held on Monday at the Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom to finalise programmes marking the anniversary of the July Mass Uprising, said a press release. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam chaired the meeting which reviewed the overall preparations, progress of various subcommittees and implementation plans for the daylong programmes scheduled for August 5. As part of the commemorative initiatives, the university will also establish a 'July Corner' at the Dhaka University Central Library. The corner will preserve clothes and other belongings used by the July martyrs along with video footage, photographs and other relevant archival materials documenting the uprising. A discussion will be held on August 5 at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium, while a milad and doa mahfil will be organised after Asr prayers at the university's central mosque. The university will screen documentaries on the July movement through display installations at different points across the campus. It will also give recognition to the students, teachers, officers and employees who participated in the movement, subject to verification of appropriate evidence. To preserve graffiti created during the July movement, walls across the campus will be repainted, with cleaning and restoration work already underway. The publication of a souvenir containing experiences of students, teachers, officers and employees involved in the movement continues. Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane, Treasurer Prof Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, deans of different faculties, provosts of residential halls, the Proctor, the Acting Registrar, and heads of offices and conveners and members of various subcommittees were present at the preparatory meeting. Besides, different halls and academic units of the university have chalked out programmes for July 26-August 03 to observe the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising. The halls and units include Shamsunnahar Hall, Kabi Jasimuddin Hall, the Department of Linguistics, the Department of Information Science and Library Management, the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Clinical Psychology, the Department of English, and the Institute of Social Welfare and Research. Shamsunnahar Hall organised an event titled "Smritite July" (July in memory) on Sunday evening featuring a quiz competition, documentary screening, reminiscences, poetry recitation, dance performances and prize distribution. Speaking as the chief guest, the DU Vice-Chancellor said the new Bangladesh achieved through the sacrifice of the July uprising martyrs must be transformed into a discrimination-free and justice-based country. He said the university has undertaken several initiatives to preserve the memory of the July Revolution including tuition fee waivers for injured students, preservation of graffiti and construction of the memorial monument.

A writ petition was filed with the High Court on Monday seeking an investigation into the presence of harmful microplastics in 26 out of 34 toothpaste samples available in Bangladesh market. Supreme Court lawyer Md Abdullah Al Mamun filed the writ petition with the HC bench concerned on Monday after a recent study detected microplastics in most of the tested toothpaste samples. Secretaries to the ministries of Health, Environment and Commerce, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), and the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection have been made respondents to the writ petition. According to the study, 26 of the 34 toothpaste samples tested contained between 20 and 320 microplastic particles per 100 grams. Microplastics were also detected in four of the six toothpaste products formulated for children. The findings of the study titled "Microplastics in Toothpaste: Scientific Evidence for Policy and Regulatory Action in Bangladesh," conducted by Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) were revealed at the organisation's office in the capital's Lalmatia on Sunday. The study, conducted between July 2025 and June 2026, examined 34 toothpaste samples representing 19 major brands manufactured in Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Vietnam. Among the 25 locally manufactured samples, 22 were found to contain microplastics. One of five Indian samples, one of two Thai samples and both Vietnamese samples also tested positive. Presenting the findings, Dr Faizun Nahar, Research and Policy Associate at ESDO, said the samples were collected from retail shops, supermarkets and wholesale markets and analysed at the Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology of Jahangirnagar University.  She said microplastics were detected in 76.5 percent of the tested samples, while eight samples showed no detectable level of microplastics. According to the study, Mediplus Fluoride Gel contained the highest concentration, with 320 microplastic particles per 100 grams. Other products with relatively high concentrations included Close Up Red Hot and Closeup Menthol Fresh, each containing 160 particles per 100 grams. The study identified Kodomo Ultra Shield Formula (Strawberry), Meril Baby (Strawberry), Meril Baby (Orange) and Pepsodent Kids Orange among the children's toothpaste products containing microplastics.  

A group of female students of Dhaka University (DU) have demanded round-the-clock access to women's residential halls and the establishment of what they described as their legitimate rights. Under the banner of “Boishomyahin Nari Hall Chai" (We Want Discrimination-free Women's Halls), they submitted a memorandum to DU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam on Monday in this regard. Several female leaders of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) DU unit, along with DU Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Research Secretary Sanjida Ahmed Tonni and its member Hema Chakma, were present during the memorandum submission. Earlier in the day, from 10:00am, the students gathered on the university's Central Library premises to collect opinions, personal experiences and signatures in support of their campaign before presenting the memorandum to the VC. In the memorandum, the students placed three key demands, including abolishing the existing evening “curfew” and keeping all women's residential halls open 24 hours, allowing regular DU female students to enter any women's hall with a valid university identity card and stay overnight with prior permission, and permitting female family members to accompany students up to their hall rooms. Explaining the rationale behind their demands, the platform said female students often need to enter or leave their halls at any time due to academic activities, research, medical emergencies, organisational responsibilities, family needs or other personal emergencies. It stressed that the demand is not merely for an extension of “curfew” hours, but for the introduction of a regulated, secure and systematic 24-hour entry and exit system in all women's residential halls. The students expressed hope that the university administration will give due consideration to their demands and take prompt measures to adopt a positive decision on the issue. Under the current rules, only resident students are allowed to enter DU female residential halls. Even female students who are attached to a hall but do not reside there are generally not permitted entry. In addition, the hall gates are normally closed around 10:00pm. Students who need to enter the hall after the designated closing time must obtain prior authorisation from the hall authorities.

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Germany in Dhaka Anja Kersten met National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Monday. The meeting held at the NCP’s Banglamotor central office covered the post-election political landscape, the party’s role in Parliament, key reform initiatives, and issues of mutual interest between Bangladesh and the European Union, according to a press release.  Both sides also exchanged views on regional developments, Indo-Pacific cooperation, Bangladesh’s economic situation, and opportunities to expand economic partnerships. The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to deepening cooperation and strengthening Bangladesh’s relations with the European Union, France, and Germany through continued engagement on shared interests. NCP Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, International Affairs Cell In-charge Alauddin Mohammad and its member Navid Nawroz Shah were also present.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood on Monday said a fire at one of the country’s two Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) has disrupted liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, aggravating Bangladesh’s ongoing gas shortage and affecting electricity generation as well as industrial production. “About a week ago there was a fire in one of FSRUs. Fortunately, it was not a major disaster, but the unit is now under repair and it will take 10-15 days more to repair it completely,” he said. Speaking at a policy roundtable titled “Navigating Global Shifts: Fostering Energy Security and Resilience in Bangladesh” at a city hotel, the minister said the damaged FSRU is expected to resume operations within 10 to 15 days. Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) organised the event with its President Major General A N M Muniruzzaman (Retd) as the moderator. The minister said Bangladesh currently has two LNG cargoes waiting offshore but cannot unload them because the disruption. “As a result, there is a serious shortage of gas across the country. People are complaining about low gas pressure in their homes, while industries and power plants are also suffering,” he said. He said Bangladesh’s power sector remains heavily dependent on natural gas while alternative fuels including LNG and coal are largely imported. Many gas-fired power plants are currently sitting idle due to fuel shortages, although capacity payments continue to be made to private power producers, he said. The minister said the country imported fuel worth about US$3.65 billion over the past six months, putting pressure on foreign exchange reserves as global prices of gas and other fossil fuels remain elevated. He also blamed mounting financial stress in the power sector on unpaid liabilities inherited from the previous government. The government inherited around Tk 56,000 crore in unpaid dues to private power producers, while continuing to meet current subsidy obligations every month, he said. The minister said the government has accelerated efforts to expand renewable energy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. He said Bangladesh recently adopted a new renewable energy policy with a target of adding 10,000 megawatts of renewable electricity within the next five years. Describing the target as ambitious but achievable, he said the government plans to promote both utility-scale solar projects and rooftop solar installations through greater private sector participation. Under the proposed rooftop solar model, private investors will install solar panels on rooftops, recover their investment through net metering and receive payments based on electricity supplied to the grid. He said the government also plans to develop cluster-based large solar parks by providing land to investors, while the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) will purchase the electricity generated. Negotiations with prospective investors are underway and the process of allocating land for new solar projects is expected to begin in August, he said. Mahmood said battery storage technology would also play an important role in the renewable energy transition by allowing solar power generated during the daytime to be used during evening peak hours. “If we can achieve the target of 10,000 megawatts in five years, life will become much easier in the energy sector,” he said. In the welcome speech, BIPSS president Major General A N M Muniruzzaman (Retd) said Bangladesh must move beyond a traditional approach to energy procurement and pursue “energy sovereignty” to protect its economy and national security from growing global uncertainties. He said energy security has become a strategic issue that is closely linked to macroeconomic stability, fiscal sustainability and national security. “Our domestic natural gas reserves are depleting, pushing us towards a heavier reliance on imported energy and coal. Coupled with the escalating impacts of climate change, where erratic weather puts further pressure on energy consumption, our current model is being severely tested,” he said. The BIPSS president argued that Bangladesh needs a conceptual shift from energy procurement to energy sovereignty, which he described as the country’s ability to secure reliable and sustainable energy supplies while minimising exposure to external geopolitical risks. Muniruzzaman added that building a diversified, domestically anchored and regionally integrated energy system would help insulate Bangladesh from external shocks while supporting its long-term economic growth and national development. He expressed hope that Bangladesh would move steadily towards a more resilient and sovereign energy future.  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged newspaper editors to continue offering constructive criticism of the government while also highlighting its positive initiatives so that people remain informed about measures taken in the public interest. He made the call during a meeting with leaders of the National Editors' Council at the Prime Minister's Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to the Prime Minister’s Press Wing. The Prime Minister also sought the editors' cooperation in formulating a policy framework for ensuring a free and independent media and protecting journalists. The eight-member delegation was led by National Editors' Council Convener and Jaijaidin Editor Shafik Rehman and Joint Convener and Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman. Other members of the delegation included Protidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan, Naya Diganta Editor Salahuddin Muhammad Babar, Jugantor Editor Abdul Hye Sikder, Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Waadaa Editor Shafiqul Alam and Manabkantha Editor Shahidul Islam. The meeting discussed issues relating to the media, journalism and cooperation between the government and the press.  

The Detective Branch (DB) of police on Monday claimed to have unravelled the motive behind the fatal shooting of Jubo Dal activist Md Yusuf in Dhaka's Kafrul, saying four hitmen were hired for Tk 25 lakh to assassinate a local Jubo Dal leader but they ended up killing Yusuf during a confrontation after being challenged by locals. Addressing a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre, Additional Commissioner (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Shafiqul Islam said the July 24 shooting was the result of a failed contract killing targeting Kafrul Thana Jubo Dal Member Secretary Hafizul Islam Babu. He said the attackers had travelled from Magura and Jhenaidah to carry out the planned assassination. However, during the operation, Yusuf was shot dead while two bystanders – vegetable vendor Nalam Sardar and Md Monir Hossain – sustained critical injuries, the DB chief said. Police have so far arrested eight people in connection with the case. They are Chanchal, Jihad Molla, 30, Ziarul Molla, 39, Masum Billah, 28, Nahid Hasan, 21, Abir Hawlader, 25, Ali Hossain, 45, and Shafin Ahmed, 22. According to the DB chief, the attack stemmed from a long-running dispute between Kafrul Thana Swechchhasebak Dal Joint Convener Hafizur Rahman Hafiz, also known as CNG Hafiz, and Babu over household garbage collection, roadside businesses and the possession of a tin-shed house. He said four professional killers from Magura and Jhenaidah had been hired for Tk 25 lakh to kill Babu. The first assassination attempt on June 29 failed after the firearm malfunctioned while being loaded. The suspects later returned to Dhaka on July 22, stayed at a hotel in Mirpur-2 and prepared for the attack on the night of July 23. When local people questioned the identities of the suspects near Babu's office, they claimed to be residents of Mirpur-10. As locals attempted to search them, one of the attackers opened fire, fatally shooting Yusuf and injuring two others, Shafiqul said. He said detectives launched a parallel investigation alongside Kafrul Police Station. Using information technology, investigators first arrested Nahid and Shafin and later detained Ziarul, Ali, Jihad and Masum from different districts. Chanchal and Abir were caught by locals and handed over to police. Responding to a question about possible involvement of senior political leaders, the DB official said criminals will be treated as criminals regardless of their political identity.  He said the arrestees told investigators that Hafiz had hired them to carry out the attack. Investigators also suspect the planned killing may have been linked to the upcoming councillor election. Hafiz has been identified as the alleged mastermind and efforts are underway to arrest him. Police said one firearm has been recovered, while efforts are continuing to trace the source of the remaining weapons. Two separate cases – one for murder and another under the Arms Act – have been filed at Kafrul Police Station. The murder case is now being investigated by the DB, while drives are continuing to arrest the remaining suspects.

There are currently no alarming signs indicating a resurgence of extremism in Bangladesh although law enforcement agencies continue round-the-clock monitoring of suspected extremist activities through online platforms, social media, intelligence inputs and their own databases, said chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit on Monday. Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre, Additional Commissioner of DMP and chief of CTTC unit Mohammad Shamsul Haque said authorities remain vigilant and immediately launch operations whenever any information on extremist activities is received. Responding to a question on whether recent incidents including explosions in Keraniganj and the recovery of a bomb-like object in Motijheel indicate the presence of extremism, he said "We have been continuously monitoring extremism through online platforms, social media, our database and intelligence information. Whenever we receive any information, we immediately conduct operations. We are keeping these issues under control and making our highest efforts" Asked whether extremism was showing signs of resurgence, he said, "No, we do not have any scope to say that at this moment. However, we can say that we are not seeing any alarming signs of that nature in the country." On the recovery of the bomb-like object in Motijheel, he said police took immediate action and deployed the bomb disposal unit to the scene. He said the Motijheel Division is currently investigating the incident and that it would not be appropriate to comment on those involved or their motives until the investigation is completed. Replying to another question on arrests and progress in militancy-related cases, the CTTC chief said detailed statistics on arrests would be provided later.    

The Parliament Secretariat has urged the public, government and private institutions, media organisations and all other stakeholders to verify the authenticity of any demi-official (DO) or official letter purportedly issued by the Jatiya Sangsad before acting on it, following the detection of forged documents bearing the identity of the Deputy Speaker. In a statement on Monday, the Secretariat said fraudsters have been forging the Deputy Speaker's signature, official letterhead, government logo and memo number to prepare fake DO letters and submit them to various ministries and government offices in an attempt to secure undue advantages. It said a forged DO letter used for such purposes recently came to its attention. It also stated that the letter in question was not issued by the Jatiya Sangsad and has no connection with it. The statement said forging and using the name, logo, official letterhead or other government identifiers of the country's legislature to create confusion constitutes a punishable offence under the law. It said the relevant authorities have been instructed to take necessary legal action over the incident.