United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Army, like the people of the country, wants a free, fair, and impartial election in line with the government’s outlined framework, as such an election could help strengthen national stability and gradually improve the law and order situation. “Like the people of the country, the Bangladesh Army also wants a free, fair, and neutral election according to the government’s roadmap, which includes a specific timeframe. We believe that if the election is held, the country’s stability will improve, the law and order situation will return to normal, and the army will be able to return to the cantonments. We are looking forward to that,” said Lt Gen Md Mainur Rahman, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (ARTDOC). He made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing held at Dhaka Cantonment on Wednesday. The army has been preparing in accordance with the framework outlined by the government, Lt Gen Mainur said. “We are currently conducting our training programmes on a limited scale, focusing on what we need to do during the elections. In peacetime, the army’s key responsibility is to prepare for war. As we always say, we train as we fight,” he added. Referring to the army’s deployment over the past 15 months, the ARTDOC GOC said, “If we are required to remain deployed until the election or even for a short period afterward, we may have to stay out a bit longer. This has disrupted our regular training.” Highlighting the challenges faced by the force, Lt Gen Mainur said, “The army has been deployed in support of the civil administration for the last 15 months and has been operating under very challenging and adverse conditions. During this period, the Bangladesh Army has carried out its duties with the highest level of professionalism.”

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur has assured that regular services at the five Shariah-based banks, the Boards of Directors of which have been dissolved, will continue without interruption. He said all essential operations, including payments, remittances, and Letters of Credit (LCs), will function as usual. The governor came up with the assurance at a press conference held at the central bank on Wednesday (Nov 5). Dr Mansur said although the boards have been dissolved, the day-to-day operations of the five institutions will proceed normally. “Business continuity is being maintained. Payments, remittances, LCs—everything will run. Our objective is to keep commercial activities uninterrupted while gradually merging the assets and IT systems of the five banks,” he added. The five banks declared ‘non-viable’ and placed under the merger plan are First Security Islami Bank PLC, Global Islami Bank PLC, Union Bank PLC, EXIM Bank PLC and Social Islami Bank PLC (SIBL). Following the dissolution of their boards, Bangladesh Bank appointed five temporary administrators—senior officials from the central bank—to oversee the immediate operations of the affected banks. The appointed administrators are: MD Slah Uddin, Executive Director, BB – Administrator for Social Islami BankMohammad Abul Hashem, Director, BB – Administrator for Union BankMohammad Badiuzzaman Dider, Executive Director, BB – Administrator for First Security Islami BankMD Muksuduzzaman, Director, BB – Administrator for Global Islami BankMD Sawkatul Alam, Executive Director, BB – Administrator for EXIM BankBesides, four more officials from the central bank have been assigned to assist the administrators in routine operations and asset consolidation. Dr Mansur said the process of structural and technological integration has already begun to protect the interests of around 75 lakh depositors and prevent liquidation. The five institutions together operate about 750 branches. The five merging banks will form the country’s largest Islamic bank, tentatively named Shommilito Islami Bank (Combined Islami Bank). The consolidated bank will have a paid-up capital of Tk 35,000 crore, surpassing that of any existing bank in Bangladesh. The governor said that although it will be a government-owned entity, the new bank will operate like a private institution with a professional Managing Director, a market-based pay structure, and a dedicated Shariah Board. “We believe Islamic banking is the future of Bangladesh,” he noted. On the issue of shareholding, Dr Mansur said the shareholders’ equity value is currently ‘negative’, and therefore, the shares will be valued at zero. He also made it clear that no compensation will be provided to shareholders. Depositors with up to Tk 2 lakh will be allowed to withdraw their full amount, while those with higher deposits will be able to make phased withdrawals. Details will be outlined in a forthcoming Gazette notification. He urged the public not to panic and withdraw only what is necessary. When asked whether the merger process might be affected by a possible change in government, the governor said, “This decision has been taken in the interest of the country. Even if the government changes, the decision will remain unchanged for the sake of the people’s interest.”

A BNP leader was found dead under a bridge in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar district on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Yunus Shikdar, convener of Arafat Rahman Koko Krira Sangsad Teknaf upazila unit and a member of No One ward of Sabrang union. Himel Roy, office-in-charge of Teknaf Model Police Station, said some local people spotted the body of  Yunus under the bridge on Teknaf-Cox’s Bazar road while returning home after Fajr prayers and informed police. Later police recovered the body and sent it to a hospital morgue for autopsy. Police are investigating the death. Cox’s Bazar district BNP President and former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury demanded arrest of the killer after identification.  

A man was shot dead and two others, including BNP candidate from Chattogram-8 constituency Ershad Ullah, were injured in an attack by armed miscreants during electioneering at East Bayezid Hamzarbagh (Chalitati) in the port city of Chattogram on Wednesday (5th November 2025). The deceased was identified as Sarwar Babla, 48. Sarwar’s full identity has not been confirmed yet. Officer-in-charge of Bayezid Police Station Arifur Rahman said the gunmen appeared during electioneering of Ershad Ullah around 6 pm and opened fire on Ershad Ullah, leaving Sarwar dead on the spot and two others injured. BNP leader found dead in Cox’s Bazar They were then taken to Evercare Hospital in Chattogram. Another injured was identified as Shanto, a local leader of Jubo Dal. “Police are trying to identify those involved in the attack,” the OC said.

Fisheries and Livestock Farida Adviser Akhtar on Wednesday emphasised the need for conserving and developing indigenous cattle breeds to boost livestock productivity in Bangladesh. Speaking at a national stakeholders’ validation workshop titled ‘Scaling-up Livestock Climate Actions to Enhance Nationally Determined Contributions – Phase II’ held at city hotel, she said the country’s indigenous cattle breeds have survived for centuries, adapting to local conditions and overcoming various adversities. “The unique genetic traits within these local breeds are a valuable resource for sustainable livestock development in the future,” Farida added. Govt committed to stable electricity prices, says Farida Akhter Highlighting the risks of focusing solely on crossbred cattle, the adviser urged prioritising the preservation of indigenous breeds. She noted that long-term heat waves, climate uncertainty, and production disruption are now among the biggest challenges facing Bangladesh’s fisheries and livestock sector. The adviser stressed that Bangladeshi researchers, scientists, officials from the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Department of Livestock Services, Department of Fisheries, and field-level personnel must regularly participate in global discussions, including at COP conferences. Farida Akhtar also pointed out that the high greenhouse gas emissions from developed countries’ food consumption and lifestyles often unfairly cast blame on climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. She said sector-specific data collection, measurement, reporting and verification systems remain underdeveloped in the country. Bangladesh wastes 21 million tonnes of food annually: Adviser Farida Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, Dr Md Abu Sufian, chaired the workshop, which featured addresses by FAO representative Jiaoqun Shi, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute DG Dr Shakila Faruk, and FAO livestock and climate change expert Jean De Dieu Ayabagabo.

Climate-induced losses worth Tk 1.35 billion (USD 11 million) were recorded across 19 districts in Bangladesh through Oxfam’s new ‘Loss and Damage Dashboard’, with each affected person suffering an average loss of Tk 117,000 (USD 954), according to data released on Wednesday. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, countries like Bangladesh—ranked among the world’s top ten most climate-impacted nations—suffer escalating climate disasters. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh loses around USD 3 billion annually, or 1–2% of its GDP, to climate-related events. Unofficial estimates suggest the figure exceeds USD 5 billion when slow-onset impacts such as salinity intrusion and sea-level rise are included. Oxfam has launched an interactive digital platform titled ‘Loss and Damage Dashboard’ to help communities document and visualize the real-time impact of climate-related losses across Bangladesh. To address this data gap, the ‘Loss and Damage Dashboard’ uses a participatory, bottom-up approach that combines citizen science, satellite data and AI-driven validation. It enables communities to record both economic and non-economic losses, creating a credible evidence base to guide policy, financing, and accountability. Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks, who attended the launch, said, “The Loss and Damage Dashboard shows how local knowledge, backed by scientific evidence, can drive global change. When community voices inform policy, we build stronger climate justice and ensure funding reaches those who need it most.” Oxfam in Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle said the initiative ‘translates pain into policy’, adding, “By turning community stories into scientific evidence, Bangladesh is setting a global example of climate leadership. True justice begins with credible data that can influence finance decisions and hold polluters accountable.” The report also identified gendered dimensions of climate loss, noting that while men reported higher total losses, women faced disproportionate health and livelihood impacts—particularly in nutrition and waterborne diseases. Cox’s Bazar, Kurigram, Satkhira and Sunamganj were identified as the most affected districts. The report warns that worsening climate loss and damage are deepening global inequality, as the richest 10% of populations are responsible for over half of historical emissions, while Least Developed Countries like Bangladesh bear the brunt. Dr Mohammad Emran Hasan of Oxfam presented the report at the event, moderated by Md Sariful Islam, which brought together leading climate experts, academics, private sector leaders, and youth activists to discuss how community-driven data can shape global climate justice and accountability.  

In the lead-up to the UN Climate Conference COP30, UNDP Bangladesh Goodwill Ambassador and acclaimed actor Jaya Ahsan along with UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller visited the coastal Dacope upazila in Khulna on Tuesday to witness how climate change is reshaping daily life in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities. The visit sought to highlight the profound impacts of rising salinity, water scarcity and recurring cyclones on coastal populations, while showcasing how community-driven adaptation efforts are helping people rebuild their livelihoods, according to a press release released on Wednesday.  The overarching message from the visit was a renewed call for urgent global action to protect climate-vulnerable nations like Bangladesh, which are already facing the front lines of the climate crisis. During the visit, the delegation observed the Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project, jointly implemented by UNDP and UNCDF, with support from the Government of Bangladesh, Sweden and Denmark.  The initiative focuses on strengthening local governance and enhancing adaptive capacities among climate-affected communities, particularly women, who are emerging as key leaders in resilience-building efforts. At Tildanga Union, Jaya Ahsan and Stefan Liller spoke with local women who are diversifying income sources, securing access to safe drinking water and developing innovative solutions to withstand changing environmental conditions. “Here in Dacope, climate change is not just a headline, it is a daily reality,” Jaya Ahsan said during the visit. “Despite hardships, the resilience of these communities is extraordinary. “ “With the support of UNDP and the Government of Bangladesh, people are adapting, rebuilding and continuing to move forward. These are stories of courage and hope that the world needs to hear.”   UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller said, “What we see in Dacope is not a distant concern but a daily struggle for survival.”   Yet, the leadership shown by women here demonstrates that with the right support, communities can turn challenges into opportunities. “As we head towards COP30, Bangladesh’s experience stands as a testament to innovation, resilience and community-led solutions, he added.” END/UNB/FF/FH/

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has dissolved the boards of directors of five financially distressed Shariah-based banks, effectively declaring them ‘ineffective’, as part of a move to merge them into a single state-owned Islamic bank. The decision follows a proposal from Bangladesh Bank and a recommendation from the Financial Institutions Division (FID). The banks involved are First Security Islami Bank PLC, Global Islami Bank PLC, Union Bank PLC, EXIM Bank PLC and Social Islami Bank PLC (SIBL). Separate letters were issued to the banks on Wednesday, notifying them that their Boards’ activities have been suspended with immediate effect. The banks will now operate under the Bank Resolution Ordinance. Bangladesh Bank officials said the consolidation will create a new state-owned Islamic bank, to be named ‘Shommilito Islami Bank’ (Combined Islami Bank). The dissolution of the boards marks the first step in this forced merger process. The Governor of Bangladesh Bank has summoned the Chairmen and Managing Directors of the affected banks for an emergency meeting on Wednesday, where they will be formally briefed on the decision. Company Secretaries have already received the relevant communications. The move comes after the Council of Advisers approved on October 9 the formation of a government-owned Islamic bank through the consolidation of these struggling institutions, following Bangladesh Bank’s proposal and FID’s recommendation. Bangladesh Bank set to issue 7th investment sukuk bond worth Tk 2,500 crore Bangladesh Bank data shows that the financial health of the banks has been deteriorating for over a year. They have reached near insolvency due to severe liquidity crises, high classified loans, provision shortfalls, and capital deficits. Despite repeated liquidity injections, their conditions did not improve. Their stock market values have plummeted, with the Net Asset Value (NAV) of each bank currently in negative territory.  

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Wednesday said the interim government would apply ‘full force of law’ if anyone from Bangladesh Awami League tries to engage in any activities defying the ban imposed on those after being encouraged by what former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is saying or directing from India. “Those who will defy the ban and try to hold meetings or processions will face the law. Our full force of laws will be applied and will be applied very strongly. There will be no deviation from that position. The government will not spare an inch of space,” he said, referring to the ban imposed on the AL activities. The Press Secretary made the remarks when a journalist drew his attention regarding the remarks made by Hasina staying in India and her party’s ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ programme for November 13. The International Crimes Tribunal-1 will fix the date for delivering its verdict in the crimes against humanity case against Hasina and two of her top aides on November 13. “Hasina is the butcher of Bengal. It is certainly under our monitoring what she is doing or directing staying there (India),” Press Secretary Alam said, stressing that he or she will be brought under the law if anyone tries to engage in any activities being encouraged by a ‘killer and fascist leader.’ Alam said law enforcement agencies have been directed in this regard as the activities of the AL are banned. The Press Secretary said Hasina is seen talking on many issues through social media platforms, even describing them as terrorists who joined the July Uprising. Alam also referred to the meeting between Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi where Hasina’s activities were flagged. “Let the verdict (against Hasina) be delivered. After the verdict, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs will probably take up this with India,” said the Press Secretary, noting that Bangladesh has already sought Hasina’s extradition through diplomatic channels. Alam claimed that there are clear documents in the UN report on what kind of crimes she committed and requested the journalists to read it. On October 6, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said this is a ‘judicial legal process’ and it requires ‘engagement and consultations’ between the two governments. "We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues," he said while responding to a question during an interaction with the members of Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. CID notice in newspapers declares Hasina, 260 other fugitives Beyond that, the Indian Foreign Secretary said, he does not think it would be constructive to say anything further at this point. A journalist wanted to know about the government's steps regarding the letter reportedly written by former Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen to the UNDP and UN calling for urgent intervention to ensure a credible and participatory election in Bangladesh. In reply, Press Secretary Alam suggested the journalist ask the question to the UNDP. “You will ask about this to UNDP.” Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmmad and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present.    

China-owned company AeroSynth Limited is set to invest $3.5m to establish a drone manufacturing facility at the BEPZA Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ) in Mirsarai, Chattogram. An agreement to this effect was signed between Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and AeroSynth Limited at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka on Wednesday.  Md. Ashraful Kabir, Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA and Hu Dandan, Authorised Representative of AeroSynth Limited, signed a lease agreement, said a press release. This marks the second drone manufacturing project in the economic zone.  The company will produce toy drones, fishing drones and drones designed for light product delivery.  The facility aims to produce 150,000 units annually and create employment opportunities for around 70 Bangladeshi workers. The first drone manufacturing project in the zone, currently under implementation, is focused on producing drones for agricultural pesticide spraying, firefighting, emergency rescue operations, product delivery, cinematography and mapping.  The addition of AeroSynth’s project further reflects BEPZA’s move toward expanding into advanced and future-oriented manufacturing sectors, the release said. BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain was present at the ceremony.  Thanking the company for choosing BEPZA for the venture, he reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to providing continuous support to ensure smooth industrial operations. As of September 2025, six companies at BEPZA EZ have started production and export activities.  These industries have so far created jobs for nearly 4,000 workers and exported products worth approximately US$ 19.92 million.  Several more companies are preparing to begin production soon, further diversifying the industrial base of the zone.