United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Police has announced cash rewards for anyone who helps recover missing police firearms and ammunition, according to a statement issued by the Police Headquarters on Wednesday (5th November 2025). As per the announcement , a reward of Tk 5 lakh will be given for each recovered Light Machine Gun (LMG), Tk 1.5 lakh for each Sub-Machine Gun (SMG), Tk 1 lakh for each China Rifle, and Tk 50,000 for each pistol or shotgun. Firearms, ammo seized at Airport Railway Station Besides, a Tk 500 will be rewarded for every round of ammunition recovered, the statement added.

Five members of a family were killed and two others injured in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a microbus in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar district on Wednesday (5th November 2025). Four women and one child are among the deceased but their identities could not be ascertained immediately, police said. Officer-in-charge Mehedi Hasan of Malumghat Highway Police Station said the accident occurred around 9am on the busy Cox’s Bazar-Chattogram highway to the south end of Fashiakhali Hasher Dighi Army Camp in Malumghat area under the upazila. 2 women among 5 killed in Noakhali road accident The Chattogram-bound bus of ‘Marsa Paribahan’ collided with the Cox’s Bazar-bound microbus, leaving two dead on the spot and five others injured, he said. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital where physicians declared three dead, the OC said, adding that the rest injured are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Details of the accident are still awaited, the police officer added. Read more: Highway horror under Cumilla region; 525 killed in 9 months

Bangladesh’s leading soy processors and feed importers have signed agreements worth over $1.25 billion to import US soybeans and soybean meal, aiming to boost the country’s protein and feed industries while narrowing the trade gap with the United States. The deal, representing nearly 2.5 times the country’s previous US soy purchases, was signed between Bangladesh’s leading soy value chain companies and the United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) at two ceremonies in a city hotel on Tuesday, attended by importers, mill owners, diplomats, and business leaders. Participating Bangladeshi companies include Meghna Group of Industries, City Group, Delta Agrofood Industries Ltd, Mahbub Group and KGS Group, all of whom have committed to scaling up imports over the next 12 months. At the signing ceremony, Kevin M Roepke, USSEC’s Executive Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, said the move would deliver a major boost to Bangladesh’s poultry, aquaculture, and dairy sectors. “We are very proud of our bilateral relationship,” he said, highlighting the role of U.S. soy in ensuring nutrition, quality, and sustainability in Bangladesh’s food systems. USSEC CEO Jim Sutter echoed the sentiment, calling the agreement a ‘historic milestone’ that deepens economic and nutritional ties between the two nations. “Our US soybeans play an integral role in the world’s food systems, providing nutrition and food security across borders,” Sutter said in a virtual address, emphasizing that US soybeans' low carbon footprint and zero-deforestation record align with Bangladesh’s growing demand for sustainable inputs. Govt cuts palm oil price, soybean oil price unchanged “By investing in US soy, you are shaping a better tomorrow, proving that sustainability transcends borders,” he added. Amirul Haque, Managing Director of Delta Agrofood Industries Ltd, said the US soy deal could pave the way for $3.5 billion in total US imports if crude oil and LPG are added to the mix. “Higher imports of U.S. products will help reduce Bangladesh's $6 billion trade gap with the USA,” he said. MGI Director Tanjima Mostafa said Meghna Group plans to import one million tonnes of soybean products this year—the largest single import of its kind in Bangladesh. “We’re continuing to invest in logistics and focusing on end consumers,” she added. Echoing the optimism, City Group Managing Director Md Hasan said importing high-quality soybeans in such large quantities would bolster both nutrition and food security across the country. Tracey Ann Jacobson, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Dhaka, said the agreement reflects Washington’s commitment to deepening economic relations with Bangladesh. “Between 2024 and 2025, we aim to increase agricultural exports to Bangladesh from $779 million to $1 billion,” she said, adding, “today’s signing is part of that effort.” CAB demands strict action against Soybean oil syndicates Jacobson added that U.S. soybean meal exports to Bangladesh had already surged—from $5 million in 2023 to $20 million in 2024, and are projected to reach $86 million this year. *She expressed optimism that the growth would continue, citing US soy’s superior quality and its vital role in Bangladesh’s livestock and fisheries sectors. Under the new partnership, Bangladeshi processors and importers will not only increase soy purchases but also collaborate with USSEC on sustainable sourcing, leveraging the US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) to reduce environmental impact. The deal also supports USSEC’s Right to Protein campaign, promoting awareness about protein consumption and nutritional development in Bangladesh. Md Taslim Shariar, Deputy General Manager of Meghna Group of Industries, hailed the agreement as a game-changer for the nation’s crushing and feed industries. “This is a milestone for Bangladesh. The more we crush, the more we achieve food security,” he said. “It accelerates growth in the poultry, feed, and edible oil industries. Bangladesh and US soy grow together—building a legacy of economic resilience, industrial growth, and nutritional excellence for generations to come,” he added. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), US soybeans ranked as Bangladesh’s No.1 agricultural import in 2024, valued at $350 million. The country has also become South Asia’s strongest market for U.S. soy, with soybean meal imports up 650% year-on-year. In contrast, Bangladesh’s exports to the US totaled $8.78 billion last year, underscoring a dynamic and expanding bilateral trade partnership. Consumers suffer as soybean oil crisis still persists in Dhaka Industry insiders say Bangladesh’s processors have long preferred US soy for its consistent quality. “The quality of US soybeans is far better than other origins,” said Delta Agrofood’s Amirul.

A fire gutted six warehouses filled with jhut (garment scraps) in Ambag area of Gazipur city on Wednesday morning. The fire broke out around 6:30am at a warehouse located at Barbuchi Mor under ward No-11 of Konabari Police Station, locals and fire officials said. The fire spread fast adjoining five other warehouses, triggering panic among locals. Seeing this, locals initially tried to bring the flame under control but failed and called firefighters. Fire breaks out at Mohammadpur Meena Bazar On information, four firefighting units—two from Konabari Modern Fire Station and two from Chowrasta Fire Station, rushed to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control after about two hours of efforts. Inspector Saiful Islam of Konabari Modern Fire Service said it is not yet clear what caused the fire or the extent of the damage. A probe will determine the cause and losses, he added.

Two journalists in Ashulia, Savar, are facing allegations of a false case, raising concerns among local reporters over the registration of the case without proper investigation. The journalists involved are Aslam Howlader Sakib, a correspondent for Bangladesh Bulletin, and Sufi Sumon, Ashulia correspondent for the newspaper Sokaler Shomoy. On Saturday night (Nov 2), Awami League leader Nasrin Akter filed the case at Ashulia police station. Nasrin Akter is the legal affairs secretary of the Bangabandhu Soinik League. According to reports, Sakib and Sumon were investigating corruption and irregularities involving Ashulia Police Station OC Abdul Hannan. When they sought information regarding the allegations, Nasrin Akter allegedly retaliated by lodging claims of theft and misconduct against the journalists, which were registered by the OC. Sakib stated, “We have never met the complainant, yet false allegations of theft and misconduct have been fabricated against us.” Sumon added that Nasrin Akter became upset when asked for details about her alleged involvement in land fraud and encroachment. At the same time, the journalists’ inquiries into the OC’s activities appear to have prompted the case. When contacted, Nasrin Akter confirmed filing the case but declined to comment on the specifics. Ashulia police OC Abdul Hannan could not be reached for comment, while investigation officer Azgar Hossain said he did not wish to discuss the matter.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz on Tuesday inaugurated two newly constructed arches, symbolising the country’s anti-fascist struggle. The ceremonies were held separately at Agargaon and Progoti Sarani, unveiling the arches built to commemorate the memory of the Anti-Fascist Movement, that culminated in the Uprising. The arch on Justice Syed Mahbub Morshed Road in Agargaon has been named ‘Mukti Toron’ (Freedom Arch), while the one in front of Badda Buddhist Temple on Progoti Sarani is called ‘Swadhinota Toron’ (Independence Arch). Speaking at the inauguration of Mukti Toron, Ejaz said, “These arches will remind us of our anti-fascist struggle, in which people from all walks of life participated. They have been constructed to preserve the memory of that movement and to enrich the city’s aesthetics. Our urban spaces should reflect our past struggles and enhance the beauty of the city.” He also said that just as people ousted oppressors from the country, people must also remove injustice and disorder from the city. Keeping the city unclean, covering it with banners and posters, or destroying greenery is a form of oppression. It is the responsibility of citizens to protect the city from such harm, he said. Dengue cases, deaths declined compared to last year: DNCC Administrator  At the inauguration of Swadhinota Toron, Ejaz noted teachers and students from private universities in this area participated in the July Movement with great courage. This arch has been built to honor and recognize their struggle. The events were attended by DNCC Chief Engineer Brig Gen Md. Moin Uddin, Regional Executive Officers Md. Zulkar Nayeem and Md. Shadekur Rahman, along with officials and staff from various levels of the DNCC.    

The Election Commission (EC) will not accept any application for the relocation of voting addresses after November 10, ahead of the 13th parliamentary election slated for early February 2026. The EC announced the deadline for voter transfer applications based on changes in residence in a circular issued on Tuesday (4th November 2025). Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ According to the circular, November 10 is the last date for submitting applications, while registration officers must approve or reject them by November 17. The Election Commission is planning to announce the schedule for the upcoming general election in early December 2025.

With the national election approaching, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim has called on voters to test the party's ruling process in the upcoming election by casting their vote for its symbol, the hand-fan. He made the appeal during a mass gathering held on Tuesday at Polash Upazila Bus Stand in Narsingdi, demanding justice for the July genocide, necessary state reforms, and elections under the proportional representation (PR) system. Addressing the rally as the chief guest, he recalled his personal involvement in the July struggle, saying, “I was on the field myself. I saw no other leader there. I risked my life fighting in front of guns and cannons to stop oppression, rape, killings, and plunder in the country. But after July, these atrocities have returned in an even more heinous form. We cannot accept this.” Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP He urged voters to elect his party through the hand-fan symbol, asserting, “A victory for the hand-fan means a victory for the poor and hardworking, for the helpless. If Islam comes to power, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians alike will live in peace. The destitute will receive relief. If we are entrusted with responsibility, no money will be sent abroad.” He also said, challenging voters, “You have seen many symbols like the boat, sheaf of paddy, and plough. This time, test us. If we fail to keep our promises, we will never come before you again.” Chaired by Alhaj Engineer Mohsin Ahmed, candidate for Narsingdi-2 seat, Maulana Syed Mosaddeq Al Madani, Prof Hafiz Maulana Yunus Ahmed, Prof Ashraf Ali Akon, and Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, among others, were present at the event.

The Election Commission on Tuesday issued separate notifications over awarding registration to three political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP). According to the notifications, the Commission decided to award registration to NCP with the electoral symbol of ‘Water Lily Bud’, while Bangladesh Aam Janagan Party with ‘Handshake’ symbol and Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) with ‘Sewing Scissor’ symbol. The notifications will be published in newspapers on Wednesday, inviting objections, if any, against the registration of the parties. If anyone has an objection against the registration of the parties, the person must inform the Election Commission by November 12. Later, the Commission will finally recognise them as the registered parties following settling objections if any against them. As per the notification, Nahid Islam and Akhtar Hossain are respectively the convener and the member secretary of NCP formed by the youths who led the 2024 mass uprising that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s regime. Mohammad Rafiqul Ameen and Fatima Tasnim are respectively the convener and the member secretary of Bangladesh Aam Janagan Party, while Masud Rana and Dr Joydeep Bhattacharya are respectively the coordinator and the member of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist). The three parties were registered under Article 90B of the Representation of the People Order 1972. Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said the Commission considered that these three parties are eligible for registration by showing ‘leniency’ over the fulfillment of registration conditions. “We’ve verified the authenticity of their documents submitted with the registration applications. The Commission considered that these three parties are eligible for registration,” he told reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Noting that there is a court order to show leniency to some extent here (over fulfillment of registration conditions), he said the Election Commission has shown leniency during consideration of awarding registration to them. The EC Secretary said a little shortfall was ignored in one of the two conditions -- having their district-level offices in at least one third of 64 districts and having Upazila-level offices in at least 100 upazilas— to consider them eligible for registration. Aam Janatar Dal member secretary Tarique Rahman alone sat on a hunger strike to death in demanding the registration of his party. Talking to the media, Tarique said he started the hunger strike as his party had not been registered. “We tried to fulfill the conditions, but our application was rejected. They (EC) are inhumane,” he said. Earlier on September 30 last, the EC Secretary said the two parties – National Citizen Party-NCP and Bangladesh Jatiya League – preliminarily met the registration conditions. The applications of 12 other parties are under further review. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jatiya League was dropped from the list of eligible parties. Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP On March 10, 2025 the Commission invited applications from the new political parties by April 20 next to get registered ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. The EC received applications from 143 parties seeking registration within the extended deadline of June 22 last. After scrutiny, 22 parties were shortlisted for field-level inquiries to verify the authenticity of their claims of fulfillment of registration conditions. A total of 57 parties have so far obtained registration, but five of them—Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Freedom Party, Oikyabodha Nagorik Andolan, PDP and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa)—later lost their status due to different grounds and court orders. But Jamaat and Jagpa got back their registration following the court orders. Besides, the registration of Awami League remains suspended.    

A joint International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank technical assistance mission has recommended the establishment of a unified Debt Management Office (DMO) in Bangladesh to strengthen the country’s public debt management framework and reduce fiscal and operational risks. The proposal was presented at a workshop titled “Establishing a Debt Management Office”, held on Monday at the Finance Division in Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka, said a media release issued on Tuesday. The Scheme on Strengthening the Capacity of Treasury and Debt Management Wing of the Finance Division under Strengthening Public Financial Management to Enable Service Delivery (SPFMS) organized the workshop. The mission observed that Bangladesh’s current debt management functions are fragmented across multiple government agencies, resulting in coordination gaps, inconsistent debt data, and challenges in formulating and executing a comprehensive debt management strategy. It also highlighted the absence of a centralized and audited debt database and the lack of a formal cash flow forecasting mechanism—both considered essential for guiding an informed and cost-effective government borrowing. Md. Hasanul Matin, Additional Secretary (Administration, Planning & TDM), Finance Division, attended the workshop as the Chief Guest. Special guests included Dr. Ziaul Abedin, Additional Secretary (Budget-1) and National Program Director of SPFMS, and Hasan Khaled Foisal, Additional Secretary (Macroeconomics-1), Finance Division. The session was presided over by Mohd Rashedul Amin, Joint Secretary of the Treasury and Debt Management Wing. The IMF–World Bank mission was led by Arindam Roy, Senior Financial Sector Expert, accompanied by Dr. Jens Clausen, Philip R. D. Anderson, and Per Jonsson. Expert opinion was also made by Md. Monzorul Haque, Joint Secretary (Expenditure Management), Finance Division, and Abu Daiyan Mohammad Ahsanuallah, Joint Secretary, Economic Relations Division. In its presentation, the mission proposed consolidating all government and government-guaranteed debt functions under the Finance Division, beginning with the restructuring of the Treasury and Debt Management Wing. In the initial phase, the proposed DMO would oversee domestic debt issuance, develop annual borrowing plans, coordinate auction calendars, undertake portfolio risk assessments, and build a unified debt database by integrating existing systems and data repositories. The mission emphasized the need for a clear legal framework to define borrowing authority, accountability, reporting responsibilities, and transparency standards, reads the release. To ensure professional execution, the mission recommended specialized staffing for the DMO, particularly personnel experienced in capital markets, pricing, settlement operations, and risk management. It noted that such expertise could be sourced from Bangladesh Bank, commercial banks, and the capital market. However, to retain skilled professionals, the government would need to introduce competitive compensation and career development pathways. The experts stated that, over the medium term, the DMO could evolve into a more autonomous entity with expanded functions, including contingent liability oversight and investor relations management. International experience, presented during the workshop, showed that many countries shifted to centralized DMOs since the 1980s to reduce borrowing costs and risks, strengthen fiscal transparency, and improve the separation between debt management and monetary policy operations. The mission highlighted that successful DMOs generally operate through three core units—front office (borrowings and market transactions), middle office (risk and strategy), and back office (settlements data administration, accounting and reporting), according to the release. The mission concluded that establishing a DMO will require strong political commitment, phased restructuring, investment in modern IT systems, and sustained coordination across government institutions. Once operational, the unified DMO is expected to enhance market confidence, lower financing costs and risks, and reinforce Bangladesh’s long-term fiscal stability.