United News of Bangladesh

Licensed Legal Firearms Owners on Tuesday demanded the immediate withdrawal of a proposed advance income tax (AIT) on legally held weapons, calling it irrational, internationally unprecedented and a threat to public safety. Licensed Legal Firearms Owners Association of Bangladesh came up with the demand at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club. Under the proposed budget measure, pistol and revolver owners would be required to pay Tk 1 lakh annually as advance income tax, while shotgun and rifle holders would face a Tk 50,000 annual levy, on top of already steep renewal fees. “No country in the developed or developing world imposes advance income tax on licensed firearms. This is without precedent,” said association spokesperson and organiser Mahbub A Khuda Jewel, presenting a comparative breakdown of licensing fees across countries. He noted that while most Asian nations charge under Tk 5,000 for firearm licence renewal, Bangladesh already levies Tk 20,000 for pistols and revolvers and Tk 10,000 for shotguns and rifles. Adding a tax of Tk 1 lakh or Tk 50,000 on top of these fees, he said, would be a gross violation of international norms and an unbearable burden on ordinary citizens. Speakers also raised national security concerns, noting that a large number of firearms looted from police stations during the unrest following August 5 last year remain unrecovered. They argued that the visible presence of legal gun owners currently deters criminals from openly using those weapons, an invisible security shield that would dissolve if licensed holders are financially compelled to surrender their arms. Association organiser of the event Md Kamruddin Rashed warned that imposing such a tax during an already difficult period for the country would be deeply harmful, while others cautioned that the move could drive talented competitive shooters away from the sport, dealing an irreversible blow to Bangladesh's athletics sector. The association placed three formal demands before the government: Immediate cancellation of the proposed AIT of Tk 1 lakh on pistols and revolvers, and Tk 50,000 on shotguns and rifles, along with all additional fee hikes, simplification of the firearm licensing and renewal process for eligible citizens in the interest of national security and formulation of a realistic, modern and security-friendly fee structure in consultation with licence holders.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has rejected what it described as misleading and speculative reports regarding the recently concluded 57th Director General-level conference between BGB and India's Border Security Force (BSF), saying the discussions and outcomes were properly documented through established diplomatic procedures. In a statement issued on Monday, BGB said certain individuals and a small number of media outlets had been spreading confusion by presenting assumptions, incomplete analyses and comments that do not reflect the actual proceedings of the conference. BGB said the Bangladesh delegation, led by the BGB Director General, included senior officials from the Home Ministry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Department of Land Records and Surveys, Joint Rivers Commission and other relevant agencies. According to the statement, Bangladesh placed 31 agenda items before the conference, while India raised 21 issues. The decisions and understandings reached during the discussions were formally recorded in the Joint Record of Discussions (JRD), the official document signed by the Director Generals of both BGB and BSF. The force said Bangladesh gave the highest priority to border killings and alleged push-ins during the conference. It said the country's firm position on stopping the deaths of unarmed and innocent Bangladeshi citizens along the border and reducing border killings to zero was clearly reflected in the JRD. BGB also said concerns regarding push-ins, border killings, illegal infrastructure construction within 150 yards of the international border, drug smuggling, border security and the activities of armed groups in the hill regions were not only discussed but formally documented in the joint record. According to the statement, a review of the JRD would show that all concerns and positions raised by Bangladesh were included clearly and firmly without compromise. BGB added that its press release issued on June 12 was prepared based on the contents of the Joint Record of Discussions. The force also dismissed reports describing the BGB Director General's meeting with India's Home Minister as a "secret meeting." It said courtesy meetings between the head of a visiting border force and the host country's home minister or relevant adviser are an established practice in every border conference. BGB noted that during the 56th border conference held in Dhaka in 2025, the BSF Director General similarly met the Home Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government. According to the statement, the meeting between the BGB Director General, other senior BGB officials and Indian Home Minister Amit Shah had been pre-scheduled and approved before the delegation travelled to India. During the meeting, Bangladesh's concerns over border killings and push-ins were strongly conveyed, it said. Calling attempts to portray such diplomatic interactions as secretive "baseless and misleading," BGB said courtesy meetings with senior officials of the host country are a normal diplomatic practice. The border force further said that since August 5, 2024, it has taken a firm stance under the leadership of its Director General against border killings, push-ins, illegal fencing, drug and human trafficking, instability along the Myanmar border and armed groups operating in remote areas of the Chattogram Hill Tracts. BGB said efforts to spread misinformation and launch personal attacks against its top leadership without evidence amounted to attempts to undermine the morale of the force. The organisation stressed that responsible and fact-based journalism is essential in matters involving border killings, push-ins, transnational crimes, drug trafficking and border security. While opinions and analyses are welcome, they should be based on verified information, authentic documents and the complete views of all relevant parties, the statement added. BGB reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and responsibility in carrying out its duties in the future. 

Barrister Zaima Rahman, the daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, visited the Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) in Savar on Monday, where she interacted with trainees and took part in a football session with women footballers, drawing attention on social media. A video of Zaima Rahman playing football at the country's premier sports training institute has since gone viral on social media, attracting widespread attention and praise from football enthusiasts. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Zaima Rahman visited BKSP at the invitation of the authorities. “She visited the institution to encourage young athletes. During the visit, she toured various facilities and exchanged views with coaches and students,” he said. The widely shared video shows Zaima Rahman participating in a football drill with women players at the BKSP ground. Social media users have praised her enthusiasm for sports, with many describing the footage as a reflection of Bangladesh's deep-rooted passion for football. She arrived at the BKSP in Shimulia, Savar, around 10:00am to gain firsthand knowledge of the institute’s sports infrastructure and training activities. She remained there until the afternoon. During the visit, the Prime Minister's daughter toured different sports venues and facilities, met BKSP officials, coaches and students, and attended a sports demonstration at the gymnasium. She also visited the mini-conference room and exchanged views with athletes undergoing training at the institute. Her tour included the indoor cricket facilities, cricket ground, artificial turf football venue, Balmain Hanger and shooting range. She also visited student hostels and interacted with resident trainees. Member of Parliament Farida Yasmin, BKSP Director General Brig Gen Mohammad Saif Ullah, Director (Training) Colonel Golam Mabud Hasan, Principal Lt Col Mohammad Imran Hasan, Professor Nasrin Sultana of the Institute of Health Economics at the University of Dhaka, former national table tennis player Jobera Rahman Linu and officials of the institution, among others, were present during the visit.

Dr. Sheikh Mohiuddin, Executive Director of the Ad-din Foundation, on Monday strongly denied allegations made by the Health Minister that the hospital authority chased him with "crores of taka" in bribes to save its operating registration. Speaking at an emergency press conference held at Ad-din Medical College Hospital in the capital’s Moghbazar area, Dr. Mohiuddin challenged Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain is to provide evidence to back his claims. "I didn't chase after the minister with money. If he has made such a statement, he has to prove it. Let him show the evidence," Dr. Mohiuddin told reporters when questioned about the bribery claims. The sharp rebuttal follows a statement made by the Health Minister on Saturday (June 13) during an event in Narsingdi, where he claimed that the Ad-din Hospital authority pursued him with crores of taka, but he refused to give in to corruption and proceeded with cancelling the hospital's license following the tragic deaths of six newborns on May 27. During Monday's briefing, Dr. Mohiuddin formally apologized to the public for the sudden and tragic loss of the six infants, noting that the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) subsequently revoked their operational license on June 11. However, he expressed severe emotional distress over the regulatory shutdown, comparing it to a death sentence. "The cancellation of our license is tantamount to my execution, an execution of my hospital. Yet we respect the state's directive," he said. He further commented on the minister's statement that the shutdown would serve as a lesson for other medical institutions, saying, "If other medical colleges can reform and improve because of this, I have no grievances." Uncertainty Over the Cause of Death Dr. Mohiuddin highlighted that despite the severe regulatory actions, the precise medical cause behind the tragic deaths of the six newborns has not yet been definitively established. "The investigation report from the Ministry of Health did not pinpoint a specific, singular reason for the deaths, and post-mortem examinations were not conducted on the deceased infants," he stated. The Health Minister had previously noted that a closed-room environment with inadequate ventilation and a low oxygen supply inside the neonatal unit was suspected to be the underlying factor, compounded by administrative negligence. In response to the deficiencies highlighted in the health ministry's investigation report, the Ad-din authority announced they have already initiated a thorough renovation program overseen by an expert committee, which includes structural, civil, and chemical engineers from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). The expert observation focused heavily on ventilation systems and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. Dr. Mohiuddin noted that the hospital has already procured advanced monitoring equipment to measure levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxygen. "While our tests did not find hazardous levels in any room, newborns have highly sensitive tolerance levels compared to adults, meaning even minor atmospheric changes can affect them. We expect all structural and technological overhauls to be completed within a week once we receive the keys to the sealed ward," he added. Addressing a pending writ petition filed with the High Court challenging the government's shutdown notice, the Ad-din Executive Director explicitly clarified that the hospital management has no involvement with the legal move. The writ was filed independently by a lawyer in his personal capacity, he maintained.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment on Monday agreed to form a joint committee to strengthen coordination and improve the implementation of programmes related to migrant welfare and overseas employment. The decision was taken at a coordination meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting discussed in detail ways to ensure the welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in line with the government's electoral commitments, explore new overseas labour markets for Bangladesh, and increase the deployment of skilled and semi-skilled workers in response to the demands of the international job market. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, MP, State Minister for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Haque, MP, and Prime Minister's Adviser on the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Labour and Employment Mahdi Amin attended the meeting. Senior officials from both ministries also participated in the discussion. Participants stressed the need for closer collaboration between the two ministries to enhance services for migrant workers and strengthen Bangladesh's position in overseas labour markets. To facilitate more effective implementation of migrant welfare and overseas employment initiatives and ensure better inter-ministerial coordination, the meeting decided to establish a joint committee.

Bangladesh’s National Emergency Service 999 has received a total of 72,362,402 calls since its launch on December 12, 2017, reflecting public confidence in the emergency response system. Police Headquarters on Monday evening said the nationwide service has continued to play a vital role in providing emergency assistance and facilitating rapid coordination among law enforcement and other emergency agencies. Introduced as a centralized emergency helpline, 999 enables citizens to seek immediate assistance related to police services, fire incidents, and ambulance support from anywhere in the country. Officials said the volume of calls received over the years demonstrates the increasing reliance of people on the service for emergency support and public safety needs. The National Emergency Service was launched with the aim of ensuring quick access to emergency assistance through a single hotline and has since become one of the key public service platforms in the country. Police Headquarters shared the latest call statistics on June 15 evening, highlighting the service’s continued outreach and public engagement across the country.

A policy dialogue in Dhaka on Monday called for placing climate-affected and marginalised communities at the centre of national and global climate decision-making, stressing that no climate policy can be complete without their lived experiences. The call came at a photo book discussion and policy dialogue titled "Lives on the Frontlines: Climate Change and Survival in Bangladesh”, jointly organised by YouthNet Global and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh in the capital. Spekers said climate change is a lived reality shaping livelihoods and survival, not just statistics. They urged stronger adaptation support, fair climate finance, and greater inclusion of local leadership in climate governance at both national and global levels. They also highlighted the upcoming UN Climate Conference COP31 as a key opportunity to advance climate finance, loss and damage mechanisms, adaptation, and the just transition agenda. Emphasis was placed on ensuring fair participation of vulnerable countries, along with stronger transparency and accountability in climate funding. Additional Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) Dr Kazi Shajahan said climate finance is not only about mobilising resources but also about ensuring fair distribution. “Climate finance is not just about raising funds. It must ensure priority access for the most vulnerable people. Transparency, accountability and local priorities are essential,” he said. FES Bangladesh Resident Representative Dr Felix Gaerdes said climate change is not an abstract issue but a lived reality affecting people’s daily lives and existence. “The policy must reflect the reality people face every day,” he said. YouthNet Global Executive Coordinator Sohanur Rahman said climate justice requires affected communities to be recognised as active decision-makers, not passive participants. “Without the lived experiences of marginalised communities, no climate policy can be complete. Their voices must be at the centre of decision-making,” he said, adding that youth and women’s leadership must be strengthened in climate action. ICCCAD Youth and Gender Programme Coordinator Sumaiya Binte Selim said locally led adaptation is essential for an effective and sustainable climate response. “Without empowering local communities, climate action cannot be sustainable,” she said. The panel discussion was moderated by YouthNet Global Deputy Executive Coordinator Aruba Faruk and climate policy analyst Ilmi Tabassum. In a special session, representatives from climate-affected regions shared their lived experiences. Tiger widow Sonamoni from coastal Shyamnagar said communities continue to face cyclones, salinity intrusion and uncertainty. “We are not only fighting disasters, but also silence and neglect. Our voices are still not heard,” she said. Mamtaz Begum from the Manta community in Barishal said river-dependent communities remain excluded from policymaking. “We live with the river, but we are not part of policy,” she said. Shahina Akter from Char YouthNet, Kurigram said women face increasing health risks due to floods and river erosion. Teacher Mudasser Alam from Sunamganj said haor communities seek dignity and security, not just survival. “We are living, but survival alone is not enough. We need dignity and security,” he said. Author of the Photobook Harunur Rashid Sagar said visual storytelling can influence policymaking beyond numbers and statistics. “Images speak truths that statistics often cannot capture,” he said. Filmmaker Mohammad Rakibul Hasan said visual media can bring climate realities closer to policymakers and create stronger pressure for action. Organisers said the initiative aimed to bring frontline experiences into the centre of national and global climate discourse, and that such efforts will be expanded to better reflect grassroots realities in policymaking.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police has arrested three members of an alleged human trafficking gang for deceiving job seekers with false promises of employment in Jordan. The arrestees were identified as Manjur Pradhania, 35, Osman Gani, 25, of Chandpur district, and Kazi Md Ata-e-Rabbi, 28, of Lakshmipur district. A team of CID's Trafficking in Human Being (THB) Unit conducted a drive at Surah Travels and Traders, located at Rupayan Millennium Square in Uttar Badda of the capital, on Sunday and arrested them, according to a press release. According to CID officials, preliminary investigations revealed that Surah Travels and Traders had been using the name, logo and seal of Jordan-based Jerash Garments and Fashion Manufacturing Company Limited, located in Al-Tajamouat Industrial Estate in Amman, without authorisation to recruit workers for Jordan. The agency allegedly collected between Tk 2 lakh and Tk 2.5 lakh from each aspiring worker by offering employment visas and job opportunities in Jordan. The alleged fraud came to light after the Jordanian company lodged a complaint through the Bangladesh Embassy in Jordan. The complaint was later forwarded to the relevant authorities through the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, prompting the CID to launch an investigation. Investigators found that though Surah Travels and Traders operates as a travel agency, it does not possess a valid recruiting licence. Despite this, the company had reportedly been advertising overseas job opportunities in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Malaysia through its Facebook page. During the raid, the CID team seized 55 Bangladeshi passports, 16 overseas employment agreements executed on non-judicial stamps, two CPUs and one DVR from the office. Of the seized passports, 18 were found to belong to individuals seeking employment in Jordan, while the remaining passports were linked to prospective workers intending to travel to Saudi Arabia, according to the preliminary investigation. CID officials said evidence gathered so far suggests that the accused had been collecting passports and processing overseas employment arrangements without the required licences and approvals, raising suspicions of migrant smuggling activities. A case was filed at Badda Police Station under Sections 15 and 20 of the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Prevention and Suppression Ordinance, 2026. The CID said efforts are underway to identify and arrest other persons involved in the alleged scheme.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested three suspected members of a fraud ring accused of using forged documents and false promises of jobs in Jordan. The arrestees were Manjur Pradhania, 35, Osman Gani, 25 of Chandpur district and Kazi Md Ata-e-Rabbi, 28 of Laxmipur district. Tipped off, a team of CID's Human Trafficking Monitoring Cell conducted a drive at the office of Surah Travels and Traders at Rupayan Millennium Square in North Badda on Sunday and arrested them, said a press release of CID. CID arrests man for impersonating judge’s voice using AI to commit fraud According to CID officials, Surah Travels and Traders had been using the name, logo and seal of Jordan-based Jerash Garments and Fashion Manufacturing Company Limited, located in Al-Tajamouat Industrial Estate in Amman, without authorisation to recruit workers for Jordan. The agency collected between Tk 2 lakh and Tk 2.50 lakh from each aspiring worker by offering employment visas and job opportunities in Jordan. The alleged fraud came to light after the Jordanian company lodged a complaint through the Bangladesh Embassy in Jordan. The complaint was later forwarded to the relevant authorities through the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, prompting the CID to launch an investigation. Investigators found that although Surah Travels and Traders operates as a travel agency, it does not possess a valid recruiting licence. Despite this, the company had reportedly been advertising overseas job opportunities in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Malaysia through its Facebook page. During the raid, CID officers seized 55 Bangladeshi passports, 16 overseas employment agreements executed on non-judicial stamps, two CPUs and one DVR from the office. Of the seized passports, 18 were found to belong to individuals seeking employment in Jordan, while the remaining passports were linked to prospective workers intending to travel to Saudi Arabia, according to the preliminary investigation. CID officials said evidence gathered so far suggests that the accused had been collecting passports and processing overseas employment arrangements without the required licences and approvals, raising suspicions of human trafficking. A case was filed with Badda Police Station under Sections 15 and 20 of the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Prevention and Suppression Ordinance, 2026, against some people including the arrestees. The CID said efforts are underway to identify and arrest other persons involved in the crime.

Four more children have died from measles and measles-like symptoms in the country in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Monday, bringing the cumulative number of deaths to 656. Of the new deaths, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS has classified one as confirmed measles fatality while three others as suspected. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to 563, while the number of laboratory-confirmed measles deaths reached 93. A total of 972 new suspected measles cases were reported during the 24-hour period, taking the number of suspected cases across the country to 86,923. Meanwhile, 64 new confirmed measles cases were recorded, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed infections to 10,387. Since March 15, a total of 71,467 patients with suspected measles have been hospitalised across the country, of whom 67, 878 have recovered, according to DGHS data.