United News of Bangladesh

The government has withdrawn Trishal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arafat Siddiqui following an alleged assault on an employee of a sand quarry leaseholder. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Thursday, attaching the UNO to the ministry. The move comes a day after Arafat Siddiqui allegedly assaulted the sand quarry leaseholder’s employee on Wednesday, with CCTV footage of the incident going viral on social media. The roughly one-minute footage appears to show the UNO slapping a man several times and hitting him with a stick. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md Mahbubur Rahman and members of law enforcement agencies were also present at the scene. According to the leaseholder, the incident took place around 1:59pm on Wednesday at a sand sales point in the Kulurbaria area of Kalirbazar under Kanthal union of the upazila. The leaseholder claimed that its employee Sarwar Jahan alias Bachchu was assaulted after he asked the officials who arrived to conduct an operation to identify themselves, leading to an altercation. The CCTV footage shows a team, led by the UNO, accompanied by members of Ansar and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), arriving at the sand sales point. The UNO is seen asking for documents, while Sarwar Jahan, manager of Srishti Enterprise, asked the visiting officials to identify themselves. At one point, the UNO allegedly slapped Sarwar several times. A RAB member then appeared to try to take away Sarwar from the scene. The UNO allegedly took a stick from the RAB member and hit Sarwar several times with it. Mahbubur Rahman is seen trying to stop the UNO.

The National Fisheries Fortnight 2026 will begin on August 16, with 14 individuals and institutions set to receive National Fisheries Awards (gold medals) in 13 categories. The fortnight will be observed under the theme “A self-sufficient country with silver fish, Bangladesh first.” The event aims to highlight Bangladesh’s growing success in fish production, conservation of fisheries resources, safe and quality fish production, improvement of fishermen’s livelihoods and strengthening the country’s position in international markets. Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid disclosed the details at a press conference at his ministry on Thursday. He said the central opening ceremony will be held on August 16 at the George Institute Mini Stadium in Acmita union of Katiadi upazila in Kishoreganj. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the National Fisheries Fortnight 2026 and distribute the awards, the minister said. He said the fisheries sector’s contribution to the country’s economy, food security and nutrition is increasing steadily. The sector currently contributes 2.58 percent to the national GDP and 22.03 percent to agricultural GDP. Around 2.06 crore people, including a significant number of women, are directly or indirectly involved in the sector, Aminur said.

The holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi, marking the anniversary of the birth and demise of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM), will be observed in the country on August 26. The decision was made at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held at the Islamic Foundation Conference Room at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Thursday evening with Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad in the chair. The meeting informed that as the moon of Rabiul Awal of 1448 Hijri was not sighted in the sky of Bangladesh on Thursday. Prophet Muhammad (SM) was born in Makkah of Saudi Arabia on the 12th of Rabiul Awal of the Hijri calendar in 570 AD. He also passed away on the same day in 632 AD.

Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) and the Dhaka University Film Society (DUFS) separately paid tribute to filmmaker Tareque Masud and ATN News CEO Mishuk Munier thin evening, marking 15 years since the road crash that killed them along with three colleagues on the Dhaka-Aricha highway in Manikganj on 13 August, 2011. Candles were lit at the Tareque Masud-Mishuk Munier memorial sculpture near Dhaka University's TSC, attended by family members, road safety activists, lawyers and BLAST officials. Following the event of BLAST, DUFS organised a film screening at the same monument, showing "Muktir Gaan" and "Fera" by Tareque Masud. The organisation said it holds such a screening at the site every year in memory of the two filmmakers.

A former scientific officer of the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA), Faria Azad who is studying abroad has alleged that she was subjected to harassment and derogatory discussions by some of her colleagues in a WhatsApp group. Faria said she had received screenshots of what she described as “indecent and distasteful” conversations about her in the group and shared the screenshots with UNB. She also emailed his complaints to the chairman of the authority to investigate the issue. She complained against Chinmoy Pramanik, food safety officer in Rajshahi; Abu Naser Mohammad Shafiullah,  food safety officer in Jamalpur; Syed Sarfraz Hossain,  food safety officer in Sylhet Metropolitan; Md Lokman Hossain, food safety officer in Rangpur; Md Shakib Hossain, food safety officer in Moulvibazar; and Mohammad Ali Jinnah, a drug supervisor at the Directorate General of Drug Administration’s headquarters. She has also raised the issue publicly through her social media account, naming several current and former BFSA officials and colleagues. In her social media post, Faria expressed her disappointment over the alleged discussions and said she now understood why a former BFSA colleague, Laboni, had removed her former colleagues from her social media friends list after leaving the organisation. “Today I understand why she did that. She was the wiser one,” Faria wrote. Addressing Md Sakib Hossain, she said she could not recall ever causing him any harm and claimed that she had helped him about six months ago when he sought assistance regarding a scholarship. She also questioned comments allegedly made by Lokman Hossain, saying she had never had any disagreement with him and that she remained on his Facebook friends list. Faria criticised another colleague, Sarfaraz Sunny, over what she described as comments concerning the reasons for her divorce. “Extra-marital affair is not the only reason people get divorced,” she wrote, urging him not to make comments about others without knowing the facts. She also called on the BFSA employees who remain on her Facebook friends list to remove themselves, saying she did not wish to maintain contact with those involved in the alleged discussions. Referring to the screenshots, Faria questioned Chinmay Pramanik about allegedly sharing her photograph in the WhatsApp group and asked him why her picture had been posted there. She also mentioned several other individuals in her post, including Mohammad Ali Zinnah and former BFSA employee Shakil Ahmed, making comments about their alleged involvement in or connection with the discussions. Faria said she was considering sending the screenshots to the higher authorities so that the matter could be investigated and those responsible could face consequences. “I am thinking about sending the screenshots to the higher authority. They need to go through some kind of consequences for their … conversations. That's why I posted this publicly,” she wrote. The allegations could not immediately be independently verified. It was also not immediately clear whether the BFSA had initiated any inquiry into the matter. "It is terrifying to realize how many 'educated' men walk among us wearing masks of decency. It’s scary to think that any female colleague could be the target of such disrespect. they act so respectful to your face, it really makes you question who you can actually trust," another female colleague of hers Farzia Huq said. "Md Lokman Hossain, Md Sakib Hossain and Syed Sarfaraj Hossain were apologizing for their act but they would never apologize if this conversation was never out in the public. That's why I don't think they deserve an apology," she said.  She also filed a complaint against the Assistant Director of  Department of Narcotics Control Bangladesh in Joyopurhat Shakil Ahammed to the respective authority.  UNB verified the identities of all participants allegedly involved in the dis discussions. Mehedi Hasan, a friend and former departmental batchmate of Azad, raised the allegations in a social media post , saying screenshots of conversations in the group showed what he described as “highly indecent, sexually suggestive and derogatory” comments about Azad. According to Hasan, Azad completed her higher studies at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute and is currently working as a toxicology specialist. She previously served as a scientific officer at BFSA. He alleged that some officials used Azad’s personal photographs in the WhatsApp group and made offensive comments about her appearance, clothing and personal life. Hasan called on the BFSA and the Directorate General of Drug Administration to investigate the allegations and take appropriate departmental and legal action if the claims are substantiated. He also referred to the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979, the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018, and relevant High Court directives concerning sexual harassment in workplaces. Azad has publicly spoken out against the alleged harassment and shared information concerning the incident on social media, according to Hasan. Hasan urged the BFSA, DGDA and the Ministry of Public Administration to form an impartial inquiry committee and ensure a safe, respectful and harassment-free working environment for women. He said allegations of this nature should be investigated through due process and that those found responsible should face appropriate disciplinary and legal action. Food Safety Officer of Sylhet Syed Sarfaraz Hossain denied the allegations against him.  Abu Naser Mohammad Shafiullah, food safety officer in Jamalpur also told UNB he was not part of this crime.  BFSA Chairman Md Shafiqul Islam said he has received a complaint regarding the matter and is taking it seriously. He said the complaint would be investigated properly and that strict action would be taken against those concerned if the allegations are found to be true. He also said necessary measures would be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The e-bail bond system has been introduced in 12 more districts to reduce hassles in the bail process, bringing the total number of districts where the digital system is operational to 28. Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman inaugurated the system in the new districts at a programme held at the conference room of the Law Ministry at the Secretariat on Thursday. No syndicate to be allowed to hold farmers hostage: Law Minister According to the ministry, the e-bail bond system had earlier been introduced in 16 districts in three phases. Following the success of the system in those districts, the digital service was launched simultaneously in 12 more districts in the fourth phase. The ministry plans to introduce the e-bail bond system gradually in all 64 districts of the country. Compared with the conventional bail bond system, the e-bail bond has simplified the submission and verification of bail documents. The ministry said the system will reduce the suffering of litigants and create opportunities for people to secure bail and release from custody more quickly. Speaking at the inauguration, Law Minister Asaduzzaman said the e-bail bond system was first introduced in Narayanganj during the tenure of the interim government. Later, the system was launched in seven districts, including Bogura, after the election of the Prime Minister. He said around 120,000 bail bonds had been submitted through the e-bail bond system in the 16 districts covered in the first three phases, with the process running smoothly. “Previously, 12 steps were required to process a bail bond. Now, with just one click, a lawyer can submit a bail bond while sitting in his chamber or anywhere else, even from a car, using a smartphone,” he said. The minister said an OTP is sent immediately after the bail bond is received, allowing the sender to confirm that the document has been received. “This process will greatly reduce the suffering of litigants, particularly those facing imprisonment,” Asaduzzaman said. He said the government wants to establish the rule of law, ensure justice and promote good governance rather than subject people to unnecessary harassment. “We have said that this is the good governance commitment of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party government. We do not want to harass people; we want to establish the rule of law, justice and good governance,” he said. Law and Justice Division Secretary Liakat Ali Mollah said the e-bail bond system had already had a significant positive impact in reducing the difficulties faced by litigants in the 16 districts where it was introduced. Judges, leaders of lawyers’ associations, government and public prosecutors, police and local administration officials, and prison authorities from the 12 newly included districts joined the inauguration programme virtually.

Speakers on Thursday called for coordinated action to implement the National Urban Policy 2025 and translate its commitments into more liveable, inclusive and climate-resilient cities, noting that more than one-third of Bangladesh’s population, living in urban areas and cities, contributes nearly 65 percent of GDP. The call came at the national dissemination workshop on National Urban Policy 2025, organised jointly by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Local Government Division (LGD) with support from the UK Government at BCFCC in Dhaka. The workshop brought together representatives from government ministries and agencies, local government institutions, development partners, academia, research institutions and the urban development community. The government of Bangladesh approved the country’s first National Urban Policy 2025 as a national framework for more planned, inclusive, sustainable and climate-resilient urban development. Speaking at the workshop, Md Mahmud Ali, Director (Additional Secretary), Urban Development Directorate, said urban development is not one ministry's job alone, it needs coordination across sectors, with active participation from ministries, public and private institutions, development authorities, academia, professionals, and urban residents themselves. Md Samsul Islam, Joint Secretary, Local Government Division, stressed that the next priority is to move from policy to implementation. “We want the National Urban Policy 2025 to go beyond being a policy document and become an effective tool for real change in urban planning, management, infrastructure development and service delivery,” he said.  

Representatives of 250 local and international NGOs have been urged to take effective steps to bring eligible employees under the Universal Pension Scheme, particularly the ‘Progoti’ scheme, to ensure their long-term financial security. The call was made at a discussion organised by the NGO Affairs Bureau on Thursday, with senior officials from the National Pension Authority, Finance Division and NGO Affairs Bureau, along with representatives of registered NGOs, attending the meeting. National Pension Authority Executive Chairman Dr Md Suratuzzaman made a detailed presentation on the overall structure, objectives and benefits of the Universal Pension Scheme, highlighting the relevance of the Progoti scheme for people working in the NGO sector. He said the Universal Pension Scheme is a state-guaranteed social protection programme aimed at ensuring financial security for citizens in old age.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Water Resources was informed on Thursday that strong assurances have been received regarding the renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between Bangladesh and India, commonly known as the Farakka Treaty. The committee was also informed that the main implementation work of the Teesta Master Plan is expected to begin next year. The first meeting of the committee on the Ministry was held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with committee chairman Mohammad Shofiqul Haque Milon MP presiding. The committee discussed various initiatives including advance preparations to prevent river erosion and tree plantation programmes. The meeting was informed that the Padma Barrage Project has already been approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). A presentation was made before the committee on the overall activities of the Ministry of Water Resources including ongoing development programmes, project progress, implementation periods and allocations. According to the presentation, 93 development projects are currently being implemented under the ministry. A total of Tk 7,832.80 crore has been allocated for these projects in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The committee called for completing the development projects within their stipulated timelines, ensuring proper and efficient use of allocated funds and taking more effective measures to improve public services. The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty was signed by Bangladesh and India on Dec 12, 1996 for 30 years and is due to expire in December 2026. The treaty provides for sharing Ganges water at India’s Farakka Barrage during the dry season from Jan 1 to May 31 each year on the basis of a 10-day schedule. Under the agreement, when the flow is 70,000 cusecs or less, Bangladesh and India receive 50 percent each. If the flow is between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh receives 35,000 cusecs and India gets the remainder. When the flow is 75,000 cusecs or more, India receives 40,000 cusecs and Bangladesh gets the remainder. With the treaty approaching expiry, its renewal has emerged as a key water-sharing issue between the two countries amid concerns over declining dry-season flows, climate change, rising water demand and downstream ecological impacts.

Speakers at an international webinar have stressed the need for evidence-based drug prevention measures to protect young people and create a safe and healthy environment for them. The webinar titled “Evidence-Based Drug Prevention” was jointly organised by the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing and the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Bangladesh chapter on Wednesday evening, marking International Youth Day 2026. Bill passed introducing death penalty for cyber-enabled drug trade Iqbal Masud, director of the Health and Nutrition Sector at Dhaka Ahsania Mission and general secretary of the ISSUP Bangladesh chapter, said evidence-based prevention is far more effective than traditional approaches. “The theme of this year's International Youth Day, ‘Different Contexts, Shared Aspirations’, reminds us that despite varying life realities, all youth share the dream of a healthy future. However, substance use disorder is destroying these aspirations,” he said. Masud called on families, educational institutions, the government and society to expand prevention programmes in line with international standards. Prof Dr MA Mohit Kamal, chairman of the ISSUP Bangladesh chapter, said young people should be actively involved in drug prevention efforts. “To prevent drug use among youth, we must not only work for them but also work with them, because today's youth are the future leaders of the nation,” he said. International speakers included ISSUP National Chapters Coordinator Olha Myshakivska, ISSUP Scientific Support Coordinator Rasha Abi Hana and World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) Secretary General Cressida de Witte. AFM Sadman Sakib, a member of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum, also spoke at the webinar. The session, moderated by Marjana Muntaha, coordinator of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum, was attended by youth representatives from Bangladesh and abroad. Speakers called for stronger action against drug trafficking, modernising law enforcement efforts and greater attention to youth mental health. The organising bodies concluded the session with a joint call for the government, civil society and development organisations to work together to implement evidence-based drug prevention policies.