United News of Bangladesh

A total of 7,963 children lost their lives in road accidents across Bangladesh between 2020 and September, 2026, highlighting the alarming risks children face due to poor road management and a lack of awareness about traffic rules, according to a report by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF). The report was prepared based on information from nine national dailies, 17 national and regional online news portals, electronic media and the foundation’s own data. An analysis of child fatalities showed that 2,958 children, or 37.14 percent, were killed while riding or driving motorcycles, while 2,812 (35.31%) died as pedestrians after being hit by vehicles while crossing or walking along roads. Among child pedestrians killed in road accidents, three-wheelers, including CNG-run autorickshaws, autorickshaws and locally made vehicles such as Nasimons and Bhotbhotis, accounted for the highest number of deaths at 1,271, or 45.19 percent. Heavy vehicles, including buses, trucks, covered vans and pickups, were responsible for 1,126 pedestrian child deaths (40.04 percent). Private cars, microbuses, ambulances and jeeps accounted for 317 deaths (11.27 percent). An analysis of the types of roads where children were killed found that rural roads accounted for the highest number of deaths, with 2,713 children, or 34.07 percent, killed in accidents on such roads. Regional roads accounted for 2,082 deaths (26.14 percent), highways for 1,974 (24.78 percent) and urban roads for 1,194 (15 percent). The report also found that 2,634 child deaths (33.07 percent) occurred in the afternoon, the highest among the different periods of the day. Another 2,168 children (27.22 percent) were killed in the morning, 1,813 (22.76 percent) at noon, 598 (7.50 percent) at night, 546 (6.85 percent) in the evening and 204 (2.56 percent) in the early morning. In terms of age, children aged 13-17 accounted for the largest share of fatalities, with 3,547 deaths (44.54 percent). A total of 2,884 children aged 6-12 (36.21 percent) and 1,532 children aged 0-5 (19.23 percent) were also killed. The report revealed that 2,513 children (31.55 percent) were killed while travelling to or from educational institutions, while 962 (12.08 percent) died while playing on roads near their homes. The RSF identified several factors behind the rising number of child fatalities, including roads and transport systems that are not designed to ensure children’s safety, inadequate awareness among children about safe road use, and a lack of guidance and training at home and in educational institutions. Other contributing factors include driving by unskilled and underage drivers, inadequate medical facilities for injured children and families’ inability to afford treatment. The foundation observed that children were particularly vulnerable on rural roads, which often run close to residential areas. Vehicles on these roads frequently operate without following traffic rules, while law enforcement agencies have limited presence to regulate traffic. Children’s lack of knowledge about road safety further increases their vulnerability, the report said, expressing concern over the apparent lack of adequate attention from both the relevant government authorities and the public. The foundation warned that children were being killed or permanently disabled amid these unsafe conditions, causing an irreparable loss to the nation. Recommendations To reduce child fatalities, the RSF recommended making roads and transport systems safer for children, raising awareness about road safety among children at home and in educational institutions, and taking strict action to prevent unskilled and underage drivers from operating vehicles. It also called for strengthening the capacity of district-level hospitals to treat road accident victims, establishing a special government fund to cover treatment costs for accident victims, and ensuring the implementation of the Road Transport Act 2018.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Tuesday described the execution of two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia as deeply tragic, saying the government would comment on the matter officially after thoroughly reviewing the relevant legal documents and international conventions. He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after a reception for meritorious students at Mingram Secondary School in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah in the afternoon. The minister also said the absence of opposition members from the committee formed to work on constitutional amendments would not create any major legal or political complications. He said the National Parliament would be the ultimate forum for discussions on constitutional amendments, in keeping with parliamentary conventions, rather than through confrontation or boycotts. “The main process of constitutional amendment will take place in the National Parliament. When the bill is placed before Parliament, opposition lawmakers will be present and take part in the discussion. Therefore, their absence at the initial stage will not create any major deadlock,” he said. Responding to a question about legal assistance for expatriates and the role of Bangladesh's overseas missions in dealing with detained citizens, Asaduzzaman said it was inappropriate to make sweeping allegations against embassies. Bangladesh missions across the world, including those in the Middle East, were working sincerely to provide services to expatriate workers, he said. However, if specific evidence of negligence or irregularities by any official is found, strict legal action will be taken following an investigation, the minister added. Referring to the recent execution by beheading of two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia, he said the incident was extremely distressing and unfortunate. The minister said he would refrain from making any immediate comments until the Vienna Convention and relevant legal documents under Saudi Arabian law had been thoroughly examined. Earlier, the law minister attended the reception as the chief guest and spoke about building a merit-based society. Local educationists, students and leaders and activists of BNP's affiliated and associate organisations were present at the event.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has urged leaders of puja committees to bring local problems directly to his attention. He made the call while visiting several Durga Puja mandaps in Mohammadpur, Shyamoli and Agargaon areas of the capital on Tuesday. During the visits, Bobby Hajjaj, also Dhaka-13 MP, shared the festive spirit of Sharadiya Durga Puja with members of the Hindu community and distributed gifts among those organising the celebrations on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Bobby Hajjaj expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity to share the joy of religious festivals with people from different communities. He said he was committed to addressing local residents’ concerns and ensuring their well-being as an elected representative. When members of the temple committees raised concerns over gas supply problems in their areas, he said Titas Gas authorities were working to identify and repair leaks in gas pipelines. He said inspections and repair work had been carried out in the areas several times and assured them that further efforts would be made to find a lasting solution to the problems. The state minister said religious institutions were not only places of worship but also important centres for promoting morality, humanity and core values. He stressed the need to pass these values on to younger generations, saying children and young people should receive a proper education, develop strong moral principles and learn to take responsibility for others. A united and prosperous Bangladesh could be built if people fulfilled their responsibilities towards their neighbours and society, he said. Bobby Hajjaj also said the government was working to improve the quality of primary education and promote moral and human values among children. He noted that religious and social institutions could play an important role in these efforts. He called on all to contribute to building a “new Bangladesh” based on mutual respect, harmony and cooperation.  

Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram on Tuesday urged leaders and activists of the ruling party to reform themselves, saying Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken a firm stance on maintaining law and order, unlike previous governments. “Those who are leaders and activists of the ruling party should correct themselves,” he said while addressing a civic reception at the multipurpose hall of Lalmohan Upazila in Bhola around noon. Referring to recent actions against ruling party figures, the Speaker said a female MP in Dhaka had come under scrutiny over allegations of occupying a hospital, following which the Prime Minister directed her to resign. He also referred to State Minister Ishraque Hossain’s resignation. Hafiz said Ishraque had acted to suppress a group of drug users who allegedly fired at police, but taking up arms himself was inappropriate. “He did the right thing by trying to suppress criminals, but taking a weapon into his own hands was not appropriate. It does not suit someone at his level,” he said. The Speaker said a state minister has security personnel, and if the police are unable to act effectively, party workers could assist. However, he said, it was unbecoming for a leader or minister to carry a weapon, whether legally or illegally. He said the Prime Minister had directed Ishraque to resign for that reason, adding that ordinary people might appreciate his efforts to tackle criminals in the future. Criticising the previous Awami League government, Hafiz alleged that Sheikh Hasina and lawmakers from her party had engaged in widespread looting during their 16 years in power and transferred national wealth abroad to build palatial residences. He also alleged that even after being ousted, Awami League leaders were conspiring against the country from abroad. “They thought they would remain in power until the Day of Judgment. The history of the Awami League will not be allowed to repeat itself in this country,” he said. The programme was chaired by Lalmohan Upazila BNP President Md Zafar Iqbal. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Shifat Bin Sadeque, Additional Superintendent of Police Satyajit Kumar Ghosh, government officials and leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations attended the event. The upazila and municipal units of the BNP and its affiliated and associate organisations organised the reception to honour Hafiz after his election as chairman of the Asia-Pacific Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). After the programme, the Speaker distributed financial assistance cheques among 150 underprivileged people in the upazila.  

Five traders from Zajira upazila of Shariatpur were among the 14 people who were killed in a head-on collision between a bus and a sand-laden truck in Natore early Tuesday while they were heading towards Rajshahi to buy agricultural products. The five deceased were as Jewel Madbar, 35, son of Zahir Uddin Madbar of Ramkrishnapur Madbarkandi village, Salal Mollah, 38, son of Jahan Uddin Mollah of Dubisayar Mollakandi, Sohag Shikder, 32, son of Yunus Shikder of Dubisayar Kazirhat, Samad Fakir, 45, a wholesale goods trader from Kazirhat and Shahin Bepari, 30, son of Razzak Bepari of Kathuria village under Palerchar Union. They were heading to Taherpur wholesale market in Rajshahi to purchase maize, onions, garlic and various spices for their businesses. Local sources said the five men had long been involved in trading agricultural products and other goods in Kazirhat and nearby markets in Zajira upazila. They frequently travelled together to different markets to purchase merchandise. News of the accident reached Jajira early Tuesday, triggering an outpouring of grief among the victims' relatives, friends and local residents. Md Saleh Ahmed, Officer-in-Charge of Jajira Police Station said they learned about the accident through social media, but yet to receive an official communication from Natore district police or local highway authorities. He said necessary legal procedures and cooperation regarding the handover of the bodies are underway.  

Keya Group has laid off 739 workers and employees from four of its units in Gazipur in the second phase of job cuts. A notice announcing the layoffs was put up at the main gate of the factories last night. The affected units are the group's Knit Composite Division, Spinning Division, Cotton Division and Keya Yarn Mills Limited, all located in the Jarun area of Konabari. The authorities said the factories had been under lay-off since June 6 due to various reasons, including banking complications. The lay-off period was subsequently extended several times. The management said all dues payable to the laid-off workers would be settled in accordance with the labour law. Mohammad Amzad Hossain, superintendent of industrial police, said industrial police personnel have been deployed at the main gate of the factories to maintain law and order following the layoffs. 

The government has issued the Special Solar Power Installation Ordinance, 2026, introducing strict penalties for theft of solar power and equipment damage, as it seeks to expand the use of solar energy, attract private investment and bring greater discipline to the sector. Under the ordinance, stealing solar power or its equipment is punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of Tk 50,000, or both. Damaging solar equipment carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail, a fine of Tk 5 lakh, or both. The ordinance was issued on Monday night by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. The Cabinet gave policy and final approval to its draft at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani said solar power has long been important for Bangladesh but had become even more crucial in the wake of the ongoing energy crisis. “The impact of the war has shown how vulnerable Bangladesh could become in the energy sector when a war breaks out. For this reason, the government has placed additional emphasis on solar power,” he said. Under the ordinance, solar power systems can be installed on government buildings, residential rooftops, courtyards, vacant land adjacent to buildings and water bodies, with a maximum capacity of five megawatts. The provisions also cover solar-powered irrigation pumps, cold storage facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, tea gardens, floating solar installations and agrivoltaic systems that combine solar power generation with agricultural activities. However, large-scale ground-mounted solar power projects will remain outside the ordinance's scope. The government has introduced two investment models — operational expenditure (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX). Under the OPEX model, investors will bear the cost of installing solar power systems, while under the CAPEX model, customer organisations can finance projects themselves and retain ownership. The ordinance requires a tripartite agreement among customers, service providers and the competent authority. The agreement will cover equipment quality, safety, maintenance, electricity distribution, bill payments, ownership and dispute resolution. It also allows customers under the net-metering system to supply surplus electricity to the national grid after meeting their own needs. The electricity supplied to the grid will be adjusted against their bills, while customers may also receive payment for surplus power at government-determined tariffs. For procurement of goods and related services under the CAPEX model, the ordinance sets a maximum financial limit of Tk 5 crore for the limited tendering method, without making the electronic government procurement (e-GP) system mandatory. To guide policy and promote solar power, the ordinance also provides for the formation of a National Policy Council, along with technical and coordination committees at district and upazila levels. Sections 12 to 16 of the ordinance specify penalties for theft, damage to equipment, illegal connections, obstruction of work, and aiding or abetting offences. Buying, selling or possessing stolen solar equipment will carry the same penalties as theft. Illegal connections and obstruction of installation, inspection and maintenance work are punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of Tk 5 lakh, or both. Offences under the ordinance will be tried by courts of first-class magistrates or metropolitan magistrates. Cases involving offences listed in the schedule of the Mobile Court Act may also be tried by mobile courts.  

The Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) on Tuesday strongly protested the government's decision to “scrap the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project”, describing it as a "black day" in the history of sustainable, fuel-efficient and inclusive mass transit. In a statement signed by its General Secretary Prof Md Moslehuddin Hasan, the organisation said it learned from newspaper reports that the government has decided to cancel the BRT project and dissolve the agency concerned. It has also reportedly decided to convert the entire BRT infrastructure into a 3+3 lane highway. BIP expressed "deep shock and sorrow" at the decision, saying the government has chosen the "latest and worst" option for the BRT at the last cabinet meeting. The statement noted that the decision was not announced even at the regular post-meeting press briefing. This, BIP said, has created ample room for speculation that some of those involved in the decision are trying to conceal something. "We can clearly see a conflict of interest in this decision-making process," the statement said. BIP said the decision clearly serves private vehicle users and the construction lobby active both at home and abroad. It added that the move runs counter to the proposals of the Gazipur Transport Master Plan (GTMP) and the Revised Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) for Dhaka. The planners' body also said the decision ignores the expectations and travel needs of residents of Gazipur and Uttara, who have suffered hardship for 14 years because of the project's construction work. BIP placed the six demands – withdrawing the decision to scrap the BRT project, forming a coordinated agency to manage the BRT, MRT and other related programmes, preparing a comprehensive BRT plan for the whole of Dhaka city and other metropolitan cities of the country, stopping project-based decision-making on transport infrastructure and adopting a plan-based approach, prioritising transport projects that save time and cost during implementation and serve more people, including women, short-distance commuters, persons with disabilities and people with limited mobility, and establishing the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) as the lead agency for any transport planning decision in the Greater Dhaka region and placing it directly under the Prime Minister's Office.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit on Monday said people of all faiths must work together to build a new Bangladesh. “Just as we develop mosques, we also develop temples. When we undertake the development of a graveyard, we also check whether there is a cremation ground in the area and develop that as well,” he said. He made the remarks while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community at Sri Sri Gopinath Jiu Temple in Kushtia town on the occasion of Durga Puja. The state minister said development initiatives were undertaken based on people's needs, irrespective of their religious identity. “When we build schools, colleges, roads or bridges, we never consider whether an area has a larger Muslim or Hindu population. Instead, we focus on how many people will benefit from the road, school or bridge,” he said. Amit said Bangladesh belonged to everyone and all citizens must work together to ensure the country's stability. He said the mass uprising of 2024 and the upcoming 12th national parliamentary election in 2026 had created an opportunity for people to join hands in building a new Bangladesh. Referring to development initiatives under the leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he stressed the need to ensure the participation of people from all sections of society, including men, women, and people of all faiths—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. He also wished peace and well-being for all on the occasion of Durga Puja.  

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday warned against attempts to undermine religious harmony by spreading rumours and misinformation on social media, saying such attempts will be firmly resisted ahead of the upcoming Buddhist festivals of Prabarana Purnima and Kathin Chibar Dan. “Some people attempt to portray personal disputes, land-related conflicts or disagreements within management committees as religious attacks to spread propaganda. Such attempts will be firmly resisted,” he said while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with Buddhist religious leaders at the Secretariat. The minister also urged people not to pay heed to unverified information. The government will ensure maximum security and all-out cooperation for the two Buddhist festivals, reaffirming its commitment to religious harmony and the constitutional rights of people of all faiths. Prabarana Purnima, one of the major religious festivals of the Buddhist community, will be celebrated on October 25, followed by the month-long Kathin Chibar Dan festival. Referring to Article 28 of the Constitution, Salahuddin said discrimination on religious grounds is not permitted in Bangladesh, and every citizen has the constitutional right to observe religious ceremonies and worship freely and safely. The government remains committed to maintaining peace and law and order while respecting constitutional obligations and citizens' rights, he said. Besides, strict monitoring has been ordered to prevent any untoward incidents or deterioration of law and order during Prabarana Purnima, particularly the traditional evening lantern-flying celebrations, the minister added. Special attention will be given to Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, the three hill districts of Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Bandarban, as well as Patuakhali, Cumilla, Noakhali and Rangpur, he added. Speaking about security arrangements for the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, Salahuddin said surveillance was strengthened at puja mandaps through body-worn cameras, CCTV cameras and app-based monitoring. "No one will be spared if anyone attempts to create disorder, and nobody involved in any wrongdoing will be allowed to escape punishment," he said The minister said a police monitoring cell is keeping the situation under round-the-clock observation. Expressing optimism that the upcoming Buddhist festivals will be celebrated peacefully amid festivity, he said the government wants to ensure an environment similar to that prevailing during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations. During the meeting, Buddhist religious leaders highlighted the significance of Prabarana Purnima, emphasising self-restraint, purification of the mind and consciousness, and the religious importance of traditional lantern-flying ceremonies and Kathin Chibar Dan. They informed the minister that a list of Buddhist monasteries across the country will be provided to the ministry. Salahuddin said the list will be forwarded to the relevant law enforcement agencies and local administration for necessary security measures.