United News of Bangladesh

Detectives have arrested four people including three Chinese nationals during a drive in the capital's Bashundhara residential area on charge of operating an online fraud network using an illegal SIM gateway. The arrestees were Jharna Chakma alias Jiana, 27, Liu Hui Zhang, 46, Wei Yuji, 30, and She Yi Ran, 42. According to the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the group had  been operating fraudulent activities through online gambling websites from a rented apartment and used around 6,000 SIM cards in the operation. Briefing reporters at the DMP Media Centre, Additional Commissioner (DB) Mohammad Shafiqul Islam said a DB Cyber Crime team conducted the drive at around 8pm on Saturday based on secret information. He said the apartment was rented by ethnic community member Jharna Chakma. The six-storey building was largely rented out to Chinese nationals, with Jharna residing on the ground floor while the remaining floors were occupied by them.   During the operation, detectives found equipment allegedly used for online gateway operations, online gambling and other fraudulent activities. Police seized 14 laptops, 16 mobile phones, about 6,000 SIM cards of different mobile operators, 20 gateway machines, foreign liquor and Tk 209,700 in cash. Shafiqul Islam said the suspects used promotional messages offering jobs, discounts or extra income to lure victims into clicking fraudulent links. He said the gang used the SIM gateway system to facilitate the operation, adding that they recovered around 6,000 SIM cards and SIM slots capable of accommodating approximately 10,000 to 12,000 SIMs. A single mobile phone was configured to operate with 12 SIM cards for the fraudulent activities, he said. The DB official said the group changed IMEI numbers of devices through technological means, making them difficult to trace. He said the network laundered between Tk 200 crore and Tk 250 crore every month through online gambling and other illegal means. Shafiqul Islam also said many Chinese nationals were carrying out such activities in Bangladesh under the names of different Chinese companies. He urged people to remain cautious and avoid being lured by fraudulent offers on online platforms, saying such scams were leaving many victims financially devastated. Police have filed a regular case against the arrestees, he added.

Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Sunday said the July mass uprising was the result of a united movement and should not be credited to only two political parties. Speaking at a discussion titled "Martyrs' Sacrifice, Our Responsibility and a New Bangladesh" organised by Jagrata July Forum at the Central Kochi-Kachar Mela auditorium in Segunbagicha, Anee said the foundation of the July uprising had been built through 16 years of anti-authoritarian movements. "The united movement and struggle gave birth to the events of July 36," he said. Referring to the formation of the National Citizen Party (NCP), Anee alleged that those who once did not support Bangladesh's independence are now providing shelter to others who have formed a political party.   The minister said many leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) who actively participated in the July movement were not recognised. "Those who were involved in the movement under the banner of Chhatra Dal, including many from my own district, are absent from the list. Only two or four names are there," he said. Anee said he remained in contact with activists on the ground until he was jailed on July 25. "But after I was released, I could no longer find that leadership. A new leadership emerged, and today they are in the opposition. Those two parties are Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP)," he said. Questioning the exclusion of many participants, he asked, "Where did everyone else go? Did they not participate in the movement? Were they not part of the struggle against fascism? Were they not victims of enforced disappearance, killings or martyrdom?" He also criticised the previous interim government's decision to describe certain individuals as the "masterminds" of the July uprising. "If the interim government had not called them the 'masterminds,' they would not have gained so much influence. Calling them the masterminds was itself a mistake," he said. "The real masterminds were the people of this country and the general students. The movement was led by ordinary students, and all of us who had been involved in previous movements merged with them in that struggle," he added. Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment State Minister Nurul Haque Nur attended the programme as the keynote speaker. State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain spoke as a special discussant.

Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin on Sunday said the government is committed to ensuring safe, orderly and dignified migration, describing it as one of the key pillars of the 21st century. The elected government is working to empower people and establish a systematic migration process under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said while addressing the inauguration of the National Action Plan (2026–2030) as a special guest a hotel in the capital. He said Bangladesh has a long-standing legacy in the migration sector. "Employment opportunities abroad for Bangladeshis began under the leadership of Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman. Later, former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia established the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. We want to further strengthen this legacy through modern and time-appropriate policies," he said. Highlighting the government's quick action, Mahdi said the National Action Plan was approved by the Cabinet in the presence of the prime minister within less than three months of the government's assumption of office. "This reflects our commitment in action." Thanking Bangladesh's international partners, he said migration is inevitable for any country and enriches societies through the exchange of culture, language and diversity. "Our migrant workers are contributing not only to the economies of their host countries but also playing a transformative role in Bangladesh's economy by sending remittances," he said. Mahdi said the government is placing special emphasis on developing a skilled workforce. He said prospective migrant workers are being provided with language training, cultural orientation and technical skills before leaving the country. "Our goal is to build an effective ecosystem over the next five years so that more skilled Bangladeshi workers can access overseas employment through an orderly, systematic and fair migration process," he added. Ministers, state ministers, secretaries, senior government officials and diplomats from home and abroad attended the programme.

The price of green chillies would come down to a tolerable level within the next two to five days, as the government allowed the import of green chillies from tomorrow, said Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Sunday. The government has allowed the import of green chillies and decided to reduce the existing import tax in a bid to stabilise prices, he said to reporters while visiting Shantinagar Kitchen Market in the capital. Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and State Minister for Food Md Abdul Bari were present there to review the supply, prices and overall market situation of essential commodities. Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation Md Abdus Salam was also present during the visit. The ministers interacted with traders and consumers and inquired about the supply and prices of daily essentials. Speaking to reporters after the inspection, the agriculture minister said the government had taken prompt measures to stabilise the market by allowing green chilli imports and reducing the applicable import tax.  "Import activities will begin from tomorrow, and we expect prices to come down to a reasonable level within two to five days," he said. Commerce Minister Muktadir said the government would take all necessary measures to keep the market affordable for consumers. He also urged journalists to present objective reports based on their field observations, saying accurate reporting would help create public awareness, reduce misinformation and discourage artificial shortages and price manipulation. Earlier in the day, the commerce and agriculture ministers and the state minister for food attended a meeting at the Commerce Ministry to review the overall market situation of essential food and agricultural commodities and determine the necessary course of action.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) on Sunday clarified its position on the recent termination of 17 employees, saying the move was part of a long-term organisational transformation process that has been underway since 2022, and not a sudden or punitive decision. In a message signed by Deputy General Manager Shafiqur Rahman, the bourse said various discussions and comments had been circulating over the termination of some employees, prompting it to clarify facts to remove confusion. The exchange said recruitment and termination of employees are both normal and legally recognised management processes followed by private organisations worldwide, including in Bangladesh, based on business realities, organisational restructuring, efficiency improvement, technological change or strategic needs. Of DSE's total workforce of 350, only 17 employees, less than 5 percent, had their jobs terminated, the statement said, adding that the decision involved changes to certain positions as part of the ongoing transformation drive and was not based on any personal bias or discrimination. The DSE said the entire process was carried out legally under Section 26 of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, and its existing service rules, which allow an employer to terminate employment without assigning any reason, subject to notice or payment in lieu of notice. It noted that this is a well-established labour law provision followed by private organisations in the country for years, comparable to an employee's right to resign without explanation by giving notice or compensation in lieu. While the law requires compensation equivalent to four months' salary, the DSE said it went beyond the minimum legal obligation and paid an additional two months' salary on humanitarian grounds, ensuring departing employees have adequate time to seek new employment. As a result, each affected employee received compensation equivalent to six months' salary in total. The exchange said every employee would also receive their full dues under final settlement, including provident fund, gratuity, encashment of unused leave and other benefits, which in many cases would amount to several months' salary. It added that the company has already contacted the affected employees multiple times, urging them to collect their dues promptly. The DSE said the dignity and respect of every employee were maintained throughout the process, with the highest level of professionalism, sensitivity and humane treatment, and that no employee faced any humiliating or disrespectful situation. It said all affected employees would be issued experience certificates and the exchange would continue to assist them with legal dues and administrative support. Expressing regret over certain statements being circulated after the terminations, often without complete information or context, the DSE said it respects every citizen's freedom of expression but stressed that verifying facts before making statements that could harm an institution's image or the interests of individuals concerned is a moral responsibility for all. The exchange reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, good governance, transparency, accountability and humane values, wishing the departing employees success and well-being in their future careers. It also assured stakeholders, investors, listed companies and the general public that DSE would continue to operate as a strong, responsible and forward-looking institution while upholding the law, policy and highest professional standards.

Two more people died of dengue and 423 new patients were admitted to hospitals across the country in 24 hours until 8 am on Sunday. With the latest fatalities, the dengue death toll has risen to 56 in the country this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in Barishal and Khulna divisions. During the reporting period, 472 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery. Since January 1, a total of 16,104 dengue patients have been admitted to hospitals across the country. Of them, 14, 930 have recovered and been discharged, while 1118 patients are currently undergoing treatment.  

The government has appointed a law firm in Dubai to challenge the conditional bail granted to former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed by a Dubai court, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Sunday. "We are trying to obtain a certified copy of the bail order. The Bangladesh government has appointed a law firm in Dubai to challenge the bail order," he added. The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters after a view-exchange meeting with officials and members of Rajshahi Range Police and Rajshahi Metropolitan Police at Rajshahi Police Lines in the afternoon. "We have heard that Benazir Ahmed has been granted conditional bail by a Dubai court. We have spoken to Bangladesh's Ambassador in Dubai regarding the matter," he said. Salahuddin expressed hope that Benazir Ahmed could be brought back to Bangladesh soon through the legal process. Senior police officials including the deputy inspector general of Rajshahi Range and the commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police were present at the meeting. Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed was arrested in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) police in connection with a case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh. On June 14, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed disclosed the development in Parliament. He said the UAE authorities informed the Bangladesh government of the arrest on June 12. In April 2025, Interpol issued a red notice against the former police chief.

Fire Service and Civil Defence may itself suffer damage if a major earthquake measuring 7 or above hits Dhaka, making simultaneous rescue operations at multiple locations difficult, its Director General Brigadier General Muhammad Zahed Kamal said on Sunday. Emphasising the role of the media in raising public awareness about earthquakes, the DG said regular campaigns are needed to inform people about safety measures during earthquakes, including where to take shelter, avoiding elevators, and keeping emergency kits containing essential medicines, flashlights and whistles. He made the remarks while addressing a training programme on fire safety as the chief guest at the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters at Bangabazar in the capital. He also stressed the importance of ensuring safety before entering earthquake-damaged buildings, saying rescue operations vary depending on the structure and condition of collapsed buildings. "While reporting on such incidents, journalists must also give the highest priority to their own safety," he said. The Fire Service chief said around 100 stations across the country have been brought under a specific plan to deal with possible disasters like major earthquakes. "If a devastating earthquake occurs, manpower and equipment will be sent quickly to affected areas from these stations," he said. As part of the preparedness plan, a dry exercise has already been conducted, he added, saying efforts are also underway to transport small rescue equipment and firefighters by helicopters if necessary.

Police arrested a man for burning his ex-wife to death by pouring petrol on her at Bijora Sutarpara in Biral upazila of Dinajpur district on Saturday night. The deceased was identified as Sumaiya Akter Shyamoli, 25, daughter of Sirajul Islam of the village. Police arrested Mahbubur Rahman, son of Shafi Uddin of Sadar upazila in Rangpur district. Abdul Halim, additional superintendent of Sadar (circle) Police Station, said Mahbubur married to Shyamoli four years ago. They have been blessed with two children. The couple got divorced two years ago and since then Shyamoli used to live with her father. On Saturday, Mahbubur swooped on the house of Shyamoli and the two had locked into a heated argument over family feud. At one stage, Mahbubur stabbed Shyamoli with sharp weapon and set her on fire by pouring petrol around 10 pm. Later, she was taken to Dinajpur Medical College and Hospital and died on way to Rangpur Medical College and Hospital. Police later arrested Mahbubur from the upazila.  

Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) on Sunday raised the retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for August by Tk 70, setting the price of a 12kg cylinder at Tk 1598, up from Tk 1,528. The revised price will come into effect from Sunday evening, according to the energy regulator. BERC also increased the price of auto gas (LPG used in vehicles) to Tk 73.67 per litre from Tk 70.40 per litre. The commission revises LPG prices every month based on fluctuations in international benchmark prices as well as other applicable costs.