United News of Bangladesh

Mostafa Julfikar Hasan, Md Sujauddoula, Md Jahidul Islam and Shahadot Shadhin have been made deputy press secretaries to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Ministry of Public Administration issued separate gazette notifications on Monday confirming their contractual appointment. According to the notification, Mostafa Julfikar Hasan (popularly known as Hasan Shiplu), Md Sujauddoula (known as Suzon Mahmood), Md Jahidul Islam (known as Rony) and Shahadot Shadhin have been appointed as PM’s deputy press secretaries (Grade-IV), subject to his relinquishing any employment or professional engagement with any other profession, business, or government, semi-government or private institution or organisation.” The notification further stated that the appointment will take effect from the date of his joining and will remain valid for the duration of the Prime Minister’s tenure or as per the satisfaction of the Prime Minister.  

Mahfuzur Rahman, Editor of the United News of Bangladesh (UNB), has been appointed as the Speechwriter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification on Monday confirming the contractual appointment. According to the notification, “SAM Mahfuzur Rahman has been appointed on a contractual basis as the Honourable Prime Minister’s Speechwriter (Grade-1), subject to his relinquishing any employment or professional engagement with any other profession, business, or government, semi-government or private institution or organisation.” The notification further stated that the appointment will take effect from the date of his joining and will remain valid for the duration of the Prime Minister’s tenure or until further orders, whichever comes first.  

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Monday said they are in touch with the family members of the two Bangladesh citizens who lost their lives. Steps are being taken to make sure that their bodies are brought back home smoothly once the situation is normalized, she told reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She said steps are also being taken so that Bangladeshis who got stranded here can reach their destination countries without any hassle after the normalisation of the situation. Time to view Bangladesh differently: Shama Obaed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, representatives from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other departments were present at the meeting. Humaiun Kobir on Monday said they will do everything for the Bangladeshis to ensure their welfare, safety and security of its citizens amid current situation in the Middle East. Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said they have discussed all the issues in the inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry. BNP lifts suspension on Shama, Babul's posts "They are our top most priority," said the Adviser, adding that the government is fully supportive of their welfare and protection. Kobir said they want deescalation of the situation and urged all to choose the path of diplomacy. Two Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives and seven others have sustained injuries due to missile and drone attacks in different parts of the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the updates on Monday, noting that the government of Bangladesh is "deeply saddened". In the United Arab Emirates, Saleh Ahmed, a Bangladeshi national from Baralekha, Sylhet, tragically lost his life in Ajman after being struck by debris resulting from an aerial attack on a civilian installation. The Embassy of Bangladesh in the United Arab Emirates is in close contact with the local authorities regarding the matter and is extending necessary assistance to repatriate the mortal remains once commercial flights resume, said the Ministry. It has been reported that one Bangladeshi national has been killed and three more have been injured in Bahrain. Bangladesh Mission in Manama is in touch with the local authorities regarding the incident. In the State of Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals, Aminul Islam from Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria; Rabiul Islam from Sathia, Pabna; Masudur Rahman from Begumganj, Noakhali; and Dulal Miah from Chandina, Cumilla, sustained injuries following a drone attack in the vicinity of the civilian airport. They have received necessary medical treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kuwait remains in regular contact with them and the Ambassador personally visited them at the hospital, said the Ministry. Separately, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra is currently stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. The Embassy is maintaining close communication with the vessel's captain. All crew members are reported to be safe. The government of Bangladesh reiterated its deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and continues to monitor developments closely.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Monday said they will do everything for the Bangladeshis to ensure their welfare and safety of its citizens amid current situation in the Middle East. Talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said they have discussed all the issues in the inter-ministerial meeting held at the Ministry. "They are our top most priority," said the Adviser, adding that the government is fully supportive of their welfare and protection. 2 Bangladeshis killed, 7 injured in Middle East attacks Kobir said they want deescalation of the situation and urged all to choose the path of diplomacy. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Chowdhury, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, State Minister for Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment Md Nurul Hoque, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, representatives from Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other departments were present at the meeting. Two Bangladeshi nationals have lost their lives and seven others have sustained injuries due to missile and drone attacks in different parts of the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the updates on Monday, noting that the government of Bangladesh is "deeply saddened". Experts flag possible energy pressure for Bangladesh amid US-Iran tensions In the United Arab Emirates, Saleh Ahmed, a Bangladeshi national from Baralekha, Sylhet, lost his life in Ajman after being struck by debris resulting from an aerial attack on a civilian installation. The Embassy of Bangladesh in the United Arab Emirates is in close contact with the local authorities regarding the matter and is extending necessary assistance to repatriate the mortal remains once commercial flights resume, said the Ministry. It has been reported that one Bangladeshi national has been killed and three more have been injured in Bahrain. Bangladesh Mission in Manama is in touch with the local authorities regarding the incident. In the State of Kuwait, four Bangladeshi nationals, Aminul Islam from Nabinagar, Brahmanbaria; Rabiul Islam from Sathia, Pabna; Masudur Rahman from Begumganj, Noakhali; and Dulal Miah from Chandina, Cumilla, sustained injuries following a drone attack in the vicinity of the civilian airport. They have received necessary medical treatment and are currently reported to be in stable condition. The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kuwait remains in regular contact with them and the Ambassador personally visited them at the hospital, said the Ministry. Separately, the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation vessel Banglar Joyjatra is currently stranded at Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates. The Embassy is maintaining close communication with the vessel's captain. All crew members are reported to be safe. The government of Bangladesh reiterated its deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and continues to monitor developments closely.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the government has proposed that the post of Deputy Speaker of Parliament be offered to a nominee from the opposition party, in line with the spirit of the July Charter. “Respecting the July Charter, the government has proposed that the opposition party select its candidate for the post of Deputy Speaker,” he told reporters after a meeting with the Prime Minister in Dhaka. Salahuddin said the proposal was conveyed to them verbally.

Security has been strengthened in Dhaka’s diplomatic area, including around the United States Embassy, amid the current global situation, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Monday. He made the remarks during a courtesy call by US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Brent T. Christensen, at his ministry at the Bangladesh Secretariat. In addition to regular police deployment, the minister said, members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) had been assigned to reinforce security in the Diplomatic Area. Law enforcement agencies have also been instructed to remain on high alert and take necessary precautionary measures, Salahuddin added. During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including law and order, security cooperation, efforts to curb illegal migration, counter-terrorism collaboration, the Special Programme for Embassy Augmentation and Response (SPEAR), and the proposed introduction of Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV). Welcoming the ambassador, the minister described the United States as a close partner of Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of security and counter-terrorism. Ambassador Christensen said Washington was keen to further strengthen bilateral ties, and underscored the importance of implementing the SPEAR initiative to enhance security at the US Embassy and across the Diplomatic Area in Dhaka. He also stressed the need for the quick signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), cautioning that dedicated US funding could otherwise be reallocated. In response, the minister said the government was committed to expediting the programme, subject to approval at the highest levels. On migration, the ambassador said the United States planned to introduce the Electronic Nationality Verification (ENV) programme in Bangladesh, adding that its successful implementation could place Bangladesh in the ‘Green Zone’ category under US immigration procedures. He also noted longstanding US support for Bangladesh’s counter-terrorism efforts, saying that since 2010 approximately 30,000 Bangladesh Police personnel – from investigating officers to deputy inspectors general – had received US training and equipment support. He, however, observed that the long-term impact had been limited due to retirements and transfers of trained officers. The home minister said steps would be taken to address the issue and instructed officials to organise a meeting or workshop with relevant stakeholders. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both sides, including representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the US Embassy in Dhaka.  

Bangladesh and India have agreed to work towards expanding bilateral trade, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Monday. “Trade between the two countries has faced various obstacles due to some mutual decisions. Both sides have drawn each other’s attention to reviewing decisions such as the closure of several Indian land ports, border haats and the cancellation of trans-shipment facilities,” he said. The commerce adviser made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The minister said the high commissioner primarily came as part of a courtesy call to welcome the new government but discussions also covered various aspects of increasing trade between the two countries. Talks included the reopening of some closed land ports, he added. Muktadir said Bangladesh also drew India’s attention to existing restrictions on the export of some products while the Indian side mentioned restarting closed border haats. “There are, in fact, some mutual barriers created by both countries and it is true that these have affected trade relations,” he said the high commissioner would discuss the issues at higher levels in his country while Bangladesh would also raise the matters in the cabinet. Replying to a question, Muktadir said there was no discussion on the future of Indian-funded projects. Asked about the possibility of fuel and food shortages if the Strait of Hormuz is closed due to the Iran war, the minister said shipping costs would rise in that case. “There is no need for immediate concern as the situation could be resolved within a couple of days. If not, the government would take alternative measures and there is currently no shortage of goods in the country, he said.

The United States has suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for citizens of Bangladesh and 74 other countries, the US Embassy in Dhaka said on Monday. However, the suspension does not apply to visitor visas, it added. In a message posted on its official Facebook page, the embassy said effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State paused all immigrant visa issuances to nationals of countries, including Bangladesh, whose immigrants have a high rate of collecting public assistance at the expense of the U.S. taxpayer. “The pause does not apply to visitor visas. Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of impacted countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department of State will continue to schedule visa interviews, “ it said.

The price of gold in Bangladesh has been increased by Tk 5,424 per bhori, with the rate of 22-carat gold set at Tk 274,104 per bhori from Monday, according to the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). In a statement issued in the morning, BAJUS said the new rates were fixed considering the overall market situation following a rise in the price of pure gold (tejabi gold) in the local market. The revised prices have come into effect immediately. Under the new rates, 22-carat gold will cost Tk 274,104 per bhori (11.664 grams), while 21-carat gold has been priced at Tk 261,682 per bhori. The price of 18-carat gold has been set at Tk 224,299 per bhori, and gold of traditional method at Tk 183,533 per bhori. Buyers will have to pay an additional 5 percent government-fixed VAT and a minimum 6 percent making charge set by BAJUS on the sale price. However, the making charge may vary depending on the design and quality of jewellery. The last adjustment to gold prices was made on the night of February 28, when BAJUS raised the price of 22-carat gold by Tk 3,266 per bhori to Tk 268,680. So far in 2026, gold prices have been adjusted 35 times in the country, with rates increased on 23 occasions and reduced 12 times. Silver prices have also been raised this time. The price of 22-carat silver has been increased by Tk 175 per bhori to Tk 7,173. Meanwhile, 21-carat silver has been set at Tk 6,882 per bhori, 18-carat silver at Tk 5,890 per bhori, and traditional-method silver at Tk 4,432 per bhori. So far this year, silver prices have been adjusted 21 times, including 14 hikes and seven reductions.

The government has appointed retired Joint Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad as Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs on a contractual basis for one year. The Public Administration Ministry issued a notification in this regard on Sunday. According to the notification, Alauddin Al Azad has been appointed under Section 49 of the Government Service Act, 2018, on the condition that he relinquishes any other professional, business or employment ties with government, semi-government or private institutions or organisations. His contractual appointment will be effective for one year from the date of joining. Other terms and conditions of the appointment will be determined by the contract agreement, the notification added.