United News of Bangladesh

At least three people were killed and 32 others injured when two passenger buses of Ena Paribahan and Royal Coach collided head-on on the Dhaka–Sylhet Highway in Habiganj on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Raju Mia, 45, son of Mukit Mia of Barachar village under Nabiganj upazila, and Hanif, 60, son of Abul Khayer from Shahibagh area in Sreemangal. The identity of another victim, aged around 40, could not be confirmed immediately. The accident occurred around noon in the Kadamtoli area of Shayestaganj upazila when a Sylhet-bound Ena Paribahan bus lost control and collided head-on with a Royal Coach bus coming from the opposite direction, police and witnesses said. Two people died on the spot, while at least 32 others from both vehicles were injured. On information, police and fire service personnel rushed to the scene, rescued the injured, and sent them to local hospitals. The collision caused a temporary traffic jam on the busy highway. Shayestaganj Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abu Taher Dewan said the injured were rescued, and both damaged buses were removed from the road, restoring normal traffic movement. Efforts are underway to identify one of the deceased, he added. According to Habiganj Sadar Hospital authorities, 32 injured passengers were admitted, and 11 of them, who were in critical condition, were transferred to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. The critically injured include Ful Mia (59), Sudhanshu (27), Habibur (30), Mahmud (30), Monir (17), Mridha, Kausar (18), Shamim (40), Azizul (40), Saiful (29), and Saikat (28). As of filing this report, Raju Mia’s body remained at Habiganj Sadar Hospital, while the other two were kept at Shayestaganj Highway Police Station. The bodies will be handed over to their families after postmortem examinations.

The Bangladesh Bank is preparing to issue the 7th 'Bangladesh Government Investment Sukuk' (Islamic bond) valued at Tk 2,500 crore. The Sukuk is aimed at funding the Important Rural Infrastructure Development Project for Noakhali, Feni, and Lakshmipur (IRIDPNFL) districts. This Islamic Shariah-compliant bond is expected to inject a major economic boost into the rural infrastructure of the country's south-eastern region. The information was confirmed in a press release issued today (Tuesday), by Saida Khanam, Director (Ex-Cadre-Publication) of the Department of Communications and Publications and Assistant Spokesperson for the Bangladesh Bank. The decision was finalized during the first meeting of the Shariah Advisory Committee, formed under the Deputy Governor and Debt Management Department, held at the central bank's head office on November 3. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Md. Kabir Ahammed, President of the Committee. Type:The Sukuk will be issued under the Ijara (Leasing) method.Value and Term: It will be valued at Tk2,500 crore with a maturity term of 7 years.Name: The Sukuk has been named ‘IRIDPNFL Socio-Economic Development Sukuk’.Timeline: The issuance is planned for December 2025. The funds generated from this Sukuk will be utilized for the rural development of 20 upazilas across Noakhali, Feni, and Lakshmipur districts. The scope of work includes-Road development, widening, and rehabilitation. Slope protection work.Infrastructure development for local markets (Haat-Bazaars) and tourism areas. Bangladesh Bank directs MFS providers to halt online gambling transactions The Bangladesh Bank noted that the successful implementation of the IRIDPNFL project is anticipated to: Increase the flow of agricultural and non-agricultural economic activity. Improve the standard of living for the rural population. Generate new employment opportunities. Significantly reduce both transportation costs and time. Prior to this, the Bangladesh Bank, acting as the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), had successfully issued a total of six Sukuks amounting to Tk 24,000 crore.  

Ambassador-designate of France to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet on Tuesday said Airbus would be an important partner for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, which is today entering a decisive phase. "With increasing connectivity needs, and a strategic geographic position, Bangladesh has all the ingredients to become a regional aviation hub," he said. In this context, the envoy said Airbus has presented a comprehensive and competitive solution to Biman Bangladesh in order to accompany this transformation. German Ambassador Rüdiger Lotz, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke and European Union Ambassador Michael Miller- and aviation journalists engaged in a European Dialogue on Bangladesh’s Aviation Growth at the Franco-German Embassy, highlighting the positive role that Airbus intends to play in the development of the sector. Airbus’ proposal aims to contribute to Bangladesh’s rapidly expanding aviation industry and to further strengthen the long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation between the European Union and Bangladesh. Introducing Airbus aircraft as part of a diversified fleet alongside existing models would certainly bring greater flexibility, resilience, and competitiveness to Biman, an advantage already demonstrated by airlines around the world, said the French Ambassador. He said the Airbus offer is strongly backed by all four European countries that are part of the multinational company.  "Our respective Export Credit Agencies already expressed their interest in supporting this deal." France and Europe are also committed to play a role in establishing a long-term partnership for supporting the Bangladeshi aviation ecosystem as a whole, said the French envoy. "Meaning pilot and engineer training, maintenance operations, and the transfer of industrial expertise, all aimed at strengthening Biman’s operational capabilities and human capital," he said. The envoy underlined a key message: "We want to work together: As Bangladesh emerges as a key aviation player in the region, Europe is willing to accompany this journey through Airbus." He recently arrived as the new Ambassador of France and is preparing to present his letters of credence, marking the beginning of his official mission in Bangladesh. The envoy said France enjoys a long-standing partnership with Bangladesh, built over decades on mutual respect. He said Bangladesh’s rapid growth and strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, at a pivotal location between South Asia and Southeast-Asia, present tremendous opportunities for collaboration with France and Europe. "It is precisely within this context of shared ambition and partnership that Airbus stands out, and that France and Europe fully support its engagement in the country," he said. With its heritage in Europe, the envoy said its vision and solutions for Bangladesh’s aviation sector, Airbus represents a credible, sustainable, and forward-looking choice to help realize the country’s aviation ambitions. "Airbus stands at the very heart of the French and European aeronautics industry," he said, noting that the combination of technical mastery and innovation is what makes Airbus not only a symbol of European industrial excellence, but also a trusted partner to airlines worldwide.

Four more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 292 this year. During the period, 1, 101 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the total infected-case to 73, 923 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). According to the DGHS, new cases were reported as follows: 151 in Barishal Division (Out of CC), 125 in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), 208 in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), 241 in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), 175 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 59 in Khulna Division (Out of CC), 75 in Mymensingh Division (Out of CC), 45 in Rajshahi Division (Out of CC), 19 in Rangpur Division (Out of CC), and three in Sylhet Division (Out of CC) Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. Dengue crisis deepens: 5 dead, 1,147 hospitalised in 24hrs In 2023, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries in the same year.

Preparations for the upcoming COP-30 climate summit in Brazil on Tuesday revealed significant coordination gaps among Bangladesh’s ministries and stakeholders, even as the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock prepares to participate in the global conference for the first time. “For the first time, the ministry will attend alongside the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. However, the absence of inter-ministerial coordination could weaken Bangladesh’s ability to present a unified position on climate impacts,” said Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. Speaking at a preparatory workshop titled ‘World Climate Conference COP-30: Preparatory Workshop’, she said, “Everyone assumes COP is only the responsibility of the Environment Ministry. But ministries like Fisheries, Education, Agriculture, Disaster Management, and Women and Children Affairs are also intrinsically linked. One ministry alone cannot ensure proper representation at COP.” This year, at the initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock will attend the COP summit for the first time. “We will highlight how the climate crisis is adversely affecting the country’s fisheries and livestock sectors,” Farida Akhter said. Govt committed to stable electricity prices, says Farida Akhter Pointing to the lack of coordination not only among ministries but also between government and non-government entities, Farida Akhter said, “At this COP, we must forget who represents the government and who represents NGOs — we all represent Bangladesh.” Environmentalists and NGO representatives at the event alleged that unlike Bhutan or Indonesia, Bangladesh has made little effort in creatively presenting its pavilion at past COP summits. “This year, Bangladesh’s pavilion will feature exhibits and visuals on local species such as Hilsa and Black Bengal Goat to showcase how climate change is impacting fisheries and livestock resources,” the adviser said. She emphasised the need for closer coordination between government delegates and civil society representatives at this year’s summit. Bangladesh wastes 21 million tonnes of food annually: Adviser Farida Expressing concern, the adviser said as Bangladesh approaches graduation from the LDC category, the country’s access to the Loss and Damage Fund remains uncertain. “We can no longer play the victim. We must demand compensation as our rightful claim.” Highlighting the regional gap, she observed that Asian countries, especially those in South Asia, still lack collective coordination at COP compared to African nations, which present united positions on climate issues. Due to climate impacts, Bangladesh’s capture fisheries sector has suffered significant losses, she said, adding, “While 60 percent of fish demand once came from capture fisheries, that share has now dropped by more than 20 percent.” “Major countries still think they are immune to the effects of climate change. But even the U.S. is now facing floods — this is the consequence of the climate crisis. Everyone must act to confront it,” she said. Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber presided over the session.

The Election Commission has decided to award registration to three political parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Tuesday (4th November 2025). The two other parties are Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (Marxist) and Bangladesh Aamjanagan Party. “We’ve verified the authenticity of their documents submitted with the registration applications. The Commission considered that these three parties are eligible for registration,” he told reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. A public notification will be published in newspapers regarding the registration of these parties on Wednesday, the EC Secretary added. A public notification will be published in newspapers on Wednesday inviting objections, if any, against the registration of the parties, the EC Secretary added. Earlier on September 30 last, the EC Secretary said the two parties – National Citizen Party-NCP and Bangladesh Jatiya League – preliminarily met the registration conditions. The applications of 12 other parties are under further review. Read more: NCP forms 10-member Election Steering Committee led by Nasiruddin Patwary Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jatiya League was dropped from the list of eligible parties. On March 10, 2025 the Commission invited applications from the new political parties by April 20 next to get registered ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. The EC received applications from 143 parties seeking registration within the extended deadline of June 22 last. After scrutiny, 22 parties were shortlisted for field-level inquiries to verify the authenticity of their claims of fulfillment of registration conditions. A total of 57 parties have so far obtained registration, but five of them—Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Freedom Party, Oikyabodha Nagorik Andolan, PDP and Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (Jagpa)—later lost their status due to different grounds and court orders. But Jamaat and Jagpa got back their registration following the court orders. Besides, the registration of Awami League remains suspended. Read more: Abbas fears interim govt may use illegal means to secure win for Jamaat, NCP 

A 21-year-old woman was found dead at a house in Shahjahanpur area of the capital on Monday night. The deceased was identified as Survi Akter Mahfuza, wife of Azizur Rahman and daughter of Nurul Haque of Jajira upazila in Shariatpur district. NGO worker's body found hanging in Cumilla’s Homna Md Mahsin Talukdar, sub-inspector of Shahjahanpur Police Station, said on information, police recovered the body of Mahfuza from the house around 9 pm and sent it to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital morgue for autopsy. Azizur went into hiding, he said.      

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rains or thundershowers in three divisions including Chattogram in the next 24 hours commencing 9:00am on Tuesday. “Rain or thundershowers is likely to occur at many places over Chattogram division and at a few places over Barishal and Sylhet divisions,” said a regular bulletin of the Met office. Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country. Night temperature may rise slightly and day temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. The low-pressure area over East-central Bay and adjoining Myanmar coast persists and is likely to move north-northwestwards along Myanmar-Bangladesh coasts.

Maritime ports of Chattogram and Cox's Bazar have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No 3 as the low-pressure area over Eastcentral Bay and adjoining Myanmar coast persists. It is likely to move north-northwestwards along Myanmar-Bangladesh coasts, said a special bulletin of the Met office. Under its influence, deep convection is taking place over Northeast Bay. Gusty or squally weather may affect the maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, the Northeast Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Bangladesh. All fishing boats and trawlers over Northeast Bay have been advised to come close to the coast and proceed with caution till further notice.    

The government of Bangladesh has issued the “Representation of the People (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025,” with provision that even if registered political parties form an electoral alliance, candidates must contest the polls with their own party symbols. The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Law Ministry issued a gazette notification in this regard on Monday (3rd November 2025). Earlier, on October 23, the Advisory Council approved the draft amendment of the RPO. During discussions on amending Article 20 related to the use of coalition symbols BNP objected to the change while Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) demanded the provision remain unchanged. Election 2026: EC directs field officials to arrange polls preparation meetings Ultimately, the government retained the rule that candidates in alliances must contest under their respective party symbols. This means that in the upcoming election, candidates nominated under an alliance cannot use the symbol of a larger or allied party but must use their own registered party symbol. The amended ordinance specifies that if two or more registered political parties agree to jointly nominate a candidate, the Election Commission may allocate the symbol reserved for the candidate’s own political party based on his or her party affiliation. Read more: 12-party alliance for allowing alliance candidates to use partner’s symbol