United News of Bangladesh

Eighty-three more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 4,783 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: 62 in Barishal Division (Out of CC), eight in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), one in Dhaka North City Corporation and 12 in Dhaka South City Corporation.   The number of deaths remained at 23, with no new fatalities reported during this period, the DGHS added. Dengue spike: 114 cases reported in 24 hrs Currently, 411 dengue patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people. According to the DGHS, there were 101,214 dengue cases and 100,040 recoveries in the same year.

Amid swirling rumours about the cancellation of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s recognition as a freedom fighter, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam on Wednesday firmly dismissed the claim. He clarified that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four other national leaders were not mentioned as ‘associates of the liberation war’ in the recently issued ‘National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance-2025,’ but this does not affect their historical roles or recognitions. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he made the remarks while addressing questions about the government's decision. On Tuesday night, the government issued the ‘National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance-2025’, which includes a change in the definition of a freedom fighter. Council of Advisers approves Freedom Fighters Council amendment draft Referring to the ordinance, some media reported that the recognition of the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was cancelled and the national four leaders Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmed, Captain (retd) Mansur Ali, and AHM Quamruzzaman were mentioned as associate of the Liberation War, he said. Rather, the role of Mujibnagar Government in the liberation war recognised in the ordinance, Faruk-e-Azam said. “The definition of freedom fighters is clearly stated in the ordinance. It is based on history. Those who fought armed in the battlefield and those who conducted this war will be considered as freedom fighters. Those who supported and worked for the success of the liberation war from within the country and abroad, who were not armed, will be regarded as associates of the liberation war,”   he said. “The recognition of freedom fighters including Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other leaders being revoked is not justified. It is not correct in the sense that it is clearly stated here (in the ordinance defining freedom fighters) that the expatriate Bangladesh government, which is the Mujibnagar government, and other forces recognized by this government will all be considered as freedom fighters. This means that those who fought an armed struggle under the Mujibnagar government and those forces recognised by it will all be freedom fighters,” he added. Recalling the immense role of the Mujibnagar Government during the Liberation War, he said media reports are misleading. Fake freedom fighters to face action: Liberation War Affairs Adviser The adviser said, “Before issuing the ordinance, it has been verified, vetted, and a lot has been done. If you want to twist it, you can. It's a completely different thing. We are trying diligently to ensure that the history of the Liberation War cannot be disputed by anyone.”  

River ports in some regions have been asked to hoist cautionary signal 1 as a temporary west or northwesterly gusty or squally wind is likely to occur in many parts of the country, according to the special bulletin Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). “Rain or thundershowers accompanies by temporary west or northwesterly gusty or squally wind speed 45-60 kph is likely to occur over the regions of Barishal, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Cumilla, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet where in river ports shall hoist cautionary signal no one, it said. The warning for Inland River ports to remain valid till 6 pm on Wednesday, according to a bulletin.      

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted rains at several places in eight divisions of the country including Dhaka in 24 hours commencing 9 am on Wednesday.  “Light to moderate rain or thunder showers with lightning flashes and temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions and at a few places over Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions with moderately heavy to heavy falls at places over the country,” said a Met office bulletin. Light to moderate heat wave is sweeping over Khulna division and the districts of Rajshahi &and Pabna and it may continue. Depression-induced rains disrupt life in Chandpur Day temperature may fall slightly and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country. Monsoon is fairly active over Bangladesh and moderate over North Bay.      

The government has instructed all CNG and refueling stations across the country to remain open round the clock for 13 days during Eid-ul-Azha to facilitate smooth travel for holidaymakers. According to a media release issued by the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, the 13-day period includes seven days before Eid, the Eid day itself, and five days after the festival. CNG refueling stations to remain closed from 6 pm to 9 pm from Jan 1 The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the Senior Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division.

For many Dhaka residents, the metro rail has become more than just a mode of transport — it’s a symbol of the city’s growing modernity and a reliable companion in the daily rush, but on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the capital’s most popular commuter service will take a short break. According to a notice issued by Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) on Wednesday (June 4), metro rail services will remain completely closed on Saturday (June 7), the day of Eid. The announcement comes as many city dwellers prepare for the festive holiday, with thousands expected to leave the capital or head out to visit loved ones. While the pause may cause a temporary inconvenience for regular commuters, the break allows for observance of one of the country’s most sacred religious celebrations by it staff. Dhaka's street chaos takes root beneath its Metro Rail Metro rail operations will resume on Sunday (June 8), from 8:00am, with trains running every 30 minutes. From June 9 onwards, the services will follow the regular government holiday timetable.

Four people were killed and three others were injured in a head-on collision between a passenger bus and a three-wheeler 'Mahindra' in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur on Wednesday morning. The identities of the deceased could not be known yet, but all the victims were passengers of the three-wheeler. Talha Bin Zashim, station officer (media cell) of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) headquarters, said the collision occurred around 6:12am in Chumurdi Bablatala Bus Stand area of the upazila, leaving the four dead on the spot. 3 of a family killed, 3 others injured in Tangail road accident On information, two firefighting units from Bhanga fire station rushed to the spot and rescued the injured with the help of locals and sent to Upazila Health Complex, he said. Further details of the accident will be shared later, he added.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) launched an emergency response in Teknaf upazila of Cox’s Bazar, shortly after early warning signals were issued. In a proactive move, the WFP, in coordination with the government, initiated support through its anticipatory action mechanism. A total of 6,500 people received Tk 5,000 (US$43) per family, transferred directly to their mobile wallets. The early support enabled families to purchase food and essential supplies, safeguard their homes, and prepare for the potential impact of the disaster, said a WFP press release. “As always, climate shocks hit hardest in communities already living in poverty and facing high food insecurity. Because we acted early, families had a chance to prepare and face the storm with greater resilience and dignity,” said Dom Scalpelli, WFP Country Director in Bangladesh. To respond to climate shocks throughout this year, WFP has developed a four-phase emergency preparedness and response plan. It includes anticipatory action before the emergency hits to help people prepare; emergency food rations immediately after; financial support for affected people to access food as markets begin to reopen; and cash-for-work and income-generating activities to help communities recover quickly. The plan aims to reach over six million of people at risk – although the actual number could be far higher – but faces a funding gap of US$55 million, with anticipatory action making up the largest share. UNICEF halts key education programmes in Bangladesh amid aid fund crisis “Anticipatory action gave families a chance to prepare – to buy food, secure their homes, and stay safe. But this window is narrow, and resources are limited. We are calling on partners to act with us – early, fast, and at scale – to protect lives before the next wave of flooding hits,” added Scalpelli. WFP’s latest response is part of a growing national effort to strengthen early action in Bangladesh. In 2024, over 15 AA frameworks were activated by UN agencies, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, INGOs like CARE, Save the Children, and STEP, and the Start Fund. This year, 46 agencies are expected to implement AA frameworks, with increasing national leadership and expanded coverage of hazards like heatwaves, landslides, and droughts. WFP’s anticipatory action is generously supported by partners including the European Union and donors contributing to our global Trust Fund — such as Germany and Ireland. They also acknowledge pooled funding and multilateral support, including from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and donors like Belgium, whose contribution enabled our recent AA response in Teknaf. Meanwhile, in the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, home to over one million refugees, continuous rainfall has triggered flooding and landslides, affecting nearly all 33 campssaid the release. WFP is delivering fortified biscuits and hot meals to displaced families. However, additional funding of US$2 million is urgently needed to replenish local stocks of fortified biscuits – an essential, vitamin-enriched ration that is ideal for emergencies and has been widely used in Bangladesh’s School Feeding Programme for over two decades, it said.

A total of 18 teams have been formed to provide services to Bangladeshi pilgrims in Mina during this year’s hajj. The Bangladesh Hajj Office in Makkah Al-Mukarramah issued an official order regarding the formation of these teams on Tuesday. The decision was made following a meeting of the Hajj Monitoring Committee on Monday, where officials agreed to assign specific responsibilities to ensure a smooth and safe Hajj experience for the pilgrims. The order was subsequently issued by the Hajj Counsellor. Four teams have been assigned to facilitate the transportation of government-arranged pilgrims to Mina and ensure their safe return to their hotels after the hajj rituals. These teams comprise 10 officials in total. What are the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha? Why are they important to muslims? Additionally, six teams will be stationed at key locations in Mina to guide pilgrims and provide necessary assistance. These locations will be manned by 87 officials and staff members working in three shifts, covering administrative, technical, and support roles. To monitor the tents of privately-managed pilgrims, eight separate inspection teams have been formed. These 23-member teams will independently inspect tents operated by service providers in Zone 5 of Mina. This year, private Hajj agencies have signed contracts with eight service-providing companies to support pilgrims under their care. The companies include Rawaf Mina, Iswar Al Mashair, M by Millennium, Rehlat Manafie, Ekram Ad Duyuf, Mashariq Al Mutamayyizah, Flynas, and Al Rifada.

The Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) has voiced support for the government’s proposed Telecommunications Network and Licensing Reform Policy 2025, terming it a “bold and necessary step” towards overhauling the country’s outdated telecom regulatory framework. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the industry body acknowledged recent media discussions surrounding the draft policy and called for a clearer, fact-based understanding of the reforms. “While we appreciate the concerns raised by stakeholders, we believe it is critical to present a clearer, fact-based perspective regarding the proposed reform,” said AMTOB. Refuting claims that the draft favours foreign companies or mobile operators, AMTOB said that the proposed policy does not offer any undue advantage to either group. In fact, it continues to curtail the operational scope of mobile operators, who are at the frontline of delivering telecom and digital services to consumers across the country, it said. Budget is realistic and frugal: Planning Adviser Citing legacy issues stemming from the 2007 International Long Distance Telecommunication Services (ILDTS) Policy, AMTOB criticised the sector’s fragmentation, which introduced multiple intermediary entities such as IGWs, IIGs, ICXs, and NTTNs. These entities, according to AMTOB, add minimal value to service delivery while inflating costs and creating inefficiencies. Despite these limitations, the association welcomed the government's intent, describing the new policy structure which proposes dividing the licensing regime into International Connectivity Services, National Infrastructure Connectivity Services, and Access Network Services as a marked improvement over the current model. The association argued that, in most countries, mobile operators are granted the autonomy to manage end-to-end infrastructure, resulting in more affordable and higher-quality services for consumers. In contrast, Bangladesh’s heavily segmented licensing regime continues to stifle sectoral growth and compromise user experience. “Reform in the telecom sector is not just an industry imperative — it is a national interest,” AMTOB stressed, adding that a modern, competitive telecom ecosystem is vital to achieving a digitally advanced economy and supporting national socio-economic goals. “While the current reform proposal is not the final solution, it sets the right tone,” the statement said.