United News of Bangladesh

Five Eid congregations will be held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque from 7 am on the day of Eid-ul-Azha. Islamic Foundation, Bangladesh revealed the schedule in a press release on Tuesday. The first Eid jamaat will be held at 7am, followed by three more till 10am. The last one will be at 10:45 am. The holy Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated across the country on Saturday.

Trading in the country's stock markets began on a downward trend on Tuesday, with key indices falling and most company shares losing value. At the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), the benchmark DSEX index dropped by 11 points in early trading. The Shariah-based DSES index declined by 3 points, while the DS30 index, comprising blue-chip companies, fell by 6 points. Prices dropped for the majority of the traded companies. Of the issues traded, 183 saw a fall in prices, 109 advanced, and 92 remained unchanged. During the first two hours of trading, shares and units worth over Tk 100 crore changed hands on the DSE. Stocks slide sharply in early trading at DSE, CSE Meanwhile, the overall index at the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) declined by 6 points. Of the 88 issues traded on the CSE, 45 declined, 29 advanced, and 14 remained unchanged. In the first half of the session, shares and units worth over Tk 5 crore were traded on the CSE.  

The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) on Tuesday criticised the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, saying it lacks alignment with the ideals of an equitable society, particularly in the wake of the July transition. In a press conference titled ‘CPD’s Review of the National Budget 2025–26’, the think tank raised concerns over existing inequalities, especially in the taxation framework. CPD Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun stated that the budget was expected to be people-centric and focused on holistic national development, rather than merely promoting growth and physical infrastructure. FY 2025–26 Budget: Tk 824 crore proposed for cultural sector “However, the budget presented by the Economic Adviser does not reflect that commitment,” she said. Referring to the issue of tax-free income, CPD noted that while the limit has been proposed to increase from Tk 3.5 lakh to Tk 3.75 lakh, it will only come into effect in the 2026–27 and 2027–28 fiscal years. Compared to projected inflation at that time, this relief is ‘insignificant’, the organisation said. Like in previous years, the tax burden will fall heavily on the lower-middle and middle-income groups, especially those earning between Tk 6 lakh and Tk 16 lakh annually, CPD warned. In contrast, people with annual incomes above Tk 30 lakh will enjoy relatively lower tax rates, a disparity CPD described as a clear sign of inequality. Describing the 6.5% inflation target set in the budget as ‘ambitious’, Dr Fahmida noted that recent monthly trends suggest the government will struggle to contain inflation within that limit. “Keeping annual inflation at 6.5% will be a challenging task for the government,” she said. Commenting on revenue projections, CPD Fellow Dr Mustafizur Rahman said achieving the ambitious revenue target will be difficult as the revenue administration remains unreformed. “The government has virtually surrendered to the revenue department in this budget.” People first, not mega projects: Interim govt unveils first national budget While some aspects of the budget—such as the projected growth rate, debt structure, and tax inequality—were anticipated, they remain deeply concerning, CPD noted. Dr Fahmida also strongly criticised the move to allow the whitening of undisclosed money, saying it is ‘unacceptable from a moral standpoint’. While the government has offered the opportunity to legalise black money through investments in the housing sector, it has simultaneously increased duties on various items in that same sector, which will disproportionately affect the middle class, she said. Currently, 20 mega projects are underway, with eight scheduled to be completed by 2026. But, CPD believes that these projects are unlikely to be completed on time and that their costs will escalate, exerting further pressure on the budget’s Annual Development Programme (ADP) allocations. On sectoral allocations, Dr Fahmida noted that education has received less than 2% of GDP and health less than 1%. “Such allocations cannot lead to meaningful improvements in these vital sectors.” Regarding social safety nets, CPD stressed the importance of increasing actual allocations for intended beneficiaries, excluding government pension payments and agricultural subsidies, which are currently included under the social safety net umbrella. ICPD said that the proposed budget fails to meet the expectations of building an equitable Bangladesh and called upon the Economic Adviser to reassess various aspects of the proposal.  

Although heavy rainfall has subsided in Sylhet onrush of upstream water continues to swell the district’s rivers, keeping several areas waterlogged and increasing the risk of further flooding. According to the Sylhet office of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Surma and Kushiyara rivers were flowing above the danger mark at four points of as of 9am Tuesday. Surma, Kushiyara rivers flow above danger level in Sylhet; flood fears loom Surma was flowing at 13.69 metres at Kanaighat, 0.94 metres above the danger level, the Kushiyara was at 17.36 metres in Amalshid (1.96m above the danger level), 13.52 metres in Sheola (0.47m above), and 9.98 metres in Fenchuganj (0.53m above). Water levels at all four points rose compared to Monday. While no new areas were inundated on Tuesday, many low-lying villages and roads in five unions of Zakiganj upazila remained submerged. Local authorities said the water receded from the market area by early Tuesday morning. Apart from Surma and Kushiyara, water levels have also increased in the Dholai, Lova, Sari, and Dawki rivers. Only the Sari-Goyain river saw a slight decrease in water level. Several upazilas including Gowainghat, Companiganj, Fenchuganj, Kanaighat, Jaintiapur, Beanibazar, and Osmaninagar have been flood. In Zakiganj upazila, multiple breaches along the Kushiyara river’s embankments led to inundation of villages and homes while many rural roads went under water, leaving people stranded. Zakiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahbubur Rahman said the exact number of affected villages and people could not be confirmed yet. Five unions in the upazila have been partially flooded and 9 members of two families have taken shelter at two local centres, he said. Heavy rains raise flood risk in parts of Bangladesh: FFWC Beanibazar UNO Golam Mustafa Munna said a control room has been set up and 68 shelter centres prepared in view of the flood risk. “Though it cannot be called a full-scale flood yet, some villages have been affected due to embankment breaches,” he said, adding that BGB members placed sandbags to repair damaged embankments. According to the Sylhet Meteorological Office, 26.6 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in the district in the 24 hours until 6am Tuesday. WDB Sylhet Executive Engineer Deepak Ranjan Das said onrush of water from India continues causing river water levels to rise despite rainfall easing. If there’s no fresh heavy rainfall, the situation may normalise within the next couple of days, he said.  

At least 20 people, including police personnel, were injured in a chase and counter-chase between RMG workers and law enforcers in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur on Tuesday morning, following the reported suicide of a factory worker. The unrest began after workers of Jinnat Knitwear Limited, located in the Natun Bazar area, alleged that their colleague Zakir had died by suicide after being denied leave for Eid-ul-Azha. According to the workers, Zakir had gone to the Human Resources office on Monday seeking leave, but the authorities rejected his request and allegedly mistreated him, leading him to jump off the rooftop of the factory. Angered by the incident, the workers attempted to vandalise the factory on Tuesday morning. Police intervened, leading to a chase and counter-chase. Locals reported that law enforcers charged batons and fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesting workers. RMG workers block road demanding payment of Eid bonus, wages During the clash, the workers allegedly vandalised a police Armored Personnel Carrier. Officer-in-charge of Sreepur Police Station Muhammad Abdurl Barik said several police members were injured while trying to bring the situation under control. To prevent further violence, additional forces from the Army, Industrial Police and regular police have been deployed in the area. As of 1pm, a tense situation was prevailing there.

With a 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday starting Thursday (June 5), people across the country have already begun heading home from different cities and towns to celebrate with their loved ones. While the mass exodus is expected to gain full momentum from Thursday, the ongoing rainfall has added a layer of concern for holidaymakers. Despite a slight decrease in rainfall over recent days, moderate to heavy showers continue to affect most parts of the country. This has left many wondering how smooth or troublesome the upcoming Eid travel may be. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), the south-west monsoon is currently moderately active over Bangladesh and moderately strong over the North Bay of Bengal. In its forecast for the 24 hours from 9:00 am on Tuesday (June 3), the BMD has indicated that many areas in Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions, some parts of Rangpur, Dhaka and Chattogram divisions, and isolated areas of Rajshahi, Khulna and Barishal divisions may experience temporary gusty winds accompanied by light to moderate rain or thunderstorms.  Dhaka's cattle markets take shape as Eid-ul-Azha nears Besides, there is a possibility of moderately heavy rainfall in some parts of Mymensingh and Chattogram divisions, and moderate to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of the Sylhet division. On Wednesday, June 4, most regions are expected to continue experiencing rainfall. The forecast suggests many areas in Sylhet division; some places in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Barishal and Chattogram divisions; and isolated spots in Rajshahi and Khulna divisions may receive light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds. Sylhet division, in particular, may witness moderate to heavy showers in some locations. Looking further ahead, the three-day period from Thursday to Saturday (Eid day) is expected to see a gradual decline in rainfall. While the monsoon conditions will remain active, the likelihood of rainfall will diminish. Scattered areas across the country may still experience temporary gusty winds along with light to moderate rain or thundershowers during this period. This suggests that although the beginning of the Eid travel rush may be marked by some disruptions due to rain, conditions are likely to improve gradually as the weekend progresses. DMP Commissioner's strict directives for Eid-ul-Azha haat operations What About Heat? Despite the rain, temperatures have not dropped significantly everywhere. According to the BMD, Dhaka recorded a temperature of 24.6°C at 6:00 am on Tuesday. However, a mild heatwave is currently sweeping over the Khulna division. On Monday, the highest temperature in the country was recorded in Satkhira at 37.2°C. The meteorological department has indicated that the temperature in Khulna and surrounding areas may rise further over the next 24 hours, even amidst rainfall. But, the rest of the country could see a slight drop in temperature over the next two days due to continued rainfall. That said, once the rainfall starts to subside, temperatures are expected to climb again. The BMD has forecast that heat levels will increase even further after Eid, suggesting that while post-Eid travel may face less rain-related disruption, it could be accompanied by rising temperatures. Travellers are expected to brace for a somewhat uncomfortable start to the holiday rush due to ongoing showers. But there is some relief on the horizon, with conditions likely to improve gradually and clearer skies expected in the days following Eid.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has pushed eight people into Bangladesh through the Chandshikari border in Bholahat upazila of Chapainawabganj in the early hours of Tuesday. According to officials, the incident occurred around 4:30 am when BSF personnel forced the group, comprising four men and four women, across the border into Bangladeshi territory. A patrol team from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stationed at the Chandshikari camp later detained the eight people. BGB foils Indian BSF’s attempts to push in 57 People into Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat Confirming the incident, 59 BGB Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Golam Kibria said the detainees would be handed over to Bholahat police station following interrogation. This incident follows a similar occurrence on May 27, when the BSF pushed 17 people into Bangladesh through the Bibishan border in Gomostapur upazila.

As the holy Eid-ul-Azha approaches, Professor Dr Md Mahbub Alam of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has urged all concerned to adopt a scientific approach to the selection, transportation, slaughter and post-slaughter waste management of sacrificial animals. Emphasising the importance of public health, food safety and environmental sustainability, he provided a comprehensive set of guidelines in an interview with UNB. Prof Mahbub Alam, who also serves as the Director of the Interdisciplinary Institute for Food Security (IIFS) and President of the Veterinary Doctors Association of Bangladesh (VAB), warned against traditional but potentially harmful practices, urging more informed decisions at every step of the Qurbani process. One of his primary concerns is the improper selection of animals. He advised that healthy animals are typically active, alert and display regular cud-chewing, moist nostrils, taut skin and a fleshy hump. Signs of illness include drooling, lethargy, sagging ears and bloating. Dhaka's cattle markets take shape as Eid-ul-Azha nears Buyers are strongly advised to avoid animals that appear excessively fat or have uneven fat distribution, as these may have been treated with steroids. “Steroid-treated cattle often show signs like abnormal calmness, swollen skin and fatigue,” Prof Alam noted. He also cautioned against the use of broiler chicken feed to fatten cattle, calling it a dangerous and unethical practice. Such feed causes fluid retention under the skin and can lead to kidney and liver damage, severely compromising both animal welfare and meat quality, he said. Regarding disease detection, Prof Alam said that certain symptoms—such as skin bumps indicating Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), or thick hooves and eye infections—can help buyers identify potentially sick animals. While age estimation is ideally based on farm records, he explained that tooth and horn ring inspection can offer a reasonably accurate field method for determining an animal’s age. Animal transportation was another area of concern. Overcrowded transport, he said, causes extreme stress, which negatively impacts meat quality by depleting muscle glycogen and altering muscle pH. “Stress-free movement is critical for maintaining quality.” On the legal side, Prof Alam reminded that violations of animal welfare laws during transport in Bangladesh can result in fines up to Tk 10,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or even bans on livestock keeping. In cases of severe cruelty, imprisonment can extend up to three years. He also addressed the heightened risk of disease outbreaks such as Anthrax, LSD, Brucellosis, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) during Qurbani season. To prevent outbreaks, he recommended mass awareness campaigns, pre-Qurbani veterinary checks, intensified vaccination drives and prompt isolation or quarantine of infected animals. On slaughter and hide preservation, he said animals should be placed on clean, flat surfaces and skinning should be done using blunt knives to protect hide quality, which has economic importance through export. Quick removal of restraints post-slaughter also helps preserve meat and hide. Prof Alam called for organised waste management, noting that indiscriminate disposal pollutes the environment and spreads disease. Desert giants draw crowds at Benapole ahead of Eid-ul-Azha He advocated for designated slaughtering areas and converting animal waste into useful by-products like fish feed and fertiliser. “Proper waste management not only safeguards public health but also contributes economically,” he said. He urged that those involved in the slaughter process wear gloves, face masks, and disinfected boots. Personal hygiene and physical distancing during all Qurbani-related tasks are crucial to reduce health risks, Prof Alam added.  

With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched a nationwide operation to tackle black market ticket sales, financial irregularities and passenger harassment at railway stations. Beginning at 11:30 am on May 28, the ACC initiated a coordinated crackdown at eight key stations, including Kamalapur in Dhaka. Md Akhtarul Islam, Deputy Director of Public Relations at the ACC, confirmed the move, saying the drive aims to bring an end to the illicit sale of train tickets.  Special teams have been deployed to Kamalapur (Dhaka), Chattogram, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Sylhet and Dinajpur stations. Online Rush for Tickets The surge in demand for tickets has been intense. On May 26, when tickets for  June 5 were released for western-bound trains, the railway’s ticketing website saw 29.7 million hits within just 30 minutes.  On the previous day, when tickets for eastern-bound intercity trains went on sale, the site received 19.4 million hits during the same period.  Earlier that morning, sales for the western-bound trains also recorded 27.6 million hits. According to Bangladesh Railway, 33,924 tickets were issued for trains departing on June 5: 16,576 for 24 eastern-bound trains and 17,348 for 21 western-bound trains. By 8:30 am, 14,581 of these had already been sold. On June 4, 34,020 tickets were allocated: 16,576 for eastern routes and 17,444 for western destinations.  By 2:30 pm, 31,547 had been sold.  Train Ticket Black Market: ACC cracks down across major stations Across the Eid season, a total of 183,665 tickets have been allocated, with 62,258 sold as of Sunday afternoon. From Dhaka alone, intercity trains offer a total of 33,315 seats.  A further 47,000 tickets have been made available for commuter, mail, and local services, covering 23 eastern and 20 northern trains. Questions Over Speed of Sales Dr Md Mesbahuddin Sarkar, Professor at the Institute of Information Technology, Jahangirnagar University, raised questions about the speed of ticket sales. “We’ve heard of thousands of tickets being sold within two minutes.  For that to be possible, an extremely high-speed server would be required -- something that’s questionable given our local infrastructure,” he said.  He also pointed out that allegations of black-market activity have long surrounded holiday ticket sales. ICT experts echoed his concerns, questioning whether local servers can support such rapid processing.  Online train tickets vanish in a blink as expert weighs in on black market fiasco Kamalapur Station Manager Sajedul Islam said, according to online platform shohoj.com, their system is capable of handling 30,000 ticket sales every five minutes. “No matter how many hits the site gets, there’s a fixed number of seats — around 43,000 including standing tickets,” said Sajedul.  “Hits don’t guarantee tickets," he added.  When asked about the possibility of black-market activity, he said, “I joined on 30 April. Since then, I haven’t encountered any complaints or caught anyone involved in illegal ticket sales. We are monitoring the situation regularly.” Public concern over ticket availability continues to grow as Eid travel demand peaks, with authorities now under pressure to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution system.

 A sub-inspector of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) was killed after being hit by a bus in the capital’s Shahjahanpur area on Monday night. The deceased was identified as Kamrul Islam, a sub-inspector (SI) posted at Motijheel Police Station. The accident occurred around 8:15 pm when SI Kamrul was heading to his workplace on a motorcycle from his Sabujbagh residence. Youth’s death in road accident sparks protest in Manikganj As he descended from the Shahjahanpur flyover, a bus of Balaka Paribahan hit him from behind, Shahjahanpur Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Jahangir Hossain told the media. He was critically injured and taken to Mugda Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police detained the driver and seized the bus from the scene shortly after the incident. A case was filed with Shahjahanpur Police Station early Tuesday.