United News of Bangladesh

The Executive Board of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has approved $51.4 million in financing as IFAD’s contribution to the US$211.7 million project in Bangladesh. This new investment will enhance climate resilience, strengthen food security, and promote rural entrepreneurship for approximately 1.1 million people living in some of the country’s most climate-vulnerable regions. The approval came during its 146th session held on December 9-10, IFAD said on Saturday. The Growth for Climate Resilient and Environmental Entrepreneurship and Nutrition (GREEN) project will be implemented over six years, from 2026 to 2031, in the Haor wetlands, Coastal Belt, High Barind, and River Char regions. By supporting smallholder farmers, rural microenterprises, and young entrepreneurs, the project will foster adaptive capacities to climate change, stimulate diversified and resilient livelihoods, and accelerate the development of sustainable rural enterprises. The project will be executed by the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance and implemented by Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). Strategic oversight will be ensured through a national steering committee comprising the Finance Division, the Economic Relations Division, and PKSF thereby reinforcing strong governance and alignment with national priorities. “The GREEN project builds on the long-standing partnership between IFAD and the government of Bangladesh, and our close collaboration with PKSF, to enhance rural livelihoods and expand income opportunities for small producers through inclusive, climate-aware financing and environmentally responsible growth,” said Valantine Achancho, IFAD Country Director for Bangladesh. “This initiative represents a new generation of investment that connects climate adaptation, agroecological practices and market-responsive rural enterprises to create pathways for rural communities to prosper while safeguarding their ecosystems.” The project will scale climate-smart practices across crops, livestock, and fisheries, introducing renewable energy solutions, efficient water-use technologies, organic farming methods, and small-scale processing to raise productivity, conserve natural resources and support healthier and more diverse diets. Through PKSF’s nationwide network, GREEN will expand access to affordable, climate-informed financial services for women, youth, and microenterprises, helping small producers adopt sustainable technologies, strengthen value chains and create rural jobs.. GREEN will also strengthen institutional capacity and deepen policy engagement. Working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the project will support the integration of climate adaptation, nutrition, and gender equality into rural finance and development planning. Prof Yunus urges IFAD to create Social Business Fund for young agri-entrepreneurs in Bangladesh By linking climate action with entrepreneurship and inclusive finance, GREEN will contribute directly to the Government’s 8th Five-Year Plan, National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions, and Delta Plan 2100 while advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities, and Climate Action. This new investment is part of IFAD’s broader commitment to supporting countries across the Asia and Pacific region build climate-resilient food systems and inclusive rural economies, ensuring that vulnerable communities are better equipped to face future shocks and seize emerging opportunities.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam on Saturday announced a reward of Tk50 lakh for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest of those involved in the shooting of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi. The adviser made the announcement while talking to reporters after a Core Committee meeting at the Secretariat in the afternoon. He said the reward would be given to anyone who helps identify and arrest the attackers.  “Please pray for Hadi. He is in a critical state. With your prayers, he will recover. May Allah grant him recovery and bring him back among us,” said the adviser. ‘Hadi our backbone; he must survive’: His sister tells Prof Yunus When asked about the re-arrest of top criminals who were granted bail after August 5, the adviser said that efforts are underway to arrest them again. Regarding Hadi’s security, Jahangir Alam said there is no current threat and assured that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure his safety.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday assured the family of Sharif Osman Hadi that law enforcement agencies are actively working to arrest those responsible for the attack on him, stressing that all members of the gang involved in the brutal incident will be identified and brought to justice. “Instructions have already been given for a thorough investigation, analysing the incident from the very beginning,” Prof Yunus said during a meeting with Hadi’s family. Hadi is a spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha and a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Hadi’s brother Abu Bakr Siddique, his sister Masuma, and three leaders of Inquilab Mancha - Abdullah Al Jaber, Fatima Tasnim Juma, and Md Borhan Uddin - met the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Yunus said the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the best possible treatment for Hadi. “The whole country is praying for him. Everyone is trying to ensure that he receives the best medical care. If his physical condition requires treatment abroad, the government will make arrangements to send him wherever necessary,” he said. Hadi’s sister Masuma said he has loved the country wholeheartedly since childhood and has long been involved in revolutionary activities. “Revolutionary poetry is his favorite, and he loves to recite it. He has a 10-month-old child. Hadi is our backbone,” she said. Masuma that Hadi has much work ahead of him and must survive. “You, the revolutionary government, must protect the July revolutionaries at any cost. Otherwise, the independence and sovereignty of this country will be threatened,” she said. Demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, Inquilab Mancha leader Abdullah Al Jaber said that after August 5, many people returned home, but Hadi continued working tirelessly for the July revolution. Gun Attack on Hadi: DMP releases suspect’s photo, seeks public help “He embraced the July movement and worked day and night for it. I have heard that the person who fired the shot was earlier arrested in another case. The process through which he was granted bail must be investigated,” Jaber said. Fatima Tasnim Juma demanded that the government take steps to ensure the overall security of the July fighters. Legal Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul; Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan; Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman were also present at the meeting.  

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Saturday (December 13, 2025) released a photograph of a suspect involved in the gun attack on Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and urged people to share any information about the suspect. A suspect has been identified preliminarily through analysis of CCTV footage collected from the scene, said a DMP media release signed by Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Police Commissioner. Fakhrul urges govt to ensure law and order after Hadi shooting Osman Hadi was seriously injured when a group of assailants opened fire on him in the Box Culvert area of Bijoynagar in the capital. A major operation is underway in Dhaka to arrest those involved in the attack, it said. Anyone having information about the suspect or his whereabouts has been requested to contact the police immediately by dialing the national emergency number 999 or calling the following numbers: DC Motijheel at 01320040080 and OC Paltan at 01320040132. Prof Yunus terms attack on Hadi a planned strike on Bangladesh’s democratic path The identities of informants will be kept secret, and suitable rewards will be given for credible information, the release added.

BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafizuddin Ahmed on Saturday sat in a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The meeting began at around 11:40am at the Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The meeting is taking place two days after the announcement of the schedule for the national election and the referendum on the July Charter. Prof Yunus terms attack on Hadi a planned strike on Bangladesh’s democratic path Although the party did not formally announce the specific agenda of the meeting, BNP insiders said the two leaders are likely to discuss the return of Tarique Rahman to the country, his security, the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, and the overall security of election candidates. On Thursday, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the country’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and the July Charter referendum, which will be held on February 12, 2026. At a press conference on Friday night, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, will return to Bangladesh on December 25, ending nearly 17 years of exile.  

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over the body of a Bangladeshi youth, recovered from the Indian territory along the Chapainawabganj border, to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The body of Tasir Ali, son of Ibrahim Haque of Bakher Ali Paschimpara area in Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila, was returned through a flag meeting between BGB and BSF at the Johorpur Tek border in Chapainawabganj on Friday night. Commander of the 53 BGB Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Kazi Mustafizur Rahman said the flag meeting was held around 9pm on Friday after which Indian police formally handed over the body to Bangladesh police. Inspector Sukomal Chandra Debnath, investigation officer of Chapainawabganj Sadar Police Station, received the body on behalf of Bangladesh police. He said marks of pellet injuries were found on the right side of Tasir’s chest but it could not be confirmed who fired the shots. The body was handed over to the family later that night. Earlier on Wednesday, Indian police recovered Tasir Ali’s body from the Bhagirathi River on the Indian side near Bakher Ali border under Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila. According to family members, Tasir had gone missing after illegally crossing the border into India with several associates.  

Miscreants set fire to the district election office in Laxmipur town early Saturday. Md Abdur Rashid, District Election Officer, said the miscreants set the office on fire after pouring petrol around 3:30 am through the windows of the office and fled. However, the security guard of the office with the help of local people managed to extinguish the fire immediately. Some documents were gutted in the fire and legal steps will be taken in this regard, Rashid said. On information, deputy commissioner, police and election officials visited the spot in the morning. Md Rezaul Haque, additional superintendent of police (Sadar Circle), said efforts are on to arrest the arsonists.  

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked ninth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 165 at 9:09 am this morning (December 13, 2025). Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’ referring to an alarming threat, according to the AQI index. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore and India’s Kolkata occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 577, 317, and 263 respectively. Read more: ‘Unhealthy’ air quality persists in densely populated Dhaka When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. Read more: How to Reduce Air Pollution in Bangladesh? As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

The massive fire that broke out in a 10-storey building at Aganagar near Babu Bazar Bridge area of South Keraniganj has been brought under control after seven hours of efforts. The fire was brought under control around 12:30 pm on Saturday but a total of 20 units were still working to extinguish the blaze, said Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director, Fire Service and Civil Defence (Operation and  Maintenance). Firefighters rescued at least 45 people who were trapped in the building and brought them to safety using various stairways. Witnesses said some 10-12 tenants of the building fell sick due to smoke and they were taken to a local clinic. Read more: 4 of a family suffer burn injuries in fire from ‘gas leak’ in N’ganj  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held an emergency meeting on Friday (December 12, 2025) and said the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi is a well-planned attack on the democratic journey of Bangladesh. Through this, Prof Yunus said, the defeated power has shown its audacity to challenge the existence of the country. “We will thwart such an attempt at any cost. Such an attack by such an evil force on the nation will not be tolerated,” said the Chief Adviser. He said this another worrying incident during the tenure of the interim government. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family Prof Yunus held the emergency meeting with some members of the Council of Advisers and important officials of the law and order and security forces at the State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Yunus said this attack is an attack on Bangladesh's existence. The Chief Adviser will soon discuss the emerging situation with key political leaders, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Prof Yunus said a conspiracy was being hatched to thwart the national elections and referendum through the attack. “We will not allow such a conspiracy to succeed under any circumstances. No matter what the attack is, no matter how many storms come, no force will be able to obstruct the upcoming elections,” he said. Read more: CA speaks to Hadi's brother; assures govt to provide all treatment at home or abroad Prof Yunus said they would ensure a peaceful election for the nation with their combined strength, along with the support of the people of the country. Advisers Dr Asif Nazrul, Md Jahangir Alam, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adilur Rahman Khan, National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Home Affairs, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Health Affairs, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and senior officials of the police, armed forces, and intelligence agencies were present at the meeting. Prof Yunus said the attackers and those who planned the attack on Hadi must be arrested as soon as possible. He urged the people of the country to pray to the Almighty Allah for Hadi’s speedy recovery. Police said that CCTV footage of the attack site and other evidence have already been collected. Ordering immediate action at the border, the Chief Adviser said, “We must ensure that the attackers cannot leave the country under any circumstances.” Read more: DUCSU protests shooting of Osman Hadi He said the security of those who may have become potential targets due to their active involvement in the July uprising must be taken into consideration. The meeting decided that a special hotline number would be launched in the coming days to prevent any untoward incidents during the election period and to ensure rapid response. The meeting also resolved to intensify operations to recover illegal weapons and to search possible locations where criminals may be hiding.