United News of Bangladesh

A 57-year-old man was killed when a passenger boat collided with a sand-laden bulkhead on the Padma River in Chapainawabganj’s Sadar Upazila on Sunday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Md Bhikhu, son of late Abdus Salam of Rashiya Rustum Morler Para in Narayanpur Union under the upazila. According to eyewitnesses and family members, the passenger boat left Alimnagar Ghat for Narayanpur in the afternoon. As the vessel approached the ghat area at Charbaghdanga, it struck a bulkhead standing in the river, leaving Bhikhu critically injured. He was rescued and taken to the 250-bed Chapainawabganj District Hospital, where he died around 7:45pm while undergoing treatment. On-duty physician Umme Habiba said Bhikhu suffered injuries to his hands and chest in the accident and also had existing heart complications. Noor Alam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chapainawabganj Sadar Model Police Station, said an investigation is underway. “No complaint has yet been filed by the victim’s family. If a complaint is received, legal action will be taken following investigation,” he added.

The holy Shab-e-Meraj will be observed in the country on the night of January 16 (Friday). The National Moon Sighting Committee took the decision at a meeting held at the Islamic Foundation office at Baitul Mukarram on Sunday evening. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain chaired the meeting. On the night of 26th Rajab every year, Muslims observe Shab-e-Meraj when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) embarked on a special journey to meet Allah. In the journey, the Prophet travelled on the “Buraq” to Heaven where Allah gave him some instructions to take back to the faithful regarding the details of prayers.

Inqilab Moncho has announced a protest rally demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the murder of its spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. In a Facebook post on Sunday night, the platform said the rally will be held on Monday at 3:00pm, marching from Shaheed Hadi Chattar in Shahbagh to Shaheed Minar. In a separate post, Inqilab Moncho claimed that none of its two-point demands has been accepted so far. The platform also expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of the Home Affairs Adviser and Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Interim Government with the status of State Minister, at a press conference. “Those who were "Hasina's agents" within the civil and military intelligence agencies have not been arrested yet,” the post further alleged. Inqilab Moncho also criticized authorities for what it termed as attempts to downplay the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi by holding a press conference led by an Additional Inspector General of Police. Against this backdrop, the platform announced it will hold a press conference outlining its future programmes and demands on Monday at 12:00 noon at Shaheed Hadi Chattar, Shahbagh. Osman Hadi, also a prospective candidate for Dhaka-8, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. Later, he was laid to rest beside the grave of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam near the Dhaka University Central Mosque at around 3:30 pm on Saturday.

The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Insaf Barakah Kidney and General Hospital to ensure discounted medical services for its members and their family members. Insaf Barakah Foundation Vice Chairman Professor Dr Ruhul Amin spoke at the event prior to the formal signing of the MoU. He said the relationship between the hospital and DCAB would grow stronger through increased cooperation and exchanges beyond the scope of the MoU. DCAB President AKM Moinuddin, General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun, General Manager of Insaf Barakah Kidney and General Hospital Mozzaffar Hasan Khan Majlis, Assistant Manager Abdul Quddus, and Business Development Executive Mohammad Saad Abdullah were present at the signing ceremony held at the Foreign Service Academy. On behalf of DCAB, the MoU was signed by AKM Moinuddin and Md Arifuzzaman Mamun, while Mozzaffar Hasan Khan Majlis and Abdul Quddus signed on behalf of Insaf Barakah Kidney and General Hospital.

Awami League leader Wasikur Rahman Babu died on Sunday after suddenly falling ill at the gate of Kashimpur Central Jail-2, jail authorities said. Confirming the incident, Superintendent of Kashimpur Jail-2 Al Mamun said Wasikur collapsed while being handed over to police custody. Wasikur, a former president of Badda Thana Chhatra League, was serving as the youth and sports affairs secretary of Badda Thana Awami League. He was arrested on September 24 from Dhaka’s Panthapath area while participating in a sudden procession. Following his arrest, he was transferred to Kashimpur Jail-2 on September 27. Superintendent Al Mamun said a police team arrived at the jail on Sunday afternoon after securing remand in a case to interrogate Wasikur. “While he was being handed over to police custody at the jail gate, he suddenly lost consciousness,” he said. Wasikur was immediately taken to Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Further details regarding the cause of death were not immediately available.

The Bangladesh High Commission in Sri Lanka has urged Bangladeshi tourists to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions after the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of Sri Lanka issued a Level 03 (Red) Landslide Early Warning—the highest alert—for parts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya for the next 24 hours.  A Level 02 (Amber) warning, the second-highest alert, has also been issued for areas in Badulla, Kurunegala, and Matale. The High Commission advised tourists to stay calm, remain in safe shelters, and strictly adhere to the guidance of local authorities and the DMC. “Your (Bangladeshi citizens) safety is our highest priority,” said the High Commission.

India on Sunday suspended operations at the Visa Application Centre (IVAC) in Chattogram, the commercial capital of Bangladesh, until further notice. “Due to the recent security incident at AHCI Chittagong, Indian visa operations at IVAC Chittagong will remain suspended from 21/12/2025 until further notice,” said a notification shared by the IVAC Bangladesh. The announcement for reopening the visa center will be made after reviewing the situation in Chattogram. The decision came in the wake of a fresh wave of unrest witnessed in the country following the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

Editors and senior journalists on Sunday urged BNP to guarantee full press freedom and critical journalism if the party returns to power, stressing that independent media must be protected as a pillar of democracy. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting, they also said the press is facing one of the toughest periods in Bangladesh’s history following arson attacks on the offices of two leading dailies, calling for unity and long-term commitment beyond political divisions. They also asked BNP to remain tolerant of criticisms in the future and ensure accountability if it forms the next government. The programme, organised by BNP, was held at a city hotel ahead of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s homecoming on 25 December, after nearly 18 years in exile in London. The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam said no media outlet in Bangladesh’s 53-year history had ever faced arson attacks like the recent ones. “Bangladesh is currently in a deeply devastated state as its institutions are being challenged and destroyed. Please remember that in 53 years, no media office had ever been set on fire. For the first time, the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have been attacked with arson. Why did this happen? What crime did we commit?” he asked. Mahfuz Anam urged political parties to accept critical journalism as essential for good governance and press freedom. While freedom of expression exists in the country, there is little space for expressing critical opinions, he said.  “What we need is the freedom to criticise. One major lesson from our 53 years of politics is that no government has fully accepted critical journalism. I hope that in a new Bangladesh, you will embrace it,” Mahfuz Anam said. The noted editor said critical journalism is not only about press freedom but also an opportunity for good governance. He expressed the hope that the new Bangladesh, to be built under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, will encourage independent media. “Building a new Bangladesh will require creating a new media environment and this presents a unique opportunity for Tarique Rahman,” he said. Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman called the 16 years of Awami League rule a “difficult period for the media,” citing false cases, arrests, ownership changes and pressure on newsrooms. He said BNP’s previous period in power had been comparatively more comfortable for the media. “BNP is the biggest political force now and carries the responsibility to protect press freedom,” the editor said, urging leaders and activists to remain humble if they return to power. “I think there is a political vacuum in the country at the moment. This is a dangerous situation and it is somewhat difficult for BNP as well,” he said. The editor also expressed gratitude to all political parties and people from different professions who stood by them after the arson attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said the country is going through an unstable and difficult time. “The country is divided, and it’s very challenging to have dialogue amid such division. But attending today’s event has been very encouraging for me.” “If BNP comes to power in the future, it is now clear from the statements of Salahuddin Ahmed and Rizvi Ahmed what the media policy will be. I want to be very hopeful that if these steps are implemented, the media in Bangladesh will move forward,” he added. Chowdhury said Tarique Rahman is returning at a time when security is the biggest concern in Bangladesh. “Many challenges lie ahead. People want to feel safe, but currently, they do not.” He said with road blockades, attacks on the Indian High Commissioner’s residence in Delhi, assaults on security guards, and the recent attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, the situation is uncertain. “What will happen next, we do not know. In this situation, the public has very high expectations from BNP. People expect BNP to stand by them”  “To face the challenges ahead, we must work together in unity. The existence of the state could be at risk. If we are not united, the state could be endangered, and if the state falls, none of us will be safe,” Chowdhury added. Jaijaidin Editor Shafik Rehman said journalists have a duty to criticise, which is important, but they must also acknowledge and praise the government’s good work. The veteran editor said journalists have a duty to do both—praise and criticism. “Becoming a journalist does not give you a free licence to criticise the government or Mr Yunus. The government can make mistakes, and journalists can make mistakes too. But the most important thing is to have the courage to admit those mistakes.”

The second day of interrogation of investigation officer Jane Alam Khan was held on Sunday in a crime against humanity case over the killing of seven people, including the burning of six bodies, during the July mass uprising in Ashulia. The case involves 16 accused, including former Awami League lawmaker from Savar Saiful Islam. The cross-examination began on Sunday before a three-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by its Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The other members of the panel are retired District and Sessions Judge Md Manjurul Bashid and District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir. Jane Alam Khan was cross-examined by Advocate Syed Mizanur Rahman, representing former additional superintendent of police of Dhaka district Abdullahil Kafi. The questioning was initiated earlier by state defence lawyer Md Amir Hossain. Prosecutors Mizanul Islam, Faruk Ahmad, Saimum Reza Talukder and others represented the prosecution. The cross-examination of the investigation officer began on December 14 after completion of witness testimonies. Jane Alam Khan earlier testified as the 24th witness on December 2. Once his cross-examination is completed, the case will move to the argument stage. A total of 24 witnesses testified over 22 working days. Among them, SI Sheikh Abzalul Haque appeared as a state witness, while SI Anisur Rahman gave a supplementary statement. Eight accused are currently in custody, including former additional superintendents of police and several police officials. Former MP Saiful Islam and seven others remain absconding. On August 21 this year, the tribunal framed charges against all 16 accused, formally commencing the trial. Sheikh Abzalul Haque pleaded guilty and was granted state witness status. According to the case, six youths were shot dead by police in Ashulia on August 5 last year, after which their bodies were burned in a police van. One victim was alive during the burning. Another person was killed the previous day. The case was filed with the tribunal on September 11 last year.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has detected suspicious financial transactions worth more than Tk 127 crore in several bank accounts belonging to the main accused, Faisal Karim Masud, and his associates in the murder of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. Based on information received from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, the CID has initiated a money laundering investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2012, according to a press release issued on Sunday. Following the fatal shooting of Inqilab Moncho Spokesperson Osman Hadi in Purana Paltan, Dhaka, on December 12, the CID launched a shadow investigation covering multiple aspects of the case. These include immediate crime scene management, collection and analysis of CCTV footage, recovery of bullet casings, and forensic examination of evidence. As part of the continuing probe, the CID has now expanded its investigation to financial transactions after obtaining bank account details from multiple sources. Although the prime accused Faisal Karim Masud—also known as Daud Khan and Rahul—has not yet been arrested, several of his family members and associates have been detained on charges of concealing evidence and assisting his escape. During arrest operations, investigators seized several checkbooks linked to the accused and related individuals and organizations. Preliminary scrutiny of these records indicates financial dealings amounting to approximately Tk 218 crore, though the figures are yet to be finalized. Initial analysis has revealed unusual transactions exceeding Tk 127 crore across multiple accounts, which investigators suspect may be linked to money laundering, organized crime, and the financing of terrorist activities. In response, the CID has launched a separate money laundering case and is taking steps to confiscate around Tk 65 lakh from various bank accounts of the accused and his associated individuals and entities in favor of the state. Meanwhile, multiple CID teams are working to trace the original sources of the funds and to determine whether an organized and influential network was involved in planning, financing, and supplying weapons for the murder.