United News of Bangladesh

A young woman died after falling from a train while trying to board it with the help of her husband at Rajshahi Railway Station on Thursday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Rupa Khatun, 23, wife of Md Anik and a resident of Tittorkuri village in Durgapur upazila of Rajshahi. Roni Saha, Sub-Inspector of Rajshahi Railway Police, informed that Anik works at a furniture company in Dhaka. On Thursday afternoon, the couple was boarding the Dhaka-bound Padma Express to travel to the capital. As the train started moving, Anik got on first and tried to pull his wife up by holding her hand. At one point, Rupa slipped from his grip and fell under the train. Anik also jumped off the moving train immediately. After the train left, Rupa was rescued in a critical condition and rushed to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared her dead. 5 killed as sand-laden truck overturns in Rajshahi One of her legs was almost severed, and she also suffered serious injuries to her other leg and head. Faisal Bin Ahsan, Officer-in-Charge of Rajshahi Railway Police, said, “The body will be handed over to the family after completing legal formalities.”

The year 2025 ended with an upward trend in remittances sent by expatriate Bangladeshis, with Bangladesh receiving over $3.22 billion in December. Bangladesh received $16.26 billion in inward remittances in six months from July to December in the current fiscal year, FY 2025-26. Forex reserves hit 3-year high as December remittances cross $3bn According to the latest update from Bangladesh Bank, the $ 3.22 billion remittance in December is an increase of 22.3 percent compared to the same period last year. In December of the previous year (2024), the country received around $ 2.63 billion in December.

A child was killed and at least 15 passengers were injured when a passenger bus lost control and overturned into a roadside ditch in Dinajpur on Thursday evening. The accident occurred in the Bhushirbandar area as an MK Paribahan bus was heading to Rangpur from Dinajpur with passengers on board. Highway Police in-charge Mahbub Kabir said the driver lost control of the bus while trying to avoid a collision with a motorcycle. The bus then veered off the road and overturned into a ditch. Fire Service and Civil Defence personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the injured. 2 women killed as bus hits auto-rickshaw in Dinajpur Four people, including a child, were taken to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital in critical condition. The child died on the way to the hospital, police confirmed. Other injured passengers received primary treatment at nearby facilities.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said Bangladesh is fully prepared to hold 'free, fair, and peaceful' elections on February 12 next year. Prof Yunus said that around 700,000 Bangladeshis living and working abroad have registered for postal ballots after the interim government introduced the system for the first time in the country’s history. The upcoming national election featured prominently in the discussions with the foreign dignitaries that visited Bangladesh on Wednesday and Thursday to join former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's funeral ceremony and pay last respects to her. High-level delegations from across South Asia attended the funeral in Dhaka, including Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq; India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar; Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma; Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath; and Maldives Minister of Higher Education and Labour Ali Haider Ahmed. Later, the Pakistan parliamentary speaker and ministers from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives paid courtesy calls on the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Yunus told the Pakistan parliamentary speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq that he would return to his previous professional role after the elections. During the meetings, the Sri Lankan and Nepalese foreign ministers said they were closely following Bangladesh’s introduction of postal voting for its large expatriate population. “We will learn from your experiences,” Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said. During the meetings, Prof Yunus repeatedly emphasized the need to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). “We witnessed a true SAARC spirit at the funeral yesterday. SAARC is still alive. The SAARC spirit is still alive,” he said during his meeting with Maldives Minister Ali Haider Ahmed. “The SAARC was in action yesterday. We shared our grief and sorrow together,” he told Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. Prof Yunus also recalled his attempt to convene an informal gathering of SAARC leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. “I wanted to hold a get-together among SAARC leaders, even if only for five minutes,” he said, expressing hope that SAARC would be revitalised as a meaningful platform for nearly two billion people in South Asia. SAARC spirit alive, it needs to be revived: Prof Yunus Prof Yunus on Thursday said that “the SAARC spirit is alive and well,” citing the strong presence and solidarity shown by South Asian nations at the funeral of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He said he was deeply moved by the respect demonstrated by SAARC member states for the three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the world’s second female Muslim head of government. The visiting dignitaries paid glowing tributes to the late Begum Khaleda Zia, recalling her lifelong struggle for democracy and her efforts to promote unity and cooperation among South Asian nations. They said they were overwhelmed by the record-breaking turnout at the funeral. “It shows how much people truly loved her,” Prof Yunus said.    

Representatives of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) on Thursday met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss safeguarding the spirit of the July Revolution and shaping the future of student politics in Bangladesh. The meeting took place at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan. Before meeting Tarique Rahman, the DUCSU delegation signed the condolence book for late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Talking to reporters after the meeting, DUCSU Vice President Abu Shadik Kayem said they offered prayers for Khaleda Zia, hoping Allah grants her the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus. He said Tarique Rahman provided guidance on student participation in politics and the broader democratic movement, emphasising the importance of unity among forces committed to anti-fascist struggles following the July Revolution. Shadik said the BNP Acting Chairman stressed cooperation among all political and student organisations, including BNP, Jamaat, NCP, Chhatra Dal, and Chhatra Shibir, to rebuild the country. He said the youth must work together to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, restore state institutions weakened over the past 16 years, and implement the ‘July Charter’. The meeting also addressed the killing of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, with Shadik alleging that those involved in planning and executing the murder have not yet been arrested and that some still hold positions within the interim government. He called for swift legal action against the perpetrators. Shadik said the discussion reaffirmed a commitment to ‘Bangladesh-oriented’ politics and resistance to external domination, reflecting the ideals of Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman. Jamaat, BNP should work together for next five years: Ameer He stated that young people have been deprived of their voting rights for the past 16 years and urged the student community to play a united role in restoring democracy through free, fair, and credible elections. The DUCSU leader also encouraged the youth to take an active part in rebuilding weakened state institutions and implementing the ‘July Charter’, including steps such as holding a national referendum.

Nagad, the digital financial service of the Bangladesh Postal Department, has recorded the highest annual transaction volume in its history, with total transactions reaching nearly Tk 3,80,000 crore in 2025, up from around Tk 3,30,000 crore in 2024. Nagad customers performed transactions amounting to Tk 35,530 crore in December alone, which is also the highest monthly transaction volume ever experienced by this mobile money carrier, said a press release issued on Thursday.  Over the course of 2025, Nagad achieved such a monthly transaction milestone thrice. Regarding the latest remarkable achievement, Nagad authorities extended their gratitude to the large family of several crore registered users. Talking about this new milestone, Nagad Administrator, Md Motasem Billah congratulated all customers, employees, distributors, agents and everyone associated with this MFS operator. “Nagad has always tried to do something for its customers. As part of that effort, it runs various campaigns at different times of the year. On top of it, the market’s lowest cash-out charge is already there. Because of the trust of our customers and the dedication of our employees, Nagad continues to achieve such milestones,” he said. He also said that as the digital transaction platform of the Bangladesh Postal Department, Nagad is going ahead by providing greater security for customers’ money through improved services. As a result, new customers continue to join Nagad, while existing ones are transacting more conveniently and in larger volumes than before. Moreover, the expansion of services and the gradual diversification of activities have steadily enhanced Nagad’s transaction capacity. Within six years of its launch, Nagad has established itself as one of Bangladesh’s leading mobile financial service providers. During this period, both the number of customers and transaction volumes have increased significantly. Most of these record-breaking transactions came from cash-in, cash-out, send money, various payments, utility service bill payments, mobile recharges, and remittances.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said SAARC must be revived at any cost, as the presence of high-level dignitaries from member states at the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia proves the regional body’s spirit is still alive. “He (Prof Yunus) conveyed the same message to all of them (foreign dignitaries). He said SAARC needs to be revived at any cost,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on Thursday. Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad also spoke at the briefing. Alam said the foreign dignitaries, representing Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka, met the Chief Adviser at state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday and Thursday. “They were overwhelmed to see such a huge funeral ceremony,” said the Press Secretary, mentioning that they appreciated the arrangements for conducting it nicely. Sayedur Rahman reappointed as CA’s Special Assistant Quoting the Chief Adviser, the Press Secretary said the spirit of the SAARC is alive and well and this spirit needs to be maintained. The SAARC was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December 1985. SAARC comprises eight Member States: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Secretariat of the Association was set up in Kathmandu on 17 January 1987. South Asian nations’ gesture highlights Khaleda’s respect, stature: Foreign Adviser Earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said it was a 'positive gesture' from the South Asian countries towards former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia who earned a kind of accessibility, respect and dignity among people at home and in South Asia. "I think it's a very good gesture from all. All (South Asian countries) realise and recognise this (positive image set by Begum Zia)," he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Speaker of the Pakistan National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath and Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development of the Maldives Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed were among the foreign dignitaries who attended the funeral programme of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and paid respects to her. E-cigarettes, emerging tobacco products fully banned in Bangladesh Asked about his conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Adviser Hossain said, "I tell you, we didn't have such a one-to-one meeting. That scope was not there. Other dignitaries were there. I would say it's a courtesy that all maintain. No bilateral issues were discussed." Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman met the dignitaries on Wednesday. The dignitaries arrived in Dhaka to pay last respects to former Prime Minister and national leader Khaleda Zia, who passed away on Tuesday. The advisers expressed their gratitude to the visiting dignitaries for their presence and showing solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this time of national mourning, said Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. BNP Chairperson and three-time former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest beside her husband and late President Ziaur Rahman at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. Substandard bearing, faulty design behind Dhaka metro rail accident: Adviser She was buried around 4:30 pm with state honour following her namaz-e-janaza at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Members of her family, high-ranking state officials, government authorities, foreign guests, diplomats and BNP-nominated politicians were present. Khaleda Zia was given a guard of honour under the supervision of the President Guard Regiment (PGR) before her burial. On behalf of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, his Military Secretary, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, placed a wreath at the grave of Khaleda Zia.

Prof Dr Md Sayedur Rahman has been reappointed as the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser with the rank of State Minister, just a day   after his resignation. The Cabinet Division issued a notification in this regard on Thursday, granting him the post with executive powers of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under Rules of Business, 1996. Health Ministry sources said Md Sayedur Rahman is a Professor at Bangladesh Medical University. He went on post-retirement leave (PRL) on December 30 and to secure retirement benefits, he had resigned from the position of Special Assistant. After retirement, he was reappointed to the same position. The notification also stated that while holding the position of Special Assistant he will receive the salary, allowances, and other benefits of a State Minister.

Gas supply will remain under low pressure in 15 areas of the capital for 10 hours on Friday due to emergency repair work, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC said on Thursday. In a media release, Titas said the low-pressure situation will persist from 10:00am to 8:00pm in the affected areas. The disruption is due to emergency repairs on a 580-foot section of pipeline near Manikdi, which connects the Demra City Gate Station (CGS) with the Tejgaon Town Border Station (TBS). The pipeline has recently become exposed, necessitating urgent maintenance. As a result, gas supply will remain under low pressure in Dhaka Cantonment, Gulshan, Banani, Tejgaon, Nandipara, Bashabo, Khilgaon and Banasree during the period. Low gas pressure expected in Titas areas for 18 hours Besides, consumers of all categories in areas from Rampura Bridge to Malibagh Chowdhury Para, as well as Mugda, Manda, Dhalpur of Maniknagar, Shahjahanpur and Gopibagh, will face similar low-pressure conditions, the release said. Titas Gas authorities expressed regret for the temporary inconvenience caused to consumers.

The metro rail accident that killed a pedestrian on October 26 was caused by a faulty design and the use of substandard bearing pads, Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan said on Thursday. Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat after receiving the probe committee’s report, the adviser said the investigation found no evidence of sabotage. He said preliminary findings showed that the hardness, compression set and neoprene content of the displaced bearing pad did not meet standard specifications, although further testing at overseas laboratories is required for confirmation. The bearing pad was also installed at a slight slope of 0.8 percent, which may have contributed to its displacement, the adviser added. The committee found that no transition curve was used between the straight and curved sections of the viaduct, pointing to a possible design flaw. No separate model or analysis was conducted for the curved alignment, as the design relied solely on analysis of the straight section. Investigators also noted that while a mass-spring neoprene damper system is used under tracks at curved alignments and nearby stations, rigid tracks were installed at the accident site. The committee believes the damper system could have reduced vibrations. Outlining the recommendations, the adviser said urgent technical measures must be taken at curved alignments to protect bearing pads. The committee also called for a detailed review of the viaduct and track design by an independent third-party consultant, along with a comprehensive safety audit of the metro rail project, Fouzul Kabir said. It further recommended establishing a robust structural health monitoring system, strengthening the metro rail authority’s technical capacity, and ensuring effective technology transfer from foreign consultants to local experts. On October 26, Abul Kalam Azad, 35, was killed when a bearing pad fell from a metro rail pillar near Farmgate station in Dhaka. NBR extends VAT exemption on Metro Rail services Bearing pads are specialised rubber components placed between viaducts and piers to absorb vibration and allow controlled structural movement. A five-member probe committee, led by Bridges Division Secretary Abdur Rouf, was formed to investigate the incident. A case was filed with Tejgaon Police Station the following day.