United News of Bangladesh

A street boy was killed after being attacked with a piece of glass during a dispute over drug use in the capital’s Tejgaon area on Friday night. The victim, identified as Moyejul alias Kalu, 16, was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 9:45 pm in a critically injured condition, where doctors on duty declared him dead. According to Amin, a friend of the victim, the altercation took place near the rail crossing in front of Hotel Sheraton, where several street children had gathered. At one stage, a quarrel broke out between Moyejul and another street boy, Hamidul, over drug use. During the argument, Hamidul allegedly struck Moyejul on the left side of his neck with a piece of glass, leaving him seriously injured. Amin and other street children rushed him to the hospital, but doctors said he had already died. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at DMCH, confirmed the death citing doctors. He said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue. The accused, Hamidul, is currently in police custody, and Tejgaon Police Station has been informed about the incident, he added.

A Mehendi Festival was organised for female students at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) under the slogan “Let the joy of Eid begin with the colours of mehendi.” The event was arranged by energetic female students from six residential halls of the university with the patronage of branch Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) convener Agriculturist Md Atikur Rahman. The programme was held at the university helipad on Friday (Mar 6). As a special attraction, an online competition was organised on social media where participants posted photos of their mehendi designs on Facebook using a hashtag. Winners were selected based on the number of likes, comments and shares on the posts. Besides, a coupon-based lottery was arranged for participants, where 10 lucky winners received prizes. Tasmia Fairuz, a first-year student of the Faculty of Agriculture, said she was delighted to experience such a colourful event on campus. “We are very happy to have such a beautiful festival on campus. There is a festive atmosphere all around. Through this mehendi festival, the joy of Eid has already arrived on campus. As a newcomer, it is truly a wonderful feeling to experience such an arrangement,” she said. Patron of the event and branch JCD convener Md Atikur Rahman said, “In rural Bangladesh, people used to pick mehendi leaves from trees and apply them on their own hands or on those of their loved ones. But in today’s busy urban life, that beautiful tradition is gradually fading away. BAU has always played a special role in preserving tradition and culture. Through this initiative, we are trying to revive that tradition and enjoy it together.” BAU JCD joint convener Anika Tabassum Khan said there are plans to organise similar programmes on a larger scale in the future.

A woman was shot on Friday evening in MacB azar area of Sreepur, Gazipur, after reportedly trying to stop public drug use. The victim was identified as Monowara Begum. According to local sources, Monowara Begum and her husband Zainal Hazari, both farmers from Haluaghat, Mymensingh, had been cultivating a rented, abandoned field in the area. The site had reportedly become a gathering place for drug users. Police said Monowara Begum intervened when drug users were consuming substances in the field, asking them to leave. Angered, the group allegedly opened fire, injuring her. She was immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment. Sreepur Police station Officer-in-Charge Nasir Ahmad confirmed the incident, saying officers visited the scene and are working to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Police in Sylhet have arrested three drug dealers and seized 10,200 yaba tablets during a raid at a local cafe in Zakiganj. The suspects were later sent to jail through court. According to police, acting on a tip-off, officers raided Relax Cafe in Kaliganj Bazar area on Thursday around 9:30 pm. During the operation, the three individuals were apprehended and the large cache of yaba tablets was recovered. The arrested are Shabir Ahmed (24), son of Haruch Mia, and Shakil Ahmed (20), both from Uttar Kul Dighali village, Barthakuri Union, and Rashedul Islam (30), son of Moin Uddin, from Niagul village, Koskonkupur Union. Zakiganj Police Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Abdur Razzak said the operation targeted a major drug consignment. A case under the Narcotics Control Act has been filed against the three suspects. He added that the arrested individuals were produced in court on Friday and sent to jail, and police will continue operations to curb drug trafficking in the area.

Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be honoured with the ‘Indomitable Woman of Democracy’ award by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026. The award recognizes her remarkable efforts and fearless leadership in restoring and strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. The award will be presented during the International Women’s Day celebration at Osmani Memorial Hall in Dhaka on March 8, according to a ministry press release. The recognition highlights her fearless leadership and unwavering efforts in establishing democratic practices in the country. Like previous years, this year five women will be honored as ‘Indomitable Women’ across five categories. Others include Nurun Nahar Akter for achievements in the economy, Mosammat Bobita Khatun in education and employment, Nur Banu Kabir as a successful mother, Mosammat Shamla Begum for overcoming adversity, and Mosammat Afroza Yasmin for her exceptional contributions to social development.

Young climate and environmental activists protested today in front of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University, calling for urgent measures to protect the Phuljor and Karatoa rivers in northern Bangladesh from industrial pollution. The program was organized by environmental group YouthNet Global and included nearly fifty indigenous women, men, and children from Sirajganj. Speakers at the event included Santosh Singh Babu, President of the Bogura District Committee of the National Indigenous Council; Sarbamitra Chakma, Executive Member of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU); and Mocha. Ruku Khatun, General Secretary of Sufia Kamal Hall. The assembly was presided over by Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, while climate activist Seyam Sikder moderated the event. Protesters demanded immediate investigation of industrial waste pollution, strict enforcement of environmental laws, accountability for responsible industries and individuals, and an end to harassment of environmental defenders. Indigenous participants reported that industrial pollution has severely contaminated river water and the surrounding environment, threatening agriculture, fisheries, and local livelihoods. Many families have already faced hardships due to land grabbing and industrial waste. The 55-kilometer Phuljor River supports the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands along its banks in Sirajganj and Bogura districts. Yet industrial waste has polluted the river, endangering aquatic biodiversity. Protesters specifically blamed chemical waste from several factories, including SR Chemicals and Majumdar Products, which they alleged were owned by the family of Golam Mohammad Siraj, the Bogura-5 Member of the Parliament. “Protection of the Phuljor and Karatoa rivers is about preserving the lifeline of our communities. If the rivers die, our culture, our food, and our future will be lost,” said Santosh Singh Babu. Faisal Biswas, a young environmentalist from Sirajganj, added: “Rivers are the lifeblood of our communities. Without effective action to stop pollution, we risk not only environmental disaster but also our livelihoods. We will continue this struggle until the rivers are safe.” Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said: “Rivers are living entities. Industrial waste is destroying our rivers and harming ecosystems. Bangladesh’s rivers form the foundation of our environment and livelihoods. Pollution in one river affects the entire ecosystem. Young people and local communities are uniting to demand effective measures to protect them.” During the protest, several rickshawpullers joined in solidarity, singing songs about river protection. Md Khaleque, a rickshawpuller from Dinajpur, said: “A river is not just water, it is part of our lives. If the rivers survive, we survive.” In a landmark 2019 ruling, the High Court of Bangladesh declared all rivers as “living entities” and appointed the National River Protection Commission as their guardian. Protesters stressed that this legal recognition must be enforced to save the rivers. Environmental groups reported that on February 21 and 22, chemical discharges into the Phuljor River caused massive deaths of fish, crabs, frogs, snakes, and snails. Protests followed, including human chains and memorandum submissions to local authorities in Dhangar on February 24 and at Chandikona bus stand on February 25. Subsequently, protesters staged a peaceful demonstration in front of SR Chemicals and Majumdar Products in Sherpur, Bogura. Participants claimed they were later targeted with extortion cases. Police arrested two activists, Touhidur Rahman alias Babu (45) and Ali Reza Biswas (50), from Sherpur Union market on Sunday night. They were presented in court the following day and released on bail. Other environmental defenders reportedly remain under harassment.

Security personnel at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have arrested four construction workers with cannabis and yaba pills. The arrests took place around 8pm on Friday at the university’s main gate. All four detainees were reportedly working at different construction sites within the campus. Tapas Das, a security officer on duty at the gate, said, when one of them entered the campus, his pants were folded at the knee, which raised suspicion. Upon searching, we found four packets of cannabis, which we reported to the Proctor’s office. A short while later, additional individuals attempting to enter the campus were also searched, and cannabis and yaba were recovered. SUST students announce complete shutdown until SUCSU election Assistant Proctor Dr. Md. Rasheduzzaman confirmed the arrests, saying, Security personnel informed us and we arrived at the scene. The matter will be handed over to the police, who will take legal action against them.

A mourning meeting and remembrance gathering were held in Dhaka on Friday to mark the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The event was organised by the Bangladesh representative office of the Office of the Leader of Iran, the Bangladesh representative office of Al-Mustafa International University and the Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society. Iran’s Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi attended the programme as the chief guest. Special guests included Hojjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Shahabuddin Mashayekhi Rad, Bangladesh representative of Iran’s Al-Mustafa International University and Seyyed Reza Mirmohammadi, cultural counsellor of the Iran Cultural Centre in Dhaka. The meeting was chaired by Hojjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Seyyed Ibrahim Khalil Razavi, president of the Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society and principal of Khulna Islami Shikkha Kendra. Speakers at the event described the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a clear disregard for the global order and a violation of international law. They alleged that innocent civilians, including children, have been affected by the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, describing the strikes as a serious threat to global peace and stability. The speakers also said the escalation of conflict across the Middle East could lead to severe consequences if the situation continues to deteriorate. They criticised the attacks carried out during the holy month of Ramadan, accusing Israel and the United States of demonstrating what they called “terrorist behaviour”. Participants at the gathering said the attacks violated international law, the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of sovereignty of independent states, and strongly condemned the strikes. Representatives of the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka said various political parties and organisations in Bangladesh had organised rallies and demonstrations protesting the attacks on Iran, as well as prayer gatherings and mourning meetings in memory of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The embassy expressed gratitude to those organisations and to the people of Bangladesh for showing solidarity with Iran.

A sub-inspector (SI) of Naria Police Station in Shariatpur has been accused of demanding money to file a case, officials and the victim’s family said. The victim’s family held a press conference at Naria Press Club on Friday afternoon. Ali Mia Bepari, 72, a resident of Poragacha village under Moktararchar Union, alleged that on March 5, a dispute over land led his neighbors — Karim Bepari, Nantu Bepari, Nasir Madbar, Ruhul Bepari, Sifat Madbar and 20–25 others — to attack his house with homemade weapons. During the incident, two of his daughters and one grandson were beaten and injured, and several homemade explosive devices reportedly detonated. The injured were admitted to Naria Upazila Health Complex with the help of local residents. Ali Mia further claimed that when he went to Naria Police Station to file a case, SI Abul Hossain demanded Tk 50,000 to register it. He alleged that when the money was not paid, the SI threatened to implicate the victim’s side in the case instead. The victim’s family called for a proper investigation into the incident and urged that strict action be taken against the responsible officer.

Leaders from various student organisations and cultural organisations gathered at an Iftar organised by the Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA), emphasising the need to strengthen democratic coexistence, healthy political practice and harmony on the campus. Under the title—“Restoring Democracy: The Expected Campus” DUJA held a Iftar Mahfil at the cafeteria of the Student-Teacher Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University on Friday. The programme was chaired by DUJA President Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi and moderated by its General Secretary Mahadi Hasan. Speakers at the event said that even during periods of authoritarian rule, DUJA remained a centre for democratic practice on campus and repeatedly highlighted the realities of fascist governance through journalistic efforts. Speaking as the chief guest, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan said representatives of different political views and organisations get the opportunity to come together every year through DUJA’s initiative. "Although differences of opinion exist among political organisations on campus, such gatherings help bring them together under one roof and set a positive example", he said. “We want political coexistence to always be maintained on campus. Students should have the opportunity to practise healthy politics and the university should become an open field for democratic practice,” Dr. Niaz added. DU Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha said the Dhaka University Journalists Association often assists the university administration by providing important information and highlighting various mistakes and shortcomings, making university activities more dynamic. Pro-VC (Education) Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed said such events create opportunities for dialogue among political, social and cultural organisations and help strengthen the democratic environment on campus. Bangladesh Open University VC Prof. Dr. Obaidul Islam said campus journalists always stand for truth and justice and play an important role in protecting the stability of the university and safeguarding students’ interests. Abu Shadik Kayem, vice-president of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), said the country and the dream of a democratic campus were achieved through the sacrifices of the July martyrs and their contributions must always be remembered. He also demanded that the DUCSU election be included in the university’s annual calendar. Leaders of various student organisations also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy political environment and coexistence on campus. Nasir Uddin Nasir, central general secretary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said the “mob culture” created on campus should end with the upcoming student union elections. He urged everyone to remain vigilant so that no unnecessary mob situation arises on campus and called for an end to “disguise politics.” He also advised journalists to remain cautious about rumours spread through fake propaganda. Sibgatullah Sibga, secretary general of Chhatra Shibir, said that despite ideological differences among political student organisations, their presence under one roof at the DUJA event reflected the beauty of student politics. DUJA expresses concern over attack on journalists by law enforcement Jabir Ahmed Jubel, central general secretary of Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, said the administration should play an active role in maintaining a democratic environment on campus and stressed the importance of considering the opinions of student representatives in university governance. Among others present were Dhaka University Treasurer Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, former journalists of DUJA, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti Central President Zahid Ahsan, Chhatra Paksha Central President Mohammad Prince, Convener of the DU unit of Chhatra Federation Armanul Haque, Islami Chhatra Andolan President Muntasir Ahmed, and President of Samajtantrik Chhatra Front (Marxist) Salman Siddiqui.