United News of Bangladesh

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said he is confident that the overall law-and-order situation will further improve as the election approaches. “As the polling day approaches, you will see, InshaAllah, the law and order situation will improve further. There will be no problem. We are confident and we have not lost hope. We will move forward,” he said. The CEC made the remarks replying to a question from reporters while inspecting the overall situation of sending postal ballots abroad at the Bangladesh Post Office’s Mail Processing and Logistic Service Centre in the capital’s Tejgaon area. Army, navy, air force chiefs to meet CEC Nasir Sunday When his attention was drawn that the candidates and the voters feel insecure following the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, he said there was no need to worry. “The fear will go away, InshaAllah,” he said. When asked if he still believes the election will turn into a ‘festival one’ given the current environment, the CEC said, “Absolutely, absolutely and absolutely. I absolutely believe that the election will be a festival of votes, InshaAllah.” Responding to another question on whether public confidence in the Election Commission would be restored, he said people already have confidence. “Let the time come and you will see. You, we, the people of the country, and all major political parties want the election. Everyone wants the country’s welfare,” he said. Nasi Uddin mentioned that the EC along with the chiefs of all law enforcement agencies jointly conveyed a message to the nation that all are united in holding a credible election. “We all want a fair election,” he said. Talking about the IT-supported hybrid postal voting system, he said the EC has made arrangements for the expatriate Bangladeshis who are interested in voting in the election. “For the first time in 54 years, we have taken an initiative that has never happened before,” he said, adding that voting facilities through postal ballots have also been arranged for officials involved in conducting the election inside the country, government employees posted outside their constituencies, and even for prisoners. CEC holds meeting with chiefs of three services The CEC said the postal voting activities are being carried out with strict security measures. “The voting secrecy would be fully maintained. We have taken this initiative to ensure the integrity of the electoral process,” he mentioned. He said voter registration is now being conducted with the assistance of the Bangladesh Postal Department and the International Postal Union. “For the first time, we have introduced a hybrid model—online registration combined with manual vote collection through postal services—which we hope will become a global model,” he said. Acknowledging possible shortcomings of the newly introduced system, the CEC said the system may not be perfect initially. “We do not claim that we have been able to introduce a perfect system. It may not be perfect. It may improve later over the years,” he said, adding that the system will become more developed with time. He said the initial response to the postal ballot registration has been satisfactory and expressed hope that more voters would register their names within the next three days to vote through the postal ballots as the deadline would expire on December 25 next.  

The number of flat owners in Dhaka has risen to around 350,000 due to the steady expansion of the housing sector, said Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) President Wahiduzzaman on Monday. Wahiduzzaman said this while announcing the dates of the four-day ‘REHAB Fair 2025’ at a programme held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital. He said housing projects are expanding rapidly in Dhaka, leading to a growing number of flat owners. Buyers are showing increasing interest in condominiums developed on limited land. “Currently, around 350,000 families in Dhaka own flats. The condominiums being developed now are of international standard. A flat is not just a place to live—it has become a marker of social status. We want to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to become a flat owner in a fair and non-discriminatory manner in the future,” Wahiduzzaman said. Referring to the gazette of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) published on December 14, the REHAB leader said they are satisfied with the new regulations, noting that many inconsistencies and complications of the previous DAP have been resolved. “This DAP does not favour any particular group. It is a balanced DAP, which is why we have expressed our satisfaction. However, there are still some issues, and we will sit with the authorities to discuss them,” Wahiduzzaman added. He said becoming a REHAB member is mandatory for anyone wishing to do business in the housing sector, as stipulated by a circular issued by the Ministry of Commerce. About 1,500 real estate companies are still outside REHAB membership, and initiatives are underway to bring them under the association. “Many people fall victim to fraud by purchasing flats from non-REHAB members. We are working sincerely to address this problem,” he said. Speaking about flat prices in Dhaka, REHAB Senior Vice President Liakat Ali Bhuiyan said prices in some areas exceed Tk 10 million mainly due to high land costs, while flats are comparatively cheaper in areas where land prices are lower. However, he noted that flat prices have increased overall compared to the past. Meanwhile, REHAB Vice President-2 Akter Biswas said the association is committed to constructing earthquake-resistant buildings by following proper planning guidelines. REHAB plans to organise a workshop in the future to further raise awareness among real estate developers on the issue, he added.  

Sukumar Ranjan Ghosh, former MP of Munshiganj-1 constituency, passed away at a hospital in Dhaka early Monday. He was 70. After being diagnosed with pneumonia a few days ago, Sukumar was put on life support at a hospital in the capital and breathed his last early Monday morning, said his family. Sukumar had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for about 18 years and had been staying at his Dhanmondi residence. He is survived by his wife, one son, two daughters and a host of relatives. Sukumar’s cremation was held at Baradeshwari Kali Temple in the capital, said his wife Ava Rani Ghosh. He was elected MP of Awami League from Munshiganj-1 constituency twice in 2008 and 2014. Apart from politics, he was also associated with the film industry and produced the popular movie ‘Keyamat Theke Keyamat’. He had served as president of the Awami League’s Srinagar upazila unit.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced on Monday the successful conclusion of the Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations during a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Japan, Motegi Toshimitsu. Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi,  Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun; Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Mahbubur Rahman; Chief Negotiator of the Bangladesh–Japan EPA, Ayesha Akter; the Deputy Chief Negotiator, Md. Firoj Uddin Ahmed; and the Focal Point, Mahbuba Khatoon Minu, were present during the announcement, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. As an early step in the negotiations, a Joint Study Group was established, which published its report on 27 December 2023. The report recommended a comprehensive approach covering 17 sectors for negotiation. The official negotiations for the EPA commenced on 12 March 2024, as per the Agreed Work Plan. The first round was held in Dhaka from 19–23 May 2024, but due to unforeseen challenges, the talks were temporarily paused. In response to the critical importance of the EPA for Bangladesh's economic growth, the interim government refocused its efforts starting November 2024, setting an ambitious goal to conclude the agreement within a year. This led to the adoption of an accelerated negotiation process, significantly speeding up the remaining rounds. The remaining negotiations progressed through a second round in Dhaka from November 10–14, 2024, followed by a third round in Tokyo on December 19–20, 2024, a fourth round in Dhaka from February 2–6, 2025, a fifth round in Tokyo from April 20–26, 2025, a sixth round in Dhaka from June 21–26, 2025, and finally a seventh and concluding round in Tokyo from September 3–12, 2025, which brought the talks to a successful close. Through these seven rounds, the EPA text was finalized, adhering to the original work plan. A crucial factor behind the swift progression of the negotiations was the direct involvement of Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi. Their proactive steps included chairing multiple inter-ministerial meetings and also high-level visits to Japan, where they engaged directly with their ministerial counterparts, said the Press Wing. These visits were instrumental in reinforcing Bangladesh’s commitment to finalising the agreement. Their personal involvement highlighted the interim government’s deep commitment to securing the EPA, underscoring its strategic importance. Upon the conclusion and signing of the EPA, Bangladesh will enjoy immediate duty-free access to the Japanese market for 7,379 products. In return, Japan will receive immediate duty-free access to 1,039 products from Bangladesh. A significant aspect of the EPA is that Bangladesh’s major export products, particularly ready-made garments (RMG), will be granted duty-free access to Japan’s market from the very first day of the agreement. Additionally, Bangladesh will benefit from Single Stage Transformation provisions for RMG products. The Trade in Services sector also sees a substantial commitment from both sides. Bangladesh has agreed to open 97 sub-sectors to Japan, while Japan will open 120 sub-sectors to Bangladesh across four modes of supply. This is expected to foster increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh, along with greater technology transfer.  As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Bangladesh will, for the first time, sign an EPA with Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy. The signing of this agreement is expected to bring far-reaching trade and economic benefits for Bangladesh, including enhanced trade, investment, and employment opportunities, marking a new chapter in the nation’s economic relations with Japan.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Monday said the Osman Hadi murder case will be tried under the Speedy Trial Tribunal to ensure quick justice. In a Facebook post in the afternoon, Asif Nazrul said the trial will be held under the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002. Under Section 10 of the law, he said, the trial must be completed within a maximum of 90 days after the submission of the police report. The announcement came amid growing demand for prompt justice in the killing of Hadi. Inqilab Moncho to hold protest rally demanding immediate arrest of Hadi's killers Osman Hadi, a leading figure in the 2024 July uprising and served as spokesperson for Inquilab Moncho, was shot a day after the Election Commission announced that the next national election would take place on February 12. For advanced treatment he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. The death triggered widespread outrage and calls for exemplary punishment of those responsible.

A labour leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP) was injured in a gun attack in Khulna city on Monday, just days after the shooting of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka, which resulted in his death. The injured, identified as Motaleb Shikder, 42, organiser and divisional chief of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, is the son of Muslim Shikder, and a resident of Sheikh Para area in Khulna city. Police said miscreants shot him in the head around 11:45am. Journalist shot dead, another injured in Khulna Locals rescued him and took him to Khulna Medical College Hospital, according to Sonadanga Police Station officer-in-charge Animesh Mondol. The attack comes 10 days after Osman Hadi was shot in the capital. He later died from his injuries at a Singapore hospital, triggering widespread outrage and demands for quick arrests. BNP leader shot dead in Pabna

Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansery has condemned the recent attacks on media outlets in Bangladesh over differences of opinion or other reasons. In a verified Facebook post on Sunday, the envoy said they have never devoted themselves to long-term struggles at home or abroad, nor to building global public opinion, for such purposes. Referring to his experience at UN and White House briefings, he emphasised that attempts to destroy media institutions cannot be justified. “No such act can be justified. Period,” he added. Following the death of Inquilab Moncho spokesman Sharif Osman Hadi, mobs went on a rampage at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star on Thursday night, triggering widespread criticism at home and abroad. Meanwhile, law enforcers have identified 31 people directly involved in the attacks on media outlets after scrutinising video footage and have arrested nine of the accused.

Offline Indian visa services at the Assistant High Commissioner’s office in Khulna have remained suspended since Wednesday, while online processing resumed on Sunday. Security has been tightened in and around the office following the killing of Inquilab Monch spokesman Sharif Osman Hadi. On Sunday afternoon, police, navy and army personnel were deployed at Shamsur Rahman Road and in adjacent areas. Several surrounding roads were also closed, causing traffic diversions. Visa brokers said offline visa applications were halted from Wednesday afternoon due to security concerns. Online applications, which had continued initially, were temporarily suspended on Thursday afternoon following a protest programme titled “March to Indian Consulate Office”. Sadhan Sarkar, a visa broker, said applications submitted until Thursday noon began processing on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police Md Tajul Islam said police, detectives, navy and army personnel have been deployed to maintain security.  Patrols across the city have been increased and authorities remain on high alert, he added.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma on Monday visited the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park to take stock of the functioning of visa services. He also interacted with visa applicants, many of whom were applying for medical visas to travel to India for treatment. Given the ‘serious threats’ reported last week at the Indian High Commission and its installations in Bangladesh, the Indian High Commission had shut down IVAC operations for a day. The centre was later reopened, and all applicants whose appointment slots fell on that day were provided with early alternative slots. Several visa applicants are travelling to India for treatment of serious medical conditions. Keeping these humanitarian needs in mind, and despite the evolving security situation, the High Commission said it continues to operate visa centres in Dhaka, Khulna, Sylhet and Rajshahi. However, the IVAC in Chittagong remains temporarily shut following a mob attack at the entrance of the Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in Chittagong on the night of December 18–19. Indian visa centre in Dhaka now operational During the incident, stone-pelting and threats to break the entrance created serious security concerns for AHCI officials and others residing within the same premises. During his visit to the IVAC, officials flagged problems related to the submission of a large number of fake documents, as well as disruptions caused by middlemen and touts who attempt to hack visa servers and create artificial traffic, depriving genuine applicants of appointment slots. The High Commissioner assured that these concerns would be raised with the relevant authorities in Bangladesh.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested at least nine people in connection with recent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and two cultural organisations in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. Seven of the arrestees were identified as Md Kashem Faruk, Md Saidur Rahman, Rakib Hossain, Md Naim, Faisal Ahmed Pranto, Md Sohel Rana and Md Shafiqul Islam, according to a Facebook post by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Monday morning. Kashem, a former student of Al-Jamia Al-Islamia Kasemul Uloom Madrasa in Bogura, currently lives in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area. Saidur hails from Noakanda village in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district. Rakib Hossain, from Sherpur district, was identified in video footage taking part in vandalism and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. He also posted images of the wreckage along with provocative messages on Facebook. Md Naim, a resident of Kunipara in Tejgaon, was arrested in Chauddagram upazila of Cumilla with Tk 50,000 looted during the attacks. During primary interrogation, he admitted to looting Tk 123,000, part of which he used to purchase a television and a refrigerator from Mohammadpur. The items were later recovered. Sohel Rana, arrested from the Karwan Bazar rail-line area, has 13 cases filed against him, including drug-related charges, at different police stations in Dhaka. Shafiqul Islam, arrested from the same area, has two previous cases related to arson and grenade attacks. Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the police, along with intelligence agencies, has detained two more individuals whose identities are currently being verified. At a meeting on Sunday, police informed Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that primary video analysis had identified 31 suspects involved in the incidents. In Chattogram, three people who attempted to create unrest near the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner were also identified from video footage. Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused.