United News of Bangladesh

In a heart-wrenching gesture, the authorities of Kashimpur Prison in Gazipur facilitated a son’s final farewell to his deceased mother, fulfilling her last wish. On Sunday night at 8:20 pm, Mamun Hossain, a detainee awaiting trial in an arms case at Hazaribagh Police Station in Dhaka, was allowed to see his mother’s body inside an ambulance at the prison gate.  The meeting, brief and solemn, was organised in accordance with the deceased mother’s final desire. According to prison sources, Sufia Begum, the wife of Nil Mia from Dhaneswar in Itna, Kishoreganj, passed away on Sunday morning due to old age-related complications.  Her last wish was to allow her son, Mamun Hossain, to see her one final time.  Responding to this request, family members arranged for an ambulance to bring her body to Kashimpur Prison for a fleeting meeting. DU student Nafis’s funeral prayer held at Curzon Hall Following the approval of the Inspector General of Prisons, Kashimpur Prison-2 authorities allowed the heart-rending encounter, giving the grieving son a chance to bid farewell to his mother in her final repose. In a moment that combined sorrow and solace, the prison authorities’ rare gesture allowed a son to honour the last wish of a mother, highlighting the fragile human emotions that persist even behind bars.

Inqilab Moncho on Sunday night announced a four-point demand seeking justice for its slain spokesperson Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. The demands were announced through a post on the organization’s official Facebook page. The four-point demands are as follows: All those involved in the killing—including the perpetrator, the planner, aides to the murder, those who assisted in the escape, and those who provided shelter—must be brought to justice within the next 24 days. Work permits of all Indian nationals residing in Bangladesh must be cancelled. If India refuses to repatriate the accused murderers who have taken refuge there, a case should be filed against India at the International Court of Justice. Fascist elements allegedly hiding within the Civil Military Intelligence must be identified, arrested, and brought to justice. In a separate Facebook post, Inqilab Moncho also called upon students and public to participate in a blockade scheduled for Monday at 2pm in the capital's Shahbagh, now renamed Hadi Square in memory of the slain spokesperson.

Due to dense fog, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has cancelled the voyages of five luxury launches from Barishal to Dhaka, disembarking passengers as a precaution. On Sunday night at 8pm, BIWTA instructed the authorities to halt the journeys of four direct launches and one via-route launch from Barisal port. The cancelled launches are: Parabat-11, Parabat-12, M Khan-7, Suravi-7, and Via Sundarban-12, confirmed Zulfiqar Ali, BIWTA Traffic Inspector in Barisal. According to the Barisal Meteorological Office, thick fog persisted throughout the day, blocking sunlight. The minimum temperature in Barisal was recorded at 13°C on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, the minimum temperatures were 12.40°C at 9 a.m. Previously, Thursday saw 12.50°C and Wednesday 13.4°C. The continuous cold and fog have disrupted daily life in the region. Rahima Begum, a passenger who had boarded a launch for Dhaka, said, “After sitting on the launch for two hours in freezing weather, we were informed that the journey was canceled. Now I have to return home with my two bags, enduring the hardship.” Zulfiqar Ali added that the launches on the Barisal-Dhaka route will remain suspended until weather conditions improve.  

Protesters are continuing their blockade at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka for the third consecutive day, demanding justice for Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, slain spokesman of Inqilab Moncho. By this evening, the number of demonstrators staging the sit-in have grown significantly. Thousands of protesters, including women and children, joined the demonstration and chanted various slogans. Similar protest rallies were also held in different parts of the country, including Chattogram, Cumilla and Sylhet. However, earlier in a Facebook post, Inqilab Moncho urged demonstrators to withdraw the blockade at 8pm in divisional cities. “Next course of activities will be informed,” read the post. Meanwhile, a massive traffic jam was created on the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway on Sunday after a group of protesters blocked the highway in front of Uttara’s BNS Centre, expressing solidarity with Inqilab Moncho. Due to the blockade, commuters faced severe suffering as vehicular movement on the highway came to a halt, causing immense suffering of the commuters. Regarding justice of Hadi, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sunday that the trial of Hadi’s murder would be completed during the tenure of the current interim government. “I want to assure you that the trial of Hadi’s murder will be completed during the term of the current interim government, InshaAllah,” he told the media after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Secretariat. The adviser said the interim government is determined to ensure justice in the murder of Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July Uprising.

The Ministry of Education on Sunday published the holiday list and academic calendar for government and non-government secondary and junior secondary schools for the 2026 academic year, showing a reduction in the number of holidays. According to the calendar, educational institutions will remain closed for 64 days in 2026, which is 12 days fewer than the previous year. In 2025, the total number of holidays was 76. The notification, signed by Sabina Yasmin, Deputy Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, was issued on Sunday. The gazette states that schools will remain open for nearly half of the holy month of Ramadan in 2026. Major holidays include 19 days off from March 8 to March 26 on the occasions of the holy month of Ramadan, Sri Sri Harichand Thakur’s advent, Shab-e-Qadr, Jumatul Bida, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Independence and National Day. Institutions will observe 12 days of closure from May 24 to June 4 for Eid-ul-Azha and summer vacation, five days from October 18 to 22 for Durga Puja, and 10 days from December 20 to 29 for winter vacation and Christmas. According to the schedule, half-yearly or pre-test examinations will be held between June 26 and July 10, with results to be published on July 29. Test examinations will take place from October 29 to November 10, with results on November 18. Annual examinations are scheduled to conclude between November 19 and December 6, with results to be published on December 30. The Junior Scholarship Examination will be held from December 15 to 20, and results will also be published on December 30. The academic year will run from January 1 to December 31, the notification added.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sunday that the trial of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi’s murder would be completed during the tenure of the current interim government. “I want to assure you that the trial of Hadi’s murder will be completed during the term of the current interim government, InshaAllah,” he told the media after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Secretariat. The adviser said the interim government is determined to ensure justice in the murder of Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July uprising. “As you know, the police, BGB, RAB and other intelligence agencies are working intensively and in a coordinated manner to uncover the real facts.” Jahangir Alam said significant progress has already been made in the investigation. “For the sake of the investigation and to identify the real criminals and their associates, not everything can be disclosed at this moment. I am sharing only what can be made public without hampering the investigation.” He said 11 people have been arrested in connection with the case so far and six of whom have given confessional statements under Section 164, while four witnesses have also recorded their statements under the same section. Law enforcement agencies have recovered two foreign pistols, 52 rounds of bullets, magazines and knives used in the murder, along with the motorcycle and fake number plate used in the crime, bullet shells, video and CCTV footage, and other evidence from the crime scene. Signed cheques worth a total of Tk 218 crore from around 53 accounts have also been seized, he said. The adviser said law enforcement agencies are continuing efforts to identify those behind the murder. “The investigation is now at its final stage, he said, expressing hope that a charge sheet would be submitted within the next 10 days, by January 7. Requesting patience from all concerned, he said the main mystery behind the murder and the full list of those involved would be revealed soon. He added that a decision has already been taken to transfer the case to a Speedy Trial Tribunal, and authorities are making their utmost efforts to ensure justice in the heinous murder. The adviser also warned that fascist allies, miscreants and terrorists are attempting to disrupt the process. He urged everyone not to do anything that may strengthen our enemies or hinder the trial process of Hadi’s murder. Osman Hadi, also a prospective candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. Later, he was airlifted to Singapore for advanced treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18.

Children in Bangladesh are increasingly facing serious safety threats as incidents of rape, murder and various forms of abuse continue to rise, according to a new study based on media analysis. The findings were unveiled in a research report titled “State of Child Rights–2025”, which was launched on Sunday at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital, said a press release. The study analysed reports published in national and local newspapers and found a disturbing pattern of violence against children across the country. According to the report, of the 1,867 negative news items related to children published in the media, 62.66 percent — amounting to 1,170 reports — involved cases of child rape and murder. The data points to severe threats to children’s sexual and life security and underscores the gravity of crimes committed against them. The launch event was organised by Sachetan Sangstha with support from Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) and the Street Children Activists Network (SCAN) Bangladesh. The programme was chaired by Sachetan Sangstha General Secretary Sakila Parveen, while MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam moderated the session. The function was also addressed, among others, by Director General of Bangladesh Shishu Academy Mosammat Arju Ara Begum, Joint Inspector General of the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments Mosammat Julia Jesmin, Additional Director of the Department of Social Services Ratan Kumar Halder, Waterkeepers Bangladesh Coordinator Sharif Jamil, and MJF Deputy Programme Manager Pablo Neruda. Presenting the key findings, SCAN General Secretary Moniruzzaman Mukul stressed the need for firm political commitment to child rights. He said all political parties contesting the upcoming national parliamentary election must include clear and specific pledges to ensure child rights in their election manifestos. He also called for strict laws and political consensus to keep children away from political violence, along with speedy trials and exemplary punishment for child rape and murder cases. Bangladesh Shishu Academy Director General Arju Ara Begum said the country is passing through an unstable period that is also affecting children. While family education plays a crucial role, she noted that many children are abused by family members, hindering their overall development. She pointed out the lack of coordination among government and non-government initiatives and offered the Shishu Academy’s support in coordinating child rights efforts. She also sought greater media cooperation in ensuring child protection. MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said the newspaper-based analysis clearly shows that children in 2025 have been exposed to extreme insecurity, violence and structural weaknesses. Although some positive government and NGO initiatives were reported, violence against children — particularly sexual abuse and accidental deaths — remains deeply concerning. She emphasised the need for swift and effective enforcement of laws, increased awareness at family and community levels, and a more child-friendly education system to ensure comprehensive child protection.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, also chairman of the National Cyber Security Council, on Sunday said the government needs to strengthen its technological capacity ahead of the national election and take strict action against all forms of cybercrime. The Chief Adviser directed the National Cyber Security Agency to ensure robust cyber security ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election and referendum. The directive came at a meeting of the National Cyber Security Council held at the State Guest house Jamuna with the Chief Adviser in the chair. He said the government is working to bring all citizen services on online platforms and many services are already being delivered digitally at home and abroad. To ensure these services remain secure and uninterrupted, the Chief Adviser said, strengthening cyber security is essential. Professor Yunus instructed the authorities concerned to give special priority to sectors providing citizen services. “Institutions including the Cyber Security Agency that adopt cyber security measures must regularly update their software and hardware, while the personnel involved must also be made more skilled.” Institutions and related personnel should be brought under a rating system so that proper evaluation of cyber security and overall performance becomes easier, he said. Prof Yunus directed the National Cyber Security Agency to play an effective role alongside the judiciary to ensure that no one involved in crimes in the financial sector goes unpunished. At the meeting, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb i said 35 institutions have already been listed as Critical Information Infrastructure and suggested including more institutions in the list. He stressed the importance of coordination between the National Cyber Security Agency and the BTRC to prevent rumours, misinformation, disinformation and other cybercrimes surrounding the upcoming election. Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said various measures have already been taken to further strengthen cyber security in the banking sector and more initiatives are in the pipeline. He also praised the initiative to form sectoral Computer Emergency Response Teams. Member Secretary of the National Cyber Security Council and Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency Dr Md Tayebur Rahman presented the agency’s activities and future action plans through a PowerPoint presentation. He also detailed the ‘Cyber Incident Reporting and Response System’ designed for receiving complaints of cybercrimes and processing them. Others present at the meeting included Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam and National Board of Revenue Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan. Following the promulgation of the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 on May 21, the National Cyber Security Council was formed on August 26 to ensure cyber security for state institutions and citizens under the amended ordinance.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday welcomed the growing interactions between Bangladesh and Pakistan; and emphasised the importance of increased visits, as well as cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges among SAARC member states. He highlighted the need for boosting Bangladesh-Pakistan trade and hoped that both countries would find new opportunities for investment and joint ventures during Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider’s tenure. The Chief Adviser made the remarks when Imran Haider paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Prof Yunus at the State Guest House in Dhaka.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday voiced concern over the growing presence of fascist allies, terrorists and miscreants within political parties, highlighting the potential threat to national stability. “The government has information that some leaders and activists of political parties are allowing such individuals to enter their parties without proper verification,” he told reporters after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Secretariat. The adviser urged the political parties to be aware of the fascist allies, terrorists and miscreants lurking inside various political parties. “We are receiving reports that some leaders and activists of various political parties are unknowingly giving space to fascists, terrorists and miscreants in their parties,” Jahangir Alam said. He called upon party leaders to identify such elements and distance themselves from them, adding that they may seek assistance from law enforcement agencies if necessary. “If political parties strengthen internal vigilance and identify and keep away individuals with criminal backgrounds, the overall law and order situation will become more stable,” the adviser added.