United News of Bangladesh

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday said two suspects in Hadi murder case who were arrested in India will be brought back to Bangladesh under the existing extradition treaty between the two countries. “The Home Ministry has already taken steps regarding the arrest of the two accused while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been requested to take necessary measures to bring them back in line with the the extradition agreement,” said the minister. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after attending a district law and order committee meeting in Cox’s Bazar, his first such meeting in his home district after assuming office. Efforts on to bring back 2 Hadi murder suspects held in India: IGP Salahuddin Ahmed also said a list of drug traders is being prepared in a highly professional manner. “The list will not be made public as doing so could create political influence and lead to possible errors,” he said. Incidents of mob violence will not be allowed in the country and all terrorists and extortionists will be brought under the law to ensure good governance, said Salahuddin. The minister also announced measures to restore discipline in the tourism sector of Cox’s Bazar. He said illegal permanent and temporary structures set up on the sand dunes along the sea beach will be removed within a week and the tourist areas will be kept clean. He further said CCTV cameras will be installed at important points in the town to improve the law and order situation. Among others, lawmakers Shahjahan Chowdhury and Lutfur Rahman Kajol, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mannan, Superintendent of Police ANM Sajedur Rahman and Cox’s Bazar district BNP general secretary Shamima Ara Swapna were present.  

India clinched a record third T20 World Cup title with a commanding 96-run win over New Zealand on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, thrilling over 86,000 fans. After losing the toss, India batted first and posted a massive 255-5. Opener Sanju Samson starred with a 46-ball 89, his third consecutive fifty, while Abhishek Sharma smashed a rapid 52 off just 21 balls. The pair’s blazing start helped India reach 92-0 in the power play, equaling the highest in T20 World Cup history. Ishan Kishan also contributed a quick fifty, with India crossing 200 by the 15th over. Shivam Dube’s 26 not out ensured India finished past 250. In response, New Zealand never threatened. Tim Seifert hit a 26-ball 52 with five sixes, but India’s bowlers dominated. Jasprit Bumrah took 4-15, including a hat-trick chance, while Axar Patel claimed 3-27. Varun Chakravarthy and Kishan contributed with key wickets and catches as New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs. Samson’s 89 became the highest individual score in a men’s T20 World Cup final, earning him player of the tournament for 321 runs at an average of 80.25. Bumrah, named player of the match, celebrated his 40th T20 World Cup wicket, the most by any pacer. India, which previously won in 2007 and 2024, became the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title and the first to lift the trophy on home soil. Suryakumar Yadav joined MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as Indian captains to claim the trophy, marking another historic day for Indian cricket.  

The knockout stage for the T20 World Cup is officially set. Following the conclusion of the Super Eight phase, South Africa, England, India, and New Zealand have emerged as the final four contenders remaining from the 20-team tournament. Defending champions and tournament hosts India secured the last available spot by defeating the West Indies in their final Super Eight match. By finishing as the runners-up in Group 1, India booked a blockbuster second semi-final clash against two-time champions England. The high-profile encounter is scheduled to take place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5 at 7:30 PM. The knockout phase will commence a day earlier on March 4 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Group 1 champions South Africa will lock horns with New Zealand in the first semi-final at 7:30 PM. Both teams will be fighting fiercely for a spot in the title clash, as neither nation has previously won the T20 World Cup. The winners of the two semi-finals will meet in the grand finale to crown the world champions. The championship match is set to be held in Ahmedabad on March 8 at 7:30 PM.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi extended congratulations to newly appointed Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his appointment. Wang Yi, who is also Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, expressed his intent to work with Foreign Minister Rahman to jointly implement the important understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and advance the Bangladesh-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights. Dr Jaishanker said he looks forward to working together with Foreign Minister Rahman to advance cooperation between Bangladesh and India for mutual progress and prosperity, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Minister served as Chief Adviser's High Representative for the Rohingya Issue and Priority Affairs and National Security Adviser during the interim government’s period. He joined BCS (Foreign Affairs) in 1979 after securing the first position in the first regular civil service examination after independence held in 1977. Khalilur Rahman served in various capacities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York. In 1991, he joined the United Nations secretariat as a Special Adviser and served in different senior UN positions during the next 25 years. PM Tarique Rahman to address nation this evening In November 2024, he was appointed as the High Representative with the status and privileges of an Adviser. Khalilur Rahman stood first class first in MA examinations in Economics at Dhaka University in 1977. During 1980-83, he attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University and the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and earned the degrees of MA in Law and Diplomacy and PhD in Economics.

Inviting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family to visit India, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said Bangladesh and India can truly become catalysts for each other's sustainable growth, work for each other's security and enable mutual prosperity as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies. “I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation, and advance our common goals in wide-ranging areas of connectivity, trade, technology, education, skill development, energy, healthcare, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” he said in a letter that was handed over to Prime Minister Tarique on Tuesday. Tarique Rahman: From London exile to Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha Om Birla represented the government of India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected government of Bangladesh led by Tarique Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri accompanied the Speaker.

India has stormed into the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup with a commanding 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The emphatic win guarantees India the top spot in Group A with three consecutive victories, while leaving Pakistan facing a do-or-die scenario in their final group match. Despite the intense buildup, which saw black-market ticket prices soar to four times their face value and hotels in Colombo fully booked, the on-field contest proved to be surprisingly one-sided. The match was attended by top cricket administrators, including ICC Chairman Jay Shah and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in what was billed as an opportunity for cricket diplomacy. However, the traditional coldness between the neighbors remained visible as the two captains skipped the customary handshake, keeping the rivalry as tense off the field as it is on it. Put into bat on a sluggish surface, India faced an immediate surprise when Pakistan captain Salman Agha opened the bowling himself, dismissing dangerous opener Abhishek Sharma for a duck in the very first over. However, Ishan Kishan seized control of the innings, smashing a blistering 77 off just 40 balls—the fastest fifty in an India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. Along with Tilak Varma, he stitched a crucial 87-run partnership. Despite Pakistan deploying a record six spinners in an attempt to utilize the slow conditions, India posted a competitive 175 for 7. In reply, Pakistan’s chase never found momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah struck early, removing openers Saim Ayub and Salman Agha cheaply, leaving Pakistan reeling at 34 for 4 inside the powerplay. Although Usman Khan offered some resistance with a fighting 44, the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure from Varun Chakravarthy, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya, who claimed two wickets each. Pakistan were eventually bundled out for 114 in 18 overs. The result has simplified the equation for Group A. Pakistan, currently on 4 points, must defeat Namibia on February 18 to join India in the Super Eight. Pakistan ended boycott because Bangladesh’s demands were met: PCB chief A victory would see them progress ahead of the United States—who have finished their group matches with 4 points—due to a superior Net Run Rate. However, a shock defeat to Namibia would eliminate the former champions and send the Americans through to the next round. For other teams, the pressure is mounting in Group B, where Australia faces a critical test against hosts Sri Lanka today. A loss for the Australians would leave them on the brink of elimination, needing other results to go their way, whereas a win for Sri Lanka would secure their progression.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday and extended support in his endeavour to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. "Delighted to speak with Mr. Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections," PM Modi said. He conveyed his best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. Modi congratulates Tarique Rahman on BNP’s decisive poll victory "As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," said the Indian Prime Minister.

His bags were practically packed for Germany. His itinerary included a dream stop in Spain to watch Real Madrid play on February 15. He had even told the national team trainer not to disturb him. Yet, in a twist of fate that scripts are made of, Mohammed Siraj found himself not in a European stadium stand, but steaming in at the Wankhede, spearheading India’s World Cup attack just 24 hours later. The Indian pacer, who had originally planned to spend his time off with friends in Hyderabad and Europe, became the accidental hero in India's victory over the USA yesterday. The dramatic turnaround began when pacer Harshit Rana was ruled out of the tournament due to injury just a day before the World Cup commenced. Siraj, who hadn't played a T20 International since July 2024, received a call that he initially thought was a prank. “Suddenly Surya Bhai (Captain Suryakumar Yadav) called me. He said, ‘Get ready, pack your bags and come.” I said, 'Surya Bhai, don't joke, this isn't possible,’” Siraj recalled after the match. The gravity of the situation only sank in when national selector Pragyan Ojha called immediately after to confirm the summons. Pakistan survives collapse to beat Netherlands by 3 wickets in World Cup opener With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to fever, the pressure on the sudden replacement was immense. However, Siraj rose to the occasion, defending India's total of 161 by claiming 3 wickets for 29 runs in his 4 overs. Reflecting on the cancellation of his plans to watch Real Madrid on the 15th and the start of Ramadan, Siraj attributed the events to destiny. “What God has written, no one can change. I came, I played the match, it was all pre-written,” he said.

India’s parliament was thrown into turmoil after opposition leader Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from an unpublished memoir by former army chief General MM Naravane, in which top political leaders are accused of failing to give clear instructions during the 2020 border clash with China. The memoir, titled Four Stars of Destiny, has been awaiting government clearance since 2024. Gandhi’s attempt to read excerpts during a parliamentary debate on Monday was repeatedly interrupted, bringing proceedings to a standstill. He said the book claimed that as Chinese tanks advanced, Naravane was told “to do what he deemed appropriate,” highlighting a lack of direction from political leadership during the Galwan valley standoff in Ladakh, which left 20 Indian and at least four Chinese soldiers dead. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Gandhi of insulting the Indian army and violating parliamentary rules by citing an unpublished work. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah demanded that Gandhi present the actual book in the house. Gandhi insisted his source was authentic and held up a copy of the unpublished memoir to reporters on Wednesday, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had effectively left operational decisions to Naravane. Naravane served as India’s army chief from 2019 to 2022. His memoir, which details his personal life and military career, has been delayed amid concerns that it contains sensitive operational information. Under Indian law, retired military officials must obtain clearance from their former organizations before publishing material that could affect national security. Experts say retired officers can receive approval, be asked for revisions, or face rejection if content is deemed sensitive. Naravane is not the first Indian army chief to publish a memoir recounting military conflicts, with past works covering confrontations with Pakistan and operations in Kashmir. The controversy has reignited political debate over India’s handling of the 2020 China standoff and raised questions about transparency, civil-military relations, and parliamentary procedures. Eight Congress MPs were later suspended for disorderly conduct as disruptions continued into Tuesday. Gandhi has previously accused the Modi government of “ceding” Indian territory to China during the 2020 border clash, claims the government strongly denies. The political row comes amid ongoing scrutiny of India-China relations and the strategic management of disputed Himalayan border areas.   With inputs from BBC

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially confirmed that their national cricket team will not take the field against India in the upcoming T20 World Cup, stating the decision was made to stand in solidarity with Bangladesh. Addressing cabinet members in Islamabad on Wednesday, Sharif declared that “politics should not exist on the sports field.” This is the first time the government has publicly articulated the specific reason behind the boycott, which was announced via social media last week. “We have taken a very clear position on the T20 World Cup—we will not play the match against India,” Sharif told his cabinet. “We took this decision after much thought. We should fully stand by Bangladesh. I think this is a very appropriate decision.” T20 World Cup: ICC rejects Bangladesh’s safe-venue request, includes Scotland The diplomatic sporting row stems from the International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament. The Bangladesh government had refused to send their team to India citing security concerns, following threats from communal groups that led to pacer Mustafizur Rahman being dropped from the IPL on January 3. While the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested a venue change to Sri Lanka, the ICC rejected the plea, labeling the threat against Mustafizur as “isolated.” Bangladesh’s Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul later said that neither the ICC nor the Indian government provided necessary security assurances. ICC warns PCB of legal and financial fallout over India match boycott Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has supported Bangladesh throughout the process, criticizing the ICC for “double standards” regarding security protocols. The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7. The India-Pakistan clash was scheduled for February 15 in Colombo. The ICC has previously warned the PCB to “reconsider” the boycott, citing potential long-term implications for Pakistan cricket.