United News of Bangladesh

India on Saturday reaffirmed the value of its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh and wished the people of Bangladesh peace, prosperity and success on their journey ahead. "We have and will continue to support a democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh," said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma while commemorating India’s Republic Day in the evening.  Moving forward, the High Commissioner said successes achieved across diverse areas inspire them to seek even more forward-looking and future-ready collaborations. Energy Adviser Md Fauzul Kabir Khan spoke at the reception held at a city hotel attended by political leaders, senior government officials, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, civil society members, cultural activists, among others.  Today, the High Commissioner said, as two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies, powered by young, skilled, and innovative populations, Bangladesh and India are capable of becoming catalysts for each other’s sustainable growth, enablers of each other’s future prosperity, and anchors for robust regional integration. "Together, we can build regional value chains, shared digital ecosystems, and energy corridors that serve both our economies," he said. Together, the High Commissioner said, they can ensure that the region’s energy future is clean, affordable and secure. He said the two countries can work to address shared challenges of environmental sustainability and climate change for our shared ecology. "In short, as forward moving societies, there is so much that we can offer to each other, and to our region, when we work together, transforming our geographical proximity into new opportunities," said the High Commissioner. Collaborations that are anchored in their shared aspirations for prosperity, progress, and partnership, he said. "Partnership that is rooted in trust. Partnership that is driven by innovation and technology; and a partnership that is nurtured and sustained by mutual interest, mutual benefit and mutual sensitivity," said the High Commissioner. On 26 January 1950, the people of a newly-independent India gave themselves a new Constitution; declared their country a sovereign republic; and committed themselves to the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and dignity for all. In the 76 years since then, India has moved from being an impoverished nation to become the largest democracy and one of the largest economies in the world, a modern, confident nation that is today contributing to global progress and offering solutions to global challenges. "Bangladesh has been an important co-traveler in this journey of ours. We share a special relationship, along with an indelible history of shared sacrifices during Bangladesh’s Liberation War of 1971," Pranay Verma said. He said their shared love for literature, music, and art defines the Dhaka-Delhi ties. "From Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, whose works connect our cultures and literatures, to the rich traditions of dance, theater, and cinema – people of our two nations share a deep cultural affinity," said the High Commissioner. Over the years, he said their mutual exchanges and shared interdependence have been reinforced by a rapidly transforming landscape of connectivity and economic engagement, bringing their societies, people and businesses closer together. A cross-border pipeline carrying high-speed diesel from an Indian refinery to Bangladesh; the cross-border power transmission lines, bringing power from both India and Nepal to Bangladesh through the Indian grid –are some examples of how the two countries have, together, laid the foundations of energy connectivity leading to regional economic integration in a true sense, said the Indian envoy. "Our supply chains fuel Bangladesh’s prolific RMG and pharmaceutical sectors, proving the merits of mutual cooperation and interdependence," the High Commissioner said. He said there are numerous such examples of how the partnership has brought benefits to the people and businesses on both sides. 

BNP on Saturday dismissed an allegation by Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher regarding an alleged agreements with India, calling it a 'political smear' with no factual basis. “A very influential leader of a political party has made a claim about BNP’s deal with India, referring to the media. But he could not present any evidence in support of his claim, nor will he be able to do so,” said BNP’s Election Steering Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin. Speaking at a press briefing at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office, he also said Taher’s remarks amounted to 'political smear tactics and misinformation' aimed at creating confusion during the election period. “The information, he claims, came from the media, and it has no basis whatsoever. There is not the slightest reality, not the slightest truth. So, this appears to be a political tactic to create controversies, a smear campaign,” Mahdi said. He said if the Jamaat leader was fed incorrect information or used to spread confusion, it would point to ignorance on his part. “We believe it is either a tactic or ignorance. We want to state clearly that the claims about BNP having any agreement with India are entirely false and amount to propaganda.” Taher, while implicitly referring to BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, had claimed that the BNP entered into 'three agreements' with India. Mahdi said BNP rejects 'negative propaganda, smear tactics and opportunistic politics' ahead of the polls. “BNP’s politics is Bangladesh-first politics. Under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, national interest, sovereignty and the empowerment of citizens come first,” he said. Mahdi also highlighted BNP’s past mobilisation on issues involving water sharing and border tensions. “We demonstrated for fair water rights on the Teesta and Padma rivers and protested the killing of Felani on the border. Under Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership, BNP rejected subservient foreign policy and defended national sovereignty,” he said. Jamaat commits to implementing Teesta Mega Plan if elected: Dr Shafiqur Rahman Mahdi also highlighted BNP’s recently launched election hotlines aimed at providing election-related guidance and receiving complaints. “BNP has launched hotline 16543 and a WhatsApp hotline 01806977577 to enhance direct communication with the people, provide legal information, and receive complaints and constructive feedback related to the polls,” he said. Mahdi said a large number of people have already contacted the hotlines and received assistance. He drew attention to reports that an unauthorised group has been demanding money from people in the name of distributing ‘Family Cards’ and ‘Farmer Cards’. Mahdi said these cards—part of BNP’s proposed social welfare and empowerment programmes—would only be implemented by the state and 'fully free of cost' if the party comes to power. “If anyone fraudulently demands money in the name of these cards, we urge people to inform us and contact law enforcement,” the BNP spokesperson said. Responding to a query, Mahdi reiterated that any attempt to collect money using these cards is 'unwanted and intended to create controversy'.    

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has formally requested the intervention of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Independent Dispute Resolution Committee, refusing to back down from its demand to shift their T20 World Cup matches out of India. Despite the ICC's recent ruling that the tournament schedule remains non-negotiable, the Bangladesh government and board remain steadfast in their decision to boycott the Indian leg of the tournament due to unresolved security concerns. Following a meeting with the World Cup squad at a Dhaka hotel on Thursday, Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul declared that there is “no chance” of the government altering its stance. He confirmed that unless the ICC relocates the fixtures to co-host Sri Lanka, Bangladesh will not participate in the global event scheduled to begin on February 7. In a fresh email sent to the global body, the BCB reiterated its position and called for the dispute to be adjudicated by the ICC’s independent panel of lawyers, hoping for a neutral verdict on the safety risks involved. During the meeting with the Sports Adviser, the players were briefed on the geopolitical realities and security threats that necessitated this hardline approach. The squad reportedly expressed no dissent, stating that while their primary role is to play cricket, they respect the decision of the government and the board as their guardians and will support the boycott if necessary. The crisis was precipitated by the BCCI's decision on January 3 to remove pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL following threats from extremist groups, an incident the Bangladesh government cites as clear evidence that the environment in India is hostile. Farooki questions ICC’s neutrality, cites mob lynching as proof of ‘severe risk’ in India BCB President Aminul Islam maintained that the team is physically and mentally prepared to play but will only do so if the matches are moved to Sri Lanka. While the ICC has not officially responded to the request for independent arbitration and the BCCI remains silent, a BCB official confirmed that the board will continue to press its demand until the very end.  

Authorities in the southern Indian state of Telangana have launched an investigation after hundreds of stray dogs were reportedly killed across at least six villages in the past month. Police have confirmed at least 354 deaths so far and arrested nine individuals in connection with some of the cases. While animal welfare activists told the BBC that the dogs were either poisoned or injected with lethal substances, police said they are awaiting forensic reports to determine the exact method used. Villagers claimed that the killings were linked to promises made by candidates during recent local election campaigns to remove stray dogs and monkeys from public areas. The incidents have come amid a nationwide debate on stray animals, with the Supreme Court currently hearing petitions on controlling street dogs, including in the capital Delhi. Killings on such a large scale remain rare and have sparked public outrage. Stray animals, mainly dogs but also cattle and monkeys, are considered a persistent problem in many parts of India. They are often blamed for attacks on people, crop damage, and traffic accidents. Experts cite gaps in sterilisation and vaccination programmes, rising garbage, animal abandonment, shrinking forest habitats, and inconsistent law enforcement as contributing factors. While stray dogs often form strong bonds with local communities, animal rights activists have repeatedly flagged cruelty and warned that penalties for harming them are insufficient. Telangana State Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka described the killings as “illegal” and “inhumane,” promising strict action against those responsible. The Supreme Court has also been addressing the issue. In August 2025, it ordered authorities in Delhi and surrounding areas to relocate stray dogs to shelters within two months. After public protests, the order was modified to require immunisation and vaccination before releasing the animals back to their neighbourhoods. Animal welfare groups argue that overcrowded shelters are unscientific, while proponents of removal claim uncontrolled populations threaten human safety and livelihoods. The killings in Telangana occurred across three districts between late December and mid-January. In Kamareddy district, police said 244 dogs were buried in four locations, with government veterinary doctors conducting post-mortems and sending samples to laboratories. Village council heads were found involved. In Shayampet and Arepally villages near Warangal, 110 dogs were killed, and nine people, including village council heads, were arrested. In Jagtial city, police are investigating claims that around 40 dogs were killed at the end of December, though no bodies were recovered. Minister Seethakka told the Hindu newspaper that killing stray dogs under the pretext of population control is unjustifiable, and the government has issued instructions to village councils to prevent recurrence. Activists suggest the actual number of culled dogs may be higher than police figures. Some residents defended the killings. Raju, son of the Arepally village head, said only rabid dogs were killed due to disease, aggression, and involvement in road accidents. Another resident, Vijay, claimed most villagers supported the actions over fears of bites and disease. Telangana recorded nearly 122,000 dog bite cases in 2024, though no rabies deaths were reported. The dog killings coincide with other alleged incidents involving stray animals in Telangana, including reports of monkeys found dead or critically injured, allegedly tranquillised and dumped along highways in Kamareddy district.   With inputs from BBC

The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards have been announced, ending hopes for India’s official entry Homebound, which failed to make the final list in the Best International Feature Film category. Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and backed by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, had reached the shortlist stage and drew attention internationally. The film stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. In the overall race, Sinners emerged as the top nominee with 16 nods, while One Battle After Another also featured among major contenders across categories, according to the report. The Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 15. Comedian Conan O’Brien is set to host the event. The report also noted that Wagner Moura became the first Brazilian actor to earn a Best Actor nomination, while Timothee Chalamet set a record as the youngest male actor to receive three acting nominations.   With inputs from NDTV

The diplomatic crisis surrounding the T20 World Cup has intensified just hours before a prospective deadline, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally intervening to support Bangladesh's refusal to play in India. On Tuesday, as ESPNcrinfo reported, the PCB sent a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its board members, backing the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s (BCB) stance that the political climate in India poses a security risk. This move comes just a day before the ICC board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to make a final call on Bangladesh's participation in the tournament. The ICC has called an urgent board meeting for Wednesday to resolve the impasse, which threatens to derail the event less than three weeks before it begins. While the timing of the PCB’s email has raised eyebrows, sources suggest it is unlikely to alter the ICC's firm position. Read more: Bangladesh not to accept any illogical ICC conditions under Indian pressure: Sports Adviser The global body has repeatedly conveyed to the BCB that the World Cup schedule will not be changed to move Bangladesh's matches to co-host Sri Lanka. Both sides have remained deadlocked, with the ICC insisting on the original itinerary and the BCB, backed by their government, refusing to travel to India. Speculation regarding Pakistan's involvement has been rife for days, with unverified reports suggesting the PCB might review its own participation contingent on the outcome of the Bangladesh issue. While the PCB has not publicly commented, their email confirms a unified front with Bangladesh. This diplomatic row originated when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, citing worsening political ties—a move that prompted the Bangladesh government to bar the national team from playing in India. Read more: T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul on Tuesday said Bangladesh will not accept any unreasonable conditions if the ICC creates pressure on the country under influence from the Indian Cricket Control  Board. “If the International Cricket Council (ICC) bows to pressure from the Indian Cricket Board and tries to impose any illogical condition on us, we will not accept,” he told reporters at the Secretariat. He also said Bangladesh cannot be forced to travel to India to play the T20 World Cup under pressure. Read more: T20 World Cup: PCB suspends preparations, Pakistan signals Support for Bangladesh Asked about a report by French news agency AFP which said Scotland would replace Bangladesh in the World Cup if the team refuses to go to India, the adviser said they have not officially heard any such decision. “There are precedents in international cricket, when India refused to play in Pakistan the ICC changed the venue. We have reasonably asked for a venue change,” he added. Bangladesh recently informed the ICC that they would not travel to India for the tournament due to political tensions and requested their matches be moved to another venue. BCB rejects ICC’s plea to reconsider India tour to play T20 World Cup A final decision on Bangladesh’s participation and travel to India is expected by Wednesday. The ICC has not clarified how it would select a replacement team if a participant withdraws. Tensions escalated recently after Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman was dropped from the IPL due to security threats, a concern reportedly validated by the ICC’s own “Internal Threat Assessment Report”.

A security vehicle escorting Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was involved in a road accident in Mumbai on Monday evening (January 19, 2026) while the actor and his wife Twinkle Khanna were returning home from the airport. According to preliminary information, a car hit an auto-rickshaw from behind, causing the three-wheeler to overturn and crash into Akshay Kumar’s escort vehicle. The impact led to the security car toppling onto its right side on the road. Read more: Race 4 casting update: Akshaye Khanna not part of new film Police and emergency officials reached the spot shortly after the incident and brought the situation under control. No serious injuries were reported. Videos circulating on social media showed the escort vehicle lying on its side, while the auto-rickshaw appeared badly damaged. Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna were travelling back to their Juhu residence after returning from abroad, where they had marked a personal milestone. The couple recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Further details about the accident were awaited. Read more: James Cameron shuts down Titanic raft debate, says Jack could not have survived With inputs from NDTV

Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar continues its record-breaking run at the Indian box office, surpassing ₹871.9 crore in domestic earnings 43 days after its release. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the spy action thriller opened on December 5, 2025, and has been steadily raking in collections. On Day 43 alone, the film earned ₹2.1 crore, following a cumulative ₹869.8 crore over the previous 42 days, according to Jio Studios. Read more: The Raja Saab Box Office Day 8: Prabhas’ film earns Rs 3.50 crore The film’s weekly domestic breakdown shows strong sustained performance: ₹218 crore in Week 1, ₹261.5 crore in Week 2, ₹189.3 crore in Week 3, ₹115.7 crore in Week 4, ₹56.35 crore in Week 5, and ₹28.95 crore in Week 6. Bollywood veteran Suniel Shetty praised the performances, particularly highlighting Ranveer Singh’s nuanced portrayal. “Ranveer Singh is 100 out of 10… showing patriotism while restrained in another country is very difficult, and the audience believes it,” Shetty said. He also commended Akshaye Khanna, describing him as “10 out of 10.” Dhurandhar draws inspiration from major real-life events, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and Operation Lyari. Fans can look forward to Dhurandhar 2, scheduled for release on March 19, 2026, promising another chapter in the blockbuster spy thriller franchise. Source: NDTV Read more: Matthew McConaughey trademarks voice and image to block AI misuse

US Secretary of State Rubio  spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday and exchanged perspectives on regional developments. They reaffirmed the United States’ and India’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, said Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott. They exchanged best wishes for the New Year. The US Secretary of State congratulated India on enacting the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India bill. He expressed interest in capitalizing on this important development to enhance U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation, expand opportunities for American companies, advance shared energy security goals, and secure critical mineral supply chains. Venezuela puts Rubio at the center of Trump’s foreign policy playbook Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar discussed ongoing bilateral trade agreement negotiations and their shared interest in strengthening economic cooperation.