United News of Bangladesh

A major road development project  in Munshiganj is set to ease chronic travel woes and strengthen connectivity with the capital as authorities move to upgrade key highways linking the district with Dhaka’s main transport corridors. The Tk Tk 1,359cr project fully funded by the government aims to upgrade three regional highways and one district road to modern standards, improving links between Dhaka–Mawa–Bhanga (N-8) and Dhaka–Chattogram (N-1) highways. Officials say the project to be implemented by the Roads and Highways Department under the Road Transport and Highways Division is expected to be completed by June 2029. Spanning Munshiganj Sadar, Tongibari, Sirajdikhan and Srinagar upazilas, the project will upgrade roads from Munshiganj Old Bus Stand to Chonbari in Srinagar, creating a more efficient and safer road network. For thousands of daily commuters and traders, the project promises shorter travel times and smoother journeys to Dhaka, particularly through improved access to the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway. Residents of Munshiganj, long dependent on congested and narrow routes, are expected to benefit from faster connectivity while transport operators anticipate reduced travel delays and vehicle operating costs. The project includes widening road embankments, reconstructing pavements for both two-lane and four-lane sections, and carrying out surface development to enhance durability and traffic capacity. To improve safety and traffic flow, the project  includes construction of underpasses, overpasses and bus bays, alongside modern drainage systems,according to project documents . Bridges and culverts will also be a key focus. Authorities plan to build six RCC box culverts, 31 additional culverts for local communications, and 14 RCC slab bridges to strengthen linkages between main and feeder roads. Side drains with footpaths and RCC retaining walls will be constructed in selected stretches, while intersections will be redesigned to handle increased traffic volumes. The project also involves land acquisition, relocation of utilities such as electric poles, and maintenance arrangements during the construction period. Key roads under the plan include the Munshiganj Old Ferry Ghat–Old Bus Stand road, Fatulla–Munshiganj–Louhajang–Mawa road, Muktarpur Ferry Ghat road, and the Munshiganj (Hatimara)–Kunderbazar–Srinagar (Chonbari) road. These routes serve as vital arteries connecting the district’s major upazilas and are widely used for commuting, goods transport and access to Dhaka. Officials say the upgraded network will significantly improve traffic movement from the Muktarpur Bridge over the Dhaleshwari River to Srinagar on the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway, easing congestion and ensuring quicker access to the capital. Planning Commission officials believe the project will not only enhance connectivity between the two national highways but also boost economic activity in Munshiganj by facilitating smoother movement of people and agricultural goods. They added that improved road infrastructure is expected to support broader socio-economic development in the district and beyond.  

Bangladesh has sought Switzerland’s cooperation in recovering funds laundered abroad and advancing police reforms. The cooperation was sought during a meeting between Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Swiss Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli at the Secretariat on Wednesday. During the meeting the two sides discussed a wide range of issues including law and order, security and counterterrorism efforts as well as the practice of parliamentary democracy. They also discussed reforms in policing and other sectors, financial sector reforms, prevention of money laundering, and measures to tackle scams and digital fraud. Mentioning that improving law and order remains the government’s top priority, the Home Minister said that the administration is committed to fostering genuine parliamentary democracy. “All political parties have the right to hold meetings and rallies but these must be conducted responsibly to avoid public suffering,” he said. Criticising the previous regime, he said law enforcement agencies had been excessively used against political parties which he termed unfortunate. Ambassador Renggli expressed Switzerland’s willingness to provide technical and strategic support to enhance police capacity and advance reforms. He also inquired about the challenges in implementing the government’s reform agenda and stressed the importance of making parliament more effective, noting that peaceful debate is essential for democratic progress. Referring to his recent participation in the Global Fraud Summit 2026 held in Vienna on March 16–17, the Minister said digital scams now account for around 40 percent of global fraud. He also described it as a worldwide crisis that cannot be tackled without cross-border cooperation. The Ambassador also identified digital fraud as a growing concern and underscored the need for coordinated international efforts. Joint Secretary (Political-1) at the Home Ministry Rebecca Khan and Counsellor at the Swiss Embassy Alberto Giovanetti, among others, were present at the meeting. Later, Regional Director for South Asia of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Kristian Hölge held a separate meeting with the home minister.

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked ninth among the world’s most polluted cities on Thursday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 160 at 10:45 am. Today, the city’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’, indicating a serious health threat, according to the AQI report. Kathmandu in Nepal, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, and Karachi in Pakistan occupied the first, second, and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 197,192 and 186 respectively. According to the AQI scale, a reading between 50 and 100 is considered ‘moderate’, with generally acceptable air quality, though sensitive individuals should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. AQI levels of 101–150 are ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 is ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 is ‘very unhealthy’, and readings above 301 are considered ‘hazardous’, posing severe health risks. The AQI, which reports daily air quality, informs residents how clean or polluted the air is and highlights potential health effects. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone. Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution. Air quality usually deteriorates in winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes about seven million deaths worldwide each year, primarily from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Two people were killed and two others injured when a CNG-run auto-rickshaw crashed into a road divider while taking a U-turn in Tejgaon Industrial area of the capital on Friday night. The deceased were identified as Alim, 48, a CNG driver and passenger Harunur Rashid, 32, of Kishoreganj district. The accident occurred around 10 pm when the Mohakhali-bound CNG-run auto-rickshaw, carrying three passengers, hit the road divider while taking a U-turn, leaving four people injured. Father, daughter killed in Dhaka road crash Inspector Faruk, in-charge of the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital police camp, said the injured were taken to the hospital where doctors declared the CNG driver and one passenger dead. The injured female passengers—Happy Akter, 22, and Brishti Akter, 25—are undergoing treatment at the hospital, he added.

A 45-year-old man and his daughter were killed when a truck hit a motorbike in Science Lab area of the capital on Friday night. The deceased were identified as Saju Ahmed Sumon and his daughter Sumaiya Ahmed Trisha, residents of Shahjahanpur area. The accident occurred around 11 pm when the truck hit the motorcycle carrying the duo while they were heading towards their home, leaving one killed on the spot and another injured, said sub-inspector of New Market Police Station, Mahmudul. Bus–microbus collision leaves 2 dead on Dhaka–Barishal highway The injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where the doctors declared her dead. Police arrested the driver and seized the truck.

The United States has suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for citizens of Bangladesh and 74 other countries, the US Embassy in Dhaka said on Monday. However, the suspension does not apply to visitor visas, it added. In a message posted on its official Facebook page, the embassy said effective January 21, 2026, the Department of State paused all immigrant visa issuances to nationals of countries, including Bangladesh, whose immigrants have a high rate of collecting public assistance at the expense of the U.S. taxpayer. “The pause does not apply to visitor visas. Immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of impacted countries may submit visa applications and attend interviews, and the Department of State will continue to schedule visa interviews, “ it said.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered the authorities concerned to keep 100,000 volunteers ready in Dhaka to deal with any potential earthquake situation. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu disclosed this while talking to reporters at the Secretariat on Sunday after a meeting with the Prime Minister. The minister said the Prime Minister gave several instructions in view of the recent increase in earthquake incidents. “He (PM) has instructed us to prepare 100,000 volunteers in Dhaka city following the same model we have in the coastal areas,” Dulu said. The minister said the Prime Minister also directed the authorities to identify open spaces, including playgrounds and schools in Dhaka, to relocate people during emergencies. The Prime Minister instructed the ministry to ensure quick procurement of necessary equipment and work with other ministries to build public awareness, he said. “We will work on these issues and sit again on the 11th to review the follow-up,” the minister added. Asked about the country’s rescue capacity in the case of a major earthquake, Dulu said the discussions were aimed at capacity building. “So far, the equipment we have procured has been handed over to the Armed Forces Division and some to the Fire Service,” he said. On long-term disaster management planning, the minister said there is a 180-day plan in place. “We will implement whatever falls within our jurisdiction,” he added. Regarding the removal of risky high-rise or vulnerable buildings in high-risk zones under Rajuk, the minister said, “Yes, it is within our purview. Where it involves the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, we coordinate and work together,” he said.

Police have arrested four members of an alleged kidnapping gang in connection with the abduction of Arfan Sayeed, son of an Information Ministry official. According to police, the arrests were made following instructions from the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman after the matter was brought to his attention. The arrestees are Tanvir Ahmed alias Fahim, 23, Ishraq Yamin Likhon, 20, Hasan Al Banna alias Haslam, 21, and Mostafiz Rahman Punj, 22. Schoolgirl stabbed to death in Dhaka’s Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ramna Division Masud Alam said the group is an organised gang. He said they targeted young people through social media, allegedly using drugs and women to lure victims before kidnapping them for ransom. In this case, the suspects allegedly contacted the teenager through social media, took him to the Chamelibagh area of Khilgaon, and demanded ransom over the phone. Police said the victim’s father informed the Prime Minister about the incident, after which the Ramna Division DC was directed to take immediate action. Schoolgirl stabbed to death by lover in Hazaribagh; suspect arrested DC Masud said the kidnappers held the teenager in an under-construction building in the Chamelibagh area. Using information technology, police traced the location. However, sensing police presence, the suspects fled, leaving the victim behind. The teenager was later rescued, given first aid at a private hospital, and handed over to his family. Police are searching for another suspect believed to have been involved. A case has been filed with Ramna Police Station, and further operations are underway.

Amid Bangladesh’s continued engagement, Myanmar’s Union Minister for Foreign Affairs Than Swe and Chairman of the United League of Arakan Twan Mrat Naing have congratulated recently appointed Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman which is seen positively by Dhaka. The head of the Arakan Army has sent a congratulatory letter to the Bangladesh Foreign Minister for the first time. A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB that the messages from Myanmar and Arakan Army authorities are an extraordinary event and have come in the wake of continued engagement. “They reflect their confidence in the new Bangladesh government in promoting a peaceful resolution of the Rohingya issue through continued contacts and dialogue," said the official. The Myanmar Foreign Minister expressed firm commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation between Dhaka and Naypyidaw and Dhaka. The two separate messages are viewed as indications of readiness of both the Myanmar government, and the Arakan Army and ULA (AA) to work with the newly-formed Bangladesh government to find a resolution to the Rohingya crisis. "In your new capacity as the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, I hope you will continue to work with us to find practical, sustainable and realistic solutions. Building on our existing goodwill, we now have an opportunity to chart a new course of friendship between Bangladesh and Arakan,” the source quoted the ULA Chairman Naing as saying in his letter to FM Rahman. The Bangladesh government has been in contact with both the Myanmar government and the Arakan Army to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis. Referring to engaging with the Arakan Army, the then National Security Adviser and High Representative Dr Rahman on May 6 last year said Bangladesh, as a sovereign state, would maintain communication with whomever it wants taking its own interest into consideration. "We will speak to whoever we want for our own interests. It doesn't matter who said what," he said while responding to a question about the Myanmar military government's opinion on Bangladesh's contact with the Arakan Army. "One thing must be kept in mind. The Arakan Army controls the other side of the Bangladesh border. Bangladesh has to manage, protect, and keep this border peaceful," Rahman said at that time, stressing that they will keep in touch with whoever is on the other side. In August 2017, over 750,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh following violent military crackdowns in Myanmar's Rakhine State. They joined previous influxes of Rohingya who fled the country in the 1970s and 90s. Today, more than 1.3 million Rohingyas live in Bangladesh, most of them in Cox's Bazar district, near the border with Myanmar. The strain on the local host community and its already stretched facilities and services has been immense.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has reaffirmed Bangladesh's unwavering support for Saarc process and its commitment to working with member states to achieve the shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia. Saarc issues were discussed when its Secretary General Md Golam Sarwar called on the State Minister on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister recalled that the idea of regional cooperation in South Asia was first proposed by Bangladesh in the early 1980s by late President Ziaur Rahman to promote people's welfare, improve quality of life, and strengthen collective self- reliance. Time to view Bangladesh differently: Shama Obaed Being one of the founder members and the host of the very first Summit of Saarc in December 1985, Bangladesh acknowledges the valuable contributions of member states in sustaining the relevance of Saarc amid evolving regional and global dynamics.