United News of Bangladesh

Reaffirming Bangladesh’s steadfast support for the just cause of Palestine and the brotherly Palestinian people, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Sunday reiterated Bangladesh’s consistent position in favour of a two-State solution, as well as peace and stability in the Middle East. The issues were discussed when Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh Yousef Ramadan paid a courtesy call on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs. Both sides also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Palestine, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Minister warmly welcomed the Ambassador and conveyed gratitude to the Palestinian leadership for their felicitations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on its victory in the 13th Parliamentary Election and the formation of the government.    

Dhaka, the densely populated capital of Bangladesh, ranked 10th among the world’s most polluted cities on Wednesday morning, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 153 at 10:48 am. The air quality was classified as ‘unhealthy’, indicating potential health risks for the general population, according to the AQI scale. Chiang Mai in Thailand, Baghdad in Iraq and  Riyadh in Saudi Arabia occupied the top three positions on the list, with AQI scores of 206, 201 and 191 respectively. According to AQI standards, a reading between 101 and 150 is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151 to 200 ‘unhealthy’, 201 to 300 ‘very unhealthy’, while levels above 301 are deemed ‘hazardous’, posing serious 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.

Dhaka’s footpaths have once again fallen back into chaos just days after a coordinated eviction drive, underlining the persistent challenge of freeing public spaces from long-standing encroachments. Sidewalks cleared during a five-day drive by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have already been reoccupied in many key areas, raising fresh questions about the effectiveness of such enforcement efforts. The drives were conducted from April 1 to 5 in eight traffic divisions, targeted illegal shops, street vendors and unauthorised parking on roads and footpaths. Authorities removed structures, fined violators carrying out mobile court drives. Yet, within days, most areas saw hawkers return. According to DMP data, 405 cases were filed, Tk 11.56 lakh were realised in fines, 57 individuals were warned and 96 others were sentenced to jail during the drives. Relief short-lived For a brief period, citizens experienced some relief in areas such as Gulistan, Dholaikhal, Uttara, Shanir Akhra and Kalabagan in Dhanmondi. Within two days of the drive ending, sidewalks in most areas were once again occupied. DMP fines Tk 3.33 lakh, jails nine in eviction drives In Gulistan, vendors have reclaimed footpaths much like before, though some now operate more cautiously. In front of Golap Shah Mazar, many who previously used fixed stalls have shifted to laying goods on sheets, allowing them to move quickly if needed. Similar scenes have returned in Paltan, Motijheel and New Market areas where makeshift shops line the sidewalks. Visiting the stretch from Science Laboratory to Nilkhet UNB found hundreds of vendors occupying both sides of the road, forcing pedestrians onto busy streets and worsening traffic congestion. Cycle of eviction and return The pattern has become familiar: eviction drives briefly clear footpaths, only for vendors to return soon after. Beyond New Market, hawkers have reappeared in Mohammadpur, Shyamoli Ring Road, Moghbazar, Banglamotor, Farmgate, Karwan Bazar, Gulistan and several other parts of the capital.

Bangladesh and India have exchanged views on common security challenges and discussed ways to further strengthen their defence ties as an important component of their overall bilateral relationship. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma called on Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. A.K.M Shamsul Islam and exchanged views on 'common security challenges' and agreed to work together to promote peace, security and stability in the region. The meeting was held on Wednesday, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Thursday. They underlined the importance of sustained development of India-Bangladesh ties, and affirmed the unshakeable bond between the two countries rooted in their shared sacrifices during Bangladesh’s  Liberation War of 1971. The two sides reviewed their wide ranging security and defence cooperation, including bilateral consultation mechanisms, training exchanges, capacity building initiatives and  exchanges between the defence institutes of the two countries.  The High Commissioner conveyed India’s willingness to closely work with the Government of Bangladesh to enhance their multifaceted cooperation based on mutual interest and mutual benefit.  

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi has said his country looks forward to further promoting high-level exchanges, including at the head of state and ministerial levels, noting that the new chapter has just begun. “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged a break from the past. Even now the Jatiya Sangsad is conferring to find a solution through earnest dialogue. The new chapter has just begun,” he said, reiterating the commitment to providing their unwavering support. Celebrating the birthday of the Emperor, the Ambassador said as Bangladesh is growing toward an upper middle-income nation, they remain firmly committed to extending their steadfast assistance, as a faithful development partner since its independence, its strategic partner, and its friend in need, for the course of nation, charted by the new government. Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain spoke as the chief guest and said the friendship between Bangladesh and Japan is deeply rooted in mutual trust, common aspirations and progress. Terming Japan as one of Bangladesh's most trusted development partners, he said the unwavering friendship between the two countries, built on mutual respect and trust, has grown steadily over the past few decades. The Minister said they are firmly committed to further strengthening Bangladesh's strategic partnership with Japan for shared peace, prosperity and stability.  In May last year, Ambassador Saida said their former Prime Minister Aso told his guest from Dhaka, former Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus in Tokyo that, “It’s all about political stability. No stability, no economic growth.” “In any country, and in any era, it’s never easy to restore law and order after an uprising,” said the Japanese envoy. He said now it is getting clearer how well-conceived the new government’s “plan” is: ‘reconciliation to break the old-time cycle, restoration of law and order, and economic growth’ through enhanced investment. “On behalf of our Government, let me express sincere appreciation and strongest support for this vision,” said Ambassador Saida. In February this year, Bangladesh signed its first-ever Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan. The two countries also concluded the ‘defense equipment and technology transfer agreement,’ the 17th of its kind for japan. “We look forward to a steady implementation of these agreements under the new government, thereby further strengthening our bilateral relations in both economic and security domains, and contributing to the country’s growth strategy,” said the envoy. He said Japan’s development assistance has always been extended for the benefit of the people and the nation, never for any particular groupings.” I’m sure the same sense is shared by the Japanese business community.” Even when many international investors took a wait-and-see stance, Ambassador Saida said Japanese companies definitely did their business as usual. “We didn’t see even a single company that has withdrawn. I wish to express respect for their commitment and pledge our continued support to ensure that their integrity and perseverance will be duly paid off,” he said. Japan welcomed the progress made in a series of their projects under the new government. On the Rohingya issue, he said despite formidable challenges, Bangladesh has continued to manage this issue, the largest humanitarian crises in Asia. The envoy reiterated his commendation to the government and the Armed Forces of Bangladesh for their tireless efforts, and pledged their continued support in close cooperation with the international community. Political leaders, diplomats stationed in Dhaka, civil society members and senior journalists were present.  

Dhaka, Mar 30 (UNB) — An unidentified young man, aged around 25, was killed when a CNG-run auto-rickshaw hit a motorcycle in Badda area of the capital on Monday. The identity of the deceased could not be known immediately. The accident occurred around 3pm on the Maddhya Badda U-loop Bridge when the CNG-run auto-rickshaw hit the motorcycle, leaving the rider critically injured. Badda wall collapse leaves two children dead He was later taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where doctors declared him dead, said Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the DMCH police camp.

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.