United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) expressed profound sorrow at the death of three-time former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her a towering figure in the country’s democratic movement. "With the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost one of its most significant political guardians. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death," said Prof Yunus in a condolence message. He said Khaleda Zia was not merely a political leader, but an inseparable chapter in the history of Bangladesh. “In recognition of her long struggle, historic contributions, and the deep sentiment of the people toward her, the government declared her a person of great national importance earlier this month,” he added. Chief Adviser calls Council of Advisers to discuss Khaleda Zia’s burial: Fakhrul The Chief Adviser said that her role in establishing democracy, nurturing a multiparty political culture and safeguarding people’s rights would be remembered with respect. He said through her firm and uncompromising leadership, the nation repeatedly found inspiration to overcome undemocratic conditions. "Her contributions to the country and its people will remain etched in national memory." Despite political differences, her long political journey, people-oriented leadership, and unwavering resolve consistently guided the nation toward welfare and democratic values, Prof Yunus said. "With her death, Bangladesh has lost an experienced, tested, and influential statesperson," he said. Prof Yunus recalled that Khaleda Zia was the first female Prime Minister of Bangladesh and led the struggle to restore democracy during periods of authoritarian rule. Entering politics in 1982 following the assassination of her husband, former President, Army Chief, and heroic freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman, she rose from a homemaker to a central figure in national politics. Her decisive leadership played a pivotal role in ending the nine-year autocratic rule of General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, helping to restore democratic governance in the country. The Chief Adviser highlighted several of her landmark initiatives, noting that many of her policies carried the nation forward. In particular, the introduction of free education and stipend programs for girls is widely regarded as a milestone in advancing women’s education in Bangladesh. Read more: Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia passes away He said Begum Khaleda Zia’s political career was marked by notable electoral success, having been elected from multiple parliamentary constituencies between 1991 and 2001, and winning all seats she contested in the 2008 general election. Following her assumption of office in 1991, she laid a strong foundation for the national economy through economic liberalization and reform-oriented policies, the Chief Adviser added. Prof Yunus described Begum Khaleda Zia as a powerful symbol of struggle and resistance during what he termed the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina. Her steadfast stance, he said, inspired the nation throughout a prolonged period of political adversity. He also stated that she became a victim of severe political vendetta due to her success and influence. “She was sentenced to 17 years in prison in what were widely viewed as false and fabricated cases and spent a prolonged period in incarceration,” he said. The Chief Adviser extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, as well as to BNP leaders, activists, and supporters across the country. On this day of irreparable national loss, he called upon citizens to remain calm and patient, and urged everyone to offer prayers and supplications for the departed leader from their respective positions. Read more: BNP announces 7-day mourning programme

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called BNP leaders to inform them that the Council of Advisers will discuss issues, including state honour and burial arrangements for former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Tuesday. Speaking at a media briefing at Evercare Hospital, Fakhrul said the Chief Adviser would place the matter before a meeting of the Council of Advisers scheduled for 10:00am. He said the decisions taken would later be coordinated with the government’s programmes. Fakhrul also said a meeting of the BNP Standing Committee would be held. Jamaat Ameer mourns Khaleda Zia’s death “The mother of democracy and our national guardian left us at 6:00am. This loss is irreparable. The nation will not be able to make up for it,” he said. He said Khaleda Zia devoted her entire life to the welfare of the people and that her death has created a political vacuum in the country. Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, 80, breathed her last at 6:00am on Tuesday (Dec 30) while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in the capital.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday (December 22, 2025) reiterated his commitment to holding the general election on February 12 next. "The nation is eagerly waiting to exercise their voting rights which were stolen by the autocratic regime," he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Sergio Gor, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, at around 7:30 pm (Dhaka time). The discussion, which lasted for about half an hour, focused on trade and tariff negotiations between Bangladesh and the United States, the upcoming general election, the country’s democratic transition, and the murder of young Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi. Read more: EC’s briefing for DCs-SPs begins Sergio Gor, who also serves as the US Ambassador to India, congratulated Prof Yunus for his leadership during recent tariff negotiations.  Bangladesh succeeded in reducing US reciprocal tariffs on Bangladeshi goods to 20 percent. The US Special Envoy also discussed the massive funeral of Shaheed Osman Hadi, said Chief Adviser’s Press wing. The Chief Adviser noted that supporters of the ousted autocratic regime were allegedly spending millions of dollars to disrupt the electoral process and that their fugitive leader was inciting violence.  He, however, said the interim government was “fully prepared” to deal with any challenges. Read more: Tarique Rahman to become voter on Dec 27: Salahuddin “We have roughly 50 days to go before the election. We want to hold a free, fair and peaceful election. We want to make it remarkable,” Prof Yunus said. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashiruddin, National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman and SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed were present during the phone call.

The government has expected that inflation in the country will fall below 7 percent by June 2026 ‘due to its contractionary monetary policy and austerity measures. The expectation was expressed at a high-level meeting at the state guest house Jamuna on the country’s overall economic progress and budget expenditure on Monday under the leadership of Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, according to a statement of the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud and Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur attended the meeting. The meeting reviewed key macroeconomic indicators, including inflation, wage growth, agricultural production, the financial and external sectors, remittance inflows, imports and the opening of letters of credit. Read more: Bangladesh inflation rises to 8.29% in November The 12-month average general inflation rate fell below 9 percent in November 2025 for the first time since June 2023 and on a point-to-point basis, inflation crossed 9 percent in March 2023, reaching 9.33 percent, it said. The point-to-point inflation dropped below 9 percent in June 2025 and declined further to 8.29 percent in November 2025. Regarding wage growth, the meeting observed that in recent years the gap between inflation and wage growth had been wide, resulting in a decline in real income. In recent months of the current fiscal year, the gap has narrowed significantly. In November 2025, point-to-point inflation and wage growth stood at 8.29 percent and 8.04 percent respectively, compared with average rates of 9.02 percent and 7.04 percent in fiscal year 2022-23. On agriculture, the meeting noted that appropriate incentives and management led to a good Boro harvest in the last fiscal year, while favorable conditions so far indicate the possibility of a good Aman harvest this season. Read more: Rice biggest driver of October’s food inflation in Bangladesh: GED As a result, the government is expected to achieve its food grain procurement target in the current fiscal year. As of December 15, 2025, Aman rice production reached 16.095 million metric tonnes, and officials expect the final output to exceed the target once harvesting is completed. Although Aus rice production fell slightly short of the target, total production increased by 7.20 percent compared to fiscal year 2024-25, said the Press Wing. Imbalances in various economic indicators have already moved towards a more stable position, said the statement. On the financial and external sectors, the meeting was informed that gross foreign exchange reserves stood at 32.57 billion US dollars as of December 18, 2025, up from around 25 billion dollars in August 2024. The reserve levels are expected to rise further due to a more stable exchange rate, increased remittance inflows and a significant rise in interest rates in the financial sector, it added. Regarding the current account, it was noted that Bangladesh had recorded consecutive deficits from fiscal year 2016-17 to 2023-24, amounting to 18.7 billion dollars, 11.6 billion dollars and 6.6 billion dollars in fiscal years 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively. Due to improved financial management and measures to curb money laundering, the deficit narrowed to just 139 million dollars at the end of fiscal year 2024-25. In the July to October period of the current fiscal year the deficit stood at 749 million dollars. On remittances, the meeting noted that overseas employment for 500,000 workers was secured during July to November of the current fiscal year, compared with 397,000 during the same period last year. During the same period, remittance inflows amounted to 13.04 billion dollars, marking a 17.14 percent increase year on year. Import growth during July to November of fiscal year 2024-25 was negative at 1.2 percent but rose to 6.1 percent during the same period of fiscal year 2025-26, it said. Read more: Bangladesh Bank keeps policy rate unchanged amid inflation fears ahead of election and Ramadan On letters of credit, the meeting noted that the growth in opening LCs for capital machinery was negative 32.8 percent during July to October 2024 but increased to 27.7 percent in the same period of the current fiscal year. Similarly, growth in opening LCs for industrial raw materials rose from 10.1 percent to 40.98 percent over the same period.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the law and order situation must be maintained at any cost before the upcoming national election.  The meeting, held on Sunday afternoon (December 21, 2025), discussed in detail various issues, including the return of BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to the country, security measures taken on the occasion of the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. Prof Yunus ordered the prompt arrest of those involved in the murder of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi and other illegal activities. The issues were discussed at a meeting held at state guest house Jamuna on Sunday afternoon with Prof Yunus in the chair. The meeting reviewed the overall law and order situation in the country. Home Affairs Adviser Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, National Security Advisor Dr Khalilur Rahman and top officials of various security and law enforcement agencies were present at the meeting, said Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Monday. Editors’ Council, NOAB condemn arson attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star. Besides, the arrest of those involved in the murder of Inqilab Mancho spokesperson and July fighter Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi and the progress of the investigation were discussed in detail. The police informed the Chief Adviser that 31 people have already been identified through video footage on suspicion of being involved in the recent attacks on the offices of two national dailies and two cultural organizations. At least six people have been arrested in various parts of the country, including Dhaka, in these incidents till Monday morning. The arrestees are Md Kashem Farooqui, Md Saidur Rahman, Rakib Hossain, Md Naeem, Md Sohel Rana and Md Shafiqul Islam. Mob incited by Elias Hossain sets fire to Daily Star office in Dhaka The operation to arrest the remaining identified suspects is underway. In addition, three of those who tried to create chaos near the residence of the Assistant High Commissioner of India in Chattogram have been identified through video footage.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has said that the condition of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, is very critical. At around 9:40 pm on Wednesday (December 17, 2025), Dr Balakrishnan called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and briefed him on Hadi’s medical condition and ongoing treatment. Gun attack on Hadi: 2 suspects identified; shooter’s passport ‘blocked’ During the conversation, he said Hadi’s condition remains extremely critical, according to the CA’s Press Wing. Earlier, Dr Balakrishnan visited Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July Uprising who is currently receiving treatment in Singapore. Motorbike, helmet and fake number plate used in attack on Hadi recovered The Chief Adviser urged the people of the country to remain calm and requested everyone to pray and offer supplications for Hadi’s recovery. Earlier on Monday, an air ambulance equipped with all emergency facilities for a critical patient, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport carrying Hadi, who was shot in the head from close range in an assassination attempt last Friday, to Singapore for advanced treatment. BGB unsure if Hadi attackers fled to India via Mymensingh border

The nation is observing the ‘Martyred Intellectuals Day’ in a befitting manner on Sunday (December 14, 2025) to commemorate the intellectuals killed systematically by Pakistan occupation forces and their local collaborators at the fag-end of the Liberation War in 1971. Marking the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid homage to the nation's intellectuals at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur at 7am. Later, he stood there silently for a while. Followed by the President, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus also paid tribute to the nation's finest intellectuals and observed a silence for a while there.   Later, all walks of life were allowed to pay tribute to the valiant people of the country who were systematically killed the Pakistan occupation forces, in collaboration with their auxiliary forces. Read more: Jamaat Ameer calls on nation to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day, Victory Day with due respect On this day in 1971, the country’s renowned academicians, doctors, engineers, journalists, artists, teachers and other eminent personalities were dragged out of their homes, blindfolded and taken to unknown places and then brutally tortured and murdered. Their bodies were later dumped at Rayerbazar, Mirpur and some other killing fields in the capital. Sensing an imminent defeat, the Pakistani forces and their local collaborators like Al-Badr, Al-Shams and Razakar committed the cold-blooded mass murders aiming to annihilate the country's intelligentsia and cripple emerging Bangladesh intellectually. Among the martyred intellectuals are Prof Munier Chowdhury, Dr Alim Chowdhury, Prof Muniruzzaman, Dr Fazle Rabbi, Sirajuddin Hossain, Shahidullah Kaiser, Prof GC Dev, JC Guha Thakurta, Prof Santosh Bhattacharya, Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury, journalists Khandaker Abu Taleb, Nizamuddin Ahmed, SA Mannan (Ladu Bhai), ANM Golam Mustafa, Syed Nazmul Haq and Selina Parvin. The interim government has chalked out elaborate programmes to commemorate the December 14 tragedy. Read more: Nation to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day on Sunday The family members of the martyred intellectuals and freedom fighters are paying homage to the martyred intellectuals marking the day. On the eve of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages on the occasion of the day. Leaders and activists of different political and social organisations are also paying homage to the martyred intellectuals at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard. Special doa and munajat are scheduled to be offered at mosques, temples and churches marking the day. Bangladesh Television and private television channels are broadcasting special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. Read more: President Shahabuddin, Prof Yunus pay tributes to martyred intellectuals National dailies also published special supplements marking the day.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held an emergency meeting on Friday (December 12, 2025) and said the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi is a well-planned attack on the democratic journey of Bangladesh. Through this, Prof Yunus said, the defeated power has shown its audacity to challenge the existence of the country. “We will thwart such an attempt at any cost. Such an attack by such an evil force on the nation will not be tolerated,” said the Chief Adviser. He said this another worrying incident during the tenure of the interim government. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family Prof Yunus held the emergency meeting with some members of the Council of Advisers and important officials of the law and order and security forces at the State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Yunus said this attack is an attack on Bangladesh's existence. The Chief Adviser will soon discuss the emerging situation with key political leaders, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Prof Yunus said a conspiracy was being hatched to thwart the national elections and referendum through the attack. “We will not allow such a conspiracy to succeed under any circumstances. No matter what the attack is, no matter how many storms come, no force will be able to obstruct the upcoming elections,” he said. Read more: CA speaks to Hadi's brother; assures govt to provide all treatment at home or abroad Prof Yunus said they would ensure a peaceful election for the nation with their combined strength, along with the support of the people of the country. Advisers Dr Asif Nazrul, Md Jahangir Alam, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adilur Rahman Khan, National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Home Affairs, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Health Affairs, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and senior officials of the police, armed forces, and intelligence agencies were present at the meeting. Prof Yunus said the attackers and those who planned the attack on Hadi must be arrested as soon as possible. He urged the people of the country to pray to the Almighty Allah for Hadi’s speedy recovery. Police said that CCTV footage of the attack site and other evidence have already been collected. Ordering immediate action at the border, the Chief Adviser said, “We must ensure that the attackers cannot leave the country under any circumstances.” Read more: DUCSU protests shooting of Osman Hadi He said the security of those who may have become potential targets due to their active involvement in the July uprising must be taken into consideration. The meeting decided that a special hotline number would be launched in the coming days to prevent any untoward incidents during the election period and to ensure rapid response. The meeting also resolved to intensify operations to recover illegal weapons and to search possible locations where criminals may be hiding.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (December 11, 2025) hosted a luncheon in honour of outgoing Advisers Md Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain who submitted their resignation letters on Wednesday (December 10, 2025). Their resignations will be effective as soon as the Election Commission announces the schedule (Thursday). Members of the Council of Advisers attended the event at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, where advisers Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam, the front-runners of last year’s July Uprising, led the proceedings. Advisers Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan submitted their resignations to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday, and both were accepted. Read more: Advisers Asif, Mahfuj step down ahead of national election After accepting the resignation letters of these two student leaders, who led from the front lines in the July mass uprising, the Chief Adviser, "Today is a historic day. The interim government will always remember your contribution. I wish you a bright and prosperous future. The nation will never forget what you have given to the nation in such a short time."

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) distributed the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 among four distinguished women in recognition of their contributions to women’s education and rights, human rights and women’s awakening. The Chief Adviser handed over the awards at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Calling for building a new Bangladesh with women at the forefront, Prof Yunus said that young women have demonstrated remarkable leadership during the Mass Uprising and must continue to be elevated to higher roles. “Let our new Bangladesh be built by keeping women in the forefront. Today’s women represent a post–Mass Uprising generation, an entirely different women’s society. The journey of a new Bangladesh has begun with their hands. This women’s society will inspire not only women, but everyone,” he said. Prof Yunus noted that Begum Rokeya clearly articulated in her speeches and writings the ideals she envisioned for women. “This is not just another award; this is a groundbreaking award. These women have taken us to another level in the eyes of the world. They are not only the daughters of Bangladesh - they are leaders of the entire world,” he added. Read more: Prof Yunus honoured at Theirworld’s annual Global Education Dinner The Chief Adviser said, “Even after 100 years, we have not been able to create another Rokeya. This is our misfortune. We have not been able to implement the directions and dreams she laid out. We have talked about them, but we have not moved forward. We must find out why.” He also reflected on the difficult struggles women face, recalling his time teaching at Chittagong University and the early days of establishing Grameen Bank during the famine of 1974. “The famine affected women and children first,” he said. Prof Yunus emphasized that Begum Rokeya never worked in isolation. “She always acted with society in mind. A hundred years ago, Rokeya urged us to teach women and girls to earn their living. Why can’t we learn from that? We keep organizing, yet we fail to learn. Only if Rokeya’s ideals guide our daily lives can we truly move forward.” The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised the programme, marking Begum Rokeya Day 2025, in observance of the 145th birth anniversary and the 93rd death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a pioneering advocate of women’s rights and education. Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid chaired the event, attended by advisers of the interim government, distinguished personalities and family members of the awardees. Senior Secretary Mamtaz Ahmed of the Ministry delivered the welcome address. A cultural programme, including the screening of a documentary titled ‘Ami-e Rokeya’, highlighted Begum Rokeya’s contributions to advancing women’s education and combating child marriage. The event also showcased Begum Rokeya’s enduring influence in inspiring women and underscored the progress of women’s empowerment in the country, emphasising education as a key driver in establishing women’s rights. Read More: Charting a path towards building equal society; strengthening democracy: Prof Yunus Dr Rubhana Rakib, a physician, received the award in the category of women’s education (research), while Kalpana Akter, a labour leader, was honoured in the category of women’s rights (labour). Dr Nabila Idris, a rights activist, received the award in the category of human rights, and Ritu Porna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team, was recognised in the category of women’s awakening (sports).