United News of Bangladesh

Noting that adolescents and young people make up about 30 percent of Bangladesh’s total population, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday underscored the urgent need for developing this segment into a skilled, educated and healthy generation to ensure a better future for the country. “Socio-economic development of the country hinges on the education, health, quality of life and empowerment of this large group,” he said in a message marking World Population Day that falls on July 11. Prof Yunus called on development partners, NGOs, the media and civil society to collaborate with the government in its efforts to build a strong and healthy nation. Referring to this year’s World Population Day theme, ‘Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world’, he said the message is timely and significant. “Let us unite in our efforts to guide Bangladesh forward on a path of sustainable progress and shared prosperity,” said the Chief Adviser. Env Adviser Rizwana, Unicef stress youth role in climate action He stressed that beyond individual freedoms and the right to make informed decisions about family planning and reproductive health, society must uphold fairness and justice across generations. “Only then can we ensure sustainable development, better living standards, and lasting peace and stability.” Prof Yunus also emphasised the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, as a cornerstone for building a prosperous Bangladesh. He noted that his interim government, formed through a mass movement led by students, workers, and the public, is committed to creating a discrimination-free society. “In the spirit of the July uprising, our government is dedicated to harnessing the potential of our youth by strengthening initiatives in family planning, maternal and child health, and adolescent reproductive care,” he said. Believe in your dreams: Ex-WB VP Dr Serageldin says inspiring Bangladesh’s youths The Chief Adviser extended his best wishes for the success of all initiatives undertaken on the occasion of World Population Day 2025.

At least 52 people were killed in police firing in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area on August 5, 2024, according to a BBC Eye investigation published on Wednesday. The mass killing occurred on the same day then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted and fled to India following weeks of anti-government demonstrations. Initial reports at the time suggested 30 dead in Jatrabari on that day. To uncover the sequence of events, BBC Eye examined hundreds of photos, videos, eyewitness testimonies, and conducted several on-site visits to Jatrabari. While various media and UN reports had previously addressed the incident, BBC says its investigation sheds new light on how the violence started and escalated, and provides new figures on the death toll. A spokesperson for Bangladesh Police said, “During the July uprising, such tragic events occurred, where some police personnel used excessive force and acted unprofessionally while attempting to control protesters.” A critical piece of video evidence, recorded by protester Miraj Hossain who was later killed in the shooting, shows the initial moments of police firing at 2:43 PM near the main gate of Jatrabari Police Station, it said. The video, extracted from his phone by family members, reveals army personnel initially stationed in front of the protesters suddenly withdrawing before police opened fire. Hasina approved lethal force against Bangladesh protesters: BBC report Other CCTV footage shows protesters fleeing through alleys as gunfire erupted. Another video captured police kicking injured people lying on the ground, according to the BBC report. The BBC also clarified misinformation surrounding a viral video that was previously believed to show the August 5 incident. Metadata analysis and visual inconsistencies revealed that the viral footage was actually from August 4 when a separate clash occurred outside Jatrabari Police Station. Drone footage analysed by the BBC showed police firing continued at least until 3:17 PM on August 5. The video also captured bodies lying on the highway and injured protesters being rushed to hospitals in vans and rickshaws. Initially, it was believed around 30 protesters were killed. After verifying hospital records, interviews with families, media reports, and social media posts, BBC found that at least 52 civilians were killed that day. Besides, six police officers were reportedly killed when a group of protesters later set fire to the police station. Cases have been filed against several Jatrabari police officials, including then-Officer-in-Charge Abul Hasan, who was present during the shooting. Police said they have begun necessary proceedings to hold those responsible accountable. Sources: BBC Eye, BBC Bangla

Attorney General Advocate Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday said mob justice, in any form, is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of the July Uprising. He warned that continuous acts of mob violence, like the recent assault on former CEC Nurul Huda, could jeopardise the country's democratic achievements, even if accountability for wrongdoing is necessary. Speaking at the ‘Shadow Parliament’ organised by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the capital, he said all political forces must also unite against fascism, as  the public outrage witnessed over the past 17 years was born from injustices. “No one convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal should be allowed to contest in elections. The tribunal also has jurisdiction over organisations complicit in crimes against humanity. Awami League represents a banned entity, and anyone associated—directly or indirectly—with it must be held accountable under the law,” he said. Referring to the previous regime, the Attorney General alleged that members of the so-called civil society, including university teachers, lawyers and journalists, became subservient to authoritarian rule. They played a key role in turning Bangladesh into a fascist state, he alleged. “Differences between political parties are not irreconcilable. Dialogue can resolve disagreements. But when it comes to fascism, there is no room for division—we must be united,” Asaduzzaman said. In his remarks, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the Awami League cannot evade responsibility for the July killings. “No assassination during the July movement happened without the consent of fugitive Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Over the past 15 years, the Awami regime has built torture cells, disappeared citizens, and committed acts of violence that are unforgivable,” he said. Govt rolls out strong policy package to boost investment, national savings Calling Hasina a ‘merciless and tyrannical ruler’, Kiron further labeled her as the ‘ambassador of authoritarianism’ and ‘godmother of fascism’, asserting she is now recognized globally as a symbol of dictatorship. “She is the second person in 700 years of South Asian history to flee power amid public outrage.” He added that following Hasina’s departure, the Awami League has lost political and social credibility. If found guilty of crimes related to the July killings, many Awami League leaders, including Hasina, may be declared ineligible to run for office. “National elections can still be fair and acceptable without the Awami League,” he claimed.   “July was a turning point in our post-liberation history. It represents unity and pride. Those who uphold the spirit of July must remain united to build an inclusive, humane state. We must ensure fascism never returns,” Kiron said. He acknowledged that some lack of consensus among opposition parties like BNP, Jamaat and NCP is causing public unease, but expressed hope that all parties—except Awami League and its allies—would unite to prevent any fascist resurgence. US Senator Sheikh Rahman calls for good governance in Bangladesh “If elections are not held on time, defeated forces may attempt to return. But the July uprising has proven that the people are the true owners of the country. No fascist regime can survive by depriving the people,” he concluded. “And if fascism returns, the people—especially students and youth—won’t wait another 15 years,” Kiron said. In the debate competition titled ‘Citizen Society’s Role in Implementing the Spirit of the July Movement Is Greater Than That of the Government’, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University defeated Daffodil International University to emerge as winners.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam on Thursday warned that those attempting to revive the old culture of terrorism will face consequences like those faced by autocrat Sheikh Hasina, as the spirit of the July warriors remains alive. “An attempt is being made to bring back the old culture…we are seeing that again. Those who carried out the July people's uprising are still awake, still on the streets. If anyone thinks that they can bring back the old occupation and the politics of old terrorism, then their fate will also be like that of the dictator Hasina,“ he said while addressing a street rally in Nilphamari district town on the third-day of their ‘July March’. Expressing frustration over the fulfillment of July expectations, he said many desires have not been yet fulfilled post the uprising, vowing to continue their fight. Recalling the contribution of all walks of life to oust the Sheikh Hasina government, he said the discrimination-free country is yet to be established despite sacrificing thousands of lives. Nahid said they did not need to form a political party if all demands were met post the uprising. Regarding the justice for the July victims, those who, including Sheikh Hasina and her collaborators carried out genocide must be tried, otherwise pains of the martyr families will not wipe out. No support for old appointment practices in constitutional bodies: Nahid "There must be fundamental reforms, and we must move towards elections through these reforms. Bangladesh needs a new constitution. The Awami League and the ‘Mujibbadi constitution’ must be discarded. There is no point in retaining a constitution that is not the constitution of people,” he said. Party’s chief organiser (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah, senior joint convenor Samanta Sharmin, senior joint member secretary Dr Tasnim Zara, and joint chief organiser (northern region) Abu Sayed Leon were, among others present. Chief organiser (northern zone) Sarjis Alam conducted the event.

The government has declared August 5 as a public holiday to honour Student-People’s Uprising Day and July 16 as July Martyred Day. The Cabinet division issued two gazette notifications in this regard on Wednesday. The Council of Advisers at a meeting on Sunday decided to celebrate ‘July Shaheed Day’ on July 16 and ‘Mass Uprising Day’ on August 5. There will be no special celebrations for August 8, said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. The government earlier announced August 5 as 'July Uprising Day' and August 8 as 'New Bangladesh Day.' August 8 marks the day when the interim government was formed following the overthrow of the previous government amid a mass uprising. August 5 to be a public holiday to mark uprising day: Adviser Farooki  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged people to resist any resurgence of dictatorship in the country, emphasising that history has shown the power of a united and awakened people. “The path ahead of us is very challenging but filled with great potential. History proves that when people rise, no force can hold them back. With that conviction, I call on everyone - let us make this month of July a time of mass awakening and national unity,” he said, terming the moment a glorious moment in history. While inaugurating a month-long programme commemorating the July Uprising at the Chief Adviser’s Office, Prof Yunus said they will observe this moment every year so that they do not have to wait 16 years to stage this uprising again. “We will do this every year so that we can immediately destroy it if we see any sign of dictatorship. Let us catch it before it even takes the first page. Let us not have to wait for 16 years,” he said. The Chief Adviser inaugurated the month-long programme to commemorate the July Uprising by unveiling the event's QR code. Following the inauguration, he handed over education scholarship cheques to three students of the National University at the ceremony. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Education Adviser CR Abrar also spoke. On the occasion, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus unveiled the QR code of the programme. A year ago in this July, Prof Yunus said, the movement led by the students started giving all a taste of freedom by creating an unprecedented mass uprising. He said July was an unforgettable call, an awakening of the masses in the fight to restore democracy in the country. Prof Yunus launches July Uprising commemoration prog with QR code “The essence of that movement was - eliminate fascism and build a new Bangladesh, return the state to the hands of the people,” said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus said they have taken up a series of programmes to commemorate the July mass uprising. “This is not just a matter of emotion, nor of expressing anger. “ He said the immediate target of the mass uprising was fulfilled but there was a great dream behind it - to reconstruct a new state system and build a new Bangladesh. Prof Yunus paid heartfelt tribute to those who courageously took to the streets during last year’s uprising, upholding the flag of democracy and becoming enduring symbols of courage, sacrifice and determination. “I remember with deep respect the young men and women, children and elderly, farmers, workers, teachers, rickshaw pullers—everyone who stood up for democracy. They became the embodiment of our collective courage and resolve,” he said. Prof Yunus described the month-long programme beginning from July 1 as more than just a remembrance. “This is a new oath,” he said. “We want to rekindle the unity that brought together people from all walks of life—of every class, profession, and generation—during July last year. We must strengthen that unity once again this July,” said the Chief Adviser. Prof Yunus emphasised that the programme’s primary aim is to raise public awareness of democratic rights, demand political accountability, and protect the hard-won opportunity for reform—earned through the sacrifices of so many. He said the July-August programme would commemorate each day of last year’s struggle, honoring the students, workers, and citizens who were martyred or injured. “Through these events, we take a renewed oath to achieve our democratic goals. And we will do this every year, so that dictatorship can never rise again.” Announcing the formal launch of the July Mass Uprising Resurrection Programme on behalf of the nation, Prof Yunus expressed hope for a renewed national spirit. Social business now a global movement: Prof Yunus “May this July–August renaissance programme succeed! May it give new life to our dreams! Let our unity be total and unbreakable—that is the vision we are striving for,” he said. He called upon the people of the country to join the movement with full enthusiasm and unwavering commitment.

BNP’s discussion titled ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’ began on Tuesday afternoon, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising. The programme started at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital around 3:10pm with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran at around 3:10pm. A munajat (prayer) was offered, seeking peace for the souls of those who were martyred during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements. A one-minute silence was then observed while standing in honour of the martyrs, followed by the playing of the national anthem. A documentary titled ‘National Unity and Democratic Journey’ was also screened on the occasion. A deeply emotional moment unfolded as the families of those killed during mass uprisings and democratic movements, as well as victims of enforced disappearances, shared their sorrow and grief over the loss of their loved ones. Many in the audience, including Tarique Rahman, were seen wiping away tears, moved by the speeches of the family members of the martyred and enforced disappearance victims. Prof Yunus launches July Uprising commemoration prog with QR code Martyred Abu Sayed’s elder brother Ramjan Ali, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho’s father Mostafizur Rahman, Wasim Akram’s father Safi Alam, Yamin’s father Mohiuddin, Fihan Fiaz’s sister Saima Islam Farin, Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of Mayer Daak, a platform for family members of enforced disappearance victims, enforced disappearance victim and BNP leader Anisur Rahman Talukdar, Adiba Islam Hridi, daughter of enforced disappearance victim and Chhatra Dal leader Parvez Hossain, as well as the fathers of Biswajit and Abrar Fahad, who were brutally killed by ruling party cadres during the Awami League’s rule, Redwad Hossain Riyad, who lost his eyes in police firing during the mass uprising, spoke at the programme. BNP leaders said the discussion was organised to honour the memory and sacrifices of those who killed made enforced disappear or suffered during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements. BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is expected to address the event virtually as the chief guest, while Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the 36-day programme. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is scheduled to speak as a special guest, with the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presiding over the programme. A good number of family members of those who lost their lives, went missing during past political movements, including last year’s uprising, and others who were affected, attended the event. Senior leaders from various political parties, along with families of martyrs and injured victims from last year’s mass uprising and other movements, have also been invited. Govt declares Aug 5 as 'July Uprising Day' and Aug 8 as 'New Bangladesh Day' Banners displayed photos of several martyrs, including Shaheed Abu Sayed, who was shot dead by police during the July-August uprising. The banners also featured graffiti artworks by students and citizens, with slogans such as ‘One Point, One Demand’ and ‘Down with Autocracy’. The July-August observance began at one minute past midnight on Tuesday, when BNP’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, lit candles at the Central Shaheed Minar in a commemorative event titled ‘Glowing Memories in Light’. Earlier, on June 26, the party announced a series of programmes to be observed from July 1 to August 6, marking one year since the July-August mass uprising that led to the fall of the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024. The programme includes discussion meetings, silent marches, rallies, seminars, blood donation campaigns, graffiti painting, street theatre, football tournaments, children’s rights events and public awareness drives on dengue and COVID-19 prevention.

What began as a student movement demanding reforms to the government job quota system on this day last year soon evolved into a broader ‘Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’, ultimately shaking the foundations of the then-ruling, now-deposed Awami League, which had held power for over 16 years. Few could have imagined that a movement initially focused on quota reform in public sector recruitment would, by July, transform into ‘July Uprising’, with students and ordinary citizens uniting in mass protests demanding their rights for vote, freedom, at the same date of last year. The discontent was sparked by a High Court verdict that invalidated the government circular issued in 2018, which had abolished quotas in first and second-grade government jobs. The abolition came in response to intense student protests at the time, but the High Court's decision effectively reinstated a 56-per cent quota. The reinstated quota system included 30 per cent reserved for descendants of freedom fighters, 10 per cent for women, 10 per cent for underdeveloped districts, five per cent for minorities, and one per cent for persons with disabilities. Students denounced the quota arrangement as discriminatory against merit-based candidates and took to the streets in protest. When the government sought to suppress the demonstrations with a heavy hand, the protests escalated into a widespread movement. Govt declares Aug 5 as 'July Uprising Day' and Aug 8 as 'New Bangladesh Day' Although the full-scale protests began on July 1, 2024, the initial spark occurred on June 5 when students of Dhaka University (DU) staged an immediate protest on campus, rejecting the High Court verdict. Despite the ongoing peaceful protests by students in the following weeks, no response came from the government, prompting students from DU, Jagannath University, Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, Barishal University and Bangladesh Agricultural University to launch a coordinated movement across the country on July 1. Students from Jahangirnagar University even briefly blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway. At around 7:30pm on July 1, a protest march was held at DU where students categorically rejected the High Court verdict. Student groups marched through DU chanting slogans rejecting the quota system and demanding its abolition, declaring they would not accept the High Court's ruling. Meanwhile, under the banner of the ‘Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’, DU students also brought out a procession from the Central Library premises, which concluded at the Raju Sculpture. Since then, the movement under the ‘Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’ banner has gained momentum, with different universities hosting various programmes on different days. On July 2, student marches were held on major highways nationwide. On July 3 and 4, rallies took place at Raju Sculpture, Jagannath University, DU's seven affiliated government colleges and other institutions under the National University. Among the key demands raised by the protesting students were, immediate formation of a commission to review and reform the quota system, ensuring merit-based recruitment if quotas remain unfilled, halting multiple uses of quota benefits by individuals, ensuring transparency and accountability in the recruitment process. Govt issues ordinance to preserve history of July uprising The student movement marked a significant challenge to the government, reigniting debates on merit, equality and access to public sector jobs in Bangladesh. After the historical movements in the history of this nation, this last year’s movement, where people from all walks of life joined without individual interest, left an undeniable mark, reshaping student activism, amplifying calls for equality and reminding the nation of the power of unified youth voices demanding change.

The interim government on Saturday said it will take the necessary decisions together with the people of the country if the government’s “autonomy, reform efforts, justice process, fair election plan, and normal operations” are obstructed to the point of making its duties unmanageable. “If - under the instigation of defeated forces or as part of a foreign conspiracy - the performance of these responsibilities becomes impossible, the government will present all reasons to the public and then take the necessary steps with the people,” said the Council of Advisers in a statement after its unscheduled meeting. Despite all obstacles, the Council of Advisers said, the interim government continues to fulfill its responsibilities by putting national interests above group interests. “The interim government upholds the public expectations of the July Uprising,” said the Council of Advisers. The unscheduled meeting of the Advisory Council was held hours before the talks between the Chief Adviser and BNP and Jamaat leaders. Before the Council of Advisers meeting, the Chief Adviser chaired the meeting of the Executive Committee of National Economic Council at the Planning Commission at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Prof Yunus to stay, interim govt to fulfill assigned duties: Dr Wahiduddin The two-hour long meeting included detailed discussions on three primary responsibilities entrusted to the interim government – elections, reforms and justice. The Council discussed how unreasonable demands, deliberately provocative and jurisdictionally overreaching statements and disruptive programmes have been continuously obstructing the normal functioning environment and creating confusion and suspicion among the public. The Council of Advisers said they believe that a broader unity is essential to maintain national stability, organise a free and fair elections, justice, and reform and permanently prevent the return of authoritarianism in the country, according to the statement shared by the Chief Adviser’s press wing. On this matter, the interim government will listen to the views of political parties and clarify its own position. Meanwhile, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud affirmed that Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will remain in the interim government, which is committed to completing its assigned responsibilities. “The Chief Adviser is staying with us. He has not said he would resign. Other advisers are also staying. We have been given responsibilities, and we are here to carry them out,” he said.

The daughter of July martyr Jasim Uddin, who recently passed away under tragic circumstances, will be laid to rest beside her father’s grave in Dumki upazila of Patuakhali. Her funeral prayer is scheduled to take place at her family home in Pangashia union after Maghrib prayers on Sunday, following which she will be buried alongside her late father. According to family members, the young woman was found dead on Saturday night at a rented house on Road No 6 in the Shekhertek area of Mohammadpur, Dhaka. She was discovered hanging inside the house and was rushed to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead upon arrival. Officer-in-charge of Dumki Police Station, Mohammad Zakir Hossain, said the autopsy at Suhrawardy Hospital was nearing completion, and her body would soon be handed over to the family. He said an investigation was underway to determine the precise cause of death. Leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), including Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam, Joint Member Secretary Humayra Noor, and Joint Member Secretary Faisal Mahmud Shanto, are travelling to Patuakhali to attend the funeral and offer condolences to the bereaved family. The victim had recently endured a harrowing ordeal. On March 18, while travelling to her maternal grandparents’ house in Pangashia, she was allegedly gang-raped by two individuals, Sakib and Sifat, from the Naldoyani area. Displaying immense courage, she personally filed a case against the accused at Dumki Police Station. Bangladeshi national shot dead reportedly by BSF in 24 Parganas Both suspects were subsequently arrested and presented before the court, and the case remains under investigation. Family members revealed that following the assault, she had been grappling with severe mental trauma. They said the burden of social stigma, combined with fear of not receiving justice, had plunged her into deep depression, ultimately leading her to take her own life. Her father, Jasim Uddin, was killed by police during last year's July Uprising in Dhaka, a loss that had already cast a long shadow over the family. The tragedy has once again underscored the devastating impact of sexual violence and the urgent need for a society where victims feel protected, supported and able to seek justice without fear.