United News of Bangladesh

The left-leaning student alliance Ganatantrik Chhatra Jote staged a protest procession demanding justice over the alleged “police attack” on Nayem Uddin, a student of the Anthropology Department Dhaka University and a student leader. The procession began at 7 pm on Tuesday from Payra Chattar at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of the University. Marching through VC Chattar and the residential hall area, the rally ended at the Raju Memorial Sculpture. At the rally, the organisation demanded the removal of Ramna Division Deputy Commissioner (DC) Masud and exemplary punishment for the police members involved in the incident. DU students stage protest outside Shahbagh police station over ‘assault’ Addressing the gathering, victim student Nayem Uddin alleged the police’s “reckless” and “anti-people” character had been exposed even before any offence was proven. “I identified myself as a University of Dhaka student. If the police can behave so aggressively even then, it is clear to ordinary people-from rickshaw pullers and day labourers to garment workers-how much class discrimination and class hostility this state maintains against the public,” he said. Speaking at the rally, Nuzia Hasin Rasha, president of the DU unit of Biplobi Chhatra Maitri, said there was no difference in character between the Awami League, the interim government, and the newly elected BNP government. Rasha added, “We are standing against that injustice, an injustice we have been protesting since the post-uprising period. Even after the arrival of an elected government, we are once again forced to stand here.” DU VC Niaz Ahmed Khan resigns

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday said teachers would no longer need to take to the streets to realise their legitimate demands, as the government is giving the highest priority to the education sector and will implement justified claims of teachers and employees in phases. Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with the Teachers-Employees Unity Council at the conference room of the Ministry of Education, the minister said although there are certain budgetary constraints, other demands of teachers will be placed before the Prime Minister. “As many issues could not be incorporated into the new budget, it is not possible to implement all demands immediately. However, the government is sincere in this regard,” he said. Referring to allegations raised against officials and employees of the ministry, Milon said the complaints would be reviewed and resolved gradually. “Discussions are also underway regarding school managing committees and governing bodies.” “The issue of not allowing one individual to hold responsibilities in multiple institutions will be considered at the managing committee level,” the minister said. On the Non-Government Teachers’ Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA), Milon said recent changes in the recruitment system would be reviewed and necessary decisions taken accordingly.  “We will assess where corrections are needed. The government is firm in its position – we neither engage in corruption nor allow it. Transparency and accountability will be ensured in the education sector,” he said. The minister also said meetings would soon be held to decide on financial matters, including retirement benefits and welfare trust issues. “Education is receiving the highest importance at the policy-making level of the current government. Education-related issues also received priority at the recent cabinet meeting.” State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj said the written demands submitted by teachers have been taken seriously. “Among the various demands, standing issues have been identified and initiatives taken for resolution. We do not want to take abrupt decisions. We seek long-term solutions through consultation so that teachers do not have to return to agitation over the same demands five or seven years later.” Highlighting teachers’ dignity, Hajjaj said proper evaluation of their responsibilities in classrooms would be ensured and the government is aware of the expectations of the teaching community. Chairman of the Teachers-Employees Unity Council and Cumilla-2 MP Selim Bhuiyan, along with other teacher leaders, were present at the meeting.

Iran is facing its deadliest crackdown on dissent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, as authorities suppress nationwide protests with lethal force, despite cutting off internet and communication across the country. Cities and towns are filled with smoke, with fire-damaged mosques, government offices, and banks lining the streets. State media reported at least $125 million in damage across more than 20 cities. Activists say the death toll continues to rise, accusing security forces of using long-standing tactics — firing from rooftops, shooting birdshot into crowds, and deploying motorcycle-riding Revolutionary Guard volunteers to beat and detain protesters. “The vast majority of protesters were peaceful,” said Raha Bahreini of Amnesty International. “The authorities have opened fire unlawfully, targeting crowds that included children and families.” Protests began on Dec. 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over the collapse of Iran’s currency, the rial, and spread nationwide. Violence escalated on Jan. 8 after calls from exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi. Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian said more than 400 cities were affected. Videos show security forces, including the Basij volunteer arm of the Revolutionary Guard, using shotguns, batons, and assault rifles. Many demonstrators suffered severe injuries, including eye wounds consistent with birdshot. Iran’s Farabi Eye Hospital mobilized all available doctors to treat the injured. Casualty reports vary: the Iranian government said 3,117 were killed, including civilians and security personnel, while the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported 5,137 deaths, including 4,834 protesters. State media also reported widespread damage to banks, ATMs, government buildings, and vehicles. Amid fears of U.S. military action, an American aircraft carrier and warships are moving toward the Middle East. Observers warn that Iran could see renewed protests around Feb. 17, the 40-day mourning period for those killed. Satellite images show large numbers of mourners at Tehran’s Behesht-e Zahra cemetery, chanting against Iran’s leadership.

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain on Thursday  postponed the protest programme following the High Court’s verdict that cleared the way for Ishraque Hossain to take oath as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The BNP leader made the announcement at Kakrail intersection. "After hearing the High Court verdict today, our party has decided that we will suspend the sit-in programme for now. We will observe what they (the government) do in the next 24 to 48 hours. Based on their actions further instructions will be given," he said. Ishraque’s supporters continue protests demanding two advisers’ resignation Ishraque expressed gratitude to those participating in the movement and said the decision was made considering the public suffering. He reiterated his demand for full implementation of the court’s verdict and said the call for the resignation of the two advisers remains unchanged. Earlier, his supporters vowed to remain on the streets until two of the advisers to the interim government, LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam, step down. Following the court verdict, which removed legal barriers to his assumption of office, Ishraque took to Facebook and wrote, “Until we hear the resignation of the two student advisers, the protests will continue. Don’t leave the streets—intensify the movement.” Hundreds of his supporters braved heavy rain to maintain their sit-in at the Matsya Bhaban intersection in the capital today. It’s people’s victory as HC clears way for Ishraque to take oath: Fakhrul Another rally took place near Kakrail Mosque, where BNP activists burst into cheers upon hearing the court’s decision. Chanting slogans such as “News just came in — Ishraq is now mayor” and “Victory belongs to people,” they celebrated what they termed the ‘first step’ towards justice.      

BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Zainul Abedin Farroque on Sunday warned of taking to the streets if a clear election roadmap is not announced soon. “We are silent on Tarique Rahman's order. He asked us to be patient to further increase the organisational strength of the party,” he told a discussion meeting. The BNP leader, however, said if the result of their patience is a delayed election, then their dam of patience will be breached. Once they lose patience, he said, from the party Secretary General to the standing committee members, no one will be able to restrain them from taking to the streets. “We will take to the streets for the election if it is not held in time. No one can stop or silence us,” the BNP leader said. Nabin Dal arranged the programme at the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the announcement of a roadmap for promptly holding the national election. Farroque, a former Opposition Chief Whip in parliament, said the country’s people entrusted the interim government with the responsibility of holding a fair election. “But I think the government is trying to delay the election to give someone an advantage.” The BNP leader said one thing has become clear — the current government has not been able to pass the test in the past nine months. “The rights and demands for which we fought on the streets against Sheikh Hasina — we all unitedly carried out the movement and achieved success through the July mass uprising. But this government has tarnished the success we achieved. They should consider this seriously,” he said. Pointing to interim government chief Dr Muhammed Yunus, Farroque said the country’s people and the global community respect him. He said the people of Bangladesh placed Prof Yunus in the government as their trusted figure, demonstrating their confidence in him. “Out of respect for the people of the country, you must announce the election schedule right now.” BNP seeks quick restoration of democracy through credible election: Moyeen Khan Citing media reports that Tk 90,000 crore has been siphoned off abroad over the last several months, Farroque wanted to know who were involved in it, since Sheikh Hasina is no longer in power. He said Hasina’s ‘ghosts’ are still present in every ministry and offices and his party has long been demanding that they be brought to justice.  

Though the BNP has been consistently calling for a national election along with swift reforms, party leaders now fear that their December election deadline may quietly slip away, as the interim government appears to be dragging its feet and showing no sign of preparing for the polls. Talking to UNB, some senior BNP leaders said nine months after the interim government's formation, its lack of focus on elections and controversial moves—such as allowing human corridors to Rakhine and outsourcing port operations—have raised doubts about its true intentions. In such a situation, they said the party rank and file is mounting pressure to take to the streets to force the government to announce a clear election roadmap and hold the election within this year. A BNP leader, wishing to remain anonymous, said the party fears that the ban on activities of the Awami League, growing conflicts  among the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, increasing unnecessary street protests, and a slide in the law and order situation may complicate the political scenario in the country in the days to come. He said they are also concerned about the new political polarisation and its impact on the national election following the ban on the Awami League’s activities until the completion of its trial and that of its leaders. BNP alleges political motive behind Shammo murder The BNP leader said they suspect that the ban on the Awami League’s activities and the suspension of the party’s registration with the Election Commission may be part of a ploy by local and international actors to prolong the power of the interim government. He said their last standing committee meeting discussed the issues of election and reforms, and most members voiced frustration over the lack of visible progress toward holding the election. The BNP leader said they also discussed the growing pressure from grassroots leaders and activists to launch a movement demanding the government hold the election by December this year. Three BNP Standing Committee members have recently expressed both concern and anger over the delay in the election. On 12 May, senior BNP leader Mirza Abbas alleged that many dubious foreigners are arriving in Bangladesh, accusing the interim government of serving the interests of others rather than the people of the country. He also accused the government of orchestrating various incidents to divert public attention from its misdeeds. Abbas also alleged that a deliberate effort is underway to eliminate their party, claiming that pro-BNP officials are being replaced by those loyal to the Awami League or Jamaat-e-Islami in the administration and other key government offices. A day earlier, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that their party had on various occasions demanded that the Awami League, as a party, be brought under trial, but the government had not paid any heed. “Had the Chief Adviser taken the matter into consideration at that time, it would not have led to the embarrassing situation of the last two days (demonstration at Shahbagh),” he added. BNP’s Farroque urges govt to recognise public sentiment, hold early election Claiming that people across the country are eager to vote in the next parliamentary elections, the BNP leader said, “For that, we have called upon the Chief Adviser to announce a roadmap for the next election soon. Otherwise, such an embarrassing situation may arise again.” On 13 May, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said their party had already made it clear that they are ready to implement any reform proposals agreed upon through political consensus. “So, why is the delay? Why cannot we know where the consensus stands? We have all submitted our proposals. We are waiting to see where the consensus is. But we still cannot know where it lies. Why the hesitation in stating that?” he said. “You cannot hold the people hostage and then talk about reforms solely to serve the interests of a select few. There is no longer any scope in Bangladesh to impose anything by force while excluding the people. That time is over,” he said. The BNP leader lamented that those who once hid in fear of Sheikh Hasina are now lecturing others on reforms. “Every now and then, new issues are brought forward, reforms are dragged out, and the overall situation is kept in a state of flux. It appears to be part of a larger conspiracy to defer elections indefinitely,” a member of the BNP Standing Committee told UNB on condition of anonymity. He said their party is now holding youth rallies in all divisions to drum up support and encourage the new generation to become involved in BNP politics. “Our youth rally will be held on 28 May with a massive showdown in Dhaka. From that rally, the BNP will send out a strong message to the government not to unnecessarily delay the election,” the BNP leader said. Contacted, BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy said they are observing a move to delay the election on various pretexts, including the reform process. “Delaying the elections could create further instability and give the Awami League time to reorganise and create chaos in the country. If elections are delayed, the situation may spiral out of control,” he warned. The BNP leader said although the interim government’s role should be to restore the people’s mandate, it seems to lack genuine interest in doing so. Mirza Abbas alleges systematic purge of pro-BNP officials from administration He urged the government to come up with a clear electoral roadmap as soon as possible. “The people—especially the youth—want to vote. A fair BNP-Election to be held, and the reforms must be completed quickly.”      

Students of July Movement floated a new student organisation named ‘Gonotantraik Chhatra Sangsad’ on Wednesday amid protests by another faction who participated in the movement . The trouble began when the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ADSM) moved to launch the student party at a press conference at Madhur Canteen on the Dhaka University campus in the afternoon. Nahid Islam hints at quitting interim govt to join new party; final decision by week's end Witnesses said when the ADSM activists gathered on the premises of Madhur Canteen some students of private universities obstructed them opposing the formation of the committee, triggering a clash and forcing them to enter Madhur Canteen. The private university students demanded inclusion of July Movement coordinator Rifat Rashid in the committee but he was excluded. The new student platform was unveiled ahead of their formation of a new political party scheduled for February 28. Gazipur Digital University students stage protests disrupting train services

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association organised a human chain protest in the capital on Sunday strongly opposing the newly imposed Value Added Tax (VAT) and supplementary duty on mobile and internet services. Arranged in front of the Jatiya Press Club, the participants at the protest warned the government of further action, including laying siege to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) office, if the decision is not withdrawn within a week. Speaking at the demonstration, Aminul Hakim, President of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum and Internet Infrastructure Gateway (IIG), expressed concern over the impact on broadband services. "Broadband internet, entirely driven by local entrepreneurs, is now under threat. With the imposition of a 10% supplementary duty and VAT, both consumers and the industry will suffer,” he said, adding that a failure to reverse the decision would result in a larger protest. Imdadul Haque, President of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), highlighted the potential harm to small entrepreneurs and consumers alike. “This tax increase will discourage internet use and widen the digital divide,” he warned. Read: Nagorik Committee demands resumption of sales in TCB trucks, VAT rollback Former director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission, Khalid Abu Naser, criticised the decision, saying that it would not only inconvenience citizens but also create unnecessary challenges for the government. “Hasty decisions like this must be reversed promptly,” he said. Fahim Mashroor, a technologist and former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), condemned the lack of stakeholder consultation before the tax hike. “This unilateral decision reflects an authoritarian approach. Increased taxes will hurt the telecom and internet sectors, stifle new entrepreneurship, and make these services unaffordable for ordinary citizens,” he said. Presiding over the protest, Mohiuddin Ahmed accused corrupt revenue officials of influencing the decision for their own benefit. “We believed our days of street protests were over, but such inconsiderate actions forced us back onto the streets. If the government does not act within a week, we will organise a sit-in in front of the NBR office,” he alleged. Read more: Mobile internet shut down again Other speakers included technologist Fida Haque, freelancer representative Anis, and representatives from the Recharge Business Association and Pathao. The protest reflected growing discontent among stakeholders across sectors, urging the government to reconsider the decision in the interest of consumers and the country's digital economy.

The Battery-run Autorickshaw, Van and Easybike Sramik Union has called off their movement upon assurance from the police administration of addressing their demands.  Talking to UNB, Ariful Islam, joint secretary of the Sramik union, said that deputy commissioner of Ramna Zone under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has assured them of resolving their problems. “A delegation from the union will meet DMP officials tomorrow (Monday) to discuss the ongoing issue, and we hope a solution will come out from the meeting,” he said. Meanwhile, he said, another delegation of the union met Attorney General Md Asaduzzman in this regard and a writ petition would be submitted against the High Court order.   The union leader hoped that the issue will be resolved soon. Read: Rail services disrupted as battery-run rickshaw drivers block Jurain level crossing Earlier in the morning, drivers of autorickshaws took to several streets of Dhaka to press home their 11-point demand, including obtaining licences from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to operate on city streets. Commuters, particularly those travelling for emergencies, faced severe difficulties reaching their destinations as protesters blocked several roads, including those near the Jatiya Press Club (JPC), Jatrabari, Beribadh, and Tin Rastar Morr. According to UNB reporters, hundreds of drivers gathered at Beribadh, one of Dhaka’s entry points, this morning and marched towards the JPC in a procession. Besides, drivers from other parts of Dhaka converged at the JPC and staged a sit-in programme to press their demands. Read more: Battery rickshaw blockade suspended until Saturday The blockade in front of the JPC caused numerous vehicles to remain stranded, leading to immense suffering for commuters. Earlier, on Thursday, several hundred autorickshaw drivers blockaded various streets in Dhaka, causing immense suffering for city dwellers. That afternoon, the protesters issued a two-day ultimatum for their demands to be met, which expired on Saturday. As per their prior announcement, the protesters returned to the streets today. Earlier, a High Court order banned autorickshaws from operating on city streets, citing public safety concerns.

In response to escalating protests calling for the resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, security measures have been significantly ramped up around Bangabhaban in Dhaka. Following an attempted break-in at Bangabhaban late last night and violent clashes with police, authorities have imposed a strict security lockdown to prevent further incidents. Law enforcement officials confirmed that security has been tightened today. Barbed wire fencing was installed alongside barricades at the main gate of Bangabhaban, while APBN (Armed Police Battalion), BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh), police, and army personnel have been deployed in armed positions around the area. Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), water cannons, and riot control vehicles have also been readied in case the protests escalate further. Tensions have remained high as protests continue to surge, with various groups demonstrating outside Bangabhaban since yesterday. Although the daytime protests have remained relatively calm, the previous night saw violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Read more: President urges to avoid controversy over Hasina's resignation A robust four-layer security cordon has been established along the main road leading to Bangabhaban, bolstered by a three-layer barbed wire fence to deter any unauthorized access. Despite the increased security, demonstrators have made sporadic attempts to gather near the president’s official residence. When approached for comment, officials from the President’s Office said that there are no current plans to issue a formal statement regarding the protests. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are on high alert to manage any potential escalation.