United News of Bangladesh

The Ambassadors of Russia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark in Dhaka met BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday and discussed various issues related to bilateral interests and ways to strengthen future ties with Bangladesh. The envoys of Norway, Sweden and Denmark in Dhaka first met Tarique around 11:00am at the BNP Chairman’s Gulshan office. Later, Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Grigoryevich Khozin also held a meeting with the BNP Chairman at the same office. BNP Joint Secretary General Humayun Kabir, Chairman’s Advisory Council member Dr Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and BNP International Affairs Secretary Rashedul Haq were present at the meetings. Briefing reporters afterwards, Humayun Kabir said the meetings were courtesy calls and focused on issues of national interest, including ways to strengthen bilateral relations with friendly countries in the coming days. “I said yesterday (Monday) as well that there is special interest within the international community in BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman—both in his leadership and his vision for Bangladesh’s development,” he said. The BNP leader said the talks covered areas such as trade, investment, energy and education, as well as how BNP’s proposed 31-point reform programme could be implemented if the party receives a public mandate in the February-12 election. EU delegation meets Tarique Rahman “We discussed how we can work together through foreign economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations in the interest of Bangladesh,” he said. Asked whether the upcoming election was discussed in detail, Humayun Kabir said there was no specific or technical discussion on the polls. “There was no detailed discussion on the election. But the diplomats showed interest in Bangladesh’s February 12 election and expressed hope that the country is moving towards a democratic space and democratic transition,” he said. Humayun said both the people of Bangladesh and the international community are hopeful about the restoration of democracy through a free, fair and credible election. “After 17 years, people are excited that they may finally get a real opportunity to cast their votes. In the same way, the international community is also excited that Bangladesh is moving towards democratic transition,” he said. Humayun Kabir said the envoys believe the election can create a genuine opportunity for people to participate in the democratic process. “In previous elections, people did not really get the chance to vote. This election can give Bangladeshi citizens the opportunity to exercise their voting rights,” he said. Replying to a question about Russia’s long-standing interest in selling defence equipment to Bangladesh, Humayun Kabir clarified that the issue did not come up in the meetings. New US envoy meets Tarique Rahman “There was no discussion on defence equipment. No technical or detailed talks took place on that issue,” he said. Humayun Kabir described the meetings as introductory and cordial, noting that since Tarique Rahman’s political return on December 25, he has become a major focus of interest for the international community.

Nordic embassies - Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway - in Dhaka came together on Thursday evening to mark Nordic Day 2026, under this year’s theme “Inclusive Societies, Stronger Together." Nordic Day commemorates the signing of the Helsinki Treaty in 1962, which laid the foundation for formal Nordic cooperation. It highlights the values that guide Nordic engagement globally: democracy, sustainability, gender equality, minority rights, inclusive societies, multilateral cooperation and international law. The celebration showcased the strength of Nordic cooperation and ongoing collaboration between the Nordic countries and Bangladesh in advancing inclusive development, and shared global goals. Young Nordic politicians observe Bangladesh’s election preparations Reflecting the shared commitment, they welcomed Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan as the chief guest. The event featured traditional Nordic cuisine, music, and provided a welcoming space for dialogue, cultural exchange and connection amongst guests.

During the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, one word seems to echo everywhere: sauna. While the northern Swiss city isn't typically associated with steamy, wood-paneled retreats, the Finnish village of Vörå certainly is. This year, three performers from there have brought sauna culture center stage at Eurovision. The group KAJ — pronounced “kai” and named after the initials of its members — is currently the top contender to win the continent-wide competition with their song “Bara Bada Bastu,” a playful homage to heat and steam that roughly translates to “just take a sauna.” Though KAJ is representing Sweden, its members hail from neighboring Finland, a nation of 5.5 million people and home to an astonishing 3.3 million saunas. The trio belongs to Finland’s Swedish-speaking minority. Their Eurovision act features a woodland cabin-style set, with dancers clad in either lumberjack outfits or oversized white towels. The performance is packed with a catchy chorus, energetic choreography, and a single, repeated word — “sauna!” — that fans now shout at the group wherever they appear. “The Eurovision bubble is a great bubble to be in,” Jakob Norrgård told The Associated Press on Thursday. He’s the J in KAJ, alongside fellow band members Kevin Holmström and Axel Åhman. Norrgård said that he expected Eurovision to be a welcoming environment, “but not this friendly. This is a bit over the top.” McDonald's to hire 375,000 workers in the US this summer The band members’ only regret is that they haven’t had a sauna since arriving in Basel for Eurovision, which ends Saturday with a grand final that will see acts from 26 countries compete at Basel’s St. Jakobshalle arena for the continent’s pop crown. Holmström said that the band is delighted to be an ambassador for sauna culture. “It’s a thing I really endorse,” he said. “It’s good for people. It is good for me, for both my mental and physical health, and (it’s) also a very social event.” KAJ was formed in 2009 and built a strong local following with humorous songs in Vora’s local dialect. Not long ago they were performing at birthday parties and in town halls of their home region. They entered Sweden’s national Eurovision selection contest, Melodifestivalen, thinking it might get them some gigs in Sweden. They unexpectedly won that contest, and their performance in Saturday’s Eurovision final is likely to be watched by more than 150 million people. The Eurovision winner will be decided by a mix of public voting and points from national juries. Victory for KAJ would give Sweden a record eight victories since the contest was founded in 1956, adding KAJ to a list of Swedish winners that includes ABBA. It would also mean a huge amount to Swedish-speaking Finns, who make up about 5% of Finland’s population — and to sauna enthusiasts. Sauna-lovers from Vora — along with the Finnish city of Tampere, which bills itself as the sauna capital of the world — drove a mobile sauna 1,500 miles (2,500 kilometers) to Basel, parked it near the Rhine and opened it to the public for free during the weeklong Eurovision festivities. A dip in the chilly river after working up a sweat was optional. It sparked the kind of cultural cross-fertilization that fans say is the essence of Eurovision. At the pop-up sauna, local Swiss people steamed and chatted with Finns, a Canadian and others. When KAJ dropped by for a visit, they were mobbed by selfie-seeking fans. “I love Finnish sauna culture, because it celebrates the freedom of choice,” said Dorothee Schulte-Basta, a Vora resident who traveled to Basel with the mobile sauna. “There are no rules in the sauna. Come as you are — everyone’s equal in the sauna.” Finnish politicians have long used saunas, relaxed but exposing, as an ideal setting for hard talks, a practice known as “sauna diplomacy.” KAJ wear drab suits onstage in tribute to Urho Kekkonen, a long-serving Finnish president who famously deployed the technique in talks with Finland’s overbearing neighbor the Soviet Union. KAJ never thought a lo-fi song about rural saunas would take them so far at a competition known for electro-pop, outrageous outfits and over-the-top staging. “When you sit there on the stage and the song is about to start and you see all the LED screens, the millions of lights, and we’re just three dudes sitting and grilling a sausage, the contrast is so funny,” Norrgård said. “And that’s exactly our type of humor — you shouldn’t be doing this, this is so stupid. It’s funny. It’s really cool as well.”      

Sweden has allocated $12.7 million (approximately Tk 155.4 crore) in humanitarian assistance through eight partners to support over a million Rohingya refugees, as well as host communities in Cox’s Bazar. The funding will be channelled through eight humanitarian partners, including the UNHCR, WFP, Norwegian Refugee Council, Islamic Relief, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children, and the International Rescue Committee. It will be used to provide food assistance and nutrition, protection services, healthcare, emergency education, water and sanitation facilities, and support for survivors of gender-based violence and child protection. “This year, we are increasing our initial allocation compared to last year, because of growing humanitarian needs, not least in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar,” said Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks. Foreign Adviser calls for addressing expat issues at home before their arrival in destination countries “Sweden stands firmly with Bangladesh in responding to humanitarian needs in the country, including those of Rohingya refugees, just as we have for the past seven years,” Nicolas added. In addition, Sweden is partnering with Start Fund Bangladesh to enable 26 local and national organisations to respond to emergencies more effectively. The Swedish government said this funding reflects its commitment to good humanitarian donorship, helping the UN system respond strategically and swiftly in times of crisis. Sweden remains one of the world’s top humanitarian donors and a key provider of core support to UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

At least 10 people, including the gunman, were killed Tuesday at an adult education center in what Sweden’s prime minister called the country’s worst mass shooting. But a final death toll, a conclusive number of wounded and a motive hadn’t yet been determined hours later. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson gave a news conference in the aftermath of the tragedy, which happened on the outskirts of Orebro. The city is about 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Stockholm. The school, called Campus Risbergska, serves students over age 20, according to its website. Primary and upper secondary school courses are offered, as well as Swedish classes for immigrants, vocational training and programs for people with intellectual disabilities. “Today, we have witnessed brutal, deadly violence against completely innocent people,” Kristersson told reporters in Stockholm. “This is the worst mass shooting in Swedish history. Many questions remain unanswered, and I cannot provide those answers either. “But the time will come when we will know what happened, how it could occur, and what motives may have been behind it. Let us not speculate,” he said. Gun violence at schools is very rare in Sweden. But there have been several incidents in recent years in which people were wounded or killed with other weapons such as knives or axes. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer called the shooting “an event that shakes our entire society to its core.” While Swedes read about such violence in other places, Strömmer said that the country previously felt it wouldn’t happen there. Other tragedies in Swedish schools weren't to the extent of Tuesday’s attack, he said, calling it “indescribably sad” for the community. The shooting also sent shock waves through Europe, with officials in Brussels expressing their outrage at the carnage. EU, Moldova agree on energy plan to cut Russian dependence “What happened today in Örebro is truly horrifying,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media. “Such violence and terror have no place in our societies — least of all in schools. In this dark hour, we stand with the people of Sweden.” The damage at the crime scene was so extensive that investigators were unable to be more definitive about the number of fatalities, said Roberto Eid Forest, head of the local police. Police said that the death toll could rise. Eid Forest told reporters that the suspected gunman was among those killed. Police believe the perpetrator acted alone, and he wasn’t previously known to police, officials said. Authorities said that there were no suspected connections to terrorism at this point, but police didn’t provide a motive. “Of course, we all want to understand why this happened, what occurred, and what motives the perpetrator may have had,” Kristersson said. “We will have to wait for those answers — in due time, the picture will become clearer.” Police raided the suspect’s home after Tuesday's shooting, but it wasn't immediately clear what they found. Eid Forest said there were no warning signs before the attack. Authorities were working to identify the deceased. Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf praised police and the rescue and medical personnel who responded to the shooting, and issued words of comfort to the families of the victims. “It is with sadness and dismay that my family and I have received the information about the terrible atrocity in Örebro,” the monarch said in a statement. “We send our condolences tonight to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts at this time also go to the injured and their relatives, as well as to others affected.” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed support to neighboring Sweden, calling Tuesday's shooting “a terrible situation.” Serbia's prime minister resigns as anti-corruption protests grow “I am so sad and all my thoughts are with the victims and their families and with the entire Swedish community and society,” she said after a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. “It’s a terrible situation. And of course, our neighboring countries have all of our support.” The shooting erupted after many students had gone home following a national exam. Police vehicles and ambulances, lights flashing, blanketed the parking lots and streets around the school as a helicopter buzzed overhead. Teacher Lena Warenmark told SVT News that there were unusually few students on the campus Tuesday afternoon after the exam. She also told the broadcaster that she heard probably 10 gunshots. Students sheltered in nearby buildings. Other parts of the school were evacuated following the shooting, which began at around 12:30 p.m. local time (1130 GMT). Andreas Sundling, 28, was among those forced to barricade themselves inside the school. “We heard three bangs and loud screams,” he told Expressen newspaper while sheltering in a classroom.

A 38-year-old man who sparked controversy and violent protests by burning a copy of the Quran has been shot dead in Sweden, according to local media. Reports indicate that Salwan Momika was killed in an apartment in Södertälje, Stockholm, on Wednesday night. The incident follows widespread unrest in 2023 when he set fire to Islam's holy book outside Stockholm Central Mosque. Malaysia to build mosque, school, hospital in Gaza: Anwar Stockholm police confirmed that a man in his 40s was fatally shot overnight, and five individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Officers responded to a shooting at an apartment in Hovsjö at around 23:11 local time (22:11 GMT) on Wednesday. The victim, found with gunshot wounds, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Thursday morning. Local reports suggest that Momika had been livestreaming on social media at the time of the shooting. Momika, originally from Iraq and residing in Sweden, faced charges of "agitation against an ethnic group" for multiple incidents in 2023. A court verdict on the case was scheduled for Thursday but was postponed after authorities confirmed his death. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that security services were investigating possible links to foreign entities, according to SVT. Brazil to establish deportee centre following disputed US flight Momika’s anti-Islam demonstrations sparked backlash across Muslim-majority nations, leading to protests outside the Swedish embassy in Baghdad and the expulsion of Sweden’s ambassador. Although Swedish authorities had permitted Momika's Quran-burning protest under free speech laws, the government later pledged to review legislation to restrict such demonstrations in certain circumstances. Source: Agencies

Celebrating Modern Fatherhood and Gender Equality, the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, in collaboration with UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women, has recently launched the 'Bangladeshi and Swedish Baba' photography exhibition at the DC Hill in Chattogram.  This exhibition celebrates the evolving roles of fathers as caregivers and highlights the transformative impact of active fatherhood in gender equality and more equitable societies. Following the success of previous exhibitions in Dhaka and Khulna, which drew over 3,500 and 1,500 visitors respectively, the Chattogram edition seeks to deepen the dialogue on modern fatherhood and shared caregiving roles. Curtain rises on Arka Fashion Week 2025 at Aloki The exhibition features 23 compelling photographs of Bangladeshi fathers actively engaged in parenting and caregiving. Inspired by the award-winning 'Swedish Dads' series by renowned Swedish photographer Johan Bävman, this initiative adapts his vision to the Bangladeshi context, encouraging audiences to rethink traditional gender roles and embrace gender equality. The Chattogram exhibition has been made possible through a collaborative effort involving local authorities. Visitors can explore the photographs and their stories until January 26, gaining a deeper understanding of the vital roles fathers play in shaping a more inclusive and just society. Bangladeshi women spend approximately 7.6 times more hours than men on unpaid household and care work, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and UN Women. This disproportionate burden restricts their participation in paid employment, curtailing economic opportunities and growth.  When fathers take on caregiving responsibilities, women are better positioned to enter and thrive in the workforce. This shift benefits women, enriches family life and strengthens the economy.  Involved fatherhood can play a transformative role in addressing these disparities.  This exhibition offers a platform to reflect on these themes, and as one engages with the photographs and the stories they tell, it can be encouraging to think about how each individual can contribute to a more equitable society; where caregiving is shared, opportunities are accessible to all, and the economy benefits from the full participation of its people. Curtain rises on 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival A total of 23 fathers out of 100 submissions were selected through a month-long competition held online. The jury board included Nicolas Weeks, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh; Stefan Liler, UNDP Resident Representative; Masaki Watabe, Representative of the UNFPA; Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Representative; Sabina Yasmin, Senior Photographer, Prothom Alo and Saiful Huq Omi, Managing Director, Counter Foto. As the exhibition continues to travel across Bangladesh, it sparks conversations that challenge traditional norms and inspire action toward a more equitable future, according to the exhibition's organizers.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Kylian Mbappé “is not affected” by the Swedish media reports this week that said the France captain was the subject of a rape investigation. Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. “I do not pay attention to speculations that come from outside the team. The player is not affected in the least,” Ancelotti said Friday. The reports in Swedish media came out after the striker visited Stockholm during the international break when he was not called up by France due to a minor injury. Pogba ready to give up money for Juventus again Without citing sources, Swedish media reported Mbappé was the subject of an investigation of an alleged rape at a hotel in Stockholm. Mbappé’s representatives have called the reports “false and irresponsible.” Swedish prosecutors issued a brief statement on Tuesday saying a rape had been reported to police, but didn’t name any suspect. Ancelotti defended his player’s right to travel on his time off. “The rest days are programmed for him and he can choose what he wants to do,” the Italian manager said. “I went to London for two days and didn’t ask anyone for permission.” Mbappé injured his left thigh in late September. But he missed only one game for Madrid, returning as a substitute in a shock 1-0 loss to Lille in the Champions League before starting in a 2-0 victory over Villarreal in the Spanish league. He then sat out the international window. Messi's Argentina held 1-1 by Venezuela in South American World Cup qualifying Mbappé trained for Madrid this week before the Spanish league resumes. Madrid plays at Celta Vigo on Saturday. “(Mbappé) took advantage of the break to improve his fitness and get well after the injury,” Ancelotti said. “He is happy and ready to play and be important for the team. These 15 days have helped because he is now a different player than before the break.”

Clashes erupted in an immigrant neighborhood in Sweden’s third largest city after an anti-Muslim protester set fire to the Quran, police said Monday. Police in Malmo said they were pelted with rocks and dozens of cars were set on fire, including in an underground garage, describing the events that started Sunday and lasted overnight as “a violent riot.” The clashes started after an anti-Islam activist Salwan Momika on Sunday burned a copy of the Quran and an angry mob tried to stop him while police, some of them helmeted, detained several people. At least three people have been detained, police said. Read: Israel's PM pitches fiber optic cable idea to link Asia and the Middle East to Europe Early Monday, an angry crowd of mainly young people also set fire to tires and debris and some were seen throwing electric scooters, bicycles and barriers in Malmo's Rosengard neighborhood, which has seen similar clashes in the past. There were several banners relating to the Quran burning. “I understand that a public gathering like this arouses strong emotions, but we cannot tolerate disturbances and violent expressions like those we saw on Sunday afternoon," senior police officer Petra Stenkula said. Read: Putin profits off US and European reliance on Russian nuclear fuel “It is extremely regrettable to once again see violence and vandalism at Rosengard,” she said. In the past months, Momika, a refugee from Iraq, has desecrated the Quran in a series of anti-Islam protests mostly in Stockholm that have caused anger in many Muslim countries. Swedish police have allowed his actions, citing freedom of speech. The Quran burnings have sparked angry protests in Muslim countries, attacks on Swedish diplomatic missions and threats from Islamic extremists. Muslim leaders in Sweden have called on the government to find ways to stop the Quran burnings. Read: Thousands of Muslims take to the streets to express outrage over Quran desecration in Sweden Sweden dropped its last blasphemy laws in the 1970s and the government has said it has no intention to reintroduce them. However, the government has announced an inquiry into legal possibilities for enabling police to reject permits for demonstrations over national security concerns.  

Bracelets, phones, and candy are just a few of the items that have lately been thrown at musicians on stage. Adele is the latest celebrity to speak out about the concerning trend, telling a Las Vegas crowd that she would "kill" anyone who threw something at her, reports BBC. Also read: Beyoncé breaks Grammys record, is now most-decorated artist In a widely circulated video, she tells the crowd that they have forgotten "show etiquette." "Dare you to throw something at me," she joked. Adele is well-known for throwing T-shirts into the audience during her Vegas residency, but her statements are in reaction to a series of events in which fans flung objects on stage, said the report. Also read: The Grammys ended in controversy, again. Here’s what to know Bebe Rexha was hurt and brought to the hospital last month after being hit by a phone while performing. And when a sex toy dropped on stage when Lil Nas X performed in Sweden on Saturday, he appeared amused, the report also said. In November, Harry Styles got hit in the eye with a sweet, and Pink appeared uneasy when a bag of human ashes was tossed on stage. Ava Max has previously been smacked on stage, and in June, a bracelet was thrown at country artist Kelsea Ballerini. Charlie Puth has also requested fans put an end to the practice, stating on Twitter that "the trend... must come to an end" and that it is "disrespectful and very dangerous." So why are fans doing it? Dr Lucy Bennett is a Cardiff University lecturer who studies the interaction between fans and their favourite performers. She believed that people's attitudes have shifted since the Covid-19 pandemic, "where we couldn't be physically present at concerts." And Dr Bennett believed some individuals are doing it since it is more difficult to be noticed by artists on social media. Also read: Jazmine Sullivan wins second Grammy "If you're in the same physical space as them, and you're throwing something, then you're going to get noticed," she said of the behaviour.