United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh government has officially confirmed that the national cricket team will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, citing ‘genuine security risks' amidst a volatile regional political climate. The announcement made by the Sports Adviser, Asif Nazrul, on Thursday, effectively defies the ultimatum set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) just a day earlier. Speaking to the media, the Sports Adviser made it clear that the safety of the delegation is non-negotiable. “Bangladesh is not travelling to India to play the World Cup due to the security risk—this is a decision made by the Bangladesh government. No other entity has any rights to take this decision,” he said. Read more: Travel to India for T20 World Cup or be replaced: ICC warns Bangladesh This statement overrides the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) attempts to negotiate and directly challenges the ICC's insistence on the original schedule. Addressing the potential financial and sporting repercussions of a boycott, the Adviser argued that national dignity and human safety carry a higher value. He urged the public and media to consider the alternative cost of capitulation. “You should also consider what the damage would be if we played the World Cup,” he said. “Pushing our players, fans, and journalists into a genuine risk amidst this regional political situation, with our heads bowed down... is a damage that must be weighed.” Despite the ICC's vote on Wednesday to replace Bangladesh with Scotland if they refuse to travel, the government remains hopeful for a last-minute diplomatic solution involving a venue change. Read more: India wins T20 series against New Zealand by 48 runs The Adviser insisted that the demand to play in Sri Lanka is valid and rooted in history. “We still hope the ICC will do justice,” he said. “There are many precedents in the world where matches are played at a different venue due to security risks. We have not given up hope yet.”

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday (January 19, 2026) said some 8,97,117 members of law enforcement agencies will be deployed during the national election to ensure security. The adviser disclosed the information while talking to reporters after a meeting of the Core Committee on Law and Order at the Secretariat. A total of 42,761 polling centres will be set up for the election. Of them, 8,780 centres have been identified as highly risky while 16,548 as risky and 17,433 as general centres, he said. Some 25,000 body-worn cameras will be used at highly vulnerable and risky polling centres, while preparations are underway to install CCTV cameras at every polling centre, said the adviser. Read more: EC unveils fresh roadmap for Feb-12 election To maintain law and order during the election, forces will be deployed across the country in two phases. The deployment in the first phase will continue as it is. In the second phase, deployment will be based at polling centers for seven days from February 8 to 14, he said. The overall security coordination will remain under the supervision of the respective returning officers, Jahangir Alam added.Alongside the police, Ansar and VDP members, Army, Navy, Air Force, BGB, Coast Guard and RAB members under ‘in aid to civil power’ will be deployed during the election. Besides, law-and-order coordination cells will be formed at both central and local levels with members from police, BGB, RAB, Coast Guard and members of armed forces ahead of the election, he said. Special teams will be formed under the national emergency service number 999 and linked to the coordination cells. All complaints received will be forwarded immediately to the Home Ministry and the relevant local coordination cells, he said. Noting that law enforcement personnel are being trained for election duty for the first time, the adviser said the training will be completed by January 20. To strengthen surveillance, 418 drones will be used during the election, operated jointly by the Army, Navy, Police, BGB, Coast Guard, RAB and Ansar. Dog squads of different forces will also be deployed. Read more: Police must remain 100% neutral during elections: Home Adviser Besides, ‘Surokkha’ app, developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), will play the most effective role in election security management. Through the app, law and order-related complaints will be received instantly and prompt action will be taken, said the adviser. The government has taken a decision to use Air force helicopters to transport ballots and election materials to the remote and char areas, he said. Beside, instructions have been given to quickly arrest those who tried to obstruct the election, while intensive patrolling will be carried out across the country for four days ahead of the polls, said Jahangir. Referring to the progress of Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2, the adviser said 19,854 people were arrested between December 13 and January 17. Read more: EC set to sit with political parties Tuesday over postal ballots During this period, 346 firearms, 2,191 rounds of bullets, 722 cartridges and a large quantity of illegal arms and explosives were recovered, he said. Any attempt to obstruct the election or deteriorate the law and order situation will be dealt with strictly, he said.

The government on Wednesday said it remains hopeful of a smooth transition through the national election but wants to prevent the arrival of any “unexpected individuals” from abroad who may attempt to create an undesirable situation during the election period. “We are not stopping the issuance of visas. Those who wish to come may apply for visas, and we will issue them as long as their purpose is valid,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to a journalist’s query regarding reports of the suspension of visa-on-arrival facilities. “You know, during the election period, there may be attempts to create unexpected situations. Some unwanted individuals may try to enter the country suddenly,” he said. The Foreign Adviser said the Ministry of Home Affairs is truly better positioned to comment on the matter but acknowledged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received instructions in this regard. Read more: Bangladesh issues special visa guidelines ahead of national election  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Bhutan on Tuesday informed the general public that the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Thimphu has officially conveyed that the government of Bangladesh has suspended the “Visa on Arrival” facility for all eligible countries, including Bhutan, with effect from January 15 to February 15. In view of this, Bhutan said, all Bhutanese nationals intending to travel to Bangladesh during the above period are advised to apply for a visa in advance through the Embassy of Bangladesh in Thimphu prior to their travel. The Bhutanese Ministry advised all travelers to take note of this change and make the necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience. Foreign Affairs Adviser Hossain on January 8 confirmed that they have asked its three key diplomatic missions in India to keep their visa sections closed for a time being on security grounds. “What I have done is that I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he said while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time. Read more: Foreign Adviser communicates with Pakistani counterpart ahead of OIC ministerial meet on Somalia Asked about the matter, Hossain on Wednesday had taken the decision due to a special situation, noting that they have to look after the security of the missions.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Saturday (January 10, 2026) said police personnel deployed at high-risk polling centres during the next national election will be equipped with body-worn cameras to help prevent violence and ensure transparency. “There are around 24,000 risky polling centers across the country. Police personnel assigned to these centers will be provided with body-worn cameras so that no violence or chaos can occur. Through these cameras, everything can be monitored,” he said. The IGP made the remarks after attending a special welfare meeting with police officers and members of various units of the Rangpur Metropolitan Police and district police in the afternoon. The IGP also sought cooperation from the public in carrying out police duties effectively. EC to start disposing appeals against decisions on nomination papers Referring to the flow of arms, he said illegal weapons are being seized gradually, although it is not possible to recover all of them at once. Baharul Alam said police personnel across the Rangpur division remain fully committed to ensuring a free, fair, and festive election, noting that the Election Commission has taken initiatives to conduct the polls peacefully. “It is our responsibility to maintain stability and create a suitable environment for the elections. All members of the Rangpur Range and Rangpur Metropolitan Police are determined to ensure full security,” he added. He further said the police will not be working alone during the election. On polling day, around six lakh Ansar members will be deployed alongside police forces. In the pre-election period, members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other defense forces are also assisting law enforcement. 645 appeals filed with EC against decisions on nomination papers Besides, the Border Guard, Coast Guard, and Navy are working in coastal areas to control criminal activities. Rangpur Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Aminul Islam, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Majid Ali, superintendents of police from eight districts of the division, and other senior police officials were present at the event.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Thursday (January 08, 2026) confirmed that they have asked its three key diplomatic missions in India to keep their visa sections closed for a time being on security grounds. “What I have done is that I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he said while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Though he did not mention the names of the missions, a diplomatic source said the three missions are Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, Deputy High Commission in Kolkata and Bangladesh Assistant High Commission Agartala. There are Bangladesh Missions stationed in Mumbai and Chennai, too. Read more: Delhi summons Bangladesh envoy amid growing tensions Responding to a question on cricketers’ safety issue, the Foreign Adviser said he fully supports what Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul had said. Sports Adviser Asif Nazrul reaffirmed on Wednesday that Bangladesh will not travel to India for the upcoming T20 World Cup, reiterating the nation’s demand to have their matches relocated to co-host Sri Lanka. Speaking to the media following a meeting with directors of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Asif Nazrul said while the nation is eager to participate it cannot be at the expense of national dignity or player safety. “We have discussed the situation. The Bangladesh team played hard and fought to qualify for the T20 World Cup, and as a cricket-crazy nation, we certainly want to play in the World Cup,” he said. “We will certainly play outside India,” said Foreign Adviser Hossain. Asked about the impact of this in bilateral relations, the Foreign Adviser said this issue came afresh though at various times various issues came and each issue will have negative impacts to some extent. Read more: Bangladesh voices concern to India over attacks on missions Talking about keeping business relations unhurt, the Adviser said if they find their interest in purchasing rice at a cheaper price, the business people will go for that. Asked about Bangladesh’s ‘potential interest’ in procuring the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan, the Foreign Adviser said, “I can’t tell about this today. Talks are underway. You will know once things are finalised.”

Security has been tightened at key points along the Dhaka-Aricha highway, including Zia Udyan and the Savar National Memorial, ahead of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s scheduled visit to the area. A sufficient number of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, said Shariful Islam, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of BGB headquarters. According to the programme, following Jumma prayers, Tarique Rahman will visit the grave of BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman. 

The interim government of Bangladesh has assigned gunmen to 20 individuals who were on hit lists and facing security risks, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Monday (December 22, 2025). “Those who are on hit lists or concerned about their security have already been given gunmen,” he told reporters after a meeting on the law and order situation. When journalists raised a list suggesting around 50 members of Gono Odhikar Parishad are at risk, the adviser said, “The Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Special Branch (SB) have jointly identified those at security risk and prepared a list. Gunmen have been provided accordingly.” Read more: Law and order must be maintained before election: Prof Yunus While some individuals declined gunmen for personal reasons, the intelligence agencies are ensuring necessary security measures considering the risks, he added. “The intelligence agencies are continuously monitoring to maintain normal law and order and prevent any possible attacks,” the adviser said, adding that more people might be brought under security if necessary.

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.

Additional police personnel and members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at key points in the capital to maintain law and order during namaz-e-janaza of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi. An adequate number of police personnel equipped with around 1,000 body-worn cameras have been deployed to ensure overall security and prevent any untoward incident, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman. Besides, 20 platoons of BGB have been deployed in and around important areas of the capital including the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to strengthen security, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer of BGB. The namaz-e-janaza of Hadi will be held at 2:00pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Read more: DU journalism students demand justice for Hadi, attacks on media The government has requested those wishing to attend the janaza not to carry any bags or heavy objects. It also said that flying drones in and around the parliament complex will remain strictly prohibited during the funeral prayers. Meanwhile, a decision has been taken to bury Hadi beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus in line with the wishes of his family, according to a Facebook post from Inquilab Moncho’s official page. Read more: Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. His body arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening. Read more: Bangladesh mourns death of Osman Hadi

Police have taken special security measures ahead of the twin celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. A meeting on security and law and order was held at the Hall of Pride of Police Headquarters on Wednesday (December 17, 2025), chaired by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bangladesh Baharul Alam, ahead of the Christmas celebration on December 25 and the New Year’s Eve on December 31. Welcoming leaders of the Christian community, the IGP said Christmas is a universal festival and emphasized that the police would remain alert throughout the celebrations. He expressed hope that, with the capabilities of the Bangladesh Police, both Christmas and New Year’s Eve would be celebrated in a peaceful environment. Read more: Missing Guns: Can Bangladesh’s arms crackdown ensure peaceful polls? Authorities warned that any individual or group attempting to disrupt communal harmony by posting misleading content, comments, or images on social media during the festive period would face immediate legal action. Cyber monitoring will be strengthened to prevent the spread of rumors. The meeting urged concerned parties to recruit volunteers, arrange adequate lighting, standby generators or chargers, and ensure the security of churches across the country in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Security will also be heightened in all tourist areas, including Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata, during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Authorities said action would be taken against anyone who honks loudly or drives recklessly on the roads. People are urged to contact the National Emergency Service 999 or their nearest beat police officer in case of any emergency. During the meeting, Christian community leaders expressed satisfaction with the security measures and thanked the police administration. They expressed hope that, with everyone’s cooperation, Christmas would be celebrated in a festive atmosphere while maintaining religious solemnity, as in previous years. Read more: Freedom fighter, wife found dead in Rangpur RAB Director General (Additional IGP) AKM Shahidur Rahman, concerned Additional IGPs and senior officers of Police Headquarters, St. Mary’s Cathedral Church Pastor Father Albert Rosario, Bangladesh Christian Association President Nirmal Rosario, Joint Secretary General James Subrata Hazra, Public Relations and Communications Secretary Apu Placid Madhu, and The Christian Cooperative Credit Union Limited President Michael John Gomez and Secretary Manju Maria Palma were present at the meeting. All police commissioners, Range DIGs, and district police superintendents were connected to the meeting virtually.