United News of Bangladesh

Zambia goes to the polls Thursday in an election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema secures a second five-year term, with voters weighing his economic reforms against persistent concerns over the high cost of living.The southern African country, one of the world's leading copper producers, defaulted on sovereign debt in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Since taking office in 2021, Hichilema's government has restructured more than $12 billion in debt owed to foreign governments and private creditors, while reducing inflation and helping stabilize the national currency. Hichilema's long-term economic strategy includes increasing annual copper production to 3 million metric tons by 2031, more than three times current output. If achieved, the target could place Zambia ahead of the United States and China among major copper-producing nations. Main challenger Hichilema, 64, won the presidency in 2021 after losing five previous elections dating back to 2006. A former financial services executive and prominent cattle rancher, he has headed the United Party for National Development since 2006. He faces 13 other presidential candidates, with analysts identifying opposition leader Brian Mundubile as his strongest challenger. The 55-year-old lawyer heads the Tonse Alliance, an opposition coalition he took charge of in January following internal disputes. Key election issues Although inflation has fallen and the kwacha has strengthened, many Zambians continue to struggle with expensive food and energy. Economist Trevor Hambayi said the country's improved economic indicators had yet to translate into significant benefits for ordinary citizens. Hichilema has pledged to expand schools, healthcare facilities and roads and create more employment. His government has also faced criticism over alleged restrictions on political dissent. The Tonse Alliance on Tuesday accused the government of ordering a raid on its offices in which vehicles and communications equipment were seized, calling the action politically motivated. Authorities have not accepted the allegation. Dispute over former president's remains Political tensions between Hichilema and his predecessor, the late Edgar Lungu, have continued after Lungu's death in South Africa in June 2025. Lungu and Hichilema had a long-running political rivalry. In 2017, Hichilema was detained for four months on treason charges after Lungu accused his motorcade of failing to give way to the presidential convoy. After Lungu's death, his family and the government became embroiled in a dispute over his burial. The government sought a state funeral, while Lungu's family opposed a ceremony presided over by Hichilema. South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal eventually ruled in favor of the family, although burial arrangements remain unsettled. Interest from China and US China remains Zambia's largest foreign investor, with major interests in copper and cobalt, minerals considered essential for electronics, electric vehicles and other advanced technologies. The United States has also increased its interest in Zambia's critical minerals. Zambia has alleged that Washington linked access to the minerals with a proposed $2 billion health agreement, a claim rejected by the US. How voting works About 8 million Zambians are registered to vote in Thursday's election, which will also elect members of Parliament and local government representatives. A presidential candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, a second-round runoff will be held.  

Zambia has expressed its interest to take support of agricultural expertise of Bangladesh alongside boosting relationship with Bangladesh and Bangladesh Army. Zambian Acting Defence Minister Wezi Lukhele has shown the interest when Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh Army General Aziz Ahmed, who is now visiting Zambia on invitation of Zambian Army Commander,  paid an official call on with him at Defence Ministry office there on Monday. Read Also: 'Accredited labs to be launched to ensure global standard of agricultural goods' During the meeting, the cooperation and relationship between the two countries were highlighted and  Zambian acting Defence Minister Wezi  Lukhele  said that Zambia is interested in building an improved relationship with Bangladesh and Bangladesh Army, says an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) press release here on Tuesday .  Wezi  Lukhele also expressed the interest of the Zambian government  for working closely with Bangladesh. Later General Aziz met Commander of Zambia Army Lieutenant General William Maipambe Sikazwe at Army Headquarters.  General Sikazwe expressed his gratitude to General Aziz for accepting his invitation and making a good bond between the two Armies.  General Aziz also expressed his interest to intensify training activities with the Zambian Army and also to conduct Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) Programs especially in the field of UN peacekeeping, anti-terrorism activities, disaster management, etc.  Read Also: President for feasibility study on joint exercise for BD, Zambia armies General Aziz also brought forward the matter of issuing on-arrival visa to the military personnel of Bangladesh Armed Forces, and General Sikazwe assured that he will take efforts to get it approved from the concerned ministry at the earliest.  In the afternoon, General Aziz met with acting Commander, Zambia Air Force Major General Benedict T Kalinda at the Air Force Headquarters.  Major General Kalinda expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and support provided by Bangladesh Armed Forces. He highlighted the prospects of training of the officers and men of Zambia Air Force in various training institutions of Bangladesh. General Aziz welcomed the officers and men of Zambia Air Force to undergo training in various training institutions of Bangladesh Armed Forces and expected that the relationship between the two Armed Forces will flourish further in the days to come.  Read Also: Army Chief leaves for Zambia Friday General Aziz is scheduled to meet with  Commandant, Zambia National Service today (Tuesday). He will also  meet with other senior leaderships of Zambia Armed Forces and visit various training institutions of Zambia Armed Forces, and is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on 6 May .  

Chief of Army Staff General Aziz Ahmed will leave Dhaka for Zambia on an official visit on Friday at the invitation of Zambian Army Chief Lt Gen William Sikazwe . General Aziz Ahmed will lead a 6-member delegation of Bangladesh Army during this visit, says an Inter Service Public Relation (ISPR) media release on Thursday. He is scheduled to visit various military installations and training institutes during the official trip. Besides, he will also visit a parade at the Arakan Barracks in Lusaka, Zambia and also place floral wreath at the mausoleum. General Aziz Ahmed will also pay courtesy call on Zambian Defense Minister, its Army Chief, Air Force Chief and Commandant of  Zambian National Service (ZNS). During the meetings, he will discuss  further strengthening the relations between the armies of the two countries and mutual cooperation. General Aziz will also visit Zambia Defense Service Command and Staff College and deliver a lecture there. The army chief will return home on May 6.

At a Chinese-run hospital in Zambia, some employees watched as people who recently returned from China showed up with coughs but were not placed in isolation. A doctor tending to those patients has stopped coming to work, and health workers have been ordered not to speak publicly about the new virus that has killed hundreds around the world.

At least five people died on the spot while 12 others seriously injured in a road accident that occurred in central Zambia's Chibombo district, the police said on Thursday.

Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Friday fired his political advisor and replaced him with a new one.

The Zambian government on Friday denied reports it was planning to sell a state-owned telecommunication's firm to an Indian investor.