United News of Bangladesh

Five activists of the BNP sustained bullet injuries in a gun attack allegedly carried out by rivals over establishing dominance in Raozan upazila of Chattogram district on Wednesday (5th November 2025) night. The incident occurred around 11:45pm in Chowdhurypara area under Ward No. 4 of Bagowan union, according to police and locals. The injured were identified as Abdullah Sumon, general secretary of the upazila unit of Sramik Dal, and activists Ismail, Khorshed, Rubel and Sohel. Of them, Sumon’s condition is reported to be critical. All five are currently undergoing treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Locals said a group of unidentified assailants arrived on motorcycles and in a car before opening fire indiscriminately on the BNP men. Hearing their screams, residents rushed to the scene and rescued the injured, taking them to CMCH. One killed, BNP candidate Ershad Ullah injured in Ctg gun attack Locals alleged that police reached the spot about an hour and a half after the shooting, which caused panic in the area. They claimed that the attack stemmed from a conflict between two local BNP factions over establishing supremacy. Md Jabbar, a local resident, said the assailants fled the scene soon after the attack. Raozan Upazila BNP president Jasim Uddin Chowdhury said the victims were returning home after attending a preparatory meeting ahead of the party’s observance of ‘Revolution and Solidarity Day’ on November 7. He said nine to ten armed men ambushed the BNP and affiliated activists in Bagowan Kuiyapara Chowdhurypara area, adding that Sumon’s condition remained critical. The officer-in-charge of Raozan Police Station could not be reached despite repeated attempts. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Md Belayet Hossain of the Raozan–Rangunia Circle said police had been deployed in the area to prevent any further untoward incidents, and an investigation was underway. Earlier in the day, BNP’s Chattogram-8 candidate Ershad Ullah was shot and injured during a campaign event in the city’s Bayezid area, where one of his associates, Sarwar Babla, was killed. Prof Yunus orders security forces to hunt down attackers behind Ctg violence On October 25, local Jubo Dal leader Md Alamgir Alam was killed in a similar gun attack in the same upazila. Meanwhile, at least 17 people have been killed in the upazila over the past year, including 12 BNP activists, four Chhatra and Jubo League men, and one expatriate.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has directed the security forces to spare no effort in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators and to bring them swiftly to justice, stressing that violence and intimidation have no place in our political and social life. "The CMP has already launched a manhunt for the attackers," he said. The interim government on Wednesday (5th November 2025) strongly condemned the violent attack at an election campaign event of Ershad Ullah, the nominated candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for Chattogram-8. In a statement, the government called upon all political actors and their supporters to uphold calm, show restraint and ensure that the February general election takes place in an atmosphere of peace, dignity, and fairness. Read more: Five BNP men wounded in Raozan gun attack "The government will do its part by taking all necessary measures to guarantee the secure and peaceful conditions required for free, fair, credible and festive elections across Bangladesh," said the statement issued by the Chief Adviser's press wing. Immediate investigation by the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) indicates that Ershad Ullah was not the target of the attack, but a stray bullet hit and injured him.  The government wishes him an early recovery. A full probe has been ordered. The government expressed its deep concern at this criminal act and reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the safety and rights of all candidates and citizens participating in the democratic process. Read more: One killed, BNP candidate Ershad Ullah injured in Ctg gun attack

A man was shot dead and two others, including BNP candidate from Chattogram-8 constituency Ershad Ullah, were injured in an attack by armed miscreants during electioneering at East Bayezid Hamzarbagh (Chalitati) in the port city of Chattogram on Wednesday (5th November 2025). The deceased was identified as Sarwar Babla, 48. Sarwar’s full identity has not been confirmed yet. Officer-in-charge of Bayezid Police Station Arifur Rahman said the gunmen appeared during electioneering of Ershad Ullah around 6 pm and opened fire on Ershad Ullah, leaving Sarwar dead on the spot and two others injured. BNP leader found dead in Cox’s Bazar They were then taken to Evercare Hospital in Chattogram. Another injured was identified as Shanto, a local leader of Jubo Dal. “Police are trying to identify those involved in the attack,” the OC said.

BNP on Tuesday (4th November 2025) expelled four of its leaders, including the Meherpur district and Gangni upazila presidents, over their alleged involvement in violence, road blockade and vandalism centring the party’s nomination process. In a press release, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi announced the expulsion decision. The expelled leaders are Meherpur District BNP President Javed Masud Milton, Gangni Upazila BNP President Afaz Uddin Kalu, Meherpur District Jubo Dal General Secretary Kausar Ali, and Gangni Municipality BNP President Mokbul Hossain Meghla. Martyr Mugdha's brother steps into politics with BNP The four were expelled from all party positions, including their primary membership, for engaging in violence, clashes, road blockades, and vandalising the party office at Gangni Bazar area on the Meherpur–Kushtia highway on Tuesday morning, the press release said. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the list of 237 party candidates for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election at the party chairperson’s Gulshan office in Dhaka on Monday evening. Four Sitakunda BNP leaders expelled over  nomination-related violence 

The indefinite road blockade enforced by Jumma students and local residents entered its fourth day on Tuesday, severely disrupting normal life in the hill district. Although the blockade has been relaxed on the Chattogram-Khagrachhari and Dhaka-Khagrachhari highways, long-distance bus services are yet to resume. Movement on internal roads also remains limited, with only a few auto-rickshaws and easy bikes seen operating. The announcement of the relaxation was made through a Facebook post by the Jumma students and residents on Monday morning. Meanwhile, Section 144 imposed by the local administration remains in effect in Sadar and Guimara upazilas. Khagrachhari BGB Sector Commander Colonel Md Abdul Moktakim on Monday urged all communities to maintain peace and harmony during this sensitive time. Army issues statement on communal violence in Khagrachhari He also assured that the BGB would continue to stand by the local population until the situation stabilises. To prevent further unrest, nine BGB platoons have been deployed, with two additional platoons kept on standby. Earlier on Sunday, three people were shot dead and several others injured in an armed attack by miscreants in Guimara upazila. The Jumma students, under the banner of Jumma Chatra-Janata (Jumma student-masses), called the blockade protesting the rape of a 12-year-old Marma schoolgirl on September 23. Since Sunday morning, the movement of all modes of transport has been suspended, leaving daily life in disarray. The demonstrators have also demanded the arrest of all perpetrators involved in rapes against women in the hills. Streets in Khagrachhari town and its outskirts remain deserted, with residents largely confined to their homes except for urgent needs. Army personnel, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police forces continue to patrol different areas. The term Jumma refers collectively to the indigenous peoples of the three districts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Police on Monday disclosed the identities of those killed in Sunday’s attack. They were Akhrau Marma, 22, Teiching Marma, 20, Athuiprue Marma, 21, all residents of Guimara.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for Dhaka Range Rezaul Karim Mallick has said that those responsible for the violence in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district will be brought to book. “We will undoubtedly bring the fascists to justice. I have instructed the authorities concerned to arrest those involved in the violence. The real perpetrators behind the attack will be identified and brought under legal action,” he told a press briefing at Bhanga Police Station Complex around midnight. Steps are being taken to ensure public safety and law and order, he added. “We have spoken with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Faridpur regarding Monday’s incident, the law and order situation and public safety. We have also talked with the people who were on duty during the violence,” the DIG said. Mallick also mentioned that four to five police personnel were injured during the incident. Constituency demarcation: Protesters vandalise police station, govt offices in Faridpur “Legal action will be taken against those involved in Monday’s attack. We are doing everything necessary to maintain public security,” he added. Referring to the damages caused by the attack, the DIG said the district police have been tasked with assessing the losses at Bhanga Police Station, while the Deputy Commissioner has been assigned to evaluate the damages at the Upazila Parishad. Meanwhile, Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Quamrul Hasan Molla said, “We have talked with the Election Commission, expressing the public's emotions and sentiments through a report. The commission will review it.” He also mentioned that a writ petition has been filed with the High Court over the alleged redrawing of two union boundaries, with the hearing expected on September 21. The DC urged Bhanga residents to remain calm and step back from protest programmes. “We understand people's emotions. We are working on these concerns. I again urge the residents of Bhanga to wait patiently for the legal process to unfold and refrain from any further protest programmes. You have a good reputation—please ensure no harm comes to the public,” he said. Regarding the extent of the damage, the DC said a full on-site assessment would be conducted and detailed information shared later. Earlier, on Monday, protesters went on a rampage in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district opposing the demarcation of the Faridpur-4 constituency by the Election Commission. They vandalised Bhanga Police Station, the Upazila Parishad building, a highway police outpost and the Bhanga municipality building, and set the local Election Commission office and several vehicles on fire.  

The interim government has strongly refuted any attempts to implicate Bangladesh in the communal violence in Murshidabad. "We strongly refute any attempts to implicate Bangladesh in the communal violence in Murshidabad," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told UNB on Thursday. He said they condemn attacks on Muslims causing losses of lives and property.  "We urge the government of India and West Bengal to take all steps to fully protect the minority Muslim population," Alam said. Mamata rejects Waqf law, urges calm in violence-hit Murshidabad The Indian Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been apprised of an initial probe into West Bengal's Murshidabad violence, which indicates the involvement of alleged Bangladeshi miscreants, the Indian media reported on Tuesday quoting sources. Ensure immediate action, accountability for violence against children: UNICEF to interim govt

Terming Bangladesh Awami League a "fascist" party, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday said the interim government will not tolerate any violence or any attempt to break the public order in the country. "The Awami League in its current form is a fascist party. There is no way this fascist party will be allowed to hold protests in Bangladesh," he said. The Press Secretary said the party has no chance to protest in Bangladesh. If anyone tries to hold meetings, gatherings and processions on the orders of mass murderer and dictator Sheikh Hasina, the law and order forces will deal with it strictly, Alam said in a post from his verified Facebook account. Only 4 advisers in interim govt have NGO background, says CA's press secretary From its verified Facebook post, Bangladesh Awami League urged its activists to come to Shaheed Noor Hossain Chatter -  Zero Point, Gulistan, on November 10, and protest against what they call "misrule”. "Our protest is against the deprivation of the rights of the people of the country; Our protest is against the rise of fundamentalist forces; our protest is against the conspiracy to disrupt the lives of the common people," reads the Facebook post. On November 10, 1987, Noor Hossain, a leader of Awami Jubo League, was killed in police firing while protesting against the then autocratic rule of Gen HM Ershad at the capital's zero point near Gulistan.  

The Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Commission have released a statement expressing deep concern over the “ongoing violence and attacks on the Indigenous Peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts”. In a joint statement dated October 8, they said that recent deadly attacks by Bengali settlers in the presence of state forces in Khagrachari and Dighinala on September 19, and in Rangamati the next day, had resulted in the deaths of four Indigenous persons (one in Rangamati and three in Khagrachari) and widespread arson attacks on Indigenous houses, businesses, and Buddhist places of worship. They noted that these events were ostensibly sparked by the alleged mob killing of a settler who was attempting to steal a motorbike. The statement goes on to add the incident on October 1, when further violence erupted in Khagrachari after the alleged mob killing of Sohel Rana, an instructor at the Khagrachari Government Technical School and College, following allegations that he raped a 7th-grade Indigenous girl from the school. “Once again, settlers instigated a reign of terror against indigenous communities and their businesses, allegedly in response to the death of Sohel Rana. Witnesses testimony and live-streamed videos on social media show that, despite the local administration imposing restrictions on unlawful assemblies of four or more persons (Section 144, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898) at 3 PM, settlers continued their rampage of destruction until around 7:30 PM, in the presence of security forces,” the statement said. It goes on to describe the role of the security forces as “highly questionable, as they allowed these crimes to continue for several hours.” Pankhayapara, the area that suffered the worst atrocities, is located less than half a kilometre from the Khagrachari Cantonment (Garrison), yet no intervention occurred until later in the evening, the statement said. Read: CHT violence: Probe body visits affected areas in Khagrachhari Citing reports from the ground, the statement said the accused teacher, Sohel Rana, lured one of his teenage indigenous female students to the teacher’s quarters, where he allegedly raped her. The girl’s friends witnessed Rana leading her to his residence and quickly raised the alarm. The Officer-in-Charge of Khagrachari Police Station and five students rescued her, and she later testified to being raped by Rana, and a recent medical test found evidence of rape. Protests erupted, and while Rana was confined to the principal's office, a mob broke in and assaulted him. Rana fled but was injured in a vehicle collision and died at the hospital. It said the police and civil administration officials present failed to protect Rana from the mob. The statement also cites media reports that indicate that the mob’s anger toward Sohel Rana stemmed from his long history of sexual misconduct allegations at various institutions, including an attempted rape charge involving another Indigenous girl student at the same school in Khagrachari. While condemning mob violence as ‘unjustifiable’, the statement  says the incident underscores the “impunity surrounding violence against Indigenous women and girls in the CHT, fueling public outrage”. “Although the government has formed a seven-member investigation committee to examine the causes of the violence in Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Dighinala, we have little confidence that this committee will bring justice,” the statement goes on to say. It adds: “We have also received testimonies that Army personnel in Rangamati have been checking the cell phones of Indigenous Peoples and deleting footage of the settlers' attacks. If they find any such footage, they beat the Jummo individuals. Additionally, it is deeply concerning that many mainstream Bengalis are siding with the settlers, labeling the Jummo as secessionists and spreading false propaganda on mainstream and social media. Posts and videos filled with lies are being shared widely on social media, inciting nationwide hatred toward the Jummo, which is very alarming. The live videos posted by Jummo during the settlers’ attacks have been reported and removed from Facebook. Several Jummo bloggers and pages that shared videos of the attacks have also been targeted by cyber-attackers and had their accounts hacked.” It called upon Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, “as a Nobel Peace Laureate”, to take the following measures to ensure long-term peace in the CHT: The government should immediately invite the United Nations and mandate holders to conduct an independent investigation into the reasons behind the continued violence against Indigenous Peoples in the CHT, as it did when inviting a UN team to probe the human rights violations that took place between July 1 and August 15, 2024. Read more: Normalcy returning to Khagrachhari Pending such investigations by the UN, the government should establish an independent, impartial, and adequately mandated Commission of Inquiry in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1956. Such a commission would have all the powers of a civil court, including the authority to summon all concerned officials, enter all concerned premises, and peruse necessary documents, and facilitate criminal proceedings by Courts of Judicial Magistrates. The 7-member committee that the government has formed, headed by an Additional Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong, and including six other low-level civil administration and police officers has none of the powers mentioned above. Moreover, it is of too low a level to be regarded as independent, or neutral or adequately mandated. These committee members’ rank and status are far below that of the senior-most military officials posted in the hill region at region/brigade level, and therefore the committee is almost certain to be unable to summon the concerned officials and look into their conduct. Swift and transparent legal action must be taken against those responsible for the attacks. The government must take decisive steps to end the culture of impunity surrounding violence against Indigenous Peoples in the CHT. We also call for proper justice regarding the alleged mob killings. Ensure the safety of Indigenous women and girls by implementing stronger legal protections and holding perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable. Investigate the role of security forces in allowing violence to continue under Section 144 and hold those responsible accountable for failing to protect the lives and properties of the Jummo. The government should immediately revoke the executive order 'Operation Uttoron,' restoring civilian administration and a democratic environment in the CHT. All temporary military and security camps should be dismantled, with the exception of the six permanent military bases designated in the 1997 CHT Accord. Read more:Day 2 of 72hr blockade underway in Khagrachhari and Rangamati In the CHT, the security forces are composed entirely of personnel from the Bengali community, which often makes it difficult to maintain neutrality during communal clashes. To build trust and restore confidence among Indigenous communities, the government should establish an ethnically diverse police force in the region, incorporating both Indigenous Peoples and ethnic Bengalis, as expressly provided for in the Hill District Councils Acts of 1989 (Acts 19, 20 and 21 of 1989). Implementing this diverse police composition will help prevent discriminatory practices and reduce the risk of perceived or actual bias during conflicts between Indigenous and Bengali groups. We also ask the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Adviser Nahid Islam to ensure that media and social media platforms are not used to spread misinformation and hate speech that incites violence against Indigenous Peoples. Finally, it is clear that settlers continue to pose a significant obstacle to the full implementation of the CHT Accord, the resolution of land disputes, and the achievement of lasting peace in the region. The only viable solution is the dignified relocation of settlers outside the CHT. The government can relocate them outside the CHT while continuing to provide rations, food grains, and other support, as it has done since their relocation to the region.

Adviser to Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Supradip Chakma on Tuesday urged the community not to take the law into their own hands in Khagrachhari. He assured that the travel ban for tourists will be lifted soon upon discussion with the Home Affairs Adviser. During a peace rally held at the Dighinala upazila Parishad Community Center of the Khagrachhari, the adviser addressed local officials, including Deputy Commissioner Md. Shahiduzzaman and Superintendent of Police Md. Arefin Jewel. Read: Investigation committee formed over Khagrachhari violence; 2 cases filed He emphasized the need for prompt action following the violent incidents on September 19, expressing frustration over the lack of arrests. Supradip pledged to bring those involved in the violence to justice and urged the community to refrain from vigilantism. He visited the violence-hit Dighinala. Read more: Khagrachhari tense following teacher’s lynching; indefinite Section 144 underway