United News of Bangladesh

BNP Vice-Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu on Saturday alleged that the previous Awami League government had tried to turn Bangladesh into a ‘virtual province’, of India. “It will be difficult to protect Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty in the future without this government. Because the previous Awami League government under Sheikh Hasina continuously tried to transform Bangladesh into a virtual province of India,” he said. He made the remarks while speaking at a discussion organised by BNP marking the Historic Farakka Day. BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir was present as the chief guest. Paying tribute to Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, Dudu described him as the architect of the Farakka movement. “I pay my respects to the oppressed people’s leader Maulana Bhashani. I also pay tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, who played an important behind-the-scenes role in the Farakka movement,” he said. Dudu said concerns over water sharing and Bangladesh’s survival had remained central issues since the days of Maulana Bhashani.“Even today, the struggle over water has not ended,” he said. Referring to the Farakka Barrage issue, he alleged that Bangladesh suffered major losses when the Awami League government and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman allowed India to experimentally operate the Farakka Barrage without proper discussion.“The damage to Bangladesh began from that very decision,” he said. He also criticised former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over water-sharing issues during her tenure. Dudu praised BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, describing him as following the path of his father, Ziaur Rahman, in addressing the country’s water crisis. He particularly mentioned the Padma Bridge project as an example of a practical step taken under Tarique Rahman’s leadership. Expressing optimism over the current political situation, Dudu said he believed the existing government would be able to resolve disputes related to water sharing and the Ganges issue through agreements. “I firmly believe that through negotiations and agreements, the water crisis and the Ganges issue will reach a resolution by December, InshaAllah,” he said. He also called for public support for the current government and BNP leadership.“We must strengthen the hands of this government. We must support Tarique Rahman and stand united to resolve the water crisis through the government.”. Concluding his speech, Dudu urged people to remain united in defence of the country’s sovereignty and interests. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General and Political Adviser to the Prime Minister Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presided over the event. Among the special guests were BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member and Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Ataur Rahman Dhali. Among the discussants were Emeritus Professor and water resources and climate change expert Dr Ainun Nishat, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam, BUET Professor Dr Md Ataur Rahman, and Jahangirnagar University Professor Dr Nahrin Islam Khan. Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka Central University Prof Dr Md Nurul Islam presented the keynote paper at the event.

Bangladesh has expressed strong interest in forging a long-term, government-to-government (G2G) energy cooperation arrangement with Angola and invited an Angolan technical team to visit Dhaka at the earliest opportunity for formal negotiations. At the first-ever high-level bilateral energy dialogue between the two countries, Bangladesh indicated its own readiness to send a reciprocal technical mission to Luanda to advance discussions. The Bangladesh side urged the early conclusion of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation to provide a formal institutional framework for the partnership. The Bangladesh delegation outlined the country’s growing energy needs and its strategic imperative to diversify crude oil and gas imports beyond the Middle East. The Angolan side provided a candid overview of Angola’s energy landscape. Angola currently produces approximately 1.1 million barrels of crude oil per day and has two new refineries in the pipeline, significantly expanding its domestic processing capacity. Angola also has LNG export capacity and is actively developing downstream and upstream gas fields, according to the Bangladesh High Commission in Nigeria. The Angolan delegation expressed a clear desire for international investment across the energy value chain and confirmed Angola’s strong interest in forging energy cooperation with Bangladesh. Angola undertook to study the proposed MoU and provide its feedback at the earliest opportunity. Both sides engaged in a frank and constructive discussion. The meeting reflected a convergence of strategic interests: Bangladesh’s need for reliable, diversified energy supply, and Angola’s ambition to expand its export markets and attract investment into its energy sector. Both delegations acknowledged the substantial untapped potential in the bilateral relationship and agreed on the importance of sustained, technical-level engagement to translate today’s dialogue  into concrete outcomes. Bangladesh and Angola on Friday held their first ever high-level meeting on energy cooperation through a virtual platform, marking a significant milestone in the two countries’ efforts to forge a substantive energy partnership. The meeting, convened at the initiative of Bangladesh, brought together senior officials from both governments and state energy entities for a candid and substantive exchange on energy cooperation, supply arrangements, and investment opportunities. The Bangladesh delegation was led by the Secretary, Energy and Mineral Resources Division, and included senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, alongside the Chairmen and Directors of Bangladesh Petroleum  Corporation (BPC) and PetroBangla. The Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria and concurrently accredited Ambassador to Angola, Miah Md Mainul Kabir, attended the meeting and delivered remarks, underlining the High Commission’s sustained efforts to promote Bangladesh–Angola bilateral relations. The Angolan delegation was led by José Alexandre Barroso, Minister of State for Oil and Gas, accompanied by senior officials from Angola’s public energy sector. The Ambassador of Angola to Nigeria also participated.  

Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan were among the countries repeatedly battered by monsoon-triggered floods and landslides in 2025, as disaster risks continued to intensify across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, according to an analysis by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). Four of the eight countries in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region experienced more than 10 major disasters in 2025, according to data from ICIMOD analysis, highlighting the region’s growing exposure to hazard-related risks. Asia accounted for a large share of disasters globally in 2025, a trend reflected in the HKH, which spans parts of South and East Asia. Analysis of EM-Data (Emergency Events Database) shows that countries in the HKH region experienced economic losses of more than USD $6 billion in 2024 alone from these events, with most damage linked to water-related hazards such as floods, landslides and storms, said the HKH, noting that the situation continued into 2025. Other hazards, such as glacial lake outburst floods, were also reported in select locations. Across the region, about 1.2 million people were displaced or directly affected by disasters during the year. Globally, disaster-related economic losses in 2025 were estimated at more than USD $169 billion. In comparison, losses recorded across the HKH highlight how extreme events translate into disproportionate impacts in a region characterised by complex terrain and high exposure. Data also shows that Myanmar, Pakistan, and China experienced a series of monsoon-induced floods in 2025, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. Researchers link the increasing impact of disasters in the HKH to the growing prevalence of multi-hazard events. Multi-hazards occur when more than one type of hazard, such as floods, landslides, or droughts, happen at the same time or when one hazard triggers another. Past examples in the region include the Kedarnath floods in Uttarakhand in 2013, and the South Lhonak glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim in 2023, India, as well as the Melamchi flood in Nepal in 2021. “Recent years show how floods, landslides, and other hazards are increasingly overlapping in mountain regions, amplifying damages to homes, infrastructure, and essential services,” said Pema Gyamtsho, Director General at ICIMOD, commenting on the regional trend. Long-term data covering the period from 1975 to 2024 shows a decline in death rates and the number of people affected by disasters in the HKH after 2013. Analysts caution that data gaps may influence this trend, but improvements in preparedness and early warning systems may also be contributing factors. “The numbers are still worrying, but the post-2013 trend suggests fewer lives are being affected year on year, which may reflect better climate services and preparedness in parts of the region,” said Manish Shrestha, a hydrologist at ICIMOD. “Sustained investment in preparedness and planning remains critical as risks continue to rise.” Early warning systems have been credited with reducing losses in some flood-prone areas. In eastern Nepal, alerts issued from a flood early warning system along the Khando River in 2024 helped inform and evacuate around 60,000 people living downstream. Analysts note that reducing future disaster losses in the HKH will also depend on risk‑informed investments, where development and infrastructure planning take multi‑hazard risks into account. Without integrating hazard and vulnerability data into investment decisions, exposed communities risk locking in higher losses as climate‑driven extremes intensify. Experts warn that multi‑hazard risks are likely to intensify in the coming years as climate change alters weather patterns and increases the frequency and severity of extreme events, leaving exposed communities across the HKH vulnerable to escalating losses.  

Express pacer Nahid Rana produced a devastating spell of fast bowling to claim 5-40, dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup and securing a comprehensive 104-run victory for Bangladesh on the final day in Mirpur. He took five wickets in just 9.5 overs. His five wickets for just 40 runs are now the best of his career. The win marks Bangladesh’s third consecutive Test triumph against Pakistan, sealing a dominant performance at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 268 on a rapidly deteriorating surface, Pakistan’s resolve crumbled under Rana’s raw pace and accuracy. The young quick utilized the afternoon heat to extract steep bounce and movement, leaving the visitors with no answers as they were bundled out for 163 in 52.5 overs. Rana’s masterclass began in the morning session when he squared up Pakistan captain Shan Masood (2) with a delivery that straightened off the seam, forcing a thick outside edge to Litton Das. While Abdullah Fazal offered lone resistance with a gritty 66, Rana returned in the post-lunch session to clinical effect. He broke a burgeoning partnership by inducing an edge from Saud Shakeel (15) before producing the delivery of the match to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan. The ball pitched outside off and jagged back prodigiously at 147 kph to rattle the stumps, leaving Rizwan stunned. The victory was built on the foundation of a bold declaration by Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto earlier in the day. Shanto, who missed a historic second century of the match by just 13 runs, declared the second innings at 240-9 shortly before lunch. His 87, combined with Mominul Haque’s 56, set a target that proved unreachable for a Pakistan side still reeling from their first-innings collapse. The match reached its climax when Rana charged in for the final blow against Shaheen Shah Afridi. Digging in a fierce, rising short ball, Rana forced the tailender into a defensive tangle. The ball clipped the glove and looped gently to the waiting hands of the short-leg fielder, sparking wild celebrations across the venue. As the catch was taken, Rana sprinted toward his teammates to celebrate his five-wicket haul, cementing a 104-run win that underscored a notable power shift in the rivalry. The second and final Test of the series will take place in Sylhet from May 16th.  

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first against Bangladesh in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday. The match marks Bangladesh’s return to Test cricket after a six-month hiatus. The hosts enter the series following a historic 2-0 sweep in Pakistan in 2024, a result expected to serve as a primary source of momentum for Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side. Bangladesh have named a pace-heavy lineup, relying on the trio of Taskin Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, and Nahid Rana.Pakistan handed debuts to Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal. Awais joins the side as a replacement for former captain Babar Azam, who was ruled out on the eve of the match with a left knee injury. Bangladesh XI: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot HossainPakistan XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Fazal, Shan Masood (capt), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Abbas//

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)Chairperson Wang Huning in Beijing on Wednesday. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the Bangladesh-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and expressed commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prime Minister’s adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir and Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md Nazmul Islam were present.

Saying that his government’s main responsibility is to protect the interests of people and resolve their problems, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged citizens of all strata to stand by his government to help take Bangladesh forward and place it alongside developed nations. “This government is your government. You elected it and brought it to power. Its number one duty is to protect the interests of people and solve their problems,” he said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Basia River at Kashipur Union in Sylhet. Tarique sought support from people of all walks of life to carry forward development plans and address the challenges facing the country. “If you stand by us, we will be able to move Bangladesh forward and make it capable of standing alongside developed nations—if we all work together,” he said. The Prime Minister said the people of Bangladesh voted in the election on the 12th February to install a government that will work for them. “Our only accountability is to the people of this country. That is why we want to carry out programmes and take actions that truly benefit the people.” He said local leaders told him that there are not enough mills and factories in Sylhet, leaving many young people unemployed. “We promised before the election that if BNP formed the government, we would reopen closed factories. Here with you is your own representative, Muktadir (Khandaker Abdul Muktadir), who is the Industries Minister. Soon after the election, within five to seven days, I sat down with him to review where factories are closed. Insha’Allah, we will reopen them gradually,” Tarique said. He also said the government is working to create employment opportunities for young people abroad. The Prime Minister said, “Less talk, more work. Now is the time to build the country.” Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad and Prime Minister’s adviser Humayun Kabir were present at the programme. The Basia River, which connects the Surma River and the Kushiyara River, has long suffered from loss of navigability and remained nearly defunct. The re-excavation initiative has been undertaken by the Ministry of Water Resources following demands from local residents. The Prime Minister earlier inaugurated the re-excavation work of the Basia River canal at Kashipur Union around 1:20pm by cutting soil with a spade. Addressing local residents, Tarique said the canal was originally excavated in 1977 by former president Ziaur Rahman but has since become silted up and nearly unusable. “We want to re-excavate this canal because around 80,000 farmers will benefit directly, while another 150,000 will benefit indirectly,” he said. Tarique, also the Chairman of BNP, said the project is expected to increase crop production by nearly 7,000 metric tonnes in nearby areas. The Prime Minister said similar canal re-excavation projects will be carried out across the country to support farmers. Highlighting the government’s pro-farmer approach, he said the distribution of farmers’ card has already begun in Tangail and will gradually reach farmers nationwide. “Through the farmers’ card, we will provide benefits such as access to loans, fertiliser, seeds and pesticides,” Tarique said adding that each farmer will receive Tk 2,500 annually to support their farming needs. He also said loans of up to Tk 10,000 for farmers have been waived. Tarique said canal excavation work has already started in around 60 places across the country and that the 23-kilometre stretch of the Basia canal will be completed over two dry seasons. Work will resume in November after the monsoon, with efforts to complete the project next year, he added. The Prime Minister also announced plans to plant around 50,000 trees along both sides of the canal to protect it and benefit local communities.

Speakers at a workshop on Wednesday called for urgent action to tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh, linking the surge to excessive consumption of unhealthy ultra-processed foods. They said diets high in sugar, salt (sodium), saturated fats, and trans fats are contributing significantly to the increase in conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. The observations were made at a workshop titled “Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases in Bangladesh: The Role of Hypertension Control and Front-of-Package Labelling,” held at a hotel in the capital. The event was organised by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI). Speakers highlighted that introducing Front-of-Package Labelling (FOPL) on packaged foods could be an effective strategy to reduce diet-related NCDs. They also stressed the importance of ensuring an uninterrupted supply of medicines to manage hypertension. They said nearly 97% of people in Bangladesh consume packaged foods regularly. However, nutritional information on the back of packages is often complex and difficult to understand, with key details on salt, sugar, saturated fat, and trans fat not always clearly presented. As a result, consumers frequently make food choices without fully understanding the associated health risks. Mandatory FOPL, featuring clear “Excess in” warning labels on the front of packages, would help consumers identify unhealthy products more easily and make informed dietary choices. Globally, 44 countries have introduced FOPL as a WHO-recommended public health measure, with 10 making it mandatory. These initiatives have led to improved consumer choices and reduced consumption of unhealthy foods, they said. Despite the high burden of NCDs, including hypertension, speakers noted that only 4.2% of Bangladesh’s total health budget is allocated to this sector. This has resulted in inconsistent supplies of anti-hypertensive medicines at community clinics, they said. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 71% of all deaths in Bangladesh are caused by NCDs. They emphasised that increased budget allocation, along with a steady supply of medicines at community clinics and upazila health complexes, could significantly improve the control of hypertension and other NCDs. Among the speakers were Professor Dr Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute; Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead at GHAI and ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA. A total of 28 senior journalists from print, television, and online media outlets took part in the workshop.

US Special Envoy for Best Future Generations Charles J. Harder has met senior government officials and stakeholders to expand partnerships that support Bangladesh's next generation. He paid a three-day visit to Bangladesh from April 18 to strengthen Bangladesh-US strategic cooperation on education and the well-being of children. Special Envoy Harder and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen had a 'productive meeting' with Education Minister Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Monday. They discussed how American educational expertise can equip Bangladeshi youth with skills that drive economic growth and prosperity. Special Envoy Harder and Ambassador Christensen also met Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam to advance bilateral cooperation and work together on partnerships that benefit future generations in both countries. Earlier, Special Envoy Harder and Ambassador Christensen visited the Surovi school and health camp. Their discussion with founder Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu focused on the school's integrated approach to education, nutrition, and health—and how this model is critical for helping future generations thrive, said the US Embassy in Dhaka. Special Envoy Charles Harder and Deputy Chief of Mission Megan Bouldin visited Lalbagh Fort, hosted by Bangladesh's Department of Archaeology. The Special Envoy toured the Mughal-era Hammam Khana, which the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation helped restore—demonstrating U.S. dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. The US Special Envoy arrived in Dhaka on Saturday to advance the 'strategic cooperation' on education and the well-being of children. The mission of Special Envoy Harder’s office is to protect and promote the interests and well-being of children (0-17) throughout the world. The focus of his office is the protection and well-being of children throughout the world, with particular focus on food security, education, healthcare, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), and ending child labor, trafficking, and recruitment into gangs and armed conflict.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the schedules for two upcoming home series on Friday, confirming a two-match Test series against Pakistan in May followed by a six-match white-ball series against Australia in June. The Pakistan squad is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on May 3. The first Test will commence on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the capital. The teams will then travel to Sylhet for the second Test, which begins on May 16 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Both matches are part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle. Following Pakistan's departure, Australia will arrive on June 5 for three One-Day Internationals and three T20Is.. The ODI series is set to begin on June 9, with the second and third matches scheduled for June 11 and June 14. All ODI fixtures will start at 11 a.m. local time. The T20I leg of the Australian tour will start on June 17, followed by matches on June 19 and June 21, featuring 2 p.m. starts. The board has not yet confirmed the host venues for the Australia series.