United News of Bangladesh

Valentino Garavani, the celebrated Italian fashion designer whose glamorous gowns dressed generations of royals, first ladies and Hollywood stars, has died at the age of 93. The Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation said in a statement posted on social media that the designer died at his residence in Rome on Monday. No cause of death was disclosed. Universally known simply as Valentino, he was famed for his high-glamour creations, often in his signature shade of “Valentino red”, and remained a dominant force on international runways for nearly half a century. “Valentino Garavani was not only a constant guide and inspiration for all of us, but a true source of light, creativity and vision,” the foundation said. Adored by generations of royals, first ladies and movie stars, Valentino dressed icons ranging from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Julia Roberts to Queen Rania of Jordan and Diana, Princess of Wales. He once said, “I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.” Although Italian-born and based in Rome, Valentino regularly unveiled his collections in Paris, establishing himself as a global symbol of elegance and timeless style. Tributes poured in from across the fashion world. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described him as “an indisputable maestro of eternal style and elegance of Italian high fashion.” Designers, supermodels and celebrities also expressed their sorrow, hailing him as a master of his craft. Born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera in northern Italy, Valentino trained in Milan and Paris before founding the Valentino fashion house on Rome’s Via Condotti in 1959 with his longtime partner Giancarlo Giammetti, who managed the business side of the empire. His career spanned from the early 1960s to his retirement in 2008, during which he became the designer of choice for red-carpet events, dressing Oscar winners including Julia Roberts and Cate Blanchett. Valentino’s empire later expanded into ready-to-wear, menswear and accessories, and the brand was sold in 1998 for an estimated 300 million dollars. He continued designing for another decade before stepping down. A public viewing will be held at the Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti Foundation on Wednesday and Thursday, while his funeral is scheduled for Friday in central Rome.

Hackers briefly disrupted Iranian state television satellite broadcasts to air footage backing the country’s exiled crown prince and urging security forces not to turn their weapons on the people, according to online videos seen early Monday. The broadcast interference came as activists said the death toll from a sweeping crackdown on nationwide protests had climbed to at least 4,029, with fears the figure could rise further as information continues to emerge from a country still facing internet shutdowns. Footage aired late Sunday on several satellite channels run by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting showed clips of exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi along with images of people in what appeared to be police uniforms. A message urged the army and security forces not to target civilians and to stand with the nation. Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency, which is close to the Revolutionary Guard, quoted state television as saying the signal in some areas had been “momentarily disrupted by an unknown source,” without elaborating on the content that was aired. Pahlavi’s office acknowledged the disruption showing the crown prince but did not comment further. The latest hacking incident follows a series of similar disruptions in recent years, including one in 2022 that aired footage of exiled opposition leaders and messages critical of Iran’s top leadership. Meanwhile, tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high over the crackdown. President Donald Trump has warned Iran against killing peaceful protesters or carrying out mass executions following the demonstrations. Ship-tracking data reviewed by the AP showed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and several US warships passing through the Strait of Malacca after leaving Singapore, putting them on a route that could take them to the Middle East. US media, citing unnamed officials, reported the carrier was heading toward the region. Diplomatic pressure on Tehran also mounted as the World Economic Forum withdrew an invitation for Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to speak at its annual meeting in Davos, citing the loss of civilian lives in Iran. The Munich Security Conference also cancelled invitations for Iranian officials. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 4,029 people have been killed since protests erupted on Dec 28 over Iran’s struggling economy. The group said most of the dead were demonstrators, along with members of the security forces, children and bystanders. It also reported more than 26,000 arrests. Iranian authorities have not released an official death toll. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday said the unrest had left “several thousand” people dead and blamed the United States for the violence.

Jhenaidah has been rocked by a disturbing surge in suicides, with 301 people taking their own lives in 2025, laying bare deep-rooted mental health challenges, intense social pressures and gaps in public safety.  Women account for a disproportionate share of the deaths, heightening concerns over their vulnerability, according to official data. Of the total cases, 182 people hanged themselves, while 119 died after consuming poison. Abdur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Development Center (RDC), a human rights organisation based in Maheshpur, revealed  the statistics. In 2025, he said, 168 women and 133 men committed suicide in the district. In comparison, 319 people killed themselves in 2024—152 men and 167 women. In 2023, the total was 328, and in 2022, it was 323.  A statistical analysis shows that the number of suicides in 2025 has slightly decreased compared to the last four years. Jhenaidah Sadar recorded the highest number with 79 cases, followed by Shailkupa, 67, Maheshpur, 46, Harinakunda and Kaliganj (43 each), and Kotchandpur, 23. Of those who hanged themselves, 109 were women and 73 were men, while among those who consumed poison, 57 were women and 62 were men. The statistics were compiled using multiple sources, including monthly reports from the Jhenaidah Civil Surgeon's Office and the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Over the past four years, a total of 1,271 people committed suicide in the district, with women making up a relatively higher proportion of the victims. Maheshpur Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Helena Akter Nipa said women are more prone to suicide due to emotional vulnerability. She cited social factors such as drug addiction, unemployment, mental health issues, family conflicts, failed relationships, extramarital affairs and poverty as contributing causes. In this regard, Kazir Nazir Uddin, chairman of Sadhuhati Union under Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila, told UNB that suicide has become a serious problem in the district. He said people are very emotionally sensitive and often take their own lives over minor issues.  Although the district administration is holding awareness meetings in the union, the number of suicides has not reduced significantly, Nazir said, adding that the situation is slightly better than last year. “Suicidal incidents could be reduced to some extent if strong family bonds and religious values were developed in every household,” he added. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the district Abdullah Al Masud emphasised the media’s responsible role in suicide prevention. Businessman takes own life with licensed gun in Jhenaidah “Suicidal incidents must be reported carefully to avoid inciting others. Expanding counseling services is crucial, as timely psychological support can help individuals in crisis,” he said. DC Masud pointed out that the district administration has continued field-level awareness activities to prevent suicide and urged people from all walks of life to participate in these efforts.

A two-month-old Palestinian baby has died from severe cold in Gaza, becoming the fourth child to freeze to death since November, health officials said on Sunday. Zaher al-Wahidi, director of health information at Gaza’s Health Ministry, said the infant, Mohammed Abu Harbid, died of hypothermia at al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital. His death brings the number of babies who have frozen to death in Gaza since November 2025 to four, and 12 since the war began in October 2023, according to local health officials. As winter storms, heavy rain and freezing winds hit the coastal enclave, thousands of displaced families are living in tents and makeshift shelters with little protection from the cold. Many homes have been destroyed, leaving families without proper shelter, heating or electricity. Hospitals are also struggling to keep premature babies alive. Medical staff at al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp said incubators often stop working due to frequent power cuts and lack of backup batteries. Doctors said many premature babies are now suffering from hypothermia, while shortages of medicine and baby formula have made the situation worse. Displaced families living in flooded tent camps said water enters their shelters during storms and children are falling sick from cold and damp conditions. Aid agencies and human rights groups have warned of a growing humanitarian disaster in Gaza, calling for urgent delivery of winter supplies, tents and medical support to protect vulnerable children.   With inputs from ALJAZEERA

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday informed a special meeting of the Council of Advisers that the namaz-e-janaza of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be held on Wednesday. The janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, adjacent to the Manik Mia Avenue. He said Khaleda Zia will be laid to rest beside martyred President and freedom fighter Ziaur Rahman. Mirza Fakhrul attended the meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus following a special invitation. During the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the interim government on behalf of the family and BNP and thanked the Chief Adviser for extending all necessary assistance, including security arrangements for Begum Khaleda Zia. At the beginning of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of three-time former Prime Minister, uncompromising leader of the democratic movement, and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, followed by prayers for the eternal peace of her soul. Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the prayers. The meeting declared a three-day state mourning starting Wednesday, along with a one-day general holiday on Wednesday. A condolence resolution was adopted at the meeting, which was read out by Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Information Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. During the three days of state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government and autonomous institutions, educational institutions, and all government and private buildings across the country, as well as at Bangladesh missions abroad. At the same time, special prayers will be held in mosques across the country on Wednesday, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be organised at places of worship of other religions. The meeting also decided that condolence books will be opened at Bangladesh missions abroad. Prof Yunus said the government would provide all possible assistance during the burial and Namaz-e-Janaza of Khaleda Zia. Tarique, other family members were by Khaleda’s side during her demise  

Two siblings drowned in a pond in Kalia upazila of Narail district on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased were Taslima Khatun, 15, a 10th-grade student at Bardiya Girls’ Secondary School, and her brother Kawsar Sheikh, 8, a 2nd-grade student at Shibanandapur Government Primary School. According to local sources and family members, the siblings were last seen in the afternoon heading toward the pond area with their neighbour Nahar Begum. 3-year-old boy drowns while fishing with father in Lalmonirhat As evening approached and they did not return home, the family began searching for them and recovered the bodies from the pond, said Officer-in-Charge of Naragato thana Ashiqur Rahman. The children’s mother, Baby Begum, alleged that her children were murdered. “My daughter knew how to swim. They couldn’t have drowned,” she said. The bodies were sent to Narail Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy. An unnatural death case has been filed.

A 9-year old child who sustained severe burn injuries in an air conditioner (AC) blast in Jatrabari area of Dhaka on September 20 succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning. With this, the death toll from the explosion rose to two. Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, resident surgeon of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said Tanvir breathed his last around 7am while receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit. He suffered 45 percent of burns.  Tongi Fire: Shop employee succumbs to burn injuries Earlier on Wednesday, his father Tuhin, who was also injured in the blast, died while undergoing treatment with 47 percent of burns at the High Dependency Unit of the institute.     On September 20, four members, including the duo, of the family were burnt in the AC blast and rushed to the hospital’s emergency department. Tanvir’s mother Eva Akter, 30, and younger brother Tauhid, 7, are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Former Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun passed away at a hospital in the capital on Monday morning. He was 78. He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) around 8:10am, said Zannat-ul -Farhad, assistant inspector general (AIG-Media) of Prisons headquarters. He fell sick at the central jail on Sunday afternoon and was admitted to the hospital, she said adding that Nurul Majid enjoyed facilities as a classified prison, he said. The former minister had been suffering from ‘Uncontrolled Bowel and Bladder’ disease for long, the prisons official said.   AC blast at Jatrabari: Burn victim dies at DMCH As his condition worsened, he was shifted to the ICU where he died. Nurul, son of late Abdul Majid of Gotashia village under Monohardi upazila of Narsingdi district, was elected an MP from Narsingdi-4 in 2008, 2014, 2019 and 2024 with Awami League tickets. He was arrested by a team of the Rapid Action Battalion on 25 September 2024 on charges of murder during the July movement.

Another firefighter who had sustained burn injuries while extinguishing blaze at a chemical warehouse in Tongi died at National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital on Saturday. Khondaker Jannatul Naeem ,37, warehouse inspector of FSCD,  breathed his last around 10 am at the hosptial, said Anwar Islam of FSCD headquarters(media cell). With this, three firefighters of Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) died from burn injuries in the fire incident. Tongi warehouse fire: Another firefighter dies at DMCH Earlier, two other firefighters-Shamim Ahmed Nurul Huda succumbed to their injuries on September 24 and 24 respectively. Naeem, born in 1988 in Sherpur’s Nokla upazila, joined the Fire Service and Civil Defence in August 2016 and served in several stations including in Manikganj, Narayanganj, Chattogram, and lastly Tongi. He is survived by his wife, a child, and his parents.

Seven months after mourning the death of a father working abroad, a Shariatpur family has been shattered once again -- this time by an even more devastating tragedy. Their youngest member, Abdullah Shamim, 14, a bright Class VI student at Milestone School and College in Dhaka, lost his life in a tragic aircraft crash on campus. The shocking incident has plunged the grieving family into silence and disbelief, as loved ones now demand a thorough investigation and urgent action. No reason to underreport jet crash casualty figures: CA’s Press Secretary Abdullah Shamim was the youngest son of Abul Kalam Majhi and Julekha Begum, residents of Majhikandi in Dmkhali, under Bhedarganj upazila of Shariatpur. The family had been living in Diabari Khalpar area of Uttara, Dhaka. From a young age, Shamim had shown remarkable academic promise and dreamt of becoming a doctor. Initially enrolled in a madrasa, he was later admitted to Class VI at Milestone School and College in Uttara to further his education. His father, Abul Kalam Majhi, died in December last year while working in Saudi Arabia. Since then, Shamim had been living under the care and affection of his mother, elder brother, and sister. On Monday, as usual, he was attending classes with his fellows when a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet suddenly crashed into one of the school’s buildings, just 10 minutes before the scheduled tiffin break. The deafening crash left many injured, including Shamim. Members of the armed forces arrived promptly at the scene and rescued the injured, informing family members shortly afterwards. Shamim was rushed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital by ambulance and admitted to the burn unit due to the severity of his injuries. Despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injuries later that night around 11 pm. As the tragic news of his death reached his ancestral village, a blanket of mourning descended over the entire community. 'Unbearable Tragedy’: Stars share trauma, grief after Milestone School plane crash On Tuesday morning, Shamim’s body was brought back to his native home in Majhikandi. After the janaza prayer held at 9 am on the grounds of Char Vayra High School, he was laid to rest beside his father’s grave in the family cemetery. His relatives remain inconsolable, with his mother Julekha Begum frequently falling unconscious from grief. Shamim shared a close bond with his cousin, Abdullah Hossain.