United News of Bangladesh

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday said he is confident that the overall law-and-order situation will further improve as the election approaches. “As the polling day approaches, you will see, InshaAllah, the law and order situation will improve further. There will be no problem. We are confident and we have not lost hope. We will move forward,” he said. The CEC made the remarks replying to a question from reporters while inspecting the overall situation of sending postal ballots abroad at the Bangladesh Post Office’s Mail Processing and Logistic Service Centre in the capital’s Tejgaon area. Army, navy, air force chiefs to meet CEC Nasir Sunday When his attention was drawn that the candidates and the voters feel insecure following the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, he said there was no need to worry. “The fear will go away, InshaAllah,” he said. When asked if he still believes the election will turn into a ‘festival one’ given the current environment, the CEC said, “Absolutely, absolutely and absolutely. I absolutely believe that the election will be a festival of votes, InshaAllah.” Responding to another question on whether public confidence in the Election Commission would be restored, he said people already have confidence. “Let the time come and you will see. You, we, the people of the country, and all major political parties want the election. Everyone wants the country’s welfare,” he said. Nasi Uddin mentioned that the EC along with the chiefs of all law enforcement agencies jointly conveyed a message to the nation that all are united in holding a credible election. “We all want a fair election,” he said. Talking about the IT-supported hybrid postal voting system, he said the EC has made arrangements for the expatriate Bangladeshis who are interested in voting in the election. “For the first time in 54 years, we have taken an initiative that has never happened before,” he said, adding that voting facilities through postal ballots have also been arranged for officials involved in conducting the election inside the country, government employees posted outside their constituencies, and even for prisoners. CEC holds meeting with chiefs of three services The CEC said the postal voting activities are being carried out with strict security measures. “The voting secrecy would be fully maintained. We have taken this initiative to ensure the integrity of the electoral process,” he mentioned. He said voter registration is now being conducted with the assistance of the Bangladesh Postal Department and the International Postal Union. “For the first time, we have introduced a hybrid model—online registration combined with manual vote collection through postal services—which we hope will become a global model,” he said. Acknowledging possible shortcomings of the newly introduced system, the CEC said the system may not be perfect initially. “We do not claim that we have been able to introduce a perfect system. It may not be perfect. It may improve later over the years,” he said, adding that the system will become more developed with time. He said the initial response to the postal ballot registration has been satisfactory and expressed hope that more voters would register their names within the next three days to vote through the postal ballots as the deadline would expire on December 25 next.  

The number of flat owners in Dhaka has risen to around 350,000 due to the steady expansion of the housing sector, said Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) President Wahiduzzaman on Monday. Wahiduzzaman said this while announcing the dates of the four-day ‘REHAB Fair 2025’ at a programme held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital. He said housing projects are expanding rapidly in Dhaka, leading to a growing number of flat owners. Buyers are showing increasing interest in condominiums developed on limited land. “Currently, around 350,000 families in Dhaka own flats. The condominiums being developed now are of international standard. A flat is not just a place to live—it has become a marker of social status. We want to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to become a flat owner in a fair and non-discriminatory manner in the future,” Wahiduzzaman said. Referring to the gazette of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) published on December 14, the REHAB leader said they are satisfied with the new regulations, noting that many inconsistencies and complications of the previous DAP have been resolved. “This DAP does not favour any particular group. It is a balanced DAP, which is why we have expressed our satisfaction. However, there are still some issues, and we will sit with the authorities to discuss them,” Wahiduzzaman added. He said becoming a REHAB member is mandatory for anyone wishing to do business in the housing sector, as stipulated by a circular issued by the Ministry of Commerce. About 1,500 real estate companies are still outside REHAB membership, and initiatives are underway to bring them under the association. “Many people fall victim to fraud by purchasing flats from non-REHAB members. We are working sincerely to address this problem,” he said. Speaking about flat prices in Dhaka, REHAB Senior Vice President Liakat Ali Bhuiyan said prices in some areas exceed Tk 10 million mainly due to high land costs, while flats are comparatively cheaper in areas where land prices are lower. However, he noted that flat prices have increased overall compared to the past. Meanwhile, REHAB Vice President-2 Akter Biswas said the association is committed to constructing earthquake-resistant buildings by following proper planning guidelines. REHAB plans to organise a workshop in the future to further raise awareness among real estate developers on the issue, he added.  

The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) is set to host its four-day flagship housing exhibition, the REHAB Fair 2025, beginning on December 24, bringing together real estate developers and prospective homebuyers under one roof. The fair will run until December 27 and will be inaugurated at 11am on December 24 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka. It will remain open to visitors every day from 10am to 9pm. REHAB President Md Wahiduzzaman announced the schedule on Monday morning at the CIRDAP Auditorium, highlighting the fair’s continued role in supporting Bangladesh’s growing housing and construction sector. A total of 220 stalls will be set up at the venue, enabling visitors to directly engage with developers, explore apartment options, and discuss purchase plans. According to Wahiduzzaman, the fair aims to simplify access to housing information while fostering transparency between buyers and developers. Since launching its first housing fair in Dhaka in 2001, REHAB has organised 26 fairs in the capital, making this year’s event the 27th edition. Beyond Dhaka, the association has also held 16 fairs in Chattogram, reflecting growing demand outside the capital. REHAB’s outreach has extended beyond Bangladesh as well. To date, the association has organised 12 housing fairs in the United States, along with two in the United Arab Emirates and one each in Italy, Canada, Australia and Qatar, targeting expatriate Bangladeshis interested in investing in property back home. “Through organising such fairs, REHAB continues its efforts to expand the housing market both domestically and internationally,” Wahiduzzaman said. He noted that the construction sector currently contributes around 15 percent to the national economy, a share that is expected to grow with the regular organisation of such events. As in previous years, visitors will be able to purchase two types of entry tickets. Single-entry tickets will be available at Tk 50, while multiple-entry tickets, priced at Tk 100, will allow entry up to five times in a single day. REHAB also said that proceeds from ticket sales will be used to support underprivileged communities under the association’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, continuing its efforts to combine industry growth with social responsibility.

Sukumar Ranjan Ghosh, former MP of Munshiganj-1 constituency, passed away at a hospital in Dhaka early Monday. He was 70. After being diagnosed with pneumonia a few days ago, Sukumar was put on life support at a hospital in the capital and breathed his last early Monday morning, said his family. Sukumar had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease for about 18 years and had been staying at his Dhanmondi residence. He is survived by his wife, one son, two daughters and a host of relatives. Sukumar’s cremation was held at Baradeshwari Kali Temple in the capital, said his wife Ava Rani Ghosh. He was elected MP of Awami League from Munshiganj-1 constituency twice in 2008 and 2014. Apart from politics, he was also associated with the film industry and produced the popular movie ‘Keyamat Theke Keyamat’. He had served as president of the Awami League’s Srinagar upazila unit.

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin announced on Monday the successful conclusion of the Bangladesh–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations during a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Japan, Motegi Toshimitsu. Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi,  Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun; Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Mahbubur Rahman; Chief Negotiator of the Bangladesh–Japan EPA, Ayesha Akter; the Deputy Chief Negotiator, Md. Firoj Uddin Ahmed; and the Focal Point, Mahbuba Khatoon Minu, were present during the announcement, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. As an early step in the negotiations, a Joint Study Group was established, which published its report on 27 December 2023. The report recommended a comprehensive approach covering 17 sectors for negotiation. The official negotiations for the EPA commenced on 12 March 2024, as per the Agreed Work Plan. The first round was held in Dhaka from 19–23 May 2024, but due to unforeseen challenges, the talks were temporarily paused. In response to the critical importance of the EPA for Bangladesh's economic growth, the interim government refocused its efforts starting November 2024, setting an ambitious goal to conclude the agreement within a year. This led to the adoption of an accelerated negotiation process, significantly speeding up the remaining rounds. The remaining negotiations progressed through a second round in Dhaka from November 10–14, 2024, followed by a third round in Tokyo on December 19–20, 2024, a fourth round in Dhaka from February 2–6, 2025, a fifth round in Tokyo from April 20–26, 2025, a sixth round in Dhaka from June 21–26, 2025, and finally a seventh and concluding round in Tokyo from September 3–12, 2025, which brought the talks to a successful close. Through these seven rounds, the EPA text was finalized, adhering to the original work plan. A crucial factor behind the swift progression of the negotiations was the direct involvement of Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi. Their proactive steps included chairing multiple inter-ministerial meetings and also high-level visits to Japan, where they engaged directly with their ministerial counterparts, said the Press Wing. These visits were instrumental in reinforcing Bangladesh’s commitment to finalising the agreement. Their personal involvement highlighted the interim government’s deep commitment to securing the EPA, underscoring its strategic importance. Upon the conclusion and signing of the EPA, Bangladesh will enjoy immediate duty-free access to the Japanese market for 7,379 products. In return, Japan will receive immediate duty-free access to 1,039 products from Bangladesh. A significant aspect of the EPA is that Bangladesh’s major export products, particularly ready-made garments (RMG), will be granted duty-free access to Japan’s market from the very first day of the agreement. Additionally, Bangladesh will benefit from Single Stage Transformation provisions for RMG products. The Trade in Services sector also sees a substantial commitment from both sides. Bangladesh has agreed to open 97 sub-sectors to Japan, while Japan will open 120 sub-sectors to Bangladesh across four modes of supply. This is expected to foster increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh, along with greater technology transfer.  As a Least Developed Country (LDC), Bangladesh will, for the first time, sign an EPA with Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy. The signing of this agreement is expected to bring far-reaching trade and economic benefits for Bangladesh, including enhanced trade, investment, and employment opportunities, marking a new chapter in the nation’s economic relations with Japan.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Monday said the Osman Hadi murder case will be tried under the Speedy Trial Tribunal to ensure quick justice. In a Facebook post in the afternoon, Asif Nazrul said the trial will be held under the Speedy Trial Tribunal Act, 2002. Under Section 10 of the law, he said, the trial must be completed within a maximum of 90 days after the submission of the police report. The announcement came amid growing demand for prompt justice in the killing of Hadi. Inqilab Moncho to hold protest rally demanding immediate arrest of Hadi's killers Osman Hadi, a leading figure in the 2024 July uprising and served as spokesperson for Inquilab Moncho, was shot a day after the Election Commission announced that the next national election would take place on February 12. For advanced treatment he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. The death triggered widespread outrage and calls for exemplary punishment of those responsible.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday described the recent mob attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices as a direct assault on democracy, urging all to unite to resist the evil forces. “The time has now come to stand up and resist… all of you who love Bangladesh must come together. We have to resist this evil force,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while speaking at a joint protest meeting organised by the Editors’ Council and Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at a city hotel. Fakhrul bemoaned that the country is now facing a defining moment for democracy and freedom of expression, and said symbolic protest programmes are no longer enough as democracy and freedom of speech are under threat. “Those who want to see Bangladesh as a truly independent and sovereign democratic country must do more than be aware. We must stand and resist now. Only forming human chains or expressing solidarity will not be enough. Everyone who loves Bangladesh must unite with full strength to stop this evil force,” he said. The BNP leader said he has spent his whole life struggling for an independent and democratic Bangladesh, but the present situation does not match the dream he and the freedom fighters fought for. Editors’ Council, NOAB condemn arson attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star. “It is very clear and there is not much left to explain. It is not just The Daily Star or Prothom Alo that has come under attack – it is democracy itself. My right to think freely and my right to speak have come under attack,” he said. The BNP leader also alleged that the spirit of the July movement, which aimed at establishing people’s rights, has also come under attack. Calling for unity beyond political boundaries, Fakhrul said it is time for every democracy-loving person to come together, and those who want to move from darkness to light must unite to make Bangladesh a truly independent, sovereign and democratic nation. Leaders from different political parties, editors, newspaper owners, journalists and civil society members attended the meeting, demanding justice and a proper investigation into the recent mob violence targeting the two media houses.

A labour leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP) was injured in a gun attack in Khulna city on Monday, just days after the shooting of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka, which resulted in his death. The injured, identified as Motaleb Shikder, 42, organiser and divisional chief of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, is the son of Muslim Shikder, and a resident of Sheikh Para area in Khulna city. Police said miscreants shot him in the head around 11:45am. Journalist shot dead, another injured in Khulna Locals rescued him and took him to Khulna Medical College Hospital, according to Sonadanga Police Station officer-in-charge Animesh Mondol. The attack comes 10 days after Osman Hadi was shot in the capital. He later died from his injuries at a Singapore hospital, triggering widespread outrage and demands for quick arrests. BNP leader shot dead in Pabna

A Russian general was killed Monday morning when a bomb exploded beneath his vehicle in southern Moscow, authorities said. Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, who led the Operational Training Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff, succumbed to his injuries, according to Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee. “Investigators are exploring multiple leads concerning the assassination. One possibility is involvement by Ukrainian intelligence services,” Petrenko added. Russian media reported that the explosion occurred around 7 a.m. in a parking area on Yaseneva Street, with Sarvarov inside the car. Ukraine’s security service had previously claimed responsibility for a similar attack in December 2024 targeting a senior Russian officer. Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of the military’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces, was killed when a bomb concealed on an electric scooter exploded near his apartment. His aide, Ilya Polikarpov, also died in the attack. The investigation into Sarvarov’s death is ongoing. Source: AP 

Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico Mushfiqul Fazal Ansery has condemned the recent attacks on media outlets in Bangladesh over differences of opinion or other reasons. In a verified Facebook post on Sunday, the envoy said they have never devoted themselves to long-term struggles at home or abroad, nor to building global public opinion, for such purposes. Referring to his experience at UN and White House briefings, he emphasised that attempts to destroy media institutions cannot be justified. “No such act can be justified. Period,” he added. Following the death of Inquilab Moncho spokesman Sharif Osman Hadi, mobs went on a rampage at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star on Thursday night, triggering widespread criticism at home and abroad. Meanwhile, law enforcers have identified 31 people directly involved in the attacks on media outlets after scrutinising video footage and have arrested nine of the accused.