United News of Bangladesh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to visit the party’s Nayapaltan central office on Monday afternoon, a day after visiting the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office. BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said Tarique is expected to go to the Nayapaltan office in the afternoon. This will be his first visit to the BNP central office since his return to the country on December 25, ending nearly 17 years of exile in London. Tarique’s nomination papers submitted for Dhaka-17 seat Ahead of the visit, security has been tightened in and around the Nayapaltan office. The main gate of the office was closed from 12:35pm on Monday, while only some senior BNP leaders were allowed to enter the office. Earlier on Sunday, Tarique visited the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office at around 1:40pm and stayed there for nearly nine hours. During the visit, he signed party nomination papers and held several meetings related to organisational and political activities. Like the Gulshan office, a separate chamber has been prepared for the Acting Chairman at the Nayapaltan central office. Both the Nayapaltan central office and the Gulshan chairperson’s office have been freshly painted, cleaned and decorated ahead of his return. Earlier, BNP also rented a four-storey building on Road No 90 in Gulshan to use as an election office ahead of the upcoming polls. The building has strict security measures, a briefing room on the second floor, seating arrangements for different departments and a research cell. The office will serve as a coordination centre for all election-related activities. Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh on Thursday after nearly 17 years abroad, a homecoming that has drawn widespread attention and stirred strong emotions among BNP leaders, activists and supporters across the country.  

The Appellate Division on Monday ordered the immediate removal of Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna’s name from the list of loan defaulters, clearing the way for his participation in the upcoming national polls. A single member bench of Justice Md Rezaul Haque passed the order after hearing a petition submitted by Manna challenging a High Court (HC) order. The court also stayed the HC order for eight weeks. Following the order, Manna has now no barriers to contest the election from the Bogura-2 constituency. Senior lawyers Ahsanul Karim, Syed Mamun Mahbub, Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, and Mostafizur Rahman stood for Manna while senior lawyer Abdul Kaiyum represented Islami Bank during the hearing at the court. The appeal followed the HC’s rejection of Manna’s writ petition on Sunday seeking removal of his name from the loan defaulter list. Earlier, on Wednesday, an HC bench of Justice Md Bazlur Rahman and Justice Md. Mansur Alam dismissed the petition, barring him from taking part in the elections. Then, deputy attorney general Shafiqul Rahman said as the court had rejected Manna’s petition, thereby he was disqualified now. Later, Manna filed another petition with the Appellate Division on Sunday challenging the HC order. The legal controversy surfaces after a notice issued by Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited’s Bogura Bargola branch on December 10 regarding Afacu Cold Storage Limited, a company led by Manna. The notice demanded repayment of Tk 38.04 crore in defaulted loans, instructing full payment by December 18 and warning of legal action in case of non-payment. Awami League could return if PR system is used in polls: Manna The notice, signed by branch manager Touhid Reza, was sent to the company’s chairman Manna and Managing Director ABM Nazmul Kadir Shajahan Chowdhury. According to the documents, Manna owns 50 percent of the cold storage, while couple Shajahan Chowdhury and his wife Ismat Ara Laizu each hold 25 percent shares. Although the company was profitable, it failed to pay regular profits, charges and fines, resulting in the outstanding amount. The bank described the notice as a final warning to prompt repayment, according to the notice. The bank manager said Manna had made no effort to repay the loan despite the company’s profitability. As per the agreement, the payment obligations were not fulfilled, which prompted the notice.

The 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) will begin on January 1 2026 at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Exhibition Center (BCFEC), Purbachal in the capital. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman shared the information at a press conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre on Monday. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will inaugurate the trade fair organised by the Export Promotion Bureau(EPB). This year, stall or pavilion spaces of various categories have been allocated online. The fair will feature e-ticketing (entry by scanning a QR code after purchasing tickets online, alongside on-spot ticket purchase). For visitors’ convenience, BRTC’s dedicated bus services will operate and “Pathao” ride services will be available at concessional rates. To showcase the activities of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the capacities of export sectors, an “Export Enclave” has been established at the fair. Besides, in remembrance of the 1952 Language Movement, Bangladesh’s Liberation War, and the injured and martyrs of the July 2024 movement, a Bangladesh Square has been built for static photo exhibitions. Initiatives have also been taken to organise sector- and product-based seminars highlighting promising sectors. Besides, seating corners have been created for senior citizens and two children’s parks will be available for children’s recreation. An open cultural center will facilitate product promotion and marketing. Reserved stalls have been allocated for women entrepreneurs, persons with disabilities and cottage, handloom, textile, and handicraft entrepreneurs. The use of polythene bags and single-use plastics has been banned at this year’s fair. As an alternative, environment-friendly shopping bags will be supplied at subsidised prices through the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. Products to be displayed include local textiles, machinery, carpets, cosmetics and beauty aids, electrical and electronics goods, furniture, jute and jute products, household items, leather/artificial leather and footwear, sports goods, sanitaryware, toys, stationery, crockery, plastics, melamine polymer products, herbal and toiletries, imitation jewelry, processed foods, fast food, handicrafts, home décor, and more. To ensure overall and visitor safety, adequate members of police, Armed Police Battalion, RAB, intelligence agencies and other law enforcement personnel will be deployed. Police, RAB and the Army will conduct regular patrols inside and outside the fairgrounds. Private security guards will maintain order at the service and VIP gates. For security, CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations, entry gates, parking areas, and all relevant zones. Archways and metal detectors are installed at entrances. A fire brigade will remain on standby at all times to prevent fire incidents. For food quality control, a team led by an Executive Magistrate will conduct daily anti-adulteration mobile courts during the fair. Visitors will have access to round-the-clock medical services including free primary treatment and medical advice by doctors and patient care attendants. Adequate ATM booths will be available for banking services. Facilities also include a Mother and Child Center, blood collection center, mosque, comfortable chairs or benches for rest, and seating corners for senior citizens. For visitor transportation, more than 200 dedicated BRTC shuttle buses will operate daily from 8:00 am from Kuril Biswa Road, Farmgate (Khejur Bagan/Khamar Bari), Narayanganj, and Narsingdi, with the last return trip at 11:00 pm. Freedom fighters, persons with disabilities, and those injured in the July movement may enter free of charge upon showing valid cards. Like previous years, the fair will run for one month from 9 am to 9 pm (until 10:00 p.m. on weekly holidays). Apart from Bangladesh, 11 companies from 6 countries—India, Turkey, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia—are participating in the fair this year.  

The Malayalam film industry stood out in 2025 with notable successes such as Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan. The Indian film industry enjoyed an exceptional year in 2025, delivering everything from grand historical spectacles to heartfelt dramas. Films across languages and genres captivated audiences both in India and internationally. While Bollywood had its share of releases, South Indian cinema emerged as a dominant force at the box office worldwide. Among all regional industries, Malayalam cinema made a strong impact with standout films like Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan, proving once again its strength in storytelling and production quality beyond regional boundaries. Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu industries also contributed major hits that earned both commercial success and critical praise. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-grossing South Indian films of 2025. Kantara: Chapter 1Directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 was produced on an estimated budget of Rs 125 crore. The film became a massive blockbuster, grossing over Rs 852 crore globally. Serving as a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, it earned acclaim for its stunning visuals, gripping narrative, and powerful action. The story delves into the origins of the Bhuta Kola tradition and the mythology surrounding divine guardians of the land. CoolieMade on a reported budget of Rs 400 crore, Coolie starred Rajinikanth in the lead role. Although expectations were high, the film received a mixed response from audiences. Still, it managed to earn Rs 518 crore worldwide. The storyline follows a former gold smuggler driven by vengeance, with Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj playing key roles. Mahavatar NarsimhaDirected by Ashwin Kumar, Mahavatar Narsimha became a landmark success, emerging as India’s highest-grossing animated film. Produced on a modest budget of Rs 40 crore, the film went on to collect Rs 326.82 crore worldwide. It narrates the mythological tale of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar and the clash between the demon king Hiranyakashipu and his devoted son Prahlada. Lokah: Chapter 1 – ChandraThis film marked a historic milestone for Malayalam cinema by becoming its first movie to surpass Rs 300 crore globally. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan and featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan, the film was made on a budget of around Rs 30 crore. The plot follows a mysterious woman who uncovers her supernatural powers after surviving a near-fatal incident involving a bat bite. They Call Him OGWith worldwide earnings of Rs 293.65 crore, They Call Him OG also achieved remarkable overseas success, including a record-breaking North American premiere. Starring Pawan Kalyan, the film spans multiple decades and locations, from 1940s Japan to 1990s Mumbai. It centers on Ojas Gambheera, aka OG, who returns after a decade to reclaim his criminal empire and protect his mentor from rival gangster Omi Bhau. L2: EmpuraanThe second chapter in the Lucifer trilogy, L2: Empuraan, starred Mohanlal alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and Manju Warrier. Produced with a budget of approximately Rs 175 crore, the film earned Rs 266.81 crore worldwide. The narrative follows crime lord Khureshi Ab’raam as he re-enters Kerala amid political unrest and rising extremist forces led by antagonist Balraj. Sankrathiki VastunamReleased in January 2025, this film quickly rose to become one of the year’s biggest South Indian earners, grossing Rs 255.2 crore worldwide. Featuring Venkatesh Daggubati, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Meenakshi Chaudhary, the story revolves around a retired police officer drawn back into action to rescue a kidnapped tech tycoon, with unexpected comedic twists involving his wife and former lover. ThudarumThudarum reunited iconic actors Mohanlal and Shobana after 15 years. The film tells the story of a humble taxi driver from Pathanamthitta who shares a deep bond with his old Ambassador car. The plot takes a darker turn when the car is confiscated in a drug-related investigation. The film earned over Rs 234.5 crore globally. Good Bad UglyDirected by Adhik Ravichandran, Good Bad Ugly starred Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, and Arjun Das. Ajith portrayed a former gangster striving for a peaceful life, only to be pulled back into violence after his son is falsely accused of a crime. Made on a budget of around Rs 300 crore, the film collected Rs 248.25 crore worldwide. Su From SoThis Kannada horror-comedy emerged as an unexpected breakout hit in 2025. Set in the coastal village of Marlur, the story follows a carefree young man who pretends to be possessed by a ghost named Sulochana to escape trouble. His act spirals into chaos as villagers conduct bizarre exorcisms. The film earned Rs 122.83 crore worldwide, gaining both commercial success and critical praise.

Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Monday shared an emotional post on social media reflecting on her family’s bond with their pet cat ‘Zebu’ and the responsibilities of caring for animals. In a Facebook post, Zaima said she was surprised yet amused by the curiosity surrounding ‘Zebu’ in Bangladesh, adding that the cat would probably find it amusing if she could understand. “Caring for an animal, any animal, is a great responsibility. After all, it is a life, a creation of Allah. When I first brought Zebu home as a kitten, I never imagined how deeply she would become part of our family,” she writes. Zaima said there were times when her parents would come home and ask after ‘Zebu’ before asking about her! She said ‘Zebu’ would stay close to her mother while she gardened or walked around the neighbourhood, and would curl up on her father’s lap in the evenings, enjoying a head massage while he finished his work calls. “As for me, Zebu always seemed able to read my emotions, offering comfort in the only ways her little paws and fluffy belly could,” Zaima said. She noted that pet owners understand how challenging it is to move homes with animals, saying Zebu has now travelled across continents into a completely new world. “For her small soul, this is a far greater upheaval than we humans may ever fully realise.” Through Zebu, Tarique’s only daughter said their family has learned a great deal about patience, compassion for creatures big and small, and the beauty of loving and caring for one another even without a shared language. “Love, after all, transcends species. We have always grown up with animals, and I truly believe that anyone privileged enough to care for another living being will learn far more about themselves than they might expect,” she said. Sharing a fun fact about her pet, Zaima said Zebu doesn’t meow! “She never has, not even if she’s stuck inside a cupboard. Instead, she chirps softly like a bird when she’s happy or surprised, groans in mild protest if you carry her without permission, and can yowl quite aggressively at cats she doesn’t like!”

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has asked airlines to publish their Hajj flight schedules on their official websites and the Hajj portal between January 5 and 7. The ministry sent letters to the Managing Director and CEO of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the Country Manager of Saudi Arabian Airlines, and the Sales and Marketing Manager of Flynas Airlines  in this regard on Sunday. The letter said, according to Saudi Arabia’s 2026 Hajj roadmap, airlines transporting pilgrims must have their flight schedules finalised and submitted for approval by January 4. The process of booking hotels and homes in Makkah and Madinah for pilgrims has already begun. Govt reminds 2026 pilgrims to pay remaining amount of Hajj package by Dec 31 Since home rentals in Madinah are slot-based publishing approved flight schedules is crucial to ensure proper planning of accommodations, it said. The ministry urged airlines to upload their General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) approved flight schedules on their official websites and the Hajj portal between January 5 and 7.

The Jagannath University administration has asked general students to vacate the campus by 3:30pm on Monday for the university’s Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU) and Hall Students’ Union elections. The directive was issued through an emergency notice signed by the university’s Acting Registrar Professor Dr Md Sheikh Gias Uddin. According to the notice, to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls maintain discipline on campus and ensure overall security, all students have been instructed to leave the campus by 3:30pm on December 29, it said. Voting in the JnUCSU and Hall Students’ Union elections is scheduled to be held on Tuesday.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar on Monday submitted his nomination paper for Khulna-5 constituency He, accompanied by the party leaders and activists, submitted the paper to the Deputy Commissioner and returning officer Jashed Khandakar at his office. Meanwhile, Jamaat-nominated candidate Krishna Nandy also submitted his nomination paper for Khulna-1 seat. For the first time, Jamaat has  nominated a candidate from the minority community. The deadline for the submission of nomination papers in the upcoming national election is set to expire at 5pm on Monday.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday acknowledged an increase in attempts to smuggle arms into Bangladesh through border points ahead of the national election, saying law enforcement agencies are regularly intercepting and seizing the weapons. “Some weapons are indeed entering through the border. However, these are being seized regularly—almost every day weapons are being recovered,” he told reporters. The adviser was speaking after a medal-giving ceremony and reception for freedom fighters marking Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Day at Pilkhana. Jahangir Alam said all necessary security preparations for the upcoming national polls are underway, with the BGB set to play a crucial role. “About 35,000 BGB members will be deployed for election duties. They are fully prepared,” he added. BGB seeks people’s support to prevent firearms smuggling Responding to queries about the Keraniganj madrasah explosion and overall law-and-order concerns ahead of the election, he said the prime accused in the incident remains absconding, but his accomplices have already been arrested and the investigation is continuing. Asked whether recent bomb incidents could disrupt the election process, the adviser said attempts to obstruct elections are not new. “Fascist forces always try to hinder elections. But with public support and law enforcement efforts, the polls will be fair, peaceful and festive,” he said, adding that the government is committed to delivering a credible and acceptable election. Steps underway to check arms smuggling: Adviser Jahangir Alam He also said special training has been provided to security personnel to deal with any situation during the polls and reiterated that they are ‘fully prepared’ to ensure safety and stability.

Hugh Morris, former England cricketer and one-time chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has passed away at the age of 62. Glamorgan, the Welsh county team where Morris played much of his domestic cricket and served as captain, confirmed on Sunday that he died after battling bowel cancer during “extremely difficult” final years. An opening batsman, Morris made three appearances for England and played a pivotal role in Glamorgan’s 1997 county championship victory, which coincided with his retirement. Over his career, he scored 19,785 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 40.29. Following his playing career, Morris spent 16 years in administrative roles at the ECB, including a tenure as chief executive during a successful period for the men’s national team. He returned to Glamorgan in 2013 as CEO, helping the club overcome financial challenges and oversee the development of international-standard facilities at Sophia Gardens. Dan Cherry, Glamorgan’s current CEO, remembered Morris as “a great player, a tireless administrator, and a fine human being of great dignity and integrity.” He highlighted Morris’ legacy, including the stadium at Sophia Gardens and the establishment of the Welsh Fire franchise in The Hundred competition, both of which have positioned Welsh cricket for further growth in the coming decade. Morris’ contribution to both English and Welsh cricket, on and off the field, has left an enduring mark on the sport. Source: AP