United News of Bangladesh

A local BNP leader was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Jashore town on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 6:45pm in the Shankarpur area of the town. The deceased was identified as Alamgir Hossain, 54, son of late Intaz Chowdhury and a resident of Shankarpur. He was joint general secretary of BNP Ward No. 7 under Jashore Municipality. According to his elder brother Jahangir Hossain, Alamgir was returning home on a motorcycle from Battala area of the town when assailants opened fire on him in front of Huda Memorial Academy. Local people rushed him to Jashore General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Dr Bichitra Mallick of the hospital’s emergency department said Alamgir was brought in critical condition with a bullet injury to his head. Inspector (Operations) of Jashore Kotwali Police Station Muminul Haque said police rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information. Police are investigating the motive behind the killing and are working to identify and arrest those involved, he added.

Severe cold has led to a surge in patients suffering from cold-related illnesses across Rangpur division, with 1,421 new patients admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital over the past three days and 103 deaths recorded from January 1–3. Brigadier General Ashiqur Rahman, director of the hospital, confirmed the figures on Saturday, noting a significant increase in patients in the medicine and pediatric wards, where 37 patients died. The Rangpur Meteorological Office reported extremely low temperatures in the division on Saturday morning, with Nilphamari’s Saidpur recording 10.5°C, Panchagarh 10.6°C, Thakurgaon 10.7°C, Rangpur 11.2°C, Kurigram 11.5°C, Gaibandha 11.8°C, and Lalmonirhat 12°C. Dense fog is expected in the coming five days. Mostafizar Rahman, in-charge of the Rangpur Meteorological Office, said due to Rangpur division’s proximity to the Himalayas, the cold is felt more intensely here compared to other parts of the country. Over the past three days, the region has experienced severe cold due to icy winds and dense fog. Moderate to dense fog is expected in northern areas from late night until morning. Nighttime temperatures may drop slightly, while daytime temperatures will remain almost unchanged. The narrow difference between day and night temperatures is making the cold feel more intense, he added. Authorities said the cold has severely affected daily life, particularly for low-income communities along the Teesta, Dharla, and Jamuna rivers. Measures have been taken to protect livestock, poultry, and zoo animals, including providing vitamin supplements and covering sheds. The district Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Golam Kibria said 12,500 blankets have already been distributed, and Tk 48 lakh has been allocated to provide warm clothing in eight upazilas to prevent cold-related suffering.

Five nomination papers were cancelled while 13 were declared valid in Barguna-1 and Barguna-2 constituencies ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for February 12, 2026. The decisions were announced on Saturday morning at the office of the District Returning Officer, Mst Taslima Akhter. Following scrutiny, the District Election Officer briefed the candidates on the electoral code of conduct. In Barguna-1 constituency, six candidates submitted nomination papers, of which five were declared valid. The valid candidates are Mawlana Mohammad Mohibullah Harun, Nazrul Islam Mollah, Md Jamal Hossain, Md Jahangir Hossain and Mawlana Mohammad Aliullah. The nomination paper of Md Mashiur Rahman Akon was cancelled. In Barguna-2, a total of 12 candidates submitted nomination papers. Of them, eight were found valid. They are Abdul Latif Farazi, Dr Sultan Ahmed, Md Kamruzzaman Liton, Md Mizanur Rahman Qasemi, Md Nurul Islam Moni, Md Rafiqul Islam, Md Sabbir Ahmed and Syed Md Najes Afroz. The nomination papers of Md Alauddin Akash, Md Rashed Uz Zaman, Md Shamim and Md Solaiman were declared invalid. The returning officer said candidates whose nomination papers were rejected would have the opportunity to appeal in accordance with the law. BNP’s valid candidate for Barguna-2, Nurul Islam Moni, alleged that propaganda was being spread against him through fake social media IDs and demanded action against those responsible. “If the administration remains impartial, the election will be fair, and I can be elected hundreds or even thousands of times,” he said. Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Taslima Akhter said a total of 18 nomination papers were submitted in the two constituencies, of which five were cancelled after preliminary findings of irregularities and legal issues. “We are 100 percent strict and committed to holding a free and fair election,” she added. Candidates whose nomination papers were cancelled will be able to file appeals within the stipulated timeframe.

The central committee of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) has issued a show-cause notice to Mahdi Hasan, member secretary of its Habiganj district unit, directing him to refrain from organisational activities over making what it termed “unwarranted statements.” The notice, signed by Office Secretary Shahadat Hossain and issued on Saturday afternoon, said Mahdi’s remarks made during a discussion with the officer-in-charge of Shayestaganj Police Station were inconsistent with the organisation’s ideology and had tarnished its image. He has been asked to submit a clear explanation within 24 hours, detailing why he made such statements. The action follows an incident after the detention of Enamul Hasan Nayan, vice-president of Shayestaganj Sadar Union Chhatra League, who was picked up by police late Thursday night on allegations of involvement with the banned Chhatra League. After the detention, leaders and activists of SAD in Habiganj laid siege to Shayestaganj Police Station on Friday, demanding Nayan’s release. A group led by Mahdi Hasan reportedly entered the OC’s room and argued with police officials. A video that later went viral on social media showed Mahdi making controversial remarks while addressing the OC, which sparked widespread criticism. In that viral video, Mahdi is seen addressing the OC, saying: “We burned down Baniachong police station, and we set SI Santosh on fire. From that position, how dare you say, ‘So what if he is an SAD activist?’ Did so many of our brothers come here for nothing? Through the July movement, we formed the government. In this context, you are part of our administration. Yet you have arrested our people.” Following the situation, Additional Superintendent of Police (Habiganj Sadar Circle) Shahidul Islam rushed to the police station and, after mediation, Nayan was released around 3:30 pm on Friday. Mahdi Hasan later admitted receiving the show-cause notice, claiming his comments were a “slip of the tongue.” OC Abul Kalam said Nayan had been detained on suspicion in an anti-discrimination movement-related case and alleged links to Chhatra League, but was later released after verification found no criminal involvement.

The nomination papers of 17 candidates across three constituencies in Thakurgaon, including that of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, have been declared valid by the Returning Officer for the 13th national election. The announcement was made on Saturday morning at the office of the District Returning Officer, where candidates were present during the scrutiny process. Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Israt Farzana confirmed the validation and rejection of nominations. In Thakurgaon-1, the nominations of BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Delwar Hossain, and Islami Andolan’s Md. Khadimul Islam were all declared valid after verification. BNP to win next election with Khaleda Zia’s legacy: Fakhrul In Thakurgaon-2, six out of eight nominations were approved, while Islami Andolan’s Md. Rezaul Karim and Bangladesh Communist Party’s Sahabuddin Ahmed were suspended due to rectifiable errors. In Thakurgaon-3, eight out of 10 nominations were validated. The nomination of Jatiya Party’s Hafiz Uddin was suspended for correctable errors, and independent candidate Asha Monir’s nomination was rejected.

A trader who was stabbed and set on fire by muggers in Damudya upazila of Shariatpur district on Wednesday died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on Saturday. Khokon Das, 55, who used to run a medicine shop at Keurbhanga Bazar, succumbed to his burn injuries while undergoing treatment at the DMCH, said police. Officer-in-charge of Damudya Police Station Md Robiul Haque said when Khokon was returning home after closing his shop on the day, three to four muggers stopped him, attacked him with sharp weapons and robbed him of the cash he was carrying. As he recognised the attackers they set him on fire by pouring petrol, he said. Shariatpur-1 nomination review: 6 valid candidates, 3 disqualified He was admitted to the DMCH in a critical condition and succumbed to his injuries in the morning. A case has been filed against three people in connection with the attack. No suspects have been arrested yet but efforts are ongoing, said the OC.

The curtain rose on the 30th Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) on Saturday as Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin formally inaugurated the month-long event at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Center (CBFEC) in Purbachal, Rupganj. Describing the fair as a landmark in the country’s commercial journey, the commerce adviser said the Dhaka International Trade Fair is not merely a product exhibition but a comprehensive showcase of Bangladesh’s entrepreneurship, innovation and overall trade development. “The 30th edition of the Dhaka International Trade Fair is a milestone in the history of Bangladesh’s trade and commerce. It reflects our progress in business, industry and economic development, while highlighting our capacity to diversify production—from traditional handicrafts to modern, technology-driven products,” he said while addressing the opening ceremony in the morning. Bashir Uddin noted that Bangladesh has emerged as an important partner in global trade.  He said the core objectives of organising the international trade fair include export product development and diversification, access to new global markets, strengthening market connectivity, enhancing economic diplomacy, expanding international cooperation, improving the country’s global image and attracting foreign investment to achieve sustainable economic growth. He said  the fair plays a vital role in strengthening Bangladesh’s brand image and creating a positive perception of the country in the global arena. Highlighting the long-standing role of the fair, the commerce adviser said DITF has consistently served as a platform connecting producers with consumers, entrepreneurs with investors, and Bangladesh with the global marketplace. Referring to post-LDC graduation challenges, the adviser said that to sustain export growth, product development, diversification and exploration of new markets are crucial strategies. In this context, he mentioned that the first-ever “Global Sourcing Expo 2025 Dhaka” was organised at the same venue from December 1 to 3 last year, which helped introduce Bangladesh’s production and export capabilities to local and international buyers, visitors and importers.  Similar initiatives will continue once or multiple times a year, he added. Commerce Adviser underscored the pivotal role of entrepreneurs in making the trade fair successful.  Through showcasing quality, innovation and competitive strength of their products and services, entrepreneurs help project a positive image of the country, he said, adding that direct interaction with buyers, market analysis, negotiations and order placements enable them to gain tangible commercial benefits. He expressed optimism that participation in the fair would allow entrepreneurs to explore new markets, become familiar with international standards and technologies, and find opportunities for product development—thereby contributing significantly to export growth. Bashir Uddin also said the government is implementing multifaceted programmes to diversify export products. Based on export contribution and potential, various sectors have been declared as ‘Highest Priority Sectors’ and ‘Special Priority Sectors’. To further boost export promotion and incentives, one product is declared annually as the ‘Product of the Year’ to encourage its production and marketing.  “For 2026, ‘Paper and Packaging Products’ have been declared as the Product of the Year,” he announced. Originally scheduled to open on January 1, the inauguration of the trade fair was deferred to January 3 following the government’s declaration of three days of national mourning over the death of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. This year’s fair has banned the use of polythene bags and single-use plastics. As an eco-friendly alternative, shopping bags will be supplied at subsidised rates through the Ministry of Jute and Textiles. According to the layout plan, a total of 324 pavilions, stalls and restaurants have been allocated to local manufacturers, exporters, general business entities and foreign companies participating in the fair.

A senior imam, Hafiz Md. Abdul Mobin Molla, 65, passed away suddenly while preparing to deliver the Jummah Khutba at a mosque in Kachua, Chandpur. The incident occurred on Friday at Majhgacha Purba Para Patowari Bari Jame Mosque. According to his son, Zisan Ahmed, his father suffered a massive stroke around 1:10 pm while getting ready to lead the Friday prayer and collapsed. He was rushed to the local Upazila Health Complex, where the duty doctor declared him dead. The late imam had served the communities of Haripur and Majhgacha in Bitara Union for over 35 years. His funeral prayers were held after Maghrib on Friday, and he was buried at the family graveyard in Jugichapra Molla Bari. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and one daughter. His death has cast a shadow of grief over the mosque congregation and the local community. When contacted, Kachua police station OC Md. Borhanuddin told UNB that he was unaware of the incident.

A temple in Purbo Solapara neighborhood of Tarash municipality in Sirajganj was hit by a daring theft, with thieves breaking open the donation box and making off with cash and other valuables. The incident has sparked widespread anger among locals in the temple area. Tarash police station OC Habibur Rahman confirmed the matter, saying the thieves entered the temple on Thursday night using a cunning method. “They broke the lock of the donation box and stole cash along with plates, utensils, and other items. The exact amount of money taken is not yet known,” he added. Senior police officials inspected the site on Friday morning. A special investigation into the incident has already been launched, according to the officer.

Police recovered five cocktail bombs and five petrol bombs from the roadside in Nalduanga, Natore. OC of Nalduanga Police Station, Sakerul Azam, said that on Friday around 9 pm, locals spotted the explosives along with a banner near the Mahishmari Bridge on the Natore-Naogaon regional highway and informed the police. Acting on the information, police recovered the explosives from the site and took them to the police station. Authorities suspect that the items may have been stored by criminals to create unrest in the area.