United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque on Wednesday said that the government has a plan to bring national-level athletes under a structured salary framework. “The current government is planning to improve athletes’ living standards and ensure their future security and to bring national-level athletes under a structured salary framework. It is working to establish sports as a respectable profession,” he said. Former football captain Aminul appointed state minister for sports The state minister came up with the information while speaking at the view-exchange meeting with managing directors and chief executive officers of leading banks and financial institutions at the conference room of the National Sports Council. He also urged the banks and financial institutions to play an active role in the overall development of the country’s sports sector and in ensuring professionalism among athletes. The minister also announced that the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ programme aimed at identifying talented players from the grassroots will be launched nationwide immediately after Eid-ul-Fitr. Mentioning that not all federations in the country are financially solvent, the state minister urged the banks and financial institutions to remain involved with different sporting disciplines and become integral partners in the sports arena through regular sponsorship. BCB president Aminul skips India-Pakistan clash in Colombo Executives of banks and financial institutions present at the meeting welcomed the initiative of the Ministry. They expressed satisfaction over having a sports personality as the State Minister and pledged to work together to elevate the country’s sports sector to a global standard.

Water Resources minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Wednesday said that efforts will be made to reclaim canals from illegal occupants, along with measures to protect their banks through tree planting and beautification projects. “Through ongoing projects, canals are being dredged and restored. Priority will be given to canal excavation projects across the country,” he said. The minister made the remarks while inspecting the re-excavation and bank protection works of the Shubhadya and Ati canals in Keraniganj. State Minister for Water Resources Ministry, Forhad Hossain Azad, was also present there. The work on the Shubhadya and Ati canals will be completed soon and in a second phase, additional projects will be implemented to ensure sustainability, proper water flow and river connectivity, he said. The government will take initiatives nationwide to prevent canal pollution by constructing necessary infrastructure, modernizing waste management, and engaging the Local Government Ministry in canal development and maintenance, he added. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has set a five-year target to excavate and restore 20,000 kilometers of canals, ponds and water bodies nationwide, said the minister. He also emphasised biodiversity conservation and proper, modern waste management practices. State Minister Forhad said that under the government’s electoral commitments, 20,000 kilometers of canals will be excavated and five million trees will be planted in the next five years. The canal dredging and restoration will improve irrigation for agriculture, restore river navigability and reduce waterlogging, said Forhad. During the visit, Minister Annie inspected areas along Shubhadya Canal, including Khejurbag, Jorabreez, Chunkutia and Ati Canal near Joynagar.  

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, in which 74 people, including 57 army officers, were killed, remains a shameful and dark chapter in the nation’s history. “By killing 57 army officers, there was a plot to break the morale of the Bangladesh Army and, at the same time, the spirit of the nation,” he said. Local government elections to be held ‘in due time’: Fakhrul Fakhrul, also BNP Secretary General, made the remarks after paying tribute at the graves of the 57 army officers at Banani Military Graveyard, marking ‘Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas’ (National Martyred Army Day). The minister said there had been a deep conspiracy on that day to destroy the country’s security system. He said that by the grace of Allah, the people of Bangladesh had stood up to protect the country’s independence, sovereignty and democracy. “Today, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has a great opportunity to strengthen independence and sovereignty and to establish democracy by taking responsibility for running the state,” Fakhrul said. BNP’s Nayapaltan office springs back to life with Fakhrul’s visit He said the BNP’s main goal is to build Bangladesh as a democratic state, ensure equal rights for all, and guarantee justice through an impartial investigation into the killings. “We demand a proper and impartial investigation into this heinous crime and that those responsible be brought to justice,” the minister added. Fakhrul also prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs. Retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar, retired Lt Colonel Kamruzzaman, retired Major Mizanur Rahman, retired Major Siddiqur Rahman, retired Squadron Leader Zahid Hossain, JAGPA Chairman Khandaker Lutfur Rahman, Rakir Ahmed Bhuiyan, son of former BDR Director General Major General Shakil Ahmed, and BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan were, among others, present.

The candidates who contested the 13th parliamentary election are legally obliged to submit the return of election expenses by mid-March before the Election Commission (EC). “There is an obligation to submit the return of candidates’ poll expenses before the returning officer concerned within 30 days after the announcement of election result (in gazette),” said a letter the EC sent to returning officers on Wednesday. The EC also asked the returning officers to send the submitted return of election expenses to the Commission by March 25 next. According to the Article 44C (1) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, every election agent of a contesting candidate shall, within thirty days after the publication of the name of the returned candidate, submit to the Returning Officer a return of election expenses in the prescribed form. Since the official election result was published on February 13, the return of a candidate’s election expenses must be submitted by March 15 next. A total of 2,028 candidates ran in the February-12 parliamentary election held in 299 constituencies (except Sherpur-3) across the country. The contestants include 1,755 nominated by 50 political parties and 273 independent candidates. The EC published the names and address of 297 elected MP candidates in a gazette on February 13, keeping the election result of Chattogram-2 and 4 constituencies withheld in line with the court’s decisions. The newly elected MPs include 209 BNP ones, 68 Jamaat MPs, seven independent MPs and six NCP MPs, two Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis MPs, one MP each of Bangladesh Jatiya Party-BJP, Ganaodhikar Parishad, Ganasamhati Andolan, Khelafat Majlish and Islami Andolan Bangladesh. The political parties that participated in the recent general election will have to submit an expenditure statement to the Election Commission within 90 days after the completion of election. “Every political party nominating any candidate for election shall submit to the [Commission, for its scrutiny, within ninety days] of the completion of election in all constituencies, an expenditure statement giving details of the expenses incurred or authorised by it in connection with the election of its candidates for the period from the date of publication of the notification under clause of Article 11 till the completion of elections in all the constituencies in which it has set up candidates,” states the article 44CCC (1) of the RPO, 1972.  

A senior officer of Janata Bank PLC was allegedly beaten to death by the authorities concerned of a Rehab Centre in Sabgram area of Bogura district town on Tuesday night. The deceased was identified as Samiul Hasan Shuvo, 33, a senior officer of Dupchanchia Sonali Bank branch. Family sources said Saimul was admitted to the city’s Subgram Rehab Center on February 13 for treatment of long-term drug addiction and mental health issues. On Tuesday evening, just 11 days after his admission, he was taken to Bogura Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in a critical condition by the center staff. Later, he was declared dead at the hospital. ATM Farhad, brother-in-law of Saimul said Saimul bore multiple injuries on his body. He alleged that the staff of the Rehab Center beat him up mercilessly there, leading to his death. Mostafa Manjur, additional superintendent of Bogura Police, said the body was sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy. Police are investigating the incident, he said  

A Dhaka court on Wednesday convicted a man and sentenced him to death for killing his wife in 2012. Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Mohammad Shahidul Islam handed down the punishment. The condemned convict, Jibon Hossain alias Mukul, was tried in absentia. The court also issued a warrant for his arrest and fined him Tk 10,000. According to the prosecution, Jibon, a staff of a furniture shop in Chattogram, married Fahima Begum in 2012. The couple had a six-month-old son. A few days before the incident, they moved to the Bhatara area of Dhaka. Jibon was involved with another woman and frequently abused Fahima over the matter. On September 17, 2012, the couple went to sleep after dinner. The following day, neighbors heard the cries of Fahima’s son coming from the house. When they entered, they found Fahima lying with her legs tied. Later, Fahima’s brother Sirajul Islam filed a case with Bhatara Police Station against Jibon. Police submitted the charge sheet against Jibon on September 18, 2014.    

The Editors' Council on Wednesday urged the government to withdraw false and harassing cases filed against journalists. In a statement, the council said that since August 5, 2024, many journalists have been falsely accused in murder and other cases. Some journalists are still in jail, while others are being forced to appear in court regularly. “These cases are seriously obstructing journalists’ professional work and harming the independent environment of the media,” the statement said. Editors' Council voices concerns over new clause in Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance It said that if there are specific and evidence-based allegations against any journalist, those should be dealt with under existing laws through a transparent judicial process. The Editors' Council said that in the interest of justice, proper investigation and due legal process must be ensured. “But harassment and motivated cases are not acceptable under any circumstances.” The council mentioned that it had repeatedly requested the interim government to withdraw the false and motivated cases and to take effective steps to stop the harassment of journalists. “The interim government assured us that the cases would be reviewed and that steps would be taken to withdraw false and harassing cases. But unfortunately, we have not seen the expected progress in this matter,” the statement added. Broad cancellation of press accreditation threatens free press: Editors' Council The council strongly urged the newly elected government to treat the issue as a priority and to take swift steps to withdraw the cases filed against journalists. It reiterated that ensuring media freedom and professional safety is a fundamental commitment of a democratic state and expressed hope that the government would act accordingly.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Wednesday said the change in the governorship of Bangladesh Bank was part of a broader administrative reshuffle undertaken by the new government to implement its priorities and policy agenda. “Changes have not taken place in Bangladesh Bank only; they have occurred in many places also,” he told reporters at the Secretariat in response to a question regarding the replacement of the central bank governor. Economy suffering from ‘overregulation’, says Amir Khosru “After assuming office, a new government has its own priorities and programmes. Changes are being made where necessary to realise those priorities. This is a normal process,” he said. Responding to a query about the considerations behind the governor’s removal, the minister said there was nothing unusual about the decision. “A new government has come in with its own preferences and policy thinking. Naturally, adjustments will be made in different institutions to align with its programmes,” he said, adding that such changes are neither isolated nor exceptional. “It is not only Bangladesh Bank where changes have been made. Many other places have seen changes, and more may follow if required. This is very normal in the context of a new administration,” he said. Development benefits must reach people’s doorsteps: Khosru The minister emphasised that the government’s own programme, preferences and policy orientation would guide administrative decisions. “Wherever necessary to implement the government’s programme and thinking, changes will be brought.” Earlier, the government removed Ahsan H Mansur from the post of governor of Bangladesh Bank and appointed Md Mostakur Rahman as the new governor. The change comes as the government reiterates its commitment to pursuing its economic agenda in coordination with key financial institutions.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the 2009 Pilkhana massacre, in which 57 army officers were killed, was a sinister attempt to undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty. “The Army is a symbol of our sovereignty. I believe the tragic incident at Pilkhana was an evil attempt to foil our sovereignty,” he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with the family members of the 57 army officers killed in the BDR carnage. The programme was held at the Army Multipurpose Hall in Dhaka Cantonment, marking Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibas (National Martyred Army Day). PM Tarique Rahman chairs meeting on airport’s third terminal Tarique said the Bangladesh Army has a glorious history in the War of Independence and in nation-building in the post-independence period. Referring to the Pilkhana incident, the Prime Minister said weaknesses in the country’s national security structure were exposed through it. “So, in line with the changing global context, our national security framework needs to be made more modern, time-befitting and stronger. Our government will certainly work towards this goal,” he said. At the same time, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to establishing long-term protection measures to ensure the education, healthcare and rehabilitation of the children of martyred families of the army. He prayed to Almighty Allah that He would grant peace to the souls of the martyrs, give patience and strength to their families, and guide the state and its institutions on the path of justice, discipline, and responsibility. PM Tarique paid deep tribute to the 74 brave martyrs, including 57 patriotic army officers, who embraced martyrdom in the brutal killings that took place at Pilkhana on February 25 and 26, 2009. Third day at Secretariat, PM Tarique Rahman focuses on discipline He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and strength and patience for their bereaved families, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. The Prime Minister said February 25 is a blood-stained and sorrowful day in the nation’s history. “When this day returns, nature seems to fall silent again under the weight of memory and grief, and the cries of those horrific moments seem to drift through the air. Our hearts become heavy with deep sorrow. The brutal events of February 25 and 26, 2009 created a deep wound in our national life, the pain of which continues to flow even after the passage of time,” he said. Seventeen years after the incident, the Prime Minister said his voice became heavy as he stood before the family members of victims of the Pilkhana tragedy with the memories of the martyrs. “I have appeared before you not only as a public representative, but as a member of a military family, like the child of a fellow soldier. In that horrific incident of 2009, a total of 74 lives were lost, including 57 talented and patriotic army officers. Each name is the story of a family’s light being extinguished, a painful chapter of losing a loved one, the history of a child becoming fatherless, an unfinished epic of a dream,” he said. Tarique mentioned that soon after returning to the country, he visited the Banani Military Graveyard. “Standing beside the graves of the martyred army officers, I realised the depth of your unbearable struggle over the past 17 years — your immense sacrifice and the painful suffering of going from door to door in search of justice, yet not getting it.” He expressed his belief that commemorating the Pilkhana tragedy with state dignity is a national responsibility. “If the incidents of 25 and 26 February are not given state recognition in our history, future generations will not forgive us.” In consultation with the Army and the families, the Prime Minister said his government will work to preserve the memory of February 25 and 26 with due honour. Tarique said the elected government, formed through the people’s mandate after a long struggle, is committed to strengthening the country’s border force. “We will modernise and further consolidate the border guarding force, InshaAllah,” he said, adding that its members will continue to serve the nation with patriotism and professional dedication.

In just three days, a string of suspected gas leak fires across at least four districts, including Chattogram, has exposed the alarming vulnerability of urban households, leaving five members of a single family dead and 15 others injured. A gas line explosion ripped through a flat on the third floor of a six-storey building at Halishahar in Chattogram early Monday, leaving nine of a family injured. Five of them — Shawkat Hossain, 49; Ashura Akter Pakhi, 30; Nurjahan Akter; her son Shawon; and her brother-in-law Sumon   succumbed to their injuries till Wednesday afternoon. 4 of a family burned in Hazaribagh ‘gas leak’ fire The other injured victims are undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic surgery in Dhaka. On the same day, four members of a family including a woman and a child sustained burn injuries in a gas leak explosion at their rented house in the capital’s Hazaribagh area. The victims — Sheikh Roman, 35; his wife Pinky Akter, 32; their three-year-old son Mayan; and Roman’s brother-in-law Apu, 23 — were living on the ground floor of a building in East Rayer Bazar. They were rushed to the burn institute in the early hours. In Cumilla’s Daudkandi, another family of four — Monowara, 60, Zill Haque, 37, Umme Humaira, 30, and two-year-old Hurram — suffered burns in a fire triggered by a suspected gas leak on Tuesday. Three shops gutted in Kushtia fire Hospital sources said they were admitted to the emergency department of the burn institute. In Chandpur’s Kachua upazila, three members of a family — Khadiza, 30, Mahmudul, 35, and Sheuli Akter, 40 — were injured in an explosion reportedly caused by a leaking gas line at around 8:30am on Wednesday. They, too, were later taken to Dhaka for treatment. Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain and Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu visited the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute on Tuesday morning to see victims of Chattogram and Cumilla fire incidents. The Health Minister told reporters that the best possible treatment would be provided to all injured patients. Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu said Industries, Health, and Disaster Management ministries will work together to bring expired gas cylinders under proper regulation. The ministers will hold a joint meeting soon to decide on measures to reduce such accidents, he said. Two separate probe bodies have been formed over the blast incident at Halishahar in Chattogram city that left five people dead. Mohammad Jashim Uddin, deputy-director of Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defense, said a five-member committee has been formed to look into the explosion. The committee has been asked to submit its report within next week. Meanwhile, Kabir Uddin Ahmed, General Manager of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) formed a three-member committee to probe the blast. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three working days.