United News of Bangladesh

Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday warned that the roots of those responsible for attacking Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi would be uprooted, no matter how strong they are. He said Sharif Osman Hadi is a hero of the July mass uprising and is currently undergoing treatment after being shot by terrorists. “We are praying wholeheartedly for his recovery,” the Attorney General said. He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ queries following a special prayer meeting at Malithia village under Shailkupa upazila around 5:30 pm. The Attorney General said a conspiracy has begun to sabotage the upcoming elections, alleging that terrorist elements of the fallen dictatorship have targeted the leadership of the July mass uprising in an attempt to destroy it. “But they will not succeed,” he added. Stressing that the upcoming national elections will be fair and peaceful, he said both the government and the Election Commission are committed to ensuring a credible electoral process. “People will be able to cast their votes for candidates of their choice, and the hopes and aspirations of the people will be reflected in the election,” he said. At the same time, he sought prayers from all for the health of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Sharif Osman Hadi, also an independent candidate from Dhaka-8 constituency.

The nation is set to observe the Martyred Intellectuals Day on Sunday to commemorate the intellectuals killed systematically by Pakistan occupation forces and their local collaborators at the fag-end of the Liberation War in 1971. On this day in 1971, the country’s renowned academicians, doctors, engineers, journalists, artists, teachers and other eminent personalities were dragged out of their homes, blindfolded and taken to unknown places and then brutally tortured and murdered. Their bodies were later dumped at Rayerbazar, Mirpur and some other killing fields in the capital. Sensing an imminent defeat, the Pakistani forces and their local collaborators like Al-Badr, Al-Shams and Razakar committed the cold-blooded mass murders aiming to annihilate the country's intelligentsia and cripple emerging Bangladesh intellectually. Among the martyred intellectuals are Prof Munier Chowdhury, Dr Alim Chowdhury, Prof Muniruzzaman, Dr Fazle Rabbi, Sirajuddin Hossain, Shahidullah Kaiser, Prof GC Dev, JC Guha Thakurta, Prof Santosh Bhattacharya, Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury, journalists Khandaker Abu Taleb, Nizamuddin Ahmed, SA Mannan (Ladu Bhai), ANM Golam Mustafa, Syed Nazmul Haq and Selina Parvin. The interim government has chalked out elaborate programmes to commemorate the December 14 tragedy. Besides, the family members of the martyred intellectuals and freedom fighters will pay homage to the martyred intellectuals marking the day. On the eve of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages marking the day. Leaders and activists of different political and social organisations will also pay homage to the martyred intellectuals at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard. Special doa and munajat will be offered at mosques, temples and churches marking the day. Bangladesh Television and private television channels will broadcast special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. National dailies will also publish special supplements marking the day.

An elderly woman was killed after being hit by a bus while crossing the road in the Jatrabari Thana area of the capital on Saturday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Anwara Begum, 65, daughter of late Nazim Uddin of the Ali area under Bandar Thana in Narayanganj district. She had been living as a tenant at a house in Rasulpur Dhania Alam Saheb area, holding No. 299. The accident occurred around 1:30 pm in the Jhatrabari Jhatra College area when a speeding bus struck her as she was crossing the road. She was rescued and rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where the on-duty doctor declared her dead around 2pm. Two held with foreign pistols in Jatrabari: DB Swapan Ahmed, a pedestrian who brought her to the hospital, said the woman sustained severe injuries after being hit by the bus. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the DMCH police camp, said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue and the matter has been reported to the concerned police station.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday said the attack on Osman Hadi was preplanned and part of a deep conspiracy as a big force is working behind it. "This attack is very symbolic. They want to show their power and want to disrupt all the election arrangements. These must be dealt with unitedly," the Chief Adviser told political leaders at a meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Saturday. Leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) met the Chief Adviser a day after a gun attack on Inquilab Moncho spokesperson and potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency Sharif Osman Hadi. Terming the attack on Hadi as part of a conspiracy to thwart the July Uprising, political party leaders said that political parties are united to thwart all attempts to spoil the July movement. The information received so far shows that the conspirators have expanded their network, said the Chief Adviser, pointing out that they have taken to the field with trained shooters. BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafizuddin Ahmed, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and Assistant Secretary General Advocate Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, NCP convener Nahid Islam and southern region chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah, Inqulab Moncho member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber and Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul attended the meeting. At the meeting, political parties decided to hold an all-party protest rally protesting the heinous attack on Osman Hadi and the rally will be held within the next couple of days. Leaders of the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP stressed the need for increasing communication among political parties to prevent cracks in the anti-fascist political unity. The political leaders also stressed the need for strictly carrying out operations to recover illegal arms ahead of the election. BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed said that in this situation everyone must remain united and under no circumstances should they resort to blaming one another. He said, “We must raise our voices together against conspiracies. We will not tolerate any kind of evil force.” Jamaat leader Golam Parwar said, “Recently, our various statements have increased the tendency to blame one another which has given our opponents an opportunity. We must remain united as we were before.” NCP convenor Nahid Islam said that since the July uprising some people have been carrying out various activities to undermine the uprising. “There is an organised campaign against July. This is happening at various levels of the media and the administration. Those who come to power after the election will also suffer from this. No one will be able to run the government alone.” ‘Hadi our backbone; he must survive’: His sister tells Prof Yunus

Bangladesh loses around USD 5 billion every year as patients seek medical treatment abroad, mainly due to a lack of trust in the domestic healthcare system, inaccurate diagnoses and weak service management. The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) revealed the information at a seminar in the capital on Saturday (December 13, 2025). The issue was highlighted in the keynote paper presented at the seminar titled 'Building Trust in Bangladesh’s Healthcare Sector: Ensuring a Strategic Framework for Quality Control', held at the DCCI building in Motijheel. United Hospital Managing Director Malik Talha Ismail Bari, who presented the keynote, said Bangladeshis spend nearly USD 5 billion annually on overseas treatment, with India being the top destination. Read more: Don’t settle for a weak health savings account He said around 52 percent of Indian medical visas are issued to Bangladeshi patients. In 2024 alone, about 482,000 Bangladeshi patients received medical treatment in India. Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia follow India as preferred destinations. The keynote paper pointed out that a lack of trust among patients and their families, doubts over proper diagnosis, sudden increases in hospital bills, fear of hidden charges, concerns over counterfeit medicines and substandard equipment push many to believe that seeking treatment abroad is a safer choice. Several major challenges stand in the way of improved healthcare services in Bangladesh, the paper said. Government health expenditure remains below 1 percent of GDP, while patients bear about 73 percent of total healthcare costs out of pocket. Only 2.5 percent of the population is covered by health insurance, and nearly 80 percent of hospitals lack advanced diagnostic equipment. Read more: ACC uncovers major irregularities at Sreepur Upazila Health Complex Although the private sector provides around 60 percent of healthcare services, high costs and inconsistent quality remain major concerns, it added. The paper also cited poor service quality, skill gaps among healthcare workers, a shortage of specialist doctors and limited availability of advanced treatment as key reasons forcing patients to seek care abroad. Other issues include the absence of pre-fixed treatment costs, inadequate post-treatment care for complex diseases, lack of a unified health information system, weaknesses in monitoring and procurement processes, and overall low confidence in the healthcare system among patients and their families. Read more: MMCH doctor suspended over misconduct with health DG Bangladesh’s public healthcare spending is the lowest in South Asia, with per capita expenditure standing at only Tk 1,070. Nearly 49 percent of the population still lacks access to quality healthcare, while government healthcare initiatives remain insufficient to meet public needs, the paper noted. The keynote also projected that Bangladesh’s healthcare market would reach USD 14 billion in 2025 and expand to around USD 23 billion by 2030–2033, nearly doubling in size. At the same time, the medical devices market is growing rapidly and is expected to exceed USD 820 million in 2025, up from USD 442 million in 2020, driven largely by rising import demand. DCCI said the strong growth of the healthcare sector could create new opportunities for both the economy and health services, recommending increased public and private investment in the sector. The seminar was chaired by DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed, while Bangladesh Diabetic Association President National Professor AK Azad Khan attended as the chief guest. Read more: Nuvista Pharma joins hands with BGMEA-Olwel to provide digital healthcare for RMG workers

The Executive Board of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has approved $51.4 million in financing as IFAD’s contribution to the US$211.7 million project in Bangladesh. This new investment will enhance climate resilience, strengthen food security, and promote rural entrepreneurship for approximately 1.1 million people living in some of the country’s most climate-vulnerable regions. The approval came during its 146th session held on December 9-10, IFAD said on Saturday. The Growth for Climate Resilient and Environmental Entrepreneurship and Nutrition (GREEN) project will be implemented over six years, from 2026 to 2031, in the Haor wetlands, Coastal Belt, High Barind, and River Char regions. By supporting smallholder farmers, rural microenterprises, and young entrepreneurs, the project will foster adaptive capacities to climate change, stimulate diversified and resilient livelihoods, and accelerate the development of sustainable rural enterprises. The project will be executed by the Financial Institutions Division of the Ministry of Finance and implemented by Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF). Strategic oversight will be ensured through a national steering committee comprising the Finance Division, the Economic Relations Division, and PKSF thereby reinforcing strong governance and alignment with national priorities. “The GREEN project builds on the long-standing partnership between IFAD and the government of Bangladesh, and our close collaboration with PKSF, to enhance rural livelihoods and expand income opportunities for small producers through inclusive, climate-aware financing and environmentally responsible growth,” said Valantine Achancho, IFAD Country Director for Bangladesh. “This initiative represents a new generation of investment that connects climate adaptation, agroecological practices and market-responsive rural enterprises to create pathways for rural communities to prosper while safeguarding their ecosystems.” The project will scale climate-smart practices across crops, livestock, and fisheries, introducing renewable energy solutions, efficient water-use technologies, organic farming methods, and small-scale processing to raise productivity, conserve natural resources and support healthier and more diverse diets. Through PKSF’s nationwide network, GREEN will expand access to affordable, climate-informed financial services for women, youth, and microenterprises, helping small producers adopt sustainable technologies, strengthen value chains and create rural jobs.. GREEN will also strengthen institutional capacity and deepen policy engagement. Working closely with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the project will support the integration of climate adaptation, nutrition, and gender equality into rural finance and development planning. Prof Yunus urges IFAD to create Social Business Fund for young agri-entrepreneurs in Bangladesh By linking climate action with entrepreneurship and inclusive finance, GREEN will contribute directly to the Government’s 8th Five-Year Plan, National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions, and Delta Plan 2100 while advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities, and Climate Action. This new investment is part of IFAD’s broader commitment to supporting countries across the Asia and Pacific region build climate-resilient food systems and inclusive rural economies, ensuring that vulnerable communities are better equipped to face future shocks and seize emerging opportunities.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam on Saturday announced a reward of Tk50 lakh for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest of those involved in the shooting of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi. The adviser made the announcement while talking to reporters after a Core Committee meeting at the Secretariat in the afternoon. He said the reward would be given to anyone who helps identify and arrest the attackers.  “Please pray for Hadi. He is in a critical state. With your prayers, he will recover. May Allah grant him recovery and bring him back among us,” said the adviser. ‘Hadi our backbone; he must survive’: His sister tells Prof Yunus When asked about the re-arrest of top criminals who were granted bail after August 5, the adviser said that efforts are underway to arrest them again. Regarding Hadi’s security, Jahangir Alam said there is no current threat and assured that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure his safety.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Saturday assured the family of Sharif Osman Hadi that law enforcement agencies are actively working to arrest those responsible for the attack on him, stressing that all members of the gang involved in the brutal incident will be identified and brought to justice. “Instructions have already been given for a thorough investigation, analysing the incident from the very beginning,” Prof Yunus said during a meeting with Hadi’s family. Hadi is a spokesperson for Inquilab Mancha and a potential independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency. Hadi’s brother Abu Bakr Siddique, his sister Masuma, and three leaders of Inquilab Mancha - Abdullah Al Jaber, Fatima Tasnim Juma, and Md Borhan Uddin - met the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Yunus said the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the best possible treatment for Hadi. “The whole country is praying for him. Everyone is trying to ensure that he receives the best medical care. If his physical condition requires treatment abroad, the government will make arrangements to send him wherever necessary,” he said. Hadi’s sister Masuma said he has loved the country wholeheartedly since childhood and has long been involved in revolutionary activities. “Revolutionary poetry is his favorite, and he loves to recite it. He has a 10-month-old child. Hadi is our backbone,” she said. Masuma that Hadi has much work ahead of him and must survive. “You, the revolutionary government, must protect the July revolutionaries at any cost. Otherwise, the independence and sovereignty of this country will be threatened,” she said. Demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, Inquilab Mancha leader Abdullah Al Jaber said that after August 5, many people returned home, but Hadi continued working tirelessly for the July revolution. Gun Attack on Hadi: DMP releases suspect’s photo, seeks public help “He embraced the July movement and worked day and night for it. I have heard that the person who fired the shot was earlier arrested in another case. The process through which he was granted bail must be investigated,” Jaber said. Fatima Tasnim Juma demanded that the government take steps to ensure the overall security of the July fighters. Legal Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul; Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan; Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; and National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman were also present at the meeting.  

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Saturday (December 13, 2025) released a photograph of a suspect involved in the gun attack on Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and urged people to share any information about the suspect. A suspect has been identified preliminarily through analysis of CCTV footage collected from the scene, said a DMP media release signed by Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Police Commissioner. Fakhrul urges govt to ensure law and order after Hadi shooting Osman Hadi was seriously injured when a group of assailants opened fire on him in the Box Culvert area of Bijoynagar in the capital. A major operation is underway in Dhaka to arrest those involved in the attack, it said. Anyone having information about the suspect or his whereabouts has been requested to contact the police immediately by dialing the national emergency number 999 or calling the following numbers: DC Motijheel at 01320040080 and OC Paltan at 01320040132. Prof Yunus terms attack on Hadi a planned strike on Bangladesh’s democratic path The identities of informants will be kept secret, and suitable rewards will be given for credible information, the release added.

BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafizuddin Ahmed on Saturday sat in a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The meeting began at around 11:40am at the Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The meeting is taking place two days after the announcement of the schedule for the national election and the referendum on the July Charter. Prof Yunus terms attack on Hadi a planned strike on Bangladesh’s democratic path Although the party did not formally announce the specific agenda of the meeting, BNP insiders said the two leaders are likely to discuss the return of Tarique Rahman to the country, his security, the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, and the overall security of election candidates. On Thursday, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the country’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and the July Charter referendum, which will be held on February 12, 2026. At a press conference on Friday night, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, will return to Bangladesh on December 25, ending nearly 17 years of exile.