United News of Bangladesh

No one will be allowed to hold the general public hostage or create public suffering in the name of movements or demands, said RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman on Friday. All necessary measures will be taken to ensure uninterrupted movement and daily life of ordinary people, he told reporters while visiting the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital to inspect RAB’s security arrangements. The RAB DG said there is currently no specific security threat centring the observance of Language Martyrs Day but all necessary preparations have been taken to deal with any possible situation. Adequate security measures have already ensured not only at the Central Shaheed Minar but also at all Shaheed Minars across the country where people will pay tributes, he said. Shahidur said comprehensive preparations have been taken to ensure the smooth observance of International Mother Language Day. In coordination with other law enforcement agencies, a central security ring has been established around the Shaheed Minar area, he added. He said inner and outer perimeters have been designated, with RAB members deployed accordingly. The entire area has been divided into several sectors, with foot patrols, vehicle patrols and striking reserves assigned to each sector, he said. No security threat around Ekushey February programmes: DMP Commissioner To strengthen security, bomb disposal units, dog squads and intelligence personnel in plain clothes will be deployed, he said, adding that more than 300 RAB members will remain on duty at the Shaheed Minar area. The entire area has also been brought under CCTV surveillance. The RAB chief further said law enforcement agencies have succeeded in restoring stability from previously fragile law and order situations and ensuring a conducive environment for holding a free and fair election.  He said the forces will continue to maintain maximum vigilance to further improve law and order and control crime.

There is no security threat surrounding this year’s Ekushey February observance in the capital, according to the commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police ( DMP). Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said on Friday that around 15,000 police personnel would be deployed in and around the Central Shaheed Minar to ensure the safe and orderly observance of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. He was speaking after inspecting security arrangements at the memorial, where large crowds are expected to gather to pay tribute to the language martyrs. The commissioner said a multi-layered security plan had been put in place, involving police, other law enforcement agencies and volunteers, to maintain discipline and preserve the sanctity of the site. Referring to the recently held national election, he said voters had exercised their franchise peacefully and in a disciplined manner, without security concerns.  He expressed confidence that the Ekushey February programmes would also pass off without incident. DMP to provide escort service for transport of cash and valuables ahead of ramadan, Eid In addition to regular police deployment, specialised units, including SWAT, the dog squad, the bomb disposal unit and the crime scene team, will remain on standby around the clock, he said.  Intelligence surveillance and cyber monitoring have also been strengthened. Responding to a question, Sajjat Ali said security measures were not limited to the Shaheed Minar area, adding that police remained vigilant across the capital. He also outlined movement guidelines for visitors. Entry to the Shaheed Minar will be permitted only through the Palashi Mor–Jagannath Hall crossing route. Visitors must exit via the Romana crossing towards Doel Chattar or Chankharpool. No alternative routes will be allowed. Members of the public have been urged not to carry sharp objects, flammable materials or explosives, and to follow the designated entry and exit routes.  Visitors have also been requested to maintain discipline and leave promptly after paying tribute to allow others to enter. For security and traffic management, diversions will be enforced at entry points to the Dhaka University area from Friday evening.  Teachers, students, officers and employees residing in the area have been asked to cooperate by following traffic instructions.

Commerce  Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Friday said the government has adequate stocks of essential commodities to keep market prices stable during the holy month of Ramadan. “The main responsibility of the Ministry of Commerce is to ensure price stability of essential food items. This responsibility becomes even more important during Ramadan,” he told reporters in Sylhet.  The minister said when the current government assumed office, there was little scope to take special measures ahead of Ramadan.  “However, the positive aspect is that the amount of food stock we currently have is sufficient to maintain price stability in the market,” he added. Minister Muktadir speaking to journalists at Sylhet Osmani International Airport after exchanging greetings with officials of different government departments and party leaders. Responding to a question on development plans for Sylhet, the minister said he had highlighted these issues throughout his election campaign and manifesto.  “We want to implement initiatives that are directly linked to improving the quality of life of the people of Sylhet,” he said, adding that priority would be given to employment generation, expansion of IT-related professions and the establishment of an AI centre. The minister also said the government would work sincerely over the next five years, utilising every single day to move Bangladesh forward in the global arena. 'Not all collections in the road transport sector is extortion': Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister Replying to a question about job creation at the Sylhet IT Park, he said investment is essential to generate employment.  “To attract investment, we need to improve communication systems, reduce red tape and ensure a supportive environment, including political stability,” Muktadir said. He added that special policy support is needed for expatriate and local investors in Sylhet. “We are working on these issues and their implementation will be visible very soon." Among others present were Sylhet MP MA Malik, Divisional Commissioner Khan Md Reza-un-Nabi, Range DIG Md Mushfekur Rahman, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Abdul Quddus Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md Sarwar Alam, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP Acting President Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi and Sylhet District BNP President Abdul Qaiyum Chowdhury, along with leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its associate bodies.

A female flower vendor was killed after being hit by a speeding motorcycle in the capital’s Shahbagh area on Thursday morning. The victim was identified as Mukta Akhter, 45, who used to sell flowers in the Shahbagh and Shaheed Minar areas, her relatives said. The accident occurred around 10:30 am in front of the gate of Dhaka Nursing College in Shahbagh when Mukta was getting off a rickshaw. A motorcycle hit her from behind, leaving her critically injured. She was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where she was admitted to the One Stop Emergency Centre. She succumbed to her injuries around noon while undergoing treatment. Inqilab Moncho protesters leave Shahbagh Mukta was the daughter of Ijar Ali of Noapara area in Jashore Sadar. She had been living with her family in a rented house in the Rani Market area of Kamrangirchar. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said the body has been kept at the hospital morgue and the matter has been reported to the concerned police station. 

Roads, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday said money collected through mutual understanding among transport-related organisations cannot be termed extortion, which he defined as forced payment. Responding to journalists’ questions at a press briefing at the Secretariat in the afternoon, the minister said not all collections in the road transport sector should be labelled as extortion. He explained that owners’ associations and workers’ organisations collect money at fixed rates to run their welfare activities, which has long functioned as an unwritten practice. “When the money is given voluntarily, it cannot be called extortion. But if someone is compelled to pay, that is what should be considered extortion,” he said. The minister said owners’ associations collect funds with the intention of spending them on the welfare of vehicle owners. While there may be debates over whether the money is used properly, the collections are generally made through mutual understanding. He added that various organisations, including labour welfare federations, also collect funds in a similar manner, and acknowledged that labour bodies linked to the ruling party often wield greater influence. He made it clear that no one will be allowed to collect money by exerting pressure in areas under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. However, if owners collect money among themselves based on consensus, authorities will examine whether anyone is being deprived or whether the funds are being misused. Everything in place for 'fair, transparent and smooth' SSC exams: Education Minister Milon Speaking on traffic congestion, the minister said unauthorised roadside markets along highways are creating traffic jams, stressing the need to bring such activities under discipline. Regarding Eid travel, he said effective holiday management is crucial to reducing sufferings of homebound people. “Like last time, there are plans to maintain an extended holiday pattern. We are also working on new measures to make journeys more comfortable,” he said, expressing hope that details would be shared within the next five to ten days.

Zubaida Rahman, wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman on Thursday took iftar with orphan students at a women’s madrasah in the capital on the first day of Ramadan. They joined the iftar at Jamia Qurbaniya Talimia Dawra Hadis Mohila Madrasah and Orphanage in West Bhashantek under Dhaka-17 seat, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Before the iftar, Zubaida and Zaima spoke with the orphan students and enquired about their well-being. Tarique Rahman is the MP from Dhaka-17 constituency. Free education for girls up to honours if BNP wins: Zubaida Rahman  

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a four-member committee to investigate corruption allegations against Mahbub Morshed, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). The committee was formed to ensure a neutral, transparent and fair review of the allegations recently published in different media outlets. An Additional Secretary (Grade-1) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will lead the committee as its chair. The other members are the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Information, the Director General of the Mass Communication Department, and a Senior Assistant Secretary (Press-1) of the ministry, who will act as member secretary. Mahbub Morshed made MD and Chief Editor of BSS According to an order issued by the ministry on Thursday, the committee will closely examine the allegations, take statements from relevant persons, and carry out necessary inquiries. The committee has been asked to submit a full report with recommendations to the ministry by February 25, 2026.  

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, prices of essential food items have risen sharply at Karwan Bazar, one of Dhaka’s busiest markets, putting pressure on household budgets.  

On the first day of Ramadan, Dhaka’s historic Chawk Bazar has come alive with a bustling market for iftar items.  From Thursday afternoon, shopkeepers have displayed an array of traditional delicacies, filling the air with enticing aromas that draw buyers from near and far.

The Election Commission (EC) hurriedly published the gazette notification of the elected MPs of the 13th parliamentary election without investigating whether disqualified contestants took part in the polls, said Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) Secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar on Thursday. “The Election Commission did not conduct any investigation. Instead, it hurriedly published the gazette at dead night. Once the gazette is published, the Commission’s jurisdiction effectively ends. They have washed their hands of the matter and have nothing more to do,” he said at a press conference in the city. Shujan arranged the press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital to raise information on the newly elected members of the 13th parliament. Dr Majumdar said it was the responsibility of the EC to conduct investigation when such questions were raised regarding candidates’ eligibility. “The Commission could investigate and even cancel the results if necessary. It also has the authority to order a re-election.” He said they requested the EC to investigate allegations related to loan defaulters, utility bill defaulters, dual citizenship and other grounds of disqualification before publishing the gazette. He said there is still scope under the Article 91F of the Representation of the People Order (RPO) to take action in this regard as the Commission has authority to declare the election of such disqualified candidates void. “We also made an important recommendation that within 48 hours of the election, the Commission should certify whether the polls were conducted in a free and fair manner. This certification is crucial,” he said. According to Shujan’s data, 147 out of the 297 elected candidates in the 13th parliamentary election are loan borrowers. Among them, 36 candidates have loans exceeding Tk 5 crore.