United News of Bangladesh

A group of people believed to be drug traders, snatched away an alleged drug peddler from police custody after physically assaulting two police officers in Hatibandha Upazila of Lalmonirhat district on Thursday. The injured cops were identified as Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs) Ayub Ali and Rafiqul Islam of Hatibandha Police Station. According to police and local sources, a team from Hatibandha Police Station conducted an anti-narcotics drive in the area and detained an alleged drug trader along with narcotics from Madhya Singimari area of the upazila in the afternoon. Police handcuffed the suspect during the operation. As news of the arrest spread, a group of alleged drug traders reportedly launched a sudden attack on the police team with locally made weapons. They beat the officers and freed the detainee along with the handcuffs, said Officer-in-Charge of Hatibandha Police Station Ramjan Ali Drives are underway to arrest the escaped accused and others involved in the assault, he said.  

A total of 550 individuals received training under the “Project for Capacity Building of Nursing Services Phase 2 (CBNS-II),” a technical cooperation initiative jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). A dissemination seminar was held on Thursday at Windy Town of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, highlighting its achievements, activities and lessons learned. The seminar also introduced the “CBNS Model” as a sustainable framework aimed at strengthening nursing education and clinical nursing practice in Bangladesh. Implemented from 2022 to 2026, the CBNS-II project focused on strengthening implementation systems for nursing education and clinical nursing practice through collaboration with eight divisional-level public nursing colleges, partner hospitals and relevant institutions, including the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM), Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council (BNMC) and the Health Ministry. The project aims to improve healthcare services for patients through enhanced nursing capacity and professional development. Dr Syeda Naushin Parnini, Additional Secretary of the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division said JICA has long been a trusted development partner of Bangladesh. She said the CBNS-II project implemented a unique cascade training model involving Master Trainers (MTs) and Clinical Nurse Teachers (CNTs) to strengthen the professional capacity of nursing personnel. Morikawa Yuko, Senior Representative of JICA, said the seminar aimed to share the project’s achievements and lessons more widely among practitioners and policymakers so that the initiatives could be expanded beyond the project sites. Under the project, various capacity-building initiatives were conducted in areas such as faculty development, clinical nurse teacher training, nursing administration and management, and inter-institutional mutual learning. A total of 64 Master Trainers and 486 Clinical Nurse Teachers received training under the programme. Based on project experiences and lessons learned, the CBNS-II project developed the “CBNS Model”, designed to support sustainable nursing capacity strengthening in Bangladesh. The model includes four key components — capacity development through cascade training, improved training methodologies, stronger collaboration between nursing colleges and hospitals, and quality improvement through mutual learning among institutions. Representatives from nursing colleges, medical college hospitals, professional organisations, government institutions and development partners attended the seminar to exchange experiences and discuss future strategies for strengthening nursing human resources in Bangladesh.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Thursday stressed the need for establishing health centres at Cox’s Bazar and Kaukata sea beaches in a bid to ensure the security of tourists. “It is very important to change the policy concerned to ensure the safety of tourists. Besides, we must also take the initiative to establish health centers on the beaches of Cox's Bazar and Patuakhali to ensure the safety of tourists,” she said. The Minister made the remarks at a discussion with representatives of Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), which operates the Sea-Safe Lifeguard Service in Cox’s Bazar, and a charity organisation, ‘Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) at the conference room of the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry, said a PID handout. The Minister also directed the Deputy Commissioners of Cox’s Bazar and Patuakhali to send proposals soon in this regard to her ministry. State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat said initiative would be taken to increase the number of tourist police members engaged in the safety of tourists. It also needs to increase the number of workers providing lifeguard services, he said, adding that permanent infrastructure will have to be built keeping in mind the future. Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar and senior officials from Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, CIPRB and RNLI were present. The CIPRB has been operating lifeguard services at the Cox’s Bazar sea beach since 2012 with financial support from the UK-based RNLI.

Seven more children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in 24 hours till 8:00am on Thursday, taking the death toll to 439. Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related while the remaining six were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the suspected deaths, highest four were recorded in Dhaka division. With this, the total number of confirmed deaths from measles has risen to 70 and suspected deaths to 369, it said. According to DGHS data, a total of 1,363 suspected measles cases were recorded during the period. The total number of suspected cases has reached 54,419 during the period. Besides, 155 new confirmed measles cases were reported in 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 7,305. Since March 15, a total of 39,160 suspected measles patients have been hospitalised of whom 34,968 have recovered.  

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher on Thursday directed officials of the National Housing Authority (NHA) to streamline flat purchase and ownership transfer services, to ensure hassle-free access to quality housing for ordinary citizens. The minister gave the directives at a views-exchange meeting held at the NHA conference room at Segunbagicha. "The National Housing Authority is directly linked to fulfilling the housing dreams of common people, it is an important service-oriented institution," Minister Taher said.   "A person spends their lifetime savings to buy a flat or plot. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to ensure that ownership transfer and subsequent services are provided in a simple, swift and harassment-free manner." He instructed NHA officials to be more vigilant than ever and ensure citizens face no harassment when receiving services. Pledging to make the housing sector corruption-free, the minister said the NHA's operations and land management would be fully digitised. "The ministry will extend all possible support in implementing any good initiative taken by the Housing Authority." Taher also urged officials to reflect on personal integrity, warning that excessive greed erodes ethics, humanity and social values. "To leave a better future for the next generation, self-criticism, self-purification and the practice of honesty are indispensable." State Minister for Housing and Public Works Ahmed Sohel Monzoor, Additional Secretary Md Abdul Matin, and NHA Chairperson Ferdousi Begum were present.  

Labour and Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury on Thursday directed that wages and Eid bonuses of workers of all factories across the country be mandatorily disbursed by May 21, warning that delays could trigger industrial unrest ahead of the festival. The directive came at the 95th session of the Tripartite Consultative Council (TCC) and the 24th meeting of the RMG-focused Tripartite Consultative Council, held at the CIRDAP International Conference Centre in the city. Worker representatives at the meeting assured the minister that timely payment will prevent any agitation or industrial unrest. They also urged the government to intervene swiftly against factories that have yet to clear outstanding wages. Labour leaders also called on the government to arrange special buses, trains, and launches to make workers' Eid travel to their home districts smooth. Responding to the concerns, the minister said the government is fully committed to ensuring safe and smooth travel for workers during the festive season. He added that factory owners and workers' representatives reached a mutual understanding to stagger factory closures in phases to ease traffic congestion on highways. "Local administration, district police, and industrial police have received special instructions to ensure timely payment of wages and bonuses and to maintain overall security." Representatives of the Ministry of Shipping informed the meeting that fares on all water routes, including ferries and launches, will be reduced by 10 percent to make Eid travel more affordable for workers. Home Ministry representatives confirmed that law enforcement agencies have been placed on alert to handle any untoward situation that may arise during the period. Among others, Bangladesh Employers' Federation President Fazle Shamim Ehsan, Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal President Anwar Hossain, senior officials of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and representatives from both employer and worker groups attended the meeting.

Religious leaders, rights advocates, and citizens from different faith communities on Thursday protested ongoing wars, conflicts, and attacks, vandalism, and persecution targeting religious minorities and places of worship across different parts of the world. They joined an interfaith human chain and called for peace, coexistence, and mutual respect among communities. The programme was organised by the “Sarbadhramiyo Oikya Forum” in front of the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka. The speakers urged the international community, the United Nations, and global human rights organisations to take effective initiatives to stop war, communal violence, and persecution in different parts of the world. They also emphasised the need for collective global efforts to uphold peace, religious freedom, and interfaith harmony. The speakers expressed deep concern over the growing trend of religious intolerance, violence, and human rights abuses worldwide. Nirmal Rozario, President of the Bangladesh Christian Association (BCA) and one of the presidents of the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council; H M Barkatullah, Chairman of the Sarbadhramiyo Oikya Forum; Senior Vice Chairmen Father Albert Rozario and Buddhānanda Mahathero; and Secretary General Rev. Jason Adhikari, alongside other leaders of the organization spoke. “Across the world, war and politics of hatred are threatening human dignity and security. Attacks on religious minorities and destruction of places of worship can never represent a civilized society. We call for an immediate end to all forms of violence and religious persecution,” Nirmal Rozario said. Chairman H M Barkatullah said humanity is passing through a profound crisis. “The use of religion to justify division, occupation, and bloodshed is unacceptable. The international community and global institutions must play a stronger and more effective role in establishing peace.” Father Albert Rozario said, “Every religion teaches peace, compassion, and love for humanity. Yet we are witnessing people being persecuted solely because of their religious identity. This is not merely the crisis of one community - it is a crisis for all humanity.” Buddhānanda Mahathero said hatred and revenge can never bring peace. “Only tolerance, mutual respect, and the practice of humane values can lead the world away from violence and conflict.” Rev. Jason Adhikari said, “We envision a world where no one has to live in fear because of their faith or identity. Ensuring the safety and dignity of religious minorities and places of worship has now become a global human rights imperative.”

Renowned cardiologist and Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman on Thursday inaugurated the ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ – integrated care and support for children with disabilities – at Korail Slum in the capital. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare arranged the event at the slum ground (Ershad Ground) in the afternoon. Before inaugurating the ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ aimed at ensuring healthcare and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities, Zubaida Rahman visited various stalls displaying educational materials and essential products for children with special needs. This is the first national initiative in Bangladesh to provide integrated healthcare services for children with disabilities, with plans to expand it nationwide in phases. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit attended the event as the keynote speaker. Special guests included State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Health Dr SM Ziauddin Hyder, and Executive Director of Ziaur Rahman Foundation Prof Dr Farhad Halim Donar. Health and Family Welfare Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury presided over the programme, while Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas attended as co-chair. As part of the healthcare and rehabilitation activities for persons with disabilities, a seminar on the ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ was also held. Among the distinguished guests at the seminar were UNICEF acting Representative in Bangladesh Stanley Gwavuya, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam (Riju), Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan, and Prime Minister’s Assistant Personal Physician Dr ANM Monowarul Kadir (Bitu), among others. The ‘Shishu Shorgo Model’ initiative aims to identify children with disabilities across the country and ensure integrated healthcare services, support and social inclusion for them. The programme formally begins its journey through integrated service delivery for children with disabilities living in the Korail Slum.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam on Thursday underscored the need for establishing dedicated health centres at major sea beaches to help save lives of tourists in case of emergency. She made the remarks during a meeting with representatives of the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), which operates the Sea-Safe Lifeguard Service in Cox’s Bazar, and donor agency Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) at the ministry. The minister said amendment to the relevant policies is crucial to ensuring safety of tourists’ lives. She also instructed the deputy commissioners of Cox’s Bazar and Patuakhali to send proposals to the ministry as soon as possible to construct health centres at the sea beaches there. State Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat said initiatives will be taken to increase the number of Tourist Police personnel deployed for tourists’ safety. He also emphasised increasing the number of lifeguard workers and said corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds will initially be collected to continue the lifeguard service. Permanent infrastructure should also be developed considering future needs, the state minister added. Civil Aviation and Tourism Secretary Fahmida Akhtar and senior officials of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation and the ministry were also present at the meeting. UK-based donor agency RNLI has been providing financial support for CIPRB for operating lifeguard services at Cox’s Bazar sea beach since 2012.

Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested three members of a counterfeit currency syndicate along with Tk 34 lakh fake notes and equipment used for producing counterfeit money in separate drives in Uttara Purbo Police Station area and Gazipur city. The arrestees are Md Mijibur Rahman ,38, Md Dulal Mirdha ,40, and Md Mamun,25. According to DB Uttara Division sources, tipped-off, police arrested Mijibur Rahman at around 12:30pm on Wednesday from Samabaya Bazar (BDR) Market under Uttara Purbo Police Station. Police seized Tk 4 lakh counterfeit notes and Tk 40,000 in cash from fake currency sales from his possession. Based on his information, DB police later conducted a drive at around 2:05pm the same day in Basan Police Station area of Gazipur city and arrested Dulal Mirdha and Mamun. During the operation, police recovered Tk 30 lakh counterfeit notes along with equipment used in producing fake currency, including a laptop, three colour printers, a roll of golden foil paper, 200 security tags and watermark-marked blank papers, 100 sheets printed with one side of Tk 1,000 notes and blank on the other side, two litres of liquid glue in two containers, a cutter and two dies used for watermark embedding. DB sources said the arrestees are members of an inter-district counterfeit currency manufacturing gang. They had long been producing fake notes and distributing them in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur and other areas. During preliminary interrogation, they reportedly admitted plans to circulate fake notes through their associates ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha at cattle markets and shopping hubs. Police said the arrestees have multiple cases filed against them in different districts. A case was filed against them under the Special Powers Act at Uttara Purbo Police Station, said Deputy Commissioner Md Naseruddin of the Media and Public Relations Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.