United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s capital market rebounded sharply on Sunday as trading resumed after a four-day holiday for the 13th parliamentary election, with the benchmark index surging and turnover on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) hitting a five-month high. The turnover crossed Tk 200 crore within the first 30 minutes of trading and surpassed Tk 500 crore before noon. By the end of the session, total turnover stood at Tk 1,275 crore, the highest in the past five months. Stocks surge in early trading at DSE, CSE It was also the first time in 2026 that daily turnover exceeded Tk 1,000 crore. Investors said the market had been struggling in the months leading up to the election, with trading volume at one point falling to around Tk 200 crore, as many investors stayed on the sidelines amid uncertainty. The completion of what they described as a credible election and a stable post-election environment helped restore confidence. “The turnover had dropped to nearly Tk 200 crore, whereas in September 2025 it exceeded Tk 1,400 crore. If the country remains stable after the election, daily turnover could even cross Tk 1,500 crore,” said investor Altaf Hossain. Another investor, Hamidur Rahman, said sustained momentum would encourage both retail and institutional investors to return to the market. DSE Director Minhaz Mannan Emon expressed optimism about the market’s long-term outlook, citing reform initiatives taken by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). “The commission has taken a number of reform measures, including changes related to initial public offerings, merchant banks and margin loans, which will help ensure greater transparency and discipline in the market,” he said. Market insiders said stronger investor participation could attract quality IPOs and multinational companies to list, enabling the market to regain its vibrancy. Abu Ahmed, chairman of the state-owned Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), said he expects reputable companies to enter the market during the tenure of the newly elected government. “There has been no quality IPOs in the past 18 months. With limitations in the IPO process addressed and a credible election now completed, there are no major obstacles to bringing good companies to the market. A single strong listing can change the entire market outlook,” he said. BSEC spokesperson Abul Kalam urged policymakers to consider the impact of any financial decisions on the capital market, noting that certain steps taken by state financial institutions and the central bank in recent months had hurt investor sentiment. On Sunday, the DSE broad index DSEX jumped 200 points, over 3.5 percent, to close at 5,600 points. The Shariah-based DSES gained 30 points, while the blue-chip DS30 index rose 86 points — up 2 percent and 4 percent respectively. Out of 394 traded issues, 364 advanced, 26 declined and four remained unchanged. In block trading, shares worth Tk 12 crore of 39 companies were transacted, with Orion Infusion Limited leading the chart at Tk 2 crore. One Bank PLC topped the gainers’ list on the DSE with a 10 percent rise, while Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC fell nearly 5 percent to become the day’s worst performer. The rally extended to the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE), where the CASPI index soared 484 points — the highest single-day gain in 2026. The turnover at the CSE stood at Tk 24 crore, up from Tk 9 crore in the previous session, marking an increase of Tk 15 crore in a single trading day. Of the traded issues, 220 advanced, 17 declined and 10 remained unchanged. FAS Finance and Investment Limited gained nearly 15 percent to top the CSE gainers, while Northern Islami Insurance PLC shed around 10 percent to close at the bottom.  

Public life across the country returned to normalcy on Sunday after the national election and a four-day government-declared holiday, with offices reopening, vehicles back on the roads and businesses resuming regular operations. The extended break, announced to facilitate voting and ensure law and order, covered the election day and adjacent days, giving many people a rare opportunity for rest and travel. With the holiday now over, government and private offices reopened, banks resumed transactions and educational institutions prepared to restart classes. In the capital, traffic gradually picked up from early morning as commuters returned to work. Although congestion was lighter than usual in some areas due to staggered reopening schedules, the familiar rush-hour rhythm was largely restored by midday. Public transport services, including buses and ride-sharing vehicles, were operating normally. At Kamalapur Railway Station, officials said train services were running according to schedules after operating on a limited timetable during the holiday period. Launch terminals also reported regular services on major river routes, with many passengers returning to Dhaka after spending time with families in their home districts. Markets and shopping centres reopened, drawing steady crowds. Traders in New Market and other commercial hubs said sales were moderate but expected to increase in the coming days as supply chains stabilise and wholesale markets operate at full capacity. Banks and financial institutions resumed full-fledged operations following special arrangements during the election. Bangladesh Bank officials said transaction volumes were expected to rise as government offices and businesses reopened. ATM booths remained operational throughout the holiday, ensuring uninterrupted access to cash. In several districts, local administrations reported a peaceful environment after the polls. Law enforcement agencies maintained patrols in sensitive areas during the holiday to prevent any untoward incidents. Officials said the overall situation remained stable, allowing residents to move freely and resume daily activities without disruption. Educational institutions, many of which were closed for the election and holiday, announced plans to restart academic activities from Monday. University authorities in Dhaka and other major cities said classes and examinations would proceed as scheduled unless otherwise notified. Transport operators expressed optimism about the return of regular passenger flow. Bus owners said the holiday period saw a surge in inter-district travel, particularly ahead of the election, followed by a steady return of passengers to urban centres. With offices reopening, they expect commuter numbers to normalise within a day or two. Industrial areas also began returning to routine production cycles. Factory managers in key manufacturing zones said workers reported back after the break and supply deliveries resumed. Export-oriented industries are working to ensure shipment schedules remain on track. The Election Commission earlier expressed satisfaction over the overall conduct of the polls, noting voter turnout and the peaceful atmosphere in most parts of the country. Observers said the smooth transition from election day to regular workdays reflected institutional preparedness and coordination among authorities. Citizens voiced mixed feelings about the extended holiday. While many welcomed the chance to spend additional time with family, some small business owners said prolonged closure affected daily earnings. However, most agreed that the break contributed to a calm environment during and after the vote. Security officials said they would continue monitoring the situation in the coming days, though no major incidents were reported following the announcement of results. Patrols and checkpoints in certain areas will be gradually scaled back depending on the assessment of local conditions. As the workweek resumes, attention is shifting to post-election priorities, including administrative continuity and economic activity. With offices open, transport moving and markets active, daily life appears to have regained its usual pace after the polls and the four-day vacation.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain on Sunday said that the party is preparing to form a ‘shadow cabinet’. In a post on his verified Facebook page, he wrote, “We are preparing to form a shadow cabinet.” The NCP leader also said the shadow cabinet will ensure transparency and accountability and act as a watchdog over overall activities. In another post, he said they will consider boycotting the swearing-in ceremony if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the programme. The oath-taking ceremony of members of parliament (MPs) and cabinet members will be held on Tuesday.  

Shehreen Amin Bhuiyan, an Assistant Professor of the Department of Public Administration at Dhaka University, on Sunday alleged that she has been receiving continuous death threats since February 13. She made the allegation in a Facebook post on Sunday afternoon, where she shared screenshots of several mobile numbers and messages containing threats. “This is only one of the innumerable death threats that I have been facing since February 13,” she wrote. Dhaka University campus still tense after violence throughout the night Addressing BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, she questioned, “Is this your ‘women-friendly and safe’ Bangladesh?”

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Sunday said the idea of holding the oath-taking ceremony of the new cabinet members at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad was initially expressed by BNP. “My understanding is that this parliament is somewhat different. We attained this parliament through the sacrifices of students and the masses in July, through a mass uprising marked by immense sacrifice, hardship, pain and loss of lives. That is why this parliament is a little different from all others,” he told reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Besides, many historic events, including the July Declaration and the July Charter, have taken place in the parliament complex, said the adviser. “The South Plaza of this parliament is particularly memorable to us for various reasons. The funeral prayer of our late leader Begum Khaleda Zia was held at a nearby place as was the funeral of our beloved martyr Osman Hadi,” he added. Asif Nazrul said South Plaza had also emerged as a venue for documenting various aspects of the July mass uprising. “Considering all these factors, they perhaps expressed this intention, and we arranged it accordingly.” The adviser said a farewell meeting was held earlier in the day but no major decisions were taken. “We reflected on our work, shared experiences, and informed everyone about the oath programme. It was more like a final meeting together.” “The cabinet oath-taking ceremony will be held at the South Plaza at 4pm. As far as I know, the President is scheduled to administer the oath,” Nazrul said. Asked about invitees, he said those customarily invited under convention would be invited and the Cabinet Division is handling the matter. On whether the Indian Prime Minister would attend, he said he had no such information. “What I have heard so far is that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the foreign ministers of SAARC countries. I have no information about any Prime Minister attending,” he said. When asked about speculations that he might be included in the next cabinet the Law Adviser said, “There is no question at all.”  

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 on Sunday fixed March 4 for delivering the judgment in a case filed over the shooting of Amir Hossain who was hanging from a rooftop ledge in Rampura during the July-August movement in 2024. The three-member bench of ICT-1 led by its chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar passed the order. The accused are former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman, former Additional Deputy Commissioner (Khilgaon zone), Rashedul Islam, former officer-in-charge of Rampura Police Station Mashour Rahman, former assistant sub-inspector Chanchal Chandra Sarkar and former sub-inspector Tariqul Islam Bhuiya. The only accused arrested in the case, former ASI of Rampura Police Outpost Chanchal Chandra Sarker, was produced before the court today. On August 10, 2025, ICT issued arrest warrants against four people, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman in the case. On 19 July 2024, Amir Hossain was returning home after offering Friday prayers when he was caught in crossfire near his residence in Rampura. According to Amir, police began firing in the area as clashes with protesters escalated. In an attempt to escape, he ran into a nearby under-construction building and took shelter on the fourth floor. Amir alleged that police officers chased protesters into the building and reached the floor where he was hiding. There, they pointed firearms at him and repeatedly ordered him to jump off the building. To intimidate him, one officer reportedly fired several rounds. Out of fear, Amir clung to a steel rod protruding from the side of the structure. At one point, a police officer positioned on the third floor allegedly fired six rounds at Amir, striking him in both legs. After the police left the scene, Amir managed to jump down to the third floor, despite his injuries. He lay there bleeding for approximately three hours before a student and two doctors found him and rushed him to a local hospital. He was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for further treatment. Amir survived the incident, though he sustained serious injuries. Meanwhile, two other people were reportedly shot dead near the same location in Rampura on the same day.  

National Emergency Service 999 received a total of 8,380 phone calls related to the national election as it implemented a special operational plan to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election. Under the special plan, 999 provided election-related emergency services through round-the-clock coordination with the Law and Order Coordination Cell formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs,  said Mahiul Islam, Additional DIG of the Bangladesh Police and Chief of the National Emergency Service 999. The special operation remained active 24 hours a day from January 22, 2026 to February 14, 2026. Of the total calls, 3,713 were related to election complaints  including alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct, clashes between rival groups, campaigning during the prohibited period, irregularities at polling centres and other law and order issues. All complaints were given the highest priority and immediately communicated to the concerned police stations, district and metropolitan police units, as well as Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers. Legal action was taken in line with existing rules. The remaining 4,667 calls were inquiries seeking information on various election-related matters.  

The Jamaat-e-Islami-led 11-party electoral alliance on Sunday demanded that the Election Commission (EC) recount votes in 32 constituencies, alleging manipulation during the counting and result publication of the national election. "Particularly 32 constituencies have been identified. We have been defeated here by a small margin of votes. This is the statement of our candidates....we have submitted the list of such constituencies to the commission and asked them to recount the votes there," said Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad. He said this while briefing reporters after a meeting between the delegation and the EC in the city’s Nirbachan Bhaban. Four election commissioners Abdur Rahmanel Masud, Tahmida Ahmad, Anwarul Islam Sarker and Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah were present in the meeting. Manikganj Election: 13 candidates lose deposits as BNP sweeps 3 seats Azad said there are allegations that the agents of their candidates were forcibly removed from many polling stations during the counting of votes and even those who were present in the counting room faced threats and intimidation when they tried to complain about any irregularities. “The congenial environment required for a fair vote counting has been severely disrupted. So, if there is an error in the vote counting process, it will directly affect the election results—this is natural. At the same time, various types of irregularities -- rubbing, cutting, overwriting and no signatures of our candidate’s original agent in the result sheets in many places,” he said. Responding to a question, the Jamaat leader said despite the gazette publication of newly elected MPs, legal avenues remain open for them. “There are three legal stages—Election Commission, election tribunal and the High Court. We will follow the legal process,” he said. Azad also questioned the timing of gazette publication, saying it was issued at 11:00 pm on February 13, just a day after the election. “Candidates from remote areas had no opportunity to submit complaints. We urged the Commission to investigate the allegations. Though legal doors are open, our rights have been undermined,” he said. Threatening to wage tougher programmes, he said if violence does not stop, the alliance would arrange a protest rally from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram at 3:30 pm on February 16. The Jamaat leader expressed concern over post-election violence, citing incidents similar to the Hatiya (Noakhali) violence. “There are questions whether incidents like those in 2018 are recurring. In my own constituency, three women were injured. We have submitted reports from 54 districts,” he said. He said the alliance decided to take to the streets if violence does not stop, while playing a constructive opposition role in parliament. Noting that their alliance MPs would take oath, Azad said the alliance has taken a positive decision regarding oath-taking. “We will take the oath, go to parliament and play a constructive role. At the same time, the streets will remain open for us,” he said.    

Bangladesh’s premier literary event, Ekushey Book Fair, is set to open later this month amid mounting opposition from a large section of mainstream publishers who warn that holding the fair during Ramadan could inflict heavy financial losses on the industry. Bangla Academy has confirmed that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 20, even as more than 300 publishers have threatened to boycott the event if the schedule is not reconsidered. Dr Md Selim Reza, member secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee, told UNB that preparations are already well underway. “The lottery for allocation of stalls and pavilions was completed on Tuesday night. Allocation has already been finalised. Now publishers can start organising their allotted spaces,” he said. To facilitate confirmation of stall and pavilion allotments, Bangla Academy earlier extended the payment deadline from February 9 to February 11. According to organisers, a total of 662 stalls have been allotted this year, 133 more than in 2025. Of these, 24 new publishing houses have been allocated stalls. The number of pavilions stands at 23, including 11 for established publishing houses and 12 for new ones. Boycott Threat However, the decision to hold the 23-day fair from February 20 — during the fasting month of Ramadan — has triggered strong objections from publishers. In a press release signed by Mazharul Islam of Anyaprokash, a group of publishers said at least 321 publishing houses had demanded that the fair be held after Ramadan and would stay away if the schedule remained unchanged. Several publishers said they had raised concerns well in advance but received no positive response from the authorities. They argue that Ramadan typically brings shorter working hours and reduced consumer spending during daytime, which could significantly affect book sales. Many fear that participating under such conditions would result in substantial losses. Appeal to Tarique Rahman In a further escalation, the publishers’ platform Prokashok Oikk (Publishers’ Unity) has sent an open letter to Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh, seeking intervention. In the letter, the platform said nearly 90% of publishers believe that taking part in the fair during Ramadan would amount to ‘commercial suicide’. It claimed that more than 300 mainstream publishers have already expressed their inability to participate. The publishers said the industry has been under severe strain for the past one and a half years due to political and economic instability. Rising paper prices and increased production costs have intensified financial pressure, they said. They also noted that printing presses had remained largely preoccupied with election-related work over the past two months, effectively halting the publication of new titles. Against this backdrop, the publishers questioned why Bangla Academy remains firm on holding the fair despite repeated appeals for reconsideration. Call for Postponement The publishers stressed that they are not opposed to the book fair itself. Instead, they said they want a ‘successful and inclusive’ event that upholds the spirit and tradition of Amar Ekushey. Considering Ramadan and the post-election situation, they proposed holding the fair after Eid. In their letter, they placed two key demands before the new government led by Tarique Rahman: first, postponement of the fair scheduled to begin on 20 February; and second, organising the event in a festive and full-fledged manner after Eid. They expressed hope that a positive decision would protect the publishing industry from major losses and help preserve the legacy of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair — a cultural fixture that commemorates the Language Movement and remains one of the country’s most anticipated literary gatherings. For now, however, the fair appears set to go ahead as planned, setting the stage for a confrontation between organisers determined to maintain tradition and publishers wary of the economic realities they face.

Six fishermen were allegedly kidnapped by forest robbers from Shelar Char in the eastern side of Sundarbans early Saturday. The abducted fishermen were identified as Khairul, 35, Faruk, 28, Samsul Islam, 25, Safrul, 32, Maruf, 28, and Milon, 30. All of them hailed from Koyra, Rampal and Morelganj upazilas of Bagerhat and Khulna districts. Milton Roy, officer-in-charge of the Dubla Forest Patrol Outpost under the East Sundarbans, said members of the notorious robber gang ‘Karim Sharif Bahini’ stormed the area around 12:30am and kidnapped the six fishermen at gunpoint. Besides, a fishing trawler was taken away by the robbers from the Loitrakhali area of Dubla on Thursday night, he added. Panic has gripped the fishermen staying at Shelar Char, a fishing village near the patrol outpost, following the incident. Md Shariful Islam, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) and Range Officer of the Sharankhola Range, said instructions have been given to intensify patrols by forest guards at the Shelar Char Forest Patrol Outpost to ensure the safety of the fishermen.