United News of Bangladesh

A 48-year-old auto-rickshaw driver was killed when a private car hit his vehicle in Khilgaon area of the capital early Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Md Shaheen, son of Alauddin Mia of Lakhai upazila in Habiganj district. He used to live in Meradia of Khilgaon area. The accident occurred around 12:15am at Meradia in Khilgaon when a speeding car hit the auto-rickshaw from behind, leaving the driver dead on the spot, said Sub-Inspector Anoy Chandra Pal of Khilgaon Police Station. The body was sent to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue. Police arrested the car driver and seized the vehicle.  

Two motorcyclists were killed when their motorcycle crashed into the railing of a road divider on the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway at Kewatkhali in Munshiganj district on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Arif, 40, a resident of Mugda area in Dhaka and Mamun, 42, of Faridpur district. The accident occurred around 11:19am when the Dhaka-bound motorcycle carrying the duo lost control and slammed into the railing of the road divider, leaving them dead on the spot, said Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, Deputy Assistant Director of Munshiganj Fire Service and Civil Defence. On information, local fire service rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies. Vehicular movement on the Dhaka–Mawa Expressway remained halted for about half an hour due to the accident.  

Prof Ali Riaz, special assistant to the chief adviser, on Tuesday said the book of the July Charter presented to the public may be printed in black and white, but every single word of it has been written with the blood of the country’s people. He made the remarks at an interactive meeting titled ‘Public Awareness Campaign on Referendum in Public and Private Universities’ held at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building auditorium of Dhaka University. Referring to the sacrifices of the July martyrs and injured, Ali Riaz said they did not seek to become prime minister or president; they wanted a dignified state. The July Charter, he said, is the recognition of that debt. “Do we have no responsibility? Will we deny the debt that allows us to speak here today?” he asked, adding that acknowledging this debt is precisely what the July Charter represents. He said the charter was prepared through discussions with political parties, civil society, various organisations, groups, and individuals. “When I open the book of the July Charter, I hear the cries of mothers who lost their children.” Ali Riaz also discussed the context behind the abolition of the caretaker government system. He said the July Charter includes safeguards to ensure that ‘one-person rule’ never returns to Bangladesh. “Everyone knows that the farce carried out in the name of three so-called elections in Bangladesh happened at the will of one individual. That became possible through the abolition of the caretaker government system.” Referring to the 2014 Election Commission, he said, “The President staged another drama.” He claimed that the name Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad was not on the search committee’s list, yet he was appointed Chief Election Commissioner at the Prime Minister’s behest, leading to a rigged election in 2014. “No conscientious person with democratic aspirations can say that such a situation should continue.” He said that through extensive dialogue, political parties have agreed in the July National Charter that future Election Commissions will be formed based on consultations among representatives of the ruling party, the main opposition party and the third party-the second-largest opposition party- in parliament. Ali Riaz highlighted the role of the Public Service Commission during the previous regime and said that if the July Charter is implemented, the President will no longer hold unilateral authority to grant pardons. He said the Constitution allows the ‘right to life’ to be violated during a state of emergency, but political parties have agreed that future emergencies will drop the term ‘internal disturbance’ and require cabinet approval with opposition representation. Mentioning past instances of constitutional amendments made for the benefit of a single individual, he said that any future constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds majority in the parliament, followed by the support of at least 51 members of a 100-member upper house. He also spoke about reforms related to the presidential election and changes to Article 70. “The situation created by forcing public representatives into party servitude has meant that our parliament has not even become a debating club,” he said. Awami League must face trial, seek apology before returning to politics: Ali Riaz Ali Riaz said all political parties have agreed that out of the standing committees of the parliament, four key committees will be chaired by members from the opposition. He urged all to work in support of the July Charter. Those present included the Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Monir Haidar, University Grants Commission Chairman Dr SMA Fayez, DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Sayma Haque Bidisha, individuals injured in July, and vice-chancellors, teachers, students and officials from various universities.

Muggers snatched Tk 90,000 stabbing a transport worker near Sheikh Kamal School on Khondkar road at Shympur in Dhaka on Tuesday. The victim is  Golam Kibria, 45, a staff member of Borak Transport’s Bangsal branch.  Witnesses said when he was returning home by rickshaw three people stopped him in front of the school and  snatched  Tk 90,000 and a mobile phone stabbing on his left hand. 3 arrested for staging robbery to steal expat’s Tk 10 Lakh Kibria was initially treated at a local hospital and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s emergency department. Inspector Md Faruk, Officer-in-Charge of Dhaka Medical Police Camp said Shyampur police have been informed and an investigation is ongoing.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Bangladesh will see a great election on February 12. After that, he said, there would be a smooth handover of power. "And I will return to my old ways - writing and reading, writing and reading and writing!! And guzzling enormous amounts of tea," said the Press Secretary in brief remarks shared from his verified Facebook page. "We have a Cabinet (Council of Advisers) meeting this Thursday. Hopefully, there will be another one next week," Alam said. Election atmosphere to improve further with gradual presence of security forces: Shafiqul Alam He said first, the waiting days were three digits—500 days to the election.  "Then they dropped to double digits: 90 days. The months slipped away. Now it’s weeks. And now the wait is down to single digits: nine days."  "In working days, it’s just five—today, Thursday, and the first three days of next week," Alam said.

The government has decided to rename the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as Special Intervention Force (SIF). Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the decision on Tuesday following a meeting of the law-and-order core committee at the Bangladesh Secretariat. RAB, an elite law enforcement unit in Bangladesh, was formed for combating serious crimes, terrorism, and organised criminal activities in 2003. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, RAB is a composite force made up of personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar. The force has played a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations, anti-drug campaigns, and high-profile criminal investigations across the country. Govt to buy 163 vehicles for RAB directly from Pragati Industries RAB was established on July 12, 2003, under the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act, 2003, which amended the Armed Forces Battalion Ordinance of 1979. Since its inception, RAB has faced criticism from human rights organisations over alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said the overall situation surrounding the national election in Bangladesh is significantly better than in previous elections, despite a few isolated incidents of clashes. “Two or four incidents are happening, that is true. But compared to any other time, the situation this time is much better. Everyone is now election-oriented. If you compare it with previous elections, I would say, by the grace of Almighty Allah, the situation is much better,” he told reporters. He made the remarks after the Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal Award Ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, in the morning. When asked about a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) stating that 15 political activists have been killed since the announcement of the election schedule, Lt Gen Chowdhury declined to comment directly. “You can ask TIB how many people were killed in previous elections,” he said. The Home Adviser said many of the clashes occur within the same political groups. “If you start fighting among yourselves, it sometimes becomes difficult for law enforcement agencies to control the situation. By the time we reach the spot, the situation is already over — this is what is happening,” he said. On whether violence is increasing ahead of the polls, he said, “Violence is not increasing; violence is happening. Law enforcement agencies have already been deployed in the field. People need to show patience. You will see that even a small exchange of words between two brothers cannot be tolerated. Everyone needs to increase their level of patience.” Responding to claims that the Sundarbans have come under the control of pirates since 5 August 2024, he said the statement was incorrect. “If the Sundarbans had gone under the control of pirates, so many tourists would not have been able to visit. The Sundarbans are fully under our control,” he added. Regarding the recovery of illegal firearms used in killings, he said many weapons have already been recovered. Home Adviser orders Coast Guard to maintain neutrality during election duties Asked if incidents of violence could affect the election, he emphasised that the polls will be conducted in a “free, peaceful and festive manner,” calling for cooperation from all concerned. During the ceremony, 40 members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard were awarded medals for their meritorious service. Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Gani, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque, and other senior officials were also present.

Renowned Bangladeshi world traveler Najmun Nahar has been honored with Global Legacy Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to elevating Bangladesh’s image on the global stage. The award was presented by the social and cultural organization Alokkhô for her lifelong dedication to promoting her country internationally. During her travels to 184 countries, Najmun proudly carried the Bangladeshi national flag, tirelessly enhancing the country’s identity and dignity abroad. Beyond her travels, she has actively championed environmental conservation, prevention of child marriage, and global peace under her motto, “No War, We Want Peace.” Her extensive journey and bold efforts have brought Bangladesh recognition and honor worldwide. Bangladesh’s Najmun Nahar crosses 184 borders in her global journey The award ceremony was held on Monday where the honorary crest and certificate were presented to Najmun by prominent industrialist Dolly Hafiz and Farzana Sylvia, President of Alokkhô. Shelly Sen Gupta, Director of Agro Tech, honored her by draping a ceremonial stole. Bangladeshi trailblazer Najmun Nahar sets record by travelling to 178 countries  

The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune and forgiveness, will be observed in the country on Tuesday night with due religious solemnity and devotion. It is observed on the 15th night of the Arabic month of Sha'ban. According to Muslim belief, it is the night when Allah arranges the affairs of the following year. On this night, Allah writes the destinies of all his creations for the coming year by taking into account their past deeds. Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, reciting from the Holy Quran and also hold religious gatherings seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of the mankind. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of the night. Islamic Foundation has arranged various programmes at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Tuesday, including recitation from the Holy Quran, Hamd and Na’at, waz mahfils and special prayers. The programmes will begin after Maghrib prayers with a waz mahfil at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain will deliver a sermon around 8:30 pm on the teachings of Shab-e-Barat, including dos and don’ts, based on the Holy Quran and Hadith. The Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will remain open throughout the night for worshippers to perform individual nafl prayers and engage in zikr and azkar. Chief Adviser Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus issued a message on the occasion. In his message the Chief Adviser described Shab-e-Barat as a unique opportunity for mercy, forgiveness and spiritual purification. He also called for avoiding all injustice, unfairness, wrongdoing, and superstition and to illuminate individual, social and national life with the unique beauty of Islam, the religion of peace.  

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday instructed members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to maintain strict political neutrality and professionalism during election duties, warning of severe consequences for any form of bias. Speaking at a medal distribution ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Jahangir Alam said the force must play its role with honesty and integrity to ensure that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, scheduled for 12 February 2026, are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. He said there was ‘no scope whatsoever’ for Coast Guard personnel to engage with any political party, individual or agenda during the election period. As state employees, the adviser added, their primary responsibility was to uphold the law, ensure public security and serve the public interest. Home Affairs Adviser directs strict action against election code violations The Home Adviser warned that any member found supporting a candidate or implementing a party agenda would face strict departmental and legal action, with no leniency. Even minor displays of bias would not be tolerated, he said. According to Jahangir Alam, the credibility of the election would largely depend on the honesty, efficiency and professionalism of those deployed on duty. He also cautioned against unethical conduct, negligence or yielding to temptation, saying such actions would invite severe punishment. Extra forces, drones, CCTV to guard risky polling centres: Home Adviser Describing corruption as the ‘greatest enemy of the state’, he said it weakened institutions from within and eroded public trust. Pursuing personal gain or political benefit, he added, was not only illegal but also damaging to the foundations of the state. The Home Adviser reminded personnel that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is funded by taxpayers and exists solely to ensure national security and public welfare. On election security arrangements, he said around 3,585 Coast Guard members had been deployed alongside nearly 900,000 personnel from various law enforcement agencies. He said some 100 Coast Guard platoons were currently operating across districts in the Barishal, Chattogram and Khulna divisions. Jahangir Alam also highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising the Coast Guard. He said procurement was underway for bulletproof high-speed boats and surveillance drones equipped with ground control stations. Twelve surveillance drones donated by the Australian Border Force had already been inducted, he added. Further development plans include the construction of a multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Future initiatives would also involve the induction of helicopters, rescue drones and a coastal surveillance system. The Home Adviser congratulated the medal recipients and expressed hope that Coast Guard personnel, guided by patriotism, would continue to serve the country with honesty and dedication to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Bangladesh.