United News of Bangladesh

The government has announced a Tk 2 per litre reduction in the prices of diesel, octane, petrol, and kerosene for February 2026, aiming to provide fuel at a relatively affordable price to consumers. Under the revised rates, diesel will now sell at Tk 100 per litre, down from Tk 102; octane at Tk 120, down from Tk 122; petrol at Tk 116, down from Tk 118; and kerosene at Tk 112, down from Tk 114. The new prices will take effect from February 1, the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources said in a media statement on Saturday.

Saint Martin’s Island, the country’s only coral island located in the north-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, will remain closed to travellers for nine months from February 1 as part of a conservation measure. As a result, tourists staying on the island are returning to their respective destinations on January 31 and February 1. Although Saint Martin’s was opened to tourists for three months from December to January, overnight stays were permitted for only two months. In addition, the daily number of tourists was capped at 2,000, and entry without prior registration was not allowed. Due to these restrictions, the local tourism business has suffered significantly. Delwar Hossain, a local tourism entrepreneur, said business owners incurred losses during the shortened season. Earlier, the government announced a nine-month suspension of tourism activities on Saint Martin’s Island in the interest of environmental protection.  According to a decision by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, tourism activities for the current season will officially end on Saturday. Consequently, no tourist vessels will operate to the island from Sunday. Although tourists are usually allowed to visit Saint Martin’s from October 1 to March 31 each year, the travel period was reduced this year up to January 31 due to environmental risks. Cox’s Bazar Additional District Magistrate Imran Hossain Sajib said the last tourist vessels would sail to Saint Martin’s on Saturday. “No tourist ships will be allowed to operate from Sunday. However, if the government revises its decision later, necessary measures will be taken accordingly,” he added. Under government directives, lighting on the beach at night, playing loud music and organising barbecue parties were prohibited. Entry into the protected forest area, as well as the collection and sale of key fruits, were also completely banned. Strict instructions were issued to prevent harm to biodiversity, including sea turtles, birds, corals, king crabs, snails and oysters. All types of motorised vehicles, including motorcycles, were prohibited on the beach. Carrying single-use plastics, including polythene, was strictly restricted, while tourists were advised to bring reusable water flasks. According to the administration, the prolonged absence of tourists will help corals, sea turtles, birds and other marine species recover their natural habitats. The long-term decision aims to restore biodiversity damaged by excessive tourist pressure and unregulated activities. Authorities expressed hope that the initiative to protect the environment and biodiversity would play a positive role in maintaining the ecological balance of Saint Martin’s Island. Meanwhile, local business owners said they had invested heavily in the tourism sector with expectations of a longer season. Misinformation sparks confusion about Saint Martin’s, authorities clarify However, tourism activities came to a halt after just three months. Businessmen and residents have demanded that Saint Martin’s be opened for at least five months annually with a controlled number of tourists.

Diploma engineers and students blocked railway tracks and roads in Gazipur on Saturday to protest the 33 percent quota for BSc engineers in the recruitment of sub-assistant engineers and to press their five-point demands. The protest disrupted train services to northern districts when demonstrators stopped the Silk City Express at the West Bhurulia rail gate. Protesters sat on the train and the tracks, chanting slogans for their demands. Earlier, they gathered at the Mist More area in Bhurulia, marched along Shimultoli Road, and reached the rail gate. They also blocked Gazipur-Shimultoli Road and the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, causing traffic disruption. Consensus committee formed over demands of BSc, diploma engineers The demonstration was organized under the banner of the Diploma Engineers Welfare Foundation. Leaders including Ishak Piku and Saiful Islam Shuvo highlighted their demands and vowed to continue the movement until they were met. After about two and a half hours, the protesters lifted the blockade and train services returned to normal.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Saturday described the draft National Media Commission and Broadcasting Commission Ordinances as a ‘parting mockery’ of public expectations for free media development. The TIB said the demand for a unified, independent and effective media commission to ensure the development of free media and independent broadcasting in Bangladesh has existed for a long time, a demand that was also reflected in the report of the Media Reform Commission. It, however, said the interim government remained entirely indifferent to implementing its recommendations despite more than ten months having passed since the submission of that report. Instead, at the very final stage of its tenure, the interim government has published two draft ordinances - titled the ‘National Media Commission Ordinance and the Broadcasting Commission Ordinance’ - aimed at establishing two new government bodies. The TIB expressed deep disappointment and frustration over this move, noting that TIB believes that the preparation of these two drafts - contrary to public expectations and the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission, with the apparent objective of imposing greater control over the media sector - and seeking public opinions within only three days, constitutes a parting mockery by the interim government. At the same time, TIB identifies this move as yet another example of the interim government’s continuous practice of secrecy across nearly all areas from the outset, as well as the reform-opposing, obstructive actions carried out by certain sections of the government under the guise of state reform. In a statement, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “In both cases, the proposed structure and status of the commissions, the rank and authority of the commissioners, and the administrative and financial arrangements are designed to establish two institutions that are entirely under government control, particularly under bureaucratic authority. This represents a mockery of the interim government’s commitment to the development of free media and independent broadcasting.” While this is disappointing, he said, they are not at all surprised, as during the tenure of the interim government its failure to curb state and non-state control over the media, acts of violence, and attempts to impose authority, and in many cases its direct and indirect role as an instigator, have been evident. At the final stage of its tenure, Zaman said, these two proposed drafts reflect the same adversarial stance by the government toward expectations of media freedom. Referring to the numerous limitations of the existing Press Council and the absence of any comparable institutional framework for the broadcast media, Dr Zaman noted that the Media Reform Commission, based on research and consultations with relevant stakeholders, recommended the establishment of a unified, independent Media Commission free from government control. However, he said, the government has shown not the slightest consideration for this recommendation. Instead of pursuing the short-sighted initiative of establishing two new regulatory government bodies for the interrelated media and broadcasting sectors, Dr Zaman proposed the formation of a single, unified, and independent media commission operating outside government authority. TIB called on the government not to hastily promulgate the two draft ordinances. At the same time, the Executive Director of TIB has urged and expressed expectations toward the political parties participating in the upcoming election, many of whom have themselves been victims of control over free media and independent broadcasting in Bangladesh and have made strong commitments in their respective election manifestos and campaigns, that, following the formation of the new parliament, they will immediately proceed through a participatory process. Respecting their own experiences, commitments and public expectations, they should establish a genuinely independent and impartial unified media commission, TIB said. Such a commission would be capable of ensuring the highest professional standards and creating an enabling environment for the development of free media and independent broadcasting in the country, he said.

Another consignment of 58,359 metric tonnes (MTs) of wheat from the United States (US) has arrived at Chittagong Port. The vessel MV WF Artemis, carrying the wheat, docked at the outer anchorage of the country’s premier seaport on Saturday, the Food Ministry said in a statement. Under the agreement, a total of 220,000 MTs of wheat will be imported, while the first and second consignments, comprising 114,093 MTs, arrived earlier. With this shipment, a total of 172,452 MTs of wheat has arrived in Bangladesh under cash purchase agreement No. G to G-02, signed as part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Bangladesh. Read More: US to work with all Bangladeshi political parties, its Ambassador retaliates  Bangladesh is importing wheat from the US on a government-to-government (G to G) basis. Under the G to G-01 agreement, Bangladesh has already imported a total of 220,000 metric tonnes of wheat. The process of testing samples of the wheat carried by the vessel has already begun. Necessary steps will be taken to ensure quick unloading of the wheat after completion of the sample testing, the statement said.

Chattogram Port, the country’s largest seaport, faced severe operational disruptions on Saturday after workers went on strike to protest plans to lease the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) to Dubai-based logistics firm DP World, halting cargo handling and raising concerns over trade delays. Loading and unloading activities at multiple jetties came to a standstill, while the movement of container-laden trailers, trucks and lorries through the port’s main gate was suspended, disrupting both import and export operations, port officials and labour leaders said. The work stoppage, backed by the Nationalist Workers’ Party and several allied trade unions, began in the morning and is set to continue on Sunday, organisers said. Labour groups warned of tougher action if the leasing process is not withdrawn. Port operations were ‘almost completely stalled’ after union-backed labour organisations initiated the strike, according to port sources. Container handling at the JCB Terminal, Chattogram Container Terminal (CCT) and NCT has nearly stopped, increasing the risk of vessel congestion and higher costs as several ships remain unable to unload cargo on schedule. Despite directives from the Chattogram Port Authority banning rallies and processions, workers staged demonstrations, processions and sit-in programmes from around 11am. Security across the port area was tightened following the protests. Workers say they oppose handing over the profitable NCT to a foreign operator, citing concerns over job security and national interests. “Workers fear job losses and risks to national security if the terminal is handed over to a foreign company,” said Taslim Hossain Selim, general secretary of the Dock Nationalist Workers’ Party. Humayun Kabir, coordinator of the Bandar Rakkha Sangram Parisad, said the slowdown has already triggered concerns over mounting congestion and additional operational costs. Chattogram Port Nationalist Workers’ Party General Secretary Ibrahim Khokon said a large number of workers joined the strike, which was scheduled to continue until 4pm on Saturday, effectively paralysing normal port activities. Meanwhile, the Chattogram Port Authority issued a notice warning of disciplinary action against anyone participating in strikes, protests or demonstrations related to the NCT leasing issue. Chattogram Port handles more than 90% of Bangladesh’s seaborne trade, making any prolonged disruption a potential risk to supply chains and trade flows.

Driver of a battery-run rickshaw (Tomtom) was stabbed to death allegedly by some teen gang members in Nazir Road area in Feni town on Friday night. The deceased was Masud Hasan Mahid,19, eldest son of Noyon of Joypur village under Titash Police Station in Cumilla. Masud had been living with his family in a rented house in Feni town for 19 years. Another teenage boy Irfan, 15, who sustained injuries in the attack was sent to Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment. According to police and eyewitnesses, Masud worked with his father at an ice factory and also drove a tomtom. Read More: Journalist’s wife found dead in Rajshahi, husband injured  On Friday evening, he went out with his tomtom when a group of teenagers called him over. An argument followed and Masud was attacked with a sharp weapon. Both Masud and the injured Irfan were taken to Feni General Hospital where doctors declared Masud dead. Masud’s father Noyon, said, “My son worked with me at the ice factory. He had been unwell for a few days and went out with his tomtom on Friday. Later I heard he was attacked and sent to the hospital. When I arrived, I saw he was dead. I want justice for my son’s murder.” The deceased’s younger brother alleged, “Yafi, Rahat, Shanto, Maruf, and Niloy killed my brother. They had even attacked him before, injuring his head. I know them all and demand their immediate arrest and trial.” Read More: RU female student found dead in Rajshahi Feni General Hospital emergency doctor Ruhul Mohosen Sujan said Masud had died before arriving at the hospital. He had deep wounds on his left shoulder and chest. Rahat, one of the suspected attackers, has been detained by police. Feni Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Gazi Muhammad Fauzul Azim said police reached the scene immediately and investigation in underway.

The government has removed the names of 12 people who were earlier enlisted in the July fighters gazette. The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs recently issued a notification cancelling the previous gazette. The notification said the cancellation was made under the authority granted by Section 11(4) of the Martyrs’ Families and July Fighters Welfare and Rehabilitation Ordinance, 2025, and Schedule-1 of the Rules of Business, 1996. The notice did not specify the reason for the cancellation of these 12 individuals’ recognition. Officials at the Liberation War Ministry said they were removed from the July fighters list for being included in the gazette with false information. Earlier, on October 29 last year, the ministry had cancelled the gazette of 128 July fighters who had been listed with false information or whose names appeared twice. The 12 individuals whose recognition was revoked belonged to the ‘G’ category of July fighters. Among them, five are from Dinajpur district in Rangpur Division and seven are from Chandpur district in Chattogram Division. Those from Dinajpur district are Tasfia Rifa, Md. Asaduzzaman Noor, Md. Suruj Mia, Mosha. Kahinur, and Mosha. Sakhina. Those from Chandpur district are Md. Kamrul Hasan Rabbi, Md. Raihan, Md. Yousuf Ali, Nahidul Islam Ratul, Shahjalal, and Md. Abdullah Al Mamun.

A total of 134 BGB platoons will be deployed in 51 constituencies in  nine districts and four city corporations under its Dhaka sector To support these deployments, 42 temporary base camps have been established. In addition, BGB’s specialised K-9 Dog Squad units will conduct targeted search operations. Colonel SM Abul Ehsan, Sector Commander of BGB Dhaka Sector, shared the information on Saturday at a media briefing at the National Swimming Complex in Mirpur. Colonel Ehsan said BGB is strictly following all directives from the government and the Election Commission while performing its election duties. To enable voters to exercise their franchise in a safe and fear-free environment, BGB is working closely with other law enforcement agencies. Regular patrols and intelligence surveillance activities are ongoing at the field level, he said. Colonel Ehsan also noted that BGB personnel have received election-specific training at multiple levels to handle any situation professionally. During the election period, the Rapid Action Team (RAT), Quick Response Force (QRF), and Helicopter Unit will remain standby for responding swiftly to any emergency. For transparency, accountability, and effective security, BGB will use body-worn cameras, night vision devices, metal detectors, APCs, and modern communication equipment during election duties. Special monitoring cells have been set up at battalion and sector headquarters to oversee the overall election situation round the clock. On election day, BGB will carry out mobile and static patrols, establish check posts at key locations, and conduct vehicle and suspect searches to prevent sabotage or destabilising activities., he added.  

The Religious Affairs Ministry has announced that applications for Hajj visas for the current year will open on February 8 and continue until March 20. The Religious Affairs Ministry issued a notice in this regard on Thursday. All registered Hajj pilgrims both through government and private channels  are currently undergoing health check-ups at government hospitals, it said According to the directives of  of Saudi Arabia, pilgrims must complete their medical examinations and receive the required vaccinations to obtain a fitness certificate. With the certificate, they can apply for Hajj visas through Saudi Nusk Masar system between February 8 and March 20. The ministry urged all registered pilgrims, including expatriate Bangladeshis, to complete their health check-ups at any government hospital in Bangladesh, receive the required vaccinations at designated centers and obtain the fitness certificate before submitting visa applications. This year, no pilgrim will be allowed to perform Hajj without a valid fitness certificate.