United News of Bangladesh

A fire broke out at the premises of Dhaka University’s Bijoy Ekattor Hall on Monday evening. Anwarul Islam, warehouse inspector at the FSCD Media Cell, said the fire originated from a gas cylinder in a tin-shed kitchen inside the hall. Firefighters were informed at 6:13 pm. Four units reached the scene at 6:20 pm and brought the fire under control within five minutes, at 6:25 pm. No casualties were reported, he said.

Thirteen years have passed since the devastating fire at Tazreen Fashion factory in Ashulia’s Nishchintapur area, yet injured workers and families of those who died in the tragedy continue to live in hardship, having received little to no rehabilitation or compensation. On the evening of November 24, 2012, at around 6:45 pm, a fierce fire broke out at the Tazreen Fashion factory. The fire claimed the lives of 117 workers, while about 200 others were injured, some severely, after jumping from the building to save their lives. On Monday morning, families of the deceased workers paid tribute by placing wreaths in front of the Tazreen Garments factory in Nishchintapur, Ashulia. Injured workers were also present and spoke of the pain and suffering they have endured over the years, saying promises made to them were never fulfilled. Survivors continue to live with both physical pain and financial difficulties, struggling to sustain their families, while expressing anger over the lack of accountability for those responsible. Workers’ leaders say the incident remains confined to discussions, tributes, and media coverage, while no exemplary punishment has been delivered to the factory owner Delwar and others responsible, leaving them frustrated and disheartened. Workers’ organization leaders said that even after more than a decade, the victims have received little support from the government or the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). They also demanded immediate full rehabilitation of the workers, compensation equivalent to a lifetime, and punishment for Delwar.    

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor on Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Monday directed RAJUK and the City Corporation to be strict if it is necessary in assessing the risk of buildings in the capital. She made it clear that in the interest of public safety, the risk assessment work cannot be obstructed by citing private property. He made these remarks at a seminar and exchange of views titled 'Preparation and Actions to Reduce Earthquake Risk' organized by the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartik (RAJUK) at the Ramna Engineers Institution Bangladesh (IEB) building in the capital. At this time, she also mentioned giving special powers to RAJUK if necessary. Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, "Nature has given people a lot of time to prepare. Although earthquakes have been felt repeatedly for the past few years, people have never felt fear like this before. To allay this public panic, the administration must go to the doorsteps of the people, assess the risk and take action accordingly." Identifying chemical warehouses in Old Dhaka as one of the biggest risks, the advisor said that almost every house there has a hazardous chemical factory. Stating that the safety of human life is much more important than the consent of businessmen, he urged the relocation of these warehouses permanently and as soon as possible. Identifying the warehouses as one of the biggest risks, the advisor said that there are chemical factories there. He stressed the need to permanently and quickly shift these warehouses, noting that the father is much more imperfect in people's lives than the businessmen's consensus. Regarding the ability to cope with disasters, the advisor expressed optimism and said that just as the Bengali nation has recovered from major floods, it will also be able to overcome the earthquake disaster with collective efforts. In addition, she believed that the major danger has apparently passed since the magnitude of the aftershocks after the recent 5.7 magnitude earthquake was low. Nevertheless, Syeda Rizwana Hasan advised everyone to be alert and prepared. The advisor has urged the countrymen not to panic and to be prepared to the maximum extent, noting that the recent earthquakes are sending a message of major damage. She believes that it is necessary to start working in full swing now, taking nature's warning into account. Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan attended the event as the chief guest presided over by RAJUK Chairman Md Riazul Islam while RAJUK Executive Engineer Khandaker Md Wahid Sadiq presented the keynote presentation.

International Farakka Committee (IFC) Bangladesh on Monday called on all the political parties in Bangladesh to include the country’s most pressing water issues in their election manifestos. They made the call at a press briefing held at a city restaurant. IFC New York Chairman Sayed Tipu Sultan and IFC Bangladesh president Mostafa Kamal Majumder spoke on the occasion. At the press conference, the speakers outlined a set of key demands, emphasizing first and foremost the inclusion of river and water rights in the election manifestos of all political parties. “Parties must clearly articulate their position on ensuring the natural flow of shared rivers and commit to protecting the water rights of the people of Bangladesh,” said Sayed Tipu Sultan. Urging political leaders to address the water issue with urgency, he said, “A firm national stance against the construction of upstream dams and diversion of water by India should be taken as upstream interventions on 54 of the 57 common rivers have intensified environmental degradation in Bangladesh.” Highlighting the upcoming expiration of the 30-year Ganga Water Treaty in 2026, the committee demanded necessary reforms to ensure guaranteed water availability for Bangladesh. The IFC also insisted that the renewed agreement must include an arbitration mechanism to resolve disputes between the countries. IFC leaders urged the immediate conclusion of the long-pending Teesta Water Treaty, stalled since 2011 and stressed the need to halt the complete withdrawal of dry-season flows at the Gajoldoba Barrage in West Bengal, which severely affects Bangladesh’s northwestern region. He later stressed the need for a comprehensive, coordinated and equitable water distribution framework for the remaining 52 shared rivers. Prof Jasim Uddin emphasised the need to protect the environment and biodiversity, particularly in the southwest, where dozens of rivers have already died due to reduced flows. The IFC leaders finally urged the formation of national consensus among all political parties, groups, and citizens on protecting Bangladesh’s rights over transboundary waters and raising awareness among the countrymen.

The Election Commission is set to sit with some 81 local election observer organisations in two separate discussions on Tuesday as part of its dialogue with different stakeholders ahead of the 13th parliamentary election. The first discussion with 40 observer organisations will begin at 10:30am, while the second one with 41 other organisations will start at 2:00pm at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin will chair both discussions to be attended by election commissioners and senior EC officials. Besides, the Commission is going to sit in its second discussion with top representatives of law enforcement agencies, including the armed forces on November 27 and with the top government officials concerned on November 30 next. The meeting with the law enforcement agencies is likely to focus on the deployment of security personnel in every constituency including polling stations, their coordination among the law enforcement members and EC’s instructions to ensure security during the upcoming election. The chiefs of three services --Army, Navy, Air force, Senior Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, Inspector General of Police, Director Generals of Border Guard Bangladesh, Coast Guard, Ansar and VDP, DGFI, NSI, NTMC, RAB and Additional Inspectors General of Police of SB and CID have been invited to attend the meeting. The meeting with the top government officials The Election Commission (EC) will hold a coordination meeting with the heads of various ministries, departments and authorities on November 30 as part of the preparatory activities for the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections. The Cabinet Secretary, Bangladesh Bank Governor, Senior Secretaries of the Home Affairs Ministry, the Public Administration Ministry, the Shipping Ministry and the Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, Foreign Secretary are among the 34 invitees for the coordination meeting on November 30. Earlier, the Election held dialogues with 47 registered political parties, including BNP, Jamaat and National Citizen Party-NCP on November 13, 16, 17 and 19 last. In late September 2025, the Commission opened a series of electoral dialogues with different stakeholders amid talks with civil society representatives on September 28. Later, the EC held separate dialogues with the representatives of teachers, senior journalists from different media outlets, election experts and election observers. The Election Commission is likely to announce the schedule in early December for holding the next general election in early February 2026.  

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam has said the media must take a firm stance against rumors and misinformation to restore public trust. “People’s distrust of the media must be removed,” he said while addressing a training workshop titled ‘Prevention of Media Misinformation and Presentation of Objective News’, at the Bangladesh Press Council on Monday. Mahfuj Alam said the spread of rumors and misinformation has become widespread, particularly during the 15-year tenure of the previous government. Referring to recent earthquake-related reports, he criticised certain media outlets for “spreading panic instead of raising public awareness,” calling the practice “regrettable.” He warned that when people lose confidence in the media, anyone can mislead the public and create chaos. He also urged the media to play a responsible role during the upcoming parliamentary elections. Regarding Bangladesh Press Council, the adviser mentioned that it is a quasi-judicial institution that had been made ineffective by the previous government. The current interim government, he said, has taken steps to revitalize it. He encouraged journalists to use the Press Council as a platform to claim their rights and called on the institution to play a stronger role within the existing legal framework. Mahbuba Farzana, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, spoke as the special guest at the workshop, which was chaired by Justice AKM Abdul Hakim, Chairman of the Bangladesh Press Council. Shamsul Hug Zahid, Editor of The Financial Express, and Abu Saleh Akon, President of Dhaka Reporters Unity, also addressed the participants. A total of 50 journalists took part in the training workshop, and certificates were distributed among them.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday held an emergency meeting on earthquake preparedness, where the country’s leading experts, researchers and university professors recommended measures for effectively handling emergencies instead of getting panicked. They stressed that there is no reason to panic following the recent earthquakes; instead, necessary precautionary steps must be taken. At the meeting, held in the wake of tremors felt several times last Friday and Saturday, the Chief Adviser urged experts to promptly submit written recommendations outlining what the government should do. “We do not want to remain idle, nor do we want to take any unscientific steps. Please send us your suggestions in writing quickly; the government is ready to take all necessary measures,” he said. Prof Yunus said work is underway to form the required expert committees and one or more task forces. “Steps will be taken as soon as we receive the experts’ advice,” he added. The meeting decided that the government would promptly review the written recommendations and form a task force, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The task force will include government and private officials as well as subject-matter experts. Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud; Law Adviser Dr Afif Nazrul; Disaster and Relief Adviser Farooq-e-Azam; Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan; Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan; Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan; and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Prof Ali Riaz were present at the meeting. Md Zoynul Abedin of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST); Prof Dr Mehedi Ahmed Ansari and Prof Tahmeed Malik Al-Hussaini of BUET; Prof Md Zillur Rahman of the University of Dhaka; Prof Dr Jahangir Alam of the University of Chittagong; Prof Dr Humayun Akhtar of the University of Dhaka; Prof Dr Tanvir Manzoor of BUET; Bangladesh Meteorological Department Director (Current Charge) Md Mominul Islam; Meteorologist Md Rubaiyat Kabir; Geologist Dr Reshad Md Ikram Ali; Disaster Expert Dr Md Shakhawat Hossain of Dhaka University; Director of the Disaster Management and Risk Reduction Institute of Dhaka University Md Moniruzzaman Khan; and Prof Israt Islam were also present. Describing the recent deaths and injuries due to the earthquake “a very tragic incident,” the Chief Adviser said, “We must prepare so that such a tragedy does not occur again.” “You have written in newspapers, shared suggestions, and contributed your expertise. It is our collective responsibility to protect the public from panic. Tell the government what needs to be done in this situation - what preparations are required and what awareness must be raised. Whatever the disaster, we must be fully prepared,” he said. Prof Yunus emphasised the need for expert guidance on what types of drills are necessary to prepare for earthquakes. “We also need to assess where we currently stand in terms of preparedness.” He suggested enhancing coordination with Bangladeshi scientists and earthquake experts living abroad, as well as strengthening collaboration between local and international institutions working on earthquakes. “We have developed an app called ‘Shubechcha’ for expatriate Bangladeshis. Connect with Bangladeshi scientists and experts abroad through this platform. Also advise us on what additional features should be added,” he said. Experts at the meeting expressed concern about widespread rumors circulating on social media, including claims that a major earthquake will occur “within 48 hours,” “within 10 days,” or “within a month.” They underscored that no one can predict the exact timing of an earthquake. While long-term risk can be estimated by studying historical seismic activity in a region, they said, it is impossible to specify the exact day, date, or time of an earthquake.

The key index of the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) rebounded past the 5,000-point mark on Monday after 20 consecutive sessions in the 4,000 range, while daily turnover climbed to the highest level this month. The DSEX gained 109 points to close at 5,024, recovering from its fall into the 4,000 territory on 5 November. The two other indices also advanced, with the Shariah index DSES rising 24 points and the blue-chip DS30 adding 42 points. Turnover surged to Tk 635 crore, crossing the Tk 600-crore mark for the first time in nearly one and a half months. The last time turnover exceeded Tk 600 crore was in the first week of October. Most issues traded higher, as 359 scripts advanced, 22 declined and 10 remained unchanged. In the block market, Tk 32 crore worth of shares and units of 28 companies were traded, with Simtex Industries PLC leading at Tk 13 crore. IFIC Bank PLC topped the gainers’ chart on the DSE with a 10% rise, while Bangladesh Welding Electrodes Ltd dropped more than 3% to bottom the list. The Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) also saw a sharp rise, with the CASPI index gaining 234 points. Of the traded issues, 181 advanced, 24 declined and 9 remained unchanged. The turnover at the CSE reached Tk 19 crore, up from Tk 15 crore in the previous session. International Leasing and Financial Services Ltd surged over 11% to lead the gainers at the port-city bourse, while Monospool Bangladesh Ltd fell more than 7% to end at the bottom.  

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen has stressed an urgent need to align public intentions with real actions in the fight against corruption. Addressing a hall filled with service recipients, government officials, and representatives from various sectors at the 192nd public hearing of the held at the Habiganj District Shilpakala Academy, the Chairman said, “If we were to conduct a public vote right now on who rejects corruption, one hundred percent would raise their hands. Yet corruption still persists in this district. This reveals a gap between what we say and what we do. Today’s public hearing is designed to bridge that gap. This is, in essence, an awakening initiative.” He emphasized that public hearings are a core tool for the Commission to directly understand citizens’ grievances, ensure accountability, and promote integrity within public service institutions. Dr. Momen stated that eliminating corruption is not only a legal obligation but a moral responsibility shared by both service providers and service recipients. The Chairman reiterated that public participation is essential for strengthening transparency. True progress is possible only when citizens and officials stand together against irregularities, harassment, and unethical practices. He praised the strong turnout and expressed optimism that such platforms would continue to foster a culture of honesty, responsibility, and service-oriented governance across the country. The event aimed to increase social awareness, improve service quality in government and autonomous organizations, prevent harassment of service recipients, and strengthen efforts to curb corruption with the slogan “Let us unite against corruption,” Speaking as a special guest, the  Commissioner (Inquiry), Miah Muhammad Ali Akbar Azizi, said, “Service recipients preserve their legal rights in order to receive the services they are entitled to. Service providers are legally bound to deliver these services. But deviations occur—and because of these deviations, service recipients often face harassment.” Other speakers included ACC Secretary Mohammad Khaled Rahim, ACC Director General (Prevention) Md. Akhtar Hossain, and Superintendent of Police A.N.M. Sajedur Rahman. The public hearing was presided over by Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Abu Hasanath Mohammad Arefin. During the event, citizens who had been harassed or deprived of services at various government offices presented their complaints directly before the ACC in the presence of the heads of all government departments in the district. Immediate decisions were made by the ACC on many of the complaints raised. A total of 81 scheduled complaints were heard—of which 3 complaints were taken up for inquiry, 60 were resolved on the spot, and the rest will be disposed of upon submission of relevant reports. Prior to the event, the ACC undertook extensive promotional activities across Habiganj— including week-long miking, poster and leaflet distribution, setting up booths to collect complaints, installing complaint boxes, and broad media outreach. The public response to the hearing was significant. Government service providers, citizens from all professions, as well as members of the electronic and print media, Scouts, and BNCC attended the event.  

The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) and the Clooney Foundation for Justice on Monday launched a research report examining the impact of the Digital Security Act (DSA) on media freedom in Bangladesh and the lessons the country must draw for the future. The report, launched at a publication event and panel discussion at a city hotel, claimed the ruling authorities used the DSA as a tool to harass and intimidate journalists. Panel speakers at the report launch included Md Asaduzzaman, Attorney General of Bangladesh, Sara Hossain, Barrister and Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh and honorary Executive Director of BLAST, Maneka Khanna, Senior Legal Program Manager at the Clooney Foundation for Justice, and Dr. Sazzad Siddiqi, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Dhaka. The discussion was moderated by Roman Uddin, Research Associate at CGS. The study analysed 222 cases involving 396 journalists to show how the DSA was used to criminalise journalism and criticism. In addition, interviews were conducted with 30 journalists to gather firsthand accounts of the law’s application and its consequences. Politicians, who filed 73 out of the 222 cases, along with other influential individuals, frequently used the law to pursue personal vendettas or to abuse their power, said the report. The report said many journalists were arrested without warrants and the law allowed anyone to file a complaint, regardless of whether they were the actual victim, which led to multiple cases being filed against the same individual for a single incident. One example noted in the report describes how, after a news report exposed corruption within the police, a ruling party supporter filed a DSA case against the journalist even though the implicated police officer did not. The journalist said that during interrogation, five to six officers questioned him aggressively. He also alleged that he was subjected to electric shocks. Investigators focused on whether he held an “anti-government” attitude. Asaduzzaman said the state has kept many avenues open for the repression of journalists. “As the saying goes, the laws have as many sections as the stars in the sky. All kinds of legal provisions are applied to control and suppress journalists.” He said that repealing the Digital Security Act alone will not ensure the protection of journalists and stressed that a change in the mindset of the state is essential to end this trend. Asaduzzaman expressed hope that the next elected government will step away from all forms of repressive laws and will not return to policies like the Digital Security Act. Most DSA cases never reached the trial stage. Among the cases that did go to trial, most journalists were acquitted, with only one conviction recorded in the dataset. This highlights the weak legal basis of the cases. However, the lengthy legal process caused severe personal, professional, and financial harm to journalists and created a chilling effect on media freedom overall. Barrister Sara Hossain said that cases against journalists were never filed with the intention of being taken to trial. “Their purpose was to stop journalists from speaking and writing freely.” Referring to recent legal reforms, she noted that the Supreme Court’s guidelines on arrest without warrant have now been incorporated into amendments to the CrPC. Sara described this as an important step forward, although implementation remains weak, and stated that the Press Council is not functioning effectively. She welcomed the recommendations for establishing a Media Commission and emphasized the need to strengthen the Human Rights Commission and the Information Commission so that disputes can be resolved outside the courts.