United News of Bangladesh

An electrician died after being electrocuted while working in the Shani Akhra area under Kadamtali of the capital on Sunday night. The deceased was identified as Md Mintu, 40. He was taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 9pm in an unconscious condition, where doctors declared him dead. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, confirmed the death, citing doctors. He said the body has been kept at the hospital’s emergency department morgue and the matter has been reported to the concerned police station.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Sunday said the government will take necessary steps to ensure greater media freedom by removing existing inconsistencies in the sector based on journalists’ opinions. “The new reality requires a comprehensive solution. Politics and the media must move away from authoritarian practices and prioritise the aspirations of the people,” he said while visiting private television Channel I in the afternoon. This was his first visit to any media outlet after assuming office as a minister. Channel I Managing Director Faridur Reza Sagar, Directors Mukit Majumder Babu and Zahir Uddin Mahmud Mamun, and Director and Head of News Shykh Seraj, welcomed him. Later, Faridur Reza Sagar presented the minister with a commemorative plaque titled “From the Madhur Canteen to the Ministry”, highlighting his nearly five-decade political journey from student activism to becoming a public representative and minister. Channel I Executive Director (Programme Operations) Harun Rashid and talk show host Zillur Rahman were also present. An exchange of views was held where participants discussed various challenges facing the media, including allegations of external interference in news management, the spread of disinformation in the AI era, broadcast digitisation, the financial condition of television channels, journalists’ professional security and salary structure. Will ensure fear-free media environment in Bangladesh: Info Minister The minister said all stakeholders must act responsibly by understanding the message of change expressed by the people on August 5. Channel I News Department Chief Executive Editor and Channel I Online Editor Zahid Newaz Khan, Chief News Editor Mir Masrur Zaman, and other journalists of the news department attended the meeting. Later, the minister was shown a music video produced using AI technology, claimed to be the first of its kind in the country’s television history.

Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Sumon on Sunday warned that there is no room for corrupt officials in his ministry. “The proper use of people’s tax money must be ensured, and development work must be completed within the stipulated time while maintaining quality standards. If any negligence in duty is proven, those responsible will face punishment,” he said. He made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting with officials of departments and agencies under the ministry at the conference room of the Public Works Department in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha. The minister told officials that any political pressure during the performance of duties would be handled at the policy level. “You will carry out your responsibilities within the existing laws of the country. Clearly explain the legal position regarding any illegal matter and learn to say ‘no’ when necessary. Work fearlessly and honestly,” he said. Referring to housing facilities for middle- and low-income people in Dhaka, he said constructive thinking and effective initiatives are needed to improve their quality of life. State Minister Ahmed Sohel Manjur and Secretary Md Nazrul Islam were also present at the meeting. Addressing the officials, the state minister said, “You must carry out your duties fearlessly. We have to work responsibly to build the Bangladesh of the future, leaving behind past practices. There is no scope to misuse the people’s hard-earned tax money. Our government’s position on corruption and nepotism is clear — zero tolerance.”

A month-long road safety awareness campaign has begun in Dhaka to increase public awareness and thus prevent road accidents and reduce the number of accidental casualties. The campaign is being conducted by Swift Solution, a private organisation that has been working on road safety for a long time. The campaign was inaugurated in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka today (Sunday). Speakers at the programme highlighted the importance of law enforcement, increasing awareness, and active public participation to ensure road safety. 57 children among 487 killed in January road crashes in Bangladesh: RSF They said law enforcement alone is not enough to prevent road accidents; massive awareness and responsible behaviour are also needed. Safe roads can be ensured only through the coordinated efforts of drivers, pedestrians, and other stakeholders, the said. Swift Solution Chief Executive Officer Kamruzzaman Palash said many of those who drive vehicles on the road do not have a basic understanding of traffic laws, which is why hundreds of accidents occur every year. Swift Solution's Safety Consultant Md. Jiaul Ahasan, Adviser Shiabur Rahman Shihab, Director Sharif Hossain Hridoy and other officials and volunteers were also present at the event. Leaflets and car stickers were distributed during the campaign to increase public awareness on road safety. In addition, road safety messages were disseminated through banners, festoons and placards. Awareness campaign will be conducted at several other important places including Gabtoli, Mohakhali, Banani, Bijoy Sarani and Khamarbari in the capital in phases this month.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday warned that the country’s top terrorists and extortionists will soon face the full force of the law. “Those involved in the recent shooting incident in Chattogram have already been identified and that various intelligence agencies are working on the matter,” he said while talking to reporters after a views-exchange meeting with Fire Service and Civil Defence officials at the Secretariat in the afternoon. Referring to the incident, he said a terrorist group had demanded extortion from a prominent businessman in Chattogram two months ago. Following the threat, the Chattogram Police Commissioner provided security and police guarded the businessman’s residence. “Perhaps the group did not get any benefit at that time. Two months later, they repeated the attempt and opened fire using heavy weapons,” Salahuddin said. Regarding the Security Ordinance issued at the end of the interim government, the minister said it was based on a clause of the July National Charter pledge, which had been agreed upon by all political parties that signed the charter. “Those who led and participated in the July uprising must be given legal and constitutional protection. We are committed to these pledges and will take decisions in light of them,” Salahuddin said. Home Minister Salahuddin urges India to prevent border killings Responding to a question about how long members of the Bangladesh Army would remain deployed in the field, the home minister said a decision would be taken after high-level discussions. “The army itself does not want to remain in the field for long, as it affects their training and other activities. We need to assess how much the law and order situation has improved after the government assumed office,” Salahuddin said. “However, at this moment I cannot specify when the army will be withdrawn. But it will have to be withdrawn at some point,” he added. On the issue of changing the name and uniform of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) during the interim government, the minister said there is public demand regarding the force and the July National Charter has also recommended taking certain decisions about it. “This is a specialised force. The question is whether we need such a force — and the answer is yes. We have to decide on its model, jurisdiction, accountability and transparency to ensure the best possible service,” he said.

Amid a recent surge in mosquito infestation, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a month-long special cleanliness and mosquito control “crash programme,” featuring a four-tier monitoring mechanism to ensure transparency and effectiveness. The programme was inaugurated on Sunday morning in Wards 71 and 72—covering the Sukhnagar–Green Model Town–Manda Canal areas. DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam, a valiant freedom fighter, formally inaugurated the drive as the chief guest. State Minister for Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Railways Habibur Rahman attended as special guest. Speaking at the inauguration, Administrator Md Abdus Salam said DSCC has begun the month-long special cleanliness and crash programme from Sunday to curb mosquito breeding and transmission. To ensure accountability, a four-layer monitoring system has been introduced at the ward level, senior officers’ level, chief executive officer/secretary level and administrator level, he said. He also said local imams will be involved to raise public awareness, alongside continuous loudspeaker announcements. However, if residents fail to cooperate and do not eliminate mosquito breeding sources, mobile courts will be conducted by area-wise executive magistrates, he warned. He also urged local MPs and political leaders to actively engage in the public service initiative. New DSCC Administrator Salam unveils drive to make South Dhaka a ‘clean city’ In his remarks, State Minister Habibur Rahman said special attention must be given to comparatively underdeveloped and civic facility-deprived areas. He added that the government will extend full cooperation to DSCC in recovering and freeing canals—known mosquito breeding grounds—from illegal encroachment. The drive, which began at 9am, saw participation of around 250 workers from DSCC’s waste management and health departments. They carried out cleaning of canals, drains, sewers and footpaths, along with applying mosquito control chemicals. A public awareness rally was also held with participation from local residents and members of ‘BD Clean’. DSCC Chief Executive Officer  Jahirul Islam, Chief Waste Management Officer  Mahabubur Rahman Talukder, along with other departmental heads and local leaders, were present at the event.

The price of drinking water supplied through Water ATM booths in the capital has been tripled within the last two years, raising concerns among city residents already struggling with the cost of living. Due to the failure of the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Dhaka WASA) to ensure safe drinking water through pipelines, about 91 percent of consumers boil water before drinking. According to a 2019 study by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), households spend around Tk 322 crore annually on gas for boiling water to make it potable. DWASA moves to set up Tk 721cr training, research academy The new, increased price came into effect from Sunday. In an office order signed by Dhaka WASA Secretary SM Jahangir Hossain, the authority announced that the price of Water ATM water has been raised from Tk 0.80 to Tk 1 per litre, inclusive of VAT and taxes. The order said the decision was taken at the 14th meeting of Dhaka WASA’s Performance Support Committee, held on January 28. WASA explained that the price hike was mainly due to increased operation and maintenance costs of the booths. Users were also informed through SMS notifications, stating that due to global price hikes and a Dhaka WASA decision, the price of Water ATM water has been fixed at Tk 1 per litre, including VAT. Earlier, on August 1, 2023, Dhaka WASA had increased the Water ATM price from Tk 0.40 to Tk 0.80 per litre. Draft of amended WASA law approved by advisors' council Sahina, a resident of Jatrabari area, expressed frustration over the move. “Why should the government increase the price even for drinking water? Thousands of crores of taka are spent in different sectors with subsidies. At least safe drinking water should be subsidised by the government or WASA,” she said. She said her nine-member family needs around 17 litres of drinking water daily, which costs nearly Tk 600 per month. “On top of that, we have to pay the regular WASA water bill at home. Instead of putting pressure on consumers, WASA could at least provide drinking water free of cost,” she added. Currently, Dhaka WASA, in partnership with US-based NGO Drinkwell, has installed 302 Water ATM booths across different areas of the capital. Using an RFID card—similar to a bank ATM card—users can collect purified drinking water automatically. Cards can be recharged with amounts ranging from Tk 10 to Tk 999, and water can be collected daily from 8am to 10pm. The popularity of the service is increasing, with around 780,000 registered users and daily sales of about 1.3 million litres of water from the booths. Complaints over the quality of piped water supplied by Dhaka WASA have persisted for years. Against this backdrop, the first Water ATM booth was installed in May 2017 at Mugda to provide affordable, safe drinking water to the city’s low-income communities. Dhaka WASA signed an agreement with Drinkwell for the initiative and later expanded the service to other parts of the city based on demand. The water sold through these booths is purified after being extracted from underground sources.

Bangladesh is poised to emerge as a manufacturer of greenhouse hydroponics tents, as a Hong Kong–based Chinese company on Sunday signed a land lease agreement with the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority to set up a factory at the BEPZA Economic Zone. Green Pure Houseware (BD) Co., Ltd. will invest US$30.47 million in the project, which will produce greenhouse hydroponics tents—portable enclosed structures used for soil-less plant cultivation—along with EVA cabinet mats, cartons and PE packaging films. Officials said the hydroponics tents are a non-traditional and high-value export item, in line with BEPZA’s strategy to diversify Bangladesh’s export basket and tap into specialised global markets. The company plans to export its products to major international destinations, including the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan. The project is expected to create employment opportunities for around 3,000 Bangladeshi nationals, contributing to job creation and industrial expansion within the economic zone. The agreement was signed on Sunday at the BEPZA Complex in Dhaka. Md Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, signed the deal on behalf of BEPZA, while Wang Shenyu, Managing Director of Green Pure Houseware (BD) Co., Ltd., signed on behalf of the company. Executive Chairman of BEPZA Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain witnessed the signing ceremony. Welcoming the investor, the Executive Chairman reaffirmed BEPZA’s commitment to providing seamless services and a business-friendly environment to ensure smooth implementation and operation of the project. Officials expressed hope that the investment would further strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a competitive manufacturing hub for diversified export products.

The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment has opened a helpdesk and hotline to assist workers bound for the Middle East whose flights have been cancelled or whose visas have expired. The initiative was taken at the directive of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, according to a handout of PID. Affected migrant workers have been requested to contact the toll-free hotline 16135 for round-the-clock information and assistance regarding flight cancellations and visa expiry issues. The ministry said all flights to Middle Eastern destinations remain suspended due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, causing uncertainty for outbound workers.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Sunday held a rally protesting a heinous attack on Iran by the United States and Israel and the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The rally began at 3:00 pm at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Thousands of leaders and activists joined the programme, where Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer ATM Azharul Islam was present as the chief guest. Will extend full support to all reasonable govt steps: Jamaat Ameer Speaking at the rally, Azharul Islam strongly condemned the attack on Iran and the killing of its supreme leader and hundreds of civilians. “This attack is not only against Iran and the Muslim world; it is against democracy, humanity and human rights.” He also said that those who believe in democracy cannot remain silent and must condemn this attack. The Jamaat leader also urged the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take appropriate action. “If tensions in the Middle East prolong, life in other parts of the world, including Bangladesh, will become difficult,” he warned. He called for an immediate end to the war for the sake of global peace and stability. Among others, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, Publicity Affairs Secretary Advocate Motiur Rahman Akand, and Nurul Islam Bulbul, MP, also spoke at the rally.