United News of Bangladesh

The body of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be kept at the Evercare Hospital mortuary overnight before being taken to her Gulshan residence on Wednesday morning. “Madam’s (Khaleda’s) body has been kept at the Evercare Hospital mortuary for the night. On Wednesday morning, it will be taken to her residence Feroza,” said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said family members and close relatives will bid her final farewell at her residence, Feroza, where she had been living since April 20, 2011. After being evicted from her cantonment residence by the Awami League government in November 2010, the BNP Chairperson initially stayed for a few days on a second-floor apartment in a five-storey building in Gulshan-2, owned by her brother Shamim Eskander. Later, she moved to Feroza, a two-storey rented house built on one bigha of land. From Feroza, Sayrul said, Khaleda’s body will be taken to the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, where her namaz-e-janaza will be held at 2:00 pm. Following the janaza, she will be laid to rest beside the grave of her husband, late President Ziaur Rahman, at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Khaleda Zia passed away around 6:00 am on Tuesday at Evercare Hospital after receiving treatment for more than a month.

Bangladesh Bank has finalised the scheme to merge five troubled Shariah-based banks into a single entity named ‘Sammilito Islami Bank PLC’. This newly formed bank will acquire First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank. The central bank released the detailed resolution scheme on Tuesday, outlining a unique capital structure and a plan for depositor repayment. The policy sets the authorized capital of the new bank at Tk40,000 crore, with a paid-up capital of Tk35,000 crore. The capital will be divided into three classes of shareholders: Class A Shareholders: The government has provided Tk20,000 crore as capital, making it the primary shareholder. Class B Shareholders: Tk7,500 crore from the fixed deposits of institutional depositors (banks and financial institutions) within the five merging banks will be converted into shares. Class C Shareholders: Another Tk7,500 crore from the fixed deposits of other non-bank institutional depositors will also be converted into shares. However, certain entities are exempt from this mandatory share conversion. These include educational and religious institutions, hospitals, provident and gratuity funds, joint ventures, multinational companies, and foreign embassies. Protection for Individual Depositors: Bangladesh Bank has introduced specific measures to protect the interests of general depositors- Full Protection: Deposits up to Tk2.0 lakh are fully secured under the ‘Deposit Insurance Act’ and can be withdrawn at any time. Installment Withdrawals: For deposits exceeding Tk2.0 lakh, withdrawals from current and savings accounts will be allowed in installments over a period of 24 months. Humanitarian Exception: In a compassionate move, patients suffering from critical illnesses like cancer or those requiring kidney dialysis will be allowed to withdraw funds beyond the stipulated limits to cover medical expenses. The central bank also unveiled the logo of the newly formed "Sammilito Islami Bank" alongside the issuance of this notification. This merger marks a significant step by the regulator to stabilize the Islamic banking sector in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh plunged into deep mourning on Tuesday as people from all walks of life--political leaders, business figures, social and cultural activists, and religious organisations -- mourned the passing of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, one of the most influential figures in the country’s political history. Reflecting the scale of national grief, the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus announced a three-day national mourning, along with a public holiday on Wednesday, expressing profound shock at the loss. Condolences also poured in from different countries. Diplomatic missions stationed in Dhaka and several heads of government expressed their deep sympathies at the death of Khaleda Zia, wife of former Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and mother of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, recalling his personal interaction with the former prime minister. “I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace,” he said in a condolence message, noting her enduring influence on Dhaka–Delhi relations. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Khaleda Zia.“Her lifelong service to Bangladesh and its growth and development leaves a lasting legacy,” he said. Curtain falls on a political giant as Khaleda Zia passes into history A number of high-level foreign dignitaries from India, Pakistan, Bhutan and the Maldives are expected to attend Khaleda Zia’s funeral on Wednesday to pay their last respects. Among the likely attendees are Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. International media outlets also highlighted her death prominently. Alongside local media, global platforms such as Al Jazeera, DW, CNN and NDTV ran headlines and in-depth reports outlining her political journey and legacy. President Mohammed Shahabuddin described Khaleda Zia’s death as an irreparable loss to the nation. In a condolence message, he said her uncompromising role in establishing democracy and safeguarding the rights of people would remain memorable in Bangladesh’s political history, according to the President’s Office. He prayed for the eternal peace of her soul and expressed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus termed Khaleda Zia a towering figure in the country’s democratic movement. “With the sad demise of Begum Khaleda Zia, the nation has lost one of its most significant political guardians. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her death,” he said. He said that she was not merely a political leader but “an inseparable chapter in the history of Bangladesh,” noting that in recognition of her long struggle, historic contributions and the deep sentiment of the people, the government had earlier this month declared her a person of great national importance. Several advisers, including Syeda Rizwana Hasan, expressed deep sorrow at her passing. Her son and BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman paid an emotional tribute, remembering her as both a devoted mother and a steadfast guardian of the nation. “My mother, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, has responded to the call of Almighty Allah and left us today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return),” he wrote in an emotional post on his verified Facebook page. Khaleda to be laid to rest beside Zia; Janaza at Parliament’s South Plaza BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also expressed shock and sorrow, while leaders from other political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and the NCP Convener, conveyed their condolences, describing her death as a profound loss to the nation. Khaleda Zia breathed her last around 6:00 am on Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Serving as chairperson of the BNP until her demise, she remained a formidable political force and, notably, never lost a national election since joining politics. As Bangladesh prepares to bid farewell, the outpouring of grief at home and abroad underscores Khaleda Zia’s enduring imprint on the nation’s political landscape and her lasting legacy in the history of Bangladesh.

Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian has taken responsibility for the treatment, safety and rehabilitation of two ailing siblings rescued from a roadside in Anwara upazila amid severe cold. The DC took charge of the children on Tuesday, directing officials to ensure medical care, protection and long-term rehabilitation. The children—four-year-old girl Ayesha and her two-year-old brother Morshed-were rescued on Sunday evening from the Majargate area of Barkhain union under the upazila. According to the girl, their home is in the Moulvir Dokan area of Satkania upazila. Their parents are Khoreshed Alam and Jhinuk Akhter. On Monday, a video showing the sister carrying her brother on lap sitting along a roadside circulated on social media, triggering huge criticism over the matter. After reports of the children’s condition on social media, the DC instructed Anwara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tahmina Akhter to take immediate action. Following primary treatment, the children were brought to the DC’s office on Tuesday. Despite being engaged in election-related duties, the DC reviewed the children’s physical condition and overall circumstances. Considering the boy’s severe weakness and illness, he was admitted to Chattogram General Hospital for further treatment. The DC also provided financial assistance to cover medical and immediate needs. Officials were instructed to ensure there is no negligence in the children’s care. The DC also directed the Department of Social Services to take steps for their safety and rehabilitation. The children were rescued by a local CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver, Mahim Uddin, who found them sitting by the roadside in the cold. His wife, Sharmin Akhter, said both children were ill and that the younger one is physically challenged, adding that they bathed the children with warm water and fed them, which provided some relief. After locals informed the administration, the district authorities moved swiftly to take measures, including treatment. In recognition of the rescue, the DC awarded Mahim Uddin Tk 10,000 in cash. Mahim said he rescued the children out of humanitarian concern, adding that the DC’s encouragement further motivated him. DC Zahidul said the administration would ensure the children are raised in a safe and secure environment with necessary support for their future. He said, “We all naturally love our own children the most. But those who can go beyond their own children and embrace the children of others are truly human.” Anwara Police Station Sub-Inspector Momen Kanti Dey said the DC’s actions reflected genuine humanitarian values.    

Dhaka University is in mourning following the death of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the BNP. Her passing has plunged teachers, students, officers, and staff of the university into deep grief and sorrow. The Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and Treasurer of the university have expressed their condolences. In addition, banners expressing mourning have been displayed in various residential halls, and special prayers are being offered at mosques. The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has also expressed its condolences and called for prayer gatherings in all mosques on campus, seeking the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia, described as a “symbol of uncompromising struggle.” In order to pay the highest respect and honor to Khaleda Zia-hailed as a “symbol of national unity”, the university authorities have declared three days of mourning at Dhaka University from Tuesday through Thursday. During this period, all classes and examinations at the university have been suspended. As part of the mourning observance, the national flag at the university is being flown at half-mast. As part of the mourning program, a condolence meeting will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the auditorium of the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building. To organize the meeting, a five-member committee has been formed with Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed as its convener. Curtain falls on a political giant as Khaleda Zia passes into history In a condolence message, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said that Begum Khaleda Zia devoted her entire life to the welfare of the country and the nation. Her tireless struggle and dedication to establishing democracy and people’s rights will continue to guide future generations for ages to come. As the first woman Prime Minister of Bangladesh, she served the country and the nation and always stood by the side of ordinary people. Her unparalleled contributions to the country and the nation will remain eternally memorable. The Vice-Chancellor prayed for the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia and expressed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Traffic will remain restricted on several roads in the capital on Wednesday due to the movement of the convoy carrying the body of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, according to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). The funeral prayer (Namaj-e-Janaja) of Begum Khaleda Zia is scheduled to be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building after Zuhr prayer on Wednesday, says a DMP media release. As per the DMP, the body will be taken from Evercare Hospital to the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building in the morning. The convoy will pass through Evercare Hospital, 36 July Expressway, Kuril Flyover, Navy Headquarters, residence Firoza, Gulshan-2, Kamal Ataturk Avenue, Airport Road, Mohakhali Flyover, Jahangir Gate, Bijoy Sarani, and the Aeroplane Crossing, before entering the South Plaza through Gate No. 6 of the National Parliament Building. Traffic restrictions have been imposed on the relevant roads during the movement of the convoy. The DMP has sought cooperation from the public to avoid inconvenience. The information was disclosed in a media release issued by DMP on Tuesday evening, signed by its Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman.

The Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday recommended approving a proposal in principle submitted by SOCAR Trading SA, Switzerland for the short-term supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The recommendation came from the 41st meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Economic Affairs in this year held virtually with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. The proposal was considered for processing under the Government-to-Government (G2G) procurement method in line with Section 68 of the Public Procurement Act, 2006 and Rules 99(2) and 107(2) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2025. The proposal was placed by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division. After detailed discussion, the committee recommended approving the proposal in principle. The meeting also considered a proposal related to organising the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad election in 2026 in a festive manner. The proposal sought approval to apply the Direct Procurement Method under the physical services category to carry out expanded caravan activation activities nationwide. The objective is to ensure wider dissemination of already produced voter awareness materials, including television commercials and video documentaries, as part of public awareness initiatives ahead of the national election. The proposal was placed by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Following deliberations, the committee recommended the proposal for approval in principle.

The authority of Dhaka University (DU) has announced a three-day mourning beginning Tuesday after the passing of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The decision was taken to show due respect to Khaleda Zia, the university authorities said, according to a media release signed by Mohammad Rafikul Islam, acting director of the Public Relations Office of the DU. As part of the mourning, all academic activities including classes and examinations remain suspended during the mourning period, and the university’s flag will be kept at half-mast. Further programmes will be arranged in line with the state schedule. Alongside observing mourning, the DU plans to organise academic seminars and other events highlighting the life and works of the former premier. From Tuesday, Quran telawat, doa and special prayers will be held at the university’s central mosque, Masjidul Jami’a, as well as at mosques in all halls, hostels and residential areas, seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia. Special prayers will also be arranged at other religious places of worship. To facilitate participation in Khaleda Zia’s janaza on Manik Mia Avenue on Wednesday, the DU authority has arranged special transport for teachers, students, officers and staff.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) will operate additional special metro rail services on Wednesday to ease the transportation of those wishing to join the namaz-e-janaza of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The state-owned DMTCL will run the metro rail beyond their regular schedule on the occasion of the janaza scheduled to be held at 2pm at the South Plaza of Parliament, according to a notice issued by AKM Khairul Alam, director (admin) of the organisation. On December 20, the DMTCL also ran special metro services to facilitate the journey of people who wanted to participate in the janaza of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, who died in a Singapore Hospital on December 18 while undergoing treatment. Khaleda to be laid to rest beside Zia; Janaza at Parliament’s South Plaza He sustained bullet injuries in an attack by terrorists while electioneering on Culvert Road at Puratan Paltan of Dhaka on December 12.

The Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase on Tuesday recommended approval of several key procurement proposals involving purchase of 70,000 metric tons of fertiliser, 50,000 metric tons of non-Basmati para-boiled rice, 10,000 metric tons of phosphoric acid and major infrastructure development under the Ministry of Shipping. The recommendations came from the committee’s 52nd meeting in this year held this afternoon, where five proposals from the Ministries of Food, Shipping and Industries were reviewed. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed presided over the meeting virtually. Among the approved proposals, the Ministry of Food will procure 50,000 metric tons of non-Basmati parboiled rice through international open tender method at a cost of Tk 220.05 crore to strengthen national food reserves in the fiscal year 2025–26. To ensure uninterrupted fertiliser supply for agriculture, the committee also endorsed multiple proposals from the Ministry of Industries. These include the import of 10,000 metric tons of phosphoric acid for Triple Super Phosphate Complex Limited (TSPCL) with around Tk 97.70 crore alongside procurement of 30,000 metric tons of bagged granular urea fertiliser from KAFCO, Bangladesh with around Tk 190.59 crore and 40,000 metric tons of bulk granular urea fertiliser from Saudi Arabia’s SABIC Agri-nutrients Company with around Tk 190.59 crore. In the infrastructure sector, the committee recommended approval of a major proposal from the Ministry of Shipping for construction works at the Inland Container and Bulk Terminal at Khanpur in Narayanganj, implemented by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). The 1st revised project aims to enhance inland container handling, bulk cargo storage and logistics efficiency, at a cost of approximately Tk 184.91 crore. Officials said the approved procurements will play a crucial role in ensuring food security, fertiliser availability for farmers and improved inland water transport facilities across the country.