United News of Bangladesh

Two people were killed and two others injured when a CNG-run auto-rickshaw crashed into a road divider while taking a U-turn in Tejgaon Industrial area of the capital on Friday night. The deceased were identified as Alim, 48, a CNG driver and passenger Harunur Rashid, 32, of Kishoreganj district. The accident occurred around 10 pm when the Mohakhali-bound CNG-run auto-rickshaw, carrying three passengers, hit the road divider while taking a U-turn, leaving four people injured. Father, daughter killed in Dhaka road crash Inspector Faruk, in-charge of the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital police camp, said the injured were taken to the hospital where doctors declared the CNG driver and one passenger dead. The injured female passengers—Happy Akter, 22, and Brishti Akter, 25—are undergoing treatment at the hospital, he added.

A 45-year-old man and his daughter were killed when a truck hit a motorbike in Science Lab area of the capital on Friday night. The deceased were identified as Saju Ahmed Sumon and his daughter Sumaiya Ahmed Trisha, residents of Shahjahanpur area. The accident occurred around 11 pm when the truck hit the motorcycle carrying the duo while they were heading towards their home, leaving one killed on the spot and another injured, said sub-inspector of New Market Police Station, Mahmudul. Bus–microbus collision leaves 2 dead on Dhaka–Barishal highway The injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where the doctors declared her dead. Police arrested the driver and seized the truck.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked 4th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI index of 182 at 9:13 am on Saturday. Dhaka’s air was classified as ' unhealthy', according to the air quality and pollution city ranking. India’s Delhi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa and Pakistan’s Lahore occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 237, 202 and 198 respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.  

Today is the historic Seventh March, a seminal date in Bangladesh's road to independence. On this day in 1971, a crowd estimated at several lakhs gathered at the then-Racecourse Maidan in Dhaka (today's Suhrawardy Uddyan) to hear ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman deliver a clarion call of freedom for the Bengalis of East Pakistan. Although he stopped short of declaring independence outright, much to the discontent of some of his younger lieutenants, Mujib’s riveting delivery laid the groundwork for the freedom struggle that lay ahead, as he urged his fellow Bengalis to prepare to “fight the enemy with whatever means available” to them. Ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Can Inspire the Young Generation "This time the struggle is for independence. This time the struggle is for liberation," he would tell them. By then the undisputed leader of the Bengali nation, Mujib also reiterates his instructions to observe an all-out civil disobedience movement that he himself had called five days earlier on March 2, including the non-payment of taxes. The background to the day was formed by Pakistani President Yahya Khan’s unilateral postponement, on March 1, of the National Assembly based on the results of the December 1970 election. The first session of the assembly had been scheduled for March 3. What Was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Childhood Like? Although Mujib's Awami League had won an absolute majority in the 1970 elections by dominating in East Pakistan, West Pakistani leaders, buttressed by the military establishment, refused to transfer power to him and the League. The postponement of the NA was widely seen as a continuation of this intransigence. The days leading up to March 7 saw widespread protests and the killing of Bengali civilians. This had caused tensions to soar, and it is a recurring theme in Mujib's speech, as he repeatedly exhorts the military to return to their barracks instead of killing civilians, and ultimately declares: “Having given blood already, we'll give even more blood, till we liberate the people of this land, Insh'Allah (God willing).” The speech came amid ongoing negotiations between Yahya and Mujib that would continue till the breakdown of talks, and the Pakistani military's resort to Operation Searchlight on the fateful night of March 25, triggering Bangladesh's War of Liberation. The day is no longer officially recognised as ‘historic’, following a decision of the interim government in October 2024. But in almost every household where the oral history of the birth of Bangladesh is passed down through generations, it remains a significant and unmissable waypoint. In 2017, Mujib's March 7 speech was included in UNESCO's Memory of the World International Register as a document of world heritage.

Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia will be honoured with the ‘Indomitable Woman of Democracy’ award by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026. The award recognizes her remarkable efforts and fearless leadership in restoring and strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. The award will be presented during the International Women’s Day celebration at Osmani Memorial Hall in Dhaka on March 8, according to a ministry press release. The recognition highlights her fearless leadership and unwavering efforts in establishing democratic practices in the country. Like previous years, this year five women will be honored as ‘Indomitable Women’ across five categories. Others include Nurun Nahar Akter for achievements in the economy, Mosammat Bobita Khatun in education and employment, Nur Banu Kabir as a successful mother, Mosammat Shamla Begum for overcoming adversity, and Mosammat Afroza Yasmin for her exceptional contributions to social development.

The ninth day of the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela turned lively on Friday as the holiday atmosphere brought a large number of visitors to the fairgrounds. The special “Children’s Hour,”(Shishu prohor) which began at 11 am, created a festive environment filled with the joy and footsteps of children. The vibrant presence of young readers at the venues in Suhrawardy Udyan and Bangla Academy premises added a new dimension to the fair. During the second week’s Children’s Hour, participation from children of various educational backgrounds was noticeable. Students from government and private primary schools, as well as kindergarten and English-medium institutions, joined the program. Organizers believe such participation helps foster a sense of friendship and empathy among children. A variety of colorful arrangements were made for children at the fair’s designated children’s corner. From early morning, parents began arriving with their children to enjoy the event. One of the main attractions of Children’s Hour was a puppet show, where lively conversations between puppet characters, storytelling, and amusing gestures captivated the young audience. Alongside the puppet show, the fair also hosted drawing competitions, cultural performances, games, and several competitive events for children. Through these activities, organizers aim to introduce children to the country’s culture and traditions. Beyond the entertainment, children also showed strong enthusiasm for buying books. Young readers crowded different stalls to collect their favorite titles, including ghost stories, rhymes, poetry, and illustrated books. Parents said they brought their children to the Children’s Hour to encourage reading habits and reduce excessive digital dependence.  Rubel Ahmed, who came from Mohammadpur with his son, said, “Nowadays children spend more time gaming on mobile phones rather than playing outdoor games. While technology has positive aspects, it can also negatively affect children. So it is important to introduce them to the outside home.” Meanwhile, due to the holiday, the number of readers and visitors was higher than on other days. Sellers also reported better sales compared to previous days. Ekushey Boi Mela sees low visitor-reader turnout on day 7 At 3pm, a discussion titled “Birth Centenary: Kalim Sharafi” was held at the fair’s main stage. The keynote paper was presented by Anima Roy. The discussion featured Saim Rana and was chaired by Sadhan Ghosh. In the “Meet the Author” session, writers Mridul Mahbub and Ehsan Mahmud spoke about their books. Later at 4pm, poet Shaheen Reza recited poetry during the cultural segment, while artists also performed recitations and musical pieces.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a money laundering case against Jubo League leader and former ward councillor Md Tajul Islam Chowdhury (Bappi) over allegations of laundering about Tk 2.5 crore. According to the CID’s Financial Crime Unit, Tajul and six to seven unnamed associates have been accused in the case filed with Pallabi Police Station under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended 2015). CID officials said Tajul, an influential leader in the Pallabi-Mirpur area, allegedly amassed large amounts of money through extortion and fraud by controlling different sectors in the area, including transport, temporary footpath markets, garment scrap (jhut) trading, and dish and internet businesses. During its inquiry, the CID found discrepancies between Tajul’s declared income and his assets, said CID Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan. According to the information he submitted, Tajul claimed that he earned Tk 3,83,65,355 between 2014 and 2024 from businesses including a clothing firm named “Smart Fashion,” fish trading, and an auto brick kiln known as “Messrs Chowdhury & Khan Auto Bricks” located in Morelganj of Bagerhat. He also reported family expenditures of Tk 1,11,83,270 during the same period, which would leave possible savings of about Tk 2,71,73,085. However, the CID investigation found that the total value of his movable and immovable assets stood at around Tk 4,27,22,471, indicating that he could not show the source of about Tk 1,55,49,386. Investigators also found that the brick kiln in Morelganj had been set up in a restricted area in violation of the Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kiln Establishment (Control) Act, 2013. The Department of Environment issued a notice on Dec 15, 2024, ordering the closure of the kiln, and later a mobile court fined the establishment Tk 1 lakh on Jan 30, 2025. Despite these legal actions, Tajul reported earning about Tk 48.48 lakh from the brick kiln, which investigators said appeared to be income from an illegal source. Ex-secretary, family sued over Tk 400m money laundering The CID also found irregularities in a land purchase in North Senpara under Pallabi Police Station. While the registered deed showed the land value as Tk 5.65 lakh, investigators said the actual price was about Tk 53.65 lakh, suggesting that the source of nearly Tk 48 lakh had been concealed. The investigation found evidence that about Tk 2,51,97,851 had been illegally earned, transferred, and converted through various means. The inquiry also revealed that transactions exceeding Tk 56.86 crore had taken place through accounts linked to the accused. Currently, about Tk 6,33,471 in those accounts has been frozen under a court order. Investigators further found that the audit reports of two companies submitted by Tajul for 2023 and 2024 were fake. According to the CID, the reports were allegedly prepared in the name of chartered accountant SM Zakaria, who had died during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that the accused used his name and firm’s address to produce forged audit documents. The case was registered at Pallabi Police Station on March 5, 2026, under sections 4(2) and 4(4) of the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012 (amended 2015). CID official Jasim Uddin Khan said the agency is continuing its investigation with utmost importance to curb money laundering and financial crimes.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday called on the country’s youth to explore startups and innovation in the jute sector, promote the “Made in Bangladesh” brand and utilise global e-commerce platforms to expand jute products in international markets. " There will be a call to the creative young generation to open new horizons in the jute sector by promoting “Made in Bangladesh” branding through startups and innovation, and by connecting with global e-commerce platforms. Spread Bangladeshi jute products across the world market," he said. He made the call while addressing the inaugural ceremony of National Jute Day 2026 and a nine-day Jute and Diversified Jute Products Fair at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. He also urged stakeholders to enhance innovation, technology use and diversification in the jute sector to harness the growing global demand for environmentally friendly products. Extending greetings to all participants, including entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers and businesspeople in the jute sector, the President described jute—the “golden fibre”—as an inseparable part of Bangladesh’s heritage, culture and economic development. “Jute is not only an agricultural crop but also an industrial and export commodity. Above all, it is a natural and eco-friendly fibre,” he said. The President said once Bangladeshi jute and jute products enjoyed great demand in the global market. In the current context of climate change, environmental pollution and the harmful effects of plastic and polythene, the importance of jute as an environmentally friendly product has increased manifold, he said. “The world is shifting towards sustainable and eco-friendly products, opening a new window of opportunity for Bangladesh’s jute and jute-based industries,” he said. Highlighting the government’s development agenda, the President said creating employment through sector-based economic revitalisation and increased domestic and foreign investment remains a top priority. President to pay tribute to BDR martyrs He said the government has taken initiatives to reopen sick and closed jute mills and other industries to create new employment opportunities. The President also mentioned steps taken to modernise the jute sector, expand research, develop high-yielding jute varieties and promote diversified uses of jute. He said the government has waived agricultural loans up to Tk10,000 including interest, benefiting more than 1.1 million farmers and creating new momentum in the agriculture sector, including jute cultivation. The President also said the government will begin distributing Farmer Cards in phases from Pahela  Baishakh on April 14. Referring to the theme of this year’s National Jute Day—“Build the Jute Industry, Create Employment”—he said it reflects the country’s commitment to expanding the sector and generating jobs. The President urged jute farmers to adopt improved high-yield cultivation methods and focus on producing quality fibre, while encouraging entrepreneurs to develop modern, innovative and affordable jute products in line with global market demand. The President urged people to avoid environmentally harmful polythene bags and instead use affordable jute bags and other eco-friendly products.  He also virtually inaugurated the nine-day 'Jute and Multipurpose Jute Products Fair' at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy premises. On the occasion, a total of 19 individuals and organizations, including 12 associations, were awarded in 12 categories while a documentary film was screened to mark the day. Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, State Minister Shariful Alam, Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Director General of the Jute Department Syed Md. Nurul Basir, and business representative Abul Hossain, President of Bangladesh Jute Mills Association (BJMA), among others, spoke on the occasion.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police has filed a case against former secretary and former executive member of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Md Khairul Islam (Mannan), his wife and son over allegations of laundering Tk 40 cr. The case was filed with Gulshan Police Station of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) against Khairul Islam (Mannan), his wife Israt Jahan Mim and their son Morsalin Islam Sourdip after primary findings revealed their alleged involvement in fraud and money laundering in collusion with each other. Primary investigation found that two shell companies—Meghmala International Ltd in the name of Israt Jahan Mim and Meghmala Estate Ltd in the name of Morsalin Islam Sourdip—were established. Through these entities, loans of Tk 20 cr each, totaling Tk 40 cr, were taken from the Gulshan branch of First Security Islami Bank PLC in 2012 through fraud and forgery. The investigation also revealed that the loan money was transferred and layered through various accounts to conceal its actual source. The loan amount obtained through the fake companies was deposited in an account of Morsalin Islam Sourdip at the Dhanmondi branch of First Security Islami Bank PLC. SHUJAN leader found dead in Gazipur Later, Tk 400 million was debited from that account and deposited into another account titled “Union Bank (Proposed)” at the Banasree branch of First Security Islami Bank PLC. CID’s investigation further found that Morsalin Islam Sourdip purchased sponsor shares of Union Bank PLC during its inception using the fraudulently obtained loan money. CID Special Superintendent of Police (Media) Jasim Uddin Khan said the Financial Crime Unit of CID is currently conducting the investigation into the case. He said the investigation and inquiry are continuing to uncover the full details of the crime and complete other legal procedures. He also said the agency is giving highest priority to preventing money laundering and financial crimes and will continue its investigation to bring those involved in such offences under the law.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Thursday warned that the licence of any government doctor found seeing patients outside during official duty hours will be suspended or cancelled. The minister made the warning at a briefing on current affairs held at the conference room of the Health Ministry, said an official handout. Govt moving to restore discipline in public hospitals: Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain said Rajesh Majumder, a doctor at the 250-bed District Sadar Hospital in Shariatpur, had been summoned to the ministry on Wednesday for seeing patients at a private chamber in the local Modern City Hospital during office hours. He said the doctor will be suspended from his job and a departmental case will be filed following due procedures. The process to suspend his professional registration is also underway. The minister urged other doctors to learn from the incident. He added that action is also being taken against Modern City Hospital in Shariatpur. Drug addicts to be identified, punished through dope tests: Health Minister The health minister said intelligence surveillance is being conducted across the country to ensure that government medicines reach the public and that doctors remain present at their workplaces. He warned that if any government doctor is found absent during office hours in the future, their licence will be suspended and disciplinary action will be taken. The minister also said the government plans to recruit around 100,000 field-level health workers in various posts, including midwives, pharmacists and technologists, to improve the quality of healthcare services. Of them, 80 percent will be women.