United News of Bangladesh

In Chattogram, armed criminals opened fire on the house of former MP and Managing Director of Smart Group, Mujibur Rahman CIP, despite police presence. Early Saturday, four masked gunmen repeatedly fired at the businessman’s house located in the Chandanpura area in Chawkbazar. The bullets shattered window glass on the second floor of the house. Although no one was injured, panic spread across the area. Earlier, on January 2, the same house was targeted in a similar manner. A video of the incident, captured by CCTV cameras, has circulated on social media. The footage shows four armed men firing at Mujibur Rahman’s house. All of them were seen carrying modern firearms. After the shooting, they fled through the road beside the Chaktai canal behind the house. Confirming the incident, Officer in Charge of Chawkbazar Police Station Babul Azad said four armed men opened fire and left the scene within 30 seconds. “Police are investigating to identify those involved and legal action will be taken,” he added. On January 2, criminals also fired indiscriminately in front of the same house in a similar way. Police investigation later found the involvement of followers of former Shibir cadre Sazzad Ali Khan. That attack was carried out over a demand for Tk 100 million in extortion. After that incident, Chattogram Metropolitan Police arranged round-the-clock police guard in front of the house.

Footpaths in the city will be freed from illegal occupation in a planned and orderly manner through dialogue with city authorities, traders and hawkers after Eid-ul-Fitr, said Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam on Sunday. He made the remarks while inaugurating a modern foot overbridge in the New Market area under the Mirpur Road corridor in the capital. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Freedom Fighter Md Abdus Salam was also present at the event. The foot overbridge was constructed with DSCC’s own funds at a cost of about Tk 9.77 crore under the direct supervision of the city corporation. The construction was carried out by Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited (DEW) between January 1, 2023 and October 30, 2025. Built with reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and steel structures, the bridge is 42 metres long and 20 feet wide. To facilitate easy movement for pedestrians, especially the elderly and children, an escalator has been installed. Currently, this is the only foot overbridge under DSCC END with an escalator. The bridge also has 7-foot-wide conventional stairways on both sides and is directly connected to Noor Mansion on the eastern side and New Super Market on the western side for the convenience of shoppers. A modern lighting system has been installed to ensure night-time safety and enhance aesthetics. Speaking at the inauguration, the minister said the New Market area, surrounded by 31 markets, is one of the busiest commercial zones in the city, and the new foot overbridge would significantly reduce pedestrian suffering. He, however, warned that no illegal hawkers or shops would be allowed to occupy the bridge under any circumstances. Presiding over the programme, DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said development projects are being undertaken in line with the Prime Minister’s directives, prioritising public welfare and citizens’ needs. He urged New Market traders to sell goods at fair prices during the holy month of Ramadan and to keep the market area clean. According to DSCC, there are currently 31 foot overbridges under its jurisdiction. In addition, construction of another foot overbridge is underway near the old Ramna Police Station at Mogbazar. Repair works of seven more foot overbridges at Paribagh, Sobhanbagh, Science Lab, Shahbagh, Balaka and Hatkhola intersections are also being expedited. DSCC authorities expressed hope that the newly inaugurated foot overbridge would help ease long-standing traffic congestion in the New Market area and ensure safer road crossing for pedestrians.

Dhaka, Feb 28 (UNB) – Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said political parties must change their election manifestos in line with public expectations, changing times and the needs of youth. He said politics is not static but dynamic. Therefore, not only election manifestos but also the goals, aims and declarations of political parties should reflect people’s hopes, demands of the time and youth aspirations. Govt working to curb artificial price hikes, break syndicates: Minister Salahuddin The minister made the remarks while speaking at a discussion and iftar programme marking the first anniversary of the National Citizen Party (NCP) at the Abahani Limited Dhaka ground in the capital. Salahuddin said he felt hopeful when the NCP began its journey as a political party in the democratic arena. He said participation of young people in politics would bring greater dignity and energy to the country’s political landscape and help move the nation forward. He expressed hope that as a new political party, NCP has already come a long way. Changes likely at top of police administration: Minister Salahuddin He noted that the party secured six seats in the national parliament by joining electoral alliances and said the number of seats could increase in the future, even leading the party to state power one day. The minister said ups and downs are natural in politics and those who fail to accept them do not survive. He added that people want a political environment that reflects public needs and encourages all citizens to engage in politics. He said NCP would practice politics that truly represents the people and carries forward public aspirations, including the expectations of students and citizens during the July 2024 mass uprising. He also said he attentively read the party’s election manifesto and found it encouraging. Calling on all to remain united in the national interest, Salahuddin Ahmed said there would be debates in the National Parliament, but unity must be maintained on national issues. He said the National Parliament would be turned into the main centre of discussion, where all issues would be addressed and solutions would be found through dialogue and debate for the nation. Later in the day, the home minister attended an iftar and doa programme organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Saturday warned that strict action will be taken against any transport operator found charging extra fare from passengers during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Narayanganj Terminal. Expressing optimism about the festive travel, the minister said this year’s Eid journey is expected to be safer and more comfortable than before. Though traffic congestion and lack of discipline may arise in some areas, he said the government has taken all necessary preparations to tackle possible challenges. “Instructions have been given to all concerned agencies, and the administration will remain more active than before,” he added. Regarding the Narayanganj Terminal, the minister said a World Bank-funded development project is currently closed. However, some improvement works are being carried out with government funding to keep terminal operations running. On allegations of extortion on waterways, he said immediate action would be taken upon receiving specific information, including the location and timing of the incident. The matter is under regular surveillance and, if necessary, the Home Ministry will be informed, as extortion is a criminal offence. The minister also addressed allegations of creating an artificial crisis in the market by keeping essential commodities stored in lighter vessels at the terminal for extended periods. During an inspection, wheat was found on one vessel, and information was received that goods on several other lighter ships had not been unloaded within the stipulated time, contributing to supply disruptions. Those concerned have been asked to explain the matter, he said, adding that legal action will be taken if a satisfactory response is not received. During the visit, the minister also inspected the under-construction Khanpur Inland Container Terminal (ICT), Bank Terminal, Dredger Base and the proposed terminal building area to be developed with World Bank financing. State Minister Habibur Rashid, BIWTA Narayanganj District Joint Director Mostafizur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner Alamgir Hussain, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Hasinuzzaman and other officials were present.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday ordered investigators to submit a chargesheet within two months over an arson attack on the offices of two of the country’s leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. Salahuddin Ahmed made the directive after visiting an art exhibition titled ‘Alo’, organised around the fire-damaged building of Prothom Alo in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area. The exhibition, described by organisers as a reflection on resilience, features burnt computers, machinery parts, furniture, books and official documents recovered from the site. The minister made the visit on the 11th day of the event at the newspaper’s invitation. Talking to journalists after the visit, the minister said the investigation agency had been instructed to conduct a fair inquiry and file a chargesheet within the next two months. “The responsibility of investigation lies with us, while the responsibility of delivering justice lies with the judiciary. We have directed the investigation agencies and law enforcement forces to complete a fair investigation and submit the chargesheet within the next two months,” he said. Salahuddin strongly condemned the attack and said demands for a proper investigation and justice had been raised from the outset. He said the incident had tarnished Bangladesh’s international image by creating the impression that media houses could be targeted with impunity. “Through exemplary punishment, we want to send the opposite message to the world — that no one can stop the path of progress in Bangladesh.” Salahuddin said the efforts by Prothom Alo to recover from the destruction resembled a ‘living museum’, symbolising resilience in the face of adversity. He also warned that communal and extremist forces might attempt to disrupt the country’s progress, but said history showed they had not succeeded. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Policy and Strategy Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, and Prothom Alo Editor and Publisher Matiur Rahman were present during the visit. Referring to the government’s election manifesto, the home minister said the administration was committed to ensuring full independence of the media and the judiciary. No new probe commission over Pilkhana carnage: Home Minister He said the government, elected with a huge public mandate, required cooperation from all quarters to fulfill its pledges. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said, “I have had to listen to concerns from both the local diplomatic community and abroad regarding the attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.” He added, “Today, we can make a promise that such incidents will not occur again in our country, and this commitment must be shared by the entire society.” Expressing his condolences, he said, “May they recover from this devastation and continue to carry out their duties as a truly independent media in Bangladesh.”  

Md. Rashed Akter and Rashid-un-Nabi have been elected President and General Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Bankers Club of Bangladesh Limited. The election was held in a peaceful and festive atmosphere on Friday (Feb 27), with the vote counting concluding late in the evening on the day. The final result was published today. A total of 46 candidates from two primary panels—the Bankers Oikya Parishad and the Sarbojanin Bankers Parishad —along with one independent candidate, contested for various positions. Bangladesh’s bankers push for travel bans, public shaming of loan defaulters The Bankers Oikya Parishad secured a landslide victory, winning 19 positions, including the posts of President, General Secretary, and Organising Secretary. Meanwhile, the Sarbojanin Bankers Parishad panel secured the Social Welfare Secretary post and three Executive Member positions. The newly elected officials include Senior Vice President Subir Kumar Kundu, Vice Presidents Md. Mofazzal Mamun Khan and Md. Shafiqul Islam Fakir Pintu, Joint General Secretary Mohammad Khairul Hasan, Organising Secretary Amin Md. Mehedi Hasan, Treasurer Shafiqul Islam, Publicity Secretary Md. Anwarul Islam Masud Other winners include Md. Mahmidul Hasan Rana (Sports), Hasina Ferdous (Social Welfare), and Kazi Azizur Rahman (Culture). Ten Executive Members were also elected, including Mohammad Lutful Habib, Sharmin Akter, and Azmeri Sultana, among others. The newly elected Executive Committee will serve a two-year term. In a post-election statement, the committee expressed gratitude to the members for their support and pledged to work toward the overall development of the club, member welfare, and building a stronger, unity-based organization.

The human rights situation across Bangladesh showed a further deterioration in February compared to January this year, particularly in terms of post-election violence, political arrests, violence against women and children, and border-related incidents, according to a report by Manabadhikar Sanskriti Foundation (MSF). The findings were revealed in MSF’s Human Rights Situation Monitoring Report for the month of February 2026, released on Saturday. MSF sees lack of effective measures by BSF to stop border incidents MSF said that although no major violence was reported on the day of the 13th parliamentary election on February 12, incidents of violence, casualties, politically and personally motivated attacks, clashes, violence against women, and arson occurred in different parts of the country following the announcement of the election and referendum results. According to data published in the media and collected by MSF, a total of 799 people were victims of election-related violence in 136 incidents in February. Among them, five people, including a child, were killed and 794 others injured. Of the 136 incidents, 65 occurred before the election, leaving 385 people injured. On election day, 14 incidents were reported with 98 people injured. In 57 post-election incidents, five people, including a child, were killed and 311 others injured. MSF concludes emergency response supporting flood-affected patients in Noakhali MSF also reported that 40 leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations in connection with cases related to the anti-discrimination student movement and the fall of the government, were arrested. Among them, one person was arrested in connection with the quota reform movement. Regarding violence against women and children, MSF said 253 incidents were recorded in February, four fewer than the previous month. The month saw 33 rape cases, 12 gang rapes, and five incidents of rape followed by murder. Among the rape survivors were six adolescent girls and women with disabilities. On the border situation, MSF said six Bangladeshi nationals were tortured by Indian citizens in the presence of members of India’s Border Security Force (BSF). A Bangladeshi fishing boat along with 28 fishermen was detained from the Bay of Bengal by the Indian Coast Guard. In Kurigram’s Roumari border area, the BSF allegedly took away 95 cattle. Additionally, seven Bangladeshi youths were detained from border areas. Meanwhile, two fishermen were shot and injured by unidentified pirates while fishing in the Bay of Bengal. A child from Teknaf, who had been critically injured by gunfire from across the Myanmar border last month, died while undergoing treatment. Separately, five fishermen were detained along with their trawler by Myanmar’s armed group Arakan Army while returning from the Naf River in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. MSF said the incidents have created anxiety and fear among residents living in border areas and stressed the need for effective accountability, impartial investigations and preventive measures to control the situation.

The administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan has directed officials to take effective steps within one day to remove waterlogging on Ashkona Main Road. He gave the instruction on Saturday after visiting the area near the Water Pump Government Primary School on Ashkona Main Road. Member of Parliament for Dhaka 18 S M Jahangir Hossain was present during the visit. Water has remained on several parts of Ashkona Main Road for a long time, causing serious trouble for local residents and pedestrians. Following complaints from people in the area, the DNCC administrator inspected the road and asked for immediate action. DNCC regional executive officer Md Khoybor Rahman said work to remove the water has already started using suction machines. He expressed hope that the waterlogging would be cleared by Sunday. He also said work to build drain connections for a permanent solution would begin soon. After the Ashkona visit, the DNCC administrator also inspected the road from Koshai Bari Rail Gate to Bottola Ishral Colony. Social awareness, stronger monitoring needed to curb mosquito menace: DNCC administrator He expressed dissatisfaction with the poor condition of the road and instructed DNCC chief engineer Brigadier General Syed Rakibul Hasan to take immediate steps to make it suitable for smooth movement. He also directed officials to prepare a combined project for quick improvement of the road.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Saturday announced a strict ‘zero tolerance’ approach to negligence in mosquito control operations, as a 10-day crash programme is set to begin across the city from Sunday. DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam issued the warning during an emergency meeting with officials from the Health Department’s mosquito control wing at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium on Saturday. He said any failure, complacency or corruption in mosquito control would not be tolerated. The meeting was convened in response to a recent rise in mosquito prevalence in DSCC areas. Officials discussed measures to ensure the effectiveness of insecticides, proper application methods and strengthening field-level supervision. Abdus Salam instructed the Health Department to work closely with the Waste Management Department to boost mosquito control efforts. He also stressed the importance of public awareness and indicated that mobile courts could be deployed if Aedes mosquito larvae are detected. “Our position is clear—zero tolerance on negligence, failure or corruption in mosquito control,” he said, adding that he would personally conduct on-site inspections of mosquito control activities. The administrator announced a phased 10-day ‘crash programme’ across DSCC’s 10 zones, involving both city corporation officials and local residents. The meeting also explored training initiatives to enhance the skills of mosquito control workers and trial use of new, more effective insecticides. Md Abdus Salam instructed strict legal action against any government or private establishment found harbouring mosquito breeding grounds that fail to take corrective measures despite repeated warnings. DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Jahirul Islam, Corporation Secretary Mohammad Nasim Ahmed, Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahabubur Rahman Talukder, and departmental heads, zonal officials and Health Department officers attended the meeting.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged the officials and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to work sincerely to change the fate of the country’s people. “The people of Bangladesh are looking up to the government with great expectations. You are also part of this government,” he said while addressing officials and staff of the PMO at a meeting. The prime minister mentioned that PMO officials and staff are part of the administration and said the government will perform well only if they extend full cooperation. “We consider this country our first and last address. So we must work ourselves to change the destiny of our people.” Tarique Rahman arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon at 10:15am and held his first meeting with officials and staff of the PMO since assuming office. The meeting was held at the Shapla Hall of the PMO in Tejgaon in the morning. Prime Minister’s advisers Mirza Abbas, Ismail Zabiullah, Humayun Kabir, Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Brig Gen (retd) ATM Shamsul Islam and Zahedur Rahman were present, along with Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, according to a press release issued by the PMO. Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar delivered the welcome address and Director General of the PMO Mohammad Abdul Wadud Chowdhury gave a presentation on the structure and functions of the office. Addressing the meeting, Tarique said every political party has a manifesto and noted that through a fair election, people gave their mandate in favour of implementing the manifesto of the BNP.  “So, we must work in line with the commitments made in the manifesto,” he said. The Prime Minister sought the cooperation of government officials and employees in implementing the manifesto pledges, particularly in the health and education sectors, women’s education, employment generation, sports and other priority areas. Tarique stressed the need to ensure the security of citizens so that they feel safe. “If we all work together, we will certainly be able to achieve this goal,” he said. He also expressed hope that officials and employees would extend full support in eliminating corruption from the country. At the meeting, the prime minister instructed officials to maintain confidentiality where necessary in the interest of the state. He also emphasised strict adherence to government rules and regulations to build a disciplined and orderly nation. Heads of departments and agencies under the PMO, along with its officials and staff members, were present at the meeting. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended office on Saturday, although it was a public holiday Last Saturday, he worked at the PMO in Tejgaon for the first time.