United News of Bangladesh

After overcoming a series of logistical challenges, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 opens its gates in the capital today (Thursday) with organisers promising a 'zero-waste' and  environmentally conscious edition of the country’s largest literary gathering. This year’s fair carries the theme 'Multidimensional Bangladesh' and will run until March 15. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the fair at 2pm. During the opening ceremony, he will also present the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025. Organised by Bangla Academy, the month-long fair remains a central fixture of Bangladesh’s cultural calendar, marking the spirit of the Language Movement and the wider observance of Amar Ekushey. Scale and Layout According to the organisers, 549 publishing houses are participating this year. Of these, 81 stalls are located within the Bangla Academy premises and 468 at the adjoining Suhrawardy Udyan.  In total, the fair features 1,018 units. A 'Little Magazine Corner' has been arranged under the trees near the open stage at Suhrawardy Udyan, with 87 little magazines allocated stalls. The overall layout remains largely unchanged from last year, though some structural adjustments have been introduced.  Due to the positioning of the metro rail station, the exit route has been shifted closer to the temple gate. There will be four entry and exit points at TSC, Doel Chattar, the MRT basing plant and the Engineers’ Institution area. Food stalls have been placed along the boundary of the Engineers’ Institution. Ramadan Arrangements & Environmental focus With Ramadan under way, organisers have made special arrangements at the Suhrawardy Udyan section for Taraweeh prayers.  Bangla Academy assures inclusive, safe Amar Ekushey Book Fair Prayer spaces, washrooms and related facilities will remain available. The fair will be open from 2pm to 9 pm on regular days, with entry closed after 8:30 pm. On holidays, it will run from 11 am to 9pm. Fridays and Saturdays will feature a dedicated Children’s Corner from 11 am to 1:30 pm, hosting 63 institutions across 107 units.  In addition, daily seminars will take place on the main stage from 3pm to 4pm, followed by cultural programmes from 4pm to 5pm. There will also be children’s art, recitation and music competitions, alongside book launch events at Suhrawardy Udyan. This year, organisers have pledged to turn the fair into a 'Zero Waste Book Fair'. The premises will be free from polythene and smoking.  Regular water spraying will be carried out to control dust and mosquito control measures will be in place. Publishers, food vendors and stall operators have been urged to use recyclable and environmentally friendly materials such as jute, cloth and paper for stalls, banners and promotional materials. Security and Last-minute Rush  Multi-layered security arrangements have been implemented across the fairground and surrounding areas.  Archways have been installed at entry and exit points, and extensive CCTV coverage has been set up. No mob threat at Amar Ekushey Book Fair, police on full alert: DMP Members of Bangladesh Police, RAB, Ansar and various intelligence agencies will oversee security.  Adequate lighting has been arranged throughout the fairground and adjacent areas, including routes from Doel Chattar to TSC and Shahbagh, via Matsya Bhaban and the Engineers’ Institution, as well as from Doel Chattar to Shaheed Minar and Chankharpul, and from TSC to Nilkhet. Despite the preparations, some publishers say that complications surrounding the fair’s commencement during Ramadan have left them struggling to complete stall arrangements in time.  Workers were seen busy arranging books and hanging banners even on the eve of the opening. According to several publishers, not all stalls will be fully ready on the first day, with finishing touches likely to continue even after the fair formally begins.

The government has identified a fake website operating in the name of the Ministry of Social Welfare and warned citizens to remain cautious to avoid possible fraud. In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said its official website — www.msw.gov.bd — is functioning normally and remains secure. However, the ministry has found that a fraudulent website using the domain name “mswbd.org” is operating in imitation of the ministry, which may create confusion among the public. The ministry urged citizens to stay alert and not to be misled by the fake website. It also requested the public to inform its ICT wing at 01915026423 if any hacker group or dishonest individual attempts to carry out fraudulent activities using the ministry’s name. As a key ministry providing public welfare services, the Ministry of Social Welfare said necessary legal action will be taken against any group or individual involved in such activities.  

A 14-year-old schoolgirl was stabbed to death by an unidentified attacker in an alley near Hazaribagh Hotel under Hazaribagh Police Station in the capital on Wednesday night. The deceased was identified as Shahriar Sharmin Binti, an eighth-grade student of Rayerbazar High School. She was the daughter of Billal Hossain, originally from Kachikata village in Sakhipur police station of Shariatpur district. Binti had been living with her family on the fifth floor of Babu Commissioner’s house next to Haider Ali Hotel in the Hazaribagh area. The incident occurred around 9:30pm. She was rescued in a critical condition and taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared her dead at around 10:30pm. Hafizur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hazaribagh Police Station, said police visited the scene. “Initially, we have learned that the student was stabbed to death over a love-related issue,” he said. He added that the investigation is ongoing and further details will be shared later.

The government has formed a Cabinet Committee on Law and Order and a Cabinet Committee on National Awards. The Cabinet Division issued a notification in this regard on Wednesday. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has been named convener of the 10-member Cabinet Committee on Law and Order. Other members include the Minister of Social Welfare, Minister of Industries, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Law, Minister of State for Power, Minister of State for Land, Minister of State for Local Government, and Minister of State for Social Welfare. Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been appointed convener of the Cabinet Committee on National Awards. Its members include the Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Culture, Minister of Industries, Minister of Information, Minister of Water Resources, Minister of Relief, Minister of State for Shipping, and Minister of State for Labour.  

National Citizen Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam on Wednesday condemned the attack on the convoy of Noakhali-6 MP and party leader Abdul Hannan Masud in Hatia, Noakhali. In a post on his verified Facebook page, Nahid Islam alleged that activists of the BNP and Awami League carried out the attack. “Local BNP and rehabilitated Awami League activists jointly attacked Hannan Masud during his visit to Prakasam Bazar in Chanandi union. Several NCP leaders and activists were reportedly injured,” he said. “I strongly condemn such a heinous attack on an elected member of parliament,” the NCP chief added. He also demanded a proper investigation, alleging that law enforcement personnel present at the scene failed to take action. “The failure to protect an elected MP from criminals is alarming for the overall law and order situation in the country,” he said. He also demanded the investigation of every attack in Hatia since the election and arrested those involved.

The Supreme Court has said that necessary legal action has been taken over the disorderly incident during a session at the Barishal Additional Chief Metropolitan Court on Tuesday. In a statement on Wednesday, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court said that on February 24, a group of lawyers created a ruckus inside the courtroom, misbehaving with the judge on duty. Video footage showed benches and other furniture being damaged, and aggressive behaviour towards the judge. The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate adjourned the session and moved to a private room due to the hostile environment, severely disrupting normal court proceedings. The lawyers also staged protests inside and outside the court, demanding the removal of the judge. The incident came to the notice of the Supreme Court, which said legal action has been taken. A double bench of the High Court Division issued a contempt of court rule on February 25. Meanwhile, the Additional Chief Metropolitan Court, Barisal, has filed a case under sections 4 and 5 of the Crimes Prejudicial to Law and Order (Speedy Trial) Act, 2002, and sections 186, 189, 190, 228, and 353 of the Penal Code, 1860. Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take prompt action. The Supreme Court urged all concerned to exercise restraint, act responsibly, and respect the law to protect the dignity and independence of the judiciary and ensure the smooth functioning of courts. Meanwhile, a case was filed against 20 people naming 12 senior lawyers by Barishal’s Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court’s bench assistant Rajib Majumdar, said an official of the court. Following the filing of the case, Barishal Bar Association President Linkon was arrested in the morning and subsequently sent to jail on charges of vandalism in the courtroom and contempt of court. Al Mamun Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Barishal Kotwali Model Police Station, said that the main accused in the case has been arrested. A drive is underway to arrest the remaining accused.  Hafiz Ahmed Bablu, Barishal's Assistant Public Prosecutor and Organizing Secretary of the District Jubo Dal, said that lawyers will not participate in court proceedings in Barishal for an indefinite period in protest against this arrest and the case.

Bangladesh Railway will start selling advance train tickets for Eid-ul-Fitr, the largest religious festival of the Muslims, from March 3 to March 9. Besides, it will operate five pairs of special trains in addition to regular services for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure safe and convenient travel for homebound passengers. The return journey tickets will be sold from March 13 to March 18. All tickets will be sold online. The decision was taken at a preparatory meeting held on February 22, at Rail Bhaban to discuss arrangements for the upcoming festival. The special trains will operate on the following routes: Chattogram–Chandpur–Chattogram, Dhaka–Dewanganj–Dhaka, Bhairab Bazar–Kishoreganj–Bhairab Bazar, Mymensingh–Kishoreganj–Mymensingh and Joydebpur–Parbatipur–Joydebpur routes. Besides, weekly off-days for intercity trains will be suspended from March 16 until the day before Eid. Divisional and zonal monitoring cells will be formed to ensure punctuality and passenger safety. However, extra coaches will be attached as per demand and relief trains will remain ready for emergencies. Goods trains, except container and fuel trains, will be suspended from March 19 midnight to 6 pm on Eid day. Law enforcement agencies, including Government Railway Police (GRP), RAB, BGB, and local police, will check entrance of ticketless passengers at the rail stations. Passengers are requested to not to rely on social media links for ticket purchases and report any fraudulent sources to the authorities.

Bangladesh Bank has announced the immediate transfer and reassignment of five senior officials in the wake of Wednesday’s leadership change, according to an official directive. The central bank’s official directive, signed by Director (HRD-1) Md Tarikul Islam, affect four directors and one additional director, with several key departmental moves at the institution’s headquarters. ·         Md. Zabaidul Islam, Director, has been shifted from Human Resources Department-1 to the Financial Institutions Inspection Department. He is to join the new department after completing his current recreational leave. ·         Md. Shahid Reza, Director, moves from the Financial Institutions Inspection Department to Human Resources Department-1. ·         Md. Bayezid Sarkar, Director, has been reassigned from Banking Regulation and Policy Department-1 to the Motijheel Office, where he will serve as In-charge Executive Director (Core). ·         Gazi Md. Mahfuzul Islam, Director, previously acting as In-charge Executive Director at the Motijheel Office, is transferred to Banking Regulation and Policy Department-1. ·         Md. Kamrul Islam, Additional Director, has been moved from the Governor’s Office to the Sadarghat Office. Bangladesh Bank extends loan rescheduling deadline for raw jute exporters All changes are effective immediately, reflecting the central bank’s broader administrative realignment amid a transition in top leadership.

During this holy month of Ramadan, affluent and well-off people stand beside underprivileged and disadvantaged people of the society by increasing their acts of charity, including sadaqah and Zakat. However, despite having good intention, it often becomes difficult to ensure that donations reach the right recipients due to constraints of time, distance, and trust. Digital financial services have helped bridge the gap. Through bKash, Zakat and donations can now be easily sent to more than 50 charitable and volunteer-based organisations working across the country, ensuring that financial assistance reaches thousands of vulnerable people in need, said a media statement on Wednesday. Tk 1,000 discount & cashback on bKash payment at superstores this Ramadan Throughout the year, bKash enables users to donate directly to various trusted institutions, including As-Sunnah Foundation, Mastul Foundation, Bangladesh Thalassemia Foundation, Anjuman Mufidul Islam, Mojar School, Obhizatrik Foundation, JAAGO Foundation, Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Center for Zakat Management, Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Quantum Foundation, icddr,b, UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh, DoNation Foundation Trust, Prothom Alo Trust and etc. Additionally, customers can also contribute through merchant accounts of various social and voluntary organisations. To donate through bKash app, customers need to click on the ‘Donation’ icon from the bKash app. Then, the preferred organisation can be selected from the list, and the customers need to submit their name, email and donation amount. If donors want to hide their identity, they can tick the ‘I don’t want share my identity’ option. In the next step, the customer will get an acknowledgment note after completing the donation process with bKash PIN. Expatriates remit Tk 200bn via bKash in 2025 Details about the organisations that the customer is donating can be seen by clicking on the ‘Know More’ section below the name of each organisation. Donors can also contact respective organisation though the e-mail given in the acknowledgment note to know where the money is being spent. In addition to the bKash app, customers can also donate through this weblink-- https://www.bkash.com/en/products-services/donation.

The Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) on Wednesday approved an additional allocation of Tk 100 crore to strengthen its safe water and sanitation interventions, raising the total allocation for the sector in the current fiscal year to Tk 427.26 crore. The decision was taken at the 264th meeting of PKSF’s Governing Body. The fresh allocation is expected to accelerate national efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. PKSF signs deal with World Bank to develop skills among youth At the same meeting, the Governing Body also approved an additional Tk 500 crore for the development of the microenterprise sector. With the new allocation, the total funding for microenterprises in the current fiscal year has reached Tk 5,741.57 crore. PKSF officials said its Partner Organisations are expected to supplement this allocation with funds from their own internal and external sources. The combined financing is projected to enable disbursement at the grassroots level amounting to nearly 20 times the PKSF-allocated amount. The expanded support is expected to strengthen the capacity of micro-entrepreneurs, create employment opportunities and inject further momentum into local economies across the country. PKSF, BARC join hands to boost agricultural research and growth The meeting was held at PKSF Bhaban-2 in the capital’s Shyamoli area and was presided over by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Governing Body members Dr Shahid Akhtar Hossain, Nurun Nahar, Farzanah Chowdhury, Dr Md Taufiqul Islam and Lila Rashid, PhD, attended the meeting. PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader was also present.