United News of Bangladesh

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has filed 1,338 cases for violating traffic rules in different parts of the capital on Wednesday. During the drives, DMP filed 101 cases Ramna zone, 88 cases under Lalbagh zone, 106 cases under Motijheel zone and 185 cases under Wari zone, 155 cases under Tejgaon zone, 182 cases under Mirpur zone, 289 cases under Uttara zone, 232 cases under Gulshan zone, said deputy commissioner (media) of DMP, Talebur Rahman. 4,051 cases settled in February by DMP magistrate Besides, a total of 431 vehicles were impounded and 253 others were towed during the drives. The DMP’s Traffic Division has vowed to continue drives to maintain discipline on Dhaka’s roads.

The Bangladesh Chapter of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) was officially launched in Dhaka on Thursday with the aim of strengthening substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives in the country. The launching ceremony, chaired by eminent psychiatrist Dr. M. A. Mohit Kamal, was held at the Health Sector conference room of Dhaka Ahsania Mission in the city’s Shyamoli in the afternoon. The event brought together national and international experts, policymakers, development partners, youth leaders, and professionals working in the field. DGFP, Plan International sign MoU to expand reproductive health services for the young The primary objectives of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter are to promote evidence-based practices, enhance the professional capacity of practitioners, and create opportunities for national and international knowledge exchange. Through this platform, collaboration among researchers, clinicians, policymakers and community leaders will be strengthened, contributing to more effective and humane responses to substance use issues. Md. Bahauddin, Deputy Director of the Department of Narcotics Control; Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission; Abu Taher, National Programme Coordinator (HIV/AIDS), Bangladesh of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); and Mohd Jahangir Alam, Special Correspondent of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), delivered special speeches at the event. JG Healthcare to represent Sunway Medical Centre in Bangladesh Marzana Muntaha, Coordinator of Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Well-being, spoke as the youth representative. Ms. Olha Myshakivska, National Chapters Coordinator of ISSUP, also addressed the programme virtually. In his welcome remarks, Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health and WASH Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and Member Secretary of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter, said substance use is currently a major public health and social concern affecting individuals, families and communities. Addressing this challenge requires a combination of scientific knowledge, professional skills, coordinated action and a humane approach, he said. He expressed hope that the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter would serve as an important national platform to foster such coordinated efforts. Iqbal Masud also noted that collaboration with ISSUP began in 2015 through initial contact in Bangkok. Since then, participation in international conferences, webinars and related activities has facilitated global knowledge exchange and enabled Bangladesh to showcase its initiatives internationally. In this context, assigning Dhaka Ahsania Mission as the host organisation of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter is a significant recognition, he added. During the event, the official committee of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter was announced and the Chapter’s logo was unveiled. Speakers expressed optimism that the initiative would improve professional standards in substance use prevention, treatment and recovery services in Bangladesh while enhancing coordination among relevant sectors. At the end of the programme, guests conveyed their best wishes for the success of the ISSUP Bangladesh Chapter and expressed hope that it would play a vital role in safeguarding public health in the country. The event was moderated by Rakhi Ganguly, Senior Psychologist of the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission. Representatives from UNODC, the Department of Narcotics Control, researchers and development partners were also present at the ceremony.

Depositors of five banks currently undergoing a merger staged a protest in front of the Bangladesh Bank main gate today, demanding the return of their full deposits along with accrued interest. The demonstration escalated when protesters blocked the main road at Shapla Chattar, prompting law enforcement agencies to use water cannons to disperse the crowd and clear the traffic. The protest centers on the formation of the Sammilito Islami Bank PLC, a new entity being created through the merger of five Shariah-based banks. The merged banks are-Union Bank, First Security Islami Bank, Global Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank and Exim Bank. The primary grievance involves a controversial decision—often referred to as a "haircut"—to cap the interest (profit) on deposits for the years 2024 and 2025 at just 4 percent. During the human chain and sit-in program that began, speakers condemned the decision made under the former Governor’s tenure, labeling it "inhumane and unjust." Many depositors shared stories of financial hardship, noting that they are currently unable to withdraw either their principal amount or their earned profits. "Cutting our hard-earned profits to a mere 4 percent under the guise of 'government compassion' is a betrayal of trust," one protester stated. "We demand the immediate cancellation of the haircut decision and the restoration of normal banking operations," Rabiul Hasan, a victim client of merged banks, told reporters.

The government has formed a ministerial-level committee to address the global energy crisis amid the ongoing war, with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury appointed as its head. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting on Thursday at the Secretariat, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani told reporters. When asked if the Prime Minister had issued instructions on saving electricity, the Cabinet Secretary said numerous measures have been introduced. He added that the Prime Minister's Office has launched a programme to conserve electricity. “These measures include reducing the use of lights by half. Blinds will be removed to allow more sunlight. Bathroom lights will be minimised, and energy-saving lights will be installed in corridors,” he said. Regarding air conditioners, he said, “Illegal AC units will be shut down. No AC will operate below 25 degrees Celsius.” Asked if these rules apply to mosques and ministers, he said, “This is applicable to everyone. All government offices and courts are included.” On the Middle East war situation, he added, “Energy is now a problem worldwide. If this war continues, we will face serious difficulties. That is why a ministerial-level committee has been formed to manage the crisis.” Addressing concerns over the previous lack of implementation of the 25-degree AC rule, he said, “This time, the committee will ensure proper enforcement.” They will visit offices to monitor compliance. “As a nation, we must make progress and follow the necessary measures,” the cabinet secretary added.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Thursday called for the immediate cancellation of the appointment of the newly appointed Governor of Bangladesh Bank, citing a serious “conflict of interest” that could undermine the central bank’s independence. The call was made by TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman at a press conference at the organisation’s office in Dhanmondi. The event, titled “Strategic Priorities for Implementing Government Governance and Anti-Corruption Pledges: TIB Recommendations,” reviewed the governance direction of the BNP-led government. TIB questions whether new governor can rise above conflict of interest The controversy follows the February 25 appointment of Mostaqur Rahman as governor replacing economist Ahsan H. Mansur. “To ensure the independence and neutrality of the central bank, the governor must be a person with proven expertise who is completely free from any conflict of interest,” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said. Addressing the current political climate, he also warned against the emergence of a ‘now it’s our turn’ mentality among party activists, bureaucrats and politically aligned business groups. “The top leadership of the government and the BNP must enforce a zero-tolerance policy against corruption to prevent the institutionalisation of power abuse, extortion and partisan influence,” he added. Claims of 21.4% fake votes misleading: TIB The organisation presented several proposals aimed at strengthening governance and accountability. Key recommendations included immediate cancellation of the Police Commission Ordinance 2025, major reforms in agencies including the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), Special Branch (SB), Detective Branch (DB), and National Security Intelligence (NSI), formal proposal to abolish the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), public disclosure of which ordinances passed during the interim government will be placed before the 13th Parliament, development of a strategy based on the BNP’s 31-Point State Reform Outline, its election manifesto and the July Charter.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday said that the route permits of bus companies will be cancelled if they charge extra fares during Eid. “If anyone charges even one taka more than the approved fare, inform us. Exemplary action will be taken. We will control this at any cost,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting over the preparations to ensure a safe and smooth journey for passengers during Eid-ul-Fitr held at the Secretariat. Eid vacation extended to 7 days as govt announces March 18 holiday Responding to a question, the minister said there is no scope for charging extra fares as fares have already been set. The minister also said that the transport owners attended the meeting and assured that they would not charge extra fares during the Eid travel period. “There is a fixed fare structure. Passengers can ask whether the fare being charged is approved. No operator can charge any fare beyond the approved rate,” he added.

Eid shopping has gained momentum in the capital as people throng markets and roadside shops to buy clothes, jewellery and other essentials ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

A 28-year-old cable trader was found dead at a house in the Bhatara area of the capital early Thursday. The deceased was identified as Mahmudul Hossain, son of Ismail Hawladar of Sadar upazila in Patuakhali district. He used to live in the Bhatara area. Being informed, police rushed to the spot and recovered Mahmudul’s hanging body, said Rifat Ali Afsani, sub-inspector of Bhatara Police Station. Electrician electrocuted to death in Dhaka’s Kadamtali Later, the body was taken to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy. Initially, it was learned that Mahmudul had been suffering from depression after incurring financial debts in various places due to business reasons. Police suspect that he might have committed suicide by hanging himself. However, police are working to determine the actual cause of death, said SI Rifat.

Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi on Thursday said his country remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations in Bangladesh, including Rohingyas and their host Bangladeshi communities. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a new contribution of USD $6.7 million (JPY 1.05 billion) from the government of Japan to support Rohingyas and host community smallholder farmers in Cox’s Bazar. “Through this partnership with WFP, Japan aims to contribute to food security, improved nutrition and the overall wellbeing of Rohingya families, particularly women and children,” said the Ambassador. At the same time, he said, it is also important to support Bangladeshis in improving their food security by addressing pressing challenges related to climate change and market access. With this contribution, WFP will deliver lifesaving food assistance to Rohingyas and provide nutrition services to pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under five. The funding will also enable WFP to strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers within the host communities by implementing an aggregation centre model. These centres facilitate the consolidation of agricultural produce and improve access to local markets and humanitarian supply chain, thereby providing fresh vegetables, eggs, and rice to Rohingya families. WFP’s provides Rohingya families with monthly food vouchers to purchase food items including rice, lentils, oil and other essentials, as well as fresh vegetables and protein-rich foods at designated outlets, according to the WFP. Under nutrition activities, pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children receive malnutrition prevention and treatment services including specialized nutrition products, growth monitoring, nutrition education, and behaviour change communication. In host communities, this funding will allow WFP to repair agricultural infrastructure damaged by floods and cyclones, restoring vital supply routes for local farmers. The funding will also equip aggregation centres with cold storage and modern food processing facilities to improve the quality and value of locally produced food. Since early 2024, nearly 150,000 additional Rohingya have fled to Cox’s Bazar camps due to intensified fighting in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, pushing the total population to nearly 1.2 million. Despite the rising needs, dwindling international support has placed the humanitarian response at risk. Unless additional funding is secured to fill a USD 150 million gap, WFP’s food and nutrition services for Rohingya families could face major disruptions starting in April 2026. “At a time when humanitarian needs in Cox’s Bazar remain extraordinarily high, this funding from the Government of Japan is both timely and critical,” said Simone Parchment, WFP Bangladesh Country Director a.i. “We are deeply grateful for Japan’s steadfast commitment to the Rohingya and Bangladeshi host communities. For years, Japan’s support has been central to WFP’s lifesaving and life-changing mission in Bangladesh. We call on other donors to also step up to safeguard the lives, wellbeing and dignity of vulnerable communities such as the Rohingya.” Since the beginning of the emergency in August 2017, Japan has been a consistent supporter of the Rohingya humanitarian response in Bangladesh, contributing over USD 260 million to WFP and other UN agencies and non- governmental organizations, including through this latest contribution.

A BNP delegation on Thursday held a meeting with US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs S Paul Kapur. The meeting was held in the morning at the residence of the US Ambassador in Gulshan, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. A five-member BNP delegation led by Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan entered the residence at around 11 am  and came out at about 11:50am. Other members of the delegation were Barrister Naushad Zamir, Mahbubur Rahman, Nayeba Yusuf and Nipun Roy Chowdhury. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Moyeen Khan said the United States has long been a friendly country of Bangladesh and has extended cooperation in various ways in the past. “With a new government in place, it is natural that they would like to know what is happening in Bangladesh, what our policies are and what our future plans are. We came here today to discuss those issues and also to talk about mutual relations with different countries, especially with the United States,” he said. Asked whether the discussion included any agreements signed with the United States, the BNP leader said their discussion mainly focused on people-to-people relations between the two countries and the policy directions of the future government. “You know the world is going through many developments. We discussed the overall global situation, diplomatic relations with the United States, and issues related to foreign and economic ties between the two countries,” he added.