United News of Bangladesh

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has said that the Bengali language has no connection with the words ‘Inqilab’ and ‘Azadi’. “If the people of Bangladesh truly embrace Bangla as their mother tongue, slogans like ‘Inqilab Zindabad’ should not continue,” he said at a discussion held on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day at the Sirajganj District Shilpakala Academy auditorium on Saturday afternoon. The minister said that today’s children often say ‘Inqilab Zindabad’, but it is the language of those who once tried to take away the right to speak Bangla. “It makes my heart bleed to hear them say ‘Inqilab Zindabad’. I consider myself a nationalist from head to toe,” he added. Tuku said some may brand him an agent of India or RAW for his remarks, but he stressed that he fought in the Liberation War and became a minister because this country was born. “We must be trained, not just talk, to love our country. Only then can the Bengali language be truly protected,” he said. He added that nationalism did not fully develop among Bengalis because people did not try to understand their own language. “Inqilab and Azadi, which are not our language, have become the words of our children. Even after the mass uprising of 2024, we could not protect our language because we were not careful about history. A nation that does not know its history cannot progress,” he said. The minister highlighted the rich history of the Bengali language and urged people to build their own language and culture. “Celebrating February 21 with flowers, songs, meetings and seminars is not enough. Efforts must go beyond the ceremonies,” he said. Commenting on Jamaat-e-Islami, he said the party had influenced households, particularly among half-educated mothers and sisters, which affected voting patterns. The event was presided over by Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Aminul Islam, and the keynote address was delivered by former principal of Sirajganj Government College Karuna Rani Saha.

A police constable was injured after being stabbed by miscreants at a checkpost in the Kutubkhali Pocket Gate area under Jatrabari Police Station on Saturday afternoon. The injured constable, Md Shah Alam (28), is posted at Jatrabari Police Station. He was later taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital by his colleagues. According to Shah Alam, he was on duty at the checkpost when two unidentified men carrying bags arrived. When he attempted to search the bags, the attackers suddenly stabbed him in the neck with a sharp weapon and fled the scene. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the police camp at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, confirmed the matter. He said the injured constable was brought to the hospital around 4:45 pm with a bleeding neck wound and is currently undergoing treatment in the emergency department’s operation theatre. The incident has been reported to the concerned police station, he added.

The 13th National Parliament is likely to go into its maiden session on March 12 next month or one or two days earlier, said Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed. “The first session of the National Parliament will begin on March 12 next month or one or two days earlier,” he told journalists on Saturday night. The BNP leader said the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be elected during the session. “During this session, the ordinances promulgated during the tenure of the interim government will be placed before Parliament, and an obituary motion will also be presented,” he added. Earlier, on February 17, the newly elected members of the 13th Parliament--from both the treasury and opposition benches--were sworn in by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin. Later, the BNP Parliamentary Party (BPP) unanimously elected party Chairman Tarique Rahman as the Leader of the House. Meanwhile, Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has been chosen as the Leader of the Opposition by opposition MPs. The 13th parliamentary election was held on February 12. Out of 300 seats in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad, results for two seats have been suspended, while polling in one seat was cancelled following the death of a candidate. Of the remaining 297 seats, BNP secured 209, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami 68, Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) six, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish two, while Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Gano Odhikar Parishad, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Ganosamhati Andolon and Khelafat Majlish won one seat each. Independent candidates secured seven seats.  

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee on Saturday said there is no need for a separate oath for the ‘Yes’ vote, as it will automatically take effect once the Jatiya Sangsad is in session. “The national election has already been held. The members of parliament have taken oath. A referendum was conducted and  the ‘Yes’ has won,” he told reporters after paying tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement at the Shaheed Minar in the Lakshmipur district. He also urged people to move away from what he described as mob culture, saying it creates disorder and instability. “Mob culture means creating chaos. If an atmosphere of disorder is created, it will obstruct the process of building Bangladesh. Those who create obstacles to building the country will eventually turn into enemies of the nation,” he said. The minister urged all to refrain from such practices. Among others present at the event were Lakshmipur district BNP Member Secretary Sahab Uddin Sabu, Joint Convener Hasibur Rahman, and Bangladesh Football Federation Vice-President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy.

Bangladesh on Friday observed Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day with due respect and solemnity, as people from all walks of life paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the recognition of Bangla as a state language. From the first hour of February 21, people thronged Shaheed Minars across the country, placing floral wreaths and observing silence in memory of the language martyrs.  Programmes were held in district towns, educational institutions and public spaces in a dignified and emotional atmosphere. On February 21, 1952, students and activists were killed when police opened fire on demonstrators demanding Bangla as a state language.  Among those martyred were Salam, Barkat, Rafiq and Jabbar. In recognition of their sacrifice, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999. Since then, the day has been observed worldwide to promote linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. In Chattogram, the Shaheed Minar became a place of emotion and reverence as people of all ages began gathering from late night.  After a ceremonial police salute, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain and others laid wreaths in a solemn atmosphere. In Sylhet, large crowds gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar in the Chauhatta area from midnight.  Floral tributes began at 12:01am, with participation from different segments of society.  Labour and Employment and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Arifur Rahman Chowdhury, along with government officials, freedom fighters and leaders of political, social and cultural organisations, including BNP, paid homage to the language martyrs. In Barishal, senior officials including the divisional commissioner, DIG, police commissioner and deputy commissioner placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar during the first hour of the day. They were followed by leaders of the district Muktijoddha Sangsad and various political, social and cultural organisations. Teachers and students from different educational institutions also joined the observance. In Chuadanga, programmes began at 12:01am with floral tributes at the district Central Shaheed Minar.  The district administration, police, political parties, social and cultural organisations, educational institutions and members of the public paid homage.  A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) arrested a Rohingya man and seized 330,000 Yaba  tablets in separate anti-narcotics operations along the Ghumdhum border in Naikhongchhari upazila of Bandarban. The arrestee was identified as Bashir Ahmed, 50, a Rohingya resident of Balukhali Camp-09 in Ukhia. He is the son of Abu Siddique. BGB’s Cox’s Bazar Battalion (34 BGB) conducted the operations in Ghumdhum and Baishfari border areas under Ghumdhum Union. According to BGB, at around 5:30 am on Saturday, a patrol team from the Ghumdhum BOP carried out a special operation based on intelligence information at Kankra Bridge, about 1.1 kilometres inside Bangladesh from Border Pillar-31.  During the raid, the team arrested Bashir Ahmed with 80,000 Yaba pills. Earlier, on Thursday night at around 9:40 pm, another patrol team from the Baishfari BOP conducted a separate operation at a bamboo grove area, about 200 yards inside Bangladesh from Border Pillar-36. The team recovered 250,000 Yaba pills in an abandoned condition. No one was arrested in that operation. BGB brings back 73 fishermen held by Arakan Army The total seizure from the two operations stood at 330,000 Yaba pills. Confirming the incident, Cox’s Bazar Battalion Commander Lt Col SM Khairul Alam said BGB remains committed not only to guarding the border but also to preventing drug trafficking and smuggling. “Such operations will continue in the future,” he said. BGB said legal action is underway to hand over the arrested Rohingya man along with the seized Yaba pills to police, following the filing of a case under existing laws.

A low pressure area has formed over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify, according to the latest Met ofocr bulletin. Meanwhile, the ridge of Sub-continental high extends up to Bihar and adjoining areas, influencing the prevailing weather pattern over Bangladesh. Weather may remain mainly dry with a temporary partly cloudy sky over the country. Night and day temperatures may rise slightly across Bangladesh.

The nation is observing  'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyr's Day and the International Mother Language Day early Saturday, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of the mother tongue, Bangla. The day is also being observed around the world as UNESCO recognised Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement early Saturday by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar. The Prime Minister arrived at the Shaheed Minar at 12:04am and placed a wreath around 12:07am. He stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the language heroes. President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. President Shahabuddin arrived at the Shaheed Minar at 11:59pm on Friday and placed a wreath as the clock struck 12:01am. Walking barefoot to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life are paying their respect to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for achieving the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan. On February 21, 1952, students and common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan. Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firings on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus breaching section 144 to press home their demand for the recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan. The day is a public holiday. In a message the eve of the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to all Bangla-speaking people as well as speakers of all languages and ethnic groups across the world. PM Tarique pays tributes to Language Movement martyrs “The movement to protect the mother tongue not only established linguistic rights but also strengthened the foundations of the Bengali people’s struggle for self-rule, democracy and cultural identity. Following the blood-stained path of February 21, the nation eventually achieved independence through the great Liberation War,” he said. The Prime Minister said the government aims to build a self-reliant, secure, humane and democratic state by upholding the aspirations of all martyrs, including the language martyrs, those who laid down their lives in the Liberation War of 1971, the struggle to protect independence in 2024, and all democratic movements in the country. He called upon all concerned to work together to uphold the dignity of all languages across the world. National dailies have published supplements, marking the day, while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes on the occasion.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement early Saturday by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar marking ‘Amar Ekushey’—the International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibosh. The Prime Minister arrived at the Shaheed Minar at 12:04am and placed a wreath around 12:07am. He stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the language heroes. A munajat was offered praying for the salvation of the departed souls of the language martyrs and those who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War and various democratic movements. Later, the Prime Minister, along with cabinet members and his advisers, also placed a wreath at the altar of the Shaheed Minar, paying homage to the language martyrs on behalf of the BNP and the government. On behalf of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and former party chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tarique, along with his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, also paid tributes to the language heroes by placing a wreath. Ministers, advisers to the Prime Minister, members of parliament, the chiefs of the three services, senior BNP leaders, opposition leaders, freedom fighters, foreign diplomats and high civil and military officials also paid tributes afterwards. Later, the Shaheed Minar was opened to the public. Hundreds of people from all walks of life paid tribute with flowers at the memorial. Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan and other university officials welcomed the Prime Minister upon his arrival at the Central Shaheed Minar. Earlier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid homage to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar, marking the day. Earlier in a message, the Prime Minister said democratic values, people’s rights and equality were the core spirit of Ekushey, adding that the government is committed to consolidating the country’s democratic progress. He also called for collective efforts to uphold and protect the dignity of languages worldwide. President Shahabuddin pays tribute to Language Movement martyrs at Shaheed Minar “The establishment of democratic values, people’s rights and equality was the core spirit of Ekushey. Upholding this spirit, democracy has now been restored in the country after a long struggle. The present government is committed to consolidating this democratic progress,” the Prime Minister said. On the occasion of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day, he extended sincere greetings and congratulations to people of all languages and ethnic groups across the world, including speakers of Bangla. The Prime Minister paid deep tribute to all martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement whose sacrifices established the dignity of Bangla as a mother language. The nation is observing 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyrs' Day and the International Mother Language Day on Saturday, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of mother tongue Bangla. The day is also being observed around the world as UNESCO recognised Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. Walking barefoot to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life will pay their respects to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives to achieve recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan. On February 21, 1952, students and common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan. Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firing on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus breaching Section 144 to press their demand for recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan. The day is a public holiday.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar to mark International Mother Language Day and Martyrs' Day. President Shahabuddin arrived at the Shaheed Minar exactly at 11:59pm on Friday and placed a wreath as the clock struck 12:01am. Dhaka University's vice chancellor and other university officials met and greeted the president.