United News of Bangladesh

BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed and Hafizuddin Ahmed on Saturday sat in a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. The meeting began at around 11:40am at the Chief Adviser’s official residence Jamuna, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. The meeting is taking place two days after the announcement of the schedule for the national election and the referendum on the July Charter. Prof Yunus terms attack on Hadi a planned strike on Bangladesh’s democratic path Although the party did not formally announce the specific agenda of the meeting, BNP insiders said the two leaders are likely to discuss the return of Tarique Rahman to the country, his security, the shooting of Dhaka-8 independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi, and the overall security of election candidates. On Thursday, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the country’s 13th National Parliamentary Election and the July Charter referendum, which will be held on February 12, 2026. At a press conference on Friday night, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that the party’s Acting Chairman, Tarique Rahman, will return to Bangladesh on December 25, ending nearly 17 years of exile.  

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over the body of a Bangladeshi youth, recovered from the Indian territory along the Chapainawabganj border, to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). The body of Tasir Ali, son of Ibrahim Haque of Bakher Ali Paschimpara area in Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila, was returned through a flag meeting between BGB and BSF at the Johorpur Tek border in Chapainawabganj on Friday night. Commander of the 53 BGB Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Kazi Mustafizur Rahman said the flag meeting was held around 9pm on Friday after which Indian police formally handed over the body to Bangladesh police. Inspector Sukomal Chandra Debnath, investigation officer of Chapainawabganj Sadar Police Station, received the body on behalf of Bangladesh police. He said marks of pellet injuries were found on the right side of Tasir’s chest but it could not be confirmed who fired the shots. The body was handed over to the family later that night. Earlier on Wednesday, Indian police recovered Tasir Ali’s body from the Bhagirathi River on the Indian side near Bakher Ali border under Chapainawabganj Sadar upazila. According to family members, Tasir had gone missing after illegally crossing the border into India with several associates.  

Miscreants set fire to the district election office in Laxmipur town early Saturday. Md Abdur Rashid, District Election Officer, said the miscreants set the office on fire after pouring petrol around 3:30 am through the windows of the office and fled. However, the security guard of the office with the help of local people managed to extinguish the fire immediately. Some documents were gutted in the fire and legal steps will be taken in this regard, Rashid said. On information, deputy commissioner, police and election officials visited the spot in the morning. Md Rezaul Haque, additional superintendent of police (Sadar Circle), said efforts are on to arrest the arsonists.  

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked ninth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 165 at 9:09 am this morning (December 13, 2025). Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘unhealthy’ referring to an alarming threat, according to the AQI index. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore and India’s Kolkata occupied the first, second and third spots on the list, with AQI scores of 577, 317, and 263 respectively. Read more: ‘Unhealthy’ air quality persists in densely populated Dhaka When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, 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. Read more: How to Reduce Air Pollution in Bangladesh? As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

The massive fire that broke out in a 10-storey building at Aganagar near Babu Bazar Bridge area of South Keraniganj has been brought under control after seven hours of efforts. The fire was brought under control around 12:30 pm on Saturday but a total of 20 units were still working to extinguish the blaze, said Lt Col Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury, director, Fire Service and Civil Defence (Operation and  Maintenance). Firefighters rescued at least 45 people who were trapped in the building and brought them to safety using various stairways. Witnesses said some 10-12 tenants of the building fell sick due to smoke and they were taken to a local clinic. Read more: 4 of a family suffer burn injuries in fire from ‘gas leak’ in N’ganj  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held an emergency meeting on Friday (December 12, 2025) and said the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi is a well-planned attack on the democratic journey of Bangladesh. Through this, Prof Yunus said, the defeated power has shown its audacity to challenge the existence of the country. “We will thwart such an attempt at any cost. Such an attack by such an evil force on the nation will not be tolerated,” said the Chief Adviser. He said this another worrying incident during the tenure of the interim government. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family Prof Yunus held the emergency meeting with some members of the Council of Advisers and important officials of the law and order and security forces at the State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Yunus said this attack is an attack on Bangladesh's existence. The Chief Adviser will soon discuss the emerging situation with key political leaders, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Prof Yunus said a conspiracy was being hatched to thwart the national elections and referendum through the attack. “We will not allow such a conspiracy to succeed under any circumstances. No matter what the attack is, no matter how many storms come, no force will be able to obstruct the upcoming elections,” he said. Read more: CA speaks to Hadi's brother; assures govt to provide all treatment at home or abroad Prof Yunus said they would ensure a peaceful election for the nation with their combined strength, along with the support of the people of the country. Advisers Dr Asif Nazrul, Md Jahangir Alam, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adilur Rahman Khan, National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Home Affairs, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Health Affairs, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and senior officials of the police, armed forces, and intelligence agencies were present at the meeting. Prof Yunus said the attackers and those who planned the attack on Hadi must be arrested as soon as possible. He urged the people of the country to pray to the Almighty Allah for Hadi’s speedy recovery. Police said that CCTV footage of the attack site and other evidence have already been collected. Ordering immediate action at the border, the Chief Adviser said, “We must ensure that the attackers cannot leave the country under any circumstances.” Read more: DUCSU protests shooting of Osman Hadi He said the security of those who may have become potential targets due to their active involvement in the July uprising must be taken into consideration. The meeting decided that a special hotline number would be launched in the coming days to prevent any untoward incidents during the election period and to ensure rapid response. The meeting also resolved to intensify operations to recover illegal weapons and to search possible locations where criminals may be hiding.

Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, visited the family of bullet-hit Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8, on Friday night to enquire about their wellbeing and express her sympathy. Dr Zubaida met Hadi’s family at Evercare Hospital at around 9:30pm, where Hadi is receiving treatment in the ICU. She spoke with his brother and sister outside the ICU and received updates from the doctors about his condition. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon and Shah Muhammad Aman Ullah, director of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, were also present. Sharif Osman Bin Hadi was shot and injured on Friday after Juma prayers on Box Culvert Road in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. He was seriously injured and taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment before being transferred by an ambulance to Evercare Hospital for intensive care. Hadi has undergone head surgery and remains under close medical observation. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia has also been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23. Tarique terms attack on Hadi a conspiracy against democracy Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Begum Khaleda Zia at the hospital to enquire about her condition. Later, he, along with BNP Standing Committee member Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, went to see Hadi at the hospital at around 11:20pm, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan.  

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus spoke over the phone on Friday night with Omar Bin Hadi, brother of Inqilab Manch spokesperson and independent candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency, Sharif Osman Hadi, who survived an assassination attempt on Friday but remains in very critical condition. The CA assured him that the government will ensure best possible treatment and bear all expenses related to Hadi’s treatment. Prof Yunus said that considering Hadi’s physical condition, the government will ensure the best possible medical care, whether at home or abroad. “Hadi is very dear to all of us. We wish him a speedy recovery and pray that he returns to us soon,” the Chief Adviser said. Hadi's condition 'very critical' after bullet causes 'massive brain injury'; doctor says there is fight in him He said the Council of Advisers is deeply concerned and saddened by the attack on Hadi. Assuring full cooperation from the government, Prof. Yunus told Hadi’s brother, “I have held an emergency meeting with several advisers, along with police and security officials. Instructions have been issued to arrest those involved in the attack as soon as possible.”    

Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesman of the Inquilab Mancha who is running as an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 at the 13th parliamentary election, remains in critical condition after being shot from close range in Bijoynagar, Dhaka soon after Jumma prayers on Friday. Hadi was immediately taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where he underwent emergency neurosurgery. In the evening, he was transferred to Evercare Hospital for advanced ICU support. Dr. Zahid Raihan, Head of the Neurosurgery Department at DMCH, told reporters on Friday evening that Hadi’s condition is extremely critical. “The bullet entered above his left ear and exited through the right side of his head, causing massive brain injury. His skull has been left open, and he is on artificial ventilation,” he said. Dr. Raihan added that the bullet’s path affected the brain stem and that although Hadi is not entirely unresponsive, the situation is extremely critical. He further explained that the portion of the skull where the bullet exited was removed to relieve brain pressure, and accumulated blood and fluid inside the skull were drained. Due to continuous pressure changes and internal bleeding, Hadi’s condition fluctuates. ENT surgeons managed heavy bleeding from his nose and throat, and he remains on artificial respiration, though he still has some spontaneous breathing. Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said Hadi had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of just 3 when brought to DMCH and experienced cardiac arrest once. He added that the next 72 hours will be critical, and no definitive prognosis can be given at this stage. Doctors noted that heavy bleeding from Hadi’s nose and throat occurred later in the evening and was managed.

The Election Commission has clarified the provisions related to qualifications and disqualification for an MP aspirant ahead of the upcoming national election scheduled to be held on February 12 next. The commission, in the election circular-1 issued following the announcement of election schedule on Thursday, explained who can be MP aspirant in the 13th parliamentary election, citing the relevant provisions stated in the Constitution and the Representation of the People Order. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Thursday (December 11) announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and a referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order 2025 simultaneously on February 12 (Thursday). According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for submission of appeal against the decisions of the returning officers is January 11. The appeals would be disposed of on January 12-18.  The last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20.   The returning officers will publish the final lists of candidates and allocate electoral symbols on January 21. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10). The Article 66 of the Constitution and Clause 12 of the RPO state two qualifications – a citizen of Bangladesh and attainment of the age of 25 years and a number of qualifications to be a member of parliament. According to the Article 66 (1) of the Constitution, a person shall be qualified to be elected as, and to be, a member of Parliament if he is a citizen of Bangladesh and has attained the age of twenty-five years. The same Article states that a person shall be disqualified for election as, or for being, a member of Parliament who – (a) is declared by a competent court to be of unsound mind; (b) is an undischarged insolvent;  (c) acquires the citizenship of, or affirms or acknowledges allegiance to, a foreign state; (d) has been, on conviction for a criminal offence involving moral turpitude, sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years, unless a period of five years has elapsed since his release;  [(e) has been convicted of any offence under the Bangladesh Collaborators (Special Tribunals) Order, 1972; (f) holds any office of profit in the service of the Republic other than an office which is declared by law not to be disqualified its holder ; or (g) is disqualified for such election by or under any law. But if any person being a citizen of Bangladesh by birth acquires the citizenship of a foreign State and then the person gives up the foreign citizenship in case of the dual citizenship or again accepts the citizenship of Bangladesh in other cases, he shall not be deemed to acquire the citizenship of a foreign State. Besides, a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit in the service of the Republic by reason only that he is the President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, a Minister, Minister of State or Deputy Minister, according to Article 66 of the Constitution. The circular also cited the definition of ‘the service of the Republic’ mentioned in the Article 152 of the Constitution, saying that “the service of the Republic” means any service, post or office whether in a civil or military capacity, in respect of the Government of Bangladesh, and any other service declared by law to be a service of the Republic. The Clause 12 of the RPO states that any elector of a constituency may propose or second for election to that constituency, the name of any person qualified to be a member under clause (1) of Article 66 of the Constitution. About the disqualifications, the same clause of the RPO states a person shall be disqualified for election as or for being, a member if he- (a) is not listed in the electoral roll of any constituency; (b) is not nominated by any registered political party or is not an independent candidate; (c) is a person holding any office of profit in the service of the Republic or of a statutory public authority; (d) is a person who is convicted of an offence punishable under Article 73, 74, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 86 and sentenced to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years, unless a period of five years has elapsed since the date of his release, or (e) is a person whose election to a seat is declared void on any of the grounds mentioned in sub-clauses (c), (d) and (e) of clause (1) of Article 63, unless a period of five years has elapsed since the date of such declaration. As per the clause, a person shall be disqualified if he (f) has resigned or retired from the service of the Republic or of any statutory public authority or of the defence service, unless a period of three years has elapsed since the date of his resignation or retirement; (g) has been dismissed or removed or compulsorily retired from the service of the Republic or of any statutory public authority on the ground of corruption, unless a period of five years has elapsed since the date of such dismissal, removal or compulsory retirement;  (h) has been appointed on contract to the service of the Republic or of any statutory public authority or of the defence service immediately after his retirement from such service, unless a period of three years has elapsed since the expiry or termination of such contract; (i) is holding or has resigned or retired or has been discharged from an executive post of any non-government organization, which receives grant or fund from any foreign state or organization, unless a period of three years has elapsed since such resignation retirement, or discharge. Bangladesh Election:  EC reinstates 4 seats in Bagerhat, 5 seats in Gazipur The other disqualifications include if a person is (k) whether by himself or by any person or body of persons in trust for him or for his benefit or on his account or as a member of a Hindu undivided family, has any share or interest in a contract, not been a contract between a co-operative society and Government, for the supply of goods to, or for the execution of any contract or the performance of any services undertaken by Government;  (l) being a loanee, other than a loanee who has taken small loan for agricultural purposes, has defaulted in repaying before the day of submission of nomination paper any loan or instalment thereof taken by him from a bank;  (m) is a director of a company or a partner of a firm [which] has defaulted in repaying before the day of submission of nomination paper any loan or any instalment thereof taken by [the concerned company or firm] from a bank; (n) personally has failed to pay the telephone, gas, electricity, water or any other bill of any service providing organization of the Government before the day of submission of nomination paper; or [(o) has been convicted of any crime under the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973. The RPO states “office of profit” means holding any office, post or position in the full-time service of the Republic or any statutory public authority or company in which the government has more than 50% (fifty percent) share.