United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday said they expect responsible journalism from the media outlets, especially at a time when they have ‘enjoyed unprecedented freedom’ over the past 18 months. “Yet, time and again, they have failed to perform even the most basic journalistic checks,” he said, noting that journalists are quick to lecture governments, politicians and powerful individuals about responsibility but when it comes time to look in the mirror, many choose to look away. Alam made the remarks in a post from his verified Facebook account while describing the incidents that took place on Friday. On Friday, Abdullah Al Jaber, a longtime associate of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, was injured during clashes with police, said the Press Secretary. Dozens of supporters and members of Inquilab Moncho were also injured and received treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. “As Jaber was being rushed to the hospital, a red-banner post appeared on his Facebook account claiming he had been shot, using the Bangla word gulibiddha. This is a highly loaded term. To most people, gulibiddha clearly implies being hit by live bullets,” Alam said, noting that the post quickly went viral and triggered serious tensions. Unfortunately, he said, major media houses, including television channels and newspapers, treated this Facebook post as fact. “They ran photocards and headlines claiming that Inquilab Moncho leader Abdullah Al Jaber had been shot. The misinformation spread like wildfire.” Alam said they contacted the police and the DMP categorically stated that no shots were fired. “In fact, following directives from the Interim Government, police no longer carry lethal weapons.” Later, Alam said, the Director of Dhaka Medical College Hospital also confirmed that none of the protesters, including Jaber, had been shot. “News gathering is a serious responsibility. One mistake can incite violence, spark riots, and create chaos. Our newspapers and TV stations failed miserably in reporting yesterday’s clashes. They did not merely fall for clickbait, they amplified it,” said the Press Secretary. He said their lack of verification and basic journalistic rigor helped create an explosive situation. “Only statements from the Interim Government, the DMP and DMCH eventually helped calm things down.” Smooth power handover after Feb-12 election: Shafiqul Alam “We have seen this before. The violence following the crash of an Air Force fighter jet at Milestone School was largely fueled by bad journalism,” Alam said. He said the sensational and inaccurate reporting helped create a lynch mob that confined several advisers and officials inside the school for more than nine hours. “Another mob broke into the Secretariat, home to all ministries, and vandalised offices,” Alam said, adding that Friday’s reckless clickbait journalism nearly produced a similar outcome.

The government has reduced the tax deducted at source (TDS) on profits from savings certificates, or Sanchaypatra, to 5 percent from 10 percent for investments of up to Tk 5 lakh, officials said. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued a clarification following complaints from investors who alleged that banks and savings offices were incorrectly deducting 10 percent tax on profits from smaller investments. According to the NBR, the reduced tax rate applies when an individual’s total investment across all types of savings certificates does not exceed Tk 5 lakh. For investments above this threshold, a 10 percent TDS will remain applicable, under Section 105 of the Income Tax Act 2023. The Department of National Savings also confirmed that rules for Pensioner Savings Certificates remain unchanged. Investments in this scheme of up to Tk 5 lakh continue to enjoy a zero percent tax rate. The Department of National Savings currently offers four primary schemes: Family Savings Certificate (Paribar Sanchaypatra), Pensioner Savings Certificate, 5-Year Bangladesh Savings Certificate, and Three-Month Profit-Based Savings Certificate. Compensation for small investors in merged banks under review: Central Bank Institutional investment is permitted in all schemes except the Family Savings Certificate. Officials said the clarification is expected to provide ‘significant relief’ to small savers and retirees who depend on monthly or quarterly returns from these government-backed instruments for their livelihoods.

A nationwide survey by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has found a significant gap between voters’ expectations and political parties’ priorities in building a green and sustainable society, even as environmental concerns increasingly shape public aspirations ahead of the national election. The study titled ‘State of and Expectations on ‘Green and Sustainable Economy’ in Electoral Constituencies: Survey Findings on Voters and Candidates’ was released on Saturday.  CPD Research Director Khondaker Golam Moazzem presented it at the BRAC Centre in the capital. Conducted in 150 environmentally vulnerable constituencies, the study found that voters overwhelmingly prioritise cleaner air, safe drinking water and stronger environmental protection. Political parties, however, continue to frame development largely around traditional infrastructure such as roads and bridges, paying limited attention to structural green reforms. The findings are based on interviews with 1,200 voters and 450 political party representatives across all eight divisions, focusing on perceptions of environmental, economic and social dimensions of a green society. According to the survey, environmental degradation is already a lived reality for voters in climate hotspot areas. More than 73 percent of voters identified air pollution as a major problem, followed by flooding and cyclones. In drought-prone Barind regions, 81 percent of voters reported rising temperatures, while 90 percent of voters in haor areas cited worsening air quality. River erosion, groundwater depletion and frequent health problems were also reported widely, particularly in areas exposed to overlapping climate risks such as river systems combined with urban or coastal features. Political party representatives broadly acknowledged these challenges, especially air pollution and health impacts. But, sharp mismatches emerged in northern drought-prone areas, where only about one-third of party respondents recognised rising temperatures as a serious concern, despite overwhelming voter consensus. Around 61 percent of voters consider environmental restoration to be highly important in their localities. Tree plantation and reducing plastic use were identified by both voters and party representatives as the main tools for restoration. CPD researchers, however, noted a clear disconnect between diagnosed problems and proposed solutions. While air pollution and rising temperatures were identified as the most pressing issues, both voters and candidates showed limited emphasis on fossil fuel phase-out, emissions control or cleaner energy transitions. The survey also revealed low confidence in environmental governance. More than 70 percent of voters said existing environmental laws and regulations are insufficient, while nearly two-thirds believe the government is not doing enough to protect the environment. Political party respondents expressed similar dissatisfaction, pointing to weak enforcement and excessive centralisation. Nearly half of voters described themselves as moderately aware of renewable energy, with awareness higher among younger age groups. Political party representatives showed comparable levels of awareness, particularly among major parties, and largely agreed that renewable energy is important for Bangladesh’s development. Despite this, renewable energy was rarely linked to environmental restoration or green behaviour. Instead, voters and parties alike associated green behaviour mainly with tree planting, conserving water and electricity, and reducing plastic use. When asked to choose between environmental protection and economic growth, more than 93 percent of voters said environmental protection should be prioritised. However, most were unwilling to place it above traditional infrastructure projects such as bridges and roads, a position mirrored by political parties. While nearly 80 percent of voters said they prefer sustainable economic growth over traditional growth, their understanding of development remains heavily infrastructure-focused. More than three-quarters equated development with building roads and bridges, followed closely by employment generation. Political parties showed slightly greater emphasis on human capital, identifying quality education and healthcare as key elements of sustainable growth. Voters, by contrast, placed stronger weight on poverty reduction and immediate economic relief. Bangladesh edging towards ‘debt trap’, warns CPD’s Mustafizur Rahman Both groups agreed that eco-friendly practices could reduce long-term costs, but were reluctant to absorb short-term increases in expenses associated with green transitions. The social dimension of a green society emerged as the least developed in public perception. Voters identified poverty, low income and lack of education and skills as the main barriers to a green transition. Political parties, meanwhile, placed greater emphasis on people’s mindset and resistance to change. Gender inequality was ranked as a relatively minor obstacle by both groups, a finding CPD described as concerning given the role of women’s participation in sustainable development. Community engagement on environmental and social issues was reported as fragmented, with more than 60 percent of both voters and party representatives saying there are not enough awareness programmes at the local level. Looking ahead, voters expressed clear aspirations for environmental improvement. About 61 percent said improving air quality should be the top priority, followed by ensuring clean drinking water. These preferences remained consistent across regions and age groups, suggesting a demand for basic environmental improvements rather than location-specific solutions. Voters also expect Members of Parliament to lead environmental restoration through policy formulation, budget prioritisation and stronger monitoring and accountability. On the economic front, investment in renewable energy emerged as the most frequently cited priority for the next government, alongside sustainable agriculture, job creation and SME development. The CPD study concludes that although environmental awareness among voters is rising, electoral politics remains anchored in conventional development narratives. The mismatch between voter aspirations and party priorities, particularly on clean energy, governance reform and social inclusion, risks weakening the credibility of green commitments in election manifestos. The think tank recommended that political parties integrate clearer, cost and locally relevant green policies into their programmes, strengthen local government capacity and align development promises with the lived environmental realities of voters.  

Huzaifa Afnan, who was critically injured by gunfire fired from across the Myanmar border in Teknaf, died at a hospital in the capital on Saturday morning after 27 days of treatment. Huzaifa breathed her last around 9:45am at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital in Dhaka, her family members said. Her uncle Shawkat Ali said doctors declared Huzaifa dead in the morning. Preparations are underway to take her body back home, he said. Huzaifa, 13, daughter of local resident Jasim Uddin, was critically wounded on January 11 when bullets fired from the Myanmar side hit her at the Techchhi Bridge area of Hwaikyang in Teknaf of Cox’s Bazar. She was initially given treatment locally. As her condition deteriorated, she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Chattogram Medical College Hospital the same day. Two days later, on January 13, Huzaifa was shifted to Dhaka for advanced treatment as doctors were unable to remove the bullet lodged in her head. Professor Harun-or-Rashid, head of the Anesthesia and ICU Department at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, had earlier told the media that although surgery was performed the bullet that penetrated her brain could not be removed due to high risk. “Efforts were made to reduce pressure on the brain,” he said at the time. The incident had sparked concern among local residents over border security and cross-border firing in the Teknaf region.  

Former Water Resources Minister and ex-MP of Thakurgaon-1 constituency  Ramesh Chandra Sen passed away at Dinajpur Medical College and Hospital on Saturday. He was 85. Ramesh fell sick at Dinajpur district jail on Saturday and was taken to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital  where doctors declared him dead around 9 am, said Jailer of Dinajpur Jail Farhad Sarkar. Ramesh Sen was arrested from his home in Ruhia Senpara village in Thakurgaon’s Sadar Upazila on August 16, 2024. Jailer Farhad said Ramesh was transferred from Thakurgaon Jail to Dinajpur District Jail on August 17 of the year. The body will be handed over after completing the post-mortem, he added. Ramesh  Chandra was elected MP from Thakurgaon-1 constituency in the 7th and the 9th national parliamentary elections in 1996 and 2008.  

Gold prices in Bangladesh surged once again on Saturday, with the price of 22-carat gold crossing the Tk 260,000 mark per bhori, according to the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS). In a notification issued in the morning, BAJUS announced an increase of Tk 7,640 per bhori, setting the price of 22-carat gold at Tk 262,090 per bhori. The revised rates came into effect immediately. BAJUS said the decision was taken considering the overall market situation, particularly the rise in the price of tejabi gold (pure gold) in the local market. Under the new price structure, 21-carat gold is being sold at Tk 250,193 per bhori, 18-carat gold at Tk 214,443, while traditional method gold has been fixed at Tk 175,485 per bhori. Gold price drops by Tk7,640 per bhori in Bangladesh The jewellers’ body had last adjusted gold prices on Friday, when it reduced the price by Tk 7,640 per bhori, setting the 22-carat gold price at Tk 254,450. So far in 2026, BAJUS has revised gold prices 26 times, increasing rates on 17 occasions and reducing them nine times. Despite the hike in gold prices, silver prices remained unchanged in the domestic market. Currently, 22-carat silver is selling at Tk 6,357 per bhori, 21-carat silver at Tk 6,065, 18-carat silver at Tk 5,190, and traditional method silver at Tk 3,907 per bhori. This year, silver prices have been adjusted 17 times, with prices increased on 10 occasions and reduced seven times.  

The Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (DUJA) has strongly condemned and protested incidents of attacks and threats against journalists while performing their professional duties. In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, DUJA said that several journalists, including Jugantor correspondent Abu Saleh Musa, were attacked and injured by members of the law enforcement agencies while they were covering a protest in front of Jamuna, the official residence of the Chief Adviser. The demonstration was being held to demand justice for the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Bin Hadi. DUJA alleged that certain members of the law enforcement agencies acted in an unconstitutional and deliberate manner, physically assaulting journalists, obstructing them from carrying out their professional responsibilities, and vandalizing their equipment. The association described the attack and obstruction of journalistic duties as a blatant and direct threat to press freedom. DUJA strongly denounced the targeted and disgraceful assault and demanded that the responsible members of the law enforcement agencies be brought to justice immediately.  

Thirteen people were injured in a clash between the supporters of a BNP and an independent candidate during electioneering at Kachua Bazar in Lalpur upazila of Natore district on Friday night. Police said the supporters of Taiful Islam Tipu, an independent candidate of Natore-1 constituency, brought out a procession. At one stage, an altercation ensued between the supporters of Tipu and BNP candidate Farzana Sharmin while the procession was passing the election camp of BNP around 8 pm, triggering a clash that left 13 people injured. The supporters of Tipu allegedly vandalised the election camp of BNP candidate Farzana. On information, police rushed to the spot and arrested a supporter of Tipu identified as Khalilur Rahman, said Iftekhayer Alam, additional superintendent of Natore Police.  

A 75-year-old man was beaten to death allegedly by his neighbor over a trifling matter at Matipotti slum in Khulna city on Friday night. The deceased was identified as Babul Molla, 75, a resident of the slum. Jamal Uddin, in-charge of Boro Bazar police camp, said Babul had an altercation with his neighbor Nasu over spraying water at the slum on Friday afternoon. As a sequel to the enmity, Nasu along with three others beat Babul up mercilessly around 10 pm, leaving him injured. Later, he was taken to a local hospital where the doctors declared him dead.    

Activists of Inqilab Moncha demanding justice for the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi left Shahbagh intersection on Friday following a series of clashes with police. By 10:30pm the protesters had dispersed from Shahbagh after earlier taking position there and confronting police, who used tear gas shells and sound grenades to break up the crowd. The back-and-forth chase between protesters and police continued until around 9pm. Earlier, in a Facebook post, Inqilab Moncha Member Secretary Abdullah Al Jaber said, “Awami league is trying to divert the situation by blending with common people. We request everyone to move to safe places.” In a video message, Jaber also urged people to vote “Yes” in the upcoming election and called on the government to send a letter to the United Nations by February 8 to ensure a thorough investigation into Hadi’s killing, covering not only the direct attackers but also those who planned, assisted, or provided shelter for the perpetrators. Earlier on Thursday afternoon, a procession led by Inqilab Moncha moved from the Raju Memorial Sculpture of Dhaka University towards Shahbagh, blocking the road to protest Hadi’s killing. Police, Inqilab Moncha supporters engage in renewed chase at Shahbagh Around 7:30pm, protesters chased a group of police from Shahbagh towards Hotel InterContinental, prompting a counter-chase in which police used tear gas, sound grenades, and water cannons. Witnesses reported hearing the sounds of about 20 grenades. Earlier in the afternoon, a procession led by Inqilab Moncha, demanding justice for the killing of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, marched towards the Jamuna area demanding justice for Hadi’s killing. The organisation alleged that police obstructed the march and carried out an attack using tear gas, sound grenades and water cannons. During the clashes, several Inqilab Moncha leaders and activists, including Abdullah Al Jaber, were injured. The injured were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. The organisation also claimed that DUCSU leader Jhuma and JUCSU leader Shanta Akter were among those injured. However, according to doctors on duty at the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a total of 76 people, including Abdullah Al Jaber, received medical treatment following the incident. The doctors confirmed that none of the injured sustained gunshot wounds.