United News of Bangladesh

 The International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Thursday sentenced ex-Awami League MP Muhammad Saiful Islam and five other accused to death in connection with a case over the burning of six bodies in Ashulia during the July-August uprising. The three-member bench of ICT-2 led by its Chairman Justice Nazrul Islam pronounced the judgment. It asked the authorities concerned to confiscate the property of former MP of Dhaka-19 constituency Saiful Islam. The five other condemned convicts are former Officer-in-Charge of Ashulia police station AFM Sayed alias Rony, former sub-inspector Abdul Malek, constables Mukul Chokdar, ex-assistant sub-inspector Biswajit Saha and Awami League leader Rony Bhuiyan. The lifers are former DIG of Dhaka range Nurul Alam, former superintendent of police Asaduzzaman Ripon, former additional superintendent of Dhaka District Police Abdullahil Kafi, former additional superintendent of Dhaka District Police Shahidul Islam, former inspector Masudur Rahman, former inspector Nirmal Kumar Das and former DB inspector Arafat Hossain. Hasina named in 663 cases over July Uprising, 453 on murder charges: TIB The tribunal also sentenced former sub-inspector Arafat Uddin and assistant sub-inspector Quamrul Hasan to seven years in jail. The tribunal acquitted former sub-inspector Sheikh Abzalul Haque who turned approver during the trial. Among 16 accused in the case, eight policemen were arrested in the case. They are-former additional superintendent of Dhaka District Police Abdullahil Kafi, former additional superintendent of Dhaka District Police Shahidul Islam, DB inspector Arafat Hossain, sub-inspector Abdul Malek, Arafat Uddin, constables Mukul Chokdar and Kamrul Hasan and Sheikh Abzalul Haque. On August 21,2024 , the tribunal framed charges against all 16 accused formally commencing the trial. According to the case, six youths were shot dead by police at Ashulia on August 5,2024 after which their bodies were burned on a police van. A video of the horrific scene was widely shared on social media, shaking the nation. It helped the victims' families identify two of the victims. The video shows several bodies lying on the back of a van while police officers are seen loading another body onto the vehicle. Ex-State Minister Farhad shown arrested in graft case The bodies were covered with dirty clothes and banners found on the streets before being set on fire. Investigators found that one of the victims was still alive when the fire was set, resulting in their death. The case was filed with the tribunal on September 11, 2024.

Tension and political excitement are running high in haor-dominated Sunamganj district ahead of the national election. To ensure smooth voting in the district’s five constituencies, the administration and the Returning Officer’s office have taken extensive security measures. According to the district election office, Sunamganj has a total of 664 polling centers and 4,250 polling booths, of which 451 centers have been classified as high-risk. For the first time, all polling centers in the district will be monitored through CCTV cameras while police personnel will be equipped with body cameras. A combined force of around 18,300 members from the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Ansar has been deployed in the district. This includes 3,500 police, 12,000 Ansar, and 1,100 army personnel, with 24 BGB platoons assigned to the district’s 12 upazilas to ensure border and internal security. Read More: 21 BGB platoons to secure Bandarban during national election The election in Sunamganj is witnessing a multi-party contest alongside strong independent candidates. Particular attention is on Sunamganj-4 where expelled BNP leader Dewan Zainul Zakerin is running independently and Sunamganj-3, where some religious leaders have significant influence. Voters are also showing keen interest in casting ballots for both the parliamentary election and the referendum, scheduled on the same day. Deputy Commissioner and Returning Officer Dr Mohammad Ilias Mia said, “We are committed to conducting a free and fair election. Maximum security measures have been ensured so that voters can exercise their right to vote without fear.” Superintendent of Police ABM Zakir Hossain added that intelligence monitoring has been intensified and mobile patrol teams will remain active to prevent any disturbances in the election areas.

Bangladeshi youth leader Ahmed Fahmi has been shortlisted as a regional finalist for Asia for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work. The recognition highlights his contributions to climate resilience and community-based development in Bangladesh, said a press release. Fahmi is among 20 finalists selected from across the Commonwealth’s five regions following a competitive selection process that drew 977 applications from 56 member states. The finalists were chosen through a two-stage judging process led by 57 pan-Commonwealth adjudicators, assessing the scale, sustainability and impact of youth-led development initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specialising in climate resilience and community-based development, Fahmi serves as Executive Director of the Give Bangladesh Foundation and coordinates Project Oxygen, a nationwide volunteer initiative focused on restoring coastal ecosystems and supporting communities vulnerable to climate change. Youth activists urge parties to prioritise climate justice in election platforms Through Project Oxygen, Fahmi has led efforts to plant more than 153,600 trees across coastal and climate-affected areas of Bangladesh. The initiative has also supported over 500,000 people by improving livelihoods, access to safe drinking water, healthcare services, and disaster response capacity in communities frequently impacted by cyclones, flooding and salinity intrusion. Project Oxygen mobilises youth volunteers across the country and combines environmental restoration with grassroots community engagement. Its work has strengthened local preparedness and resilience, particularly in coastal regions, highlighting the role of young people in addressing climate-induced challenges at the community level. The Commonwealth Youth Awards recognise young social entrepreneurs, climate advocates, innovators and health leaders who are driving positive change in their communities. For more than a decade, the awards have provided young leaders with international exposure, access to global networks and financial support to scale their initiatives. Congratulating the finalists, Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon Shirley Botchwey said, “At the Commonwealth Secretariat, we believe that young people must be at the forefront of shaping solutions. Their research, innovation and voice are essential to the future we are trying to build—a future where these young leaders are empowered to tackle poverty, fight for climate justice, advocate for education, and bring hope to communities in need across our 56 nations.” "We are committed to recognising, nurturing and celebrating these young changemakers by creating platforms such as the Youth Awards that spotlight their potential on a global stage." Govt approves proposal to provide education in Rohingya camps through UNICEF The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 11 March 2026 at Marlborough House in London, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat. The event will be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook as part of the week-long Commonwealth Day celebrations. All finalists will receive a £1,000 grant, a trophy and a certificate. Five regional winners will receive an additional £2,000, while one finalist will be named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, receiving a total prize of £5,000.

Bangladesh has sought robust international cooperation to prevent illicit financial flows and ensure the return of looted assets, emphasising that these resources are crucial for national development and public welfare. Delivering a statement at a special session on financial integrity of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury said the mass uprising of July 2024 had renewed public expectations for integrity, transparency, and accountability. He noted that so-called “mega projects” often deliver very limited benefits to ordinary people while creating opportunities for corruption and enabling the transfer of public funds to secure offshore havens. Finance Division rolls out BIPs to fix spending and curb rising debt Ambassador Chowdhury called for ensuring proper exchange of relevant information based on transparency, strengthening effective partnerships, and taking coordinated international action to recover these assets and return them to their rightful owners. Referring to the outcomes of the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development held in Spain last June as historic, he stressed that political progress must be effectively implemented so that recovered funds can be used to strengthen educational institutions, hospitals, social protection systems, and the country’s internal economic capacity.

Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited on Wednesday said gas pressure will remain severely low in several areas of Narayanganj and Munshiganj for 21 hours due to replacement work on a damaged transmission pipeline. According to a notice, the disruption will occur from 10:00pm on Thursday to 7:00pm on Friday, as a damaged 20-inch diameter gas transmission pipeline inside the Adamjee EPZ — including the crossing over the Shitalakshya River — is being replaced. During this period, all existing consumer connections in Narayanganj, Panchabati, Muktarpur, Munshiganj, Jinjira, and Shyampur (BSCIC) areas on the west bank of the Shitalakshya River will experience severe low gas pressure. Gas supply may also be disrupted in some adjacent areas, the notice said. Titas Gas authorities apologized for the temporary inconvenience caused to consumers.

As Bangladesh prepares for its 13th national parliamentary election, youth climate activists are urging all political parties to prioritise climate justice and a just transition in their platforms. YouthNet Global, a leading youth-led climate organisation, said the country’s climate future will be shaped at the ballot box. “Just transition is not only an environmental agenda. It is about social justice, economic resilience, and climate security,” the organisation said in a statement, calling on leaders to protect livelihoods, water security, and vulnerable communities. The group has urged political parties to adopt clear policies to phase out high-emission industries responsibly, expand renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthen social protection for climate-affected communities, involve youth and women in climate programs, and uphold workers’ rights in the green economy. “Bangladesh has the vision, talent, and resilience to turn climate challenges into a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society,” said Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global. “Embedding just transition into party platforms is not just a policy choice; it is a promise of opportunity, dignity, and hope for the future.” Bangladesh, a low-lying delta nation with over 170 million people, is highly exposed to climate risks. Rising sea levels, floods, cyclones, river erosion, and salinity intrusion are already reshaping lives and livelihoods. Women, children, and marginalised communities are the most affected, with many displaced families moving to urban slums. Recent studies warn that rising global temperatures and extreme heat could further threaten public health, labour productivity, and economic stability. Pollution in cities and rivers adds to the environmental burden, with rising health risks from climate-sensitive diseases such as dengue. Political parties have begun including climate pledges in their election platforms. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has promised tree planting, canal excavation, and measures to address climate-related loss and damage. Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh has pledged environmental protection, flood risk reduction, and youth and women’s leadership in climate management. The National Citizen Party (NCP) has proposed renewable energy expansion, phasing out polluting brick kilns, and mandatory effluent treatment for industries. Islami Andolon Bangladesh has emphasised disaster preparedness, climate adaptation, and environmental resilience. Energy dependency is a key concern. Bangladesh currently relies on fossil fuels for 97 percent of its energy, with almost 70 percent imported, costing about 150,000 crore Taka annually. YouthNet Global has called on the next government to plan for sustainable, affordable, and climate-resilient energy while reducing import dependence. YouthNet Global stressed that just transition ensures a socially inclusive shift to a low-carbon economy, protecting worker rights and creating opportunities in green jobs, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure. The country has already included these principles in its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) submitted to the UNFCCC. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan also urged political parties to present clear roadmaps for environmental protection and climate resilience in their election manifestos, and called on youth to hold elected leaders accountable. Bangladesh’s upcoming election is being closely watched by youth activists, civil society, and climate-affected communities as a potential turning point for climate policy, social equity, and sustainable development.

Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder on Wednesday said the interim government will hand over power to the elected representatives as soon as possible following the general election scheduled for February 12. Rejecting claims that the interim government intends to remain in office for another 180 working days after the election, Azad said such assertions are driven by 'dishonest intentions'. He said the same groups had attempted to cast doubts on the election process a few days earlier. “Now that it is evident the election will be held on schedule, they are spreading new conspiracy theories,” he added. Azad also said that even many highly educated individuals are being misled by this propaganda. Govt to restore stability before polls at any cost: CA’s deputy press secretary “In reality, there is no scope for such confusion,” he said. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus recently said Bangladesh is fully prepared to hold a 'free, fair, and peaceful' election on February 12.

Chief of the Navy Admiral M Nazmul Hasan on Wednesday called upon all concerned, including the Bangladesh Navy, other law enforcement agencies, and local administration, to ensure that citizens can exercise their voting rights in a festive atmosphere, free of fear. The Navy Chief made the appeal while visiting Kutubdia and Sandwip as part of his nationwide tour ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum, ISPR said in a media statement. He instructed authorities to closely monitor voting centers, maintain law and order, and take maximum precautionary measures to safeguard voters. Read More: Bangladesh Navy fully prepared to ensure free, fair and peaceful election During his visit, Admiral Hasan exchanged views with civil administration officials, law enforcement personnel, and election-related stakeholders. According to ISPR, the Bangladesh Navy is deployed in 25 upazilas across 16 parliamentary constituencies under the ‘In Aid to Civil Power’ operation to ensure the 13th Jatiya Sangsad polls and referendum are conducted freely, fairly, impartially, and peacefully. Naval ships are stationed in Bhola, Hatia, Sandwip, Cox's Bazar, and St. Martin’s, supported by a sufficient number of boats to strengthen security in coastal and island areas. Technology-based surveillance has been enhanced to prevent mischief, violence, or disruption by vested interests, the ISPR added. The Navy Chief said regular ship and foot patrols are underway, while Quick Response Force (QRF) and SWADS teams are always ready to respond to any situation. “The Bangladesh Navy is committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and acceptable election,” the statement said. Read More: Navy arrests wanted terrorist, seizes firearms in Teknaf

ARTICLE 19 has expressed concern over the interim government's ‘abrupt release’ of draft ordinances to establish a National Media Commission and a Broadcasting Commission, allowing only three days for public feedback. This last-minute initiative, taken at the end of the interim government’s tenure, lacks transparency and due process and risks undermining freedom of expression in Bangladesh, it says in a statement. ARTICLE 19, an international human rights organisation headquartered in London, called on the government of Bangladesh to stop the enactment of the draft ordinances and defer all decisions to the next elected government. With Bangladesh set to form a new elected government after the 12 February national election, ARTICLE 19 urged the interim government to immediately halt the enactment process and leave such far-reaching decisions to the incoming administration with a fresh democratic mandate. ARTICLE 19 promotes the freedom of expression movement, locally and globally, to ensure all people realise the power of their voices. It sought a transparent, inclusive consultation process with journalists, editors, civil society and legal experts. ARTICLE 19 called on the government of Bangladesh to guarantee that any future media regulator is fully independent and free from executive control. It demanded to recognise freelance journalists under relevant laws and ensure equal protections, align all reforms with international human rights standards, including Article 19 of the ICCPR and ensure the safety and free movement of all journalists during the election period. ARTICLE 19 said it stands with Bangladesh’s media community and urges the government to uphold transparency, independence, and human rights in all media-related reforms. The draft National Media Commission Ordinance aims to establish a National Media Commission that, in all respects - its structure and status, responsibilities of commissioners, as well as its administrative and financial framework - would be kept under direct government control, heavily influenced by bureaucratic authority, said the organisation. Such a design leaves the body exposed to political interference and falls far short of international human rights standards, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which requires media regulators to be independent, impartial, and free from executive control, it said. “Beyond issues of structural independence, the ordinance contains additional shortcomings,” it said. Notably, it excludes freelance journalists from the definition of ‘journalist’, thereby depriving a substantial segment of the media community of access to legal protections, accreditation, and safety measures, said ARTICLE 19, mentioning that such exclusion risks further undermining an already fragile media landscape. The proposed Broadcasting Commission Ordinance mirrors these shortcomings, centralising state control rather than safeguarding pluralism or public-interest journalism. Govt approves proposal to provide education in Rohingya camps through UNICEF ARTICLE 19 is particularly concerned that these rushed ordinances come nearly a year after the Bangladesh Media Reform Commission, which included recommendations for a National Media Commission, submitted its report on 22 March 2025. The interim government took no meaningful action on these recommendations, and members of the Reform Commission have publicly expressed frustration, it said. ARTICLE 19 said the government’s sudden urgency after months of inaction raises serious questions about motive and legitimacy.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) on Wednesday urged election officials and law enforcement personnel to perform their duties with honesty, integrity and sincerity, reminding them of the tragic consequences of fascism. He made the remarks at a meeting on law and order organised by the Khulna Divisional Administration at the conference room of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner’s office to ensure the smooth conduct of the national election and referendum–2026. Over the past 16 years, the adviser said, fascism had taken root through cloudy and biased election processes, in which state machinery was misused. He said people’s voting rights were taken away through a dictatorial system, leading to the establishment of autocracy and fascist structures. Referring to the 2024 mass uprising led by students to end fascism, he said many of those involved in the process were part of the government machinery and are now facing legal consequences, including dismissal, exile, imprisonment and prosecution. Expressing hope that all concerned would learn from the past, he called on officials to discharge their responsibilities properly in the upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12. Addressing election officials and members of law enforcement agencies, the adviser said the expectations of the people and political parties regarding the election are very high. Jahangir Alam stressed that ensuring a credible election rests largely on their shoulders. He warned that even a minor mistake or irregularity could damage the image of the election and the country, and said strict action would be taken against returning officers, assistant returning officers, presiding officers and others concerned if any irregularities or ballot box snatching occur. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said a Central Law and Order Coordination Cell has already been formed at the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the overall election situation. Representatives of law enforcement agencies will be stationed there to ensure quick information sharing and rapid response to any emerging situation. He also said the Election Security App–2026, developed by the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), would play an effective role in maintaining law and order. The app will connect law enforcement agencies, election officials and the ministry’s central control room to receive and resolve complaints swiftly. The adviser instructed authorities to issue entry passes quickly to election observers and ensure journalists are provided identity cards and full cooperation. He said the law and order situation on polling day must be improved so that voters can cast their votes in a joyful and festive atmosphere. BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman and Bangladesh Police Additional IGP (Crime and Ops) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam spoke as special guests at the meeting, chaired by Home Ministry Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani.