United News of Bangladesh

Muggers snatched Tk 90,000 stabbing a transport worker near Sheikh Kamal School on Khondkar road at Shympur in Dhaka on Tuesday. The victim is  Golam Kibria, 45, a staff member of Borak Transport’s Bangsal branch.  Witnesses said when he was returning home by rickshaw three people stopped him in front of the school and  snatched  Tk 90,000 and a mobile phone stabbing on his left hand. 3 arrested for staging robbery to steal expat’s Tk 10 Lakh Kibria was initially treated at a local hospital and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s emergency department. Inspector Md Faruk, Officer-in-Charge of Dhaka Medical Police Camp said Shyampur police have been informed and an investigation is ongoing.

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said Bangladesh will see a great election on February 12. After that, he said, there would be a smooth handover of power. "And I will return to my old ways - writing and reading, writing and reading and writing!! And guzzling enormous amounts of tea," said the Press Secretary in brief remarks shared from his verified Facebook page. "We have a Cabinet (Council of Advisers) meeting this Thursday. Hopefully, there will be another one next week," Alam said. Election atmosphere to improve further with gradual presence of security forces: Shafiqul Alam He said first, the waiting days were three digits—500 days to the election.  "Then they dropped to double digits: 90 days. The months slipped away. Now it’s weeks. And now the wait is down to single digits: nine days."  "In working days, it’s just five—today, Thursday, and the first three days of next week," Alam said.

The government has decided to rename the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as Special Intervention Force (SIF). Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the decision on Tuesday following a meeting of the law-and-order core committee at the Bangladesh Secretariat. RAB, an elite law enforcement unit in Bangladesh, was formed for combating serious crimes, terrorism, and organised criminal activities in 2003. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, RAB is a composite force made up of personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar. The force has played a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations, anti-drug campaigns, and high-profile criminal investigations across the country. Govt to buy 163 vehicles for RAB directly from Pragati Industries RAB was established on July 12, 2003, under the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act, 2003, which amended the Armed Forces Battalion Ordinance of 1979. Since its inception, RAB has faced criticism from human rights organisations over alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said the overall situation surrounding the national election in Bangladesh is significantly better than in previous elections, despite a few isolated incidents of clashes. “Two or four incidents are happening, that is true. But compared to any other time, the situation this time is much better. Everyone is now election-oriented. If you compare it with previous elections, I would say, by the grace of Almighty Allah, the situation is much better,” he told reporters. He made the remarks after the Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal Award Ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, in the morning. When asked about a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) stating that 15 political activists have been killed since the announcement of the election schedule, Lt Gen Chowdhury declined to comment directly. “You can ask TIB how many people were killed in previous elections,” he said. The Home Adviser said many of the clashes occur within the same political groups. “If you start fighting among yourselves, it sometimes becomes difficult for law enforcement agencies to control the situation. By the time we reach the spot, the situation is already over — this is what is happening,” he said. On whether violence is increasing ahead of the polls, he said, “Violence is not increasing; violence is happening. Law enforcement agencies have already been deployed in the field. People need to show patience. You will see that even a small exchange of words between two brothers cannot be tolerated. Everyone needs to increase their level of patience.” Responding to claims that the Sundarbans have come under the control of pirates since 5 August 2024, he said the statement was incorrect. “If the Sundarbans had gone under the control of pirates, so many tourists would not have been able to visit. The Sundarbans are fully under our control,” he added. Regarding the recovery of illegal firearms used in killings, he said many weapons have already been recovered. Home Adviser orders Coast Guard to maintain neutrality during election duties Asked if incidents of violence could affect the election, he emphasised that the polls will be conducted in a “free, peaceful and festive manner,” calling for cooperation from all concerned. During the ceremony, 40 members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard were awarded medals for their meritorious service. Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Nasimul Gani, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque, and other senior officials were also present.

Renowned Bangladeshi world traveler Najmun Nahar has been honored with Global Legacy Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to elevating Bangladesh’s image on the global stage. The award was presented by the social and cultural organization Alokkhô for her lifelong dedication to promoting her country internationally. During her travels to 184 countries, Najmun proudly carried the Bangladeshi national flag, tirelessly enhancing the country’s identity and dignity abroad. Beyond her travels, she has actively championed environmental conservation, prevention of child marriage, and global peace under her motto, “No War, We Want Peace.” Her extensive journey and bold efforts have brought Bangladesh recognition and honor worldwide. Bangladesh’s Najmun Nahar crosses 184 borders in her global journey The award ceremony was held on Monday where the honorary crest and certificate were presented to Najmun by prominent industrialist Dolly Hafiz and Farzana Sylvia, President of Alokkhô. Shelly Sen Gupta, Director of Agro Tech, honored her by draping a ceremonial stole. Bangladeshi trailblazer Najmun Nahar sets record by travelling to 178 countries  

The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune and forgiveness, will be observed in the country on Tuesday night with due religious solemnity and devotion. It is observed on the 15th night of the Arabic month of Sha'ban. According to Muslim belief, it is the night when Allah arranges the affairs of the following year. On this night, Allah writes the destinies of all his creations for the coming year by taking into account their past deeds. Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, reciting from the Holy Quran and also hold religious gatherings seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of the mankind. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of the night. Islamic Foundation has arranged various programmes at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Tuesday, including recitation from the Holy Quran, Hamd and Na’at, waz mahfils and special prayers. The programmes will begin after Maghrib prayers with a waz mahfil at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain will deliver a sermon around 8:30 pm on the teachings of Shab-e-Barat, including dos and don’ts, based on the Holy Quran and Hadith. The Baitul Mukarram National Mosque will remain open throughout the night for worshippers to perform individual nafl prayers and engage in zikr and azkar. Chief Adviser Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus issued a message on the occasion. In his message the Chief Adviser described Shab-e-Barat as a unique opportunity for mercy, forgiveness and spiritual purification. He also called for avoiding all injustice, unfairness, wrongdoing, and superstition and to illuminate individual, social and national life with the unique beauty of Islam, the religion of peace.  

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday instructed members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard to maintain strict political neutrality and professionalism during election duties, warning of severe consequences for any form of bias. Speaking at a medal distribution ceremony at the Coast Guard Headquarters in Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Jahangir Alam said the force must play its role with honesty and integrity to ensure that the 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, scheduled for 12 February 2026, are conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner. He said there was ‘no scope whatsoever’ for Coast Guard personnel to engage with any political party, individual or agenda during the election period. As state employees, the adviser added, their primary responsibility was to uphold the law, ensure public security and serve the public interest. Home Affairs Adviser directs strict action against election code violations The Home Adviser warned that any member found supporting a candidate or implementing a party agenda would face strict departmental and legal action, with no leniency. Even minor displays of bias would not be tolerated, he said. According to Jahangir Alam, the credibility of the election would largely depend on the honesty, efficiency and professionalism of those deployed on duty. He also cautioned against unethical conduct, negligence or yielding to temptation, saying such actions would invite severe punishment. Extra forces, drones, CCTV to guard risky polling centres: Home Adviser Describing corruption as the ‘greatest enemy of the state’, he said it weakened institutions from within and eroded public trust. Pursuing personal gain or political benefit, he added, was not only illegal but also damaging to the foundations of the state. The Home Adviser reminded personnel that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is funded by taxpayers and exists solely to ensure national security and public welfare. On election security arrangements, he said around 3,585 Coast Guard members had been deployed alongside nearly 900,000 personnel from various law enforcement agencies. He said some 100 Coast Guard platoons were currently operating across districts in the Barishal, Chattogram and Khulna divisions. Jahangir Alam also highlighted the government’s commitment to modernising the Coast Guard. He said procurement was underway for bulletproof high-speed boats and surveillance drones equipped with ground control stations. Twelve surveillance drones donated by the Australian Border Force had already been inducted, he added. Further development plans include the construction of a multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Future initiatives would also involve the induction of helicopters, rescue drones and a coastal surveillance system. The Home Adviser congratulated the medal recipients and expressed hope that Coast Guard personnel, guided by patriotism, would continue to serve the country with honesty and dedication to help build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Bangladesh.  

Diploma engineers and diploma students blocked railway tracks in Gazipur on Monday to protest the 33 percent quota for BSc engineers in the recruitment of sub-assistant engineers and to press their five-point demand. The protesters blocked the railway tracks at Bhurulia in the city, halting train communication on Dhaka-Rajshahi and Dhaka-Mymensingh routes. Earlier, they gathered at Bhurulia Mist intersection and brought out a procession which paraded through Shimultoli-Gazipur road. Diploma engineers block train and roads over quota demand in Gazipur Quaiyum Ali, Officer-in-Charge of Joydebpur Railway Station Police Outpost, said several trains including Banalata Express, Rangpur Express, Chapai Express and Teesta Express remained stranded at different stations due to the blockade.  

The government will sell milk, eggs, beef and dressed broiler meat at subsidised prices during the month of Ramadan to ensure that the general public can easily meet their demand for animal-based protein. Under this programme, dressed broiler meat will be sold at Tk 245 per kilogram, pasteurised milk at Tk 80 per liter, eggs at Tk 8 per piece and beef at Tk 650 per kilogramme. A meeting was held on Sunday at the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to determine measures for uninterrupted supply and price stability of meat, eggs, and milk during Ramadan. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter chaired the meeting. After detailed discussions, it was decided that from the day before Ramadan until the 25th day of Ramadan, a total of 26 days, these products will be sold at affordable prices through mobile sales centers. Market stable, prices likely to ease further in Ramadan: Adviser Bashir The meeting also decided that departmental directors and district livestock officers under the Department of Livestock Services will coordinate with district administrations to implement similar initiatives outside Dhaka in other divisional and district towns, taking local market conditions into account. Initially, the programme will be conducted at 25 key locations in Dhaka and city corporation areas, based on public demand. The proposed locations include Secretariat area (Abdul Gani Road), Khamarbari (Farmgate), 60 Feet Road (Mirpur), Azimpur Maternity Hospital, Naya Bazar (Old Dhaka), Uttara House Building, Rampura Bazar, Hazaribagh, Arambagh (Motijheel), Kalshi (Mirpur), Manik Nagar (Jatrabari), Shahjadpur (Badda), Korail slum (Banani), Kamrangirchar, Khilgaon Rail Crossing (South), Nakhalpara (Lucas Mor), Segunbagicha kitchen market, Mohammadpur (Babar Road), Mohammadpur (Bosila), Kakrail, Banasree, Mirpur-10, Kalyanpur, Tejgaon and Bangabazar in Old Dhaka. The number of mobile sales centers will be gradually increased by designating permanent spots for sales in coordination with local entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders.  

As climate stress tightens its grip on Bangladesh’s farmlands and cultivable land continues to shrink, the government has rolled out a large-scale agricultural project aimed at securing food production and livelihoods in one of the country’s most important farming belts — Bogura agricultural region. With an allocation of Tk 251.97 crore, the project, titled Sustainable Agricultural Development of Bogura Agricultural Region, seeks to boost crop output, modernise farming practices and build long-term resilience in four districts of the Rajshahi division.  The project will be implemented by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) under the Ministry of Agriculture from January 2026 to December 2030, fully funded by the government. Spanning 44 upazilas in Bogura, Joypurhat, Pabna and Sirajganj, the project is among the largest region-based agricultural programmes undertaken in recent years.  Tk 1,300cr GK irrigation rehabilitation project aims to revive southwest agriculture Officials say it is designed as a response to a convergence of challenges  including falling groundwater levels, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable seasons — all of which have disrupted year-round crop cultivation in the region. Targets and technologies At the heart of the project is a production target: a 5 percent increase in crop output, from 41.87 lakh metric tonnes to 43.96 lakh metric tonnes.  This is to be achieved through the application of 24 modern and environment-friendly agricultural technologies, including water-saving methods, improved soil health management and better crop planning. Cropping intensity is also expected to rise by 5 percent, from 236 percent to 241 percent, reflecting more efficient land use in an area where arable land is steadily being lost to floods, river erosion and expanding infrastructure and industrial establishments. To address post-harvest losses — a persistent problem for farmers — the project includes the construction of 200 onion storage facilities, each with a capacity of 10 metric tonnes, alongside three storage centres for vegetables, fruits and other produce.  A deputy director’s office-cum-training centre will also be built in Bogura to strengthen local extension services. Mechanisation is another major pillar. Under the plan, 3,185 agricultural machines will be procured and distributed to farmers to reduce production costs, ease labour shortages and improve efficiency during peak seasons. Investing in people Beyond infrastructure and machines, the project places strong emphasis on human resource development.  According to Planning Ministry officials, 4,840 training batches will be conducted to enhance farmers’ skills in modern crop production, seed technologies and agribusiness development. The initiative aims to create at least 1,000 new agricultural entrepreneurs and develop around 35,000 trained agricultural human resources across the region.  More than 41,800 demonstration plots will showcase improved farming practices, while 700 field days, technical discussion sessions and 70 exposure visit programmes are planned to encourage technology adoption at the grassroots. A Planning Commission official described the project as a strategic investment in both productivity and people. “Expanding high-yielding and high-value crops, promoting safe fruit and vegetable cultivation and improving post-harvest management can significantly lift farm incomes if done properly,” the official said. If implemented as planned, the project is expected to contribute to soil health protection, improved nutrition, reduced rural poverty and a gradual transformation of agriculture into a more profitable and sustainable profession in the region. For thousands of farmers facing an uncertain climate future, the success of this initiative could determine whether Bogura’s fields remain productive — or increasingly precarious — in the years ahead.