United News of Bangladesh

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Monday said journalists must remain uncompromising on professionalism and refrain from partisan allegiance under any circumstances. She made the remarks while addressing the “Media Festival 2026”, organised by the July Revolutionary Journalists Alliance at the National Press Club in Dhaka. The adviser said journalists must avoid the language of threats and intimidation and uphold professional ethics to secure a dignified position in society. She urged them to uphold the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and the right to form organisations.. She noted that differences of opinion may exist among journalists, but objectivity must remain the core principle of journalism. The main message of the event, she said, was to ensure that not only authoritarianism but also authoritarian systems never return. Many Bangladesh’s journalists face voting exclusion despite new postal ballot system Referring to media reforms, Rizwana Hasan said it was disappointing that a media commission and a broadcasting ordinance had not been enacted even after 54 years. She said efforts were underway to introduce the two ordinances based on the opinions of the government, journalists and other stakeholders. If that was not possible due to time constraints, at least final drafts would be prepared. She added that the draft ordinances had been uploaded to the ministry’s website for public opinion, based on the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission. At the programme, martyr journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo’s mother, Samsi Ara Zaman, said journalists must be ensured dignified livelihoods and facilities so that fascism cannot exploit them. The event was also addressed by several journalists and political leaders. A hotline number, 09644111444, was inaugurated to assist journalists while performing duties during the upcoming referendum and election.

The Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) Wing was formally inaugurated at its newly established campus in Dhaka Cantonment on Monday. The Wing will continue its academic and training activities at the new campus while remaining an integral part of the National Defence College. Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division, Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, Quartermaster General (QMG) Lt. Gen. Md Faizur Rahman and the Commandant, National Defence College, Lieutenant General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque were present there.  Joint forces arrest 278 across Bangladesh in weeklong drive: ISPR Senior military and civil officials, along with faculty members and staff officers of the National Defence College, were also present at the ceremony. The inauguration of the Armed Forces War Course at its new campus marks a major step forward in strengthening institutional capacity for strategic-level education and training. The purpose-built campus has been designed to support an advanced learning environment conducive to research, professional discourse, and joint operational understanding among mid-level officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. The presence of the Chiefs of the three Services at the inauguration underscores the importance of jointness, interoperability, and professional excellence within the Armed Forces. Traffic restricted for Khaleda Zia’s janaza: ISPR The event reaffirms the Armed Forces of Bangladesh's commitment to continuous professional development, modern military education, and the strengthening of national defense institutions.

A Dhaka court on Monday sent Managing Director (MD) of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Shafiqur Rahman, his wife and two others to jail in a case filed over torturing domestic help. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ehsanul Islam passed the order when sub-inspector of Uttara West Police Station, Romer Mia produced them before the court in the case. The court also rejected the bail petitions of four people when Advocate Zakir Hossain filed a petition seeking their bail. Earlier on Sunday, police arrested Shafiqur, his wife Bithi and two other domestic helpers of the house—Rupali Khatun and Sufia Begum in connection with torturing a domestic help from Uttara area of the capital. Read More: Biman Bangladesh Airlines launches online travel date change service Golam Mostafa, father of the domestic help filed a case in this connection. According to the case statement, Mostafa sent his girl to the house of Shafiqur, at his residence in June, last year. On November 2, last year, Mostafa met with his daughter and since then the girl was not allowed to meet with his family.

The holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune and forgiveness, will be observed in the country on Tuesday 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 mankind. Read More: Ramadan just a month away! 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. Read More: No possibility of LPG shortage during Ramadan: BERC chairman 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. Calling upon people to observe Shab-e-Barat as an extraordinary opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy, the Chief Adviser urged everyone to pray for the welfare of the country and the nation and to dedicate themselves to the service of humanity. 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. Read More: Govt okays import of lentil, edible oil to stabilise Ramadan market

National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday described negotiations with multiple countries in the areas of defence and other sectors, taking place towards the end of the interim government’s tenure, as an ‘ongoing process.’ “This is an ongoing process,” he said when approached by a journalist at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the afternoon. When asked what would happen to the interim government’s commitments if the next government does not carry them forward, Dr Rahman, who also serves as the High Representative on the Rohingya Issue, said the question is ‘hypothetical.’ NSA Dr Khalilur Rahman parries questions on Biman Board appointment Earlier, he held a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). Details of their discussions were not immediately available. Since assuming office, the interim government has undertaken a series of initiatives with the United States, Japan, China, South Korea, Turkey and Pakistan on various fronts.

The government has demoted two National Board of Revenue (NBR) officials by two pay grades each after disciplinary proceedings found them guilty of misconduct in separate incidents linked to protests and defiance of official orders. According to separate gazette notifications, Additional Tax Commissioner Chand Sultana Chowdhurani and Joint Tax Commissioner Masuma Khatun were punished under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. Their suspension orders have also been withdrawn, with the penalties taking immediate effect. Read More: NBR extends income tax return deadline to January 31 Chand Sultana Chowdhurani (Employee ID: 200366), who was serving as Additional Tax Commissioner (current charge) and Officer on Special Duty at the NBR, was accused of instigating officials to abandon official duties and assemble at the Revenue Building following the promulgation of the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance, 2025. The allegations stem from WhatsApp messages she posted on June 26, 2025, calling on NBR officials to “come down” and enquiring which tax commissioners were heading towards the NBR in solidarity with a reform platform. Authorities said her actions disrupted revenue collection activities and constituted a clear violation of the Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1979. After departmental proceedings, including a personal hearing and a formal investigation, the charges of misconduct were proven beyond doubt. Read More: NBR enables election aspirants to file online tax returns As punishment, her basic pay has been reduced by two grades — from Tk 58,560 to Tk 53,610 — while her temporary suspension has been revoked. In a separate case, Masuma Khatun (Employee ID: 200297), Joint Tax Commissioner and Officer on Special Duty at the NBR, was found guilty of publicly tearing up a transfer order in front of electronic and print media on June 24, 2025, at the entrance of the Revenue Building. The authorities stated that her actions amounted to insubordination, defiance of a lawful government order and conduct unbecoming of a public servant, in violation of existing conduct and discipline rules. Following an investigation and personal hearing, the allegations of misconduct were also proven against her. Consequently, her basic pay has been reduced by two grades — from Tk 69,850 to Tk 63,960 — and her suspension order has been withdrawn. Both penalties have been imposed as minor punishments under Rule 4(2)(gh) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018 and are effective immediately.

Police Headquarters on Sunday released mobile phone numbers of its Operations Control Room, urging the public to contact the facility for any law and order–related complaints. According to a press release issued by Faisal Hasan, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the mobile numbers are 01320001223, 01320001300 and 01320001299. It said the numbers will remain operational round the clock to receive complaints and information from citizens regarding law and order situations. Read More: Police Headquarters warns against social media propaganda using officials’ names

Saiful Islam Rony, a Jahangirnagar University (JU) unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader, who suffered burn injuries in an explosion at a house on January 27, died at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital on Monday. Rony, a student of Anthropology Department of JU, breathed his last around 10am at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery on Monday. He had been undergoing treatment at the ICU of the hospital. On January 27, Abdus Sobhan Raihan set fire on his house by pouring Octane over family feud at Islamnagar area, adjacent to the university. Rony along with three others suffered burn injuries when they tried to keep him calm. Later, the injured Rony, Raihan, Rahat and Hasinur were taken to National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery where Rony succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Dr Zahir Uddin, duty doctor of the hospital, said “Rony's physical condition had been extremely critical from the beginning. His throat was burned while vital organs like the heart, kidneys and lungs had become nonfunctional.”  

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has said that the government has not approved indoor or artificial hilsa farming, clarifying that no such initiative has received official clearance so far. In a press release issued on Monday, the ministry said it has seriously reviewed the issue amid recent discussions and reports published in newspapers, online media and social media regarding indoor or artificial cultivation of hilsa. The ministry said a meeting on indoor, fully controlled and intensive cultivation of hilsa and other marine fish using the Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) technology was held at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Sunday (February 1). The meeting was chaired by Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar, and attended by senior officials of the ministry, the Department of Fisheries and the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute. Home Ministry forms law and order coordination cell ahead of polls The review found that hilsa is an important Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh and is closely linked to the country’s riverine and coastal ecosystems, food security, heritage and the livelihoods of a large number of fishermen. As hilsa production and management largely depend on the natural reproductive cycle and riverine environment, any initiative related to its cultivation is highly sensitive and policy-driven, the ministry said. It added that there is currently no government policy decision or approval regarding RAS or any other indoor, fully controlled or intensive method of hilsa farming. As such, no individual or institution has been granted permission to cultivate hilsa using these methods. The ministry said any research, experimental initiative or technical activity related to hilsa must be conducted in line with existing laws, policies and national interests, and subject to prior approval from the relevant government authorities. Any unauthorised activity will be considered unacceptable. The ministry also urged all concerned, including the public, to rely on government-approved and credible information and not to be misled by misinformation or rumours.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Dr Khalilur Rahman on Monday parried questions regarding reported criticism of his recent appointment as a director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines. When pressed by a TV journalist about becoming a Biman director while holding the post of NSA, Dr Rahman briefly smiled and said, “Not all countries in the world have Biman.” Dr Rahman, who also serves as the High Representative on the Rohingya Issue, earlier held a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Dr Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The details of their discussion could not be immediately known. A small group of journalists approached Dr Rahman as he was leaving the ministry following the meeting. Recently, Dr Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, and Senior Secretary of the Bangladesh Election Commission Akhtar Ahmed were appointed as directors of Biman Bangladesh Airlines Ltd. The decision to include them on the airline’s board less than a month ahead of the February-12 election raised questions among insiders in the aviation industry. Meanwhile, police arrested Biman Bangladesh Airlines Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr Md Shafiqur Rahman, his wife and two others from Uttara in connection with a case involving the abuse of a child domestic worker.