United News of Bangladesh

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Friday said the Historical Sindurmati Fair in Lalmonirhat stands as a shining example of communal harmony in Bangladesh, inspiring the nation to move forward. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting after inaugurating the fair at Sindurmati Dighi in Panchgram union of Sadar upazila around 11:30am. The minister said the spontaneous participation of people from different religious communities, alongside followers of Sanatan Dharma, has strengthened bonds of mutual respect, cooperation and love. “This spirit of harmony is the key driving force behind the country’s progress,” he added. Dulu also warned that a vested quarter is trying to spread misinformation on social media to create instability, urging all concerned to refrain from such provocative activities. Highlighting development initiatives, he said the Sindurmati area had seen little progress in the past, but the current government has taken steps to improve infrastructure, strengthen security and ensure better facilities for visitors centring the religious site. Ongoing development works are already underway, he added.

Tens of thousands of devotees gathered on Thursday along the banks of the Brahmaputra River in Kurigram to observe the sacred bathing ritual on Ashtami, one of the most significant religious observances for followers of Sanatan Dharma. The holy baths began at dawn across several ghats, including Nunkhawa Ghat in Nageshwari, Jatrapur Ghat in Sadar, and Jorgach and Ramna Ghats in Chilmari Upazila. Before entering the river, many devotees chanted mantras such as “Om Brahmaputra Mahabhag…” praying for the forgiveness of sins. Kurigram char residents pay for power they never receive According to the organizing committee, the annual Ashtami Bath Festival is observed on the eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra month. This year, the ritual was scheduled from 4:00 am to 7:45 am and again from 12:03 pm to 2:59 pm. Extensive preparations were undertaken to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the festival. The local administration, organizers, law enforcement, and volunteer teams provided security, maintained order, and offered temporary medical services.

On the occasion of the Independence and National Day, a Guard of Honor was presented at the grave of Bir Sreshtho Noor Mohammad Sheikh in Sharsha, Jashore. On Thursday at 11:00 am, Sohel Al Mujahid, Quartermaster (Assistant Director) of Jessore 49 BGB Battalion, representing the Director General of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), gave the Guard of Honor at the grave in Kashipur. Earlier at 8:00 am, the Upazila administration paid tribute at the site. Veterans of the Liberation War, political leaders, journalists, and heads of educational institutions also offered their respects. BGB on high alert at borders to prevent fuel smuggling amid Iraq-Iran war impact

Movie theatres across the capital witnessed overwhelming crowds during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, with the rush continuing into Monday, the third day of Eid. Five Bangla films were released this Eid, all of which have generated significant buzz among viewers.  Audiences were seen standing in long queues to buy tickets.   While many praised the films others expressed disappointment, particularly over what they described as weak storytelling. Film stars, directors and producers have been visiting cinema halls since the first day of Eid, interacting with audiences and sharing their experiences with the media. The much-anticipated film ‘Prince’, starring Shakib Khan, could not be screened in cineplexes on Eid day, leaving fans disappointed.  However, the issue was resolved by the third day, and the film was finally released in cineplexes. Director Abu Hayat Mahmud said the movie has been running houseful shows from the start, with tickets selling out shortly after release. Despite strong turnout, audience reactions to ‘Prince’ have been mixed.  Some viewers appreciated its big-budget visual effects while many felt the storyline did not meet expectations. Another Eid release, ‘Bonolota Express’, has received widespread appreciation since the first day.  Featuring popular actors like Mosharraf Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Shariful Raj, Azmeri Haque Badhon and Sabila Nur, the film is directed by Tanim Noor. Viewers said the film offers a compelling and enjoyable story similar to the director’s earlier work ‘Utsab’. Actor Chanchal Chowdhury said the film is running houseful shows, adding that audiences laughed, became emotional and fully engaged with the story. Actor Afran Nisho appeared in this Eid with his third film ‘Domm’, shot in Kazakhstan, where he stars opposite Puja Cherry.  The film has generated added excitement, marking director Redoan Rony’s return after a decade and bringing Nisho and Chanchal Chowdhury together on screen for the first time. Adding to its appeal, legendary singer Sabina Yasmin has re-recorded her iconic song ‘Ei Mon Tomake Dilam’ for the film after 44 years. However, Nisho urged fans to remain respectful, calling for an end to intentional negative criticism and unhealthy comparisons among actors. Director Raihan Rafi also joined the Eid lineup with ‘Pressure Cooker’, a female-centric film starring Shobnom Bubly, Nazifa Tushi, Maria Shanta and Snigdha Chowdhury.  Unlike hero-driven films, it portrays aspects of women’s lives in Dhaka. While audiences appreciated its uniqueness, some felt it was not suitable for family viewing during Eid.  Critics, however, said the film stands out for breaking away from conventional storytelling. Rafi said the film is receiving an overwhelming response, reflecting a broader resurgence of Bangla cinema. Meanwhile, director Mehedi Hasan brought the action film ‘Rakkhosh’, starring Siam Ahmed, which has also been drawing large audiences and running houseful shows. Siam Ahmed said the film has been well received since the first day, with positive reviews continuing to attract more viewers. With films finally hitting theatres after strong trailer promotions, a festive cinematic atmosphere has gripped audiences since Eid day.  Many families were seen attending screenings together, with viewers calling for more quality, family-friendly Bangla films in the future.

The festive spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr continues to linger in the capital as people of all ages throng the city’s zoo, turning it into a lively hub of post-Eid celebration.  

The traditional custom of ‘Eid Salami’ is undergoing a significant digital transformation as more people in Bangladesh opt for mobile financial services (MFS) and creative online gift trends to share festive joy. While Eid-ul-Fitr has long been characterized by children receiving crisp, new banknotes from elders after seeking blessings, current trends show a sharp rise in ‘Digital Salami.’ This shift is primarily driven by the widespread use of mobile banking and the influence of social media among the younger generation. With the increasing availability of platforms like bKash, Nagad, and Rocket, the physical distance between relatives is no longer a barrier to the tradition. Many young people now use messaging apps like Messenger and WhatsApp to playfully request Salami, which is then instantly transferred via mobile wallets. Industry experts note that this trend gained significant momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to grow as a convenient and secure alternative to cash. University student Nafis Alam shared that while the nostalgia of fresh banknotes is missed, digital Salami offers a practical and fast way to receive gifts from relatives living far away or abroad. Shortage of New Banknotes The surge in digital gifts is also linked to a scarcity of new currency in the market. This year, the central bank did not release new notes for the occasion as part of a broader strategy to reduce printing costs—estimated at nearly Tk20,000 crore annually—and move toward a "cashless economy." Consequently, the high demand for physical notes has driven up prices in the informal market, where traders charge extra premiums for bundles of new Tk 10, Tk 20, and Tk 100 notes. Beyond digital transfers, a new aesthetic trend has emerged: "Salami Bouquets." Instead of handing over cash directly, many are now opting for elaborate floral arrangements decorated with currency notes. Online entrepreneurs have capitalized on this trend, which went viral on social media. Crafting experts like Ismat Ara of ‘Ara’s Flair’ report a massive surge in orders for these customized money bouquets. Making charges for these gifts can range from Tk 300 to Tk 5,000, depending on the complexity and the number of notes used. Despite the shift in delivery methods—from physical cash to digital wallets and decorative bouquets—the essence of the tradition remains the same. Islamic scholars and social analysts agree that while the "form" of Salami is changing with technology, the core purpose of spreading happiness and strengthening family bonds remains the heart of the Eid celebration.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Saturday said the traditional Eid procession in the capital has helped lift the sense of monotony often felt by residents during Eid. “People used to feel bored staying at home during Eid, often spending the day idly. But for the second consecutive time, the Eid procession revived in line with Mughal-era traditions has brought a distinct festive spirit to the day,” Asif told reporters after the procession. He said such processions would continue to be organised every Eid-ul-Fitr, adding that the initiative would also serve as a platform to highlight the aspirations and demands of people in Bangladesh and the wider Muslim Ummah. A colourful ‘Eid Ananda Michhil’ was brought out in the capital marking the holy Eid-ul-Fitr, led by Asif. The procession began around 10am after the main Eid congregation at the National Eidgah ground. It started from the adjacent High Court premises and passed through Central Shaheed Minar and Shahbagh intersection before ending in front of Hotel InterContinental. People from all walks of life including men, women and children joined the procession, chanting slogans such as “Eid Mubarak,” “Free Palestine,” and calls for justice on various national issues. Leaders of the NCP at different levels, along with current and former activists of the anti-discrimination student movement, also took part. The procession featured bands, horses, horse-drawn carriages, elephants, decorated vans, royal umbrellas, performers dressed as jesters, and placards bearing various messages. The three-day Eid festival, organised under a ‘citizens’ initiative’, began on Friday at Rabindra Sarobar with a daylong mehendi festival, followed by a cultural programme in the evening where Asif himself performed songs. Organisers said the initiative aims to revive Dhaka’s historic civic traditions and festive culture, noting that Eid had traditionally been a major occasion for social gathering, cultural expression and shared joy in the city. On Sunday, the final day of the festival, a kite festival will be held at Suhrawardy Udyan, where people of all ages are expected to celebrate Eid by flying colourful kites.

Bangladeshi Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr across the country on Saturday with religious devotion and festive spirit, exchanging greetings, handshakes and customary embraces after offering prayers. From early morning, large numbers of worshippers gathered at open grounds and mosques in the capital Dhaka and other parts of the country to perform the special Eid prayers marking the end of the month-long fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. The main Eid congregation in Dhaka was held at the National Eidgah, where President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined thousands of devotees in prayers, along with other dignitaries. Since morning, long queues of worshippers were also seen outside major mosques in the capital, including the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has taken special security measures across the country including capital Dhaka, marking Eid-ul-Fitr as in previous years. As part of the initiative, RAB’s Acting Director General Colonel Iftekhar Ahmed on Friday inspected Sadarghat Launch Terminal in the capital and reviewed the overall security arrangements. RAB’s Legal and Media Wing said multi-layered security arrangements have been adopted to ensure that people across the country can celebrate Eid without disruption. To ensure overall security, RAB has set up control rooms, striking reserves, foot and mobile patrols, vehicle scanners, observation posts, checkpoints and CCTV monitoring system. Special surveillance has been ensured at bus terminals, railway stations, launch terminals, ferry ghats and other crowded places to provide security for homebound people during Eid journey. RAB also warned that strict action will be taken against any irregularities involving ticket manipulation or overcharging passengers. Security has been tightened at important Eid congregations including the National Eidgah, Sholakia Eidgah and Dinajpur Eidgah. Necessary security sweeping and CCTV coverage will be ensured at these venues. In addition, RAB has increased patrols and surveillance to prevent theft and robbery at residences, workplaces and shopping malls during the Eid holidays, it said. The elite force also said its cyber monitoring team is maintaining round-the-clock surveillance online to prevent the spread of rumours, provocative content and misinformation centering Eid-ul-Fitr.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will exchange Eid greetings with diplomats, academics and people from all walks of life on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr. The greeting exchange programme will begin at the State Guest House Jamuna at 10am, the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said on Wednesday. “The Prime Minister will offer Eid prayers at the National Eidgah. He will then go to Jamuna at 10am where he will first exchange greetings with diplomats,” he said. He said the Prime Minister will later exchange Eid greetings with members of the cabinet, Members of Parliament, distinguished citizens, academics, religious scholars, cultural personalities and senior government and private officials as well as people from all sections of society. After the programme, the Prime Minister will visit Sher-e-Bangla Nagar with his family members to pay respects at the graves of BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. National Eidgah set for main Eid congregation, 5 at Baitul Mukarram Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 will be celebrated on either on Friday or Saturday, depending on the moon sighting. This will be Tarique Rahman’s first Eid celebration in the country in over one and a half decades. He had spent the past 17 years celebrating Eid in London before returning to the country with his family on December 25 last year. He assumed office as Prime Minister after being elected in the 13th national election on February 12.