United News of Bangladesh

The Election Commission (EC) has called for equal opportunities for all candidates in election coverage on Bangladesh Television and private TV channels. Creating a congenial environment is crucial for free, fair, and credible elections, said an EC statement signed by Md Ruhul Amin Mollick, director (public relations) of the organization, on Wednesday.  State and private media can play a key role by providing equal access to information for all candidates, ensuring balanced coverage during election-related programs, interviews, talk shows, and dialogues, the statement reads. Referring to rule 25 of the Political Party and Candidate Code of Conduct-2025, the statement highlighted that candidates or their representatives may participate in televised election dialogues but must refrain from making personal attacks against anyone. All television channels and other media outlets have been requested to exercise caution, provide equal opportunities to all candidates and avoid broadcasting any remarks or statements that demean or disparage any party or candidate, said the statement.  

A union-level BNP leader shot dead in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna district on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Biru Molla, 60, son of late Abul Molla and convener of Luxmikunda union unit of  BNP. Victim’s son Rajib Molla said, on Tuesday night local Awami League Zahurul Molla, also cousin of Biru Mollah, along with his son Al Amin Molla, forcibly cut soil from Biru Molla’s land for use in a brick kiln. When Biru Molla went to ask Zahurul Molla about the soil cutting at around 9:15 am on Wednesday, Zahurul and his son Al Amin became enraged and immediately shot Biru Molla in the head with an illegal firearm. Biru Molla collapsed on the spot and was rushed by locals to Ishwardi Upazila Health Complex where the on-duty physician, Dr Tasnim Tamanna Swarna, declared him dead. Former Ishwardi upazila BNP member secretary Ajmal Hossain Sujon said those responsible for killing his party leader must be brought to justice immediately. 2 youths die after consuming alcohol in Pabna “This is not a party issue. Deceased Biru Molla was the first cousin of the accused Zahurul Molla. The incident occurred over soil cutting,” he added. Mominuzzaman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ishwardi Police Station, said that necessary legal action would be taken following investigation. “As of 3:30 pm on Wednesday no case had been filed,” the OC added.    

Vehicular movement on the Rampura–Natun Bazar road resumed on Wednesday evening after a two-hour blockade enforced by July Oikya, demanding the return of those allegedly involved in an attempt to kill Osman Hadi, spokesman of Inquilab Moncho. July Oikya activists blocked the Rampura-Badda road in the afternoon, marching towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka to press their demand for the extradition of the suspects. After keeping the road blocked for nearly two hours, the organisation announced the end to its programme. Earlier, at around 3pm, a procession led by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair started from Rampura Bridge and advanced towards North Badda. The demonstrators later staged a sit-in on the road in front of Hossain Market in North Badda after facing police resistance, chanting slogans such as ‘Delhi or Dhaka, Dhaka is Dhaka’ and ‘Why was my brother Hadi attacked?’ Addressing the gathering, Zubair said they had no intention of advancing further with the procession and only wanted to convey that no one would be allowed to impose dominance over Bangladesh. “There is no fear. We will not attack the Indian High Commission. Our protest is a non-violent one. But if anyone tries to maintain hegemony over Bangladesh, they will not be spared,” he said. Due to the blockade, severe traffic congestion gripped the entire area. With police barricades on both sides of the road and protesters occupying one side, all types of vehicles remained halted from Natun Bazar to Rampura for nearly two hours. July Oikya blocks Rampura-Badda road over Hadi attack attempt Vehicular movement on the Gulshan–Badda link road was also suspended during the blockade, causing immense suffering to commuters. At around 5pm, July Oikya announced the end of its programme. The protesters warned of tougher movements ahead if the alleged attackers of Hadi are not brought back. Although traffic resumed on the Rampura-Natun Bazar road after police removed the barricades, heavy congestion persisted across the area due to pressure from stranded vehicles.    

July Oikya on Wednesday blocked the Rampura-Badda road while marching to encircle the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, demanding the extradition of those allegedly involved in the attempted killing of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson and prospective independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency, Osman Hadi. The march, led by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair, started from Rampura Bridge around 3:00 pm and advanced towards North Badda. However, facing police resistance, the demonstrators sat on the road in front of Hossain Market in North Badda, chanting slogans such as ‘Delhi or Dhaka, Dhaka is Dhaka’ and ‘My brother Hadi—why did Hadi have to die?’ Addressing the protesters, Zubair said they had no intention of moving further with the procession and only wanted to send a message that no one would be allowed to impose dominance over Bangladesh at will. “We are not afraid, and we will not attack the Indian High Commission. Our protest is a peaceful one. But if anyone tries to maintain hegemonic control over Bangladesh, they will not be spared,” he said. The blockade triggered severe traffic congestion across the area, as police barricades were placed on both sides of the road and protesters occupied one side, halting all vehicular movement from Natun Bazar to Rampura.

The European Union (EU) will send 175-200 observers to monitor the upcoming parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter, scheduled to be held on February 12, 2026, said EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Wednesday. “The EU has confirmed that it will deploy an observer mission in our election….Some 175-200 EU observers will arrive here at different times to observe the polls,” he said while briefing reporters at Nirbachan Bhaban in the city. Ivars Ijabs, a member of the EU Parliament, would lead the EU election observation mission in Bangladesh, he said. The EC Secretary, however, said he would not be able to say further details about when they start arriving here. He said the EU observers would come here to watch the election following a tripartite agreement signed among the Election Commission, the Foreign Ministry of Bangladesh and the EU on Monday last. Akhtar Ahmed said the EU observers would follow the local necessity protocols particularly in the Chittagong hilly area. He said so far two-three international organisations and countries confirmed that they would send their observer missions to Bangladesh. In response to a formal invitation by Bangladesh authorities, the High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 February 2026.  The High Representative has appointed Ivars Ijabs, Member of the European Parliament, as its chief observer.  "I am honoured to lead this EU Election Observation Mission to Bangladesh, which will deliver an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process," Chief Observer Ijabs said on Tuesday.  This mission, Ijabs said, is a tangible example of the EU support to the people of Bangladesh and their aspiration for stronger democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights. The EU said they are supporting the conduct of "free and fair, participatory" elections. Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on December 11 last announced the schedule to arrange the 13th parliamentary election and the referendum on the July National Charter (Constitutional Reform) Implementation Order simultaneously on February 12 next. According to the election schedule, the deadline for the submission of nomination paper is December 29, while the scrutiny of nomination paper is on December 30-January 4 and the last date for the withdrawal of candidature is January 20. The election campaign will start on January 22 and continue till 48 hours before the balloting period (7:30am on February 10).

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has intensified security through setting up more check posts in the capital on Wednesday to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. The checkposts will be operational from 4:00pm at several strategic locations under different crime divisions of the DMP, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman on Wednesday afternoon. The areas include Bosila under Ramna Division; Babubazar under Lalbagh Division; Postogola Bridge, Matuail U-loop and Staff Quarter under Wari Division; Basabo Road (Kamalapur) under Motijheel Division; Gabtoli under Mirpur Division; 300 Feet Road under Gulshan Division; and Abdullahpur Bridge, Kamarpara and Dhaur Bridge under Uttara Division. DMP intensifies drive to arrest attackers of Hadi Law enforcement officials said the checkposts will focus on monitoring suspicious movements, verifying vehicles and individuals, and preventing any untoward incidents. The DMP has urged city residents to cooperate with police personnel during the checkpost operations in the greater interest of public safety and security.  

The Finance Division on Wednesday unveiled the third Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Strategy 2025–2030, signaling a decisive shift in Bangladesh’s fiscal governance by widening the focus toward building institutional strength, accountability, and improved service delivery. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed formally launched it at a ceremony organised by Strengthening Public Financial Management Program to Enable Service Delivery (SPFMS) at the multipurpose hall of the Finance Division in the capital. The new framework provides a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen fiscal discipline, manage rising public risks, and ensure better value for money at a time when Bangladesh faces mounting pressure from climate change, global economic volatility, and expanding public expenditure needs. Addressing the event adviser Salehuddin said, “We are accountable to the general public and this long-awaited PFM Strategy is about ensuring transparency, accountability, and better quality of public services.” He called upon officials of the Finance Division, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (OCAG), and other relevant actors to accelerate implementation of the strategy, stressing that coordinated action is essential to establish a stronger system of governance and a more transparent public financial system that delivers real benefits to citizens. Finance Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder presided over the event, while Comptroller and Auditor General of Bangladesh Md Nurul Islam and World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme attended as special guests. Dr Ziaul Abedin, Additional Secretary (Budget-1) and National Program Director of SPFMS, delivered the welcome address, and Suraiya Zannath, Lead Governance Specialist at the World Bank, also spoke on the occasion. The finance secretary said, “The PFM Reform Strategy 2025–2030 is the result of sustained and collaborative efforts by many dedicated stakeholders over a long period. I sincerely acknowledge the contributions of officials of the Finance Division, line ministries, constitutional bodies, development partners, and technical experts who worked relentlessly to shape this comprehensive and forward-looking strategy.” Comptroller and Auditor General Md Nurul Islam said, “The PFM reform journey is fundamentally about attaining fiscal discipline, modernising financial processes, and strengthening financial governance to deliver more efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused public financial services. I firmly believe that a strong PFM system, supported by a strong and independent audit mechanism, is essential to ensuring the success of the reform agenda.” Finance Division rolls out SABRE+ to boost transparency in public sector World Bank Division Director Jean Pesme said Bangladesh has made notable progress through reforms such as iBAS++ and the digitalisation of pension systems which have strengthened credibility, oversight, and transparency in the use of public resources. The 2025–2030 framework is structured around 15 reform pillars covering fiscal sustainability, revenue mobilisation, public investment management, treasury and debt management, procurement, internal and external oversight, digital transformation, and capacity building. For the first time, the strategy fully mainstreams climate-smart PFM, gender-responsive budgeting, and sector-specific financial management reforms for health, education, and social protection. Resilience is a central theme of the strategy. With Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio among the lowest in the region and fiscal exposure increasing through SOE liabilities and contingent risks, the document places strong emphasis on improved macro-fiscal forecasting, integrated debt management, and transparent reporting of fiscal risks. The strategy also emphasises institutionalisation and implementation, noting that the success of the next reform phase will depend on sustained political commitment, stronger coordination across agencies, and continued investment in public sector capacity. As Bangladesh moves toward upper-middle-income status, the new PFM Reform Strategy positions public finance not merely as a technical function, but as a cornerstone of economic governance, equity, and public trust.  

A fire that broke out at a plastic product-manufacturing factory in Islambagh area in Dhaka has been brought under control. Anwarul Islam, warehouse inspector at the Fire Service and Civil Defence (FSCD) headquarters media cell, said the fire originated from a factory in Chairmangaht area of Islambagh at around 1:30pm and quickly spread. Keraniganj building fire under control; 45 rescued On information, 11 firefighting units from several fire stations, including Lalbagh, Hazaribagh and Palashi rushed to the scene at around 1:50pm and brought the blaze under control at 4pm. The cause of the fire could not be known yet, the official said.  

Amid fresh tensions in relations between two neighbours, India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah and briefed him on the activities of certain extremist elements who have reportedly announced plans to create a security situation around Indian territory. High Commissioner Hamidullah was apprised of India's strong concerns at the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. "India completely rejects the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh," the MEA said in a media release following the summon. Read more: Indian visa application centre in Dhaka to close at 2pm Wednesday "It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents," India conveyed to Bangladesh. India said it has close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle, and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives. "We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere," India reiterated. India said they expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations. Visa Centre in Dhaka Closed In view of the ongoing security situation, the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka was close at 2:00 pm on Wednesday. "In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 PM today," said a notification issued by the IVAC in Dhaka. Read more: ISPR calls out fake news of Bangladesh Navy sinking an Indian fishing trawler in the Bay All applicants with appointment slots scheduled for submission today will be rescheduled for a later date. The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park (JFP) in Dhaka is the main, integrated center for all Indian visa services in the capital. Delhi's Cooperation South Bangladesh Sunday sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter into Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned High Commissioner Pranay Verma at State Guest House Padma and emphasised that as a neighbour, India is expected to stand with the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes. The High Commissioner of India emphasised that India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all cooperation in this regard. Police have already identified the attackers and their associates in the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the Inquilab Moncho and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency. Intensive operations by law enforcement agencies are continuing to arrest them, said the interim government. Read more: Jamaat Islam opposed India, not 1971 war: Amir Hamza The motorcycle used in the attack has already been seized and the fingerprints of the suspects are being checked. To prevent the main suspect from crossing the border, photos and other information of the suspects were provided to all immigration check posts on Friday night. Patrols of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and RAB have been intensified in the border area. Although the location of the suspects has been identified several times within the country, it has not been possible to arrest them yet due to their repeated changes of location, the government said. Hasina’s Extradition The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed the government of Bangladesh’s serious concern to the government of India over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry expressed its objection over India allowing fugitive Sheikh Hasina to continue making incendiary statements, urging her supporters to engage in ‘terrorist’ activities in Bangladesh with the aim of disrupting the upcoming national election. Bangladesh reiterated her call for the expeditious extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face the sentences handed down by the judicial authorities in Bangladesh. Read more: India greets Bangladesh on Victory Day The ministry also drew the attention of the envoy to anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitive Awami League members staying in India, including planning, organising and helping to carry out terrorist activities inside Bangladesh in order to hinder the upcoming elections. The Indian government was called upon to expeditiously act to end the criminal actions by these fascist terrorists and extradite them to Bangladesh as soon as possible, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Highlighting the importance of safer, fairer and skilled migration, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday said the submission of fake documents has emerged as a major barrier to sending people abroad, despite the huge opportunities offered by destination countries for Bangladeshis. “Bangladesh has become quite famous globally for the submission of fake documents,” he said, noting that the country continues to face the same complaints from receiving nations, regardless of the destination. Prof Yunus cited an example raised by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to illustrate the severity of the problem. He said the migration system is heavily dominated by brokers and syndicates, where the government’s role remains limited. Prof Yunus also warned that the widespread use of fake documents is leading to the closure of doors for Bangladeshi workers seeking employment abroad. The Chief Adviser was speaking at a function in the city marking the International Migration and National Expatriates Day. Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul was, among others, present. International Migrants Day (IMD) is observed on 18 December, reaffirming the need for safer, more inclusive, and fairer migration systems in a rapidly changing world. Despite its proven benefits, migration remains poorly understood, and systems often lack the investments, partnerships, and evidence needed to respond to today’s realities. This year’s theme, ‘My Great Story: Cultures and Development’, highlights how human mobility drives growth, enriches societies, and helps communities connect, adapt, and support one another. In 2025, this message is more urgent than ever as migration continues to shape economies, communities, and global development. Migration is a defining force of the century. Remittances to low- and middle-income countries are projected to reach a record USD 685 billion, and migrants are central to addressing labour shortages, driving innovation, and supporting demographic stability.  Yet these contributions can only be maximized when migration is safe, orderly, and responsibly governed. Well-managed migration is a strategic asset: it strengthens resilience, fuels prosperity, and supports social cohesion, IOM said. From documentation and skills recognition to integration and dignified return, effective systems ensure migrants can find stability, support their families, and build new futures, while helping communities adapt and thrive. Khaleda Zia integral to an important chapter in Bangladesh history: Prof Yunus On this IMD, IOM called for smarter policies, stronger cooperation, and a renewed commitment to making migration work for all. Because every migrant’s journey is a story of resilience and possibility, and because when migration is managed well, each personal story becomes part of a larger one that enriches cultures, strengthens development, and benefits all. This is the idea at the heart of the 2025 theme: ‘My Great Story’ is not only a migrant’s story, it is the shared story of how mobility can shape a fairer and more sustainable future.