United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali on Saturday urged the police members to teach their children ethical education and moral values alongside academic education, as it is impossible to build a developed nation without morally sound people. “You have to teach them ethical education from childhood, and you have to obey morality yourselves,” he said while speaking at the Scholarship-2024 award ceremony for meritorious children of DMP personnel at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh. At the event, scholarships were awarded to 517 meritorious students under different categories to inspire them in their academic pursuits. Addressing the students, the DMP Commissioner emphasised the importance of technical education in line with present-day demands and stressed the need to focus on English language proficiency. If you (meritorious students) become good human beings, that would make your parents proud, he added. Stay vigilant against banned organisations, DMP Commissioner asks officers Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Additional Director General (Admin) Faruk Ahmed, who was speaking as a special guest, described the scholarship initiative of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police as a noble effort. He said the development of a society or state requires the creation of quality human resources, noting that no advanced social system can be built without ideal individuals. He expressed hope that the scholarships would motivate the recipients to grow into ideal human beings and said their success would be reflected if they become patriotic citizens in the future. On behalf of the scholarship recipients, a student expressed gratitude, saying it was a privilege to be part of such a beautiful programme and thanked the DMP for organising the event. Video messages of Hadi murder prime suspect being examined: DMP Commissioner Deputy Police Commissioner (Headquarters and Admin) Md Amir Khasru delivered the welcome speech at the programme. Dhaka Metropolitan Police, one of the largest police units in Bangladesh, introduced the scholarship programme in 2017 to encourage the education of the children of its serving members.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and his family on Saturday conveyed greetings to Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. On behalf of Tarique Rahman, his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, BNP Chairman’s Private Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar presented a floral bouquet to the Chief Adviser at his Hare Road residence in the capital in the evening, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. Earlier, on January 15, Tarique Rahman, accompanied by his wife and daughter, paid a courtesy call-on Professor Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna. The meeting lasted for over an hour, during which Tarique Rahman and Professor Yunus, along with their family members, exchanged greetings and pleasantries.  

Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar on Friday night withdrew controversial remarks about journalists following strong protests from local media professionals. Dr Badiul came under criticism after he allegedly referred to journalists as “pet dogs of political parties or individuals” during a discussion at a programme organised by Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Palashbari, Gaibandha, at around 7:30pm on January 16. Facing objections and criticism from journalists present at the event, Dr Badiul later admitted that his comments were inappropriate and formally withdrew the statement. Read More: Badiul Alam Majumdar seeks political consensus on EVM use   During the discussion, he strongly criticised the country’s current political and electoral situation, saying that holding a fair, acceptable and impartial election is the most pressing demand of the time. He alleged that the electoral system and political parties have become corrupt, with many candidates still relying on black money and muscle power. Emphasising the need for reforms, Dr Badiul said restructuring the Election Commission was crucial, claiming that some Election Commission officials had become “more Awami League than Sheikh Hasina.” Referring to the constitution, he said it was originally framed in a way that concentrated power, resulting in what he described as unlimited authority for the Prime Minister. Dr Badiul further claimed that the caretaker government system was abolished through constitutional amendments as part of a political strategy to retain power indefinitely. Read More: Public may take to streets again if election malpractices continue: Badiul Alam Majumdar He described the 1991 general election as the best in Bangladesh’s history and said that the July Uprising, like that of 1971, would remain an inseparable part of history. He also discussed various aspects of referendums during his speech. Among others, SHUJAN Mymensingh Regional Coordinator Jayant Kar, District Facilitator Atiq Sumon and Manager Meherun Nesa were present at the programme.

A fire erupted Saturday afternoon in the sub-store of the children’s ward on the sixth floor of the new building at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH). The blaze started around 4:45 pm in a room storing mattresses and other materials. Six units of Mymensingh Fire Service rushed to the spot and managed to bring the fire under control within an hour. All materials in the sub-store were destroyed. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Clash between ‘BNP supporters’ leaves one dead in Mymensingh Hospital officials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Dr. Zakirul Islam, the hospital’s deputy director, stated that the likelihood of an electrical short circuit in the sub-store was low, and fire service and electricity department teams are examining the origin. Senior store officer Dr. Jhantu Sarkar added that the sub-store, which keeps extra mattresses and bedsheets, is normally locked, making accidental ignition unlikely. Eyewitnesses said the children’s ward was suddenly filled with thick black smoke around 4:30 pm, causing chaos as patients and visitors hurried down the stairs. The sub-store and its contents were completely destroyed in the fire, but no injuries were reported.

At least 24 people were killed and 45 others injured in two separate road accidents in Pakistan on Saturday, officials said. The first incident occurred in Sargodha, in eastern Punjab province, when a truck carrying passengers and cargo skidded off the road and plunged into a canal amid heavy fog. Fourteen people died and nine others were injured, according to local police and rescue teams. Hours later, a passenger bus overturned on the Makran Coastal Highway in southwestern Balochistan, killing at least 10 people and injuring 36 others, senior police official Aslam Bangulzai said. The bus was traveling from Karachi to Jiwani. Traffic accidents are frequent in Pakistan, often attributed to reckless driving, poor road conditions, and weak enforcement of traffic laws.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke on Saturday reaffirmed her country’s long‑standing encouragement of ‘free, fair, credible and peaceful’ elections in Bangladesh. The British High Commissioner met BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and reaffirmed the UK's positions, according to the High Commission. She also conveyed sincere condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has secured a seventh term in office, winning 71.65% of the vote, according to official results released Saturday. Museveni defeated his youthful challenger, musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine, who campaigned for change after four decades of Museveni’s rule. Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, received 24.72% of the votes. Wine is expected to reject the official outcome, denouncing the election as unfair and alleging an internet blackout, heavy military presence, and the abduction of his polling agents. On Friday, he dismissed provisional results as “fake.” The election was also marred by technical issues with biometric voter identification machines, which failed in several urban areas, including opposition strongholds like the capital Kampala. Voting had to proceed using manual voter registers, a move critics say could fuel legal challenges against the official results. Delays plague voting in Uganda's presidential election Museveni, 81, has maintained power over the years by amending the constitution to remove term and age limits, and by sidelining or jailing potential rivals. Observers say the opposition was fragmented, giving Museveni a decisive advantage, while he retained strong control over his party and the armed forces. Security forces were heavily deployed during the campaign. Wine said he faced constant surveillance and harassment, including the use of tear gas against his supporters, and often campaigned wearing a flak jacket and helmet for protection. Reports emerged on Friday that Wine had been detained by the military, but police clarified on Saturday that he was not under arrest, though access to his residence was “controlled” to prevent potential unrest. At least 46 killed in multi-vehicle crash in western Uganda Uganda has not seen a peaceful transfer of presidential power since independence six decades ago. Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, remains in prison on treason charges filed in February 2025. This election highlights the enduring dominance of Museveni, whose long tenure continues to raise concerns about democratic governance and political freedom in Uganda.

The European Union’s apparel import market witnessed a significant reshuffling in 2025, as Bangladesh’s exports to the bloc climbed to €18.06 billion despite a broader trend of falling unit prices and aggressive competition from China. According to the latest Eurostat data for the period of January to November 2025, the EU's total apparel imports grew by 3.93 percent, reaching a total value of €82.94 billion. While the market saw a robust 11.60 percent increase in volume, the average unit price for garments fell by 6.88%, signaling a highly competitive, price-sensitive environment for global suppliers. Bangladesh, the EU's second-largest apparel supplier, saw its export value rise from €16.78 billion in 2024 to €18.06 billion in the first eleven months of 2025—a growth of 7.65 percent. This value growth was largely volume-driven, with an 11.26 percent increase in the quantity of goods shipped, even as the country faced a 3.25 percent decrease in unit prices. However, data from the end of the period suggests a cooling trend. A comparison between November 2024 and November 2025 reveals a sharp 10.87% drop in export value and a 12.27% decline in unit prices, highlighting the mounting pressure on Bangladeshi manufacturers to lower costs. Garment accessories sector posts record $7.45bn export earnings in FY25: BGAPMEA The report highlights a strategic pivot by China. Facing ongoing challenges in the United States market, China has intensified its focus on Europe. Chinese apparel exports to the EU reached €24.42 billion, marking a 6.55 percent growth in value. Most notably, China saw a massive 15.73 percent surge in export volume, supported by a 7.93 percent reduction in unit prices. The sourcing landscape across Asia showed varying results. Vietnam recorded a healthy 10.10 percent growth, reaching €4.02 billion. Unlike its neighbors, Vietnam saw a 4.19 percent increase in unit price, likely reflecting a shift toward higher-value garments. Turkey struggled significantly, facing an 11.31 percent decline in exports to the EU, totaling €7.66 billion. India, Pakistan, and Cambodia all showed substantial growth rates, contributing to the overall volume surge in the European market. Global demand crunch pinches RMG, exports stagnant in first 5 months of fiscal at $16bn "The data reflects a complex environment where volume is up, but margins are being squeezed," noted Mohiuddin Rubel, Managing Director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange Ltd. "While Bangladesh remains a key player, the aggressive pricing strategies from competitors like China and the recent dip in November figures suggest that staying competitive will require a careful balance of volume and value-addition," he said.

Candidates contesting from Kushtia-4 constituency have expressed concern over looted and illegal firearms ahead of the 13th parliamentary election and referendum, urging authorities to ensure a peaceful and fair vote. The concerns were raised at a views-exchange meeting on law and order with Kushtia Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jhasim Uddin at Abul Hossain Tarun Auditorium in Kumarkhali on Saturday. The candidates warned that weapons looted from police stations on August 5 are yet to be fully recovered and alleged that illegal arms are being moved through the Padma-Garai river routes, which could threaten a free and fair election. Read More: Man held with arms, ammo in Gazipur Responding to the concerns, SP Mohammad Jhasim Uddin said 55 firearms had gone missing from Kushtia, of which 38 have already been recovered. He assured that recovery drives would continue until every weapon is retrieved. “I promise that no one will be allowed to use arms in Kushtia. We will recover all illegal weapons and ensure a free, fair, neutral and peaceful election,” the SP said, urging all candidates to follow the election code of conduct.

NASA’s massive new moon rocket rolled out to the launch pad early Saturday, marking a major step toward the first crewed lunar fly-around in more than 50 years, which could lift off as early as February. The 322-foot Space Launch System rocket began its slow journey from Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building at daybreak, moving at about one mile per hour on a giant transporter. The four-mile trip to the pad was expected to take most of the day. Thousands of NASA workers and their families gathered in the early morning chill to watch the long-awaited rollout, an event that had been delayed for years. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the four astronauts assigned to the mission led the cheering crowd. Weighing about 11 million pounds, the rocket and its Orion crew capsule were carried by a transporter first used during the Apollo and space shuttle eras and later upgraded for the heavier SLS. Study warns ocean chemistry changes could weaken sharks’ teeth The only previous SLS launch took place in November 2022, when an uncrewed Orion capsule was sent into orbit around the moon. This time, astronauts will be aboard. “This one feels very different, putting crew on the rocket and taking them around the moon,” said NASA’s John Honeycutt. The upcoming 10-day mission will be commanded by Reid Wiseman, with Victor Glover as pilot and Christina Koch as mission specialist. They will be joined by Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, making his first spaceflight. The astronauts will not land on the moon or enter lunar orbit. That milestone is planned for a later Artemis mission. NASA plans to conduct a fueling test on the launch pad in early February before setting a final launch date. The agency has a narrow window of five days in the first half of February before the schedule shifts into March. If successful, the mission will mark humanity’s first return to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, when Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt завершed the era of lunar landings.