United News of Bangladesh

A madrasah student died after being electrocuted in Kamrangirchar area of the capital on Monday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Yasin,10, a first-grade student of a local madrasah. The incident occurred around 3:30 pm in the Jowlahat Chowrasta Hajirghat area of Kamrangirchar. He was later taken in critical condition to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 5 pm. The victim’s father, Sabbir Hossain, said Yasin had gone to play in a nearby field when he accidentally came into contact with a tin-shed rickshaw garage beside the field. He said the child likely became electrocuted after touching the structure, which may have been live due to rainwater. Locals rushed him to safety and attempted first aid before taking him to the hospital. Hospital police camp in-charge Inspector Md Faruk said the body has been kept in the morgue. He added that Kamrangirchar Police Station has been informed for further investigation.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized Indian smuggled goods worth over Tk 1.22 crore in separate raids conducted along the border areas of Brahmanpara and Burichang upazilas. The operations were carried out on Sunday based on intelligence information by patrol teams of Sultanpur Battalion (60 BGB) under its Shashidal and Kharera border outposts. During the drives, BGB personnel seized 648 Indian sarees and 337,400 fireworks, according to officials. The estimated value of the seized items is Tk 1,22,56,000. Officials said the confiscated goods will be handed over to the relevant customs authorities following legal procedures. Commander of the battalion Lt Col SM Shariful Islam said the force remains alert to ensure border security while continuing efforts to prevent smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and push-in attempts. He added that intelligence surveillance and operational activities along the border have been strengthened and such operations will continue in the future.

Police recovered the body of a man from a pond in Atpara upazila of Netrokona on Monday, a day after he went missing. The deceased was identified as Ontor Mia, 25, son of Kuddus Mia of Haripur village under Duoj union in the upazila. According to police and local sources, Ontor had been missing since Sunday night. His family searched in different places but could not find him. Around noon on Monday, locals spotted a body floating in a pond behind the house of Niyat Biswas in Tenga village under Teligati union and informed police. Relatives later went to the spot and identified the body as Ontor's. Police recovered the body and sent it to the morgue of Netrakona Sadar Hospital for an autopsy. The victim’s brother, Ferdous Mia, said Ontor often left home and returned after a few days. He had been missing since midnight on Sunday. Officer-in-Charge of Atpara Police Station Mohammad Zubaidul Alam said legal procedures are underway following the recovery of the body.

A boy drowned after falling into a water-filled excavation for an unfinished drainage project in Kumarkhali on Monday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Md Ifat, 6, son of Kamrul Hasan of Elangi area 3 of Kumarkhali Municipality. He was a class one student of Baitul Ulum Islamia Cadet Madrasa. According to police and family members, Ifat went out around 3 pm with his cousin Samad, 11, to graze goats. When he did not return home, relatives began searching for him. Around 4 pm, they found his sandals beside the under-construction drain in front of Manik Sheikh’s house and recovered him from the water. He was taken to Kumarkhali Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Locals said the municipality had undertaken a 500-metre drainage project from Manik Sheikh’s house to the Gorai River about a year ago. Although the excavation was completed before the last monsoon, the construction work had not started, leaving a deep waterlogged ditch. They alleged that negligence by the contractor and the authorities led to the child’s death and demanded punishment for those responsible. The tragedy left the area in mourning. Ifat’s mother, Sharmin Akter, was inconsolable, while his father fell ill and was admitted to the health complex. Contractor Liton Ali said he was overseeing the drainage work but claimed he was unaware of the incident. Upazila Nirbahi Officer and municipal administrator Farzana Akhter said action would be taken if negligence by the contractor is found. Officer-in-Charge of Kumarkhali Police Station Jamal Uddin said legal action would be taken if a written complaint is filed.

Bangladesh Bank has signaled its intent to support the revival of closed industrial units through a strategic refinancing package, but has firmly ruled out blanket bailouts for non-viable or willfully defaulted businesses. The decision came following a high-level meeting between central bank officials and a delegation of industrial stakeholders at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters on Monday. Bangladesh Bank Governor  Md. Mostaqur Rahman chaired the meeting. During the meeting, stakeholders raised concerns about the growing number of shuttered factories. In response, the central bank clarified that while a refinancing package reportedly around Tk 40,000 crore is being considered, the support will be strictly merit-based.   "We need to investigate why these industries closed down—whether it was due to power shortages, lack of buyers, or market fluctuations," said Abdul Hai Sarker after the meeting. He is the Chairman of Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) and also Chairman of Purbani Group, who joined the meeting as a representative of the industrial delegation. "The Governor has assured us that only 'genuine' businesses facing temporary working capital shortages will be supported to ensure production resumes and defaults are avoided,” said BAB Chairman. The discussion also touched upon the controversial Section 18 (Ka) of the Bank Resolution Act. Business leaders expressed "deep apprehension" regarding the potential implementation of this law, fearing it might be misused to allow former directors—who were allegedly involved in past bank looting—to regain control of financial institutions. However, central bank sources indicated that the stringent conditions attached to the act would make it practically impossible for such controversial figures to meet the criteria for return. Stakeholders urged the government to handle this legislative matter with extreme caution to protect the sector from further "looting cultures." The central bank also reiterated that the planned merger of five specific banks will proceed without change. Despite initial skepticism from some quarters, the Governor emphasized that the merger is essential to put the banking sector back on "the right footing." Industrialists urged the government and the central bank to consult with general stakeholders before finalizing major policy interventions. "We are elected representatives and industrialists; we are here to share our fears and ground realities. Policy-making is more effective when it includes those who are actually operating in the sector," in response to a query of journalists, a representative of businessmen said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Monday said the government will establish an effective and independent media commission to ensure freedom of the press. He said the commission will be formed through consensus based on opinions from all stakeholders so that it is not seen as an imposed structure. The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of Asia Post at Bengal Shilpalay. Swapon said the world is going through a period of transformation, where the rapid expansion of digital technology, online media and internet use has accelerated the flow of information, but has also increased the spread of misinformation, disinformation and distorted content. Protecting people from false information is now one of the major challenges of the time, he said. He also warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new challenges and said the government has taken initiatives to develop new strategies to address the issue. Swapon sought cooperation from media professionals in tackling these emerging challenges and reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting the freedom, dignity and professional integrity of the media. Journalists, media workers and distinguished guests from different sectors were present at the event.  

The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a three-member committee to investigate allegations that one of its office assistants was taken to a police station, physically assaulted and threatened with being shot. The committee was formed to investigate a complaint filed by Md Sarowar Jahan, an office assistant in the office of the senior secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to a notification issued on Sunday and signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Abdullah Al Jabed, Sarowar submitted a written complaint on May 5. In the complaint, he alleged that on May 4, Police Sergeant Md Rezaul Haque seized his official identity card, important documents and personal mobile phone without any reason. He also alleged that he was taken first to the Shahbagh Police Box and later to Shahbagh Police Station, where he was physically tortured and threatened with a pistol. The investigation committee has been asked to examine the incident and recommend legal action against those found responsible. Md Jasim Uddin has been made convener of the committee. The other members are Tawsif Ahmed, who will serve as member secretary, and Farhana Mridha. The committee has been asked to submit its report within 10 working days.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will definitely visit China “at some point,” Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir said on Monday, stressing that the timing and itinerary of the Prime Minister’s first bilateral visit abroad have not yet been finalised. “Once finalised, we will let you know. At some point, the Prime Minister will visit China, which remains an important development partner for Bangladesh,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Adviser made the remarks amid speculation that the Prime Minister may visit China first, potentially with developments related to the Teesta project. He said Bangladesh had a “very good and positive” discussion with China regarding the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), adding that China’s Exim Bank will finance the project. Asked when work on the Teesta project would begin, the Adviser said the study report is currently being reviewed and recommendations are being looked into. He said the project requires detailed discussions and further consultations before implementation can proceed. “More discussions are pending. More time will be needed for detailed discussions,” he added. At the invitation of Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister of China, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman visited China from May 5 to 7, during which the two sides held talks in Beijing. Adviser Humaiun Kobir accompanied the Foreign Minister. Both sides agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen exchanges and collaboration in areas including trade, investment, industry, digital economy, water resources, health and people-to-people connectivity. Bangladesh also expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing support for the country’s development, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kobir said Bangladesh’s relations with China are historic and the relationship was initiated by former President Ziaur Rahman.

Local elected representatives and NGOs on Sunday demanded stronger border security in Cox’s Bazar and the formation of a Rohingya Repatriation Commission to accelerate repatriation. The demand came at a press conference held at Cox's Bazar Press Club on Monday titled “Sovereignty must be upheld in Cox’s Bazar; participation of local government and people in Rohingya relief activities is essential,” organised by the Cox’s Bazar CSO–NGO Forum (CCNF). Moderating the programme, CCNF Co-Chair Rezaul Karim Chowdhury said further Rohingya entry into Bangladesh must be stopped in the interest of national security. He called for strengthening Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) operations, ensuring Army presence at the border and continuing diplomatic efforts on Rohingya repatriation through ASEAN and dialogue with the Arakan Army. Rezaul alleged there has been no visible progress in repatriation and claimed border security in Ukhia and Teknaf remains weak. Speakers at the press conference also alleged that UNHCR and several UN agencies are excluding local NGOs from partnerships and instead working with international organisations. CCNF Member Secretary Zahangir Alam alleged that UNHCR, through BRAC and Infinix, has started constructing permanent shelters in Rohingya camps without consulting local government representatives, creating concern among local residents. He claimed such infrastructure could encourage further Rohingya influx and raised environmental concerns over the construction materials used. CCNF member Md Helal Uddin said UNOCHA recently allocated USD 150 million in humanitarian assistance for Rohingya in Cox’s Bazar, but local NGOs are not receiving funds in line with localization commitments. He demanded legislation requiring UN agencies to implement projects through local NGO partnerships and called for broader local NGO participation in the Joint Response Plan (JRP). Md Shahinur Islam of COAST Foundation said only 22 percent of recipients of a BRAC-managed pooled fund are local NGOs, while 78 percent are national NGOs. He also raised concern over the appointment of foreign nationals in senior positions of INGOs and UN agencies in Cox’s Bazar, claiming it may affect repatriation efforts. Environmental activist Md Ilias Mia said around 8,000 acres of forest land were destroyed for Rohingya camps, causing environmental damage and depletion of groundwater levels. Tanjir Uddin Roni of COAST Foundation called for representation of local government and communities in Rohingya crisis management structures and demanded a transparent repatriation commission. Engineer Helal Uddin, a UP member from Rajapalong Ward 9, alleged that camp waste has damaged around 300 acres of farmland and worsened groundwater depletion in the area.