United News of Bangladesh

In recognition of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice during the 2009 Pilkhana mutiny, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has named its swimming complex in Pilkhana after Central Subedar Major Nurul Islam. From now on, the facility will be known as the Shaheed Nurul Islam Swimming Complex. Speaking to UNB, Nurul Islam’s son Md Ashraful Alam Hannan said, “Such honours inspire members of any force to deepen their love and dedication for the country.” During the mutiny, while many sought refuge to save their lives, Subedar Major Nurul Islam confronted the armed rebel troops. According to accounts, he was brutally beaten with a mosquito net stand and killed in a brush fire for resisting the mutineers. Hannan recalled that, like many others killed in the 2009 BDR carnage, his father’s body was recovered from a mass grave and taken to the morgue of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He was later buried on March 4, 2009, in his ancestral home at Char Lakshmi village in Ramgati upazila of Lakshmipur. Subsequent investigations revealed Subedar Major Nurul Islam’s valiant role. Six months after the incident, he became the only BDR member officially recognised as a martyr. On August 20, 2009, he was accorded state honours at his grave. Later, he was posthumously awarded BGB’s highest state accolade — the “Border Guard Bangladesh” medal. Hannan also noted that his father, a dedicated and principled officer, had received the DG’s Medal four times during his service. In recognition of his exceptional performance, the government also sponsored his pilgrimage to Makkah to perform Hajj.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen has sought cooperation from the people to bulid a corruption-free society. Speaking at a public hearing held at the Lalmonirhat Zilla Parishad Auditorium on Monday, he said that while everyone claims to oppose corruption, the presence of corruption remains a challenge. "Hundred percent of people say they do not want corruption, so how can there still be corruption?", Momen questioned, urging the public to actively cooperate with the ACC in identifying corrupt people for action. He acknowledged that the ACC itself has bad reputation but reiterated that the commission would take decisive steps if provided with public support. The public hearing, which focused on the theme "Rukhbo Durniti, Gorbo Desh Hobe Sopner Bangladesh" (We will eliminate corruption, and make the country the Bangladesh of our dreams), was organised by the Integrated District Anti-Corruption Commission in Lalmonirhat, in collaboration with the district administration. Momen also pointed out that while many government officials are honest, some fail to act effectively, which is detrimental to progress. Projects must focus on country's needs, not interests of contractors: ACC Chairman "This is also unacceptable," he remarked, emphasisng that the current government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is a corruption-free government. He mentioned that in the past, bribes even had to be given to the Prime Minister's Office. He further stressed the importance of sincerity among officials in preventing institutional corruption and urged that the needs of service recipients should always be prioritised. "Every project should be Bangladesh-friendly, not contractor-friendly," he added. Reflecting on his experience attending public hearings, Momen said that many of the issues raised are not long-term challenges. "If we are committed, we can solve these problems immediately," he said. ACC Commissioner Mia Muhammad Ali Akbar Aziji, Lalmonirhat Superintendent of Police Tariqul Islam, and other officials were also present. Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner HM Rakib Haider chaired the event. ACC probes Hasina, Rehana over Tk 4,000cr Mujib Borsho spending During the hearing, a total of 106 complaints were filed against 33 government institutions in the district. Service providers present at the event were instructed to address several of the complaints promptly.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam on Monday urged the European Union (EU) to open a visa centre in Dhaka for citizens seeking visas to EU countries that currently do not issue them from Bangladesh. The adviser made the request during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller at the latter’s office in the Ministry of Home Affairs.   The meeting discussed several issues, including law and order, Rohingya crisis, migration, human trafficking and smuggling, and ongoing reform initiatives in Bangladesh. Jahangir said Bangladesh is a major manpower-exporting country to the EU and that many Bangladeshis regularly travel to EU nations for business, education, healthcare, tourism and other purposes. He pointed out that traveling to New Delhi to apply for EU visas is time-consuming, difficult and expensive for Bangladeshi citizens. “Given the size of our population, opening a visa centre in Dhaka for EU countries is essential,” the adviser said. 7 Bangladeshis return home through Beanpole after serving jail terms in India In response, Ambassador Miller said he would discuss the matter with stakeholders. Welcoming the ambassador, the adviser described the EU as one of Bangladesh’s largest development partners, with significant contributions to trade and infrastructure since Bangladesh’s early days. He expressed the EU’s support for Bangladesh’s reform initiatives and proposed training workshops in EU countries for Bangladeshi professionals to help overcome the shortage of skilled manpower in the country. Govt taking steps to improve police accommodation, meals: Home Adviser “Reform is a continuous process,” the adviser said, stressing the need for political will and stakeholder consensus to ensure its success. Regarding law and order, the adviser informed the overall situation in Bangladesh is satisfactory and improving steadily. Replying to the question, the adviser shared that various types of crimes are declining, while stressing the importance of accurate information in countering misinformation. “One of our neighbouring countries is spreading false propaganda about Bangladesh,” he said, adding that the media has been urged to ensure the dissemination of factual information. Highlighting several aspects of the Rohingya issue, adviser Jahangir said that while officially 1.2 million Rohingya refugees reside in Bangladesh, the actual number is higher. EU ambassador Miller expressed the EU’s willingness to work closely with Bangladesh to combat human trafficking and smuggling. He noted that every year a significant number of Bangladeshis attempt to reach Europe via Libya and the Mediterranean, often falling victim to traffickers, suffering financial losses, or losing their lives. He proposed a trilateral dialogue involving Bangladesh, Libya, and the EU to address the issue, potentially leading to the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The adviser welcomed the idea and requested the EU to take the lead in organizing the initiative, assuring Bangladesh’s full cooperation. Representatives from both Bangladesh and the EU attended the meeting.

The High Court on Sunday issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the list of the convicts whose imprisonment or punishment had been commuted or suspended by the President under section 49 of the constitution over the past 33 years, should not be published. The HC bench of Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Aynun Nahar Siddiqua issued the rule after hearing a writ petition. The court also issued another rule asking the government to explain as to why the inactiveness of those responsible individuals who failed to publish the list of the convicts whose imprisonment or punishment have been commuted or suspended by the President from 1991 till July 31, 2024, should not be declared illegal and unconstitutional. Cabinet Division Secretary, Home Affairs Secretary and public division secretary of the President's Office have been made respondent to the rule which is returnable in four weeks. Senior Advocate Barrister Omar Faruk stood for the petitioner. He filed the writ petition before the court in March. On August 25, last year, Barrister Omar Faruk served a legal notice to the authorities’ concerned seeking list of those convicts whose punishment or imprisonment have been commuted or suspended by the President between 1991 to July 31, 2024 under section 49 of the constitution. The notice also asked to submit the list within 15 days after issuance of the legal notice. According to the notice, the public has the right to know how, through what process and on whose recommendations or influence the president has pardoned convicted and notorious criminals. For years, the president has pardoned many criminals, including those convicted in murder cases, it said. Criminals who received death sentences or life imprisonment, after being pardoned by the president, have been released from jail and have once again spread terror in society as mafia dons, said the notice. The people of the country wanted to know the process by which the president pardons convicted individuals and the criteria for such pardons. It also requested the authorities concerned to submit the list within 15 days.

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Monday said their party sees no reason to wait beyond December for the 13th national election as the Election Commission is ready to conduct it after June. “We do not see any obstacle to holding the elections by December since the Election Commission has said they will be ready by June,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with the Labour Party at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. Nazrul, a BNP Standing Committee member, also said the Consensus Commission has informed them that it expects to reach a consensus on reforms by mid-May through discussions with political parties, paving the way for the drafting of a national charter.  “Then I see no reason to wait longer than December for the elections after the necessary reforms are completed,” he said. The BNP leader said if any party disagrees with the BNP's position, they should explain why additional time would be necessary. Replying to a question, Nazrul said there is not much difference between the BNP and the government regarding the timing of the election. “The government hasn’t said that the election won’t be held in December.” He pointed out that the government stated the election would be held between December and June. “What does that mean? It means the election could be held in December.” The BNP leader said their party has proposed that a roadmap be announced, assuming December as the cut-off time for the election. “The government hasn't ruled out December, and we have simply asked for clarity. Their statement includes December, January, or even February, so the gap between our positions is not a matter of many months. We are just asking them to express it differently — such as by stating it will be held by December,” he said. When asked about allegations made by the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) that the BNP had placed its loyalists in the administration, Nazrul responded, “The person who made this claim was himself an adviser to the government. Does that mean they appointed BNP supporters everywhere? In reality, BNP was ousted from the administration.” BNP, left-leaning leaders hold talks on election, political situation During the previous government’s tenure, Nazrul said there was no place for BNP loyalists in the administration. He said around 700 officers, including 114 secretaries, who were subjected to discrimination and unfairly dismissed or removed from their posts during the Awami League’s rule, were granted retrospective promotions. “Yet, not a single one of them has been appointed to a position. So, where exactly have BNP people been placed? If even one of those deprived individuals had been appointed, then one could claim that BNP supporters were being placed in positions. What logic is there in such a claim?” the BNP leader said. As part of BNP’s ongoing dialogue with parties and alliances involved in the movement against the Awami League government, Nazrul and fellow BNP Standing Committee member Selima Rahman held a one-hour meeting with a seven-member delegation of the Labour Party, led by its Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Iran. The BNP formally began this new round of political talks with a meeting on Saturday with the 12-party alliance, aimed at sharing the outcome of BNP’s recent meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and deciding on its next steps. BNP backs reform efforts, says Salahuddin On April 16, a seven-member BNP delegation led by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met the Chief Adviser at the state guest house Jamuna, urging him to provide a specific roadmap to ensure the national election is held by December this year. Following the meeting, Fakhrul expressed disappointment as Professor Yunus reiterated that the election would take place between December and June instead of offering a clear roadmap.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Monday said Bangladesh is a model of communal harmony, emphasising the unique environment of interfaith tolerance that sets it   apart from its neighbouring countries. Dr Khalid made the statement while inaugurating the Dhaka District Workshop 2025 on the Role of Temple-Based Child and Mass Education Programme in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals and Promoting Moral Education’ at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the capital. “The harmony among different religious communities in Bangladesh is unmatched in the region,” he said, while acknowledging that challenges to communal peace persist. Dr Khalid referred to instances of violence against religious sites, citing attacks on temples and shrines, particularly following the July revolution. He stressed that these incidents were more politically motivated than religious in nature and urged the need to combat international propaganda surrounding such events. BNP wants India to reconsider Waqf law to uphold communal harmony Despite these challenges, Dr Khalid assured that all citizens in Bangladesh enjoy equal rights, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. He pointed to the significant contributions of people from all faiths in the nation’s 54-year history, underscoring their role in national achievements. Dr Khalid also called for the strengthening of moral education within society, advocating for the spread of religious teachings that promote ethics and values. He urged stakeholders to carry out humanitarian work through temple-based initiatives. On the topic of teacher compensation under the temple-based education programmes, Dr Khalid promised parity with the mosque-based education project, stating that any increase in honorariums for mosque educators would be extended to those involved in temple-based education as well. Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, don’t spread falsehoods: Adviser Emphasising the historical significance of religious institutions in education, he highlighted that places of worship such as mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas have long been centers of learning, a tradition that continues to this day.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday expressed profound condolences on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh at the passing of Pope Francis, describing him as a beacon of peace, humanity and unity. "With his passing away, we have seen the end of an epoch of dignified papacy, honed by suave leadership qualities, carried out for uplifting human dignity, interfaith harmony and justice for the marginalised," he said in a message, expressing condolences with a heavy heart. Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. He was 88. CA mourns death of ex-army chief KM Shafiullah In his message to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, Vatican City Prof Yunus said his leadership transcended religious boundaries and inspired millions to step up efforts to build a more inclusive, tolerant and compassionate world. "I have been honoured to meet many times with Pope Francis and to work closely with him to foster peace, human dignity and environmental stewardship," he said. "The people of Bangladesh, who were deeply honoured by His Holiness’ historic visit to our country in 2017, join the global community in mourning this great loss," said the Chief Adviser. Dr Yunus mourns ex-President Jimmy Carter’s death "During this time of sorrow, we stand in solidarity with the Catholic Church and people of faith around the globe, remembering the profound impact of his teachings and the kindness he extended to all," he said. "May the departed soul rest in eternal peace. May we continue to honour his vision of a world united in compassion and understanding," Prof Yunus added.

The illegal portions of 3,382 under-construction buildings in Dhaka, which have deviated from the designs approved by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk), will be demolished after proper identification, said its chairman Engr Md Riazul Islam on Monday. “Orders have been issued to halt construction of these illegal buildings and their non-compliant portions will be demolished in phases. In the first phase, Rajuk will take different actions, including disconnecting utility connections, filing of criminal cases, cancellation of designs and sealing of those buildings, if necessary,” he said. The Rajuk chairman revealed the information while speaking at a dialogue titled ‘Problematic City Dhaka: Which Way to Solutions?’ organised by the Urban Development Journalists Forum of Bangladesh (UDJFB) at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity. Rajuk plot graft: Warrants issued for arrest of Hasina, Rehana, 51 others “We have identified 3,382 buildings under construction in Rajuk areas that have violated regulations. We will demolish the portions that deviate from the approved designs. As long as I am in office, this work will continue. Whether through demolition or other means, we will bring these buildings into compliance. We are also conducting regular mobile court operations,” he said. Mentioning the importance of establishing a unified urban governance system, the Rajuk Chairman said, “If Dhaka is not brought under one umbrella, no matter how much planning is done, it will not work. All decisions must come from one place. There is no problem whether there is a city government or a mayor who has power. Decisions have to be taken from one place regarding all the services including water, electricity, gas, services in the city.” Arrest warrant issued for Hasina, Putul in Rajuk plot graft case  Noting that, it is not possible to do all the work together, Riazul said, “We are ensuring that there will be no violation occurred in the under-construction building. We have no plan to allocate new plots. We will recover the encroached plots and arrange housing for the lower and middle class people.” During the event, a magazine named ‘Dhakaai’ was unveiled. Besides, a book edited by UDJFB adviser Helimul Alam Biplob with a title of ‘Dhaka’s Canals on Their Dying Breath: An In-Depth Look at How the Capital’s Waterways Are Being Choked’ was unveiled during the event. Mohammad Fazle Reza Sumon, former president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP),who was present as special guest, said, “We have been plagued by problems to make Dhaka more important. Bureaucratic complexities are responsible for Dhaka’s current state. According to the Detailed Area Plan (DAP), Dhaka will be made livable for 2.35 crore people. In this case, zone-based planning has been mentioned. It is possible to restore Dhaka's livability if good governance and accountability can be ensured. ” Prof Ahmad Kamruzzaman, Chairman of the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), said, “Dhaka was meant to be a city of nature, compassion and good management, but it is now plagued by air pollution, noise pollution, traffic congestion and lead pollution. How long must we face our children’s questions about this unplanned city’s problems?” Half of Dhaka’s population cannot sleep due to toxic smoke from burning waste at Aminbazar and Matuail areas while 80 percent noise pollution is caused by vehicles, he said. “Dhaka has become a city of heat. It is impossible to make a plan for 2.5 crore people. If we cannot solve these problems, Dhaka will remain at the bottom of livability indices,” he added. END/UNB/M-MAS/SAM

Bangladesh police on Monday announced that it would offer foreign investors direct access to its dedicated emergency contact line, enabling companies to report any incidents and receive immediate support. The announcement came from the office of the Inspector General of Police, the national police chief, when the IGP, Baharul Alam, and the executive chairman of BIDA, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, held a meeting with officials of six foreign companies whose establishments were vandalised during recent protests over Gaza attacks. The meeting, which was co-chaired by BIDA Executive Chairman and the Inspector General of Police, brought together executives from major companies, including Nestle Bangladesh, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages, Unilever Bangladesh, Bata Shoe Co. Bangladesh, Reckitt Benckiser Bangladesh, Pepsico, and Jubilant Food Works Bangladesh. DMP’s Tejgaon Division returns 251 lost, stolen mobile phones to owners Referring to the vandalism occurred on April 7-8 in several cities of the country, police said they have arrested at least 140 people over the attacks. Nearly a dozen cases were also filed over the incidents. “The presence of the IGP, senior police officials, and our BIDA team under one roof with business leaders was not only timely but unprecedented,” said Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BIDA. “This wasn’t just a gesture—it was a statement. It shows that Bangladesh is serious about standing by its investors, especially when challenges arise,” he said. “The companies we sat with directly support the livelihood of thousands of employees and their families. We respect the right to protest, but destroying the institutions that provide jobs, stability, and growth is not the answer," he added. The BIDA chief also commended the police for "their swift support and their commitment to decisive action against those responsible for the violence.” Participating companies shared first-hand accounts of vandalism, losses, and operational breakdowns. In response, the IGP’s office has announced that it would offer dedicated emergency contact line access to affected businesses. Senior police officers said the emergency contact line would enable the companies "to report incidents and receive immediate support." IGP Baharul Alam assured business leaders of full cooperation from the country's law enforcement agencies. “We are not here just to respond. We are here to build confidence and ensure that these disruptions do not repeat,” he said. The engagement resulted in a set of jointly developed preventive action plans, including new security protocols, rapid response units, and enhanced crisis communication channels. These measures, co-created by the BIDA, the police, and business associations, aim to foster long-term trust and resilience in Bangladesh’s investment ecosystem. “This dialogue isn’t about reaction—it’s about prevention,” added BIDA Executive Chairman. DMP identifies DU arsonist, arrest expected before Pahela Baishakh procession “And more importantly, it reflects the government’s promise: to walk with our investors, not just during booms, but also during turbulence,” said Ashik Chowdhury. Corporate representatives thanked both the BIDA and the Bangladesh Police for their responsiveness and expressed renewed confidence in continuing their operations and future expansion plans in Bangladesh. This initiative is part of BIDA’s broader mission to ensure Bangladesh remains a safe, sustainable, and investor-friendly destination aligned with the priorities of the Interim Government.

The government has decided to prohibit the establishment of new industrial units and projects within 10 kilometres of the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) surrounding the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will soon issue a gazette notification in this regard, officials said on Monday. The decision  was taken at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Environment and Climate Change Committee at the Secretariat with Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan in the chair. In the Heart of the Sundarbans: Where Tigers Roam, Honeybees Thrive, and Communities Lead A neutral panel of experts will assess the environmental impact of existing industrial units within the 10km ECA zone. Based on these assessments and existing court orders, further decisions will be made regarding those establishments. The meeting also approved amendments to the Climate Change Trust Rules allowing joint project proposals from government, private organisations, and NGOs. It was also decided that all ministries will be consulted to formulate the next action plan to tackle noise pollution. Poaching surge threatens deer population in Sundarbans Proposals were also made to increase the enforcement budget of the Environment Ministry and to introduce and enhance risk allowances for Forest Department personnel. Besides, a target was set to ensure that at least 30 percent of bricks used in public and private construction by 2025 are concrete blocks. A coordination meeting at the secretary level will be held in May to follow up on the implementation.