United News of Bangladesh

A nine-year-old boy was beaten to death over allegations of stealing betel nuts in Haluaghat in Mymensingh on Friday afternoon. The victim, Imon Mia, was the son of Dulal Mia of Bausha village in Swadeshi Union. According to police and local sources, Imon had allegedly stolen betel nuts from his neighbor Atahar Ali’s tree about a month ago. After keeping silent for nearly a month, Atahar Ali on Friday called Imon to his house, locked the door, and beat him severely. Imon’s family rescued him and took him to Haluaghat Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Police recovered the body and are preparing for post-mortem examination. Four election officials withdrawn in Mymensingh, Naogaon over irregularities Md Ferdous Alam, officer-in-charge of Haluaghat Police Station, said preliminary investigation shows the killing was linked to the betel nut theft. “The matter is being investigated seriously,” he added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday congratulated Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, on his party’s historic win in Bangladesh’s 13th national elections. The Prime Minister conveyed his felicitations on behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan, and also congratulated the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of the elections, which he said reflected the democratic values of the country. During a telephone conversation, the leaders recalled the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and discussed the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, while respecting each country’s sovereignty. Modi talks to Tarique over phone, reaffirms India's support Both leaders also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her role in promoting Bangladesh-Pakistan relations and bringing the people of the two countries closer. Shehbaz Sharif invited Tarique Rahman to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. The invitation was welcomed by Tarique Rahman, and both leaders agreed to stay in close contact to further the interests of their peoples.

Mobile Financial Services (MFS) such as bKash, Nagad, and Rocket, along with internet banking platforms, have resumed full operations across Bangladesh starting on Friday. The lifting of restrictions follows 96 hours of limited service aimed at preventing the misuse of funds during the 13th National Parliamentary Election. According to sources at Bangladesh Bank, the temporary limitations were officially withdrawn after midnight on Thursday (February 12). From Friday morning, users have been able to perform transactions without the emergency caps. To maintain the integrity of the national polls, the central bank had implemented strict controls from 12 AM on February 9 until 11:59 PM on February 12. Key restrictions during this period included: - Transaction Limits: Individual peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers were capped at a maximum of Tk1,000 per transaction. Frequency Caps: Users were limited to a maximum of 10 transactions per day. Bangladesh Polls: BB imposes 96-hour freeze on NPSB internet banking Internet Banking: P2P fund transfers via banking apps and internet portals were largely suspended for the duration. The central bank's directive was part of a broader effort to curb illegal financial influence on voters. With the election period concluding, financial institutions have been instructed to monitor for any abnormal transaction patterns as services return to their standard high-volume limits.  

A BNP leader on Friday has opened a closed party office of the Bangladesh Awami League in Panchagarh, triggering controversy within his own party. The office was opened in the morning at Chaklahat Union in Panchagarh Sadar upazila by Abu Daud Pradhan, president of the Sadar upazila unit of BNP. A video of the incident later went viral on social media. It showed Abu Daud Pradhan standing on the veranda of the Awami League office and giving a speech. According to local sources, Abu Daud Pradhan is a former chairman of Chaklahat Union Parishad. In his speech, Abu Daud Pradhan said he was unaware that the Awami League party office had remained locked and claimed he would have opened it earlier had he known. He also said the recent election victory came after 18 years and described it as a mandate given by forces from both sides of the Liberation War, adding that the party had received a record number of votes across Bangladesh. He said every party has some wrongdoers and that there are clear instructions to expel such elements. Stressing law and order, he urged leaders and activists of both parties to ensure that peace and stability are not disrupted in Panchagarh. Referring to local results, he expressed disappointment that the BNP’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol failed to secure first position in any polling centre of his own union. Addressing Awami League supporters, he said they are citizens of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh and urged them not to engage in any wrongdoing. He said no offender would be spared, regardless of party affiliation, and asked them to inform him if they faced any harassment. He referred to cases against Awami League leaders and activists, saying that regardless of their nature, the party’s leader would soon go to Parliament to take oath and, he hoped, become prime minister, after which the situation would be clear. Freedom fighter Abul Hossain said the office had earlier been locked by Jamaat supporters. He added that the office was opened with local people present and would temporarily be used by freedom fighters, not for Awami League political activities. Speaking on the matter, Abu Daud Pradhan said the move was not a party decision. He said the Awami League office was opened only to prevent tension in the area and maintain peace, adding that the office had earlier been locked by Jamaat supporters. District BNP Convener Md Jahirul Islam Kacchu said there was no decision from the district or central BNP regarding opening the Awami League office. Awami League was right fit for Jamaat : Mirza Abbas He said the upazila BNP president would have to bear responsibility for his action and that the matter would be discussed with the central leadership. He also said opening the banned Awami League office immediately after the election victory was not a good move and that organisational action would be taken against Abu Daud Pradhan following an investigation for breaching party discipline.

A fire that broke out at a jhut godown in the Ambagh area under Konabari area of Gazipur on Friday night was brought under control about one and a half hours later. Md. Mamun, assistant director of Gazipur Fire Service, said the blaze started around 7:30pm. Five firefighting units were deployed to the scene to control the fire and was brought under control about one and a half hours later. 18 injured in gas balloon blast during electioneering in Gazipur The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities are set to assess the full extent of the damage  

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and said Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur bilateral ties. "I warmly congratulate Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on their emphatic election victory. This is a triumph of democracy: the Bangladeshi people, having navigated a period of extraordinary challenges, have spoken clearly at the ballot box," he said. The Malaysian PM also expressed appreciation for his friend Dr Muhammad Yunus for his stewardship as Chief Adviser during this important transition and for ensuring that the democratic process proceeded smoothly. Modi talks to Tarique over phone, reaffirms India's support "Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to our bilateral ties. I join Malaysians in extending our warmest regards to the people of Bangladesh," said the Malaysian Prime Minister.

Global leaders and diplomatic missions stationed in Dhaka have been quick to congratulate Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on his party’s significant election victory and are signalling a willingness to work closely with Bangladesh under his leadership. India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and the Maldives are among countries which congratulated Tarique Rahman, his party and the people of Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the BNP chief over the phone and extended support in his endeavour to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. "Delighted to speak with Tarique Rahman. I congratulated him on the remarkable victory in the Bangladesh elections," PM Modi said. He conveyed his best wishes and support in his endeavour to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Bangladesh. "As two close neighbours with deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, I reaffirmed India’s continued commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of both our peoples," said the Indian Prime Minister. In a separate message through his X handle, PM Modi conveyed his warm congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading BNP to a decisive victory in the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. "This victory shows the trust of the people of Bangladesh in your leadership," PM Modi said. Progressive, Inclusive Bangladesh India will continue to stand in support of a democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh, he said. "I look forward to working with you to strengthen our multifaceted relations and advance our common development goals," PM Modi said. "Congratulations to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its leader Tarique Rahman as well as the people of Bangladesh. The United States looks forward to working with the newly elected government to advance prosperity and the security of the region," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The United States congratulated the people of Bangladesh on a successful election and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Tarique Rahman on his historic victory. "The United States looks forward to working with you (Tarique) to realize shared goals of prosperity and security for both our countries," said the US Embassy in Dhaka on Friday morning. Writing New Chapters China congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the smooth and successful 13th national parliamentary election and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party for taking the lead in the election. "We look forward to working together with the new government of Bangladesh and writing new chapters of China-Bangladesh relations," said the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka in a message. China noted that Bangladesh had a steady and smooth general election and congratulates the BNP on winning the election, said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson. "As a traditional friend and neighbor of Bangladesh, China supports Bangladesh in advancing its domestic political agenda, and stands ready to work with Bangladesh to carry forward the time-honored friendship, deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practical cooperation in various areas, and further strengthen the China-Bangladesh comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership," said the Chinese government Spokesperson. Modi talks to Tarique over phone, reaffirms India's support The United Kingdom (UK) congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and his party on election victory. The UK also greeted the people of Bangladesh as the country enters a new chapter. "We look forward to working together on our shared priorities: economic growth, migration, climate and security," said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Friday in a message through its verified X handle. New Energy in Ties Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated Tarique Rahman and said Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to Dhaka-Kuala Lumpur bilateral ties. "I warmly congratulate Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party on their emphatic election victory. This is a triumph of democracy: the Bangladeshi people, having navigated a period of extraordinary challenges, have spoken clearly at the ballot box," he said. The Malaysian PM also expressed appreciation to his friend Dr Muhammad Yunus for his stewardship as Chief Adviser during this important transition and for ensuring that the democratic process proceeded smoothly. "Malaysia looks forward to working with the new Bangladeshi leadership to bring new energy to our bilateral ties. I join Malaysians in extending our warmest regards to the people of Bangladesh," said the Malaysian Prime Minister. Partnership to Grow President of the Republic of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s remarkable victory in the 13th National parliamentary elections. "I extend my warm regards and look forward to working closely together, to further advance and deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh," he said. 'I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow in scope and strength in the years ahead," said the President of Maldives. Remarkable Victory Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki on Friday congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, noting that her country eyes strong ties with Bangladesh. "Warm congratulations to the Government and the people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of the 13th parliamentary elections," she said in a message. Maldivian President eyes deeper cooperation as he congratulates Tarique, BNP The Nepal’s Prime Minister extended her heartiest congratulations to Tarique Rahman on leading the Bangladesh Nationalist Party to a remarkable victory in the elections . "I look forward to working closely with you to strengthen our neighbourly ties and consolidate cooperation in areas of mutual interest," she said. Warm Ties Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on his party's massive election victory. "I look forward to working closely to further strengthen the warm ties of friendship between Bhutan and Bangladesh," he said in a message. "Warmest congratulations to Mr. Tarique Rahman and the BNP on winning the Bangladesh General Elections," said the Bhutanese Prime Minister. He said this resounding mandate reflects the confidence of the people of Bangladesh in Tarique Rahman's leadership and heralds a new chapter of peace and progress. Democratic Bangladesh On behalf of the Indian National Congress, its President Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and the BNP for winning the Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. UK congratulates Tarique as well as BNP on election victory "India and Bangladesh share deep rooted bonds of history, language, culture, and multitude of other commonalities," he said. "A democratic, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh would always be supported by all Indians for the stability and peace of our region," said the Congress President. Mamata's Message Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, his party and people of Bangladesh, for the election victory, wishing for a cordial relations between the two sides. "My hearty congratulations, shubhonandan, to all my brothers and sisters, all the people, in Bangladesh. My advance Ramazan Mubarak to all of them," she said in a message from her verified X handle. "For this great victory, my congratulations to my Tarique-Bhai, his party, and all the parties. Pray, you all be well and happy," Mamata said. She wished that their relations with Bangladesh would be always cordial.

Counterattacks and widespread vandalism occurred over voting in Kalaiya Port of Baufal Upazila of Patuakhali on Friday. The incidents took place from Friday morning to noon, eyewitnesses said. Jubo Dal activists, including Sujan, Alamin, and Langa Mizan, followers of Upazila Jubo Dal convener Gazi Gias, allegedly attacked the business establishment of decorator businessman Md. Shah Alam Biplob, 46, around 9:15am over claims of voting irregularities. They later beat a timber trader, Md. Selim, 52. Following these attacks, the group reportedly took up residence at Gias’s house armed with country-made weapons. In response, Jamaat-backed activists and local businessmen reportedly attacked Gias’s business establishment and party office, vandalising it extensively. At least 10 motorcycles and a refrigerator kept in front of Gias’s residence were damaged. Meanwhile, Jamaat supporters beat and injured BNP activists Alamgir Gazi, 55, and Shahabuddin Sarda, 48, in the Khairbazar area of West Birpasha, Kanakdia Union, around 8 am. They were admitted to Baufal Upazila Health Complex. Besides, BNP activists and supporters reportedly beat and injured a Jamaat supporter, Md. Firoz, 55, in Mominpur village of Keshabpur Union around 1pm. Firoz was sent to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for treatment. Atiqul Islam, Inspector (Investigation) of Baufal Police Station, said police were sent to the spot after receiving reports of attacks, vandalism, and beatings at several locations. “Legal action will be taken if a written complaint is filed,” he added. Jamaat’s winning candidate, Shafiqul Islam Masud, said, “I do not support revenge politics. Injustice will not be tolerated. If any workers or supporters are involved in attacks, party and legal action will definitely be taken against them.”

President of the Republic of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu has congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on the Party’s remarkable victory in the 13th National parliamentary elections. "I extend my warm regards and look forward to working closely together, to further advance and deepen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh," he said. 'I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow in scope and strength in the years ahead," said the President of Maldives. UK congratulates Tarique as well as BNP on election victory

The United Kingdom (UK) has congratulated BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and his party -  the Bangladesh Nationalist Party - on  their victory in Bangladesh's 13th Jatiya Sangshad  election. The UK also greeted the people of Bangladesh as the country enters a new chapter. "We look forward to working together on our shared priorities: economic growth, migration, climate and security," said the British High Commission in Dhaka on Friday in a message through its verified X handle. Bhutan PM congratulates Tarique Rahman on BNP’s landslide victory