United News of Bangladesh

A total of 219 people, including 25 women and 18 children, lost their lives and 511 others were injured in 409 road accidents in Dhaka city in 2025, according to data released by the Road Safety Foundation (RSF). The RSF, an organisation advocating for safer roads, released the figures in a new report on Wednesday. Among the deceased, 47.03% were pedestrians, 43.37% were motorcyclists and 9.58% were drivers and passengers of rickshaw, bus and CNG-run auto-rickshaw. According to the RSF analysis, 35.14% vehicles involved  trucks, covered vans, pickups, tankers and garbage trucks while 24.87% were buses, 21.53% were motorcycles, 4.12%  were microbuses, private cars and jeeps and 11.82% were three-wheelers, human hauler and 2.48% were rickshaws. Read More: Postmaster dies in road accident in Magura The RSF cited several key reasons behind the rising number of road accidents, including faulty vehicles, reckless driving, unfit roads, drivers’ negligence, occupying of footpaths by hawkers, unused of foot over bridge, no proper signboard, unawareness of roads and demand and extortion in the transport sector. The organisation also provided some recommendations including introduction of modern, company-based bus service in the capital through route rationalization, withdrawn of expired and unfit passenger and goods-carrying vehicles, dedicated lanes for buses, introduce bus services for educational institutions in the capital, upgraded bus services, use of foot over bridges and construction of foot over bridge at usable spot, free footpaths from encroachers, BRTA, DTCA coordination, construction of hydraulic multi-storey parking stations, overpasses or underpasses at railway crossings, and construction of bypass road and awareness campaign.

The government has transferred Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) of eight upazilas with the consent of the Election Commission. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Tuesday.  As per the order, Israt Jahan, UNO of Patharghata in Barguna, has been transferred to Char Fashion in Bhola, while Md Al-Amin, UNO of Jibannagar in Chuadanga, has been posted to Nagarkanda in Faridpur. Rehena Akhter, currently serving as UNO of Bhandaria in Pirojpur, has been transferred to Dhunat in Bogura, and Liton Chandra De, UNO of Bahubal in Habiganj, has been posted to Jibannagar in Chuadanga. Bancharampur UNO Ferdous Ara passes away Meanwhile, Pritilata Barman, UNO of Dhunat in Bogura, has been transferred to Bahubal in Habiganj. Mehraj Sharbin, UNO of Nagarkanda in Faridpur, has been posted to Kalmakanda in Netrokona, while Masudur Rahman, UNO of Kalmakanda in Netrokona, has been transferred to Bhandaria in Pirojpur. Md Lokman Hossain, UNO of Char Fashion in Bhola, has been posted to Patharghata in Barguna. The order said the officers posted as Upazila Nirbahi Officers would also perform duties as Executive Magistrates in their respective jurisdictions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898. It also said the transferred officers must join their new postings by January 22. Failing to do so will result in their immediate release from the current workplace on the afternoon of that day.  

Speakers at a seminar on the economy highlighted employment generation leading to increasing revenue for the government, ultimately increasing the capacity of government expenditure. They made the remarks while speaking at a seminar on “Fiscal Challenges for Post-Election Government" held at the BDBL Building in Karwan Bazaar on Wednesday. Dr. Masrur Reaz, Chairman and Founder of think tank Policy Exchange Bangladesh, emphasized total digitalization of the National Board of Revenue and encouraged cashless purchasing opportunities. This will help to increase indirect revenue collection and increase the tax-GDP ratio.   He also suggested that a realistic tax target be set, stopping political intervention in tax policy level, and stopping discrepancies of tax officials in harassing people who pay taxes. APM Terminals’ Laldia investment marks new beginning for Bangladesh: Prof Yunus Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Professor of Economics and former Chairman of the Department of Development Studies, Dhaka University, said that the elected government has to create equal opportunity for all, especially employment of youths, who could contribute more in the economy. He also favours increasing the salaries of government employees so that they work harder to provide government services. He emphasized five things to make Bangladesh a trillion-dollar economy. These are: Justice in financial opportunity, budget discipline, restructuring the economic sector, creating employment scope, and ensuring security and sustainability for all. If these five things happen, the journey of Bangladesh to a trillion-dollar economy would be very smooth. Economist Jyoti Rahman gave a presentation on the topic. Masud Khan, Chairman of Unilever Bangladesh, Snehashis Barua, Chartered Accountant, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, Executive Director, Bangladesh Research Analyze Information Network (BRAIN), among others, spoke at the event.  Fahim Mashroor of Voice for Reform moderated the event. Denmark’s APM Terminals to make record $550mn investment in Bangladesh

Police have recovered 105 mobile phones lost at different times and returned them to their rightful owners in the capital. The recovered phones were handed over by Paltan Model Police Station of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). DMP's Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman said police recovered the phones from different parts of the country using information technology, based on general diaries registered with Paltan station between December 1 last year till January 15 by the owners. He said Assistant Commissioner of (Motijheel Zone ) of the DMP Hossain Muhammad Farabi and ASI Iqbal Hossain of Paltan Model Police Station took the lead and played active role in recovering the lost phones. 27 arrested under Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2: DMP The mobile phones were formally handed over to their owners on Tuesday at a programme held at the conference room of Paltan Model Police Station in the presence of Motijheel Division Deputy Commissioner of Police Mohammad Harun Or Rashid, Assistant Commissioner Hossain Muhammad Farabi and other police officials. According to police sources, Paltan Model Police Station recovered and returned more than 600 lost mobile phones to their owners over the last one year. The recipients expressed their happiness at getting back their lost mobile phones within a short time.

The High Court on Wednesday rejected a writ petition filed by BNP candidate of Cumilla-4 constituency Monzurul Ahsan Munshi challenging the Election Commission’s decision barring him from contesting the national election. The HC bench of Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Md Anowarul Islam passed the order after hearing the petition. The HC bench of Justice Razik-Al-Jalil and Justice Md Anowarul Islam passed the order after hearing the petition. Advocate Ahsanul Karim and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kazal stood for Manzurul while Barrister Ehsan Abdullah Siddiq and Advocate Mohamamd Hossain Lipu represented NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah. Advocate Mohammad Hossain Lipu said BNP candidate Monzurul Ahsan Munshi is a loan defaulter and concealed the information in the nomination paper. On January 17, the Election Commission cancelled Monzurul’s candidacy while upholding that of Hasnat Abdullah. The BNP candidate filed the writ petition on January 19 challenging the EC’s decision.  

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday decided to file cases against 21 people including 12 officials of Public Service Commission (PSC) on charges of abuse of power to secure appointments despite not applying under the freedom fighter quota. The decision was disclosed at a press briefing at the ACC headquarters. Deputy Director Aktarul Islam said six candidates were illegally appointed to administration, police and other cadre posts under the freedom fighter quota six months after the publication of the results of the 29th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examination. The accused include former PSC members A T Ahmedul Haque Chowdhury, Suraiya Begum, Mirza Shamsuzzaman, Abidur Reza Khan, Ehsan Shamim, Professor Rashida Begum, Mohammad Hossain Serniabat, Imran Kabir Chowdhury, Syed Hasinur Rahman, Ikram Ahmed, Farida Adib Khanum, and Muhammad Liaqat Ali Khan; former secretary Chowdhury Babul Hasan; former examination controller A I M Nesar Uddin; and former assistant secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, Lokman Ahmed. ACC arrests son of former PSC driver over Tk 3.25cr illegal wealth The six officials who allegedly secured jobs through the illegal process are Rakibur Rahman Khan, Tofazzal Hossain, Halima Khatun, Milton Ali Biswas, Nahida Barik, and Khorshed Alam. Team leader Deputy Director Azizul Haque and Deputy Assistant Director Monjurul Islam investigated the allegations.

A defamation case has been filed in Jashore against Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated Kushtia-3 candidate Mufti Amir Hamza for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the late Arafat Rahman Koko, younger son of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Mehedi Hasan Zillu, a member of the convening committee of Jashore District Krishak Dal and a resident of Khadki in the city, filed the case on Wednesday afternoon, said plaintiff’s lawyer Advocate M A Gafur. Taking cognisance of the complaint, Jashore Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Asadul Islam ordered the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to probe the allegation and submit a report. Read More: IU Chhatra Dal leader files case against Mufti Amir Hamza over defamatory remarks According to the case statement, Amir Hamza made indecent and defamatory remarks about Arafat Rahman Koko while addressing a mahfil in Chattogram in 2023.   The plaintiff claimed the remarks tarnished the dignity of the deceased and brought dishonour to the Zia family, creating a negative public perception. The complainant said he came across a video of the statement online on January 17 while at the BNP office near Laldighi in Jashore and was deeply shocked by it. The plaintiff further claimed that the remarks hurt the sentiments of nationalist-minded people and caused defamation amounting to Tk 50 crore. Earlier, a similar defamation case was filed in Khulna against Mufti Amir Hamza over the same allegation by Arafat Rahman Koko Memorial Society Central Joint General Secretary and Khulna Metropolitan President Md Jahirul Islam Bappi.

Expressing optimism over the future of the two countries, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen on Wednesday said his country does not take any side and it is the 'sovereign decision' of the people of Bangladesh whom they want. “We don't take any side," he said during his first interaction with a small group of journalists at the EMK Centre in Dhaka. The Ambassador said he is optimistic about the future of the two countries and looks forward to Bangladesh’s historic elections next month. After his recent meeting with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman to hear his perspective on upcoming elections, he said the United States looks forward to working with all Bangladeshi political parties to advance shared peace and prosperity. The US Ambassador also met with Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury to discuss his plans for the judiciary and potential areas for cooperation to strengthen the security of both the countries. Italy supports Bangladesh’s democratic transition, July Charter: Deputy Minister During the interaction with the media, he spoke on the broader bilateral relationship, indicating that cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and security would be the priorities of the relationship. The Ambassador believes there are many opportunities for cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States. On January 15, Ambassador Christensen presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban and said he looks forward to strengthening the Bangladesh-US relationship. Christensen said he was honoured to return to Bangladesh, a country he knows well and holds in the highest regard. For over two decades, he said, he has had the privilege of working closely on US policy toward Bangladesh and the broader region. As US ambassador, he said his primary responsibility is to advance the interests of the American people and the agenda of President Donald Trump, making America safer, stronger and more prosperous. “You might have heard this policy referred to as the America First foreign policy. I believe that elected governments should always put their people first,” the ambassador said, adding that America First does not mean America alone.  “Today I had the honor of presenting my Ambassadorial credentials to President Shahabuddin. The United States is proud to call Bangladesh a friend," he said in a brief statement after the ceremony. In over 50 years of partnership, the US Ambassador said they have worked together to promote regional stability, economic growth benefiting both the two countries, and the sovereignty of their great nations. "I look forward to continuing this work and further strengthening the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship," he said. “It is an honor for me to serve the United States as the 19th Ambassador to Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Christensen who along with his wife Deanne Dao arrived in Dhaka on January 12. In a brief statement shared by the US Embassy in Dhaka soon after his arrival, he said they both are thrilled to return to a country that holds many fond memories for them. The newly appointed Ambassador laid emphasis on enhancing the relations between Bangladesh and the United States. The US Embassy Dhaka welcomed Brent Christensen as the newly sworn-in Ambassador to Bangladesh. “I am thrilled to return to Bangladesh, a country I know so well," said Ambassador Christensen. The US Ambassador said he is excited to lead a great team at Embassy Dhaka, Americans and locally employed staff alike, to "enhance US-Bangladesh relations, advance President Trump's agenda, and work hard every day to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” Diplomats join Christmas reunion at Archbishop’s House in Dhaka He had "excellent first week" at U.S. Embassy Dhaka. "I’m proud to join the hard-working U.S. Embassy team and look forward to advancing President Trump’s priorities and further strengthening U.S.-Bangladesh relations." Ambassador Christensen was confirmed by the Senate as Ambassador on December 18, 2025. He served most recently as the Senior Official performing the duties of Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security from January-October 2025. In this role, he oversaw the Department of State’s global efforts on security cooperation, security assistance, counterterrorism,7 counternarcotics and nonproliferation. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Ambassador Christensen previously served as the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander of United States Strategic Command and as Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ambassador Christensen has held additional assignments overseas in the US missions to the Philippines, El Salvador and Vietnam. His other domestic roles include serving as Deputy Director, Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, as Special Assistant to the Special Representative for North Korea Policy, as a fellow on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, and as Bangladesh Country Officer in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. Ambassador Christensen also served as one of two career Foreign Service members of the Foreign Service Impasses Disputes Panel, part of the U.S. Federal Labor Relations Authority. A distinguished graduate of the National War College, Ambassador Christensen earned a Master of Science in National Security Strategy. Bhutan among eligible countries as Bangladesh continues visa-on-arrival facility He likewise holds a Master of Science in Statistics from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University. He speaks Spanish, German and Vietnamese, and has studied French, Japanese, and Portuguese. Before joining the Foreign Service in 2002, he worked as a management consultant in Houston and New York City.

The government on Wednesday approved separate proposals to procure around 30,000 metric tonnes of urea fertiliser and over 2.71 crore litres of refined soybean oil to meet the country’s growing demand. The approvals came from a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at the Secretariat with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. Following a proposal from the Ministry of Commerce, the committee recommended procuring over 2.71 crore litres of refined soybean oil from the international market through the Direct Procurement Method (DPM) from NSRIC Green Supplies of Canada at a cost of around Tk 357 crore. The move aims to ensure adequate domestic supply and stabilise the edible oil market ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The per-litre cost of soybean oil has been fixed at Tk 131.49. The meeting also approved a proposal from the Ministry of Industries to import 30,000 metric tonnes of bagged granular urea fertiliser from Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited (KAFCO) under the 11th lot for the current fiscal year 2025–26 at an estimated cost of Tk 149.17 crore. Under the consignment, the per-tonne cost of fertiliser will be USD 405.25. In addition to these major import proposals, the committee positively considered several other agenda items, including the construction of fertiliser buffer warehouses in Faridpur and Gaibandha, procurement of high-speed boats for the Bangladesh Coast Guard, and multiple road safety and road connectivity projects across different regions of the country. The meeting approved a procurement proposal for the construction of a fertiliser godown in Faridpur with a capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes at a cost of around Tk 48.45 crore under Package-2, Lot-3 of the project titled “Construction of 34 Buffer Warehouses at Different Locations Across the Country for Fertiliser Storage and Distribution (1st Revised)”. Another proposal for constructing a fertiliser godown in  Gaibandha, also with a 10,000-metric-tonne capacity, was approved at an estimated cost of Tk 47.35 crore under Package-4, Lot-4 of the same project. Besides, a procurement proposal for the purchase of two large high-speed boats for the Bangladesh Coast Guard under the revenue budget involving around Tk 89.50 crore, was also approved at the meeting. Moreover, three separate procurement proposals under the “Bangladesh Road Safety” programme were approved during the day’s meeting.

The government has decided to provide Tk 2 crore in financial assistance to the family of Inqilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The aid included Tk 1 crore for purchasing a flat in Dhaka and another Tk 1 crore for livelihood support. Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed disclosed the decision on Wednesday while talking to reporters after a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at the Secretariat. “One crore taka will be given from the Ministry of Finance for purchasing a flat or house. The entire amount may not be required. Another one crore taka is being provided separately from the Chief Adviser’s Office for the family’s livelihood,” he said. Hadi murder probe report submission deferred to January 25 When asked why additional benefits are being provided to the family despite Hadi’s brother having earlier been appointed to a diplomatic post in the United Kingdom, the finance adviser declined to comment, saying such questions should not be directed to him. Dr Salehuddin said the Ministry of Finance has already approved the Tk1 crore allocation for housing purposes. Meanwhile, when asked to comment on a recent claim by the Commerce Adviser that rice prices has increased by Tk20 per kg due to the Padma Bridge, the finance adviser chose not to respond. “I do not think anything (regarding this claim),” he said. Govt appoints Hadi’s brother as second secretary at UK mission On December 12, assailants shot Hadi in the head during an election campaign event in the capital’s Purana Paltan area. After receiving initial treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Evercare Hospital, he was flown to Singapore for advanced medical care on December 15. He died there on December 18.