United News of Bangladesh

Mia Sattar, a Bangladesh-born Russian businessman and head of National Group, has been appointed chairman of the newly established Russia-Bangladesh Business Council. The organisational meeting of the council was recently held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation in Moscow, the Russian Embassy in Dhaka said on Monday. The council will serve as an aide to the Russia-Bangladesh Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation. Its main tasks will include analysing the market, identifying promising areas of cooperation and finding barriers to market entry. Vladimir Padalko, vice president of the chamber, chaired the meeting. Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Russia, along with representatives of Russia's Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Economic Development, attended the event. 

The government has changed the Bangla name of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to ‘Nari O Shishu Bishoyok Montronaloy’ (Ministry of Women and Children Affairs). The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification on Monday (October 26), formally changing the ministry’s Bangla name. The notification was subsequently published in the gazette. According to the notification, the ministry’s Bangla name has been changed to ‘Nari O Shishu Bishoyok Montronaloy’, while its English name, ‘Ministry of Women and Children Affairs’, remains unchanged. Earlier, the Cabinet approved the proposal to change the ministry’s Bangla name at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on October 18.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Monday said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Japan offers an important opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation and build a long-term partnership based on mutual interests. “The visit will play a significant role in further strengthening Bangladesh-Japan relations, expanding trade and attracting Japanese investment, as the international community shows growing interest in Bangladesh’s current government,” he said. Humaiun Kobir made the remarks at a press conference at the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo at night, briefing reporters on the first day of the Prime Minister’s four-day visit to Japan. He said Tarique Rahman held extended discussions with senior officials on how to make the day’s programmes as effective as possible for Bangladesh’s interests, despite arriving in Tokyo after a long journey. “The Prime Minister then attended a series of engagements after taking only a light meal.” The state minister said the Prime Minister’s energy and determination to prioritise national interests were evident from the first day of the visit. Recalling the historical ties between Bangladesh and Japan, he said the relationship developed during the time of late President Ziaur Rahman, while former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s visits to Japan also helped strengthen bilateral ties. Tarique Rahman's current visit is an important initiative to take the relationship to a new level, Humaiun Kobir added. On Monday, the Prime Minister held a meeting with a delegation of the Japan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship League led by its President and former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. Senior leaders of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and other representatives were also present. The meeting featured discussions on strengthening bilateral relations, increasing Japanese investment, expanding trade and transferring technology, Humaiun Kobir said. He said Tarique Rahman recalled Aso’s long experience in promoting Bangladesh’s development and bilateral relations and urged him to use that experience to help create an investment-friendly environment in Bangladesh. The state minister said the Prime Minister also invited Aso to visit Bangladesh. Highlighting the scope for Japanese investment and economic cooperation, he said Tarique Rahman also met Marubeni Corporation Chairman Masumi Kakinoki, who is also president of the Japan-Bangladesh Committee for Commercial and Economic Cooperation. Humaiun Kobir said they discussed expanding trade and economic cooperation, increasing Japanese investment in Bangladesh and implementing the recently signed Bangladesh-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Potential investment areas included information and communication technology, energy, advanced manufacturing, fertiliser production and industrial modernisation, he said. Cooperation in modernising Karnaphuli Fertiliser Company Limited and the possibility of establishing a second fertiliser factory in Bangladesh were also discussed, the state minister said. He said Tarique Rahman emphasised the need to make use of new investment opportunities to expand commercial ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister also met Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr Tanaka Akihiko and called for continued Japanese support for Bangladesh’s development projects. The discussions covered continued cooperation in infrastructure and economic development, as well as expediting ongoing projects, Humaiun Kobir said. He said the Prime Minister highlighted opportunities for Japanese investment in technological innovation, agricultural modernisation, agro-processing and light engineering. The  state minister said he also called for stronger Japanese cooperation to enhance Bangladesh’s energy security and capacity. The JICA president expressed optimism about continuing the agency’s support for Bangladesh’s development, he added. The Prime Minister also attended a dinner hosted by Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairman of the Nippon Foundation. Humaiun Kobir said Sasakawa, who previously visited Bangladesh, has shown interest in the country’s development activities. He said the visit is expanding engagement with representatives of the Japanese government and private sector, with further important meetings and programmes scheduled in the coming days. The state minister expressed hope that these initiatives will open up new avenues for investment in Bangladesh. He said Bangladesh wants to build international partnerships based on mutual trust, transparency and accountability, with the government aiming to establish the country as a strong destination for investment and business by harnessing its economic potential. Humaiun Kobir expressed optimism that under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, Bangladesh-Japan relations will deepen further and create new economic opportunities for the people of both countries. PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin, and senior officials of the Bangladesh Embassy in Tokyo were present at the press conference.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has discussed possible cooperation with the Nippon Foundation in setting up a vaccine manufacturing plant in Bangladesh to help control infectious diseases. The issue was discussed at a dinner hosted in honour of the Prime Minister by Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairman of the Nippon Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, in Tokyo on Monday night. “The discussions also covered possible cooperation in setting up a vaccine manufacturing plant in Bangladesh to help control infectious diseases,” Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin said. The dinner was held at Hanagasumi Restaurant at Meiji Kinenkan, he said. Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman also attended the dinner. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, Prime Minister's Special Assistant for Overseas Employment in the Asia-Pacific Region Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan and Protocol Officer-2 Kamrul Islam were present. Nippon Foundation Executive Director Takashi Arikawa and other senior officials also attended the dinner. During the dinner, Tarique Rahman recalled his meeting with Sasakawa in Dhaka in September and thanked him for his long-standing contributions to humanitarian assistance, education and public health sectors in Bangladesh. Sasakawa paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister during his visit to Bangladesh in September.

To meet the surging demand of travellers eager to visit the world's longest unbroken sea beach, Bangladesh Railway (BR) on Monday officially launched the operation of a third pair of trains on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route by extending the journey of the Mohanagar Express up to the coastal tourism hub. Railways, Road Transport and Bridges, and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam inaugurated the extended service of the Mohanagar Express from the Dhaka Railway Station in Kamalapur. Prior to this addition, two train pairs—the Cox's Bazar Express and the Tourist Express—were operating on the 467.83-kilometer route since its inauguration in December 2023. The opening ceremony was attended by State Minister Habibur Rashid, Railways Ministry Secretary Md. Fahimul Islam, BR Director General Md. Afzal Hossain, and other senior officials. According to railway officials, unlike the existing trains, the Mohanagar Express will make stops at 12 stations along its route via Chattogram. Aside from the terminal stations of Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, the train will stop at Airport, Narsingdi, Bhairab Bazar, Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria, Akhaura, Kasba, Comilla, Laksam, Nangalkot, Feni, and Chattogram. The previous halt at Kumira Station has been discontinued with the route extension. Schedule and Operations: · Departure from Dhaka: 8:30 PM, arriving in Cox's Bazar at 6:00 AM. · Return Journey: Departs Cox's Bazar at 9:00 AM, arriving in Dhaka at 6:30 PM. · Travel Time: Approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes in both directions. · Weekly Off-Day: The service will remain suspended on Sundays. · Maintenance Depot: Cox’s Bazar will serve as the rake base and depot for cleaning and watering services. BR authorities stated that the third service was introduced to accommodate surging passenger demand and fulfill the government’s election manifesto commitments regarding the expansion of intercity rail networks.

Police have arrested two journalists, including a staff reporter of a national daily, on charges of extortion and obstructing construction work at a government college in Jhenaidah on Monday. The arrestees were identified as Aritra Kumar Kundu, Staff Reporter of daily Protidiner Bangladesh, and Habibur Rahman Rubel, correspondent of Bangla-71. Aritra went to Government Nurunnahar Mahila College on Monday noon to inquire about the alleged selling of wall bricks and allegedly demanded Tk 50,000 in extortion from College Principal Bijon Kumar Sarkar. When the principal refused, Aritra threatened him, police said. As news spread, a group of locals gathered and physically assaulted Aritra and his associate Rubel. Detective Branch (DB) Police rescued them from the spot and took Aritra to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital for treatment before bringing them to the police station. Later in the afternoon, Principal Bijon Kumar Sarkar filed an extortion case against them. However, Aritra denied the allegations, claiming he went to report on brick smuggling from the college boundary wall. He alleged that he was called back to the campus from a nearby courier service and beaten up by a group of youths who later framed him with false charges. Additional Superintendent of Police Sheikh Billal Hossain said suspects were arrested in the case filed by the principal.

Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay and Honorary Consul of Malta to Bangladesh Shoeb Chowdhury in a meeting on Monday discussed enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, preserving ancient culture and expanding its reach on the global stage. The meeting took place in Valletta, the capital of the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, according to a press release. ​Mayor Olaf McKay highlighted how the city of Valletta, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, has preserved its 7,500-year-old historic legacy while transforming into a modern and dynamic European capital city. He also expressed plans to present Malta's timeless culture and heritage more broadly on global platforms. ​During the meeting, Honorary Consul Shoeb Chowdhury emphasised the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art digital ecosystems in international tourism and cultural exchange. He proposed leveraging virtual technology and AI so that history enthusiasts and tourists from around the world can easily explore Valletta's heritage. Shoeb Chowdhury noted, "Through the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence, it is possible to impart a dynamic momentum to the diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Malta and Bangladesh." ​During the conversation, he extended an official invitation to the Mayor of Valletta to visit Dhaka. The mayor accepted the invitation and expressed his hope to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time. Executive Secretary of the Valletta Local Council Gabriella Agius and Editor-in-Chief of The Asian Age Dr Jesmin Chowdhury were also present at the meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, Olaf McKay presented a special crest of Valletta to Shoeb Chowdhury.

Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) on Monday strongly condemned and protested against what it described as objectionable remarks made by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir about journalists, demanding that he withdraw his sweeping comments on their professional integrity and responsibility within 24 hours. The organisation warned that it would launch a strong, united programme with other journalist organisations if the remarks were not withdrawn within the stipulated time. At an event in Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar on Monday, the IGP said, “Journalists write that the police are ineffective when they do not receive money from drug dealers. Such reports are published in various national media outlets.” In a joint statement on Monday evening, CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal and General Secretary M M Badshah said such comments from a senior official holding the highest position in the police force were undesirable and concerning. They said ensuring an effective police role in eliminating drugs was essential, while independent journalism also played a crucial role in ensuring accountability for police activities. If any journalist is accused of taking money from drug dealers, the allegation can be investigated on the basis of specific evidence and legal action can be taken accordingly, the CRAB leaders said. However, making such allegations against journalists as a whole without any specific evidence does not reflect responsible conduct, they added. The leaders said journalists were responsible for monitoring the activities of the police and other state institutions, exposing irregularities and corruption, and bringing issues of public interest to the attention of the people. Portraying journalistic reports or criticism of police effectiveness as a reaction to not receiving money from drug dealers raises questions about the environment for independent journalism, they said. Such remarks could create negative perceptions of journalists among the public and put them in an embarrassing position while carrying out their professional duties, the statement added. The CRAB leaders called on the IGP to withdraw the remarks immediately and take a responsible position on the issue. Otherwise, they warned, the organisation would join hands with other journalist bodies to launch a united programme to protect journalists’ dignity, freedom and professional rights.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, now visiting Spain, has highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to diversify exports, attract foreign investment and foster a more business-friendly environment. Inaugurating the third Bangladesh-Spain Expo 2026 in Seville, she drew attention to emerging opportunities in pharmaceuticals, leather and footwear, agro-processing, information technology, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing. The State Minister encouraged Spanish entrepreneurs and investors to explore Bangladesh’s growing market and manufacturing capabilities. Masudur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Spain; Rocío Blanco, Minister of Employment, Business and Self-Employment of the Regional Government of Andalusia; and Ashiqur Rahman, President of the Spain-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce, also spoke at the event.

Police on Monday prevented cultural activists from holding a human chain in the capital’s Dhanmondi to protest the obstruction of female Baul singers in Sunamganj and other alleged attacks on cultural programmes across the country, detaining former Bangladesh Chhatra Union president Dipak Shil during a confrontation. The activists gathered in front of Meena Bazar at Dhanmondi 27 around 4 pm under the banner of ‘Protestive Artists and People’ (Protiabadi Shilpi Janata) to protest what they described as attacks and aggression by groups acting in the name of ‘Tawhidi Janata’ against Baul music and other cultural events. More than 100 police personnel were seen deployed in the area from around 3:30 pm ahead of the planned programme. Drama activist Sumona Islam approached the police to ask whether the activists would be allowed to hold the human chain. She was later joined by Dipak Shil, who was involved in a discussion with police officers. The officers were heard saying they had instructions from higher authorities to ensure that no provocative remarks or slogans were made during the programme. Police also referred to a previous human chain at the same location where participants had chanted ‘Joy Bangla’.   In response, Dipak reportedly asked, "Why has the slogan Joy Bangla become invalid? We chanted this slogan during the July uprising as well." Police then asked for his identity. Following a heated exchange, officers detained him and took him to a police vehicle. Dipak is a former president of both the Dhaka metropolitan unit and the central committee of Bangladesh Chhatra Union. Sumona Islam tried to prevent police from taking him away and alleged that officers behaved aggressively towards her and pulled her during the incident. "Police detained Dipak without any reason. We condemn this and demand his immediate release," she said. Contacted for comment, Mohammad Ibn Mizan, deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Tejgaon division, said the activists were asked not to use provocative slogans or make provocative remarks. "They responded by questioning whether the slogan Joy Bangla had become invalid. During the ensuing argument, one person was detained for preliminary questioning," he said. At around 4:20 pm, the activists stood together and chanted slogans, including ‘No place for fundamentalists in this Bengal’, ‘Rise up, Bengal, against attacks on culture’ and ‘Your and my address is the Padma, Meghna and Jamuna’. One of the organisers, Faruk H Khan, told journalists that the incident reflected an inability to tolerate even a peaceful programme. "If even this kind of sit-in programme cannot be tolerated, then there is nothing more we can do. Baul and Bengali culture are under attack across the country. We strongly condemn and protest these incidents," he said. The protesters left the area around 4:30 pm. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Chhatra Union’s Dhaka metropolitan unit issued a statement condemning Dipak’s arrest and demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The statement, dated October 26, said his detention over the alleged chanting of ‘Joy Bangla’ violated freedom of expression and democratic rights. It described the slogan as deeply connected to Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and the Liberation War, adding that no one should be arrested or harassed for using it. The organisation also expressed concern over reported attacks on Baul and folk artists, restrictions on cultural programmes and attempts to silence dissenting voices. It called on the authorities to ensure cultural freedom and freedom of expression for Baul performers, folk artists, cultural activists and citizens, and urged students, artists and progressive democratic forces to unite in defending these rights.