United News of Bangladesh

The nation is observing the ‘Martyred Intellectuals Day’ in a befitting manner on Sunday (December 14, 2025) to commemorate the intellectuals killed systematically by Pakistan occupation forces and their local collaborators at the fag-end of the Liberation War in 1971. Marking the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin paid homage to the nation's intellectuals at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur at 7am. Later, he stood there silently for a while. Followed by the President, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus also paid tribute to the nation's finest intellectuals and observed a silence for a while there.   Later, all walks of life were allowed to pay tribute to the valiant people of the country who were systematically killed the Pakistan occupation forces, in collaboration with their auxiliary forces. Read more: Jamaat Ameer calls on nation to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day, Victory Day with due respect On this day in 1971, the country’s renowned academicians, doctors, engineers, journalists, artists, teachers and other eminent personalities were dragged out of their homes, blindfolded and taken to unknown places and then brutally tortured and murdered. Their bodies were later dumped at Rayerbazar, Mirpur and some other killing fields in the capital. Sensing an imminent defeat, the Pakistani forces and their local collaborators like Al-Badr, Al-Shams and Razakar committed the cold-blooded mass murders aiming to annihilate the country's intelligentsia and cripple emerging Bangladesh intellectually. Among the martyred intellectuals are Prof Munier Chowdhury, Dr Alim Chowdhury, Prof Muniruzzaman, Dr Fazle Rabbi, Sirajuddin Hossain, Shahidullah Kaiser, Prof GC Dev, JC Guha Thakurta, Prof Santosh Bhattacharya, Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury, journalists Khandaker Abu Taleb, Nizamuddin Ahmed, SA Mannan (Ladu Bhai), ANM Golam Mustafa, Syed Nazmul Haq and Selina Parvin. The interim government has chalked out elaborate programmes to commemorate the December 14 tragedy. Read more: Nation to observe Martyred Intellectuals Day on Sunday The family members of the martyred intellectuals and freedom fighters are paying homage to the martyred intellectuals marking the day. On the eve of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages on the occasion of the day. Leaders and activists of different political and social organisations are also paying homage to the martyred intellectuals at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard. Special doa and munajat are scheduled to be offered at mosques, temples and churches marking the day. Bangladesh Television and private television channels are broadcasting special programmes highlighting the significance of the day. Read more: President Shahabuddin, Prof Yunus pay tributes to martyred intellectuals National dailies also published special supplements marking the day.

President Mohammad Shahabuddin arrived in his home district Pabna on Saturday (8th November 2025) morning on a two-day official visit. The President landed at Pabna Stadium by a helicopter at 9:40am. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mofizul Islam and Superintendent of Pabna Police Mortoza Ali Khan received the President. A guard of honour was given to the President at the Pabna Circuit House. Read more: French Ambassador presents credentials to President The President is scheduled to visit the graves of his parents at Arifpur graveyard in Pabna Sadar to offer prayers around 11 am from where he will go to his ancestral home in Jubilee Tank area of Kalachandpara in Pabna town where he will spend some time and meet with relatives around 1pm. He will stay overnight at the Circuit House. On the second day, another guard of honour will be given to the President at 10:45am at the Circuit House. He is expected to depart for Dhaka from Pabna Stadium at 11am. Strict security measures have been taken in and around the stadium, Circuit House, Arifpur graveyard and his residence over the visit. Read more: New Saudi Ambassador presents credentials to President Shahabuddin 

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Friday extended his warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Azha. In a statement, the president said, “Eid Mubarak! On the occasion of one of the most significant religious festivals of the Muslims, Eid-ul-Azha, I extend my heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the people of Bangladesh and to all Muslim brothers and sisters around the world.” Highlighting the spiritual essence of the festival, President Shahabuddin said Eid-ul-Azha embodies the profound lesson of ultimate sacrifice. “Prophet Ibrahim (AS) set an unparalleled example of unwavering devotion and love for Allah by offering to sacrifice his beloved son, Prophet Ismail (AS). This historical event holds immense significance for humanity and remains deeply instructive for us all,” he added. He said the act of ‘Qurbani’ inspires a spirit of selflessness, strengthens the bonds of sharing joy and sorrow with relatives and neighbors, and fosters social harmony among the rich and the poor alike. Tarique Rahman greets people on Eid-ul-Azha “Many underprivileged and impoverished people in our society live in hardship and distress. We must uphold the ideals of equality and fraternity exemplified by Eid-ul-Azha and share its joy with them,” the President added. Shahabuddin also expressed the hope that the teachings of sacrifice will be reflected in the personal, social and national life of all. “Alongside animal sacrifice, may we also cleanse our hearts of hatred, envy and malice -- this is my prayer to Allah. May this holy Eid-ul-Azha bring welfare and prosperity to all,” he said.

President of Timor-Leste held a meeting with Mohammed Shahabuddin, President of Bangladesh, at Bangabhaban on Monday afternoon. The President of Bangladesh welcomed the President of Timor-Leste to attend the Victory Day celebration. Both leaders discussed the expansion of bilateral relations and appreciated cooperation in regional and multilateral issues of common interests. Reception held at  Bangabhaban for Bir Shrestha family members  Following the meeting, President José Ramos-Horta graced the Victory Day reception as the guest of honour at Bangabhaban.  

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Saturday paid tributes to the martyred intellectuals at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in city’s Mirpur area. He paid the homage by placing a wreath marking the Martyred Intellectuals Day to pay tributes to those who were brutally killed just two days before Bangladesh’s final victory in the War of Liberation in 1971. The president placed the wreath at the memorial at about 7 am and stood there in solemn silence for a while as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the illustrious men and women of the soil. BNP hopes election to be arranged soon A smartly turned out contingent of the Army, Navy and Air Force offered a state salute at that time while the bugle played the last post. Alongisde, the president also exchanged greetings with the injured valiant freedom fighters and other people coming to pay respect to the martyred intellectuals after paying the homage. Chief Adviser pays tribute to martyred intellectuals

Newly appointed non-resident ambassador of Bulgaria Dr Nikolai Yankov on Sunday presented his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. Welcoming the new ambassador, the president said the relations between Bulgaria and Bangladesh have been growing gradually since Bangladesh’s independence, Press Secretary of the president Joynal Abedin told reporters after the meeting. The president put emphasis on the exchange of high-level visits to develop bilateral ties and open up new areas of cooperation between the two countries.  Govt warns of action against illegal foreigners in Bangladesh Referring to the existing liberal industrial policies and export-oriented and private sector-led development strategies in Bangladesh, the president sought Bulgarian investment in Bangladesh.  During the meeting, Ambassador Yankov said Bulgaria attaches great importance to the development of relations with Bangladesh.  He sought all necessary cooperation of the president in carrying out his assignment in Bangladesh.  Secretaries concerned to the president were present during the meeting.    

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday paid tribute to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War by placing a wreath at the Shikha Anirban (Eternal Flame) in the Dhaka Cantonment area. The president paid the tributes to the martyrs to commemorate the Armed Forces Day today. He was accompanied by the chiefs of the armed forces and other military personnel while paying the homage at 8 am. After placing the wreath the president, who is also the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, stood there in solemn silence for a while as a mark of respect to the memories of the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices during 1971 War of Liberation. Later, a smartly turned out contingent of the Army, Navy and Air Force presented a salute on the occasion. President Shahabuddin also signed the visitors’ book there. Traffic restrictions in Dhaka Cantonment today for Armed Forces Day On his arrival at Shikha Anirban, chiefs of the three services and the principal staff officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division received the president. Khaleda to join Armed Forces Day reception after 11 years Bangladesh observes November 21 as Armed Forces Day marking the day in 1971 when the army, the navy, and the air force launched a coordinated offensive against occupation Pakistani forces.  

The interim government has affirmed that there has been no decision yet regarding the President’s matter, saying that the media will be informed in due time if any decision is taken. "Political parties are our stakeholders. This (today's meeting with BNP) is part of an ongoing dialogue with political parties. You will know in due course of time if there is any decision," said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam to reporters outside the State guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday afternoon. Security tightened around Bangabhaban amid growing tensions Alam made the remarks in response to repeated questions from reporters over the possibility of resignation or removal of the President. Regarding concerns over the Chief Adviser’s health, the Press Secretary assured that the Chief Adviser is in good health and continues to hold meetings as usual. On Tuesday evening, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir said that the government supports the Law Adviser’s stance regarding President Mohammed Shahabuddin. “The government agrees with what Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said earlier regarding the President… there has been no decision as of now regarding the removal of the President,” Jahangir told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in response to a query. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul had on Monday accused President Mohammed Shahabuddin of lying about not receiving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation letter, suggesting that the President’s statement violated his oath of office. "The President’s claim that he did not receive Sheikh Hasina’s resignation letter is a lie and a violation of his oath," Dr Asif stated.

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir on Tuesday said the government shares the same view of the Law Adviser about President Mohammed Shahabuddin. “The government agrees with what Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said earlier (regarding President)…there has been no decision as of now regarding removal of the President,” he told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy in the evening while responding to a question. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Assistant Press Secretaries Nayem Ali and Shuchismita Tithi were present during the briefing. The Law Adviser on Monday accused President Mohammed Shahabuddin of lying about not receiving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation letter, claiming the statement violates his oath of office. "The president’s claim that he did not receive Sheikh Hasina’s resignation letter is a lie and a violation of his oath," Dr Asif said. Read: Students demand president's resignation, ban on BCL from Shahid Minar rally He pointed out that Shahabuddin himself, during a national address on August 5, had said that the former prime minister had submitted her resignation, which he accepted in the presence of the three chiefs of the armed forces. The students staged demonstrations in front of President’s residence Bangabhaban and city’s Shahbagh intersection demanding resignation of President Mohammed Shahabuddin by this week. The leaders of anti-discrimination student movement also placed five-point demand, including rewriting the Constitution by cancelling the 1972 one, banning Bangladesh Chhatra League by this week, new proclamation of republic and declaring the last three national elections held in 2014, 2018 and 2024 illegal. Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators, in a post from his verified Facebook account said the Council of Advisers of the interim government has given them time to discuss with them on their demands on Wednesday. They expect that the interim government will take a decision after discussion to implement the five-point demand of the students. Read more: Protesters stage demo near Bangabhaban demanding President’s removal

Secretary General of Indian Ocean Rim Association Dr. Salman Al Farisi on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The meeting was held at Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC) in Indonesia. During the meeting, the secretary general apprised the President of the activities of IORA, press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB. Bangladesh seeks pharmaceutical products, raw materials export to Indonesia Lauding the initiative taken by Bangladesh for the development of IORA, he also briefed the President on the organization’s future plans. He said they are planning to help landlock countries too. Mentioning the recent development of Bangladesh as a milestone, President Shahabuddin said that many countries are now inspired by Bangladesh. President Shahabuddin in Indonesia to attend ASEAN Summit, East Asia Summit He assured that Bangladesh will play a big role to the development of IORA. Foreign Affairs Minister AK Abdul Momen, Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (rtd) Md Khurshed Alam and secretaries concerned to the President were also present during the meeting. US, Indonesia and 5 other nations hold war drills amid China concerns The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a dynamic inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 11 Dialogue Partners.