United News of Bangladesh

The Council of Advisers on Thursday (December 04) approved the draft Police Commission Ordinance-2025, aiming to make the police more people-friendly one. Once the ordinance is promulgated, there will be a five-member commission under it, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and the commission will make recommendations to the government on issues such as investigating and resolving citizen complaints, resolving grievances of police members. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting the Chief Adviser’s Office. Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan briefed reporters at the Foreign Service Academy after the meeting. Read more: Prof Yunus urges police to ensure ‘festive, peaceful historic election’ Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also spoke at the briefing. Adviser Rizwana said the commission members will be a retired district judge, a retired officer not below the rank of Additional Inspector General of Police, a professor of a university who can be working or retired and a person with at least 15 years of experience in human rights and good governance. Responding to a question, she said the names of the commission members will come through a selection committee and the government will make appointments based on that. Regarding the purpose of the formation of the commission, the Adviser said the police will be made people-friendly and people-oriented and this commission will work in collaboration with the government. Read more: 64 districts get SPs through lottery: Home Adviser   The commission will recommend to the government what needs to be done to ensure that the police can work free from influence. Besides, the commission will also identify where the police need to be modernized and what kind of training is needed to make the police human rights sensitive. The meeting of the Council of Advisers also approved the proposal to amend the Representation of the People Order (RPO). The meeting also approved the draft of the National Regulatory Authority Ordinance on building construction. Read more: Bangladesh sees crime spike ahead of polls; police stress preparedness The meeting gave in-principle approval to the Hi-Tech Park Authority Amendment Ordinance.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus visited the Evercare Hospital in the city Wednesday evening (December 03, 2025) to see three-time former Prime Minister, former President’s wife and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. He spent around 30 minutes at the hospital after 7pm and enquired about her health condition, a senior official at the Chief Adviser’s Office told UNB. Read more: Army, BAF helicopters to conduct trial landing, takeoff near Evercare Hospital Prof Yunus urged Khaleda Zia's family and party leaders and activists to be patient, and reiterated the government's assurance of all kinds of cooperation. The Chief Adviser called on the people of the country to pray for Khaleda Zia's speedy recovery. National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman accompanied the Chief Adviser during the visit.

The government has declared BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ (VVIP). The decision was taken at a special meeting of the Council of Advisers, held on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud read out the statement at a media briefing after the meeting. He, however, did not take any question. He said the meeting decided to declare Khaleda Zia a VVIP of the State, considering her current physical condition, unhindered treatment in the hospital, making plan for her advanced medical care abroad, if necessary, her security and travel facilities and her high status. All relevant authorities were instructed to implement this decision immediately, said the Planning Adviser. He said Khaleda Zia's family and her party are aware of this matter. The meeting also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of three-time former Prime Minister BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. The meeting also urged the nation to pray for the speedy recovery of Khaleda Zia. Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul and Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were also present at the media briefing. The BNP Chairperson is receiving her prescribed treatment properly and is expected to recover, her personal physician Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said on Tuesday. “We firmly believe she will recover this time and return to us. She is properly receiving the treatment being administered to her,” he said. Talking to reporters during a briefing in front of Evercare Hospital at noon, Dr Zahid said Khaleda Zia is responding to the treatment provided by a medical board comprising local and foreign specialists. Tarique expresses gratitude, reiterates call for prayers for Khaleda

The government on Monday (December 01) approved two major housing projects involving over Tk 2100 crore aimed at rehabilitating families of July martyrs and the injured protesters. The approval was given at an ECNEC meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the NEC Conference room in Dhaka. Under the two project, s 804 flats will be constructed at Mirpur Section-14 for martyred families at an estimated cost of Tk 761.16 crore and 1,560 flats at Mirpur Section-9 for injured protesters involving Tk 1,344.41 crore. Six 14-storey buildings with common basements and twelve 10-storey buildings will be constructed at Mirpur section 14 between January 2026 and December 2029. Read more: Don’t exploit July-August uprising for political gain: Salahuddin The project was initially reviewed by ECNEC on July 27, 2025. Besides, 1,560 flats for families of July movement participants who became permanently disabled will be built between  July 2025 to June 2029. The project will comprise 15 buildings each 14 storeys including a basement. After the ECNEC meeting Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud told reporters that the two projects were placed on separate implementation timelines based on the nature of support required by the affected families. He said the construction of 1,560 residential flats in Mirpur Section-9 for families of July warriors who lost their ability to work during the 2024 Anti-Discrimination Student Movement will commence in July 2025 and continue until June 2029. Read more: July Memorial set on fire in Manikganj He noted that the second scheme—construction of the “36 July” residential complex in Mirpur Section-14 for the families of those killed during the movement will run from January 2026 to December 2029. Dr Mahmud pointed out that extending support to families of those permanently disabled is comparatively straightforward as eligibility is clear and can be verified directly. Under existing laws, he said, determining the rightful recipient of such benefits—whether the spouse, parents, or other heirs—may require judicial clarity or internal agreement within families. He added that the government would follow the established policy framework, already documented and approved, to ensure fairness and legal consistency while allocating the flats. Where necessary, courts may provide final determinations, while in other cases families may resolve inheritance matters themselves before allocations proceed. “The policy under which such support is provided is already recorded, and allocations will be made accordingly,” he told reporters. Read more: ECNEC clears 17 projects with Tk 15,383 cr

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Monday approved 17 development projects involving an estimated cost of Tk 15,383.51 crore. Of the total outlay, Tk 9,451.84 crore will come from the government’s own resources, Tk 5,609.70 crore as project loans, and Tk 379.31 crore from the implementing agencies’ own funds. The approval came at an ECNEC meeting held at the NEC Conference Room in the Planning Commission with Chief Adviser and ECNEC Chairperson Prof  Muhammad Yunus in the chair. The two projects under the Ministry of Agriculture are the “Sustainable Agricultural Development in the Chattogram Region” project and the second revised “Quality Seed Potato Production, Preservation and Strengthened Distribution to Farmers” project. The Power and Energy Ministry got approval for two projects-  the drilling of three exploration wells (Srikail Deep-1, Mobarakpur Deep-1 and Fenchuganj South-1), and the construction of the 220-MW Sonagazi Solar Power Plant. Three projects under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works include the construction of 1,560 residential flats in Mirpur-9 for families of  July activists who lost work capacity, the construction of the ‘36 July’ residential flats for families of  July martyrs, and the modernisation of electrical, mechanical and fire-safety equipment at Bangladesh Secretariat, Transport Pool, Ministers’ Apartments and secretary residences. The Ministry of Bridges received approval for the third revised “Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Line-6)” and the development of the Sirajganj–Raiganj (Chandaikona) district highway to appropriate standards and width. The meeting also approved the “Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project (NGRUDP)” under the Local Government Division, and a revised project under the Social Welfare Ministry titled “Autism and NDD Services Centre (2nd Revised).” The Finance Ministry secured approval for the “Japan Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS) Project (2nd Phase),” while the ICT Division received clearance for the first revised “Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem Development” project. Under the Education Ministry, the “Completion of Construction of the Third Academic and Central Research Building (10-storey foundation, 10 floors) and Other Structures at Noakhali Science and Technology University” was approved. Three more projects under the Health and Family Welfare Ministry were endorsed: “Climate Responsive Reproductive Health and Population Services Improvement and System Strengthening for Results,” the first revised “Establishment of Essential Biotech and Research Centre, Munshiganj,” and the project covering essential operational activities of the Directorate General of Health Services, Directorate General of Drug Administration and the Community Clinic Health Support Trust. During the meeting, ECNEC members were also briefed on 15 small-scale projects  each costing less than Tk 50 crore which had earlier been approved by the Planning Adviser. These projects include the modernisation of Bangladesh Betar Chattogram Centre, infrastructure development in several district stadiums, the third revised IMPACT–Phase 3 project for poverty alleviation, upgrades to academic institutions, cultural centres, fisheries development initiatives, rural infrastructure improvement in Gazipur, biodiversity enhancement in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, drainage system improvement in Chapainawabganj, and the second revised infrastructure development scheme for Dinajpur Municipality.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday (November 30) said the government will ensure justice for all members of the Army, Navy and Air Force who faced discrimination, deprivation and oppression during the previous regime. He made the remarks after receiving a report from the committee formed to review applications of retired and dismissed officers who suffered injustice between 2009 and August 4, 2024, and to submit recommendations at the State Guest House Jamuna. “When I assigned you to do this work, I thought there might have been some minor irregularities. But the complete picture you have presented is truly horrific. It is beyond imagination,” the Chief Adviser said. He thanked the committee members for revealing the truth with professionalism and sincerity. Committee Chairman and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defense and National Integration Development, Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Hafiz, and members Maj Gen (Retd) Mohammad Shamsul Huda, Maj Gen (Retd) Sheikh Pasha Habib Uddin, Rear Adm (Retd) Muhammad Shafiul Azam and Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Muhammad Shafqat Ali attended the meeting. Read more: BDR Mutiny: Probe body says Hasina had 'green signal' for entire incident The committee received 733 applications, scrutinised them, and selected 145 for recommendations. Committee Chairman Abdul Hafiz said the committee held its first meeting on August 19, 2025, and invited applications through the Central Officers’ Record Office, ISPR, RAWA, and various media platforms until September 21, 2025. He said that in almost all cases, the dossiers of the affected officers contained no record of moral turpitude or serious allegations, despite the punishments imposed by boards formed under the previous regime. Recommendations were made after reviewing board findings, application details and interviews with officers, including phone consultations with former commanders. The investigation revealed several grave incidents. Six officers were allegedly kept in illegal confinement for periods ranging from one to eight years because of their relatives’ political affiliations or suspected militancy links—something described as unprecedented in Bangladesh’s history. One retired officer was reportedly murdered in a staged militancy incident, and his wife was jailed for two six-year terms without trial along with their one-year-old child. Some officers were allegedly targeted for speaking out about the government’s inaction during the BDR massacre on February 25, 2009. Five were reportedly tortured after being implicated in a fabricated assassination attempt on then MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh. Five others were dismissed from DGFI on false or baseless charges during the 1/11 caretaker government. The committee also found that officers assigned by the army chief to question the then prime minister in court after the BDR massacre were wrongly blamed amid chaos in the courtroom and dismissed without an opportunity to defend themselves. Four junior officers were also dismissed for allegedly belonging to a particular group or being labelled militants simply for practicing religious rituals. In its final report, the committee recommended action for 114 Army officers, 19 Navy officers, and 12 Air Force officers who were deprived or discriminated against. The recommendations include granting normal retirement, promotion, pre-retirement promotion, arrears of pay and allowances, and other applicable benefits. Read more: BDR mutiny a planned conspiracy to destabilise Bangladesh: Inquiry Commission chief Four Army officers were recommended for reinstatement into service. Md. Ashraf Uddin and Military Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Major General Abul Hasnat Mohammad Tariq, were also present at the meeting.

The Commission, formed to reinvestigate the 2009 BDR massacre, the brutal massacre committed in the name of BDR mutiny submitted its report to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday (November 30), noting that then PM Sheikh Hasina had a 'green signal' for the entire incident to take place while then MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh played the role of the main coordinator behind. Chief of the National Independent Investigation Commission Maj Gen (retd) ALM Fazlur Rahman, who was also former director general of BGB, and other members submitted the report to the Chief Adviser at the State Guest House Jamuna. Major General Md Jahangir Kabir Talukder (retd), Brigadier General Md Saidur Rahman Bir Pratik (retd), Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Dr M Akbar Ali, Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science, Dhaka University Md Shariful Islam, Assistant Professor of the Institute of Education and Research, Jagannath University Md. Shahnewaz Khan Chandan are the members of the commission. Read more: Govt to ensure justice for deprived armed forces members: Chief Adviser "The nation was in the dark about the BDR massacre for a long time. The nation will remember the role you played in uncovering the truth. On behalf of the nation, I thank you,” Prof Yunus said. He said the nation had many questions about this most horrific incident in history and these questions will be answered through this work. Prof Yunus said there are many lessons to be learned from this report. “It will be a valuable asset for the nation.” Commission chief Fazlur Rahman said the highest professionalism has been maintained in the interest of making the investigation fair, impartial and error-free. He said when they started the work, many signs of this incident 16 years ago had been destroyed and many people involved in this incident have gone abroad. “We went through two processes. We called witnesses; we listened to some of them for up to 8 hours - as long as the individual wanted to say. We talked to those who were involved in the investigation. We collected their investigation reports and other elements,” Fazlur Rahman said. He said through this investigation, answers have been sought for every question in the public mind about the BDR killings, an attempt has been made to uncover who had what role and why the army did not take action. Fazlur Rahman said the investigation has found strong evidence of the direct involvement of external forces in the BDR killings and the direct involvement of the then ruling party Awami League. Read more: BDR mutiny a planned conspiracy to destabilise Bangladesh: Inquiry Commission chief Jahangir Kabir Talukder said about the commission’s findings that the commission has found some external and real reasons for this incident. He said the killings were planned and the role of the main coordinator behind it was played by the then MP Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Jahangir said the local Awami League played a direct role in protecting those involved in the murder. They entered Peelkhana with a procession of 20-25 people and when they came out, there were more than two hundred people in that procession. Jahangir said that Hasina had a 'green signal' for the entire incident to take place, according to the press wing. Regarding the assessment of responsibility for the incident, Jahangir said that the responsibility for the incident lies with the then head of government and the army chief. A decision has been made to resolve this incident politically. The police, RAB and intelligence agencies have also failed miserably. Jahangir said that the role of some print and electronic media and some journalists during the incident was unprofessional. He said that the exact names and information of the BDR members with whom Sheikh Hasina met at the State Guest House Jamuna (the then Prime Minister's residence) during the murder were not preserved. The commission made several recommendations in its report so that such incidents can be avoided in the future and the victims of this incident get justice. The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Dr Khalilur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defense and National Integration Development Lieutenant General (retd) Abdul Hafiz, and Home Secretary Nasimul Gani. Read more: Sacked BDR men dispersed near Kakrail while marching to Jamuna

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday night (November 28) sent Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and his Special Assistant Monir Haider to Evercare Hospital to enquire about the health condition of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The duo talked to doctors at the hospital to learn about Khaleda Zia’s condition, said BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said they also spoke with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who was present at the hospital. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda Later, in a Facebook post around 1am, the Law Adviser wrote, “I went to Evercare Hospital and just returned. Begum Khaleda Zia’s physical condition is not good at all. Please everyone pray for her.” Khaleda Zia was admitted to Evercare Hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. She is also suffering from pneumonia and is currently under intensive observation in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), with supervision from both local and foreign specialist doctors. Read more: CA’s representatives visit Evercare to enquire about Khaleda’s health

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (November 25) expressed deep concern and sympathy after a devastating fire swept through the capital’s Korail slum, destroying a large number of homes and leaving many families displaced. He wished quick recovery for the injured and conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the affected families. “The suffering of the families who lost their homes in the Korail fire is a shared pain for all of us. The government will ensure all necessary support for their rehabilitation,” the Chief Adviser said in a statement. Fire ravages Korail slum, leaving dwellers devastated amid water crisis He said the authorities concerned have been instructed to immediately intensify rescue and relief operations. He also directed the relevant officials to investigate the cause of the fire and take effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on Monday (November 24) reaffirmed support for the Bangladeshi people’s aspirations for an "inclusive, just and prosperous" future for all Botchwey met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna and discussed the country’s national transition and the Commonwealth’s role in supporting the people’s democratic expectations. "During our meeting, we discussed Bangladesh’s national journey and our renewed partnership to support the Bangladeshi people’s aspirations for an inclusive, just and prosperous future for all," she said after the meeting. The Secretary-General said she is grateful to the Chief Adviser of the interim government and the people of Bangladesh for their generous hospitality. The Chief Adviser sought the Commonwealth’s full support for holding the upcoming general election, scheduled for the first half of February. “We need your support in our democratic transition as well as in the upcoming general election,” he said during the meeting. The Chief Adviser thanked the Secretary-General for her strong interest in Bangladesh’s forthcoming election process. He reaffirmed the Interim Government's commitment to holding a free, fair, credible, and festive election. In response, the Secretary-General assured the Chief Adviser of the Commonwealth’s full support for Bangladesh’s election and the post-election transition, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. “There are vast resources within the Commonwealth—56 countries, including members of the G7 and G20"—that Bangladesh could draw on to strengthen one another, she said. The Secretary-General added that she had held meetings with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Chief Justice, the Law Adviser, Foreign Affairs Adviser and the Chief Election Commissioner, noting, “I’m very hopeful about the future of the country.” She also confirmed that the Commonwealth is preparing to deploy several observer teams ahead of the elections. The two leaders also discussed youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, creating more social businesses and advancing the three-zero vision aimed at reducing unemployment, carbon emissions, and inequality. She also met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We discussed ways to deepen cooperation at the national and international levels in our shared efforts to improve the lives of all Bangladeshi people," said the Secretary-General after her meeting with Foreign Adviser Hossain. Read more: Jatiya Party meets Commonwealth delegation in Dhaka Her first official visit to Bangladesh came ahead of the general election in the country expected to be held in February 2026. On Sunday, Botchwey said their Commonwealth family remains firmly committed to the people of Bangladesh. “I had fruitful discussions with Dhaka-based High Commissioners on how the Commonwealth can continue supporting Bangladesh to advance the values of the Commonwealth Charter for the benefit of its people,” she said on Sunday commenting on the meeting. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh, Malaysian High Commissioner Mohd Shuhada Othman, Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider, Sri Lankan High Commissioner Dharmapala Weerakkody, High Commissioner of Maldives Shiuneen Rasheed, among others, joined the meeting. The Commonwealth Secretary-General also met Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and thanked him for updating me on preparations for the upcoming general election. “We discussed the importance of an inclusive and credible process, and how the Commonwealth can support in facilitating the full participation of all Bangladeshis,” she said. She met all major Bangladeshi political parties. "I valued hearing their views for a peaceful, credible and participatory election, as reflected in our Commonwealth Charter," Botchwey said. The Secretary-General said they will always stand with and support Bangladesh on its democratic journey. During her meeting with Chief Justice of Bangladesh Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed, the Commonwealth Secretary-General appreciated his reflections on the rule of law and judicial independence – values central to their Commonwealth Charter – and on the judiciary’s role in contributing to inclusive governance under a democratic dispensation. “The Commonwealth will support Bangladesh to build the capacity of its judiciary and benefit from best practices from our family of nations,” she said. Her first meeting in Bangladesh was with youth leaders. “I was moved by their passion as they spoke about this moment of transition and their expectations for a democracy that works for all, for a future they are working hard to shape.” Read more: Bhutanese PM leaves Dhaka after 2-day state visit Botchwey said the Commonwealth will always work alongside their young people to build a just and prosperous future for all. The Commonwealth Secretary-General is listening to a wide range of stakeholders and discussing how the Commonwealth can continue to support the people of Bangladesh at this important moment and beyond. During the engagements, the Secretary-General is briefing stakeholders on the Commonwealth’s new Strategic Plan – which places democracy among its three core pillars – and listens to how tailored support can best assist the people of Bangladesh. Speaking ahead of her visit, Shirley Botchwey described Bangladesh as a valued member of the Commonwealth, noting that it was the first intergovernmental organisation the country joined soon after independence. “The Commonwealth and Bangladesh have a strong partnership, one that matters even more now as the country heads towards the polls next year,” she said.