United News of Bangladesh

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan has said that the condition of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Moncho, is very critical. At around 9:40 pm on Wednesday (December 17, 2025), Dr Balakrishnan called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and briefed him on Hadi’s medical condition and ongoing treatment. Gun attack on Hadi: 2 suspects identified; shooter’s passport ‘blocked’ During the conversation, he said Hadi’s condition remains extremely critical, according to the CA’s Press Wing. Earlier, Dr Balakrishnan visited Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July Uprising who is currently receiving treatment in Singapore. Motorbike, helmet and fake number plate used in attack on Hadi recovered The Chief Adviser urged the people of the country to remain calm and requested everyone to pray and offer supplications for Hadi’s recovery. Earlier on Monday, an air ambulance equipped with all emergency facilities for a critical patient, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport carrying Hadi, who was shot in the head from close range in an assassination attempt last Friday, to Singapore for advanced treatment. BGB unsure if Hadi attackers fled to India via Mymensingh border

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.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus held an emergency meeting on Friday (December 12, 2025) and said the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi is a well-planned attack on the democratic journey of Bangladesh. Through this, Prof Yunus said, the defeated power has shown its audacity to challenge the existence of the country. “We will thwart such an attempt at any cost. Such an attack by such an evil force on the nation will not be tolerated,” said the Chief Adviser. He said this another worrying incident during the tenure of the interim government. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family Prof Yunus held the emergency meeting with some members of the Council of Advisers and important officials of the law and order and security forces at the State Guest House Jamuna. Prof Yunus said this attack is an attack on Bangladesh's existence. The Chief Adviser will soon discuss the emerging situation with key political leaders, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Prof Yunus said a conspiracy was being hatched to thwart the national elections and referendum through the attack. “We will not allow such a conspiracy to succeed under any circumstances. No matter what the attack is, no matter how many storms come, no force will be able to obstruct the upcoming elections,” he said. Read more: CA speaks to Hadi's brother; assures govt to provide all treatment at home or abroad Prof Yunus said they would ensure a peaceful election for the nation with their combined strength, along with the support of the people of the country. Advisers Dr Asif Nazrul, Md Jahangir Alam, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adilur Rahman Khan, National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Home Affairs, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Health Affairs, the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and senior officials of the police, armed forces, and intelligence agencies were present at the meeting. Prof Yunus said the attackers and those who planned the attack on Hadi must be arrested as soon as possible. He urged the people of the country to pray to the Almighty Allah for Hadi’s speedy recovery. Police said that CCTV footage of the attack site and other evidence have already been collected. Ordering immediate action at the border, the Chief Adviser said, “We must ensure that the attackers cannot leave the country under any circumstances.” Read more: DUCSU protests shooting of Osman Hadi He said the security of those who may have become potential targets due to their active involvement in the July uprising must be taken into consideration. The meeting decided that a special hotline number would be launched in the coming days to prevent any untoward incidents during the election period and to ensure rapid response. The meeting also resolved to intensify operations to recover illegal weapons and to search possible locations where criminals may be hiding.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (December 11, 2025) hosted a luncheon in honour of outgoing Advisers Md Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain who submitted their resignation letters on Wednesday (December 10, 2025). Their resignations will be effective as soon as the Election Commission announces the schedule (Thursday). Members of the Council of Advisers attended the event at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, where advisers Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam, the front-runners of last year’s July Uprising, led the proceedings. Advisers Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan submitted their resignations to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday, and both were accepted. Read more: Advisers Asif, Mahfuj step down ahead of national election After accepting the resignation letters of these two student leaders, who led from the front lines in the July mass uprising, the Chief Adviser, "Today is a historic day. The interim government will always remember your contribution. I wish you a bright and prosperous future. The nation will never forget what you have given to the nation in such a short time."

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday (December 09, 2025) distributed the Begum Rokeya Padak 2025 among four distinguished women in recognition of their contributions to women’s education and rights, human rights and women’s awakening. The Chief Adviser handed over the awards at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Calling for building a new Bangladesh with women at the forefront, Prof Yunus said that young women have demonstrated remarkable leadership during the Mass Uprising and must continue to be elevated to higher roles. “Let our new Bangladesh be built by keeping women in the forefront. Today’s women represent a post–Mass Uprising generation, an entirely different women’s society. The journey of a new Bangladesh has begun with their hands. This women’s society will inspire not only women, but everyone,” he said. Prof Yunus noted that Begum Rokeya clearly articulated in her speeches and writings the ideals she envisioned for women. “This is not just another award; this is a groundbreaking award. These women have taken us to another level in the eyes of the world. They are not only the daughters of Bangladesh - they are leaders of the entire world,” he added. Read more: Prof Yunus honoured at Theirworld’s annual Global Education Dinner The Chief Adviser said, “Even after 100 years, we have not been able to create another Rokeya. This is our misfortune. We have not been able to implement the directions and dreams she laid out. We have talked about them, but we have not moved forward. We must find out why.” He also reflected on the difficult struggles women face, recalling his time teaching at Chittagong University and the early days of establishing Grameen Bank during the famine of 1974. “The famine affected women and children first,” he said. Prof Yunus emphasized that Begum Rokeya never worked in isolation. “She always acted with society in mind. A hundred years ago, Rokeya urged us to teach women and girls to earn their living. Why can’t we learn from that? We keep organizing, yet we fail to learn. Only if Rokeya’s ideals guide our daily lives can we truly move forward.” The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs organised the programme, marking Begum Rokeya Day 2025, in observance of the 145th birth anniversary and the 93rd death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a pioneering advocate of women’s rights and education. Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid chaired the event, attended by advisers of the interim government, distinguished personalities and family members of the awardees. Senior Secretary Mamtaz Ahmed of the Ministry delivered the welcome address. A cultural programme, including the screening of a documentary titled ‘Ami-e Rokeya’, highlighted Begum Rokeya’s contributions to advancing women’s education and combating child marriage. The event also showcased Begum Rokeya’s enduring influence in inspiring women and underscored the progress of women’s empowerment in the country, emphasising education as a key driver in establishing women’s rights. Read More: Charting a path towards building equal society; strengthening democracy: Prof Yunus Dr Rubhana Rakib, a physician, received the award in the category of women’s education (research), while Kalpana Akter, a labour leader, was honoured in the category of women’s rights (labour). Dr Nabila Idris, a rights activist, received the award in the category of human rights, and Ritu Porna Chakma, a member of the Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team, was recognised in the category of women’s awakening (sports).

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.