United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) will conduct trial landing and takeoff of helicopters on two open fields near Evercare Hospital in the capital on Thursday (December 4). The flight landing and takeoff will take place following the security protocol of the Special Security Force (SSF), according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing. Read more: Govt declares Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ Authorities have requested all to avoid spreading any rumour or confusion regarding the operation. Special Security Force (SSF) protection has been deployed for former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, after she was declared a ‘very very important person’ (VVIP). Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital on the night of November 23 on the advice of the medical board after being diagnosed with infections in her heart and lungs. Read more: Army, Navy, Air chiefs visit Khaleda at Evercare

Efforts are underway to free Bangladeshi journalist and writer Shahidul Alam, who has been in an ‘Israeli prison’, with the help of Turkey, according to a Facebook post shared on the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Friday. Turkish authorities have expressed hope that Shahidul Alam may be flown to Ankara on a special aircraft later today (Friday), although they have not provided full assurance, read the post quoting Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Turkey Amanul Haque. He informed the authorities concerned on Thursday night. Following Shahidul’ s illegal detention by Israeli authorities, Bangladesh embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey have been instructed to work with local foreign ministries for his immediate release and remain in constant contact with relevant authorities. Arundhati Roy among family, friends demanding release of Shahidul Alam, others In a video message circulating on social media on Wednesday, renowned photographer Shahidul claimed that he has been ‘kidnapped by the Occupation Forces of Israel’ while travelling by sea in their flotilla heading towards Gaza. Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), an international network of pro-Palestinian activist groups that organised civilian maritime missions, said that the Israeli forces attacked its convoy of aid boats and seized several vessels en route to Gaza. According to the FFC, Israeli forces first targeted The Conscience -- a vessel carrying 93 journalists, doctors, and activists before intercepting three smaller boats on Wednesday. Press Secretary demands release of Shahidul Alam, others Israel and Hamas on Thursday made a ceasefire deal through the intervention of US President Donald Trump, who credited Egypt, Qatar and Turkey for their initiatives to end the prolonged war between Israel and Hamas.

The government on Tuesday strongly dismissed the allegations that information over casualties in the Uttara Milestone School and College plane crash is being concealed, terming such claims as incorrect.  The government along with the Bangladesh Army, school authorities and hospital authorities is working to provide accurate and timely updates regarding those killed or injured in the tragic incident, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing shared it in a Facebook post on Tuesday. The government is extending full support to the victims of the aircraft crash at Milestone School and College, it said. Authorities are verifying the identities of the deceased and compiling an official list. DNA tests are being conducted to confirm identities for bodies that remain unidentified. Maximum medical care is being ensured for the injured admitted to several hospitals in Dhaka, reads the statement. Milestone tragedy: Death toll rises to 27, 78 injured receiving treatment People have been urged to contact the school’s control room immediately if any known person remains missing. Records and registry logs are being reviewed to verify any unaccounted-for persons. At a briefing at 8am on Tuesday at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Dr Sayedur Rahman said the death toll from the jet crash has risen to 27, with 78 others still receiving treatment at various hospitals. He said 20 bodies have so far been handed over to families.