United News of Bangladesh

The interim government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding interfaith unity and communal harmony, declaring that any attempt to disrupt the nation’s religious coexistence will be met with the full weight of the law. Security has been stepped up in all churches and religious establishments of all faiths in the capital, said the Chief Adviser's press wing. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with a series of recent cocktail attacks in the capital, the press wing said on Monday (10th November 2025).  Murder reports rise as suppressed cases surface during interim govt: CA’s press wing Initial police investigation has identified him as a member of Chhatra League, the outlawed student wing of the deposed Awami League whose activities have been banned by the government.   The suspect is being interrogated regarding multiple incidents, including the cocktail explosions on the premises of Kakrail’s St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Joseph School, a Catholic-run famous educational institution. The DMP, in coordination with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), has intensified a citywide manhunt to apprehend all individuals involved in these heinous and cowardly acts of violence, the government said.  Read more: Cocktail explosion near NCP office in Banglamotor, 5 detained

No evidence of sexual harassment has been found in the medical report over the alleged rape of an indigenous girl in Khagrachhari district, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday. He made the statement following a meeting of the law and order core committee at the Secretariat. It has already been proved that the collaborators of the fascist elements hatched conspiracy to create unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts over the alleged rape of the girl and by placing a beard on the demon’s face in the Durga Puja mandap to destabilise the communal harmony, the adviser said. He said, “While the Durga Puja idol was being made in a neighbouring country, reports emerged showing our respected Chief Adviser being portrayed in a derogatory manner, and his connection is also seen in the act of placing a beard on the demon’s face.” After eight days, Section 144 to be lifted in Khagrachhari The adviser praised the law enforcement agencies and intelligence services for actively monitoring the situation, working alongside the Puja committees to prevent the conspiracies. On September 23, the eight-grader girl was allegedly raped by three youths in Khagrachhari Sadar upazila, triggering criticism. On the next day, the victim’s father filed a case against three unidentified people with the police station concerned. Later, the police, with army assistance, arrested a suspect, Shoyon Sheel, who is now in custody for interrogation. Unrest broke out when protests demanding punishment began under the banner of ‘Jumma Chhatra Janata,’ including indefinite road blockades. On September 27, the local administration imposed Section 144 for an indefinite period amid escalating tensions. Khagrachhari Violence: 1, 000 unidentified people sued in 3 cases On September 28, at least three people were killed and several others injured as protesters clashed with law enforcement at Ramessu Bazar in Guimara upazila during the indefinite blockade. Later, a five member panel was formed to investigate the incident. October 1, police filed three separate cases against 1,000 unidentified people over the recent violence in Khagrachhari Sadar and Guimara upazilas for attacks on law enforcers and murders.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has called upon all to remain vigilant so that no one can undermine the existing order, fraternity and communal harmony in the society. “I believe that the ideals and teachings of Sri Krishna will further strengthen the bonds of mutual goodwill and brotherhood,” he said, greeting the members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna, celebrated on Saturday. In a message marking the festival, the Chief Adviser said Janmashtami is one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community. Prof Yunus said communal harmony is a unique hallmark of Bangladesh’s culture. “For centuries, people of this land have practiced their respective religions while preserving an enduring spirit of harmony.” He said the interim government, formed through the historic mass uprising of students, workers and the general public, is committed to keeping this bond of harmony unbroken. ‘It’s people, not me, who want this change,’ says Prof Yunus “Let us, through our collective efforts, build a new Bangladesh free from discrimination and enriched with communal harmony,” the Chief Adviser said. “Lord Sri Krishna has spread the message of justice, human compassion, and peace in society. Wherever he witnessed injustice or oppression, he appeared to protect the forces of good from the forces of evil. His philosophy and values which are centered on devotion to the creator and the establishment of peace in society- will deeply inspire all,” he said. He wished every success of the Janmashtami festival and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of all citizens.

BNP on Sunday expressed optimism that the recently passed controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 in India’s Lok Sabha would be reconsidered in the interest of maintaining regional communal harmony. "India is a large democratic country and the Indian government will reconsider this law, upholding the guardianship role of the state in protecting the religious rights of citizens of all religions...we express this hope,” said BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed at a press conference at the BNP chairperson’s Gulshan office. Salahuddin said, “We believe that this step (to reconsider this law) will play a historic role in maintaining regional communal harmony." He said All India Muslim Personal Law Board and other like-minded organisations have termed the new law contradictory to the core spirit of the Islamic Wakf system. According to the organisations, the Waqf Boards should be managed only by Muslims.  “They (the organisations) view this law as a direct interference in the religious rights of Muslim citizens,” he added. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday by a vote of 288-232. Later on Friday last cleared the bill by a vote of 128-95. Indian President Droupadi Murmu has already given her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Referring to the ancient Islamic endowment system of Waqf in India, Salahuddin said they analysed various provisions of this law and found that it attempts to curtail the rights of India’s minority Muslims and discriminate against them. Vested quarter deliberately misinterpreting statement of BNP on reforms: Fakhrul He said Muslims in India and various Muslim organisations have reacted by saying that the 'Muslim Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2024' is unconstitutional and politically motivated. The BNP leader expressed concern that the law, which goes against the traditions, rights, and interests of some 20 crore Muslims — about 14% of India’s population — creates ample scope for misuse. It could lead to disastrous consequences in the management of Islamic religious institutions, he said. He said some 10 lakh acres of Waqf property under Waqf Boards in India and most of the lands are used for public welfare purposes such as mosques, madrasas, graveyards, and orphanages. The inclusion of non-Muslim members in the governing boards under the new law has sparked controversy and could infringe upon the constitutional rights of Muslim citizens, he added. "We (BNP) believe that it is not appropriate to take any such step at the state level as it may lead to the fear of destroying communal harmony due to interference in the religious rights of Muslims and discriminatory behavior,” said Salahuddin. BNP mulls fresh protests as Chief Adviser's speech 'lacks election roadmap' He also said giving non-Muslims the authority over the administration and management of these religious properties is tantamount to direct interference in the religious rights of Muslim citizens. BNP Chairperson’s advisory council member Ismail Zabihullah and Its law affairs secretary Barrister Kaiser Kamal were also present at the press conference.

Several noted minority community leaders, academics and anti-war crimes campaigners have pulled up six US congressmen for what they called “absolutely false projection” of the state of minorities in Bangladesh in a letter to President Biden, asking to take “appropriate measures” for banning Bangladeshi law enforcement and military personnel from participating in UN peacekeeping missions. They called it a “threat to the existing communal harmony in Bangladesh.”  Asked about the authenticity of the claim in the letter that “Since Sheikh Hasina's rise to power, the Hindu population has been halved,” Advocate Rana Dasgupta, leader of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad, outright rejected it. “I will say this claim is a travesty of truth,” he said. Read more: Palbari Puja Mandap in Sherpur: Sign of communal harmony for over a century Referring to a number of surveys, he added, “Between 1947 and 1971, under Pakistani rule, a whopping 9.7% of the population declined.” Since Bangladesh became independent, over the last five decades, Hindu population decreased around 10 percent. This happened considerably when the country was ruled by BNP and Jamaat, he said. In response to such assertions in the letter from the US congressmen, Dasgupta said, “As the national election is approaching, a certain group has become very active.” Referring to earlier lobbying efforts by Jamaat, a political party which has proven record of collaborating with the Pakistani Military junta in 1971 in the acts of genocide, abduction, loot, arson, and rape, Dasgupta, also a prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal, said: “With the singular objective to stop the war crimes trial and enjoy the culture of impunity, Jamaat spent money and struck an agreement with lobbyist groups overseas to get the backing of foreign governments in their favour.” Read: Jamaat demands the govt declare Ahmadiyyas 'non-Muslim' “On the international stage, a systematic smear campaign has been carried out against the trial process,” he said. The letter from the six congressmen also claims “Sheikh Hasina’s government also has persecuted Bangladesh’s minority Christian population – burning and looting places of worship, jailing pastors, and breaking up families when religious conversion occurs.” Leaders of the community including Nirmal Rozario, president of Bangladesh Christian Association, rejected this claim as well. “It is an outright lie. Rather, the reality is that with the return of AL, our community has been living in harmony – with assistance from the prime minister. The government’s development schemes connect the minorities as well,” he said. Eminent researcher and freedom fighter Ajoy Das Gupta, said, “A number of BNP leaders, including Rumeen Farhana, went vocal on social media, justifying the letter.” “BNP and Jamaat hold a sordid record of attacking minorities,” he added. Read more: ‘Hate campaign’ being run against Ahmadiyyas on Twitter, says member of community Calling such assertions “biased, a travesty of justice, and highly motivated,” the minority community leaders also called into question why the US congressmen did not bother to mention the “BNP-Jamaat sponsored hate campaign against minorities”, including a series of tweets posted from the verified account of Basherkella – known as a “Jamaat mouthpiece” – calling for “boycotting” the Ahmadiyya community.

For the last 127 years, Durga Puja is being celebrated at Sherpur’s Palbari Puja Mandap with much fanfare. Palbari is a testament to the fact that communal harmony and freedom of religion are deeply ingrained in the Bangladeshi psyche. Durga Puja at Palbari Mandap is a family event held at the house of late educationist Nagendra Chandra Pal in Khalbhanga area under Sherpur’s Nalitabari upazila. Besides being the oldest puja mandap of Sherpur district, it is also known as the second oldest mandap of the country. According to Palbari Puja Committee Chairman Gourango Chandra Pal, Durga Puja celebration at Palbari mandap started in 1885 by Mangal Ram Sarkar, the ancestor of Pal family. After Mangal’s death, his son Nagendra continued arranging the puja for half a century. Nagendra is no more, but the puja is still being arranged thanks to the relentless efforts of his four sons, who are now in charge.     Read: With scars from 2021, Cumilla sees tighter security for Durga Puja Over the years, Durga Puja at Palbari has become an integral part of the lives of the local Hindu community. From a mere family tradition, it has developed into a popular festival. The local Hindu devotees view the Palbari puja as a junction where people from all faiths mingle to find happiness. The Palbari puja mandap has a strong legacy. During the Bangladesh liberation war in 1971, when the Pakistani military were killing Hindus in droves, the Pal family continued celebrating Durga Puja defying all danger. This is a proof of the power that culture, tradition and religion possess. Bishwajit Pal, Nagendra’s son, said that the century-old Palbari puja mandap has been able to propagate harmony among the local people. Read: Bagerhat’s Durga Puja attraction: 151 idols in one mandap “We don’t discriminate against anyone based on his religious identity. The Palbari Puja Mandap is open for all. Arti and cultural programmes at the mandap every evening have become a source of entertainment for the local people,” he said. “We have been arranging the puja for four generations. Now the time has come for our next generation to take over. Through this puja, we just want to share happiness and regard best wishes for people,” Bishwajit said. Biplab Dey Ketu, a local journalist, said he has never missed the Palbari Puja since his childhood. Read Keep vigil against vandalism during Durga Puja: Obaidul Quader asks AL members “People from the area wait every year for this festival to commence. Our hearts become content each time we visit the place,” he said. This year, Durga Puja is being celebrated in 144 mandaps in Sherpur district. To avert any untoward incident, security has been beefed up at the festival sites. While all the mandaps have been brought under CCTV surveillance, a large number of police and Ansar personnel have also been deployed. Read 5 Durga Puja Bhog Recipes to try this festive season Besides non-stop patrolling by the law enforcement agencies, volunteers from the Puja Udjapon Parishad are also working tirelessly to ensure security in Sherpur’s Palbari Puja Mandap, organisers say.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs is set to launch a comprehensive programme to promote communal harmony in the country. The year-long outreach project will cost Tk25 crore and be implemented by media and ICT consultant organisations. The implementing organisations will distribute leaflets, posters, and newsletters containing messages of religious harmony among people of different beliefs. They will also create advertisements and audio-visual content. Bangladhol Limited and REVE Systems recently signed an agreement with the religious affairs ministry to implement the project as media and ICT consultants. Read: Communicate anti-terrorism, anti-militancy messages through local mosque: religious affairs ministry State Minister for Religious Affairs Faridul Haque Khan and Religious Affairs Secretary Kazi Enamul Hasan were presented at the agreement signing ceremony.

All the cases relating to disturbing communal harmony in the country have to be disposed of by the lower trial courts in 90 working days accepting the charge sheets , according to a notification issued by the Supreme Court administration on Wednesday. Read:Supreme Court to conduct judicial activities physically from Wednesday The notification was issued on the order of the Chief Justice, the administration said. In the case of failing to resolve the matter within this timeframe, the SC has to be informed of the reasons, it said.

Bangladesh is a shining example of communal harmony where people of all faiths practice their religions freely and peacefully, said the country's apex trade body of apparel manufacturers Friday. "It is a right guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh," Faruque Hassan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said. Read: BGMEA requests EU to continue duty benefit for 12 years after LDC graduation People of all faiths fought together in 1971 to liberate Bangladesh and are still making efforts for the development of the country, he added. He made the remark following a visit to Sarbojanin Kendrio Kalibari in Gopalganj Friday. Read: BGMEA urges govt to speed up airport dev projects BGMEA Senior Vice-President SM Mannan (Kochi); vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim, Md Nasir Uddin and Khandoker Rafiqul Islam were also present. The BGMEA president handed over a cheque of Tk3 lakh to Sarbojanin Kendrio Kalibari.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday said the Cumilla incident was planned for destroying the communal harmony of the country. “It appears to us that it was a motivated act instigated by a vested group,” said the minister while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. He also smelled provocations by ‘a third party’ in the sporadic violence in the country over Durga Puja. Read:Several identified, suspected instigators held over Cumilla incident: Home Minister Asked about the reason behind the Cumilla incident, the minister said, “We’ll make it public once we get all the evidence and those who were involved in it will be given exemplary punishment.” “Not only in Cumilla, attempts were also made to destabilize the country through communal violence in Ramu and Nasirnagar,” he said. “The people of Bangladesh are religious but, not fanatic. We never allowed militancy and terrorism on the soil of Bangladesh. We contained militancy and terrorism through united efforts,” said Asaduzzaman. Read:Don’t hide drug addiction in family, seek early medical treatment: Home Minister Soon after the Cumilla incident, four lives were lost at Hajiganj in Chandpur and some policemen were also injured, he said, adding some small incidents also occurred in Noakhali, Cox’s Bazar and Feni districts. “No incident has been reported since Saturday night. Our security forces are working with patience and we work on intelligence information. Those who are trying to destroy communal peace will not succeed,” said the minister. Regarding BNP’s allegation over government’s involvement in Cumilla incident, the minister said these statements are not based on facts as those are motivated ones.