United News of Bangladesh

The air ambulance, equipped with all emergency facilities for a critical patient, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport carrying bullet-hit Dhaka-8 aspiring independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi to Singapore for advanced treatment on Monday (December 15, 2025). The ambulance, operated by Aspro Aviation, took off from the airport at 1:55pm, said SM Ragib Samad, executive director of the airport.  Earlier, the ambulance landed at 11:22am. Read more: Govt to bear all costs for Hadi’s overseas treatment: Salehuddin Meanwhile, an ambulance carrying Hadi arrived at the airport from the Evercare Hospital in Bashundhara area.    The decision to send Hadi abroad for treatment was taken on Sunday. The press wing of the Chief Adviser’s office said that necessary preparations, including the medical air ambulance, a team of doctors, and travel arrangements, had been completed. Arrangements for his treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of Singapore General Hospital have also been made. It was also stated that the government will bear all medical expenses for Hadi’s treatment. Hadi to be flown to Singapore on Monday: CA’s Press Wing The Chief Adviser has instructed authorities concerned to monitor his treatment process around the clock, seeking prayers from the nation for Hadi’s speedy recovery. Over the past two days, the government contacted several hospitals in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia to arrange for Hadi’s advanced treatment. According to Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the Chief Adviser on health matters, Hadi’s current condition remains stable and unchanged. Hadi, spokesman of the Inquilab Mancho, was attacked on Friday in Bijoynagar Box Culvert area of Dhaka while traveling in a rickshaw. The assailants on a motorcycle shot at his head with intent to kill and fled. He is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Read more: Hadi shooting: DUCSU leaders march to Home Adviser’s office

An air ambulance, equipped with all emergency facilities for a critical patient, has landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to take bullet-hit Dhaka-8 aspiring independent candidate Sharif Osman Hadi to Singapore for advance treatment. The ambulance landed today (December 15, 2025) at 11:22am, the airport authorities said. They said if all goes as planned, the air ambulance operated by Aspro Aviation, will depart for Singapore at noon with Hadi on board. The decision to send Hadi abroad for treatment was taken on Sunday (December 14, 2025). Read more: RAB arrests three more in Hadi shooting case The press wing of the Chief Adviser’s office said that necessary preparations, including the medical air ambulance, a team of doctors, and travel arrangements, had been completed. Arrangements for his treatment at the Accident and Emergency Department of Singapore General Hospital have also been made. It was also stated that the government will bear all medical expenses for Hadi’s treatment. The Chief Adviser has instructed authorities concerned to monitor his treatment process around the clock, seeking prayers from the nation for Hadi’s speedy recovery. Over the past two days, the government contacted several hospitals in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia to arrange for Hadi’s advanced treatment. According to Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the Chief Adviser on health matters, Hadi’s current condition remains stable and unchanged. Read more: Hadi to be flown to Singapore on Monday: CA’s Press Wing Hadi, spokesman of the Inquilab Mancho, was attacked on Friday in Bijoynagar Box Culvert area of Dhaka while traveling in a rickshaw. The assailants on a motorcycle shot at his head with intent to kill and fled. He is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

A fire broke out at the cargo village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday. The fire broke out at the cargo village of gate No 8 of the airport around 2:30 pm, said Talha Bin Jashim, an official of the Fire Service and Civil Defense (Media cell). Thirty Seven firefighting units are working to bring the blaze under control, he said. Flight operations suspended at Shahjalal Airport after fire in cargo section Members of Bangladesh Army, Air Force and two platoons of BGB have joined the efforts to douse the fire. Flight operations at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka have been suspended. According to airport sources, all take-offs and landings have remained halted since the blaze erupted around 2:30 pm in the cargo area, said Md Masudul Hasan Masud, spokesperson for the airport’s executive director.    

Allegations of passenger harassment by Emirates Airlines have come under scrutiny after a 71-year-old Bangladeshi-origin US citizen was reportedly denied wheelchair assistance and left standing for hours during her journey to New York, raising concerns over the airline’s passenger service standards despite its significant operations in Bangladesh. Laila Hussain, who was travelling from Dhaka to JFK on July 10 via Emirates Flights (Ticket number 1767216423865) EK587 (seat 11 H) and EK 205 (seat 47C), was initially provided a wheelchair at Dhaka airport. However, upon landing at Dubai International Airport, despite informing the cabin crew of her inability to walk, she did not receive a wheelchair at the gate as promised, her family alleged. Emirates ground staff reportedly instructed her to “walk a bit” to receive a wheelchair, but after walking a considerable distance, no wheelchair assistance was provided. During her layover at Dubai, she was also required to take a train to another terminal without assistance, her family said. The situation reportedly worsened at Milan Airport during a two-hour layover for Flight EK205, where, contrary to usual procedures, all passengers were deboarded, and no seating arrangement was available for passengers. Hussain was allegedly made to stand for two hours without a wheelchair or help, despite her age and health. She later fell sick at the airport. World’s airlines rankings: Which are the safest? Other passengers also expressed astonishment at the handling of the situation, questioning how an airline of Emirates’ stature could compel its passengers to stand for two hours without providing any seating or assistance. Her daughter, Ishrat Jahan, currently residing in New York, contacted Emirates customer service in Dubai to seek urgent assistance for her mother. However, she allegedly received an insensitive response, quoting an Emirates agent saying, “They can’t help as she is not in Milan airport and why did I buy this ticket for my mom.” In a Facebook post, Jahan expressed frustration, stating, “These airlines are robbing us with their high-priced tickets in return, is this the customer service we are supposed to get? The worst airline experience ever… no matter what emergencies I have, I will never choose Emirates again.” Such allegations of poor passenger service by Emirates, especially regarding wheelchair assistance and elderly passenger care, have been raised earlier but often went unaddressed, stakeholders said. Despite holding more than 20 percent of the passenger market share in Bangladesh due to limited airline availability, passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with the airline’s declining service standards. When contacted for comments, the Emirates spokesperson said, "We are investigating a customer complaint concerning mobility support at Milan Malpensa Airport.” The airline said it is taking the matter seriously and is working with its airport and ground service partners to review the situation, assuring that the customer will be contacted directly. “We remain committed to providing accessible and inclusive service for all our passengers," he added.

A Turkish Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday morning minutes after takeoff from the airport. The Turkey-bound flight TK-713 carrying 290 passengers departed the airport at 7am and minutes after it made the emergency landing due to an unexpected bird strike on the second engine, said a statement sent from Team TK Dhaka.  Dubai-bound Biman flight makes emergency landing in India’s Nagpur Airport sources said noticing fire on the engine the pilot decided to make the emergency landing and exhausted all reserved fuel roaming in the sky to avert any unexpected incident. Finally, the aircraft made the landing at 8:15am, with no casualty. “We are pleased to confirm that all passengers, crew and the aircraft are safe. As the aircraft requires repairs, the process will take some time,” reads the statement.  2 bodies found in landing gear of JetBlue plane at Florida airport Earlier on May 16, a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight also made an emergency landing at the Dhaka airport after detachment of a wheel following takeoff from Cox’s Bazar airport.

A man was arrested with 2,820 pieces of Yaba tablets hidden in his stomach at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport,  said Airport Armed Police Battalion on Friday. A case was filed under Narcotics Control Act with Airport police station on Friday morning. Based on secret information, the arrestee, Hossain Ahmed, 60, was detained near the northern side of the airport’s Balaka building after arriving in Dhaka from Cox’s Bazar on Biman Bangladesh domestic flight BS-152, on Wednesday. Upon questioning, Hossain admitted to carrying Yaba pills inside his stomach. He was taken to the airport medical unit, where an X-ray revealed 30 capsule-shaped objects in his abdomen. He was later transferred to Kurmitola General Hospital, where, under medical supervision, he expelled 30 tape-wrapped packets through natural means.  Inside the packets, a total of 2,820 Yaba tablets were found. Police said Hossain had long been involved in drug trafficking. Unidentified woman killed in road accident in city's Banani Airport Armed Police said more than 16,000 Yaba pills were recovered in separate recent drives, which led to the arrest of five other drug traffickers. “Recently, drug smuggling through the airport has noticeably increased. We remain alert to prevent any criminal activities in and around the airport,” said Additional Superintendent of Police Anita Rani Sutradhar of the Airport Armed Police Battalion.    

Members of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have arrested a member of a human trafficking gang from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. A team of CID arrested Fabiha Jerin Tamanna from the airport while she was trying to flee to Nepal on Wednesday night, said Jashim Uddin, special superintendent of police (media) of CID on Thursday. When briefing, police said Jerin was a partner of Dream Home Travels and Tours Ltd and an active member of a human trafficking gang. Dristi murder in Bagerhat: 3 including main accused arrested The gang used to lure people with the promise of good jobs in Russia. Then they were handed over to Russian soldiers as slaves. Instead of promised jobs, they were given military training and forced to fight in the war against Ukraine. Those who resisted were subjected to physical and mental abuse, including being deprived of food in an attempt to break their mental will. Besides, they were forced to participate in the war against Ukraine. During the investigation, CID came to know that Humayun Kabir of Singra upazila in Natore district was killed in the war and Aminul from Keraniganj, Dhaka, was severely injured. 25 arrested in anti-crime drive at Mohammadpur Among the ten victims, Akram Hossain, 24, of Palash upazila in Narsingdi district, managed to flee the training camp and returned to Bangladesh on January 26. After returning, he contacted the families of the other victims. Based on the information provided by him, Jhumu Akter, wife of war-wounded Aminul, filed a case at Banani Police Station on February 2. Following the case, CID arrested Jerin from Dhaka airport. After primary interrogation, Jerin admitted her involvement in the criminal activities. Through the confessional statement, CID also learned that another group of 10 individuals is currently in Saudi Arabia.  

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has issued directives to implement precautionary measures against the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The directives were issued one day after a case of HMPV virus was detected in the country. Following the guidance from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the directive was issued on Monday and passengers, airport staff and airline crew must comply with these instructions. According to the notice, any passenger or staff member showing symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath must immediately inform the health service team at the airport. Besides, wearing masks and using hand sanitisers has been strongly recommended at the Dhaka airport. According to the notice issued for airlines, precautionary measures will be enhanced for flights arriving from countries suspected to have HMPV outbreaks. Airlines are also instructed to disseminate these guidelines to both crew and passengers. The health team at the airport has been asked to conduct health screenings to the passengers who have such symptoms and provide necessary information and assistance to ensure effective implementation of health protocols. HMPV in India: Lack of precautionary measures at Hili land port According to airport authorities, symptoms of HMPV resemble common respiratory illnesses and typically resolve within 2–5 days. However, taking precautions can prevent the spread of the virus. For further assistance, passengers can contact the airport health team at 01799430033 or the call center at 13600 at any time. India urges states to boost surveillance of HMPV cases "All stakeholders are requested to follow these directives to prevent HMPV infections. The airport authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of passengers, staff, and visitors,” said Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's Executive Director, Group Captain Mohammad Kamrul Islam while talking to UNB.

Habibur Rahman, a Bangladeshi expatriate living in the US, recently returned to the country after nearly two years to reunite with his loved ones. Though he anticipated delays and hassle upon landing at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, he was surprised by a different experience. “I was able to leave the airport in no time,” Rahman said, expressing his satisfaction . Ataur Rahman, another returnee from Saudi Arabia, shared a similar experience. "After completing immigration, I found my luggage already on the belt. In the past, we had to wait a long time for it, but this time I got it without much delay.” Once it was common for passengers to endure long waits—often hours—before receiving their luggage. However, the situation has significantly improved, with luggage now being delivered to passengers swiftly. Usually passengers had to endure long queues at immigration after disembarking, followed by hours of waiting for their luggage. Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Group Captain Kamrul Islam, told UNB that continuous monitoring has allowed passengers to receive their luggage within a maximum of one hour or less. “Delivery is being ensured within 15 to 60 minutes for almost 88% of passengers. Further efforts are underway to reduce the delivery time even more.” Kamrul also noted that incidents of luggage theft, tampering, or stolen items have significantly decreased, and such occurrences are now rare. He emphasised that strict monitoring measures have stopped luggage tampering. Read: HSIA Terminal 3: Final preparations on course for Oct 7 inauguration Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Air Vice Marshal Md. Mofidur Rahman Bhuiyan, said long queues at immigration used to be a longstanding issue, which resulted in prolonged wait times for luggage as well. Now, the airport's condition has drastically improved, with immigration and luggage handling becoming more efficient. Luggage left behind problem improvement Previously, there were numerous complaints about luggage left behind. The issue has now decreased substantially. To address this, the capacity of incoming seats for airlines with excessive left-behind luggage has been reduced, and airlines have received overall support, significantly improving the situation. Currently, 99.80% of luggage is being delivered to passengers. Passengers trolley problem Another inconvenience for passengers was the limited number of trolleys compared to passenger demand. The number of trolleys has now been significantly increased to 3,600, with plans for further expansion. Arrangements have been made to ensure trolleys are available from inside the terminal to the multi-level parking and the east side of the road. Facilitation of help desks and passenger information services To improve service, new help desks have been established in the arrival and departure areas of the airport to provide passengers with information and guidance. Previously, passengers from various regions, both domestic and international, often faced issues due to a lack of proper information. In response, two help desks have been set up in the arrival area and three in the departure area, where 54 staff provide free information round the clock. 24-hour hotline and new web portal A 24-hour hotline service has been introduced to ensure passenger service, along with a new website and web portal. These services allow passengers to easily access assistance and resolve complaints by calling the 13600 hotline anytime. Up-to-date information is also available on the website. Read more: HSIA launches Web Portal, call centre, CRM software for passengers Free internet service introduced The airport has introduced free internet service for passengers. Arriving passengers can use free Wi-Fi to stay connected, especially if they do not have a local SIM card, allowing communication through platforms like WhatsApp. Number of free telephone booths increased Ten free telephone booths have been set up to facilitate free calls and communication for passengers. Shuttle bus service launched In 2024, a shuttle bus service was introduced for passengers. The shuttle bus service connects the airport to nearby bus stands and railway stations in coordination with BRTC, providing air-conditioned buses. The Executive Director, Group Captain Kamrul Islam, added that Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport handles around 55,000 international flights and 53,000 domestic flights annually. Approximately 9 to 9.5 million passengers travel on international routes each year, with 2.3 to 2.5 million on domestic routes. In 2023, around 11.7 million passengers used the airport, and with increasing demand, this number is expected to rise further in 2024. Efforts to provide better services and prevent passenger harassment are ongoing, with hopes that service quality will continue to improve, he added.

Despite the declaration of the area surrounding Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka as a “Silent Zone,” little has changed in reality. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, led by adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, announced the designation of the airport area and a 1.5-kilometer stretch from the airport (from Scholastica School to Hotel La Meridian) as a “Silent Zone” on October 1 as per the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006, with violations potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the Department of Environment, the Road Department, and the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association are responsible for enforcing the regulations that took effect on October 1. However, field observations reveal a different reality. Field Observations Upon inspection, signage indicating the start of the “Silent Zone” was spotted at various locations, including in front of La Meridian Point in the south and on a steel pole along the footpath at Scholastica Point in Uttara. Yet, not a single vehicle was seen driving without honking. During visits on Thursday night and Friday daytime, no drivers appeared to adhere to the regulations. Many continued to honk unnecessarily, especially buses and motorcycles, producing excessive noise levels. Observers noted a lack of enforcement or monitoring in the area. 3 major political party leaders in Barishal rally against hydraulic horns, calls for action on noise pollution, safety hazards Local Concerns Residents, passengers, and business owners expressed frustration that the noise pollution situation has remained unchanged since the “Silent Zone” was implemented. “Drivers are honking for any reason and none,” a passenger noted. “Without law enforcement, this initiative cannot succeed.” Passengers waiting on the main road near the airport confirmed the pervasive sound of horns. “Everyone, including buses and motorcycles, is honking unnecessarily,” one passenger said. “I haven’t seen any fines being enforced by traffic police.” When questioned about the effectiveness of the silent zone, a security guard near the La Meridian Hotel admitted that honking has not decreased, and drivers continue to use their horns excessively. Drivers’ Perspectives Drivers defended their actions, claiming that honking is necessary for safety due to the chaotic traffic conditions in Dhaka. “People cross the road wherever they want, and without honking, accidents are more likely to happen,” Md Yusuf, a private car driver said. They expressed skepticism about whether driving without honking was feasible. “Do they think we can drive without horns in this city?” another driver, Sujon. When asked about the penalties for violating the horn ban, drivers were unsure of the specific fines. Previous Initiatives and Research Findings Previously, the Department of Environment announced 12 silent zones across Bangladesh, with five located in Dhaka, including the Secretariat, Agargaon, and the Parliament area. However, a recent study by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) revealed that no silent zones in the country were effectively enforced. The average noise level recorded in these areas was alarmingly high, with the Secretariat area averaging 79.5 decibels. Professor Ahmed Kamruzzaman, head of the Environmental Science Department at Stamford University and CAPS chairman, emphasized the need for greater awareness among drivers, vehicle owners, and the public. Relentless assault on hearing: Dhaka’s noise pollution out of control, say experts “If we can eliminate horns, we can reduce 60% of the noise pollution in Dhaka,” he said. He acknowledged the current legal framework for noise pollution is weak. Legal Framework According to the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006, residential areas should not exceed 45 decibels from 9 pm to 6 am and 55 decibels during the day. In commercial areas, these limits are set at 60 and 70 decibels, respectively. Areas surrounding schools, hospitals, and places of worship are designated as silent zones up to 100 meters, with specific noise level restrictions. Violations may result in up to one month of imprisonment or fines of up to Tk5,000 for first offenses, and for subsequent offenses, six months of imprisonment or fines of up to Tk10,000. Air Vice Marshal Md. Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), said the successful implementation of this initiative relies on public awareness and cooperation from drivers and vehicle owners. CAAB and the authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport are actively working to combat noise pollution and ensure the success of the “Silent Zone” initiative, he said.