United News of Bangladesh

The government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad said on Sunday. He made the remarks while meeting passengers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport due to the escalating tensions in the region. The minister visited the airport to assess the situation, listened to the concerns of stranded passengers and assured them that the government is by their side during this difficult time. The minister said ensuring the safety and welfare of passengers is the government’s priority. He said coordination with relevant authorities is ongoing to facilitate the resumption of travel as soon as the situation stabilises. He urged everyone to remain patient. Several international flights have already been canceled amid rising tensions in the Middle East following attack on Iran by US and Israel . Flights to destinations including Amman, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain have been suspended, leaving many Umrah pilgrims stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said a PID handout. Airport authorities and related agencies are working to manage the situation and provide information to passengers.

Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) Group Captain SM Ragib Samad on Wednesday said there is no restriction or maximum ceiling on carrying cash on domestic air routes. “There is no restriction on carrying cash on domestic routes. No maximum ceiling has been set. Therefore, any amount of money can be carried,” he told reporters responding to a question regarding arrest of Thakurgaon district Jamaat Ameer Belal Uddin with a large amount of cash. Ragib Samad said customs authorities are not involved in matters related to domestic flights as their jurisdiction applies only to international routes where duties and other customs procedures are enforced. Jamaat leader’s arrest with cash ‘stage-managed drama’, party claims   He said the airport authorities contacted customs only for verification due to the size of the amount, and urged journalists not to misinterpret the issue by suggesting that the money was released following customs clearance. “It would be incorrect to say that the release was subject to customs clearance. There was no such requirement. We simply verified the matter with them because the amount was large,” he said, adding, that there was no prior directive or instruction restricting the transportation of cash on domestic routes.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman is set to return home on Thursday after spending nearly 17 years in exile in London, a historic event that has generated widespread interest, emotion and political anticipation across the country. The flight carrying Tarique is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 11:50am via Sylhet airport from London’s Heathrow along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and others. BNP has completed extensive preparations to welcome its top leader, with efforts taken to ensure maximum security. Senior leaders, including members of the party’s Standing Committee, will receive him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. After arrival, Tarique will briefly address party leaders, supporters and the nation near the 300 Feet area of the capital, where thousands of supporters are expected to gather. He will offer thanks to the people and perform a brief prayer of gratitude for his safe return. Tarique’s political adviser Mahdi Amin said the BNP Acting Chairman’s first and main priority upon landing is to visit Evercare Hospital to see his ailing mother, former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, who has been receiving treatment there since November 23. However, considering the huge turnout of people and respecting public sentiment, he will stop briefly at the July 36 Expressway (300 Feet area) to express gratitude to the nation before proceeding to the hospital. After visiting his mother, he will go directly to his residence at House 196 on Gulshan Avenue, where he will stay with his family. Mahdi Amin said the programme at 300 Feet is not a rally or reception. “It is only a short moment to thank the people and request prayers for the country, its people and Madam Khaleda Zia. Tarique Rahman will be the sole speaker,” he said. To minimise public inconvenience, BNP has set up 20 medical camps across Dhaka with doctors, paramedics, medicines and ambulances. A six-bed temporary field hospital has also been arranged near the 300 Feet area, supported by ICU-equipped ambulances. Pure drinking water, mobile toilets and several thousand volunteers have been deployed to assist the public. Separate bus parking areas have been designated at key entry points to the capital to ease traffic congestion. Help desks have been set up at Kakoli, in front of the airport and at Abdullahpur to ensure smooth movement of airport-bound passengers, returning expatriates and ambulances, including motorbike escorts for emergencies. Govt welcomes Tarique Rahman’s return, assures full cooperation BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan said the entire programme will be broadcast live on BNP’s official Facebook pages, including BNP, BNP Media Cell and Our BNP, so people at home and abroad can watch it. Thirty large LED screens have been set up so people can watch the programme live. A three-layer security system has been put in place at the reception venue. Alongside government security, BNP has its own special arrangements. Retired Brigadier General ATM Shamsul Islam, head of Tarique’s security team, said tight security will be maintained throughout the programme. “We will use our party’s full security system. A small part of it is the Chairperson Security Force (CSF). Beyond that, our party leaders and activists, and above all, the people of Bangladesh, are the main foundation of our security,” he said. Shamsul Islam said the government is providing them with maximum cooperation and has instructed its various forces and agencies to extend all kinds of support. Large banners welcoming Tarique have appeared on major roads and intersections in the capital. The banners show him greeting people with raised hands, carrying slogans such as “Leader is coming,” “Tarique Rahman’s return, awakening of democracy,” “Bangladesh for all, Bangladesh first,” and “Tarique Rahman is coming, hope is rising.” Top leaders of parties that joined the long anti-fascist movement and leaders of the student-led mass uprising of August 5, 2024, have been invited to attend the brief programme near 300 Feet. BNP strikes election deal with 7 more partners, reserves 8 seats After returning, Tarique will regularly work from the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan, where a new office room has been prepared for him on the second floor. A separate chamber has also been set up for the Acting Chairman at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. Both the Nayapaltan central office and the Gulshan chairperson’s office have been freshly painted, cleaned and decorated to mark his return. In preparation for the upcoming election, BNP has rented a four-storey building on Road No 90 in Gulshan as an election office. The building has strict security arrangements, a briefing room on the second floor, seating for various departments and a research cell. Mahdi Amin said the office will serve as a coordination centre for all election-related activities. Tarique has spent more than a decade and a half in exile in London. During this period, he lived there with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman. From abroad, he continued to run the party, stayed in touch with leaders and activists, and guided BNP’s political strategy. Tarique Rahman is travelling on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ (BG-102) flight along with his wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and his late brother Arafat Rahman Koko’s two daughters—Jahia Rahman and Jafia Rahman. Journalist Saleh Shibli and a few of his personal aides are also on board the flight. Zaima Rahman’s pet cat, Jebu, is also travelling to Bangladesh with the family. Tarique’s homecoming: Special trains to run on 10 routes It will also mark the end of Zaima Rahman’s nearly 17-year exile in London. Party leaders say her return symbolizes the close of a long chapter of forced separation from the country. Tarique’s homecoming has sparked strong emotions among political circles, BNP leaders and activists, and the general public. Many political observers see the return not merely as that of a party leader, but as the end of a long wait and a moment tied to broader public hopes and expectations, with the possibility of one of the largest political gatherings in the country’s history. They also consider his return as a significant step towards political unity and the restoration of democracy through an inclusive and credible election. Excitement and enthusiasm have swept through BNP leaders and activists in the capital and beyond as the long-awaited return of the party’s Acting Chairman is set to take place on Thursday, ending years of speculation and debate over his homecoming. BNP activists from different parts of the country have already begun arriving in Dhaka to catch a glimpse of their leader. BNP leaders said nine special trains have been arranged to bring supporters from different parts of the country to Dhaka. BNP leaders say Tarique will lead the party in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. He is expected to contest the election from Bogura-6 constituency. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Tarique will be the party’s main leader in the election. “Under his leadership, we will cross the electoral hurdle successfully. If we receive the people’s mandate, Tarique Rahman will lead the next government,” Fakhrul said. Tarique Rahman awaits a historic welcome on Dec 25: Salahuddin He also said despite living in exile for years, Tarique remained closely connected with the party and proved his leadership through effective organisational management. BNP has asked its leaders and activists not to carry the party’s electoral symbol during the reception, as the election schedule has already been announced. Banners, festoons and placards will be allowed, but no election symbol will be displayed. Tarique left Bangladesh in 2008 for medical treatment after being released from jail during the military-backed caretaker government period and later settled in the United Kingdom with his family. During his exile, he faced numerous cases and legal hurdles. Following recent political changes and legal processes, he was cleared of all cases. Though Dr Zubaida Rahman visited Bangladesh twice earlier, Tarique Rahman was unable to return until now. Political analysts say the ongoing political crisis can only be resolved through elections, and Tarique Rahman’s return may help ease tensions. They note that he successfully united dozens of parties in the anti-fascist movement, proving his political experience and organisational strength. BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed at a press conference on Wednesday sincerely apologised in advance for any inconvenience or suffering caused by the unavoidable and minimal programmes taken by the party to organise the historic homecoming of its beloved leader. He said Tarique has chosen a government holiday for his return to avoid public inconvenience.            

The bodies of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers who were killed in a drone attack by separatist forces in Sudan arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Saturday (December 20, 2025). A flight of Emirates Airline, carrying the bodies of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers landed at the Airport on Saturday morning, according to a media release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The Chief of General Staff of the Bangladesh Army, Lieutenant General Mizanur Rahman Shamim, received the bodies. Read more: Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in Sudan: Condolences keep pouring in from international community After a namaz-e-janaza at the Central Mosque of Dhaka Cantonment, the peacekeepers’ bodies will be sent to their respective villages by helicopter and they will be buried with full military honour. Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed and nine others were injured in a drone attack on the Kadugli logistics base under the UN mission in the Abeï area of Sudan on December 13. The injured personnel are receiving treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. One of them has already been discharged, while the remaining peacekeepers are reported to be out of danger, the ISPR said. Read more: Another Bangladeshi peacekeeper injured in Sudan drone attack

Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, left for London on Saturday morning (December 20, 2025), aiming to return to Bangladesh Thursday with her husband and daughter. BNP Media Cell member Atiqur Rahman Rumon said Zubaida departed Dhaka at 8:30am on Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight BG-201 from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. “She has gone back to London. InshaAllah, she will return to the country on Thursday with Tarique Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman,” Rumon said. Zubaida came to Dhaka on December 5 from London to stay beside BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia who has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital. Read more: Zubaida visits gun-attack victim Hadi's family As a member of Khaleda’s medical board, Zubaida remained at the hospital round the clock and supervised treatment activities. The BNP chief was admitted to Evercare Hospital on November 23 due to her deteriorating health. As her condition worsened, she was shifted to the Critical Care Unit under a medical board made up of local and foreign specialists, led by Professor Shahabuddin Talukder. Medical board member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Friday said Khaleda Zia’s physical condition became much more stable and expressed hope that she would gradually recover. Following the encouraging improvement in Khaleda’s condition, Zubaida has decided to return to London to prepare to come back to Bangladesh permanently with her family after 17 years abroad. Read more: Zubaida visits Evercare Hospital to monitor Khaleda’s condition On September 11, 2008, Zubaida travelled to London with her daughter Zaima to support Tarique Rahman’s advanced medical treatment abroad.

The risk of bird strikes during aircraft take-off and landing is growing alarmingly at airports across Bangladesh particularly at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka ,  raising concerns over a potential aviation disaster. Despite repeated incidents authorities have failed to implement an effective bird control system, leaving planes and lives at risk. Aviation experts and insiders said Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has fallen short in maintaining safety protocols with several systems either outdated or completely inoperative.  On May 20, a Turkish Airlines flight narrowly avoided tragedy after a bird strike ignited one of its engines shortly after take-off.  The pilot observing fire midair contacted the control tower and successfully executed an emergency landing—saving the lives of all 290 passengers on board. Again, on June 27, a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight bound for Singapore suffered a bird strike moments after departure.  The aircraft was forced to turn back midair due to engine damage, highlighting the recurring nature of these threats. Sources at CAAB said the  Bird Monitoring System installed spending over Tk one crore at HSIA in 2022 has been lying idle due to lack of maintenance.  One of its five surveillance cameras is broken, and the main system itself has been out of order for months.  It is now set to be shipped to Italy for repairs, but officials admit they currently have no reliable alternative to manage bird activity near the runway. Besides, laser lights, once used to scare birds at night, are no longer operational.  Gas cannons which produce sound blasts every 10 minutes are used but their effectiveness is limited—especially during the day, said the sources. Even more concerning, the number of bird shooters and functional weapons is dangerously inadequate.  Biman to lease two aircraft soon to meet operational demand: CEO While CAAB should ideally have at least 20 shooter guns only one is working.  Currently, only three CAAB bird control staff are deployed, while the air force supports with two shooters per shift—who are unavailable during weekly holidays and VIP movements. Experts said poorly maintained green areas, nearby water bodies attracting fish and insects, and scattered food waste around airport premises are contributing to increased bird activity.  Aviation expert Kazi Wahidul Alam said, “Globally, the bird strike risk is 0.5 per 10,000 flights but in Bangladesh, it's 1.73. That’s alarmingly high.” ATM Nazrul Islam, another aviation expert, stressed the lack of modern deterrents. “The sound systems have long been out of order. Other countries use special chemical sprays to eliminate bugs underground which reduces bird presence. We’ve done nothing similar, “he said. A recent emergency meeting chaired by immediate-past CAAB Chairman Air Vice Marshal Md. Manjur Kabir Bhuiyan, recommended restoring the monitoring system, purchasing more shooter guns, and increasing manpower on the ground. “Birds will continue to be drawn to areas with food and nesting conditions. Unless we address these root causes and invest in modern technology, we’re risking lives with every flight,” he warned. As bird strike incidents pile up and equipment remains in disrepair, Bangladesh's aviation safety is standing on shaky ground. 

 A group of 28 Bangladeshis, who had been stranded in Iran due to the ongoing conflict with Israel, safely returned home on Tuesday. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), a flight carrying the returnees from Dubai landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka around 7:30am. The return journey began on June 25, when the group left Tehran by road and crossed into Pakistan through the Taftan border in Balochistan. They later reached Karachi, departed for Dubai on Monday night, and finally boarded their flight to Dhaka. Airport authority enhances security measures at Shahjalal Most of the returnees were women and children who had travelled to Iran for medical treatment. Diplomatic sources said the situation in Tehran is gradually improving. Once international flights resume regular operations, the remaining stranded Bangladeshis are expected to return home. According to official records, around 250 Bangladeshis have registered with the Bangladesh Embassy in Tehran.

A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight made a safe landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on Friday afternoon despite losing one of its wheels shortly after take-off from Cox’s Bazar. ABM Rawshan Kabir, General Manager (Public Relations) of the state-owned airline, told UNB, “We cannot confirm the exact reason or details at this point about the mid-air wheel loss. A full inspection by the engineering department will determine it." Biman reschedules flights on three routes amid India-Pakistan tensions According to the control room at Cox’s Bazar Airport, one of the wheels of flight BG-436 detached suddenly moments after the aircraft took off from the runway. The flight, which was carrying 71 passengers, departed Cox’s Bazar at 1:17pm and successfully landed in Dhaka at 2:17pm without further incident. The flight operations remain as usual at Dhaka airport.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Sunday said it will launch an investigation into allegations of irregularities, corruption and embezzlement linked to the construction project of the Third Terminal at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. ACC Director General (Prevention) Md Akhtar Hossain said this while briefing reporters outside the ACC headquarters in the capital, stating that project director AKM Maksudul Islam along with others, is accused of severe misconduct. ACC sues ex-minister Nasrul, 2 family members The allegations include abuse of power, fraudulent activities, and extensive corruption. Among the most alarming charges is the escalation of the project’s estimated cost from Tk 7,000 crore to Tk 22,000 crore. Reports also suggest that Tk 900 crore was embezzled through design alterations during the soil testing phase. Further accusations include selling three key segments of the project to other contractors through commission trading, using low-quality parts and equipment from China and Korea instead of the European-grade materials specified in the tender and widespread irregularities in the sealing work. 60 kathas plot: ACC to probe allegations against Hasina, family members The ACC also disclosed that Tk 400 crore was allegedly embezzled through syndication, while Tk 12 crore was wasted on unnecessary expenses aimed at appeasing the former Prime Minister. The under-construction terminal was inaugurated by the ousted ex-Prime Minister on October 23, 2023, with plans for it to become operational by October 2024. Akhtar Hossain assured that the ACC is committed to uncovering the truth behind these allegations and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing.

One of the country's most admired and respected journalists, New Age editor Nurul Kabir, has said he was harassed at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport recently - both while departing for and returning from an international media conference.  Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus ordered an investigation into the incident as soon as it was brought to his attention, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad said Saturday. "We sincerely regret the incident. The interim government will not tolerate harassment of any journalists in the country," Azad added, before describing Nurul Kabir as a "top champion of journalistic integrity during his long career." On Saturday, Kabir took to his verified Facebook page to report that contrary to his own expectations, the harassment he was used to facing at the country's main international airport for the last 20 years, had surprisingly doubled during a recent trip abroad to attend a news and media conference.  "On November 18, as I was going abroad for a media conference, I expected that my days of harassment (sic) at the Dhaka airport were over, at least for sometime," he wrote, glumly adding: "I was wrong." Read: OCAB demands withdrawal of cancellation of accreditation for journalistsHe then alludes to the latest incident, or incidents: "It has been rather doubled this time. One hour while departing and one hour while returning home on November 22." Previously, in the twenty years referenced earlier, he said he had never faced any trouble "while returning home"- distinguishing the latest incident from what he experienced in the past. Kabir helmed New Age as one of the very few voices that strongly and consistently spoke truth to power during the highly repressive Awami League regime that ruled the country from 2009-2024. Outspoken almost to a fault, he also became a highly popular television commentator for his forthright views and acerbic tongue, before being allegedly 'blacklisted' by AL that saw a largely pliant industry whittle down their invitations for him to appear on their channel.