United News of Bangladesh

The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to immediately launch “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2” across the country to prevent subversive activities using illegal arms and to suppress ‘fascist terrorists’ ahead of the February national election. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury disclosed the decision while briefing journalists after a core committee meeting on law and order at the secretariat on Saturday (December 13, 2025). He said the law enforcement agencies are already conducting nationwide drives to recover looted and illegal firearms. Read more: 2 arrested with large cache of spying devices at Dhaka airport The adviser said the meeting in addition to routine law and order issues specifically reviewed overall security preparations for the upcoming parliamentary election, security arrangements for frontline fighters of the July movement including Osman Hadi, and progress in the recovery of looted illegal weapons. Jahangir Alam said law enforcement agencies have been directed to arrest those involved in the the attack without delay. “We hope to bring the perpetrators to justice within a very short time. No one involved in this attack will be spared,” he said expressing confidence that the people would fully cooperate with the investigation. The adviser said the attack on Osman Hadi is being viewed as an attempt to obstruct the upcoming election. He added that the interim government would take a firm stance against any attempt to disrupt or sabotage the election process. The adviser also said the interim government remains firmly committed to ensuring the security of frontline fighters of the July uprising. Read more: DMP intensifies drive to arrest attackers of Hadi

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."

The government has taken a project aimed at streamlining and strengthening the management of medical, population and nursing education services across the country. The project “Integrated Improvement in the Management of Activities of the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), NIPORT and the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM)”, undertaken by the Health Education and Family Welfare Division of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, involves an estimated cost of Tk 211.90 crore. It will be implemented between July 2025 and June 2026. Read more: Barishal Nursing College remains dysfunctional for 4th day According to project documents, the initiative seeks to mainstream essential activities previously carried out under the Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Programme (HPNSP), which concluded its fourth phase in June 2024. Although the sector programme played a central role in improving healthcare delivery since 1998, the ministry identified an array of structural limitations, including duplication of tasks and overlapping responsibilities across operational plans. The proposed project aims to gradually transition critical activities from the HPNSP framework into the regular institutional structure of the health education and service system, ensuring continuity through a more stable and recurring budget. The project intends to upgrade medical, nursing and midwifery education through modernised simulation laboratories in five government medical colleges, the development and customisation of ten software modules, and hands-on training programmes for faculty members in medical and dental colleges. It will also strengthen digital record management for medical students, improve online-based e-library services and enhance the Performance Management Information System (PMIS). Besides, the DGME will store and manage academic and administrative data under a unified digital platform, while the training provided through hospital management modules is expected to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Collaborative efforts can elevate nursing education in Bangladesh: Speakers The programme also focuses on strengthening human resource and facility management. The DGME, DGNM and NIPORT will introduce digital registries, automate hostel seat allocation and fee management, and upgrade utilities and administrative systems in education and training institutions. Alongside 3,030 units of medical and surgical equipment, 145 computers, 2,397 educational tools, 2,696 pieces of furniture and 600 bedding sets will be procured to address existing shortages. Ninety-six office equipment items will be purchased for improving workplace conditions. NIPORT will implement a large portion of the training component. The organisation is expected to deliver 600 batches of training, involving 15,000 participants across its 35 institutions, while the DGNM will conduct 320 batches for an additional 9,600 nurses and midwives. The NIPORT will also update three training curricula, complete twelve unfinished studies under the fourth sector programme, and carry out two major national surveys: the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) and the Bangladesh Health Facility Survey (BHFS). These data-driven activities are considered essential for evidence-based policy-making in health, population and nutrition planningsaid officials. Bangladesh Medical Education Accreditation Bill, 2023 passed in JS Officials said the selection of project areas has been based on the administrative and operational jurisdictions of the three implementing agencies. DGME activities will cover all government medical and dental colleges, IHTs and MATS institutions across all divisions. NIPORT’s coverage includes its headquarters in Dhaka, fourteen Regional Population Training Institutes located at the district level, and twenty-one Regional Training Centres at the upazila level. Nursing and midwifery institutions, as well as government hospitals with nursing staff across the country, fall under the DGNM component. A pre-appraisal assessment reviewed the activities and expenditures of the three directorates under the previous operational plans and incorporated technical estimates verified by the Technical Specification Committee. The Project Evaluation Committee (PEC), in its meeting held on 8 September 2025, recommended approval of the proposal subject to compliance with its observations. The ministry has agreed to restructure the Development Project Proposal (DPP) accordingly. The Planning Commission said the project will significantly contribute to improving medical, nursing and midwifery education while enhancing family planning services. NIANER hosts seminar on innovations in nursing education and practice It added that the project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, the Bangladesh Population Policy 2025 and the broader objectives of the Health Education and Family Welfare Division to ensure quality health education and affordable, high-standard family planning services for all. Officials believe that once implemented, the project will help modernise competency-based clinical education, improve institutional transparency, support digital transformation across training facilities and contribute to strengthened health service delivery nationwide.

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.

The Appellate Division on Thursday (December 04, 2025) upheld a High Court (HC) order that declared the swearing-in and formation of the interim government valid, dismissing a leave-to-appeal petition over the government. A top court bench, led by Chief Justice Dr. Syed Refaat Ahmed, passed the order. During Wednesday’s (December 03, 2025) hearing, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman argued that the writ challenging the government’s legality was based on a mistaken notion. Read more: Writ petition filed challenging provision of party symbols in the alliance's vote Lawyers representing the government said that the formation of a government following a popular uprising cannot be questioned, and that raising doubts before the Supreme Court, which was reconstituted after the government took oath, is impermissible. The petitioner’s counsel defended that during the August 5 uprising, the then Chief Justice and Appellate Division judges had sought shelter in the cantonment. Consequently, under Article 106 of the Constitution, they were unable to provide the President with advice regarding government formation, rendering the current government’s oath-taking and formation process illegal. In December last year, senior lawyer Mohsin Rashid first submitted a petition with the HC challenging the legality, which the court rejected, stating that the people’s approval legitimises the interim government and no one could question it. Read more: Writ petition filed seeking stay on election activities Following that, the petitioner sought leave to appeal in the Appellate Division, which was dismissed today (Thursday).

The interim government on Thursday (December 04, 2025) called for special prayers across the country seeking the speedy recovery of the former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Muslims have been requested to offer dua after Juma prayers on Friday (December 05, 2025) at all mosques while temples, churches and pagodas have been asked to hold prayers following respective religious traditions, according to a Facebook post shared by Chief Adviser's press wing. Read more: Govt declares Khaleda Zia a ‘very very important person’ People of all walks of life have also been urged to pray individually for her recovery. Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital since November 23. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday night visited her at the hospital. Severe medical teams from the UK and China have arrived in Bangladesh to join the BNP’s chairperson treatment. Read more: Prof Yunus visits Evercare Hospital to enquire about Khaleda’s health

The government has promulgated the Enforced Disappearance Prevention and Remedies Ordinance, 2025 with the provisions of death penalty and life imprisonment for those to be found guilty of involvement in incidents of enforced disappearances. The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division under the Ministry of Law issued a gazette late on Monday (December 01). The Council of Advisers approved the draft of the ordinance on November 6. Jamaat Ameer appreciates move to try army officers linked to enforced disappearances, killings According to the ordinance, tribunals will be set up at district and divisional levels to deal with the cases of prevention and prosecution of enforced disappearances. Offences under the ordinance are non-bailable and non-compoundable. As per the ordinance, if the victim dies as a result of enforced disappearance or if the person cannot be found alive or dead even five years after the disappearance, the offender may be sentenced to death or life imprisonment. If any public servant or member of a law enforcement agency arrests, detains, abducts, or otherwise deprives a person of liberty and deny the act or concealing the fate or whereabouts of the person, thereby placing the individual outside the protection of the law may face life imprisonment or a prison term of up to 10 years, it says. Anyone found to have destroyed evidence of disappearance, or constructed, installed, or used secret detention centres for enforced disappearances may face up to seven years in prison. The ordinance also sets out penalties for senior officers or commanders of law enforcement agencies. It states that if a superior officer orders, authorises, approves, consents to or instigates the commission of such crimes by subordinates or participates in the crime he or she will face the same punishment prescribed for the offence. Warrants issued for arrest of Hasina, 29 others in 2 enforced disappearance cases A superior may also be punished if negligence, incompetence, or failure to maintain discipline or control enables subordinates to commit an enforced disappearance, the ordinance says. It further states that the location of an arrested person may be kept confidential ‘in the interest of state security’ until the person is produced before a magistrate. Trials may proceed in absentia if the accused is on the run.

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 interim government on Saturday (November 29) said there is no restriction or objection regarding BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman’s return to the country. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam made it clear when he was asked whether there is any restriction or objection from the government regarding Tarique's return to Bangladesh. Read more: Khaleda may be taken to London for treatment, says Mahdi Amin He said Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has already expressed deep concern about the physical condition of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and has sought doa for her from the people of the country. Earlier, at the weekly meeting of Council of Advisers, prayers and doa were offered for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Religious Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain conducted the munajat. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda