United News of Bangladesh

President Mohammad Shahabuddin arrived in his home district Pabna on Saturday (8th November 2025) morning on a two-day official visit. The President landed at Pabna Stadium by a helicopter at 9:40am. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mofizul Islam and Superintendent of Pabna Police Mortoza Ali Khan received the President. A guard of honour was given to the President at the Pabna Circuit House. Read more: French Ambassador presents credentials to President The President is scheduled to visit the graves of his parents at Arifpur graveyard in Pabna Sadar to offer prayers around 11 am from where he will go to his ancestral home in Jubilee Tank area of Kalachandpara in Pabna town where he will spend some time and meet with relatives around 1pm. He will stay overnight at the Circuit House. On the second day, another guard of honour will be given to the President at 10:45am at the Circuit House. He is expected to depart for Dhaka from Pabna Stadium at 11am. Strict security measures have been taken in and around the stadium, Circuit House, Arifpur graveyard and his residence over the visit. Read more: New Saudi Ambassador presents credentials to President Shahabuddin 

A draft of the Bangladesh Bank Ordinance (Amendment) has been prepared, bringing major changes to the Bangladesh Bank Order 1972, including a proposal for the governor’s appointment by the President and an extension of the tenure. A senior official of the central bank, seeking anonymity, said the draft aims to enhance the autonomy of Bangladesh Bank by altering the process of appointing the governor and revising the tenure. As per the Bangladesh Bank Order 1972, the government currently holds the authority to appoint the governor and one or more deputy governors. The proposed amendment seeks to vest this power in the President. The official said until now, the prime minister could appoint the governor without the president’s consent or advice. Bangladesh Bank likely to ease monetary policy amid interest rate shift Under the draft, the President would appoint the governor in consultation with the prime minister. Parliamentary consent for the appointment has also been proposed. Other proposed changes include revising the oath-taking process and upgrading the rank of the governor and deputy governors. Under the 1972 law, the governor’s current tenure is four years. The draft proposes extending it to six years. Speaking at a recent programme on amending the banking law, Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H Mansur said major reforms are being brought to strengthen the central bank’s authority and ensure its autonomy by freeing it from political influence. Bangladesh Bank spokesperson Areif Hossain Khan also said the draft ordinance has been prepared. “Which proposals will be incorporated in the final version will be known only after the ordinance is issued,” he added.

With war raging next door in Ukraine, rising migration pressure on its borders, Russian sabotage in the region, and growing uncertainty over the United States' long-term commitment to European security, Poland heads to the polls Sunday for a pivotal presidential election. Voters will not only be choosing a new head of state, but also weighing in on the strength of Poland's democracy and its role within the European Union. A key responsibility for the next president will be preserving close ties with the U.S., seen by many as vital to Poland’s stability in an increasingly turbulent geopolitical environment. Crowded Field Points to Likely Runoff The election is taking place in a Central European nation of 38 million, as conservative incumbent Andrzej Duda prepares to leave office at the end of his second and final five-year term in August. With 13 candidates in the running, a clear winner in the first round appears unlikely. Some contenders have drawn criticism for extreme or unserious positions, including openly pro-Putin or antisemitic rhetoric. A recent televised debate lasted nearly four hours, prompting calls for stricter rules to enter the race. Polls suggest a likely runoff on June 1 between two frontrunners: Rafał Trzaskowski, the liberal mayor of Warsaw, and Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the Law and Justice party, which ruled Poland from 2015 to 2023. A nation at the front line Poland’s geography gives the election added importance. Bordering Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, Belarus and war-torn Ukraine — as well as several Western allies — Poland occupies a critical position along NATO’s eastern flank and serves as a key logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine. There are growing fears that if Russia prevails in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it could target other countries that freed themselves from Moscow’s control some 35 years ago. Against that backdrop, the election will shape Warsaw’s foreign policy at a moment of mounting strain on trans-Atlantic unity and European defense. Both leading candidates support continued U.S. military engagement in Europe. Trzaskowski puts greater emphasis on deepening ties with the European Union, while Nawrocki is more skeptical of Brussels and promotes a nationalist agenda. When Law and Justice held power, it repeatedly clashed with EU institutions over judicial independence, media freedom and migration. Why the presidency matters While Poland is a parliamentary democracy, the presidency wields significant influence. The president serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, holds veto power, shapes foreign policy and plays a symbolic role in national discourse. Under Duda, the office largely advanced the conservative agenda of Law and Justice. Since Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist coalition came to power in late 2023, Duda has blocked key reforms aimed at restoring judicial independence and repairing relations with the EU. India cuts ties with Turkey amid growing boycott calls over Pakistan row “The stakes are enormous for the ruling coalition and for those concerned with the future of Polish democracy,” said Jacek Kucharczyk, president of the Institute of Public Affairs, a Warsaw think tank. “This is about democratic reform and restoring the rule of law — and that can only happen with cooperation from the next president.” The election is also pivotal for Law and Justice, Kucharczyk noted: “Its future as a dominant political force may hinge on the outcome.” Two visions for Poland Both Trzaskowski and Nawrocki have pledged to support Ukraine and maintain strong defense ties, but their visions for Poland diverge sharply on the role of the EU and domestic social policy. Trzaskowski, 52, is a former presidential contender and a senior figure in Civic Platform, the centrist party led by Tusk. He is running on a pro-European platform and has pledged to defend judicial independence and rebuild democratic institutions. Supporters describe him as a modernizer who represents a cosmopolitan, outward-facing Poland. He speaks foreign languages, has marched in LGBTQ+ parades and appeals to younger, urban voters. Trzaskowski’s progressive views highlight an evolution of the once more conservative Civic Platform. Nawrocki, 42, represents how the party backing him, Law and Justice, is turning further to the right as support for the hard right grows. Nawrocki, who is not a Law and Justice party member, heads the state-backed Institute of National Remembrance, which investigates Nazi and communist-era crimes. He has drawn praise from conservatives for dismantling Soviet monuments and promoting patriotic education, but he faces criticism for inexperience and playing on anti-German and other resentments. He has also been embroiled in some scandals. Earlier this month, Nawrocki met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House — a symbolic moment welcomed by Law and Justice-friendly media as proof that he would be the best man for keeping the relationship with the United States strong. Critics viewed it as interference by Trump’s administration. This week Nawrocki was joined on the campaign trail by Romanian nationalist George Simion, who faces a runoff vote for the presidency on Sunday. Simion is viewed by critics as pro-Russian, leading Tusk to tweet: “Russia is pleased. Nawrocki and his pro-Russian Romanian counterpart George Simion on the same stage five days before the presidential elections in Poland and Romania. Everything is clear.“    

Two newly-appointed justices of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Farah Mahbub, have paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban. During the meeting on Thursday evening, the justices exchanged pleasantries with the President. President Mohammed Shahabuddin congratulated them and urged them to uphold justice in their new roles. On March 24, 2025, the president in consultation with the Chief Justice appointed the two High Court Division judges as the justices of the Appellate Division following recommendations from the Supreme Judicial Appointment Council. Extortion fuels unrest in CHT: Home Adviser On March 25, the newly appointed justices of the Appellate Division were sworn in by the Chief Justice on March 25.

Former diplomat Tariq Ahmad Karim has assumed the role of President of the Bay of Bengal Institute, a prominent initiative under the Cosmos Foundation. Ambassador Karim, who has had a distinguished career in Bangladesh's Foreign Service, outlined his vision for the institute, emphasising the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal. "There is no gainsaying the importance of the Bay of Bengal from a strategic perspective. It connects the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean, and plays a significant role in the politics of both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean regions in today’s world" he said. Italy summons Iran's ambassador to release arrested Italian journalist He highlighted Bangladesh’s crucial position in global geopolitics, by virtue of its location at the epicentre of Bay, and expressed his intention to leverage the Bay of Bengal’s strategic potential to advance the country’s interests. Starting his tenure on January 1, 2025, Ambassador Karim plans to launch initiatives aimed at boosting public awareness and engagement, including organising meetings, seminars and dialogues to discuss the region's untapped potential. Turkish ambassador Ramis Sen pays courtesy visit to Trade Adviser Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury, President of the Cosmos Foundation, welcomed the appointment, saying: “We are all very excited to have Ambassador Tariq Karim accept the responsibilities of President of the Bay of Bengal Institute! I know him to be a person of outstanding capabilities. He will bring immense intellectual rigour and a vast reservoir of knowledge to this position. I look forward to a close and rewarding cooperation between the Foundation and the Institute in the times ahead." Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of the Cosmos Foundation and the Bay of Bengal Institute, congratulated Karim on his appointment, saying, "We are thrilled to have Ambassador Tariq Ahmad Karim at the helm of the Bay of Bengal Institute. His extensive experience and leadership will be invaluable in promoting greater awareness of the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal and furthering the Institute’s mission to advance Bangladesh’s role on the global stage." A seasoned diplomat, Ambassador Karim has an extensive history of distinguished service to the nation. He served notably as Bangladesh’s Ambassador to the United States and High Commissioner to India. Earlier he was also High Commissioner to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia, and Ambassador to Iran and Lebanon. He played a pivotal role in the finalization of the landmark 1996 Ganges Water Treaty between Bangladesh and India during his tenure as Additional Foreign Secretary for South Asia and SAARC, when he also advocated for robust sub-regional cooperation on issues of existential importance to Bangladesh and its immediate surrounding region. In addition to his new role as President of the Bay of Bengal Institute, Ambassador Karim also serves concurrently as Adviser Emeritus to the Cosmos Foundation.  He has also been a Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at the prestigious Institute for South Asian Studies of the National University of Singapore since 2022, and a member of the Board of Advisers of the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) of Seattle WA and Washington DC since 2021. Ambassador Karim’s vast experience in regional and international diplomacy is poised to guide the institute in its mission to elevate Bangladesh's strategic significance in the Bay of Bengal.  

President Mohammed Shahabuddin called on Russia to increase the intake of skilled and semi-skilled manpower from Bangladesh and simplify visa procedure. The President made this request during a meeting with newly appointed Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin who presented his credentials at Bangabhaban. Welcoming the new ambassador, President Shahabuddin highlighted the growing bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Russia in various sectors, including trade and investment. He also mentioned Russia’s ongoing support for Bangladesh’s development and urged the timely completion of the 'Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant' project. During the meeting, the President sought greater opportunities for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education in Russia. He also expressed the hope that Russia would continue pressing Myanmar for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas. In discussing bilateral trade, President Shahabuddin acknowledged Bangladesh’s imports of agricultural products such as wheat and fertilizer from Russia and stressed the importance of collaboration to address food security challenges. Ambassador Khozin sought the President's full cooperation during his tenure in Bangladesh. President's Military Secretary Major General Mohammad Adil Chowdhury, Press Secretary Sarwar Alam, Russian embassy minister-counsellor Ekaterina Semenova, and Foreign Secretary Jasim Uddin.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Wednesday urged all to further strengthen the bond of communal harmony to make Bangladesh discrimination and corruption-free and build it a justice-based country. He made this call at a greeting exchange programme with prominent Christian community people at Bangabhaban on the occasion of Christmas. Palestinian Ambassador meets President Shahabuddin, thanks Bangladesh for support President Shahabuddin said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony and called upon all to work together for the welfare of the country and its people. On the occasion of Christmas, the President and his wife Dr. Rebeka Sultana hosted the greeting exchange programme in honor of Christian believers. Religious Affairs adviser  A. F. M. Khalid Hossain, Archbishop Bijoy N. D. Cruz, Ambassador to the Vatican Kevin S. Randall and secretaries to the President were present at the programme. President Shahabuddin pays tribute to Liberation War martyrs on Victory Day Earlier, the President cut a cake to mark the occasion. Later, the President exchanged greetings with the invited guests.

Md Sarwar Alam, a former information cadre official, has assumed the role of Press Secretary to the President with the rank of Secretary on a two-year contract. Sarwar Alam, an officer from the 84th batch of the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), succeeds information cadre fellow Md Joynal Abedin. Joynal Abedin formally handed over the responsibilities to his successor at the Bangabhaban Press Wing on Tuesday noon. The government appointed Sarwar to the position for a two-year term starting from his joining date. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification in this regard on Monday. Sarwar Alam, who hails from Feni, completed his graduation and post-graduation in Geography and Environmental Science from Dhaka University. Read: National election by June 30, 2026: Press Secretary He joined the Bangladesh Civil Service through the BCS examination and has served in various capacities throughout his career. From 2006 to 2008, Sarwar served as Deputy Press Secretary to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He also worked as Deputy Press Secretary to former President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser of the then caretaker government of Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed. Sarwar Alam retired from government service in 2023 after being on post-retirement leave (LPR) since 2022. During the Awami League regime, he was kept on OSD for an extended period.

South Korea’s main opposition party said Tuesday it will seek to impeach acting leader Han Duck-soo after he missed an opposition-set deadline to approve independent investigations into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife. If realized, Han’s impeachment would further deepen South Korea’s political tumult and worries by neighboring countries caused by Yoon’s stunning December 3 martial law declaration and ensuing impeachment. Han, the country’s No. 2 official, has taken over presidential powers and duties since Yoon’s impeachment. If he's impeached too, the finance minister is next in line. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, has slammed Han for vetoing several opposition-sponsored bills, including a controversial agriculture bill. It also urged Han to quickly appoint justices to vacant seats on the Constitutional Court, which is reviewing Yoon's impeachment and will determine whether to dismiss or reinstate him. Filling the court's three empty posts could make conviction more likely, as it requires the support of six of the court's nine possible members. The Democratic Party also demanded that Han approve by Tuesday bills calling for the appointments of special prosecutors to investigate Yoon for rebellion over his marital law decree, and his wife for corruption and other allegations. But Han didn’t do so during Tuesday’s Cabinet Council meeting, calling for the ruling and opposition parties to negotiate. Democratic Party floor leader Park Chan-dae responded that there's no room for negotiations about a Yoon investigation, and that his party would begin steps toward an impeachment at once. “We’ve clearly warned that it’s totally up to Prime Minister Han Duck-soo whether he would go down in history as a disgraceful figure as a puppet of rebellion plot leader Yoon Suk Yeol or a public servant that has faithfully carried out the orders by the public,” Park told a televised party meeting. China says US is 'playing with fire' after latest military aid for Taiwan Korean prosecutors and other officials are separately probing whether Yoon committed rebellion and abuse of power, but he’s ignored requests by investigative agencies to appear for questioning and allow searches of his office. Yoon’s defense minister, police chief and several other senior military commanders have already been arrested over the deployment of troops and police officers to the National Assembly, which prompted a dramatic standoff that ended when lawmakers managed to enter the chamber and voted unanimously to overrule Yoon's decree.   The governing People Power Party said that the opposition's impeachment threats are interfering with Han’s “legitimate exercise of authority." Floor leader Kweon Seong-dong, a Yoon loyalist, said the Democratic Party’s “politics of intimidation have reached their peak.” An impeachment vote would face legal ambiguities. Most Korean officials can be impeached with a simple majority of parliament, but impeaching the presidents takes two-thirds. The rival parties differ on which standard would apply to an acting president. The Democratic Party controls 170 of the National Assembly's 300 seats, so it would need support from members of other parties including Yoon's own to get a two-thirds majority. The Constitutional Court has up to six months to determine Yoon's fate. If he's thrown of office, a national election to find his successor must take place within two months.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has expressed deep shock over the death of AF Hassan Ariff, Adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Land. Commerce Adviser mourns Hassan Ariff's death In a condolence message, the President said that his death is an irreparable loss for Bangladesh. The President prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased's soul and expressed his deepest condolences to his bereaved family.