United News of Bangladesh

The government has decided to rename the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as Special Intervention Force (SIF). Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced the decision on Tuesday following a meeting of the law-and-order core committee at the Bangladesh Secretariat. RAB, an elite law enforcement unit in Bangladesh, was formed for combating serious crimes, terrorism, and organised criminal activities in 2003. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, RAB is a composite force made up of personnel from the Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar. The force has played a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations, anti-drug campaigns, and high-profile criminal investigations across the country. Govt to buy 163 vehicles for RAB directly from Pragati Industries RAB was established on July 12, 2003, under the Armed Police Battalion (Amendment) Act, 2003, which amended the Armed Forces Battalion Ordinance of 1979. Since its inception, RAB has faced criticism from human rights organisations over alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.  

The body of a class XI student was found in the bathroom of their rented house in Jatrabari Pubail area of the capital on Saturday night. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Roni, 13, a student of Dania High School and son and hailed from Chatkhil upazila of Noakhali district. Family members said Roni was found hanging around midnight and was rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead. Father Nur Alam said the boy had been scolded earlier over his studies. Read More: 219 killed in 409 road accidents in Dhaka in 2025 Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital police outpost, said the body was kept at the hospital morgue and the matter was reported to the concerned police station for further action.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on early Saturday recovered five grenades, looted from a police station, from an abandoned location in the capital's Demra. Acting on a tip-off, a team from RAB-10’s Jatrabari camp conducted an operation around 3:15am, said RAB-10 Assistant Director (Media) Tapas Karmakar. During the operation, five unexploded grenades with metallic levers were recovered beside a drain opposite a sawmill, along the road from staff quarters under Demra Police Station towards Banasree. The RAB official said the grenades were confirmed to have been looted from a police station. He added that miscreants had attacked various police stations across the country and looted arms and ammunition during the mass uprising on August 5, 2024, which were later used in terrorist activities, creating public panic. “To bring the situation under control and recover looted weapons, law enforcement agencies, including RAB, have intensified operations following directives from the Home Affairs Adviser,” he said.

The Trump administration on Friday approved major new arms sales to Israel totaling $6.67 billion and to Saudi Arabia worth $9 billion, the State Department announced, as tensions rise in the Middle East over potential U.S. military action against Iran. The deals were made public after the department notified Congress of its approval earlier in the day. The approvals coincide with President Donald Trump’s push to implement a ceasefire and reconstruction plan for Gaza, aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict and rebuilding the war-torn Palestinian territory, where two years of fighting left tens of thousands dead. Despite relative calm under the ceasefire, significant challenges remain, including deploying an international security force and disarming Hamas. Saudi Arabia arms packageThe $9 billion Saudi deal includes 730 Patriot missiles and related equipment, intended to bolster regional security and support U.S. foreign policy objectives. “This enhanced capability will protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies and will significantly improve Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the integrated air and missile defense system in the region,” the department said. The announcement followed a meeting between Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and senior Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Israel arms packagesThe $6.67 billion in arms sales to Israel are divided into four packages, the largest being 30 Apache attack helicopters with advanced targeting systems and rocket launchers, valued at $3.8 billion. Another $1.98 billion is allocated for 3,250 light tactical vehicles to transport personnel and logistics for the Israel Defense Forces. Under the deals, Israel will also spend $740 million on power packs for armored personnel carriers in service since 2008 and $150 million on a small number of light utility helicopters to complement existing equipment. The State Department emphasized that none of the sales would affect the regional military balance but would strengthen Israel’s ability to defend its borders, infrastructure, and population centers. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the department said. Political reactionsRep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticised the administration for rushing the announcement, accusing it of bypassing congressional oversight and failing to consult lawmakers on broader U.S.-Israel policy and next steps in Gaza. The arms sales come as the Trump administration maintains close security ties with both Israel and Saudi Arabia amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing efforts to stabilise the Middle East.

Middle Eastern allies of the United States are once again urging both Washington and Tehran to avoid escalation, as President Donald Trump warns of possible military action and increases U.S. force deployments in the region, according to an Arab diplomat familiar with the discussions. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Oman, and Qatar have contacted officials in both the U.S. and Iran, warning that any confrontation could severely destabilize the region and disrupt global energy markets, said the diplomat, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the talks. Regional Arab and Muslim governments fear that a U.S. strike on Iran would likely provoke retaliation from Tehran, potentially targeting neighboring countries or U.S. interests on their soil and causing widespread collateral damage. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman said Friday on social media that he met in Washington with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump’s regional envoy Steve Witkoff, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine to discuss efforts aimed at promoting regional and global stability. The appeals for restraint come as Trump has shifted his public justification for potential military action—from condemning Iran’s violent suppression of nationwide protests to focusing on preventing Tehran from advancing its nuclear program. This is despite Trump’s repeated claims that U.S. strikes in June had already destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump signals interest in a deal Trump said Friday that he hopes to reach an agreement with Iran, but warned reporters that consequences would follow if negotiations fail. Asked whether he had imposed a deadline, Trump replied ambiguously that only Iran would know, confirming that his warnings had been directly conveyed to Iranian officials. According to two senior administration officials, Trump’s renewed emphasis on Iran’s nuclear ambitions reflects a broader strategy rather than a change in course. One official said Trump initially highlighted the protests to encourage demonstrators and to caution Tehran against further repression. Trump said Iran appeared to heed earlier warnings about executions but acknowledged that many people were still being killed. Despite this, the administration views Iran’s nuclear program as the central threat—particularly from the perspective of Israel. Officials said Trump wants to remind Iran that eliminating that risk remains the ultimate objective. Trump wrote on social media that he hopes Iran will quickly return to negotiations for a “fair and equitable deal” that ensures it never develops nuclear weapons, warning that time is running short. Another senior official emphasized that Trump retains all military options, though the White House has not confirmed whether it believes Iran is attempting to rebuild its nuclear capabilities. Iran says it is open to talks—but prepared for conflict Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday during talks in Istanbul with Turkish officials that Iran is open to dialogue but that no formal negotiations with the U.S. are currently planned. He added that while Iran is prepared to negotiate, it is also ready for war. Turkey has sought to ease tensions, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offering to act as a mediator between Tehran and Washington during a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier Friday. Earlier this month, Trump halted plans for military strikes after urging Iranians to continue protesting and saying support was forthcoming. He later said Iran assured him it would not carry out mass executions of demonstrators. Protests that began in late December over economic conditions have since evolved into a broader challenge to Iran’s leadership. Activist groups claim at least 6,540 people have been killed in the government crackdown. Trump has repeatedly highlighted the buildup of U.S. military forces in the region, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers, bringing thousands of additional U.S. personnel to the Middle East. U.S. Central Command warned Iran against endangering freedom of navigation during an upcoming live-fire drill in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply. The command said it would not tolerate unsafe behavior such as close flyovers, aggressive boat maneuvers, or weapons pointed at U.S. forces. The Arab diplomat said regional governments are urging the U.S. to act with extreme caution, given the potential for widespread fallout. Iran, meanwhile, is being advised that if a strike does occur, its response should be carefully measured to avoid harming neighboring countries. Iran previously retaliated against U.S. actions by targeting American assets in Qatar after last year’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Ideally, the diplomat said, the crisis would result in nothing more than heightened tension—but warned that the situation remains volatile and unpredictable, with only Trump knowing whether military action is imminent.

Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested three individuals who were mistakenly released from Mymensingh Central Jail after a prison officer misinterpreted their summons as bail. The accused—Anis Mia, 32, Rashedul Islam, 25, and Zakirul Islam, 28, sons of Hazrat Ali of Madhyatarati village in Tarakanda upazila—were apprehended in Ghatail upazila of Tangail around 11:30 pm on Thursday. RAB-14 commander Naymul Hasan briefed reporters at a press conference on Friday morning, saying the accused had initially been arrested on January 23 in connection with a murder case under Tarakanda police station and were handed over to the court. “On January 27, they were mistakenly released from jail due to a misinterpretation of an appearance warrant as bail, with the involvement of some jail staff. This created a huge stir,” he said. He added that following the release, RAB-14 launched an operation with CPSC and CPC-3 Tangail units and successfully apprehended the three accused. They will be sent back to jail after completing the necessary legal procedures. Senior Jail Superintendent Md. Aminul Islam said a prison official “mistakenly” released the accused. A three-member investigation committee was immediately formed, and Deputy Jailor Zakaria Imtiaz was temporarily suspended. Mymensingh Divisional Prisons Deputy Inspector General (DIG Prisons) Mohammad Touhidul Islam said a committee led by Dhaka Division-2 DIG Prisons Tipu Sultan is conducting an investigation. “If the report, expected within three working days, finds negligence on anyone else’s part, strict action will be taken,” he added.

Having already secured their berth in the 2026 T20 World Cup, the Bangladesh women’s cricket team has shifted its focus to a singular new goal: lifting the Qualifier trophy for a record fourth time. Despite the relief of confirming their spot in the main event in England and Wales, all-rounder Rabeya Khan emphasized that the Tigresses are far from complacent. Speaking ahead of their Super Six clash against Scotland on Thursday, the 20-year-old leg-spinner declared that the team’s mission in Nepal remains unfinished. “We will play against Scotland, but our mindset is very clear. We have come here from Bangladesh to become champions,” Rabeya said in a video message to fans. “So we will not consider any team small. We will continue to follow our process.” Bangladesh has been a dominant force in the qualifiers historically, having won the title three times previously—beating Ireland in 2018 and 2022, and Thailand in 2019. Currently riding the momentum of five consecutive convincing victories, including a 39-run win over Thailand that sealed their World Cup fate, the team is brimming with confidence. “I am very happy,” Rabeya added. “These qualifiers were challenging because there was always uncertainty… but we managed to win five matches convincingly. We are all very happy and confident going forward.”

A police constable was found dead in a washroom of a police camp in Jatrabari  area in Dhaka on Wednesday. The deceased was identified as Shafiqul Islam, 47, son of Mannan Mallik of Matlab North upazila in Chandpur district. Shafiqul, father of a daughter and a son,  joined the police service in 2003. Md Russel, sub-inspector of Jatrabari Police camp, said Shafiqul was found hanging in the washroom in the morning. Read More: Bank staff killed in Dhaka road crash Later, he was taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital morgue for autopsy around 1:30 pm. Police said Shafiqul might have commit suicide due to depression. The body of Shafiqul was handed over to his family.

The government has decided to procure vehicles for the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) through the direct purchase method without inviting tenders, approving the acquisition of three jeeps, 100 patrol pickup trucks and 60 air-conditioned microbuses from state-owned Pragati Industries Limited. The decision was given a policy-level approval at a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs held at the Secretariat on Tuesday, with Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair. The procurement will be carried out under the project titled ‘Enhancement of Operational Capability of RAB Forces (1st Revised)’, aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the elite force by addressing its vehicle shortage. RAB raids Gazipur fake currency factory, arrests three Briefing journalists after the meeting, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said the committee approved the proposal to procure the vehicles through the direct purchase method instead of the Open Tender Method (OTM). Responding to questions on the rationale behind the decision, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani said the government intended to keep public funds within state-owned entities. “Pragati Industries is the country’s first automobile manufacturing company and it is a fully state-owned one. That is why we have decided to procure the vehicles from this organisation,” he said. When asked whether the vehicles would be delivered ahead of the upcoming national election, Nasimul Ghani clarified that the approval was not an election-driven one. “Only policy approval has been given today. The procurement process will take time and the vehicles will arrive much later, in phases. This is merely a formal decision. After placing the order, Pragati will import the required components from Japan using the allocated funds,” he added. Sources present at the meeting said the Ministry of Home Affairs placed the proposal for procuring the vehicles directly under the revised RAB capacity enhancement project, which subsequently received policy approval from the committee. The project was originally approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on November 7, 2018, with an implementation period from December 1, 2018 to January 31, 2026. The initiative aims to enhance RAB’s effectiveness and modernise its operations by addressing logistical constraints, particularly the shortage of vehicles. Officials informed the meeting that the vehicles are urgently required in the 2025–26 fiscal year. As procurement through the OTM is time-consuming, the direct purchase method has been proposed under Section 68 of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2006, citing state emergency needs. The move is intended to ensure effective law and order management and maintain operational readiness ahead of the national parliamentary election. The day’s Economic Affairs Committee meeting approved another proposal in principle to withdraw the project titled ‘Construction of Multimodal Hub at Dhaka Bimanbandar Railway Station’ from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project list. The proposal was placed by the Ministry of Railways. Following detailed discussions, the committee recommended the proposal for approval in principle. The project had earlier received in-principle approval at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on October 17, 2018 for implementation under the PPP framework. However, officials said the identified land was insufficient for the project’s requirements, no transaction adviser was appointed for feasibility studies, and no significant progress had been made, prompting the decision to withdraw it from the PPP list. The Power and Energy Adviser said there were a total of five agenda items in the meeting for discussions. Among them, one proposal came from the Ministry of Agriculture, one from the Ministry of Home Affairs, one from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, and two proposals from the Ministry of Railways. He said the first proposal was related to providing regular subsidies to farmers affected by damage to potato cultivation. “The proposal has been sent back for further examination to ensure that the subsidy reaches genuine farmers through an appropriate mechanism,” Besides, a proposal by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to transport gas in LNG form from Bhola via inland waterways for direct supply to industrial establishments under Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC through the Bangladesh Navy was withdrawn from the meeting.  

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel arrested three people after raiding an illegal counterfeit currency factory in Gazipur on Monday. Acting on a tip-off, the RAB personnel raided a rented house in the Bonomala area of Tongi, where the factory had reportedly been operating for an extended period. They seized more than Tk 5 lakh in counterfeit banknotes of various denominations, along with specialised printing paper, printers, scanners, ink and a laptop. During preliminary investigations, the suspects confessed to producing and distributing fake currencies. Muggers loot Tk 24 lakh firing shots, exploding crude bombs in Gazipur Investigators are examining whether additional individuals were involved in the criminal acts. Legal proceedings are underway against those arrested, according to Lt Commander Md Nafiz-bin-Jamal, company commander of RAB-1’s Porabari Camp in Gazipur.