United News of Bangladesh

A college teacher in Jhenaidah on Wednesday has been temporarily suspended following allegations of sexual harassment and abuse brought by multiple female students. The accused, Nazrul Islam, 49, is a lecturer in the Bangla department of MA Khalek Degree College in Sadar upazila. The college authorities suspended him after receiving written complaints from at least 16 students, confirmed College Principal Md Oliar Rahman. According to the complaints, Nazrul Islam had been harassing several female students for a long time by sending inappropriate messages to their mobile phones and making offensive remarks during in-person encounters. As his behaviour became widely known among students, multiple victims came forward, sparking widespread anger on campus. One of the victims, requesting anonymity, told UNB, “I respected Nazrul Sir as a teacher, but he repeatedly sent adult messages on my phone. If I didn’t reply, he would make inappropriate remarks in person. He has done worse to several students. We want justice.” Principal Oliar Rahman said the college took the matter seriously. “We have suspended him temporarily. As the allegations are grave, we have informed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), who has assured us of appropriate action,” he said. Nazrul Islam, however, denied the allegations, claiming his mobile phone was “hacked,” which allegedly caused the messages to be sent. When asked how a phone could remain hacked for four to five months, he abruptly ended the call. Sadar UNO Hosne Ara said the college authorities had verbally informed her. “The allegations are serious. We have asked the college to submit the written complaints to the UNO office. Once received, we will take necessary legal steps. The district Secondary and Higher Education Office will also be notified.”

A farmer was shot dead and two others injured in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia on Thursday evening. The victim, Rofiqul Islam Rofi, 40, son of Mot Ali Molla, was killed around 6:30 pm in Pochavita village, Pirpur Union. Quoting locals, police said that after finishing his work, Rofiqul was having tea near a tea stall by the house of local member Soket. Suddenly, three attackers riding an Apache RTR motorcycle arrived and shot Rofiqul, killing him on the spot. When locals tried to chase the attackers, they fired a few rounds and then fled, injuring Rabzel and Yusuf. Both injured were sent to Kushtia General Hospital. Body of unidentified man with burnt face recovered in Kushtia Rofiqul was also a local BNP activist, but he reportedly had no personal disputes. Solaiman Sheikh, officer-in-charge of Daulatpur Police Station, said police arrived after receiving information. “We could not identify the attackers immediately. The investigation is ongoing. The culprits will be brought to justice soon,” he added.  

Electricity supply will remain suspended in several parts of Sylhet city on Saturday due to urgent repair, maintenance and trimming work of tree branches. Engineer Mohammad Arafat of Sales and Distribution Division–1 and Engineer Abdur Razzak of Division–2 came up with the notice on Thursday. According to the authorities, power will remain off from 8am to 5pm in areas under the 11 kV feeders of the 33/11 kV Amberkhana Substation. The affected areas include- Electric Supply Road, Amberkhana Point, Ria Hussain Lane, Mojumdari, Syed Mogni, Lechubagan, Pir Mohalla (East–West), Housing Estate, Jalalabad R/A, Dargah Gate, Chandan Tula, Ghurni R/A, Dargah Mohalla, Gour Govinda Tila, Chowhatta, Zindabazar, Bandar Bazar, Puran Lane, Lalbazar, Jallarpar, Stadium Market, Miah Fazilchist, PTI, Subidbazar, Bonkolapara, Kolabakhani, Chashnipir Mazar Road, Goyal Para, Shahi Eidgah, Hazaribagh, TB Gate, Uncha Sarak, Kaher Mia Lane, Maktab Lane, Kazitula, Mirboxtula, Tatipara and adjoining areas. Power will also be suspended from 7am to 5pm in areas under the Baluchar, Senpara and Shibganj feeders. Teen hacked to death in Sylhet’s Kanaighat The areas include- Shantibagh, Sonar Bangla, Natun Bazar, Al-Islah, Arambag, Baluchor Chararpar, Focus area, Jonaki, Agricultural University area, Alurtol, Senpara, Shibgonj, Bhatt Atikur, Sadipur, Tilagor, Gopaltila, MC College area, Sabujbag, Burhanbag, Hatimbag, Lamapara, Rajpara and surrounding localities. Engineers said electricity will be restored immediately if the work is completed earlier than scheduled.    

Chuadanga experienced a noticeable drop in temperature on Thursday, disrupting daily life and causing hardship for low-income workers. The district recorded the day’s lowest temperature at 12.2 degrees Celsius at 6am and again at 9am, with humidity at 89 percent, said Jaminur Rahman, in-charge of Chuadanga meteorological observatory. He said Wednesday’s temperature was 13.7 degrees Celsius and the temperature may fall further in the coming days. Dense fog covered the district early in the morning, though the sun appeared later. The sunshine brought little relief from the cold, forcing rickshaw pullers, day labourers and other low-income groups to work in harsh conditions. “My hands and feet go numb in the cold. Fewer passengers mean my earnings have dropped,” said rickshaw puller Liakat Ali. A day labourer said they do not have enough warm clothes and even sunlight cannot ease the chill.

Two women were killed on Wednesday night when a bus hit an auto-rickshaw on the Dinajpur–Rangpur highway in the Tribondhon area of Jonpur. The deceased were identified as Morsheda, 35, wife of Jahangir Alam of Isam village in Nilphamari’s Sharifpur, and Aduri, 18, daughter of Subhash Chandra Roy of Dighon Dangi in the same district. Omar Faruk, officer-in-charge of the Highway Police Station, said the accident occurred around 8pm near the Trillion Gold Company when a bus coming from the opposite direction crashed into the auto-rickshaw, leaving both women dead on the spot. He said the bus has been seized, but the number of injured could not yet be confirmed.

A court in Pabna has sent a woman to jail on charges of killing eight puppies in Ishwardi upazila. The accused, Nishi Rahman, is the wife of an official at the Small Farmers Development Foundation (SFDF) in the area. She was produced before the Senior Judicial Magistrate Court-1 on Wednesday around 4:30 pm. After the hearing, Magistrate Torikul Islam ordered her to be sent to jail. Nishi Rahman was arrested by police on Tuesday night from her residence in Ishwardi municipality. The case was filed the same night by Ishwardi Upazila Livestock Officer Aklima Khatun under Section 7 of the Animal Welfare Act, 2019. Ishwardi Circle Additional Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar, said initial investigation revealed that Nishi, annoyed by a dog’s barking, had stuffed the eight puppies into a sack and left them near a pond. However, she did not know who threw them into the water. The investigation is ongoing. Housewife arrested for drowning eight puppies in Pabna pond The mother dog, named Tom, had been living at the Upazila Executive Officer’s residence. She gave birth to eight puppies a week ago. On Monday morning, the dog was seen crying and running around, searching for her puppies. Later, Upazila Parishad employees discovered that Nishi had tied the live puppies in sacks and thrown them into the pond on Sunday night. The bodies of the puppies were recovered the next morning. Following the incident, Hasanur Rahman Nayon, an official of the Small Farmers Foundation, received a written order to leave the government quarters on Monday, December 1. They vacated the house on Tuesday afternoon.    

Appreciating the Armed Forces for their continuous efforts during national crises, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday called for joint effort during the upcoming national election to make the process festive and peaceful. “We have to play a very historical role in our national election and referendum in February next to make it both a historical landmark; and peaceful and festive,” he said. Prof Yunus made the remarks while addressing the graduation ceremony of the National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) 2025 at the National Defence College at Mirpur Cantonment in the city. The Chief Adviser said the nation will remember with pride that they really had a historical occasion to turn this country around. “As we look ahead, I am confident that the National Defence College will continue to uphold its motto - Security through Knowledge," he said .These efforts, the Chief Adviser said, will guide them as they step into their new roles equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of national and international security. The Chief Adviser urged the nation to pray for speedy recovery of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. “On this happy occasion of graduation, let us pray to Allah, along with all the people of Bangladesh, for the speedy recovery of former Prime Minister and national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, who is struggling for her life,” he added. He appreciated the Armed Forces for their continuous efforts during national crises like natural disasters, political unrest, and pandemics. Prof Yunus said through such efforts they demonstrated their readiness to respond and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the people. “Your contributions to global peace through participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions have enhanced Bangladesh's global image,” Prof Yunus said. CA Prof Yunus visits Evercare Hospital to see Khaleda Zia He also appreciated the enduring contributions of the Bangladesh Armed Forces to national security, development, and nation-building activities. “I am proud to witness the progress of the armed forces and their lasting contributions to our national security, development, and nation-building activities. Your commitment to safeguarding our nation has been exemplary,” Prof Yunus said. The Chief Adviser paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971. “This is a very special month, the month of our historic victory in the War of Liberation." Prof Yunus recalled with great pride all the heroes who laid down their lives during the War of Liberation. "We also honour the sacrifices made by people from all walks of life during the struggle.” He also paid homage to those who made the July Revolution possible.   “My deepest respect to all the students and citizens who sacrificed their lives or were wounded in their effort to make the July Revolution possible driven by the dream of creating a new Bangladesh.” "Today, your graduation marks a remarkable milestone in your lives. Successfully completing the National Defence Course and the Armed Forces War Course is a significant achievement," Prof Yunus said congratulating the graduating officers of the NDC and AFWC 2025. “It is a moment you will cherish for the rest of your lives. Your accomplishment reflects a year of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. You are now prepared to undertake higher responsibilities, equipped with an enhanced understanding of national security, statecraft, policymaking, strategy formulation, and the intricacies of national development,” he said. In an era when the global economic center of gravity is shifting toward Asia, he said Bangladesh occupies a strategic position that offers immense opportunities. “As future leaders, you are tasked with leveraging this unique geostrategic advantage to foster sustainable growth and development for our nation,” Prof Yunus said. “I have learned that the National Defence Course is a strategic-level program that prepares participants to understand and analyze national security, engage in strategic decision-making, and enhance their leadership skills.” Prof Yunus said it was encouraging to see that the Armed Forces War Course deals with military strategic and operational matters, aiming to bridge the gap between strategic and tactical levels. “Throughout these courses, you have engaged in rigorous discussions and analyses of current global challenges, including terrorism, climate change, and cyber threats,” he said. IRI poll reveals strong support among Bangladeshis for Yunus govt, optimism about future Addressing international graduates, the Chief Adviser extended his special felicitations and hoped that during their time here, they have forged friendships that transcend borders and developed a deeper understanding of our rich cultural heritage. “Your presence enriches our institution, and I trust that you will serve as goodwill ambassadors for Bangladesh in your respective countries, fostering bonds of friendship and cooperation. I wish you every success in the days ahead,” he added. Highlighting NDC’s role, Prof Yunus said the National Defence College has achieved the goals for which it was established. "It is essential to recognise its role in shaping future leaders beyond the military. It gives me immense pleasure to see that a significant number of senior officials from the civil administration, Foreign Service, Police, Ansar, and VDP participate in the national defence courses every year.” Prof Yunus expressed his sincere appreciation to the Commandant, faculty, and staff for their dedication and commitment in conducting the National Defence Course and Armed Forces War Course 2025 with excellence.    

A two-year-old girl, Faiza Akter, was killed after being run over by a government vehicle belonging to the Assistant Commissioner (Land) in Homna Upazila, Cumilla on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 9:30am in front of the Tulip Administration Institute, inside the Upazila Parishad premises. Faiza’s father, Faizul Haque, works at SKAF Pharmaceuticals. Their family home is in Putia village, Uzirpur Upazila, Barisal. According to family members and eyewitnesses, Faiza had accompanied her mother to the Upazila premises in the morning when the AC Land’s government car entered at high speed and ran over the child, killing her instantly. Faiza’s mother said, “The vehicle came so fast… in an instant, my heart was shattered as my little Faiza was gone.” The family has demanded that the driver be given the maximum punishment. Following the accident, attempts to contact the driver, Taibur Hossain, were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was switched off. Upon receiving the news, Homna Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ahmed Mofasser and newly appointed UNO Shahidul Islam rushed to Homna Government Hospital.

Bangladesh Secretariat employees on Wednesday threatened to go for tougher movement from January 10 if the government would not issue a gazette notification over pay commission by December. The employees came up with the warning in a memorandum sent on Wednesday (December 3) to the Financial Adviser by the organisation’s Secretary General, Nizam Uddin Ahmed. According to the memorandum, government employees had high expectations regarding the National Pay Commission-2025 formed by the current interim government. However, an atmosphere of uncertainty has emerged at the final recommendation stage, which the organisation said is unfavourable for fulfilling their legitimate demands. The council demanded restructuring the existing 20-grade pay scale into 10 phases with 1:4 ratios, claiming that such a system would eliminate longstanding disparities in salaries. The memorandum further stated that soaring commodity prices and the rising cost of living have pushed lower-grade employees into hardship. Delays in implementing the pay commission report are intensifying frustration and resentment among government staff. The council demanded restructuring the existing 20-grade pay scale into 10 tiers with a 1:4 ratio, claiming that such a system would eliminate longstanding disparities in salaries. Urging direct intervention from the adviser to the Finance Ministry, the organisation said swift decisions are necessary to calm discontent and meet just expectations. The three key demands of the organisations include-- introduction of Secretariat allowance, implementation of the 9th pay scale and introduction of Secretariat ration allowance.  

A case has been filed at Ishwardi Police Station in Pabna over the killing of eight puppies, who were tied in a sack and drowned in a pond at the Ishwardi Upazila Parishad premises. Upazila Livestock Officer Aklima Khatun filed the case on Tuesday night. Abdun Noor, Officer-in-Charge of Ishwardi Police Station, confirmed the filing. Aklima Khatun said the case was filed at 9pm on behalf of the Director General of the Department of Livestock under Section 7 of the Animal Welfare Act, 2019. The Director General also instructed that the case be filed on his behalf. Nishi Begum, wife of Hasanur Rahman Noyon, an officer of the Small Farmers Foundation, has been named as the accused. Aklima added that the incident was widely shared on social media. Farida Akter, adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, described the act as inhumane and said it harmed the country’s image. The family of the Small Farmers Foundation officer has already been evicted from the government quarters. On Tuesday afternoon, an investigation team from the Animal Activist Committee arrived in Ishwardi from Dhaka to look into the case. Photos of the dead puppies were first posted on social media on Monday morning and quickly went viral. The incident sparked public outrage, with people demanding legal action against those responsible. Upazila Executive Officer Md. Moniruzzaman said written instructions were given for Hasanur Rahman Noyon to vacate the gazetted quarters. “The family has already left the residence,” he added. Attempts to contact Hasanur Rahman Noyon by phone were unsuccessful. On Sunday evening, eight puppies drowned due to the deliberate actions of Nishi Akter. When the puppies went missing, the mother dog ran around the residential area, Officers’ Club, and various houses throughout the night, crying loudly. 4 killed in Pabna, Chuadanga road crashes She refused to eat, and nobody knew the fate of the puppies at that time. The puppies were usually found under the stairs of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s residence. Jahangir Alam, caretaker of the residence, said, “On Monday morning, Noyon Sir was leaving on his motorcycle. When I asked about the puppies, he said he did not know. Then his son said, his mother put the puppies in a sack and threw them into the pond. We then went to the pond and saw a floating sack. When we opened it, we found all eight puppies dead.” After seeing the dead puppies, the mother dog became extremely distressed and fell ill. Later, staff from the Upazila Livestock Department treated her and administered a sedative injection.