United News of Bangladesh

The condition of Sharif Osman Hadi, Inqilab Moncho spokesperson who was looking to run in the upcoming election as an independent candidate, had deteriorated slightly according to primary tests upon reaching Singapore, but is now stable. Inqilab Moncho's verified Facebook page provided the update in the evening, quoting Hadi's brother who travelled with him as the source.  Hadi is being treated at the Singapore General Hospital.  It added that he will need another surgery, but Hadi's physical condition is not yet ready for it. Earlier on Monday, an air ambulance equipped with all emergency facilities for a critical patient, departed Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport carrying Hadi, who was shot in the head from close range in an assassination attempt last Friday, to Singapore for advanced treatment. The decision to send Hadi abroad for treatment was taken on Sunday. RAB arrests close aide of main accused in attempted assassination of Osman Hadi He was shot after Jummah prayer on Bijoynagar Boxculvert road in the capital. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with bullet injuries from where he was shifted to Evercare hospital. Following the incident, law enforcement agencies launched a series of operations to identify and arrest those involved. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police earlier said Faisal Karim Masud, alias Daud Khan, a Chhatra League activist with a criminal record. Although he is believed to have crossed the border into India with another suspect with links to the Awami League, who drove the motorcycle from which Faisal/Daud shot Hadi while riding pillion. RAB and police have already earlier arrested eight suspects for their alleged roles in aiding the shooter.  

Bangladesh celebrated Victory Day on Tuesday with great enthusiasm, as people across the country paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War through ceremonies, rallies, and cultural programmes. The celebration began with the traditional 31-gun salute ringing out across the capital at the break of dawn, to honour the nation’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War. At the Old Airport area in Tejgaon, an artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army fired 31 rounds from six guns to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs who laid down their lives in the War of Liberation. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial here, on the outskirts of the capital with the rise of the sun. 

Victory Day was celebrated at Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia on Tuesday through various programs. Marking the day, the national and university flags were raised by university Vice-Chancellor Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, and Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali with guard of honor by university BNCC and Rover Scouts. The VC Dr Nasrullah inaugurated the victory day ceremony by flying the Balloon in the sky, symbolising joyousness, along with its Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr M Yeaqub and treasurer Dr Jahangir Alam. Later, a colorful procession was brought out led by IU VC Professor Nasrullah. IU Pro-VC Professor Dr M Yeaqub Ali, treasurer Dr Jahangir Alam, registrar Professor Dr M Manjurul Haque, proctor Professor Dr Shahinuzzaman, student advisor Professor Dr Obayedul Islama were present at the joyous rally. More than one thousand students, teachers, Officers, staff from various departments also took part in the procession. Followed by the rally, University authority led by the VC placed a floral wreath at the Mukto Bangla while Pro-VC, treasurer, registrar were present. IU Zia Parishad, UTAB, departments, halls, Chatro Dol, Chatro Union, IUJA and various teachers-officials, and students organizations placed floral wreaths at the Mukto Bangla. Later, the university authority marched to the foundation stone and laid a floral wreath there. The observance concluded with a moment of silence and a munajaat led by an imam of the university central mosque. Regarding the day, university main gate, halls, and the Daina square was decorated with lights and banner festoons.    

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said national leader, three-time former Prime Minister, one of the leading figures of democratic politics and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is an integral part of an important chapter in Bangladesh history. "As you know, the national leader, three-time former Prime Minister of the country, one of the leading figures of democratic politics and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is currently in the hospital in a critical condition. This is a matter of concern for all of us," he said. While addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, Prof Yunus said the interim government has been giving utmost importance to Begum Khaleda Zia's health issues since the beginning. "Considering her unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and democracy of Bangladesh, her contribution to the development of the country and the people's respectful feelings towards her, the government has already declared her as a VVIP," he said. The government is providing all necessary assistance to ensure her treatment, respecting the wishes of the family. In addition to her treatment in the country, all matters, including advanced medical treatment abroad, if necessary, are being considered, Prof Yunus said. After assuming office, he said, the interim government has given utmost importance to three issues - the trial of the July-August massacre, the necessary fundamental reforms of the state structure for the transition to an accountable and effective democratic system, and a fair election. The trial of the massacres committed by the then fascist government during the July Uprising is proceeding in due legal process. The verdict of one case has already been announced by the tribunal. The International Crimes Tribunal has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the head of the fallen fascist government, to death for being the main instigator of the indiscriminate killings of students, workers and the general public of the country, through an independent and transparent evidence-based trial process. As part of the due legal process, he said the government has formally requested the Indian government to return Hasina, who has been absconding since the uprising, and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, another accused convicted in this case, to the country. Prof Yunus said a number of institutional and structural reforms have already been completed. Dozens of old laws have been amended, and several new laws have been enacted,he sThe biggest step in the reforms is the July National Charter. It has been issued in the form of an order to ensure fundamental constitutional reforms. "Dear people of the country, I have come before you today with a very heavy heart. On this joyous day, I inform you with deep sorrow that the recent attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the Inqilab Mancha, a frontline fighter of the July Uprising, is not just an attack on an individual—it is an attack on the existence of Bangladesh, an attack on our democratic path," he said. Sharif Osman Hadi is currently undergoing treatment in a critical condition. The government has taken all necessary measures to ensure his treatment and safety, Prof Yunus said. He has already been sent to Singapore for better treatment. "Please pray to Almighty Allah for him from the bottom of your hearts." "The government is taking this incident very seriously. Those involved in the incident have been initially identified," the Chief Adviser said. "I want to assure the countrymen that no one involved in this conspiracy, no matter where they are, will be spared," he mentioned.

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has named a road in the capital's diplomatic quarter after Felani Khatun, the minor girl who was shot dead by India'a border security force in 2011, as a 'symbolic gesture of protest.' It would also serve as a reminder to uphold Bangladesh’s dignity as a sovereign nation, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz said on Tuesday. “This road, stretching from Gulshan-2 to Pragati Sarani, has been named after Felani as a symbol and protest to maintain our national dignity. We believe that while interacting with any country in the world, including our neighbours, we must uphold human dignity and respect. The Liberation War teaches us the importance of human dignity,” he said. Azaz made the remarks during the unveiling of the nameplate of Felani Avenue in Gulshan to mark Victory Day. Chief Guest Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, said: “Eighteen crore people of Bangladesh want an end to border killings. Our sister Felani gave her life hanging from a barbed wire. This road is named to remind us of the cruelty committed against her and to appeal to the conscience of the world that heinous crimes like border killings are still happening along our borders. This is why the government inaugurated this road in her name on Victory Day, demanding an end to all types of border killings.” Local Government Department Secretary Md. Rezaul Maksud Zahedi, added that Felani's killing was not just a killing, but a clear violation of human rights as well. Public Works Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam, DNCC Chief Engineer Brig. J. Moin Uddin, DNCC Secretary Mohammad Asaduzzaman, Chief Urban Planner SM Shafiqur Rahman, and other senior DNCC officials, also attended the event. Felan­i Khatun was shot dead by BSF on January 7, 2011, at the Anantapur border point in Kurigram’s Fulbari upazila while returning to Bangladesh with her father. Her body was left hanging on the barbed-wire fence for hours, sparking widespread outrage in national and international media. Felani’s brother joins BGB Since then, various groups have repeatedly demanded that the road in front of the Indian High Commission in Gulshan be named after Felan­i. On September 13, 2024, the Peoples’ Activist Coalition (PAC) symbolically named the road ‘Shaheed Felan­i Sarak’ and installed an unofficial signboard in protest against border killings. Now, the interim government has officially renamed the stretch as Felan­i Avenue.  

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday called upon everyone to play a responsible role from their respective positions to uphold the country’s independence, sovereignty, and the continuity of its development journey. This was conveyed by Sabir Ahmed Akunji, Private Secretary to the Public Division Secretary at the President’s Office, Bangabhaban after a state reception held at Bangabhaban. On this glorious day, the President also extended his heartfelt greetings and felicitations to the people of the country on the occasion of the Great Victory Day. The reception was attended by the Chief Justice; Advisers; Judges of the Appellate Division and the High Court Division; diplomats; valiant freedom fighters; senior civil and military officials; political leaders; and distinguished guests from various professions. The President exchanged greetings with the War Veterans’ delegation, members of the families of the Bir Sreshtho, and other invited guests, conveying his sincere congratulations and best wishes on the Great Victory Day. On the occasion, he paid deep respect to the heroic martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation war remembering their unparalleled sacrifices with profound reverence.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said no one can stop the country’s march towards democracy by intimidation, terror acts or bloodshed, categorically noting that such an attempt by the 'defeated fascist terrorists' will be completely thwarted. 'I appeal to you—maintain restraint. Do not listen to propaganda or rumours. We will definitely confront the fascist terrorists who want to create unrest together. We will not fall into their trap," he said while addressing the nation in the evening on the occasion of the Great Victory Day. State-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV), BTV News, and Bangladesh Betar simultaneously broadcast the speech. Earlier, the Chief Adviser enjoyed Victory Day Fly Past, Parajump, and Band Display at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka. Prof Yunus said the defeated fascist forces will never return to the sacred soil of this country. "Dear people of the country, protect our youth. Then we all and our beloved motherland will be saved. Those who have fled the country have understood that the young fighters are a huge obstacle to their resurrection," Prof Yunus said. He said those who fled the country are terrified of these unarmed, fearless, completely indifferent to personal interests—these everyday-looking children. Anti-independence forces trying to resurface on Victory Day: Fakhrul "Their goal is to remove these obstacles before the elections and re-establish their rule. They will dream of this as long as their friends are with them," Prof Yunus said. Once the elections are over, he said  their friends will have trouble getting support. "That is why there is such a rush. They want to ensure their return before the elections. They will do it in various ways. This secret assassination attempt is one form of it. They are preparing for a more difficult plan," Prof Yunus said. Everyone in the country must say loudly that they will protect the youth, he said "Those who are here following the slavery of the old days must come out of slavery. By holding festive, peaceful elections, we will all establish our complete control over the country," he said. There are only two months left until the elections, scheduled to take place in February. "We will keep an eye on them and make every day of the remaining days festive. Since there is no fear in the minds of our young people, they will make every moment of the two months before the elections festive," Prof Yunus said. The country will be saved from all kinds of violence and conflicts, he said. Victory Day: Nation honours Liberation War martyrs Today, the Chief Adviser said they are standing on the threshold of a new history. "This country is ours. This state is ours, its future is also in our hands. Now is our turn to move forward unitedly. We want to take this Victory Day as a golden opportunity to unite anew in national life," he said. "It is our collective responsibility to move forward with the goal of empowering the people, taking the historical inspiration of the Great Liberation War and the July Uprising, and to advance the new journey that has begun on the path of democratic transition," Prof Yunus said. He called for joint efforts to build a safe, happy, and beautiful Bangladesh for the new generation to fulfil the century-old struggle and freedom achieved through much hardship. Regardless of religion, caste, group, and gender identity,  he said, "Let us all join hands and move forward on the path of peace, prosperity and democracy. Let us move forward together on the path of justice, democracy, humanity, and development." Prof Yunus once again extended his heartfelt greetings to everyone on the Great Victory Day.

Mufti Amir Hamza, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami–nominated candidate for the Kushtia-3 constituency, on Tuesday claimed that his party was not opposed to the Liberation War of 1971 but was instead against India, saying the real truth had long been suppressed. “The role of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in 1971 has been misrepresented until now,” Amir Hamza said. “You should read the history book written by Badruddin Umar. From that book, we learned that nearly 90 percent of the narratives written about the Liberation War are false.” He made the remarks while addressing a victory rally organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami in Kushtia on the occasion of Victory Day. Amir Hamza said the rally reflected the party’s commitment to the country’s independence. “We were against India’s aggression, which is why we were portrayed as opponents. Our aim today is to free the future Bangladesh from India’s dominance and run the country as a truly independent nation,” he said.  “The country will remain united in the future, InshaAllah”. Injustice, discriminations led people to revolt in 1971: Jamaat Ameer He also said all people born in Bangladesh are respected citizens. “We want to move the country forward together. I do not think it is right to drag the past backward. Forgetting past divisions, we will create a new history. It is better not to emphasise party affiliations here—we are all one,” he said. Kushtia District Jamaat Secretary Shuja Uddin Joardar, Assistant Secretary Mazharul Haque, City Jamaat Amir Enamul Haque, and leaders from various levels of the party were present at the rally.      

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to address the nation at 6pm today (Tuesday). Prof Yunus will address the nation on the occasion of the Great Victory Day. State-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV), BTV News, and Bangladesh Betar will simultaneously broadcast the speech, said the Chief Adviser's press wing. Earlier, the Chief Adviser enjoyed Victory Day Fly Past, Parajump, and Band Display at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Army marked Victory Day 2025 with a ceremonial 31-gun salute at sunrise to honour the nation’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Liberation War. At the Old Airport area in Tejgaon, an artillery regiment of the Bangladesh Army fired 31 rounds from six guns to pay tribute to the heroic martyrs who laid down their lives in the War of Liberation, ISPR said in a press release on Tuesday. As in previous years, Victory Day is being observed this year as well with due respect and solemnity.