United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Friday forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the country over the next 24 hours, warning that the downpour could trigger landslides in the hilly areas of Chattogram division and cause temporary waterlogging in Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas. In a heavy rainfall warning issued in the morning, it said the rain is likely to affect parts of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions during the 24 hours commencing at 10:00am on Friday under the influence of an active monsoon. According to the BMD, heavy rainfall refers to precipitation between 44 mm and 88 mm, while very heavy rainfall means more than 88 mm within the forecast period. The country's highest rainfall in the 24 hours till 6:00am on Friday was recorded in Chattogram at 211 mm. Day and night temperatures may remain nearly unchanged across the country, the BMD said. The monsoon trough extends through Punjab, Haryana, the centre of the low-pressure area, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, passing across central Bangladesh. One of its associated troughs extends up to the North Bay. The monsoon is active over Bangladesh and strong over the North Bay, the BMD added.

The 11-party alliance, led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, will hold its Rangpur divisional rally on Saturday as part of its planned programme demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, effective measures for the Teesta Master Plan, an end to border killings and push-ins, and steps to reduce public suffering. The rally will begin at 2:30pm at Rangpur District School Ground, said Dr AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad, coordinator of the 11-party alliance, in a statement issued on Friday. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman will address the rally as the chief guest. Leaders of the alliance components will also speak at the really with Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam in the chair.

The Jatiya Ganatantrik Party (JAGPA) on Friday relieved its Secretary General Zakir Hossain Riaz of his duties, citing anti-party activities. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the party's National Executive Council, chaired by JAGPA President and freedom fighter Khandaker Lutfor Rahman. According to a party press release, those present at the meeting included Vice Presidents MA Wahab, Dr Awlad Hossain Shilpi and Advocate Shahidul Islam; Joint Secretary General Dewan Mohammad Rokon Uddin Hazari; Organising Secretaries Mohammad Hossain Mobarak and Abul Hossain; Publicity Secretary Kamrul Hasan; and Finance Secretary Md Mahfuzar, among other leaders. The meeting appointed Joint Secretary General Dewan Mohammad Rokon Uddin Hazari as acting secretary general. The party also instructed its leaders and activists not to maintain contact with Zakir Hossain Riaz. It decided to convene an extended meeting within the next month to fix the date for the party's next council. The meeting further decided that JAGPA's organisational activities would resume on July 10 with a visit to the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) in Sylhet. It also resolved that JAGPA would stand alongside Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in building the future of Bangladesh. At the end of the meeting, special prayers were offered for the speedy recovery of BNP Standing Committee member and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Nazrul Islam Khan.

Leaders of the 11-party opposition alliance on Saturday warned that a united street movement would continue if the referendum verdict is not implemented. Speaking at a divisional rally in Mymensingh, they also urged the government to implement the referendum verdict and take steps to ease public suffering. Addressing the BNP, several speakers claimed that people had voted for the party based on commitments made in the July Charter. They also alleged that the BNP was ignoring the referendum verdict, including the July Charter, and accused it of adopting "fascist" practices. Speaking as the chief guest, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Muhammad Mamunul Haque said they wanted the peaceful implementation of what he described as the will of "70 percent of the people". He warned that if the government failed to implement the referendum verdict and if the BNP deprived people of their voting rights "like Sheikh Hasina", the party would face the same political consequences. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar alleged that the BNP, with the support of the interim government, had manipulated the election. He said his party accepted the election results in the interest of political stability and building a "new Bangladesh" free from political conflict, corruption and inequality. Porwar warned that if the referendum verdict was not implemented, a united street movement would continue. He also alleged that if the BNP attempted to undermine the voting rights of what he described as "70 percent of the people", its leadership would face the same fate as Sheikh Hasina. NCP leader Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan alleged that the BNP had repeatedly failed to run the country effectively. He also claimed that the government had not taken effective action over ‘July Massacre’, the crackdown on protesters by the then Awami League government during the July Uprising of 2024.   He said the government had increased the prices of fuel, electricity and other essential commodities, and had failed to explain the outcomes of the Prime Minister's recent visits to China and Malaysia. Among others, acting Ameer of the Nizam-e-Islam Party Maulana Abdul Qayyum Sobhani, Bangladesh Labour Party Chairman Dr Mostafizur Rahman Iran, and local leaders of the 11-party alliance were present at the rally.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Affairs Dr. S. M. Ziauddin Hyder on Wednesday said that Government is committed to taking effective Tobacco control measures, including increasing tobacco product prices in the budget to protect public health as it was one of the key commitments of the current government's election manifesto. On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reaffirmed the government's strong commitment to protecting children, adolescents, and future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine. He stated that the period leading up to the finalization of the FY 2026–27 national budget presents an important opportunity to take effective measures for protecting public health. He made these remarks at a seminar titled “Protecting Public Health from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco: Challenges and Way Forward,” jointly organized by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) and the Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP) at the BMA Auditorium in Dhaka. Presenting the keynote paper, Zeba Afroza said that public health and tobacco control experts had proposed reducing the existing four-tier cigarette price structure to three tiers in order to simplify tax administration. Since the prices of low- and medium-tier cigarettes are very similar, smokers can easily switch to a cheaper alternative when the price of one tier increases.He noted that if implemented, this proposal would make tobacco products less affordable, particularly for young people. Dr. Shafiun Nahin, Director of the Institute of Health Economics at the University of Dhaka, said that the proposed budget includes only a marginal increase in cigarette prices. The price of a 10-stick pack of low-tier cigarettes has been increased from TK60 toTK 62, even though nearly 75 percent of all cigarettes sold in the market belong to this tier. As a result, an increase of only TK 2 per pack is insufficient to discourage tobacco use, especially when inflation remains above 9 percent. He further explained that the retail price of a low-tier cigarette under the proposed budget is TK 6.2 per stick, whereas these cigarettes are already being sold at TK 7 per stick at retail outlets across the country. Consequently, tobacco companies stand to gain an additional profit of approximately TK 0.8 per stick, all of which would remain untaxed. Dr. Nahin added that Bangladesh sold 68.89 billion low-tier cigarettes during FY 2023–24. Based on an additional profit of TK 0.8 per stick, tobacco companies could earn approximately TK 55.12 billion (BDT 5,512 crore) in extra profits. This means that the government would lose a substantial amount of potential tax revenue. The speakers thanked the government for amending the tobacco control law and expressed optimism that, in line with the commitments outlined in the election manifesto, the government would take appropriate measures to strengthen tobacco control and protect future generations from the harms of tobacco use. In his remarks as the lead discussant, Dr. Md. Zahirul Islam, Secretary General of DAB, stated that the proposed budget imposes taxes on nicotine pouches, nicotine granules, and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs). However, taxing these products effectively legitimizes them in the market. This could facilitate the expansion of these new nicotine products and increase the risk of nicotine addiction, particularly among youth and adolescents. Expressing DAB’s commitment to working with DORP on tobacco control initiatives in the long term, Professor Dr. Harun Al Rashid, President of DAB, urged the government to reconsider the tax and price structure of low-tier cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products in the FY 2026–27 national budget. He noted that if the recommendations of public health and tobacco control experts are implemented, the government could generate approximately TK 44 billion in additional revenue. At the same time, nearly 500,000 adult smokers would be encouraged to quit smoking, 372,000 young people would be prevented from initiating smoking, and nearly 400,000 premature deaths could be averted in the long term. The seminar was welcomed by AHM Noman, Founder and CEO of DORP, and moderated by Mohammad Zobair Hasan, Deputy Executive Director of the organization. Among those present were Iqbal Masud, Director of the Health Sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission; Professor Dr. Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of the Epidemiology and Research Department at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute; members of DAB; and youth representatives Ratri, Sandhi, and others.  

Joint Secretary General and spokesperson of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, has said that after the BJP came to power in West Bengal, it has spread extreme religious hatred.  In a statement on Friday, he alleged that the new WB government is using the state and federal administration against Muslims, that social hostility toward Muslims has been incited. the whole of West Bengal into a hostile environment for them.  As a result, he claimed, the number of persecuted people gathering at the Bangladesh border in West Bengal has increased, as many want to leave India. He expressed strong condemnation and concern over what he described as ethnic hatred and displacement in this era of modern civilization. He said that until 1947, West Bengal and present-day Bangladesh were part of the same country. Even after the partition, there are many people on both sides whose roots and histories remain connected across the border.  He said this is an unavoidable reality of partition.  He added that displacing people on the excuse that they once had an address in Bangladesh is neither lawful nor humane. He further alleged that the BJP government in West Bengal is carrying out such actions. He urged the Bangladesh government to raise the issue in the international arena, saying Bangladesh cannot become a victim of anyone’s political ambitions.  Referring to the ongoing Rohingya crisis, he said Bangladesh is already burdened with endless challenges and does not have the capacity to take in new refugees. He called for the matter to be discussed internationally and for resistance to be built against what he termed the inhuman act of displacing people.

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Bir Bikram on Thursday extended Eid-ul-Azha greetings to the countrymen and expressed hope that the government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman would work for the welfare of the common people. “The holy Eid-ul-Azha has arrived with the message of sacrifice. After many sacrifices and struggles, democracy has returned to the country. We hope economic emancipation is now within reach,” he said. The Speaker said he expects a future government led by Tarique Rahman to dedicate itself to the welfare of the people. Recalling past political developments, he said the student-public movement and political activists had brought an end to prolonged misrule, helping remove the climate of fear from the country. “A democratic government will be able to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he added. The Speaker also alleged that Muslim countries were facing oppression by global powers and claimed that an international conspiracy was underway against Muslims. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after offering Eid prayers at Lalmohan Eidgah in Bhola on Thursday morning. After the prayers, the Speaker exchanged Eid greetings with leaders of political parties and local public representatives from his constituency. Among others, Lalmohan upazila BNP President Jafar Iqbal and General Secretary Shafiqul Islam Babul were present.

A three-day national workshop at Holiday Inn, Dhaka, under the Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative (CSESI) wss held to assess existing capacities and strengthen climate risk analysis for the education sector. To support evidence-based policy planning and build institutional readiness, the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (MoPME), with UNESCO, the UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (UNESCO-IIEP), Save the Children, and support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), launched the workshop. Running from 10 to 12 May 2026, the workshop brings together over 30 officials, technical experts and education planners from national and sub-national levels. Inaugurating the workshop, the Chief Guest, Mr. Abdul Khaleque, Secretary, Secondary and Higher Education Division, Ministry of Education, said, “This workshop is particularly significant because it focuses on examining the capacities we already have within our system and identifying where further strengthening is needed Speaking at the event as the Guest of Honour, Dr. Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, said, “This workshop moves beyond identifying risks and focuses on understanding the existing capacities, systems, and institutional mechanisms required to address those risks effectively. Strengthening evidence-based planning, improving coordination and enhancing preparedness at both national and sub-national levels are essential to ensure learning continuity and protect the wellbeing and future of children and young people.” Special Guest Bodrun Nahar, Additional Secretary (Development), MoE also addressed the opening with special focus on climate data and climate financing for education. Participants represent SHED, DSHE, BANBEIS, NCTB, DPE, BMD, University of Dhaka, district and upazila Education officers among others. UNESCO-IIEP specialist Ms. Yi Shi is leading the technical facilitation alongside the UNESCO Dhaka Office and Save the Children International. Bangladesh remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in South Asia. According to the 2025 Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index, Bangladesh ranks 178th out of 187 countries, while national education data show that nearly 16,000 educational institutions were affected by climate-related disasters in 2023. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, floods, cyclones, and salinity intrusion continue to affect school attendance, infrastructure, and children’s learning outcomes. UNESCO-IIEP’s climate risk analysis also shows that while Bangladesh has strong policy foundations on climate resilience, climate adaptation is not yet systematically integrated across education planning, teacher development, risk assessments, and infrastructure planning. The workshop is part of a broader national process under the Climate Smart Education Systems Initiative, which began in Bangladesh in 2024 with a joint scoping mission and country work planning process. In October 2025, Bangladesh held its first national workshop to identify and analyse climate hazards, vulnerabilities and risks facing the education sector. 

Golam Sarwar Milon, president of Janata Party Bangladesh and a former deputy minister, died of a cardiac arrest here on Sunday morning. He was 69. Family members said he suffered a sudden heart attack at their residence early in the morning and was rushed to Popular Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Golam Sarwar Milon is survived by wife Fatema Sarwar, son Sabayer Sarwar and daughter Tanzia Sarwar Omi. Sabayer Sarwar said the first namaz-e-janaza was held after Zohr prayers at Singair Pilot High School ground in Manikganj. He will be buried after second janaza in the capital. Golam Sarwar Milon was elected a Member of Parliament from the then Manikganj-4 constituency as a Jatiya Party candidate in the 3rd and 4th parliamentary elections. He also served as Deputy Minister for Education in the cabinet of President HM Ershad. Golam Sarwar Milon served as the founding president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal during the 1981-82 term and was known as an influential student leader at Dhaka University. He was previously involved with a left-leaning student organisation supported by Bhasani NAP and was arrested during the anti-Ershad movement. Later, he joined the Jatiya Party in 1986 and became a Presidium member. During the 2007 caretaker government period, he joined the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), led by Ferdous Ahmed Qureshi, but later returned to the Jatiya Party. Before the 11th parliamentary elections, he joined Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, led by former President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, and contested Manikganj-2 constituency with the “Kula” symbol but was defeated. In April 2025, he joined the newly formed Janata Party Bangladesh. The party was initially led by actor Ilias Kanchan as president, with Golam Sarwar Milon serving as executive president and journalist Shaukat Mahmood as general secretary. Later, after Ilias Kanchan stepped aside due to illness, Golam Sarwar Milon took charge of the party leadership. END/UNB/ARJ/AM 2422 Hrs

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman visited Evercare Hospital in the capital on Thursday night to see BNP leader Mirza Abbas, who is currently undergoing treatment there. During the visit, he spoke with Abbas’s wife Afroza Abbas and inquired about his physical condition and ongoing treatment. He also prayed for the BNP leader’s speedy recovery. Dr Shafiqur Rahman was accompanied by Dr SM Khaliduzzaman, president of Dhaka Metropolitan North Jamaat Medical Thana. Mirza Abbas hospitalised Earlier on Wednesday evening, Mirza Abbas was admitted to Evercare Hospital after he suddenly fell unconscious while drinking water during iftar, according to his wife. As his condition did not improve, he was taken to the hospital later that night for treatment.