Category: Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus joined the Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025 Wednesday, highlighting the country’s commitment to economic growth and investment-friendly policies. The four-day event welcomed participants from over 40 countries, including China, the UK, US, and India. Five companies and individuals will receive honors, including Youngone Corporation Chairman Kihak Sung. The summit includes visits to economic zones in Chattogram and Araihazar.READ FULL

Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Somudra Avijan departed Chattogram Port with 120 tonnes of relief materials for earthquake-hit Myanmar, expected to arrive April 11. The shipment includes dry food, tents, drinking water, hygiene kits, and medicines under the interim government’s directive. This follows Bangladesh’s earlier deployment of 31.5 tonnes of aid and medical teams, which have already treated 619 patients and performed four surgeries.READ FULL

A four-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her step-uncle in Maheshpur, Jhenaidah while visiting her grandparents. The incident occurred Friday night in a cornfield, and she was hospitalized Sunday. The accused has fled. Police learned of the attack after her hospital admission but no case has been filed yet. The victim has been transferred to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital’s One Stop Crisis Centre.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus called on BIMSTEC leaders to support revitalizing the organization as Bangladesh assumes chairmanship. At the summit, he emphasized the need for mutual confidence despite differences and urged addressing challenges like energy security and low intra-regional trade (5.9%). Yunus outlined priorities including youth empowerment, AI integration, knowledge sharing, and ecosystem development, promoting his “three zeros” vision: zero poverty, unemployment, and carbon.READ FULL

17,000 tonnes of food aid from American farmers has arrived in Chattogram for Rohingya refugees. The shipment will be distributed through the World Food Program to support over one million Rohingya in critical need. The US embassy called on other international donors to provide additional resources to share the burden of supporting the refugee population.READ FULL

A shipment of 9,500 metric tonnes of parboiled rice from India has arrived at Chattogram port under an international open tender agreement. This is part of Bangladesh’s larger import plan of 450,000 tonnes of rice, with 297,269 tonnes already received. Samples from the latest shipment have been tested, and unloading operations are set to commence shortly.READ FULL

Professor Muhammad Yunus met FAO Director General Qu Dongyu at the Boao Forum, seeking support to export Bangladeshi fruits and farm products to China. Yunus requested assistance in processing, packaging, and market access. Qu offered full support, promising to create a network between Bangladeshi and Chinese farm companies, expressing confidence in Bangladesh’s potential.READ FULL

Garment workers clashed with police near the Secretariat while protesting for overdue wages, Eid bonus, and leave benefits. The confrontation at noon resulted in injuries to both police and workers, with bricks and stones thrown. Workers continue to demonstrate at Shromo Bhaban, demanding justice for what they describe as an unfair police attack.READ FULL

A new fire has spread across half a kilometer in the Shaplar Beel area of Sundarbans, described as more intense than the previous Kolomteji blaze. Six firefighting units from Bagerhat and Khulna are working to control the scattered flames. Officials have created firebreaks and begun water spraying operations. The fire’s cause remains unknown, and a three-member committee has been formed to investigate the damage.READ FULL

Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar told a committee that India knew about the growing opposition to Sheikh Hasina before her ousting in August 2024, but lacked leverage to intervene. He described China as “a competitor, not adversary” while noting its growing regional influence. Jaishankar also suggested SAARC regional cooperation might be revived in the future after being “paused” since 2016.READ FULL

Australian Home Minister Tony Burke announced that visa applications for Bangladeshi citizens will now be processed at Australia’s High Commission in Dhaka, rather than New Delhi. The change takes immediate effect following a request made by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus during Burke’s visit to Bangladesh last October. Burke informed Bangladesh’s Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury of the decision via phone.READ FULL

Workers from Utah Knitting & Dyeing Ltd in Gazipur halted production and blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway Thursday morning. Over 100 employees demanded their holiday match the government’s five-day Eid-ul-Fitr break starting March 29. The protest caused severe traffic congestion as police negotiated with workers and factory management to resolve the situation.READ FULL

21 Bangladeshis returned home through Benapole border after serving two-year sentences in India. They had entered India illegally through brokers promising better opportunities but were arrested in Kolkata. Following their release, both countries’ home ministries coordinated their repatriation. Local NGOs received the returnees from various districts and will help reunite them with their families.READ FULL

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres concluded his four-day Bangladesh visit, departing Dhaka this morning. During his stay, he met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and other officials to discuss the Rohingya crisis and climate change. Guterres visited refugee camps, shared iftar with Rohingya refugees, and participated in roundtable discussions with various stakeholders including political leaders, youth, and civil society representatives.READ FULL

A fire damaged twelve shops at Rajshahi New Market early today, likely caused by an electrical short circuit. Seven firefighting units responded to the blaze, which started around 12:30am and was controlled by 1:50am. One firefighter fell ill during the operation and is receiving treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, according to assistant director Md Didarul Alam of Rajshahi Fire Service.READ FULL

Today at around 2:30 PM, a collision occurred between Dhaka-bound Dhumketu Express and Panchagarh-bound Banglabandha Express trains near the wash pit at Rajshahi Station. The accident happened due to signal point problems, causing the Dhumketu Express to derail after hitting the Banglabandha Express. Multiple bogies were damaged in both trains, with Banglabandha Express suffering the most damage. Recovery operations are underway, delaying the Dhumketu Express’s scheduled 4 PM departure.READ FULL

Around 300 ready-made garment factory workers blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur this morning, demanding Eid-ul-Fitr bonuses and other benefits. Their 14-point demands include overtime pay, maternity leave, night and meal allowances, minimum salary of Tk 12,500, and job security. The four-hour blockade ended at noon after discussions between workers, factory owners, and police.READ FULL

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus arrived in Cox’s Bazar to visit Rohingya refugee camps. They’ll meet with refugees, inspect facilities, and join an Iftar with approximately 100,000 Rohingyas. Guterres will also participate in events marking Bangladesh-UN relations in Dhaka before departing Sunday.READ FULL

India’s Border Security Force handed over two Bangladeshi nationals to Border Guard Bangladesh during a flag meeting at Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah last night. Shyamal Biswas, 66, and Ratan Sarkar, 58, were detained by BSF on Tuesday while attempting to illegally enter Bangladesh from India. The transfer took place at Baghadanga Border Outpost around 10:00pm following communication between the two border forces.READ FULL

Police clashed with anti-rape protesters near Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka when demonstrators attempted to deliver a memorandum to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. The confrontation occurred when protesters tried breaking through police barricades en route to the CA’s residence. Both sides reported injuries in the incident. Protesters are demanding harsher punishment for rapists, legal reforms, and special tribunals for rape cases.READ FULL

The Bangladesh Army has clarified it never received direct communication from UN High Commissioner Volker Türk regarding human rights concerns he raised in a BBC interview. The military stated any such concerns were conveyed to the previous government, not army leadership. They defended their neutrality during the 2024 protests and highlighted their role as the second-largest UN peacekeeping contributor.READ FULL

Dense fog triggered a multi-vehicle collision on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway in Bangladesh this morning, leaving at least 15 people injured. The accident occurred when a lorry hit a stationary pickup van, followed by two buses crashing in sequence. Emergency responders rescued victims from the wreckage and transported them to local hospitals. Traffic has since resumed normally on the expressway.READ FULL

Police used batons, water cannons, tear gas, and sound grenades to disperse protesters demanding reinstatement of 6,531 assistant teachers in government primary schools near Shikkha Bhaban in Dhaka. The demonstration, which began at Shahbagh’s National Museum, turned violent when protesters marched toward the Secretariat. Despite multiple injuries and police action, protesters continued their demonstration, marking their 11th day of protests.READ FULL

A Qatar Royal Family Airbus A319 air ambulance has arrived in Dhaka to transport former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to London tonight at 10:00 PM for advanced medical treatment. The aircraft, equipped as a flying ICU with state-of-the-art medical facilities, will be staffed by four Qatari medical professionals. The 79-year-old BNP Chairman, who suffers from multiple health complications, will be accompanied by six members of her medical board.READ FULL

Bangladesh invited UN Secretary General António Guterres to visit in 2025, discussing the upcoming Rohingya conference and interim government reforms. Guterres expressed support for Bangladesh’s multilateral efforts, praised the country’s initiatives on global challenges, and commended Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith’s contributions to the UN. The invitation highlights Bangladesh’s diplomatic engagement and international initiatives.READ FULL

Dhaka Metropolitan Police have banned all gatherings in Uttara and surrounding areas following a violent clash near Biswa Ijtema ground that left two dead and 26 injured. The restriction, imposed under Section 29 of the DMP Ordinance, takes effect at 2:00 PM today and will remain in place until further notice. Border Guard Bangladesh has been deployed to maintain order.READ FULL

Bangladesh and Bosnia & Herzegovina held their first bilateral consultations in Sarajevo on December 4, led by their respective Foreign Secretaries. The talks covered medical tourism, education, labor migration, defense cooperation, and economic collaboration. They also discussed the Rohingya crisis and climate change. The meeting coincided with the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations. Both countries expressed commitment to strengthening their partnership.READ FULL

Saint Martin’s Island struggles with low tourist turnout despite allowing 2000 daily visitors. Only around 644 tourists arrived today, with cruise ship owners blaming unfamiliar government regulations. Environmental restrictions on plastics and beach activities further complicate tourism, leaving many hotels and resorts mostly empty.READ FULL

A joint investigation by The Observer and Transparency International reveals that politicians and businesspeople close to Bangladesh’s ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina own over 350 UK properties valued at £400 million. The properties, allegedly acquired through money laundering and offshore companies, are linked to prominent figures like Salman F Rahman and Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, with several bank accounts frozen and investigations ongoing.READ FULL

Titas Gas has announced a 10-hour gas supply suspension in several areas of Dhaka on Sunday, November 30, from 10:00am to 8:00pm. The affected areas include Uttarkhan, Dakkhin Kan, Ashkona, and Faidabad. The temporary shutdown is necessary for emergency pipeline work, and neighboring areas may experience low pressure during this period. The company has apologized for any inconvenience to consumers.READ FULL

Eight more people were arrested in Chattogram, Bangladesh, bringing the total to 36 arrests following Tuesday’s violent clash near the court building that resulted in lawyer Saiful Islam Alif’s death. Among those arrested was Rajib Bhattacharaya, suspected of the murder. While three cases have been filed involving 79 named and 1,400 unnamed accused, no murder case has been filed yet. Lawyers continued their strike for the second day, demanding justice.READ FULL

Violent clashes erupted in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area as students from Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College and Kabi Nazrul Government College attacked Dr Mahbubur Rahman Mollah College. The incident is linked to earlier protests over the death of Mollah College student Avijit at Dhaka National Medical College Hospital. Students wielded sticks and iron rods, vandalizing property and engaging in chase and counter-chase. Police are working to control the situation.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s government has expressed concern to India over former PM Sheikh Hasina’s frequent political statements from Delhi, where she fled on August 5 after Awami League’s fall following mass protests. The foreign ministry has urged Indian authorities through their High Commission to restrain her. Additionally, a Bangladesh mission official in Geneva was recalled home following an incident involving Law Adviser Asif Nazrul’s harassment at the airport. UK’s Indo-Pacific Under Secretary will visit Bangladesh November 16-17.READ FULL