Category: Bangladesh

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia returned to her Gulshan residence Firoza around midnight after health check-up at Evercare Hospital. Her physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said tests were completed and the medical board decided to continue treatment at home, expecting further improvement. Khaleda had undergone four-month advanced treatment in London, returning to Dhaka on May 6.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal published newspaper notices summoning former PM Sheikh Hasina and ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan to appear on June 24 over crimes against humanity charges during the July uprising. Both are declared absconding abroad with arrest warrants issued. If they fail to appear, the tribunal will appoint defense counsel and proceed with trial in absentia.READ FULL

Sakhina Begum, renowned for killing five Razakars with a sword during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, died today in Kishoreganj’s Nikli upazila. Known as “Khatki Begum,” she joined the war after her nephew’s martyrdom, initially serving as cook and informant before her famous act of vengeance. A state funeral is being arranged for the childless widow who became a symbol of courage.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Election Commission is ready to hold parliamentary elections by April 2026, but timing remains unclear. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus met with opposition BNP leader Tarique Rahman, who requested elections before Ramadan 2026 (February-March). The EC says it can hold elections earlier if the government decides. Critics accuse Yunus of delaying polls, while his government insists reforms are needed first before elections.READ FULL

International passengers at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram have been forced to walk to the terminal for four days due to a malfunctioned boarding bridge. One of two 24-year-old bridges at Gate 4 remains out of service, causing inconvenience especially with Hajj return flights arriving June 17. Airport authorities say work is underway to install a replacement bridge.READ FULL

Mortuz Ali, 50, a CNG auto-rickshaw driver, was beaten to death by tea workers in Chunarughat upazila following an argument over seat reservations. The conflict escalated when passengers found their reserved seats occupied. Police arrested two suspects – Akash Urang, 23, and Nayan Urang, 25. Auto-rickshaw drivers staged highway blockades demanding justice and arrests of all involved parties.READ FULL

Police arrested 1,232 individuals in the last 24 hours during ongoing nationwide operations to maintain law and order. According to Police Headquarters, 731 were detained on previous cases and pending warrants, while 501 were arrested on various new criminal charges. The crackdown continues as authorities work to strengthen public security across the country.READ FULL

The government has begun distributing health cards to 4,551 injured “July warriors” across 36 districts, enabling free treatment at public hospitals. Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the program at state guest house Jamuna, personally handing cards to two recipients. The initiative recognizes their sacrifice and provides official state acknowledgment for their bravery during the mass uprising.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court restored the registration of Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamist party, allowing it to participate in elections after being banned for over a decade. The party was prohibited under ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who cracked down on its leaders. The decision enables the party to formally register with the Election Commission and contest future polls.READ FULL

Seven new HIV infections detected among pregnant women in Jashore district within five months, raising public health concerns. Hospital officials report at least 250 people currently living with HIV locally, though actual numbers may be higher due to undiagnosed cases. A nine-month pregnant woman may undergo caesarean section tomorrow. Authorities cite unprotected sex, limited awareness, and cross-border migration as contributing factors, urging expanded testing and education campaigns.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Supreme Court today acquitted Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam of crimes against humanity and war crimes charges, overturning his death sentence. The Appellate Division unanimously allowed his appeal and ordered his immediate release. This marks the first time the apex court has acquitted anyone in a crimes against humanity case. Azhar was originally sentenced to death in 2014.READ FULL

Nineteen Bangladeshi nationals, including nine children and five women, were pushed back from India through Sonapur Majhpara border in Meherpur’s Mujibnagar upazila. The group had illegally entered India seeking work and lived in Haryana state. They were detained by Indian authorities six-seven days ago, jailed in West Bengal’s Berhampore, then pushed back early today. Police have taken them into custody.READ FULL

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain demands immediate resignation of three “non-neutral and dangerous” advisers from the interim administration, or their written pledge not to contest the next election. He called this “non-negotiable,” claiming their presence threatens electoral credibility. Hossain also urged authorities to interrogate National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman regarding potential threats to Bangladesh. The specific advisers weren’t named publicly.READ FULL

Popular actor Nusraat Faria received bail from a Dhaka court after being jailed in an attempted murder case connected to last July’s uprising. Her lawyer submitted travel documents proving she was in Canada when the alleged offense occurred. Faria was arrested at Dhaka airport before boarding a flight. The case, filed by a man injured during July protests, also names former PM Sheikh Hasina and 17 other actors.READ FULL

A Dhaka court has placed three suspects on six-day remand each for the murder of Dhaka University student Shahriar Alam Shammo. Tamim Hawlader, Samrat Mallic, and Palash Sardar were ordered into custody despite claiming innocence. Shammo, a Chhatra Dal leader, was fatally stabbed on May 13 at Suhrawardy Udyan following a motorcycle collision and altercation. The investigation continues with police seeking information from the accused.READ FULL

Students Against Terrorism enforced a daylong strike at Dhaka University today, locking several faculty buildings to protest the killing of Chhatra Dal leader Shahriar Alam Shammo. Protesters demanded justice, called for the resignation of university officials, and planned a 4:00pm mass gathering. The coalition of student groups rejected the administration’s half-day mourning, criticizing authorities for their alleged indifference to student safety concerns.READ FULL

Novoair will restart operations on May 21 after temporarily suspending services since May 2. Managing Director Mofizur Rahman expressed gratitude for passenger support during the break and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to safety and service quality. Tickets are now available through the company’s website, app, sales offices, and travel agencies.READ FULL

Garment workers blocked the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway for over three hours after a female colleague was killed by a hit-and-run truck in Gazipur’s Hurricane area around 7:45am. The victim died instantly, prompting workers to begin their protest at 8:15am. The blockade caused severe traffic congestion, affecting numerous commuters while police worked to restore order and clear the road.READ FULL

Chinmoy Krishna Das, ex-ISKCON leader, was arrested in four additional cases related to last November’s violent clashes at Chattogram court. He now faces five cases total, including one for the murder of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif. The violence erupted after Chinmoy was denied bail in a sedition case, leading to attacks on police and vandalism. Forty people have been arrested so far in connection with these incidents.READ FULL

Navy Commodore M Rashed Sattar has been appointed as the new Sergeant at Arms in Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament), replacing Commodore Sabbir Ahmed Khan who transfers to the Armed Forces Division. The public administration ministry announced the appointment takes immediate effect. The Sergeant at Arms maintains order, security, and protocol within parliament, particularly during sessions, and performs ceremonial duties. This parliamentary position is typically filled by a navy commodore on deputation.READ FULL

Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin announced the Election Commission will avoid politically controversial activities and emphasized collective decision-making during a meeting with officials in Mymensingh. He promised a free and fair national election with no nighttime voting. Regarding DSCC Mayor Ishraque Hossain’s swearing-in, Nasir clarified it falls under the Local Government Ministry’s jurisdiction, not the EC’s. Officials also discussed voter list updates and election preparations.READ FULL

Biman Bangladesh Airlines launches direct Hajj flights from Chattogram today, with the first flight carrying 419 pilgrims departing Shah Amanat International Airport for Madina at 5:30pm. Immigration procedures began earlier today. Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport will commence Hajj flights on May 14.READ FULL

The High Court will deliver its verdict on May 8 regarding death references and appeals in the 2001 Ramna Batamul bombing case. The attack during Pahela Baishakh celebrations killed 10 people. In 2014, eight defendants received death sentences and six got life imprisonment. All convicts were allegedly members of Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami. Militant leader Mufti Abdul Hannan was executed in 2017 for a separate attack.READ FULL

At least 137 journalists in Bangladesh face criminal charges in 32 cases related to the July uprising. They’ve been accused of murder, attempted murder, and even genocide alongside former PM Sheikh Hasina. Critics call this a threat to press freedom, while prosecutors claim journalists “aided and abetted” through their speeches. The Dhaka Union of Journalists warns these charges create a “culture of fear” in the profession.READ FULL

Pakistan High Commissioner Syed Ahmed Maroof met with Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin today, discussing regional issues amid India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir. They expressed satisfaction with recent bilateral consultations and hoped for a rescheduled visit by Pakistan’s Deputy PM. Bangladesh has advocated for peaceful resolution through dialogue. The envoy also mentioned an ongoing Pakistani business delegation visit to Dhaka.READ FULL

Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus inaugurated “Labbaik,” a government-developed mobile app to facilitate hajj services, at Dhaka’s State Guest House Jamuna today. The app aims to help pilgrims perform religious practices smoothly. Yunus urged all hajj pilgrims to utilize this first government-managed service application.READ FULL

Catholic Church in Bangladesh will host an interfaith dialogue this September, announced Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Vatican Prefect for Interreligious Dialogue, during a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Rome. Yunus emphasized Bangladesh’s commitment to religious harmony and the Interim Government’s protection of all citizens’ rights regardless of background.READ FULL

Seven Bangladeshi nationals returned home Saturday after completing three-year prison sentences in India for illegal entry. Six were handed over to their families, while Faisal, a fugitive wanted on weapons charges, will face court. The men, aged 26-35, had traveled to Kolkata for work opportunities but were arrested by Indian police and imprisoned at Dum Dum Central Jail.READ FULL

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus arrived in Rome on Friday to attend Pope Francis’s funeral. During his visit, Yunus signed the visitor’s book at Bangladesh House. According to Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Yunus will join the funeral ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday morning at approximately 9:30 am.READ FULL

Prof Muhammad Yunus departed Qatar for Rome to attend Pope Francis’s funeral. After arriving at 2:15pm local time, he will pay respects at Saint Peter’s Square, where Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will officially greet the Bangladesh delegation. Yunus will attend the funeral mass on Saturday and is expected to return to Dhaka early Monday.READ FULL

Anti-Corruption Commission officials arrested Dhaka South City Corporation Ward No. 4 Secretary Kutub Uddin Sohel yesterday while accepting a Tk 10,000 bribe. The secretary had demanded the payment from Md Saiful Islam, manager of Life Care Diagnostic Center, in exchange for approving his business operations. The complaint alleged Sohel regularly extorted money from service seekers for official approvals.READ FULL

Three unidentified boys died after being hit by a train on the Dhaka-Chattogram railway in Madhabpur, Cumilla’s Burichang upazila. Sub-Inspector Sohel Molla confirmed the accident occurred on the Chattogram-bound line, though which train was involved remains unknown. Bodies will be sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for autopsy as railway police prepare inquest reports.READ FULL

Anti-Corruption Commission filed three cases against former Rajshahi mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, his wife, and daughter for illegally amassing assets worth Tk 29 crore. Liton is accused of accumulating Tk 10.35 crore through power abuse, with suspicious transactions totaling Tk 52.23 crore. His wife and daughter are charged with acquiring assets beyond known income sources. All face charges under anti-corruption and money laundering laws.READ FULL

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, arrived in Doha for a four-day official visit to attend the Earthna Summit 2025. He will meet with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim and Deputy PM Sheikh Mohammed to discuss energy cooperation and investments. Yunus will also speak at a Rohingya conference and give an Al Jazeera interview before returning home April 25.READ FULL

Twenty-seven women’s rights activists have written to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus demanding the release of model Meghna Alam. She was detained on April 9 by police who allegedly broke into her home without a warrant and held her incommunicado for nearly 24 hours. Alam was later jailed for 30 days under the Special Powers Act on charges of threatening national security.READ FULL

French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy welcomed Rani Yan Yan, Queen of the Chakma people and Chakma circle, to the Embassy on Sunday. Rani Yan is recognized as a dedicated human rights defender who advocates for indigenous peoples’ rights protection in Bangladesh.READ FULL