Stay informed on Bangladesh. Insights Today delivers trusted news under 80 words on politics, business, culture, and local developments. Your one-stop destination for Bangladesh news.
A case was filed Sunday against eight students for the killing of Primeasia University student Zahidul Islam Parvez. The 23-year-old textile engineering student was stabbed to death Saturday following a dispute that began with allegations of eve-teasing. Three students—Mahathi, Meherab, and Abuzar—allegedly brought outsiders who attacked Zahidul. Police are investigating and attempting to arrest those involved in the fatal campus violence.READ FULL
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus urged the UN to hire more women peacekeepers from Bangladesh during a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix. Yunus pledged additional troops when needed and requested increased Bangladeshi representation in UN peacekeeping leadership. Bangladesh currently deploys 5,677 peacekeepers across 10 missions. Yunus also expressed concern about the Myanmar conflict and sought international engagement to resolve the Rohingya crisis.READ FULL
Bangladesh Police has requested Interpol issue a red notice for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 11 others. Hasina, 77, fled to India in August 2024 after student protests toppled her 16-year government. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has previously issued arrest warrants for Hasina on charges of “crimes against humanity and genocide” and continues efforts to secure her return from India.READ FULL
Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58, a Hindu community leader, was abducted from his home in Biral upazila and beaten to death yesterday. Four men on motorcycles took him from his residence after confirming his presence with a phone call. His body was later returned, and he was declared dead at the hospital. Police are working to identify and arrest the suspects.READ FULL
Court imposes travel ban on former Rajshahi-1 MP Omor Faruk Chowdhury and wife Nigar Sultana following ACC request. The anti-corruption body is investigating allegations including drug trade, terrorism, extortion, embezzlement, and illegal wealth accumulation. The ban aims to prevent the couple from leaving Bangladesh during the ongoing probe.READ FULL
A seven-member BNP delegation led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir met with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to demand a national election by December 2025. The party seeks a clear roadmap to end uncertainty and complete reforms by June. BNP leaders warned they would launch peaceful demonstrations if their demands aren’t met, having already prepared a three-month programme of grassroots activities leading to nationwide gatherings.READ FULL
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, according to a Cabinet Division gazette. Bashir, who also oversees the Textile and Jute ministry, takes over from Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus who managed the role since the passing of former Adviser AF Hassan Ariff in December.READ FULL
The National Board of Revenue has halted yarn imports from India through all land ports, effective immediately. The Sunday notification bans imports through Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha, and Burimari—previously the main entry points for Indian yarn. The directive takes effect immediately.READ FULL
Bangladesh received $1.05 billion in remittances during the first 12 days of April, averaging $87.69 million daily. This marks a decrease from March’s record $3.29 billion ($109.85 million daily). Despite the decline, remittances remain a crucial foreign currency source for Bangladesh’s economy.READ FULL
A “monstrous fascist face” motif symbolizing last year’s student uprising in Bangladesh was burned before the UNESCO-recognized Anondo Shobhajatra procession for Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year). Undeterred, Dhaka University Fine Art students worked through the night to rebuild it in time for today’s celebrations. The vandalism couldn’t dampen spirits as artists recreated the bold symbol representing the overthrown authoritarian regime, demonstrating their resilience during the traditional cultural festivities.READ FULL
Bangladesh has officially reinstated the phrase “except Israel” on its passports, according to a home ministry letter signed on April 7. The director general of the Department of Immigration and Passport has been instructed to implement this change, reverting to the previous passport wording that explicitly states Bangladeshi passports are “valid for all countries of the world except Israel.”READ FULL
An effigy symbolizing “fascism,” allegedly resembling former PM Sheikh Hasina, was burned at Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Institute ahead of Bengali New Year celebrations. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki condemned the incident, blaming “Awami League allies” and demanding legal action. The effigy was part of this year’s traditional procession themed “New Year’s Harmony, End of Fascism,” inspired by recent mass protests.READ FULL
At least 50 people were injured during a three-hour clash between garment workers and law enforcement in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. The conflict began when police attempted to disperse protesters demonstrating against the termination of 120 workers from Robintex Ltd ahead of Eid. Ten police officers were among the injured, and authorities have detained 10 individuals in connection with the incident.READ FULL
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
The SSC examinations under Jashore Education Board start Thursday with 27,597 students across 83 centers in Khulna district, showing a decrease of 1,948 candidates from last year. Officials attribute the decline to political instability and financial challenges. Strict measures are in place, including banning smartphones at exam centers and implementing the ‘Z’ seating system to ensure fairness.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
Dhaka court rejects bail for 82 pro-Awami League lawyers accused of assault, vandalism, and attempted murder during student protests last August. The group, including former Dhaka Bar Association presidents, must go to Keraniganj jail. The court granted bail to 11 others, including 10 female lawyers. The case alleges the lawyers attacked colleagues and vandalized chambers during the August 4 mass uprising.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