Category: Bangladesh

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

In separate road accidents across Bangladesh, a total of 5 people were killed and 4 injured. In Bagerhat, a car crashed into a tree, killing 2 and injuring 3. In Thakurgaon, a motorcycle-car collision resulted in 1 death and 1 injury. In Sirajganj, 2 people died when their motorcycle crashed into construction equipment. Local authorities have responded to the incidents and initiated investigations.READ FULL

Elite Hitech Industries has launched a new model of eco-friendly air conditioners, R290, in Bangladesh. The R290 uses a hydrocarbon refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential, aligning with global environmental goals. The launch was supported by the Ministry of Environment, UNDP, and GIZ. Experts praised the company’s commitment to sustainable cooling technology, highlighting its contribution to the industry’s shift towards environmentally-friendly practices.READ FULL

The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is working on short-term and long-term plans to combat the rise in dengue cases. A 6-member expert committee has been formed to devise these plans, with Demra and Kamrangirchar identified as the most affected areas. The DSCC aims to reduce the infection rate by 3-4% per week through anti-mosquito drives and other measures. The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has also formed a 6-member expert committee to find effective solutions to the dengue outbreak in its jurisdiction.READ FULL

Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) in Bangladesh will provide free dengue testing at City Hospital and Urban Primary Healthcare Centres. The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society has donated 5,000 testing kits to support this initiative. RCC Administrator Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir announced increased cleanliness activities and warned of legal action against property owners where mosquito larvae are found.READ FULL

Former Bangladeshi minister Amir Hossain Amu has been placed on a 6-day remand in a case related to the death of a trader during quota reform protests in Dhaka. The case was filed against former PM Sheikh Hasina and 129 others by the victim’s brother-in-law. Amu, an Awami League leader, was arrested and his bank accounts have been frozen.READ FULL

A boarding bridge collapsed at Dhaka’s International Airport, damaging a Kuwait Airways Boeing 777-300ER and shearing off its door. The incident occurred after passengers disembarked from flight KU283. The aircraft, scheduled for Kuwait with 284 passengers, is now grounded. Kuwait Airways arranged alternative transport while providing accommodation for stranded passengers.READ FULL

A joint forces operation involving 500 personnel from the army, BGB, RAB, and police arrested 72 people at Keranirhat slum near Tongi Railway Station in Gazipur. During the raid, which began at 3:00 AM, a former army member died after jumping from a building. The operation recovered Tk 22 lakh, gold, drugs including marijuana and yaba tablets, liquor, and weapons. Legal proceedings are underway, according to Tongi East Police OC Qaiser Ahmed.READ FULL

Seventy more Bangladeshi nationals returned from war-torn Lebanon last night on an Emirates Airlines flight, bringing the total number of repatriated citizens to 338 across seven flights. The government-funded operation, supported by various ministries and the IOM, provided each returnee with Tk 5,000, food supplies, and medical assistance. The news comes after a Bangladeshi expatriate was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon yesterday.READ FULL

Bangladesh has sent 930,003 workers abroad for employment from January to November 2, 2024, including 858,225 male and 71,778 female workers. The country received $2.40 billion in remittances in October 2024, marking a 21.83% increase from the previous year. The government has established training centers nationwide to develop skilled workers and declared overseas employment a “thrust sector.” Officials expect the trend of overseas employment to continue growing.READ FULL

Ethiopian Airlines launched direct flights between Addis Ababa and Dhaka today, with its Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner receiving a water cannon salute at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The airline will operate five weekly flights, connecting Bangladesh to over 140 global destinations. Officials from both countries welcomed the service, which aims to boost trade and tourism ties. Ethiopian Airlines plans to eventually expand to daily flights.READ FULL

A 31-year-old Bangladeshi expatriate, Mohammad Nizam from Brahmanbaria, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s Hazmiye area, Lebanon. This marks the first Bangladeshi casualty in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. His body cannot be repatriated due to suspended flights between Bangladesh and Lebanon amid the ongoing war. The Bangladesh embassy has been in contact with his wife, who is currently in Lebanon.READ FULL

Turkey has agreed to provide free medical treatment for seven Bangladeshis injured during the July student uprising. The decision follows Bangladesh’s request through diplomatic channels, including discussions between Foreign Ministry officials and the Turkish ambassador. The matter was also addressed during a phone conversation between Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus and Turkish President Erdoğan. A Turkish delegation recently visited Bangladesh to explore potential cooperation in various sectors.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has refuted former US President Donald Trump’s claims about violence against minorities in Bangladesh. Speaking at a conference in Savar on Sunday, Hossain emphasized that all religious communities in Bangladesh enjoy political, social, and cultural rights. He suggested Trump’s statements might be politically motivated for vote-gathering. Hossain reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting minorities and ensuring their religious freedoms.READ FULL

The Japan Visa Application Centre (VAC) launched operations in Dhaka on Sunday, managed by VFS Global. The center promises to provide efficient visa application services to Bangladeshi applicants. Those who previously booked appointments through the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka will have their slots honored until December 26. VFS Global emphasized that their new state-of-the-art facility aims to ensure a smooth application process for Japanese visa seekers.READ FULL

Bangladesh reported 10 new dengue deaths in the last 24 hours until Saturday morning, bringing this year’s death toll to 310. During this period, 966 new patients were hospitalized, with 452 cases in Dhaka city alone. Currently, 3,961 patients are receiving treatment nationwide, while total cases since January have reached 62,199. This follows 2023’s record-breaking outbreak that saw 1,705 deaths and over 321,000 cases.READ FULL

A group of protesters vandalized and set fire to the Jatiya Party (JaPa) office in Khulna’s Dakbangla intersection around 6pm Saturday. The attackers damaged furniture, set chairs ablaze, and broke the office signboard before leaving. This is the second attack on JaPa offices in two days, following Thursday’s vandalism at their central office in Dhaka. While the attackers’ identities remain unknown, police are investigating the incident.READ FULL

Workers from Islam Group and Tushka Group garment factories in Gazipur’s Konabari area went on strike today with multiple demands. Islam Group workers presented 21 demands, including dismissal of certain staff, service benefits, and salary increases. Tushka Group workers made 16 demands, including prayer breaks and holiday benefits. Law enforcement agencies are maintaining order. Islam Group workers may resume work soon following management discussions, while Tushka Group negotiations continue.READ FULL

A Dhaka Cyber Tribunal has acquitted online activist Pinaki Bhattacharya and former JCD joint secretary Mofizur Rahman Ashique in a Digital Security Act case. The case was filed by CTTC SI M Abdullah Maruf in October 2022, accusing them of tarnishing the country’s image through a Facebook post. Judge Nur-e-Alam refused to take cognizance of the charge sheet submitted on October 9. Former journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey was dropped from the charges.READ FULL

Six government medical colleges in Bangladesh have been renamed after their respective districts following a circular from the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division. These include Sheikh Hasina Medical College in Jamalpur and Tangail, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College in Faridpur, Colonel Malik Medical College in Manikganj, Abdul Malek Ukil Medical College in Noakhali, and M Abdur Rahim Medical College in Dinajpur.READ FULL

Police arrested former DMP Deputy Commissioner Jasim Uddin from Rangpur in connection with a genocide case related to the July-August student uprising massacre. Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud confirmed that Jasim, who was recently attached to DIG office in Rangpur, will be produced before the International Crimes Tribunal today. The tribunal had previously issued arrest warrants against 17 policemen, including former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman, on October 27.READ FULL

Three coordinators of the anti-discrimination movement withdrew their two writ petitions from the High Court that challenged the political activities of 11 parties and the legality of the last three national elections. The petitions, filed yesterday, sought to ban parties including Awami League, declaring them “terrorist organizations” and challenged the 10th, 11th, and 12th parliamentary elections. Their lawyer Ahsanul Karim declined to disclose the reasons for withdrawing the petitions.READ FULL

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk arrived in Dhaka today for a two-day visit to discuss human rights issues. During his stay, he will meet with senior government officials, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, civil society representatives, and students involved in recent movements at Dhaka University. He will also meet with UN agencies and diplomatic missions, concluding his visit with a press conference tomorrow.READ FULL

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the transformation of Ganabhaban, former PM Sheikh Hasina’s residence, into a museum commemorating the July-August mass uprising. During his visit to the site, which was stormed by protesters on August 5 after Hasina fled to India, he emphasized preserving memories of the previous government’s actions. The museum will include a replica of the Aynaghar and document the regime’s activities. Proposals are expected by December.READ FULL

Thailand plans to introduce e-visa service for Bangladeshi ordinary passport holders in early 2025, announced by Thai Consular Department Director-General Ambassador Worawoot Pongprapapant. The service, already available in 69 embassies worldwide, will allow online visa applications. Additionally, medical travelers can apply for the five-year Destination Thailand Visa. A visa exemption agreement for government passport holders between Bangladesh and Thailand will be effective from December 19.READ FULL