United News of Bangladesh

Miscreants attacked and vandalised the residence of former President Abdul Hamid in Mithamoin upazila of Kishoreganj district on Monday night. Witnesses said a jubilant  procession was brought out by local political activists at night following the capital punishment handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Around 20–25 individuals from the procession allegedly broke open the main gate of the residence and carried out the vandalism. Alamgir Kabir, officer-in-charge of Mithamoin Police Station, said the group stormed into the ancestral home of the former president at around 10:30 pm and vandalised furniture inside. Police rushed to the scene after being informed and brought the situation under control, the OC added.

A class IX student was killed after being hit by a CNG-run auto-rickshaw in Kadamtoli area of the capital on Monday. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Rafi, 16, son of Ramjan Mia of Jurain area in the capital. Inspector Md Faruk, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital police camp, said the accident occurred near Postogola Bridge in the afternoon when a CNG-run auto-rickshaw hit him while crossing the road, leaving him injured. Later, he was taken to a local hospital from where he was taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where the doctors declared him dead. The body was kept at the hospital morgue.    

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked 8th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 80 at 9:10 am this morning. Today Dhaka’s air was classified as ‘moderate,’ referring to a light health threat, according to the AQI index. India’s Delhi, Pakistan’s Lahore, India’s Kolkata and Pakistan’s Karachi occupied the first four spots on the list, with AQI scores of 340, 194, 171 and 123, respectively. Dhaka’s air ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ this morning When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.  

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) on Monday urged print, electronic and online media outlets not to broadcast or publish statements from convicted and fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. In a statement, the agency said it is “deeply concerned” that some media platforms are circulating her remarks, which it claimed include calls for violence, disorder and criminal activities. The agency said these messages may also disrupt social harmony. NCSA said airing statements from convicted and fugitive individuals goes against the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025. Under Section 8(2) of the ordinance, law enforcement authorities may remove or block online content that threatens national integrity, security or public order, or that spreads hatred or incites violence. The agency also highlighted Section 26(1), which makes it an offence to publish or spread hate speech, ethnic hatred or violence using fake identities or unlawful access. Govt calls death sentences for Hasina, Asaduzzaman a historic verdict Section 26(2) allows for penalties of up to two years in jail and/or fines of up to Tk 10 lakh. The NCSA said it respects press freedom and freedom of expression but called on media outlets to refrain from promoting statements that encourage violence or criminal acts. It also reminded journalists and editors of possible legal consequences for publishing such content.  

 on Monday said the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would stand as a milestone for justice and the rule of law in Bangladesh. He made the remarks in response to the International Crimes Tribunal-1's verdict on Monday in a case of crimes against humanity committed during the July-August movement last year. In the verdict, Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal were sentenced to death, while former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun who testified as a state witness received a five-year prison term. Asaduzzaman said the judgment would "bring peace" and serve as a message for the future, calling it a landmark for justice and the rule of law. He described the verdict as being in the interest of the martyrs of the movement, the country and its people, democracy, the constitution, and the rule of law, as well as a responsibility to future generations. He mentioned that two of the accused received the maximum punishment of death, while Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun was given a five-year sentence "on the basis of overall considerations. As per law, the sentence will take effect from the day of his arrest, he added. UN rights body regrets Hasina’s death sentence, calls verdict important for victims Regarding the return of the accused, including Sheikh Hasina, from India, the Attorney General said, "The state will do everything legally possible" Responding to a question on appeals, he said, "I am not aware of any opportunity to appeal while absconding not only in Bangladesh, but anywhere in the world. The state will do everything legally possible, including through Interpol He added that the court has issued directives to accommodate the families of the martyrs and the injured in the case.      

Families of the victims of last year’s July uprising on Monday demanded the immediate return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from India and the swift execution of her death sentence. Maqbul Hossain, father of Abu Sayeed, a student of the English Department at Begum Rokeya University and one of the first iconic martyrs of the anti-discrimination student movement, said, “I want to die after seeing Hasina’s execution on the soil of Bangladesh.” He expressed satisfaction with the verdict but stressed that its implementation was essential. “The police directly shot and killed my son during the quota reform movement. I want justice not only for the police officers involved but also for those who gave the orders,” he added. “I want the highest punishment—hanging. Thousands of students like my son were shot and killed because orders were allowed. Many have lost limbs, become paralyzed, or lost their eyesight. Many are still suffering in hospitals. Sheikh Hasina must be brought back from India, and the verdict must be executed.” Abu Sayeed’s mother, Monowara Begum, said, “We want justice for everyone. Those who gave the orders and carried out the shootings should be hanged. As a mother, I understand the pain of losing a son. Many mothers, sisters, and brothers like me lost their children and husbands in police firing during the movement. Many lives and families have been destroyed. All these must be judged.” The family of martyr Rakibul Hossain of Jhenaidah has also demanded the speedy execution of Hasina’s death sentence. Rakibul’s mother, Hafiza Khatun, said, “Sheikh Hasina ordered the killing of students and the public through indiscriminate shooting to retain her power. All allegations against her were proven in court today. As a mother, I feel partially satisfied. I pray to Allah for life so I may witness Sheikh Hasina’s execution.” Rakibul’s father, Abubakar Siddique, added, “Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and all others involved in the July genocide and crimes against humanity must be hanged. Those who fled abroad after committing these crimes must be brought back, and their death sentences must be carried out in Bangladesh.” Speaking to UNB, Shahina Begum, mother of Sajjad Hossain Sajal—who was shot and burned to death in Ashulia, Savar, on August 5 during the uprising—said, “What will happen after hearing the verdict? I want her hanging to be implemented immediately. Just as my son was shot and burned in public, Hasina should be shot and burned in public.” She added tearfully that the police chief at the time, Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, had been sentenced to only five years, saying, “I cannot accept such a short sentence. I do not accept this verdict against him.” BNP hails Hasina’s death sentence verdict, says justice served Earlier today, the International Crimes Tribunal-1 sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August mass uprising. The three-member tribunal, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder began delivering the verdict around 12:30pm unveiling a 453-page judgment. Former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison.    

Shahina Begum, mother of Sazzad Hossain Sajal, who was among the six students who were killed before being piled into a police van and set on fire during the anti-discrimination students' movement in Ashulia, has called for expedited execution of the verdict after bringing back Sheikh Hasina in the country. Like many others, Shahina Begum watched the live broadcast of the tribunal verdict sentencing Sheikh Hasina to death from her village home. Shahina came up with the demand while speaking to reporters over phone. When speaking, Sajal's mother, Shahina Begum, broke down in tears. “What is the use of hearing the verdict? I want the execution of the verdict soon. My son was shot dead in public and then burned. Hasina should be shot and burned the same way in public. After my son was shot, he struggled. He wanted to drink water. Later, he became weak and died,” she said. Expressing frustration over the verdict of former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, Shahina Begum, said “He was the police chief at the time. What difference does it make if he turned state witness? He got only five years, which is unacceptable.” Sajal, a 20-year-old, was a BSc student at City University in Savar. His mother worked as a cleaner at the Ashulia Women and Children Hospital to support his education, hoping her son would one day become an engineer. “People would have called me the mother of an engineer. All those dreams were shattered when Hasina’s police force shot him, loaded him into a van and burned him to death in front of the Ashulia Police Station,” she said. Shahina Begum is now living in her village home in Saghata upazila of Gaibandha. After losing her son in such a horrific manner, she said she is unable to focus on anything. She said Sajal regularly joined the anti-discrimination movement from the beginning, taking part in road blockades with friends. Even though his family urged him not to risk clashes with police, he continued participating in demonstrations on the Bypile road. “He vowed he would not return home until Hasina fell from power,” she said. At this point, she broke down in tears again and said “Hasina has fallen, but my son came home as a burnt corpse.” Sajal was the only son of his parents. He had married by choice and had a young daughter.

International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam on Monday said the verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was not an act of revenge, but a commitment to the nation and to the establishment of justice. “Any court in the world would have delivered the same punishment if presented with the evidence submitted in the case,” he said, while speaking about the death sentences handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in a case over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July–August mass uprising. Expressing satisfaction with the judgment, the ICT Chief Prosecutor said the verdict demonstrated Bangladesh’s ability to prosecute complex crimes, including crimes against humanity, while upholding international norms and standards. “Bangladesh has done this successfully. This verdict has proven that no matter how powerful or influential a person is, they are not above the law,” he added. He said the prosecution considers it an achievement if the families of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to end dictatorship can find even a small measure of relief through this verdict. Conviction affirms no one is above law: Prof Yunus The three-member panel, headed by Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, delivered the verdict after finding the three accused guilty on multiple charges.  Besides, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness in the case, was sentenced to five years in prison. The tribunal also ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate the property of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Monday said Bangladesh will face future challenges with courage and humility, highlighting that the country is now reengaging with global standards of accountability. "With commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and each person’s potential, justice will not merely survive in Bangladesh. It will prevail and sustain," he said, noting that the courts of Bangladesh have spoken with a clarity that resonates across the nation and beyond. In a statement, Prof Yunus said the conviction and sentencing affirm a fundamental principle: no one, regardless of power, is above the law. "This verdict offers vital, if insufficient, justice to the thousands harmed in the uprising of July and August 2024, and to the families who still carry their loss," he said. Prof Yunus said the stand at a moment of rebuilding democratic foundations wrecked by years of oppression. He said the crimes at issue—the ordering of lethal force against young people and children whose only weapons were their voices—violated both our laws and the basic bond between government and citizens. "These acts outraged Bangladeshis’ core values: dignity, resilience, and commitment to justice," said the Chief Adviser. "As many as 1,400 lives were lost. They were not statistics but students, parents, and citizens with rights. Months of testimony detailed how lethal force, even from helicopters, was used against unarmed protesters," Prof Yunus said. This verdict recognises their suffering and confirms that our justice system will hold perpetrators accountable, he said. Hasina, Asaduzzaman sentenced to death; Mamun gets 5 years jail Prof Yunus said Bangladesh is now rejoining global currents of accountability.  "The students and citizens who stood for change understood this, and many paid with their lives—giving their today for our tomorrow," he said. Prof Yunus said the path ahead requires not just legal accountability but rebuilding trust between institutions and citizens. "Understanding why people risk everything for genuine representation—and creating systems worthy of that trust—is essential. Today’s verdict is a step on that journey," he said.  

After nearly a week, both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) witnessed an upward trend, with most companies’ shares gaining in value. At DSE, the key index DSEX rose by 42 points, while the Shariah-based DSES gained 15 points and the blue-chip index DS30 added 9 points. Share prices increased for the majority of listed companies, with 322 seeing gains, 35 declining, and 16 remaining unchanged. In the block market, shares worth Tk 26 crore of 23 companies were traded, led by Prime Bank PLC with Tk 7 crore in sales. The turnover at DSE increased to Tk 348 crore, compared to Tk 298 crore in the previous session. GPH Ispat Ltd led the gainers with a nearly 10% rise, while Far East Knitting & Dyeing Industries PLC recorded the steepest fall of around 10%. DSE, CSE indices rise in first hour of trade CSE also saw a rise after almost a week, with its overall index increasing by 41 points. Prices rose for 100 companies, fell for 45, and remained unchanged for 11. The turnover at CSE rose to Tk 14 crore from Tk 4 crore in the previous session. Saiham Cotton Mills Ltd topped the gainers with a nearly 10% increase, while Crown Cement PLC was at the bottom with a similar decline.