<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
                        <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/feed/national</id>
                                <link href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/feed/national"></link>
                                <title><![CDATA[Sunnews national Feed]]></title>
                                <description>Sunnews Latest national News Feeds</description>
                                <language>bn-BD</language>
                                <updated>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:44:10 +0000</updated>
                        <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Katabon building fire: 2 killed]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/katabon-building-fire-2-killed/13446" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/katabon-building-fire-2-killed/13446</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Two people were killed after a fire broke out at a high-rise building in Dhaka&rsquo;s Katabon early Saturday.

The deceased were identified as Md Jony, 24, son of Babul Mia of Kishoreganj district and Abdus Salam, 20, son of Selim Sarkar of Kahalu upazila in Bogura district.

Jony served as a clerk to Barrister Moazzem and Salam, a clerk of Prosecutor Abdullah Al Noman at the International Crimes Tribunal.
The fire broke out on the 12th floor of the 14-storey Al-Baraka Tower on Elephant Road at around 1:05AM.

On information, six firefighting units rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control around 3:08AM, said Md Sihab Sarkar, an official of the Fire Service and Civil Defence control room.

The fire was completely extinguished at 5:40AM, he added.

Firefighters rescued two people from the building and took them to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared them dead.

Md Nazmul and Sarwar, who accompanied the victims to the hospitals, said the fire broke out at around 1:05AM, filling the upper floors of the building with smoke.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage could not be immediately determined.

Sun News/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:44:10 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Malaysia and China visits were advancing Bangladesh’s interests: PM]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/malaysia-and-china-visits-were-advancing-bangladeshs-interests-pm/13443" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/malaysia-and-china-visits-were-advancing-bangladeshs-interests-pm/13443</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his visits to Malaysia and China were focused on advancing Bangladesh&rsquo;s interests and those of its people. Speaking in Parliament, he said any success achieved during the tours belong to the nation rather than any person.

&ldquo;What I have tried to do, Honourable Speaker, from my position is to speak for the interests of my country and the people of my country and to protect those interests,&rdquo; he said.

The Prime Minister said this while extending thanks and gratitude to all members of Parliament, including the Opposition Leader, for unanimously adopting a thanksgiving motion in the House on her recent six-day visit to Malaysia and China.

He said the people of Bangladesh entrusted his government with the responsibility of safeguarding their interests.

&ldquo;The core issue here is that the people of Bangladesh have given us the responsibility to look after their interests,&rdquo; Tarique Rahman said.

Referring to his party&rsquo;s &lsquo;Bangladesh First&rsquo; slogan, he said guided by that principle they tried to uphold and protect the interests of Bangladesh and its people during the visits.

&ldquo;None of us has any personal issue here. If any positive thing has been achieved, it is an achievement for Bangladesh. If the people of the country have gained any achievement through these visits, that achievement belongs to them,&rdquo; he said.

On Friday night, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman returned home from Beijing, wrapping up his six-day maiden overseas visit to China and Malaysia.

Sun News/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:23:44 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Malaysia and China visit were focused on advancing Bangladesh’s interests: PM]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article//13442" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article//13442</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Sat, 27 Jun 2026 08:04:12 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Major Pay Hike Approved for APS and PS Staff of Ministers and State Ministers]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/major-pay-hike-approved-for-aps-and-ps-staff-of-ministers-and-state-ministers/13441" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/major-pay-hike-approved-for-aps-and-ps-staff-of-ministers-and-state-ministers/13441</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The Finance Division has introduced a revised salary structure for Assistant Private Secretaries (APS) serving ministers and state ministers, as well as Private Secretaries (PS) appointed to deputy ministers and equivalent officeholders.

Under the new arrangement, the basic monthly salary for these positions has been fixed at Tk 32,540. Previously, individuals appointed to these roles received salaries under the ninth grade of the National Pay Scale 2015, where the starting basic pay was Tk 22,000.

According to official sources, the Finance Division recently communicated its decision to the Ministry of Public Administration following a request for policy clarification regarding the remuneration of such appointees.

The revised salary package applies specifically to individuals recruited temporarily from outside the regular government service structure to serve as APS to ministers and state ministers or as PS to deputy ministers and officials of equivalent status.

The decision also outlines several conditions. While eligible appointees will receive the newly fixed basic salary along with other admissible allowances under existing rules, they will not qualify for annual salary increments. In addition, pension, gratuity, and provident fund benefits will not be available under this arrangement.

Officials familiar with the matter say the move is aimed at creating a more structured compensation framework for politically appointed administrative support staff while ensuring transparency in salary determination.

 ]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:43:25 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Court Petition Against Dr. Yunus, 4 Others Over Vaccine Shortage]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/court-petition-against-dr-yunus-4-others-over-vaccine-shortage/13440" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/court-petition-against-dr-yunus-4-others-over-vaccine-shortage/13440</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A legal petition has been submitted to a Dhaka metropolitan court accusing former Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and four other former officials of negligence related to a reported shortage of measles-rubella vaccines.

The petition was filed by Member of Parliament Sheikh Mojibur Rahman Iqbal, who alleged that delays in vaccine procurement and distribution exposed thousands of children to serious health risks and contributed to increased cases of measles infections.

According to court sources, the complainant&rsquo;s statement has been recorded, and the matter is currently under judicial review. The court is expected to issue its observations after examining the petition.

Besides Dr. Yunus, the petition names former Health Adviser Nur Jahan Begum, former Health Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman, former Special Assistant Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sayedur Rahman, and former Director General of Health Services Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Jafar.

The application claims that failures in ensuring the timely availability of vaccines disrupted routine immunization services, leaving many children vulnerable to preventable diseases.

The petitioner further argues that warnings regarding a possible vaccine shortage had been raised earlier but were not addressed adequately, resulting in a public health challenge and additional financial burdens on affected families.

The case has attracted significant public attention, and many observers are now awaiting the court&rsquo;s decision on whether further investigation or legal proceedings will be initiated.

 ]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:26:52 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Offices, courts resume services]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/offices-courts-resume-services/13437" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/offices-courts-resume-services/13437</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[After a week-long Eid-ul-Azha holiday, government and private offices, courts, banks, insurance companies and the capital market resumed operations across the country on Monday (June 1).

The government had declared a seven-day holiday from May 25 to May 31 to mark the Eid-ul-Azha celebrations. With the extended break now over, millions of working people have returned to their work stations.

Banking activities resumed under normal schedules on Monday, with customer transactions taking place from 10AM to 3PM, while bank branches will remain open until 5PM.

Insurance companies have also returned to regular business hours from 10AM to 5PM.

Meanwhile, trading activities at the country&rsquo;s two stock exchanges- the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE)- have resumed. Market transactions will continue from 10AM to 2:30PM, while office operations will run from 9AM to 4PM.

Sun News/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:50:05 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Offices, courts resume services]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article//13436" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article//13436</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:49:29 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[After the Holidays, its&#039; time to return]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/after-the-holidays-its-time-to-return/13435" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/after-the-holidays-its-time-to-return/13435</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[After a long seven-day holiday for Eid-ul-Azha, working people from different parts of the country have started returning to the capital Dhaka. 

However, compared to previous years, the pressure of return travel is relatively lower this time.

Many people, who were unable to travel home during Eid time, are now heading to their villages with their families, creating two-way passenger traffic at the city&#39;s transport hubs.

While visiting the key points of Dhaka, including the Gabtoli, Sayedabad and Mohakhali bus terminals, Kamalapur Railway Station and Sadarghat Launch Terminal, showed that return travel is proceeding normally. 

There are no overwhelming crowds, nor are there signs of any transport shortages.

Passengers arriving at Sadarghat said that their journeys were smooth and comfortable. Although the launches carried a considerable number of passengers, there was no excessive overcrowding, and most vessels reached their destinations on schedule.

Regular activities will resume at government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions, as well as banks, insurance companies, financial institutions and the capital market on Monday (June 1).

The government announced a holiday from May 25 to May 31 for Eid-ul-Azha. 

Sun News/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Sun, 31 May 2026 08:16:04 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[New prison will be built at Jungle Salimpur in Chattogram]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/new-prison-will-be-built-at-jungle-salimpur-in-chattogram/13434" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/new-prison-will-be-built-at-jungle-salimpur-in-chattogram/13434</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The government is planning to build a prison in the controversial area of Jungle Salimpur in Chattogram, said Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday, warning that, the area will not be allowed to serve as a sanctuary for isolated militant groups.

Speaking to journalists after visiting Jungle Salimpur, the minister said, &#39;&#39;Through the politics of corruption or the corruption of politics over the past 17 years, there has been an attempt to create a &#39;criminal state&#39; within the country, of which this Salimpur jungle is a direct example.&#39;&#39;

The minister noted that shortly after the current democratic government assumed office, several criminal incidents were observed in Chattogram. These included attacks on the residences of businesspeople by heavily armed groups and incidents of extortion. Following these events, the government treated the matter with utmost seriousness.

A coordinated joint operation involving law enforcement agencies was launched on March 9 to suppress criminal activities.

Salahuddin Ahmed added, the criminals had established a parallel system of control in Jungle Salimpur through CCTV surveillance and various security checkpoints. This network was dismantled through the joint operation.

However, he acknowledged that in some cases the operation&#39;s objectives could not be fully achieved because information had been leaked in advance.

&#39;&#39;I assure everyone that no ordinary residents will be evicted from the area; only the hideouts of criminals and militants will be dismantled.&#39;&#39;

Sun News/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Sun, 31 May 2026 08:08:23 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Police sue around 242, over Jungle Salimpur RAB camp attack]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/police-sue-around-242-over-jungle-salimpur-rab-camp-attack/13432" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/police-sue-around-242-over-jungle-salimpur-rab-camp-attack/13432</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Police have filed a case naming 42 people, including alleged local crime figure Md Yasin, and accusing another 150 to 200 unidentified individuals over the armed attack and vandalism at an under-construction RAB camp in Jungle Salimpur of Sitakunda on early yesterday (25 May).

The case was filed late last night by Fouzderhat Police Outpost Inspector Sohel Rana, Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Mohinul Islam confirmed.

Earlier, around 20 to 25 people were detained during a joint operation by RAB, police and APBn after the attack. Five of them were shown arrested after verification while others were released, said the OC.

The five arrested people and Yasin, whom law enforcers describe as controlling the area, are among the 42 named accused, the OC added.

The case includes charges of organised armed assault on police, obstruction of government duties, vandalism of state property, and violations under the Explosives Act, police said.

The attack took place around 2am in the Alinagar area of Jungle Salimpur, where armed assailants opened fire on the under-construction RAB camp before using a bulldozer to destroy walls and other structures.

The attackers also dug up roads at at least four points to delay the arrival of additional law enforcement personnel, according to officials.

The assailants later fled after law enforcers responded.
Law enforcement agencies had taken control of Jungle Salimpur during a major drive on 9 March. A joint forces camp was later set up inside an under-construction building of Alinagar High School, where around 130 members of police, APBn, RRF and RAB have since been stationed.

RAB officials said forces managed to reach the area and launch an operation despite the road blockades. The elite force claimed members of the &quot;Yasin Bahini&quot; were behind the attack.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed is scheduled to visit Jungle Salimpur on 31 May. RAB officials said there would be no security lapse during the visit.

Meanwhile, the Chattogram district administration has sought deployment of two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh to help restore law and order and recover illegal arms in the area.

The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the request yesterday. BGB personnel are expected to remain deployed there until 31 May.

Although Jungle Salimpur falls under Sitakunda upazila, access to the area is mainly through Chattogram city via the Bayezid-Fouzderhat road and adjoining hilly routes.

The area, comprising Chinnomul and Alinagar, spans around 3,100 acres of government land, according to district administration data. Authorities say the locality has long remained under the control of land grabbers and armed groups.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Tue, 26 May 2026 17:44:30 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[170 more Bangladeshis return from Libya]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/170-more-bangladeshis-return-from-libya/13430" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/170-more-bangladeshis-return-from-libya/13430</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A group of 170 Bangladeshis detained in Libya during failed attempts to cross the Mediterranean to Europe has been repatriated.

A chartered flight of Buraq Air carrying the Bangladeshi citizens landed at Shahjalal International Airport around 8:30am on Monday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The repatriation was carried out under a joint initiative by the Bangladesh Embassy in Tripoli, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Expatriates&#39; Welfare and Overseas Employment, with assistance from the Libyan government and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

According to the foreign ministry, the majority of these individuals had entered Libya illegally with the help of human traffickers, lured by the prospect of crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe.

Many of them have alleged that they were victims of abduction and torture at different times during their stay in Libya, the ministry said.

The ministry urged the returnees to share their harrowing experiences with others in their communities to help raise public awareness against human traffickers.

With this latest group, at least 893 detained Bangladeshi nationals have been brought back home from Libya so far this year.

The ministry added that efforts are ongoing to repatriate the remaining Bangladeshis currently detained in the country.

According to data from the IOM, the Mediterranean route continues to be highly dangerous for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

As of mid-May 2026, a total of 6,811 people attempting the sea crossing to Europe had been intercepted and detained in Libya.

During the same period, 822 people were reported dead or missing at sea, although data on how many of them were Bangladeshis was not immediately available.

The scale of the crisis was also significant in 2025.

According to the IOM, 27,116 people were intercepted along the Mediterranean route last year, while 1,699 others were recorded as dead or missing.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 25 May 2026 16:41:28 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[PM visits slain Ramisa&#039;s family residence at Pallabi]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/pm-visits-slain-ramisas-family-residence-at-pallabi/13425" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/pm-visits-slain-ramisas-family-residence-at-pallabi/13425</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has arrived at the residence of the family of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter, who was recently killed in the city&#39;s Pallabi area.

He arrived at the family&#39;s Pallabi residence around 9:50 pm.

The premier is visiting the grieving family members to offer condolences over the tragic death of Ramisa.

Earlier on Thursday, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said exemplary punishment would be ensured swiftly over the incident.

Second-grade student Ramisa was allegedly raped and killed on Tuesday by a tenant living in a neighbouring flat in Pallabi.

Police said suspect Sohel Rana allegedly called the child into his room after she left her home in the morning. There, Sohel allegedly raped and subsequently killed her.

Later, Ramisa&#39;s dismembered body was recovered from beneath a bed, while her head was found inside a bucket kept in the bathroom of Sohel&#39;s flat.

Police said locals detained the accused&#39;s wife, Swapna Akter, but Sohel Rana escaped after cutting through a window grill.

Sohel was later arrested from the Fatullah area of Narayanganj on Tuesday evening.

The accused gave a confessional statement before a Dhaka court on Wednesday.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Thu, 21 May 2026 18:00:15 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Eid-ul-Azha on 28 May as moon sighted]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/eid-ul-azha-on-28-may-as-moon-sighted/13420" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/eid-ul-azha-on-28-may-as-moon-sighted/13420</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The moon of the holy month of Eid-ul-Azha has been sighted in the country&rsquo;s sky. With this, the month of Dhul Hijjah will begin tomorrow, Tuesday.

Accordingly, Muslims will celebrate the holy Eid-ul-Azha on 28 May, Thursday.

This decision was made at a meeting of the National Moon Sighting Committee held on Monday evening in the conference room of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque.

After the meeting, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad announced the decision.

The holy Eid-ul-Azha is observed on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah. On this Eid, Muslims sacrifice animals to seek the blessings of Allah.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 18 May 2026 17:24:04 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Four brothers died from toxic gas: Oman police]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/four-brothers-died-from-toxic-gas-oman-police/13418" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/four-brothers-died-from-toxic-gas-oman-police/13418</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Police in Oman have launched an investigation into the deaths of four expatriate Bangladeshi brothers. Citing the Royal Oman Police, a report published in the Times of Oman said the four died after inhaling carbon monoxide gas emitted from the air conditioner exhaust while the vehicle&rsquo;s engine was running. Following the incident, police issued a warning against sleeping inside enclosed vehicles.

Leaders of the Chattogram Association Oman told that on Wednesday evening, the four brothers were travelling from the Barka area to Muladdah in Oman. After 8:00 pm, one of them sent a voice message to a relative saying they were feeling ill. Sending their location, he said they were in no condition to even get out of the vehicle.They were having difficulty breathing and foaming from their mouths and noses. They also called their mother and asked for prayers. Later, local residents spotted the four unconscious inside a vehicle parked in front of a clinic and informed the police. Police arrived at the scene, opened the vehicle, and recovered their bodies.

The four deceased brothers were Rashidul Islam, Shahedul Islam, Sirajul Islam, and Shahidul Islam.

Meanwhile, relatives confirmed this afternoon, Saturday, that the bodies of the four expatriate brothers are expected to arrive in Bangladesh next Tuesday afternoon. The victims&rsquo; relatives, the Bangladesh Embassy, and leaders of the Chattogram Association Oman have completed arrangements to bring all four bodies home on the same flight.

Even after three days, their mother Khadija Begum has still not been told that her sons are dead. She has only been informed that they are ill and receiving treatment in hospital. Since hearing that they were sick, she herself has fallen ill. Fearing that she would not be able to bear the shock of the news in her current physical condition, the family has withheld the truth from her.

To ensure that no relatives or neighbours accidentally inform her, her only surviving son, Mohammad Enam (32), has locked the gate of the house. Enam lives with his mother in Rangunia, Chattogram.

Friday afternoon, local BNP Member of Parliament Hummam Quader Chowdhury visited the Lalanagar Bandarajpara Mosque in Rangunia, offered prayers, and spoke with relatives of the deceased brothers. He said initiatives would be taken to bring the bodies home and also promised support for the family.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Nazmul Hasan, local BNP and affiliated organisation leaders, and prominent local residents accompanied Hummam Quader Chowdhury during the visit.

Meanwhile, burial arrangements for the four brothers have already been decided. They will be buried side by side in the graveyard. Emran Hossain, a maternal cousin of the deceased brothers, told that the impoverished family had begun to see financial stability through the remittances sent by the brothers abroad.

Mohammad Yasin Chowdhury, president of the Chattogram Association Oman, told, After the deaths of the four brothers, we have been in constant contact with the embassy and the Omani government. About 80 per cent of the process to send the bodies home quickly has been completed. We hope the bodies of all four brothers will be sent together on a flight from Oman to Bangladesh next Tuesday afternoon.

He said the expenses for repatriating the bodies would be borne by the victims&rsquo; relatives and the Chattogram Association Oman. Since the incident was not a road accident, the Omani government will not cover the costs. All four deceased were between 25 and 35 years old.

Following the incident, the Royal Oman Police urged everyone not to sleep inside enclosed vehicles because of the risk of suffocation from toxic gas.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Sat, 16 May 2026 18:00:10 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Padma Barrage: Tk 344.97b project approved]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/padma-barrage-tk-34497b-project-approved/13414" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/padma-barrage-tk-34497b-project-approved/13414</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The government has undertaken the &lsquo;Padma Barrage (1st Phase)&rsquo; project involving an estimated cost of over Tk 344.97 billion to restore major river systems, reduce salinity intrusion and strengthen irrigation and ecological sustainability across large parts of the country.

The government approved the mega project at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) held today at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat with ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair.

Recommended by the Planning Commission, the project was placed before the day&#39;s ECNEC meeting for approval aimed at reviving river systems, reducing salinity intrusion in the southwest, improving irrigation facilities, and restoring ecological balance in the Sundarbans.

The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Water Resources and to be implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), has been estimated at over Tk 344.97 billion and will be fully financed through government funding (GoB grant). The implementation period has been set from July 2026 to June 2033.

Talking to reporters after the day&#39;s ECNEC meeting, Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee termed this Padma Barrage project as an important one for the nation, adding that it would benefit one thirds of the country&#39;s area and nearly around 70 million people. &quot;Since this project has huge public importance and was framed considering the interests of people, it was approved by the ECNEC.&quot;

According to the Planning Commission, the project will cover 19 districts under Khulna, Dhaka, Rajshahi and Barishal divisions.

The project has been designed to restore the flow and navigability of major river systems, including the Hisna-Mathabhanga, Gorai-Madhumati, Chandana-Barashia, Baral and Ichamati rivers, which have experienced severe degradation over the decades.

Officials said the project also aims to reduce salinity intrusion in the southwestern districts of Satkhira, Khulna and Bagerhat, ensure freshwater supply for the Sundarbans ecosystem, improve biodiversity conservation, reduce waterlogging in areas including Bhobodah in Jashore, enhance drainage systems, recharge groundwater and reduce arsenic contamination.

The project is also expected to expand irrigation facilities in southwestern, mid-western and northwestern regions through support to the ongoing Ganges-Kobadak (G-K) Irrigation Project and the proposed North Rajshahi Irrigation Project. In addition, the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities and facilitate planned land development and urbanization.

The Planning Commission said the project is consistent with the government&#39;s Election Manifesto-2026, particularly commitments related to implementing the Padma Barrage, preventing river erosion, conserving water resources, reducing salinity in agricultural lands, ensuring flood protection, restoring natural water flow through dredging programs and improving irrigation efficiency.

Under the project, a 2.1-kilometre main Padma Barrage along with associated infrastructure will be constructed. The infrastructure includes 78 spillways, 18 undersluices, 2 fish passes, navigation locks, guide embankments and approach embankments.

The project will also include construction of Gorai, Chandana and Hisna offtake structures, dredging of 135.60 kilometres of the Gorai-Madhumati River system, re-excavation of 246.46 kilometres of drainage channels in the Hisna river system and construction of 180 kilometres of afflux embankments.

Two hydropower plants are also planned under the project with combined generation capacity of 113 megawatts.

Once the project is implemented, it is expected to contribute 0.45 percent to the country&#39;s GDP with a direct annual expected return of Tk 80 billion. Besides, necessary irrigation water facilities would be ensured for around 2.88 million hectares of net farm land in greater Kushtia, Faridpur, Jashore, Khulna, Barishal, Pabna and Rajshahi regions side by side the barrage would help retain 2900 million cubic meter water in the Padma River.

According to the project background paper, Bangladesh&#39;s southwestern and northwestern Padma-dependent areas account for nearly 37 per cent of the country&#39;s territory and are home to around one-third of the population.

The document noted that India constructed the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal during the 1970s to divert 35,000-40,000 cusecs of water from the Padma/Ganges during the dry season to the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River system in order to improve navigability of the Kolkata Port.

As a result of upstream water withdrawal at Farakka, dry-season flow in the Padma River within Bangladesh has declined significantly, causing major river systems in the southwest and northwest to dry up. Consequently, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, navigation, domestic water availability and the broader ecosystem in these regions have been severely affected.

The Planning Commission observed that reduced freshwater flow has also increased salinity levels in rivers and canals in the southern region during the dry season, posing growing threats to livelihoods, biodiversity and the Sundarbans ecosystem.

The commission emphasized that sustainable water resource management is essential for increasing agricultural, forestry and fisheries productivity and ensuring balanced economic growth in greater Rajshahi, Pabna, Kushtia, Jashore, Khulna, Faridpur and Barishal regions, where the Padma remains the primary source of surface freshwater.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Wed, 13 May 2026 17:21:51 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[PM urges students to help maintain stability in universities]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/pm-urges-students-to-help-maintain-stability-in-universities/13413" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/pm-urges-students-to-help-maintain-stability-in-universities/13413</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today Tuesday (12 may) called upon the university students to help maintain stability on the campuses to build the nation and move the country forward.

The premier made the call while exchanging views with Dhaka University (DU) students at Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium at the Social Sciences Faculty on the campus here this noon.

Tarique Rahman also urged students to learn a third language in addition to Bangla and English so that they can avail employment opportunities in different countries across the world.
Around 150 students took part in the event.

At the programme, the Prime Minister responded to different questions from the students regarding accommodation shortage in dormitories and inadequate number of seats in university libraries.

Replying to a question from Kaberi Azad, a master&rsquo;s student of the Department of Drawing and Painting, Tarique Rahman said political stability is essential for building institutions and ensuring sustainable national development.

People expect rapid change and development, but everything has to be built gradually within a stable environment, he added.

For that, a stable environment is necessary, and I believe every student can play an important role in this regard, the premier said, urging the students to build public opinion gradually in this regard through social media or any other platforms.

It is natural that the political parties will engage in politics. However, the main center of politics should be parliament. We have done many things through street politics. But now stability must come. Politics should move to parliament. Nothing can be built simply through street agitation, he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of discussion, dialogue and thoughtful decision to build the country.

To build something, stability is essential. Discussion is necessary. We must think carefully before taking action. We need your (university students) cooperation in this regard because the future is yours. You have to be strong on these issues and be vocal in protest when necessary, Tarique Rahman said, addressing the DU students.  

Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated a daylong national workshop at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on the DU campus this morning.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) organised the workshop titled `Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence&rsquo; with the aim of making the country&rsquo;s higher education system more modern, inclusive and sustainable.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Tue, 12 May 2026 17:35:18 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[PM instructs police to treat offenders as criminals, not by political identity]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/pm-instructs-police-to-treat-offenders-as-criminals-not-by-political-identity/13412" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/pm-instructs-police-to-treat-offenders-as-criminals-not-by-political-identity/13412</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Reaffirming the government&rsquo;s uncompromising stance against corruption, terrorism and misrule, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today, Monday (11 nay), directed police officials to treat offenders strictly as criminals, regardless of their political identity.

While performing duties to combat corruption and terrorism, many times you may face pressure for their political identity and influence. Today, I want to make it clear that you should not consider anyone&rsquo;s political identity. Whoever commits a crime must be treated as a criminal, he added. 

The prime minister further said, The application of law should be equal for all. You are not the protectors of any individual or political party; rather you are the protectors of the law. You should perform your duties to serve the state and the people as well.

Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the remarks while addressing senior police officers at the Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO) in the capital this morning, Monday, on the occasion of Police Week 2026.

Noting that the role of police is indispensable in building a strong, accountable, lawful and people-friendly state system, the prime minister reiterated that the government does not want to compromise with corruption, terrorism and misrule.

At this moment, you are playing a direct role in maintaining law and order at field level across the country. So, if you can successfully fulfill the responsibilities entrusted with you, the current government will also move one step forward toward establishing a safer Bangladesh. Despite our limitations, if we can move forward utilising our capabilities, we will succeed, he said.

Stating that the types of crimes have increased due to technological advancement and changing patterns of crime, the prime minister said, As the patterns of crime have changed, the scope of police activities has also become broader and more extensive. So, police operations are no longer limited to cities, towns or districts as they were decades ago.

Transnational organised crime is now a global reality, Tarique Rahman said, adding, Therefore, every one of our police officers needs to be multi-skilled. This is the demand of the time. In such a reality, not just certain positions, but every post in the police administration is very important. Thus, it is important to have a professional mindset to work in all positions in the administration.

About the posting based on personal preference, he said if anyone compromises professionalism only for promotion or posting in his or her preferred places, he or she may gain temporary satisfaction, but it is still a compromise of professionalism. 

Therefore, my special request to you is that you should carry out whatever responsibilities are assigned to you in the police administration with seriousness. Only then will we be able to ensure an efficient, dynamic and professional police administration, the prime minister said.

Reminding that power is not permanent, he said, No government is permanent - we are in government for five years. Likewise, no administrative or police position is permanent for anyone. That&rsquo;s why I do not want to treat today&rsquo;s meeting merely as a formality. Rather, let this meeting become a moment of important commitment for the future direction of maintaining law and order in the country.

Emphasising that there is no alternative to an efficient, brave, honest and impartial police administration for a government&rsquo;s success, the prime minister said, When people face any danger, they first go to the police. I believe that if the police act sincerely, many incidents can be resolved at an early stage through legal and strategic actions.

Referring to the post-5 August situation, he said over the past one and a half years, the police have strategically handled various difficult situations and have successfully controlled mob violence in many cases.

Stating that the government wants to transform the police into a truly people-friendly force, Tarique Rahman said this government wants a police administration that will be people-friendly and trusted by citizens. 

In any country, people generally consider the police as a mirror of the government. Therefore, when the police succeed, it is also treated as the success of the government, he added.

Stressing that the relationship between the police and the people should be both lawful and humane, the prime minister said, Alongside other duties, a significant amount of your time is spent dealing with political instability, and that too is part of your responsibility.

The current government of course wants to ensure democratic political rights for the people. However, we all must remain alert so that no one can disrupt communal harmony or engage in sabotage acts, he added.

Reiterating that the government will fully implement its election manifesto and the July Charter, the prime minister said there should be no confusion that this government is firmly committed to implementing every clause and every promise of the election manifesto and the July Charter signed before the people.

The government&rsquo;s goal is to bring every citizen regardless of their political beliefs under the protection of the state&rsquo;s social security framework, he said, adding, The safety of the people must be the police&rsquo;s first consideration. Therefore, they must carry out the responsibilities assigned to them with seriousness and sincerity. Only then we will be able to build an efficient, dynamic, and professional police force.

The prime minister noted that economic inequality is one of the major causes behind criminal activity in society. Therefore, after assuming the office, this government has undertaken various initiatives to reduce economic disparity and ensure social and economic security for the citizens, he said.

Stating that the government will continue its work to ensure welfare of the police, Tarique Rahman said, Honesty, merit, and efficiency will be the core principles in recruitment, transfers, and postings in the administration. We know police duties are not confined to fixed hours. 

The way people evaluate the government largely depends on police behaviour and activities, he said, adding, The state expects honesty, efficiency, service, justice, professionalism, and humanity from the police. If you can uphold these values, then the slogan- &lsquo;Amaar Police, Amar Desh, Sobar Agee Bangladesh (My Police, My Country; Bangladesh First)&rsquo;- will truly be successful and meaningful. 

Let&rsquo;s all move forward from our respective positions for the country, the nation, and the people, the prime minister said.

The programme began with the recitation from the religious scripts. A documentary was screened highlighting the sacrifices and contributions of police members during the Liberation War and in national crises, as well as initiatives taken by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia to modernise the police force.

At the event, police officials presented their various demands before the prime minister and assured that Bangladesh Police is always ready to support the government in maintaining peace and order in the country.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Home Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir and Additional IGP AKM Awlad Hossain spoke at the programme.

Later, the prime minister took part in a photo session with police officers in front of the Tiger Gate of the PMO.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman opened the four-day Police Week-2026 on Sunday through a colorful ceremony at the Rajarbagh Police Lines ground in the capital.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 11 May 2026 16:53:36 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Kishoreganj youth fighting for Russian forces killed in Ukrainian drone strike]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/kishoreganj-youth-fighting-for-russian-forces-killed-in-ukrainian-drone-strike/13410" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/kishoreganj-youth-fighting-for-russian-forces-killed-in-ukrainian-drone-strike/13410</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[A youth named Md Riyad Rashid (28) from Kishoreganj had gone to fight against Ukraine on behalf of the Russian army. He was killed in a drone strike by opposing forces, according to one of his friends who was stationed in the same Russian military camp.

Riyad Rashid was the son of Abdur Rashid from Majhirkona village in Jafarabad union of Karimganj upazila in the district. News of his death has cast a shadow of grief over the family home.

Family sources said that around 7:00 pm yesterday Friday, Riyad Rashid&rsquo;s friend Limon Dutta informed them of the death through Facebook Messenger. Limon Dutta, a resident of Narsingdi district, had been in the same military camp in Russia with Riyad.

Riyad&rsquo;s cousin Zahirul Islam said Limon Dutta told them that a drone strike took place on 2 May near the Ukraine border controlled by Russia. Two Bangladeshi soldiers and one Nigerian soldier were killed in the attack, while three others were injured. Limon Dutta himself lost a leg in the strike and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital there. Yesterday, after confirming Riyad Rashid&rsquo;s death, Limon informed the family.

It was learned that Riyad was the fourth among five siblings. He had gone to Russia in October 2024 to work for a company. On 7 April this year, Riyad and many other Bangladeshis joined the Russian army. His batch number was 735.

Zahirul Islam further said the family last spoke with Riyad Rashid on 28 April. Riyad&rsquo;s body has still not been found.

Riyad Rashid&rsquo;s father, former teacher of Jafarabad High School Abdur Rashid, said tearfully, Riyad did not tell me about joining the army. Had I known, I would never have allowed my son to join. We still cannot find his body. They say it may have been completely destroyed in the drone strike. How can a father endure such pain?

Chairman of Jafarabad union Abu Sadat Md Sayem said, Riyad Rashid was like a younger brother. After hearing the news, I went to his home. The entire family is devastated with grief. I do not know how to console them in this situation. The government should stand beside the family.

Officer in charge of Karimganj Police Station Md Emranul Kabir said police visited Riyad Rashid&rsquo;s home after receiving the news. They confirmed the death through family sources.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Sat, 09 May 2026 18:47:20 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Govt declares seven-day Eid-ul-Adha holiday]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/govt-declares-seven-day-eid-ul-adha-holiday/13406" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/govt-declares-seven-day-eid-ul-adha-holiday/13406</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The government has declared a seven-day holiday for Eid-ul-Adha, from 25-31 May.

The decision was announced following a Cabinet meeting held at the Secretariat tonight (7 May) with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair.

However, the weekly holiday on Saturday (23 May) has been cancelled and offices will remain open.

The information was disclosed in a press release issued by the Cabinet Division.

Besides, the cabinet meeting approved the draft of the `National Public Toilet Policy 2026.&rsquo;

Its main objectives are to raise public awareness regarding the use, maintenance and cleanliness of public toilets; ensure easy access to hygienic and standard public toilet facilities across the country to improve public health and sanitation standards; and guarantee user-friendly toilet facilities for women, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and marginalised communities.

In addition, the policy aims to ensure effective management models and financing for the long-term functionality and sustainability of the public toilet system, as well as establish effective mechanisms for monitoring, evaluating, and updating the policy as needed to keep it relevant over time.

To raise awareness among students about hygienic toilet usage, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Local Government Division, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will undertake necessary initiatives.

Infrastructure development projects must include the construction of separate toilets for women. Construction of septic tanks for waste storage in all toilets will be mandatory, and under no circumstances will toilet waste be allowed to flow into rivers, canals, wetlands, or other water bodies and cause water pollution.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Thu, 07 May 2026 18:05:35 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Govt sends 16 more DIGs, One additional DIG into forced retirement]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/govt-sends-16-more-digs-one-additional-dig-into-forced-retirement/13402" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/govt-sends-16-more-digs-one-additional-dig-into-forced-retirement/13402</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[The government has placed 16 deputy inspector generals (DIGs) and one additional DIG of the Bangladesh Police into forced retirement in a fresh administrative reshuffle.

The decision was announced today (3 May) through a notification signed by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Monzur Morshed Chowdhury, by order of the president.

According to the notification, the officers, belonging to the BCS (Police) cadre, have been retired from government service in the public interest under Section 45 of the Government Service Act, 2018.

The notification also states that the officials will receive retirement benefits in accordance with existing rules.

Earlier, on 22 April, the government sent 11 DIGs and two additional DIGs into forced retirement.

Those retired include DIG of the Anti-Terrorism Unit Mofiz Uddin Ahmed, DIG of Highway Police Imtiaz Ahmed, and DIG of CID Md. Habibur Rahman, DIG (TR) at Police Headquarters, Saleh Mohammad Tanvir, Director of National Security Intelligence (NSI), Md Harun-or-Rashid, and DIG of Dhaka Police Staff College SM Akhtaruzzaman, reports UNB.

Besides, Commandant (DIG) of Noakhali PTC, Md Haidar Ali Khan, Commandant of Khulna PTC, Md Mahbubur Rahman Bhuiya, DIG of Tourist Police, Md Ruhul Amin, DIG of Highway Police, Md Rafiqul Hasan Gani, DIG of River Police, Md Mizanur Rahman, and Commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police, Md. Majid Ali.

The list further includes DIG at Police Headquarters, Kazi Zia Uddin; DIG of Railway Police, Md Golam Rauf Khan; Commandant of Rangpur PTC, Sheikh Mohammad Rezaul Haider; and DIG of Highway Police, Rakhfar Sultana Khanam.

In the same order, Superintendent of Police (Supernumerary Additional DIG) of Railway Police Farhat Ahmed has also been sent into retirement.

sunnews/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Wed, 06 May 2026 17:50:17 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
    </feed>
