United News of Bangladesh

Director General of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Pema Gyamtsho on Thursday said the future of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) depends on collaboration across borders, sectors, and generations, stressing that cooperation is their only realistic strategy. "Mountains ignore political borders. Rivers do not stop at national frontiers. Glaciers do not melt according to geopolitics," he said marking the International Mountain Day that falls on December 11. ICIMOD is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre working on behalf of the people of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and they work for eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Gyamtsho, who grew up believing that mountains are eternal, said fragmented action in mountain regions is not only inadequate, but it is also dangerous. "The future of the HKH depends on collaboration across borders, sectors, and generations. This is not only an environmental imperative, it is a question of stability, security, and peace," he said. The ICIMOD DG said they stand at a crossroads: choose reactive crisis response, or proactive resilience building. "The glaciers that shaped us are changing rapidly; our response must be faster still." On this International Mountain Day, he called on governments, development partners, businesses, researchers, and citizens to treat mountains with respect and care for their sustainability as a shared responsibility. The ICIMOD DG called for investing urgently in mountain resilience funding cryosphere protection as a global necessity supporting communities as custodians of climate solutions protecting our water towers, not only in words, but through action Because protecting glaciers is not about saving ice. "It is about saving lives, livelihoods, cultures, and possibilities," he said, adding that the mountains have sustained them for centuries. "Let us act now to help them sustain our future generations." The ICIMOD DG said mountains have taught them so much - they have taught resilience, standing firm against storms. "They have taught humility, reminding us that ambition must respect nature’s limits. They have taught patience, that real change, like geological time, demands persistence. Above all, they have taught balance: to take only what we need, and give back more than we take," he mentioned. Gyamtsho said mountains are eternal and their silence felt powerful, their glaciers unshakeable. "Like many across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), I never saw them as geological formations, but as guardians, sanctuaries of our rivers, our forests, and our lives. Today, I know those silent giants are speaking louder than ever, and we cannot afford to ignore them," Gyamtsho mentioned. He said this year’s theme for International Mountain Day, ‘Glaciers matter for water, food, and livelihoods in mountains and beyond’, is deeply personal to him, not only as someone working for mountain sustainability, but as someone shaped by these landscapes and protected by their generosity. In the HKH, glaciers are not just symbols of beauty or adventure, they are custodians of daily life, silently feeding the taps in our homes and watering the fields that sustain our communities, said the ICIMOD DG. He said the HKH is a global treasure and holds the largest volume of snow and ice outside the Arctic and Antarctica, home to more than 54,000 glaciers, nearly 9% of the world’s total. These frozen reservoirs feed ten major rivers that support over two billion people downstream. From farms and fisheries to hydropower, remote villages, towns, cities, and megacities, our lives are shaped by what happens to these rivers and the glaciers that feed them. "We often treat glaciers as metaphors. In our region, they are infrastructure: natural water tanks that secure food, energy, and human security. To protect them is not just to save their majestic forms, but also to safeguard the future of economies, cultures, and generations," Gyamtsho said. But they are disappearing faster than expected. Glacier mass loss in the HKH has increased by 65% in just one decade. "If emissions continue as they are, we could lose up to 80% of our ice by the end of this century," he said. Gyamtsho said the science continues to warn them and the HKH Snow Update 2025 shows: three consecutive years of below-average snow across key basins dangerously reduced spring snow shifts in snowmelt already disrupting agriculture, hydropower, and daily life For farmers, he said, this means less water for crops. For families, greater struggle to access clean water. For downstream regions, it threatens food, water, and energy security while increasing disaster risks for millions. "Yet I want to pause here, because urgency does not mean hopelessness," said Gyamtsho. Across the HKH, he witnesses extraordinary resilience: farmers adopting climate-smart irrigation, women leading community-based restoration, and youth mapping glacial lakes with drones. "Governments are beginning to recognise that mountains no longer remain in the realm of peripheral references in national discourses, but they are being recognised as national priorities," he said, noting that mountain communities have already shown great resilience to devastating changes. "What we need now is to scale up the investment to match the urgency. Cooperation is our only realistic strategy," Gyamtsho said.  

The country’s stock markets witnessed a mixed performance in the first half of Thursday’s trading session, with key indices at both the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) fluctuating between gains and losses. At the DSE, the benchmark DSEX edged up by 1 point, while the Shariah-based DSES dropped by 2 points and the blue-chip DS30 declined by 3 points. A total of 219 companies saw price gains against 91 that declined, while prices of 80 issues remained unchanged. The turnover at the bourse surpassed Tk 200 crore during the first half of the session. Meanwhile, trading at the CSE moved into negative territory as the overall index fell by 15 points. Despite the index decline, most issues at the port city bourse posted gains, with 41 companies advancing, 34 losing and 17 remaining unchanged. The turnover at the CSE exceeded Tk 5 crore in early trading.  

The Embassy of Algeria in Bangladesh on Thursday commemorated the ‘Demonstrations of December 11, 1960’, an important event in Algeria’s fight for independence. The ceremony was held with great honor and pride, highlighting the sacrifices made by the Algerian people in their struggle against French colonial rule. The event began with the hoisting of the Algerian National Flag at the embassy premises, a powerful symbol of national pride and sovereignty. This was followed by a one-minute silence to honour the martyrs who gave their lives during the December 11, 1960 demonstrations, whose bravery continues to inspire generations. The commemoration proceeded with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Moulana Mohammad Anowarul Haque, who prayed for the heroes of the demonstrations, followed by another Quranic recitation by Moulana Masud Ahmed. In his speech, Abdelouahab Saidani, the Ambassador of Algeria to Bangladesh, reflected on the historical significance of the December 11, 1960 protests. He recalled how the courageous Algerians rose up against the French colonial regime, just as French President Charles de Gaulle visited Algeria to promote his ‘third way’ plan that offered partial sovereignty but rejected true independence. Ambassador Saidani emphasised that the harsh repression faced by the protesters only fueled their determination for independence. The violent response from the French forces, including mass arrests and killings, served to unite the Algerian people and draw international attention to their cause. This collective resistance ultimately led to Algeria gaining its independence. The Ambassador further emphasised that the events of December 11, 1960, not only solidified Algerian unity but also led to the recognition of Algeria’s right to self-determination by the United Nations, eventually pressuring France into negotiations and ending colonial rule. Today, Algeria stands as a sovereign nation committed to progress and prosperity through innovation, unity, and a diversified economy. Ambassador Saidani praised Algeria’s advancements in various sectors, particularly in empowering the youth, while also honoring the brave martyrs who paved the way for the country’s freedom. Drawing a parallel between Algeria’s struggle and Bangladesh’s own history of resistance, the ambassador underscored the shared values of dignity and self-determination that bind the two nations. He called for continued cooperation between Algeria and Bangladesh, especially in the fields of trade, education, technology, and renewable energy, and paid tribute to the enduring friendship between the two countries. The ceremony concluded with the screening of a documentary film showcasing the history and significance of the December 11, 1960 demonstrations, paying homage to the brave souls who contributed to Algeria’s independence. Members of civil society, respected individuals from various sectors, Bangladesh Scouts, journalists from various media houses and prominent business leaders from across the country attended the event.  

Bangladesh and Australia have identified new avenues for cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, skills partnership and technology sharing, blue economy, artificial intelligence, cyber security and anti–money laundering initiatives. The issues were discussed at the 6th round of Senior Officials’ Talks (SOT) between Bangladesh and Australia held in Dhaka on Wednesday. Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (Bilateral–East and West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Government of Australia led the respective delegations. With the commitment to strengthen the ever growing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, the 6th SOT was held in a ‘warm and cordial’ atmosphere, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday. The discussion featured constructive, forward-looking exchanges covering a wide spectrum of bilateral relations including sectoral cooperation, trade and investment, development partnership, migration and mobility, maritime cooperation, multilateral engagement, climate change and people-to-people linkages. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual interest, including the Indo-Pacific, IORA engagements, and the Rohingya situation. First Assistant Secretary Storey reiterated Australia’s continued support to the Interim Government and its reform initiatives. About the upcoming General Election, she conveyed that Australia looks forward to a free and fair election and democratic transition in Bangladesh, including extending full support to the Bangladeshi expatriates for the postal voting. Storey highlighted Australian Government’s priority areas in its relations with Bangladesh namely expansion of people to people linkages, growth of trade and investment, implementation of development partnership, support Bangladesh in managing Rohingyas, defence and security cooperation, Indo Pacific cooperation.  

A 40-year-old housewife was killed allegedly by a gang of thieves at Shimlapolli in Sarishabari municipality area of Jamalpur district early Thursday. The deceased was identified as Lipi Begum, wife of Mohor Ali, assistant sub-inspector of Rab-2 in Mohammadpur area of the capital. Bachhu Mia, officer-in-charge of Sarishabari Police Station, said a group of thieves entered the house of Mohor Ali around 2:30 am after breaking open the grill of a window. Sensing the presence of the thieves, Lipi tried to resist them. At one stage, the thieves strangulated her with a scarf, leaving her dead on the spot and left the place. Hearing screams from other house inmates, local people rushed in and took Lipi to Sarishabari Upazila Health Complex where the doctors declared her dead. On information, police rushed to the spot and sent the bodies to Jamalpur General Hospital morgue.  

An activist of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) was killed in a clash reportedly between two factions of the BNP in Baraiyarhat municipality under Mirsarai upazila of Chattogram district early Thursday. The victim, Gazi Tahmid Khan, 25, died around 12:30am while undergoing treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital. According to locals, the clash broke out between followers of former BNP municipality unit convener Didarul Alam Miazi at the Traffic Point area on Wednesday evening, leaving several people injured. Tahmid was initially taken to Baraiyarhat General Hospital and later transferred to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Kazi Nazmul Haque, officer-in-charge of Zorarganj Police Station, said a police team rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. One of the injured was taken to Chattogram and later died, he said, adding that they would investigate the incident if any complaint is lodged. He also said no case has been filed so far in connection with the clash. Locals said Tahmid was previously involved in the anti-discrimination student movement in northern Chattogram and later served as organising secretary of Islami Chhatra Andolan (Charmonai) under Zorarganj Police Station. Recently, he joined Chhatra Dal in his locality.      

Within a span of five minutes, Sylhet experienced two mild earthquakes early Thursday, triggering panic among people. The first quake struck at 2:20:31 am followed by a second at 2:25:14 am, Shah Md Sajib Hossain, assistant meteorologist of the Sylhet Seismic Observatory Centre, said on Thursday morning. No damage or casualties were reported so far, he said. According to the Seismic Observatory of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the first quake measured 3.5 on the Richter scale, with its epicentre reported to be in Beanibazar upazila of Sylhet district. Mild earthquake jolts parts of Bangladesh The second tremor, measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale, originated from Borolekha upazila in neighbouring Moulvibazar district, according to the BMD. Bangladesh had recently experienced several earthquakes, with the epicentre in Narsingdi, raising concerns among people across the country.

For nearly 20 long hours, the people of Koelhat village in Tanore upazila have been living in fear, worry and helplessness.  Two-year-old Sajid, who slipped into an abandoned deep tube well pipe on Wednesday afternoon, is still missing underground, and rescue teams have yet to reach him. By 9:30am on Thursday, firefighters said there was still no sign of movement inside the pipe.  The long night that passed brought no relief. Sajid’s family and villagers stayed awake, their faces stiff with hope and anxiety. The Fire Service said the little boy fell into an 8-inch-wide pipe, too narrow for anyone to enter.  Rescuers dug a larger hole beside it, using three excavators to create a tunnel that could lead to the child. But even after hours of work, they have not been able to find him, said Didarul Alam, Assistant Director of the Rajshahi Fire Service. “We are trying every possible method,” he told UNB on Thursday morning from the site, his voice carrying the weight of the tense rescue effort. A special camera was lowered into the pipe to look for Sajid, but it got stuck around 40 feet deep. It showed no trace of the child.  Fire Service officials believe he may be somewhere around that depth, and they are continuously supplying oxygen into the pipe in an effort to keep him alive. Witnesses had earlier reported hearing faint sounds from inside the pipe soon after the accident.  But by nightfall, the cries fell silent, leaving rescuers and villagers deeply worried about whether the child is still alive. The tragedy began around 1pm on Wednesday, when Sajid was walking behind his mother on their way home.     

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed left the Secretariat around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday after being held for nearly six hours by non-cadre service staff. He was escorted out with police assistance. The mostly non-cadre service employees had confined Dr. Ahmed in his office on the fourth floor of Building 11 from 2:30 p.m., insisting on a 20 percent “Secretariat Allowance” for all staff employed there. Before releasing him, a specialized police unit entered the office and attempted to disperse the staff using bamboo sticks, leading to scuffles between the protesters and police. Staff members raised slogans against the authorities during the confrontation. Ministry of Finance sources said a government notification regarding the Secretariat allowance for employees will be issued on Thursday. One of the protesters confirmed that they left the office after receiving assurance that the notification would be issued by 3pm on Thursday. The protest began around 2:30 pm, led by Badiul Kabir, president of a section of the Secretariat Employees’ Association. Protesters remained outside the adviser’s office, chanting slogans and demanding the allowance, insisting they would not leave until the Gazette notification was issued. Additional law enforcement personnel were deployed around the adviser’s office and on the lower floors of Building 11 during the standoff, with some officers moving to the fourth floor after evening.

The body of a Bangladeshi man, who went missing after illegally crossing into India, was recovered from a river in West Bengal on Wednesday. The deceased, Tasir Ali, 31, son of Ibrahim Haque from Bakher Ali Westpara in Char Bagdanga Union of Chapainawabganj Sadar, went missing three days ago while crossing the border at night with several others for suspected smuggling purposes. While the group managed to escape after being chased by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), Tasir Ali did not return. On Wednesday afternoon, locals spotted a body floating in the Bhagirathi River near Baijitpur in Gangipur, Malda district, about seven kilometers inside India, and informed the authorities. Indian police recovered the body and took it to the Gangipur Subdivision Hospital. Lt. Col. Kazi Mustafizur Rahman, commander of the 53rd BGB Battalion in Chapainawabganj, said Tasir Ali had been missing for three days. His family informed the BGB that the Indian police had recovered the body. The exact cause of death remains unknown, and the matter has been reported to the BSF. The handover of the body to Bangladeshi authorities will be conducted through formal diplomatic channels after discussions between the two border forces.