DHAKA: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said the government has placed law enforcement and security agencies on high alert ahead of August 5 to ensure public safety and maintain law and order across the country

“All necessary measures have been taken to ensure a peaceful and secure environment across the country ahead of August 5,” he said while speaking to journalists at the Home Ministry in Bangladesh Secretariat here.

The heightened security measures are part of routine precautionary steps taken in view of the significance of the day and prevailing security considerations, he said.

Ahmed said the Home Ministry has issued specific directives to police and other security agencies to strengthen vigilance and remain fully prepared to respond to any untoward situation.

As part of the instructions, police vehicles have been directed not to remain unattended, while security personnel have been advised to maintain continuous vigilance to ensure uninterrupted monitoring and rapid response capability.

Ahmed said a high-level coordination meeting involving the government, law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders will be held to review the overall security situation and finalize necessary arrangements for August 5.

The minister also referred to the recent recovery of bomb-like objects in Motijheel and Ashulia, describing the incidents as attempts to create panic and disrupt social harmony.

He said a coordinated investigation is underway to identify those responsible and determine whether there are any links between the incidents.

Ahmed added that intelligence and law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the activities of banned organizations and certain groups operating from abroad.

Further details will be disclosed once the ongoing investigations are completed, he said.

New York: The first-ever New York Bengali Film Festival concluded successfully after a four-day celebration of Bengali cinema, drawing enthusiastic participation from the Bangladeshi diaspora and local film enthusiasts. Held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, the festival featured a vibrant showcase of films, cultural performances and an awards ceremony.

The festival was jointly organized by Priyojon Films and Lemon Studio, with support from the American Bangladeshi Producers Association. All County Home Care served as one of the event’s principal sponsors.

During the first three days, audiences enjoyed a diverse selection of short films, documentaries and feature films by filmmakers from Bangladesh and North America. The strong turnout reflected the continued passion of expatriate Bangladeshis for Bengali cinema despite living abroad.

The closing ceremony featured a red carpet reception, cultural performances and an awards presentation attended by prominent Bangladeshi entertainment personalities, including actors Zayed Khan, Kazi Maruf, Emon, Sojol and Bindu, as well as popular singer Pratik Hasan. Members of the Bangladeshi community in New York welcomed the opportunity to meet their favorite artists in person.

The festival recognized outstanding achievements in Bengali cinema from 2023 to 2025 across multiple categories.

Actor Shakib Khan won the Best Actor award for his performance in Priyotoma, while Shabnam Bubly was named Best Actress for Deyaler Desh. Hridi Haq received the Best Director award for 1971 Shei Shob Din.

Among the other major winners, Chanchal Chowdhury received the Best Supporting Actor award for Toofan, while Sanjida Preeti won Best Supporting Actress for 1971 Shei Shob Din. Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya, directed by Shihab Shaheen, was named Best Web Film.

Other award recipients included Mamunun Emon (Maya), Afsana Ara Bindu (Unish 20), child actors Kazi Arisha (Green Card) and Nairita Hasin Roudromoyi (Jongli), singers Balam, Pritom Hasan and Avanti Sithi, story writer Dr. Enamul Haque, screenwriters Nazim Ud Daula and Raihan Rafi, cinematographers Suman Sarkar and Sahel Rony, editors Simit Roy Antor and Kamruzzaman Rony, sound recordist Ripon Nath, lyricists Asif Iqbal and Someshwar Oli, composer Prince Mahmud, and music director Imon Saha.

In the film categories, Lost won Best Short Film, while Songs for a Country was named Best Documentary.

Veteran actor Ahmed Sharif received the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bengali cinema. Special honors were also presented to Bioscope Films, Star Cineplex, and the streaming platform Chorki for their contributions to the growth and promotion of the Bangladeshi film industry.

According to the organizers, the festival aims not only to screen films but also to strengthen the connection between the younger Bangladeshi diaspora and Bengali cinema while expanding the global reach of Bangladesh’s film industry.

Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural edition, organizers, filmmakers and audiences expressed optimism that next year’s festival will be even larger, with broader international participation and greater opportunities to showcase Bengali cinema on the world stage.

Shibbir Ahmed, UN, New York: Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, UN peacekeeping and international cooperation during a visit by a delegation from the United States Army War College to the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations today.

Welcoming the delegation Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury underscored the country’s longstanding engagement with the UN, rooted in its constitutional commitment to international peace and security. He noted that Bangladesh remains one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping Operations, with Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving with distinction in some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones.

The Ambassador briefed the delegation on the activities of Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission including its engagement to build on its legacies in peacekeeping, sustainable development, women empowerment and climate justice. Reaffirming Bangladesh’s strong support for the United Nations, Ambassador Chowdhury stressed that dialogue, compromise and consensus-building remain essential to addressing contemporary global challenges and strengthening international cooperation.

Shibbir Ahmed, UN, New York: Bangladesh called for stronger global cooperation to curb irregular migration, protect migrant rights and ensure fair recruitment, decent work and fair wages for migrant workers.

Speaking at the General Debate of the Second International Migration Review Forum at United Nations Headquarters, Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury said Bangladesh was strengthening accountability and expanding migrants’ access to justice through a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach.
He said the country had formed a Migration Compact Taskforce and adopted a National Action Plan for 2026–2030 to advance safe, orderly and regular migration under the United Nations Global Compact for Migration (GCM).

The minister said Bangladesh had fulfilled seven of its 10 commitments made at the first review forum, submitted six new pledges and joined two regional initiatives, while presenting its first Voluntary National Review on GCM implementation. Describing climate change as a growing reason of migration, he called for predictable financing and technical support for climate-affected countries. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to working with partners to promote safe migration and dignified return and reintegration of migrants.

DHAKA – A delegation of Chevron Corporation today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The delegation met the Prime Minister at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this afternoon, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman.

Chevron Corporation’s Base Assets and Emerging Countries (BAEC) Division President Javier La Rosa and Chevron Bangladesh President Eric M Walker were among the delegation members.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku, Prime Minister’s Adviser for Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir and State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit were present at the meeting.

ISHWARDI, Pabna – Fuel loading has begun at the first unit of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) that paves the way for the start of experimental production at the country’s first nuclear power plant in Pabna’s Ishurdi Upazila. The uranium loading began at the first unit of the plant after 3:30pm today and the authorities said they need 21-30 days to complete the process through which the country enters the nuclear era.

“Authorities have begun loading of uranium (fuel) into the reactor of the first unit of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant (RNPP) for generating electricity,” said former project director Dr Shuwkat Akbor. “Fuel loading process will require around 21-34 days to complete. With this, production process of power plant has begun,” he said.

Initially, one percent of electricity will be generated, and later it will be two percent to 30 percent with an expected initial production of 300 MW of electricity, said a technical expert engaged in the plant said. The electricity is expected to be added to the national grid between late July and early August this year. Fakir Mahbub Anan, Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science and Technology, said all activities are being carried out according to the international standards.

“Safety is the first priority of Bangladesh. This nuclear power plant will further advance the historic relations between Dhaka and Moscow,” he while inaugurating the fuel loading ‘Physical Start-Up of Unit-1’ of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant at the project site. He said that after completion of fuel loading and others technical processes 300 MW of electricity will be commercially generated from the first unit by end July or first August.

“It will be possible to complete the whole process in stages and go into full-scale production by December this year or early next year (2027), he said. Prime Minister’s Advisor on Posts and Telecommunications Division, ICT Division and Ministry of Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad said, “Today is a significant day for Bangladesh. Bangladesh has taken a step forward in terms of technology.”

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom, Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser, Posts and Telecommunications Division, ICT Division and Ministry of Science and Technology and Md Anwar Hossain, Secretary of Ministry to Science and Technology spoke on the occasion. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sent a video message.

“Today, Bangladesh has joined the group of nations that use peaceful nuclear energy as a reliable source of sustainable development. Undoubtedly, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant will become a key element of the country’s energy system. For Rosatom, this project marks another important step in the development of the global nuclear industry and in strengthening friendly relations with our international partners. We are pleased to work together with our Bangladeshi friends in building a modern and reliable nuclear power plant and see strong prospects for further cooperation,” said Alexey Likhachev.

According to the agreement, Russia provided uranium as main fuel of the unit of the plant. Russia will also supply fuel for the entire plant. According to project details, once the Rooppur project is completed, the plant will be operated by the Nuclear Power Plant Company of Bangladesh or NPCBL. It said that manpower structure and training have been provided by Russia. Initially, the power reactor will be commissioned under Russian operators while Bangladeshis will be as collaborators and gradually take over the leadership after three years.

Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation – Rosatom’s Engineering Department constructed the RNPP with Russian Economic and Technical Assistance. The construction work is being carried out through a general agreement with the Russian Federation. Earlier, a survey agreement was signed in 2013 and a construction agreement was signed in 2015. The construction cost of the project has been estimated at $12.65 billion, with two units having a total of 2400 MW generation capacity.

The project is being implemented by Russia’s latest technology III+ VVER 1200, among the most advanced reactor designs. The key safety systems including active safety systems, passive safety systems, five layers systems and core catcher. Each unit has a generating capacity of 1200 MW. The lifespan (production time) of this power plant is 60 years. After that, this capacity will be extended for 20 years and 20 years so electricity can be generated from this project for 100 years, according to project experts.

The construction work of the first unit of this project has been completed, in which the production process has started through fuel loading. The construction work of the second unit is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Shibbir Ahmed, United Nation, New York: Bangladesh has called for renewed and strengthened global commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation at the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York today.

Speaking at the General Debate, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, stressed that despite eight decades of the United Nations, the vision of a nuclear-weapon-free world remains unfulfilled. He warned that continued nuclear proliferation poses a grave threat to international peace and security, while also undermining global development aspirations.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s firm commitment to disarmament, the Ambassador noted that the country has consistently advocated for both nuclear and conventional disarmament and has voluntarily remained non-nuclear despite being located in a nuclear-armed region.

Ambassador Chowdhury urged nuclear-weapon States to fulfil their legal obligations under Article VI of the NPT and called for the universalization of disarmament treaties. He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong commitment to advancing global disarmament through dialogue, trust-building, and collective action towards a safer world free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

Shibbir Ahmed, New York, United Nations: Bangladesh has presented its progress on implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord at the 25th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, currently being held at the United Nations Headquarters.

Speaking at the forum, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, outlined the government’s initiatives to implement the peace accord and promote the development, cultural preservation, and rights of indigenous and ethnic communities.

He emphasized that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion, ethnicity, caste, gender, or place of birth. Regarding the implementation of the peace accord, he noted that the process is ongoing through an inclusive and participatory approach. Out of the 72 provisions of the accord, 65 have been fully implemented, 3 partially implemented, and 4 are currently in progress.

Rahman also highlighted measures taken to ensure security in the CHT region, maintain environmental balance, and resolve land disputes through land surveys and management initiatives. He informed the forum about broader development efforts undertaken by the government in the region.

He further stated that the government has recently appointed a Special Assistant on ethnic affairs with the status of State Minister, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive governance and participation of indigenous communities in decision-making processes.

In addition, the government’s initiatives to reduce poverty and inequality were highlighted, including expanded social safety nets, rural infrastructure development, digital connectivity, and livelihood diversification programs.

On preserving cultural and linguistic diversity, Rahman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the unique heritage of indigenous communities. He noted ongoing efforts to expand education and healthcare services, including scholarships, multilingual and e-learning systems, district hospitals, Upazela health complexes, community clinics, and mobile medical teams.

Addressing climate change, he mentioned that the government has adopted a plan to plant two million trees in the hill districts as part of broader environmental initiatives.

The two-week session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is being held from April 20 to May 1, 2026. The Bangladesh delegation, led by Secretary Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, includes the Chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board, Major General (Retd.) Anup Kumar Chakma, along with representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of indigenous communities from both hill and plain regions.

The Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues operates under the United Nations Economic and Social Council and works on global indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health, and human rights.

Dhaka: Security has been beefed up at all airports across the country, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, following an intelligence alert over possible extremist attacks on key installations. Airport sources confirmed on Monday that surveillance has been intensified at sensitive points, particularly at Shahjalal International Airport. A warning letter issued by the Bangladesh Police headquarters prompted authorities to take immediate precautionary measures.

Following the alert, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh issued a high-level warning, instructing all law enforcement units operating at airports to strengthen security arrangements. Officials said additional personnel—both in uniform and plain clothes—have been deployed, while intelligence monitoring has been increased. Security checks at all arrival and departure points have also been tightened, with instructions to report any suspicious activity immediately.

A senior official at the airport said that although no specific threat has been identified, precautionary steps have been taken in advance. “Instructions have been given to strengthen security at all airports. This is part of our routine preparedness as well,” the official said.

He added that airports with limited nighttime operations have also been instructed to enhance security during night hours, and strict monitoring is being ensured at all entry points to prevent any lapse. The alert follows intelligence information suggesting that a banned extremist outfit may be planning coordinated attacks on key state installations.

According to an internal letter issued by police headquarters and signed by DIG (Confidential) Kamrul Ahsan, several individuals linked to the outfit have recently been in regular contact, raising concerns of a potential threat.

The letter also mentioned that two dismissed army personnel were reportedly in communication with a detained extremist suspect, Istiak Ahmed Sami, also known by aliases Abu Bakkar and Abu Mohammad. Potential targets listed in the alert include the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, as well as police and military installations, places of worship, entertainment venues and other key infrastructure.

Law enforcement officials said the group may attempt to carry out attacks using various methods, prompting heightened concern over national security. In response, police headquarters has directed all relevant agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable areas, enhance surveillance and improve intelligence coordination to prevent any potential incidents.

Jamal Uddin & Sujon KoiriSujon Koiri: Concerns over renewed militant activity in Bangladesh have intensified following the emergence of a warning letter from Police Headquarters, prompting widespread public debate over whether extremist groups, long perceived as dormant, are reorganizing and reactivating. The issue has quickly become a national talking point, raising a central question: why are militant groups appearing to resurface after years of relative silence?

According to law enforcement officials, human rights activists, and security analysts, such groups never fully disappear. Instead, they enter phases of strategic dormancy, using periods of low visibility to restructure, rebuild networks, and consolidate strength.

Experts say this so-called “silence” often reflects a calculated effort to exploit favorable political conditions, institutional weaknesses, and social vulnerabilities. Extremist groups, they note, tend to re-emerge when opportunities align.

In the past, militant organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have operated using cross-border networks. Recently, attention has turned to the Pakistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with intelligence sources indicating that possible links involving individuals within Bangladesh are under investigation.

The issue gained further urgency after a warrant officer of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), previously reported missing from a base in Chittagong, was located in a camp run by the banned TTP.

The development has prompted a comprehensive internal investigation into potential extremist infiltration within the armed forces. According to relevant sources, Pakistani authorities informed Bangladesh that the individual had been working on behalf of the TTP, an armed group engaged in conflict with the Pakistani state and known for its alignment with the Afghan Taliban.

While the presence of TTP-linked individuals in Bangladesh is not unprecedented, the involvement of a member of the armed forces marks a significant escalation. A 2013 US State Department report noted the arrest of three TTP members in Bangladesh, and as recently as last year, at least four Bangladeshi nationals linked to the group were reportedly killed in a Pakistani military operation.

In response, heightened surveillance and security measures have been introduced at key BAF installations, including Zahurul Haque, AK Khandaker, and Matiur Rahman bases. Law enforcement officials attribute the recent uptick in militant concerns to several factors. Among them is the escape of hardened militants following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024. A number of detainees fled from Kashimpur High Security Prison during that period of instability.

Police Headquarters data indicates that as of December 2025, 133 of the 202 escaped prisoners remain at large. A senior officer of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of clear directives regarding fugitives and individuals released on bail.

“The home affairs advisor of the interim government and the IGP have repeatedly said that militancy does not exist in Bangladesh,” the officer said. “After such statements from the top level, there is little we can do at the field level.”

Intelligence officials have also pointed to changes in regional mobility. The easing of visa procedures for travel to Pakistan since the political transition has increased cross-border movement, which some believe may be contributing to the current security concerns. Additionally, unease has been expressed among field-level officers over reports of visits by influential figures linked to the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, coupled with what critics describe as a lack of official response.

Dr Md Tawohidul Haque, an associate professor of Institute of Social Welfare and Research and criminologist at the University of Dhaka, described the developments as a serious warning signal.

“The significance of this issue extends beyond internal discipline within a force,” he told. “It raises broader concerns about national security. If extremist influence penetrates sensitive institutions such as law enforcement, it could pose a major threat.”

Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton echoed similar concerns, arguing that the current situation is not a sudden development but the result of long-standing structural issues.“Milit ants have not suddenly emerged,” he said. “They have existed at various levels within the state, society, and system for a long time.”

According to him, militant groups have continued covert organizational activities even during periods of apparent inactivity. The political changes following the fall of the Awami League government have, he suggested, created new opportunities for previously fragmented networks to regroup and expand. He also pointed to a recent explosion at a madrasa in Keraniganj as a possible indicator of militant activity. Investigations and media reports have suggested links to extremist elements, raising concerns that explosives produced there may have been distributed to other parts of the country.

“Militants are not only increasing their activities but also making various preparations,” Nur Khan said, adding that allegations of involvement by members of certain forces have resurfaced, heightening the need for vigilance. Despite these concerns, he expressed cautious optimism: “Since the issue has been identified, the government is expected to take necessary steps to restore public confidence and prevent further criminal activities.”

Additional Inspector General of Police (Crime and Operations) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant. “Bangladesh Police is always on alert to prevent militant activities,” he told. He added that specialized units, including the CTTC and Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU), are actively monitoring developments. Rafiqul Islam noted that several militant suspects released on bail over the past year and a half have been rearrested, while others remain under surveillance. However, he said there is no confirmed information regarding the involvement of police personnel in extremist activities.