United News of Bangladesh

Members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard arrested four individuals and seized 6,815 litres of illegally transported fuel during an operation in Hatia, Noakhali, early Saturday. Acting on a tip-off, a special team from the Coast Guard's Hatia Station conducted the operation at around 6:30am in the Meghna River near Nalchira Ghat, under Hatia Police Station. During the operation, the team recovered 4,800 litres of petrol and 2,015 litres of diesel allegedly offloaded from a foreign oil tanker, according to the Coast Guard. Two engine-run wooden boats used for transporting the fuel were also seized. The estimated value of the recovered fuel and boats is about Tk 7.91 lakh. The arrested individuals, along with the seized fuel and boats, are being handed over to Hatia Police Station for further action, Coast Guard officials said.

Police arrested five young men in connection with a sensational gang rape case in Jhenaidah’s Maheshpur upazila, all of whom have confessed to their crimes in court under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Two mobile phones used to record the incident were also recovered, police said. The arrested were identified as Acher Ali Raju of Bagdirait village, Hazar Ali, son of Hafizul Islam, Shaon, son of Toriqul, Nayan, son of Dinur, and Amin, son of Farid Hossain. Jhenaidah Superintendent of Police Md Mahfuz Afzal confirmed the information at a press briefing held at his office conference room on Saturday afternoon. He said the incident took place on the night of March 26 when the victim went to meet her boyfriend. The boyfriend first sexually assaulted her, he said. Later, a group of local youths arrived at the spot, assaulted the boyfriend and forced him to leave. They then allegedly gang-raped the victim one after another, he added. During the incident, accused Amin recorded a video on a mobile phone and threatened to circulate it on social media if the matter was disclosed, the Jhenaidah police chief said. He further said that after the matter came to light on March 31, police received information about the incident from a confidential source. Although the victim’s family initially denied the incident due to social pressure, they later agreed to file a case after being assured of full legal support. The victim’s aunt filed a case at Maheshpur Police Station under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act, naming four accused and several unidentified persons. Police said the accused were swiftly identified and arrested soon after the complaint was received.  

Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBN) at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport arrested a man carrying nearly 500 grams of gold ornaments and substantial foreign currency on Thursday. The arrested individual, identified as Mofidul Islam, 43, from Labanchara, Khulna, was apprehended around 12:50 pm at the open car parking area of Canopy-2 as he attempted to flee upon noticing police presence. Mofidul had arrived on SV808 flight from Saudi Arabia at 10:50 am as a Mu’allim of an Umrah Hajj group. A search of his bag at the APBN (13) office recovered 499.1 grams of 21-carat gold, 9,000 US dollars, 8,501 Saudi riyals, 1,800 Egyptian pounds, 150 Romanian leu, and 80,117 Bangladeshi taka (Bangladesh) from the suspect. The confiscated gold ornaments, 21-carat in purity, have an estimated market value of almost Tk 84 lakh. During interrogation, Mofidul admitted that the gold was illegally brought into Bangladesh through unnamed passengers, evading customs duties. He has reportedly long been involved as a receiver in a gold smuggling syndicate operating at the airport. A case has been filed against him under Section 25B(1)(b) of the Special Powers Act, 1974 at Airport Police Station for conspiring with unnamed passengers to smuggle gold and evade revenue. Airport APBN Superintendent Mohammad Rezaul Kabir said, APBN continues to play an active role in preventing smuggling and other crimes at the airport. We remain committed to curbing gold and drug smuggling and will continue our vigilance against illegal activities using the airport.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday urged people to remain alert against fraud ring impersonating senior military officials and intelligence personnel to intimidate and deceive people through mobile phone. The group has been posing as officials of the Bangladesh Army and the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), using fake identities of ranks including brigadier general and lieutenant colonel deceived people through mobile phones, said an ISPR release. The fraudsters reportedly collect photos of uniformed army officers from various online sources and use them as WhatsApp profile pictures to gain trust before attempting to carry out fraudulent activities, it said. They then contact general people and try to threaten or coerce them for illicit gains. Officials clarified that neither the Bangladesh Army nor any intelligence agency communicates with individuals in such a manner for personal purposes. People have been urged to remain cautious and not to respond to such calls or messages. If anyone receives such phone calls, they are advised to immediately inform the nearest law enforcement agency, providing the mobile number used by the suspected person. Necessary measures are underway to identify and bring the fraud ring to justice, it said.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has opened a probe into alleged large-scale embezzlement and money laundering linked to the repair and maintenance of the Simultaneous Interpretation System (SIS) at the Jatiya Sangsad, implicating Zahidur Rahim Joarder, CEO of Communication Technology Ltd, and several Public Works Department (PWD) officials. ACC Assistant Director Probir Kumar Das is conducting the probe, according to official documents. The allegation states Zahidur used political influence during the tenure of the previous government to secure contracts related to the Simultaneous Interpretation System (SIS) installed at the plenary hall of the Jatiya Sangsad. He is accused of maintaining close ties with former Chief Whip Nur-e-Alam Chowdhury, also a cousin of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as well as with relatives of former Health Minister Zahid Malik. Leveraging these connections, he allegedly secured contracts for operating, repairing, renovating and maintaining the SIS sound system during the AL tenure and misappropriated hundreds of crores of taka, while siphoning funds abroad. The allegation also points to alleged irregularities in the health sector, where medical equipment was reportedly procured through over-invoicing, enabling the laundering of large sums overseas. Following damage to the SIS at the Sangsad Bhaban after August 5, 2024, the PWD initiated steps to restore the system. Communication Technology Ltd reportedly inspected the equipment, claimed it could be repaired and submitted a cost estimate. The company later sought Tk 11.25 lakh from the PWD to cover expenses related to engineers’ visits, accommodation, meals and honorarium for conducting the inspection. The allegation further states that although the SIS system – manufactured under the SURE brand – has unique technical specifications and no comparable system is currently available, the company continued efforts to secure funds on the pretext of repairs. The ACC said some PWD officials and engineers were allegedly involved in the irregularities even prior to August 5, 2024, and that through their collusion, the outdated system has been repeatedly repaired as a means to misappropriate public funds. An estimated Tk 9.7 crore had been proposed for the repair, renovation and maintenance of the SIS at the parliament’s plenary hall after the 2024 mass uprising. The SIS is a specialised audio system used for real-time translation during parliamentary sessions and international meetings.    

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Thursday sentenced two former policemen to death and others to varying jail terms in a crimes against humanity case filed over the killing of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) student Abu Sayed during the 2024 July uprising. The death-row convicts are former assistant sub-inspector Amir Hossain and former constable Sujan Chandra Roy. Of the other convicts, three were sentenced to life in prison, five to 10 years, eight to five years, and 11 were jailed for three years. Former assistant deputy commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RMP) Arifuzzaman alias Jibon, former inspector Rabiul Islam alias Nayan, and ex-sub-inspector Bibhuti Bhushan Roy alias Madhab were sentenced to life in prison. Former BRUR vice chancellor Hasibur Rashid, its teachers Mashiur Rahman and Asaduzzaman Mondal, former RMP commissioner Md Moniruzzaman, president of BRUR unit of banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) Pomel Barua received 10 years each. Former RMP deputy commissioner Abu Maruf Hossain alias Titu, former additional DC Shah Nur Alam Patwari alias Sumon, former BRUR proctor Shariful Islam, Hafizur Rahman alias Tufan, Imran Chowdhury alias Akash, Masudul Hasan alias Masud, AKM Amir Hossain alias Amu, and Dr Sarowat Hossain alias Chandan were each sentenced to five years in prison. Md Moniruzzaman Palash, Mahafuzur Rahman Shamim, Fazle Rabbi, Akhtar Hossain, Sejan Ahmed alias Arif, Dhananjay Kumar alias Tagor, Babul Hossain, Mohammad Nurunnabi Mondal, Nur Alam Mia, and Mahabubar Rahman alias Babu are among those who were jailed for three years. Of the convicts, Anwar Parvez has already served his jail term, paving the way for his release. The three-member ICT-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Mazumder, delivered the verdict. Of the convicts, six were present at the dock when the tribunal pronounced the verdict while the rest were tried in absentia. Those who are in custody are Amir Hossain, Sujan Chandra, Shariful Islam, Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Russel and Anwar Pervez. Earlier on March 5, the tribunal fixed April 9 for pronouncing the verdict in the case. On June 30, 2025, the ICT took cognisance of charges against 30 people, including former BRUR vice chancellor Hasibur Rashid The ICT investigation agency submitted a charge sheet against them on June 24, 2025. Abu Sayed, a 12th batch student of BRUR’s English department, was shot dead during students’ protests on July 16 2024 in front of the university. The killing intensified the movement, which ultimately culminated in a mass uprising, leading to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.  

A Jamalpur court on Wednesday sentenced two individuals to death and three others to life imprisonment for killing a man in Dewanganj upazila over a land dispute in 2007. Jamalpur Additional District and Sessions Judge-1 Mohammad Nezam Uddin delivered the verdict. The death-row convicts are Motaleb Hossain, son of late Azizur Rahman, and Rashid Jamal, son of late Ain Uddin. The lifers are Abdul Latif, Suruj Mia and Abdul Hamed, sons of late Ain Uddin Fakir. All of them hail from Sabujpur village in the upazila. Of the convicts, Motaleb Hossain was tried in absentia. Another accused – Khorshed Alam – was acquitted as charges against him were not proven. Additional Public Prosecutor Advocate Md Didarul Islam Didar said Akhter Hossain Abedin, from the same village, had been in a long-standing land dispute with the convicts. On May 22, 2007, they called Akhter Hossain out of his home and took him near Sabujpur Madrasah where they stabbed him. He was rescued in a critical condition and taken to the Dewanganj Upazila Health Complex, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead. Victim’s son Saiful Islam filed a murder case at Dewanganj Police Station the following day against four named individuals and 4-5 unknown ones.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) conducted operations across the country’s borders and other areas in March, seizing smuggled goods worth a total of Tk 1,65,76,74,000. During the operations, BGB arrested 112 smugglers — 82 Bangladeshi citizens, 9 Indian nationals, and 21 Myanmar nationals — for illegal border crossings and smuggling, the BGB said in a press release on Wednesday. The confiscated items included 465 grams of gold, 16,678 sarees, 6,056 shirts, sheets, and blankets, 6,994 ready-made garments, 772 meters of cloth, 469,864 cosmetic items, 9,239 imitation jewelry pieces, 65,02,457 firecrackers, 3,829 cubic feet of timber, 6,259 kg of tea leaves, 2,982 kg of betel nuts, 8,590 kg of coal, 7,090 cubic feet of stones, 230 cubic feet of sand, 382 mobile phones, 11,900 mobile displays, 70,081 eyeglasses, 53,988 kg of cumin, 20,723 kg of sugar, 9,961 food packets, 2,309 kg of onions, 1,879 kg of garlic, 1,940 kg of fertilizer, 1,614 pesticide packets, 2,09,021 chocolates, several stone statues, and various vehicles including trucks, tractors, pickups, CNGs, motorcycles, and bicycles. Seized weapons included one SMG, one pistol, 13 magazines, 35 rounds of ammunition, two mines, and three other firearms. The BGB also confiscated large quantities of drugs, including 11,25,975 yaba tablets, 845 grams of heroin, 12 LSD bottles, 2,045 bottles of Phensedyl, 1.79 kg of crystal meth, 8,129 bottles of foreign liquor, 170.5 liters of local liquor, 2,368 cans of beer, 1,133.45 kg of cannabis, 1,24,840 bidi packets, 1,83,661 narcotic tablets/injections, 4,665 bottles of cough syrup, 2,968 Viagra/Sildenafil tablets, 36,860 alcohol pills, and 21,44,152 other medicine tablets.  

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Wednesday underscored that public trust is the foundation of effective policing, urging newly inducted officers to carry out their duties with honesty, professionalism and patriotism. “Public trust and love are the greatest strengths of Bangladesh Police. Officers must act with integrity, dedication and humanity, uphold the rule of law in all circumstances, and take a firm stand against corruption,” he said. The police chief was addressing the passing-out parade of the 41st Cadet Sub-Inspector (SI) batch-2025 at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah. He said the rigorous training the police officers underwent at the academy had strengthened the recruits’ physical fitness, mental resilience and moral values. “The path ahead is both honourable and demanding. You must work tirelessly to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and uphold justice,” he said, addressing them. Highlighting the evolving nature of crime, Ali Hossain Fakir stressed the need to enhance skills and awareness to tackle technology-driven offences, including cybercrime and militancy. He also urged the new officers to continuously update themselves and make effective use of their training to meet modern policing challenges. Describing policing as a noble service, the IGP called on officers to stand by people in distress, extend support in times of need, and uphold the principles of justice. Earlier, the IGP took the salute at the parade and distributed awards among trainees for outstanding performance. A total of 209 trainees participated in the parade. Among them, Ejaz Ahmed Himel was named Best Cadet and Best in Academic, Oliullah Best in Field Activities, Shubho Biswas Best Shooter, and Md Raihan Best Swimmer. Principal (Additional IGP) of the Bangladesh Police Academy GM Azizur Rahman, senior police officials, public representatives and local dignitaries, among others, were present. After completing their basic training, the 209 cadet SIs will be deployed to different units of Bangladesh Police for two years of practical training.

A female activist of Jamaat-e-Islami, Bibi Sauda, was granted bail Tuesday by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Bhola, a day after her arrest over alleged anti-state and anti-government posts on Facebook. Senior Judicial Magistrate Saurav Rai Mithu approved her bail petition in the afternoon. According to the case statement, Sauda was arrested Sunday night from her home in Adarshapara, Bhola, along with her mobile phone. She was later remanded in jail under Section 54 of the law. District Jamaat leaders held a press conference Monday, claiming Sauda’s arrest was made without specific evidence and protesting her detention. During Tuesday’s hearing, her lawyers, including Faridur Rahman, Abdullah Al Mamun, and Ahmad Ullah, argued for her release. The court granted her bail. Afterward, Jamaat leaders and activists welcomed her at the courthouse with flower garlands. Speaking to reporters, Sauda said she had spoken for the people and stressed that detaining citizens for expressing opinions could silence public voices. She urged that freedom of speech be protected, noting it was the very reason for the July movement and the sacrifices made by its participants. Her lawyer Ahmad Ullah confirmed that the court found no concrete allegations against her and granted unconditional bail.