United News of Bangladesh

A 42-year-old man was detained for allegedly raping a minor girl in Gobindaganj Upazila on Friday night. Locals caught the accused, Momin Mia, a hotel worker at Chandpara Bazar, and handed him over to police led by Sub-Inspectors Shibli Imrul Kayes and Mominur Rahman of Gobindaganj Police Station. Momin Mia is a resident of an area adjacent to Chandpara Bazar in Kochashhar Union of Gobindaganj upazila. Locals said that around 8 pm on Friday night, the rapist Momin forcibly violated the girl, causing her to fall ill due to bleeding. The accused allegedly tried to flee after the incident, leaving the girl injured. Hearing her screams, nearby people and her family members rushed to the spot. Locals later chased and caught the accused, Momin, and handed him over to the police. Mozammel Haque, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gobindaganj Police Station, said preparations were underway to file a case in this regard. The girl, who fell ill after the incident, has been sent to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, he added.

Members of the Airport Armed Police Battalion detained a man with nearly 500 grams of gold ornaments and several electronic devices at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Saturday morning. The detainee was identified as Rusel Ahmed, 30. According to police, Rusel tried to flee along the road outside Arrival Canopy-1 of the airport around 9:45 am after sensing the presence of law enforcers. Members of the Airport APBN chased and detained him. He was later taken to the APBN office where a search of his shoulder bag led to the recovery of 498.3 grams of gold ornaments, six mobile phones and three laptops. The estimated market value of the recovered gold ornaments and electronic devices is about Tk 1,06,41,910. The gold ornaments are believed to be between 21 and 22 carats. During initial interrogation, the suspect reportedly told investigators that the gold ornaments and other items were illegally brought into Bangladesh by evading customs through unidentified passengers arriving from different countries. Police suspect that Rusel had long been involved with a gold smuggling syndicate operating at the airport and worked as a receiver of smuggled goods. A case has been filed against him with the Airport Police Station on Saturday. Operational Commander of Airport (13) Armed Police Battalion, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mozammel Haque, said the APBN remains vigilant in preventing smuggling and other crimes at the airport. “Airport APBN always plays an active role in preventing smuggling and suppressing other crimes in the airport area. Our efforts to stop gold, drug and other illegal smuggling activities through the airport will continue,” he said.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a series of security and traffic management measures including strict action against unfit buses to ensure smooth and safe travel from the capital to different districts ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.  “No unfit buses will be allowed on the roads. Immediate action will be taken if such vehicles are found operating,” Acting DMP Commissioner Md Sarwar said at a meeting with transport owners and workers at Gabtoli bus terminal aimed at ensuring smooth and extortion-free Eid travel. Sarwar urged transport owners and workers not to operate dilapidated buses, noting that a single breakdown on busy routes often leads to severe traffic congestion. Carrying passengers on bus rooftops, overspeeding and allowing sick or unfit drivers to operate vehicles will also be strictly prohibited, he said. To assist passengers, help desks will be set up at major bus terminals where fare charts and bus schedules must be displayed. Authorities will take immediate action if allegations of overcharging, ticket black-marketing or passenger harassment are received, he added. The acting DMP Commissioner said an additional 800 to 900 traffic police members will be deployed at bus terminals, launch terminals and railway stations during the Eid period. Security at transport hubs will also be strengthened with the deployment of plainclothes police, members of the Detective Branch, the Counter Terrorism Unit, SWAT teams and dog squads. PM pledges united effort to build peaceful, safe Bangladesh, warns against division Mobile court teams led by magistrates will remain active to enforce traffic rules. Sarwar said the government has declared March 18 an additional public holiday to ease travel pressure, allowing people to leave the capital in a staggered manner. He said  between 1.5 million and 2 million people are expected to leave Dhaka daily between March 16 and 20 while more than 10 million people may travel from the capital to other districts during the Eid holidays. Meanwhile, around 2 to 2.5 million people are expected to enter the city. To ease congestion, the movement of trucks, lorries and covered vans on highways will be restricted for a period before and after Eid. Unnecessary cargo trucks from the port city of Chattogram will also be barred from using the highways during the peak travel period. Sarwar stressed the need for coordinated efforts among police, transport owners, workers and other relevant agencies to ensure safe and comfortable Eid travel for passengers. Among others, MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, President ofDhaka Road Transport Owners Association Saiful Alam Baten and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association Abdur Rahim Box Dudu were present at the meeting.

Police on Friday morning detained a businessman in Mohammadpur upazila of Magura district on charges of illegally stockpiling a large quantity of diesel. The arrestee, Gopal Saha, 45, was held during a raid at his residence in Rajpat village of Rajapur union in the upazila. Ashrafuzzaman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mohammadpur police station, said that based on a secret tip-off regarding Gopal Saha’s illegal stockpiling of fuel, the police conducted the raid. During the operation, 3,000 liters of diesel, stored in large barrels, were recovered. A case has been filed against him under Section 25/1 of the Special Powers Act in connection with the incident.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a set of traffic guidelines and restrictions to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and safe travel for people leaving the capital during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. In a press release issued on Thursday, DMP said a large number of people are expected to leave Dhaka for their hometowns during Eid. Usually more than 15 million people leave the capital while over four million enter the city during the Eid period. To ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for homebound travellers, DMP has been carrying out various preparations and urged city residents and transport operators to follow several instructions. According to the notice, the movement of trucks, covered vans and lorries on highways will remain suspended from March 17 to March 23, except for vehicles carrying essential commodities, perishable goods, garments items, medicines, fertilisers and fuel. From March 16, vehicles not directly involved in Eid travel have been requested to avoid several major roads in the capital unless necessary and use alternative routes to reduce congestion. The roads include Dhaka–Mymensingh highway (Kuril to Abdullahpur), Dhaka–Chattogram highway (Gulistan to Signboard), Dhaka–Aricha highway via Mirpur Road (Arong Crossing to Aminbazar), Dhaka–Keraniganj road (Fulbaria–Tatibazar–Babubazar Bridge), Dhaka–Mawa highway (Gulistan to Buriganga Bridge), Mohammadpur Bosila Crossing to Bosila Bridge road, Abdullahpur to Ashulia road, and Fulbaria to Sadarghat launch terminal road. DMP also asked public transport owners and workers to strictly follow several instructions. Inter-district buses must pick up passengers inside terminals and depart directly for their destinations without stopping on nearby roads. Passengers must not be picked up or dropped off outside designated counters or bus stops and buses must not be parked on roads used for entering or leaving the capital. BRTC buses will depart from their respective depots and travel directly to destinations in different divisions without crossing the Dhaka metropolitan area unnecessarily. Bus operators have also been instructed to follow schedules strictly, avoid charging extra fares, refrain from mistreating passengers and not sell multiple tickets for the same seat. Drivers have been asked to follow speed limits, avoid reckless driving and risky overtaking, especially on curves and narrow bridges. Driving under the influence of intoxicants or while physically unfit is strictly prohibited and drivers must carry valid licences and updated documents. The notice also said drivers must not use mobile phones or headphones while driving, drive on the wrong side of the road or operate unfit or mechanically faulty vehicles. Vehicle owners have been instructed not to force drivers to drive continuously for more than five hours at a stretch or eight hours a day. Passengers and pedestrians have also been advised to board buses only from designated terminals or counters, avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers and keep their belongings safe. They were also asked to arrive at bus counters ahead of departure time, use foot overbridges, underpasses or zebra crossings while crossing roads and avoid boarding or alighting from moving vehicles. Acting DMP Commissioner asks police to stay alert to ensure smooth Eid travel People were also advised not to run or talk on mobile phones while crossing roads and to use footpaths for walking. DMP requested cooperation from transport owners, drivers and city residents to maintain traffic discipline and avoid congestion within areas under its jurisdiction. In case of emergency, people may contact the police control room at terminals or the national emergency service number 999.

Acting Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Sarwar has instructed police members to remain alert to ensure smooth and safe journey for people during the upcoming Eid holidays. He said most people would leave Dhaka during Eid and urged all police personnel to stay vigilant so that crimes such as robbery, mugging and other criminal activities cannot take place during this period. The DMP Commissioner came up with the remarks while addressing DMP members at the monthly crime review meeting for February 2026 held at the DMP headquarters conference room on Thursday. Sarwar also stressed that police members must perform their respective duties with complete honesty to enhance the image and efficiency of the police force. He said additional police forces will be deployed during Eid to ensure safe and orderly travel for passengers. In his speech Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S N Md Nazrul Islam stressed the need for visible improvement in the law and order situation. He instructed officials to maintain special monitoring and supervision at the major bus and launch terminals, including Gabtoli, Mohakhali, Sayedabad, Kamalapur and Sadarghat, during the Eid travel period. He also directed that patrol duties be increased across Dhaka city based on beat areas during the Eid holidays to enhance police presence and patrolling in every locality. Nazrul Islam further said it must be regularly monitored and ensured that CCTV cameras installed at Eid markets and shopping malls are functioning properly. 4 held with 47 human skulls, skeleton parts in Tejgaon: DMP Overall, a zero tolerance policy will be followed in maintaining the law and order situation, he added. At the meeting, the acting DMP commissioner rewarded police officers of different ranks in various categories in recognition of their good performance in maintaining law and order, controlling crime and ensuring public safety in the capital during February.

The High Court on Wednesday granted bail to former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque in a case filed by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The HC bench of Justice Sheikh Md Zakir Hossain and Justice Md Jakir Hossain passed the order. Senior Advocate Mansurul Haque Chowdhury, Motahar Hossain Saju and Barrister Mustafizur Rahman Khan stood for Khairul.  With this order, there is no bar to release the former Chief Justice, said his lawyers. Ex-CJ Khairul Haque granted bail in 4 cases Earlier on March 8, the High Court granted bail to ABM Khairul Haque in four cases filed on different charges including murder. On October 26, the HC issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the former Chief Justice Khairul Haque should not be granted bail in five cases.  Police arrested Khairul Haque from his Dhanmondi residence in the capital on July 24 last year.  Later, he was shown arrested in the case over the murder of Jubo Dal activist Abdul Qayyum Ahad in Jatrabari during the July movement. Travel ban imposed on former CJ Khairul Haque, eight others Four other cases were filed against him. Supreme Court lawyer Mujahidul Islam Shaheen filed a case with Shahbagh Police Station on August 27 last year accusing him of forging a judgment related to the caretaker government system.  Another case was filed on August 25 , 2025 at Fatulla Police Station in Narayanganj by Abdul Bari Bhuiyan, former president of the District Bar Association and general secretary of Fatulla thana unit BNP.  On the same day, Nurul Islam Molla filed another case at Bandar Police Station in Narayanganj on similar charges.  Earlier, on August 4 last year, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) also filed a case against Khairul Haque over alleged corruption in plot allocation. After a lower court rejected his bail petitions in the cases, he moved the High Court seeking bail. The High Court later issued a rule over the bail in five cases.

Noting that modern urban management is not possible without smart traffic systems, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammad Ali Hossain Fakir on Wednesday said future traffic management in Bangladesh must be technology-driven. “Global experience shows that modern cities cannot function efficiently without smart traffic management,” he said while addressing a daylong workshop titled “Urban Traffic Management in Dhaka: Challenges, Innovations and Future Directions” at the Police Staff College Bangladesh in the capital as the chief guest. The IGP said Bangladesh is advancing rapidly through urbanisation and that the growing number of vehicles, expanding urban economy and increasing mobility of people have made road management a major challenge for the state. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to address these challenges effectively. Ali Hossain Fakir also said the Prime Minister has already given special directives to take effective initiatives to ease traffic congestion in Dhaka. Addressing police officials, the IGP said the public’s first interaction with the police often occurs through traffic police. “When a traffic sergeant stands on the road, he not only controls vehicles but also represents the law and discipline of the state,” he said, adding that their behaviour, professionalism and integrity directly influence public confidence in the police. The workshop aimed to formulate practical policy recommendations and action plans to ensure better traffic management in the capital. Participants discussed key issues including identifying major challenges in Dhaka’s traffic management, evaluating the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement, improving the public transport system, enhancing bus route management efficiency, integrating rickshaws and other non-motorised transport, addressing illegal parking and footpath management problems, strengthening coordination among relevant agencies, ensuring pedestrian safety, raising public awareness and planning future urban transport systems. Officials participating in the workshop emphasised the importance of realistic recommendations and effective action plans to improve traffic management in the capital. IGP seeks magistrates at police stations for faster dispute resolution They particularly underscored the need for technology-based traffic systems, public transport reforms, improved law enforcement and stronger coordination among relevant agencies. Speakers expressed hope that the recommendations from the workshop would contribute significantly to improving traffic management and urban transport planning in Dhaka in the future.  

A Dhaka court on Wednesday granted bail to journalist Anis Alamgir in a graft and a money laundering case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Sabbir Foyez passed the order. Earlier, journalist Anis secured bail from the High Court in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Journalist Anis Alamgir now shown arrested in ACC case Now there is no legal bar to his release from jail as he was not accused in any case, his lawyer Taslima Jahan said. According to the prosecution, ACC filed the case on January 15 accusing Anis Alamgir of acquiring wealth beyond his known sources of income and money laundering. According to the case statement, the ACC found that Anis owned immovable properties worth Tk25 lakh and movable assets valued at Tk3.84 crore, bringing his total assets to more than Tk4.09 crore. Family and other expenses were estimated at Tk15.90 lakh. His total asset accumulation stood at over Tk4.25 crore, while the ACC identified his lawful income at Tk 99.09 lakh. This included Tk54.45 lakh in previous savings, Tk19.39 lakh from talk shows and consultancy, Tk22 lakh from plot sales, and Tk3.24 lakh from savings certificates and bank interest, it said. Anis was earlier detained by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on December 14 last year from Dhanmondi. He was taken to the DB office for interrogation and was placed on a five-day remand the following day. After completion of the remand, he was sent to jail on December 20 and has remained in custody since then. He was shown arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Uttara West Police Station in the capital.

A Dhaka court on Wednesday sentenced a man to six months in jail in a case filed over killing his neighbour’s pet cat in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area. The convict, Akbar Hossain Shiblu, was tried in absentia. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Al Biruni Mir handed down the judgment. The court also fined Shiblu Tk 10,000, in default, to suffer one month more in jail. The court also issued a warrant for his arrest. Dhaka dwellers struggle with footpath occupation by hawkers during Ramadan On February 5, last year, Nafisa Nourin Chowdhury, filed the case against Shiblu, a resident of Muktijoddha Tower in Mohammadpur area of the capital, on behalf of People for Animal Welfare for killing the pet cat. During investigation, police found evidence against Shiblu and framed charges against him on July 14, last year. According to the prosecution, the pet cat of one Mansur, a resident of the same building, went missing on February 1. CCTV footage showed Shiblu kicking the cat. The footage further revealed that after the animal became motionless, the accused pressed it under his foot, apparently to ensure it was dead.