United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) during special drives in the capital, arrested 174 people for their alleged involvement in different crimes in 24 hours till Wednesday midnight. A total of 70 cases were filed during this period, said Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of DMP on Thursday. Among the arrestees, five were robbers, thirteen muggers, three extortionists, six thieves, eighteen drug peddlers and 43 were warrant listed criminals. Police also seized one knife, two machetes, one sharp weapon, one axe, five mobile phone sets, 1,547 pieces of Yaba tablets and 106 kgs of hemp, one private car, one auto-rickshaw and cash Tk 12,310 from their possession. To ensure public safety, 667 patrol teams carried out duties in two shifts across 50 police stations in Dhaka. Of these, 340 teams operated at night, while 327 teams worked during the day. Moreover, 71 police checkpoints were set up at key locations throughout the metropolis to enhance security. In addition to the DMP’s patrol teams, 14 CTTC teams, 12 Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) teams, and 10 RAB teams collaborated with the DMP at various crime-prone areas. Specialised police units such as the APBN also set up 20 additional checkpoints, contributing to the effort to maintain law and order. DMP remains committed to ensuring the security and smooth movement of the people of Dhaka Metropolitan City.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed two cases against Saima Wazed Putul, daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and former Exim Bank chairman Nazrul Islam Majumder over allegations of embezzling Tk 330 crore and abuse of power. According to the ACC, the duo allegedly misappropriated funds from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) sector of a bank affiliated with the Bangladesh Association of Banks, disguising it as a grant to Shuchona Foundation. ACC sues ex- Feni-1 MP Alauddin Nasim, wife In a separate case, the ACC accused Putul of abusing power to secure her appointment as the World Health Organization’s Regional Director for Southeast Asia by allegedly misrepresenting her qualifications. ACC Deputy Director Tahasin Munobil Haque filed the cases at the ACC’s Dhaka Integrated District Office. Further investigations are underway, officials said. Tarique, Babar among 8 acquitted in bribery case

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed two cases against former Member of Parliament (MP) of Feni-1 constituency Alauddin Ahmed Chowdhury Nasim and his wife Dr. Jahanara Arzu on charges of money laundering and acquiring illegal wealth. Abdullah Al Noman, assistant director of ACC at the Noakhali district office, filed the cases in the Feni Special Judge's Court on Wednesday, said court inspector Md. Idris on Thursday. Tarique, Babar among 8 acquitted in bribery case According to the case statement, Nasim purchased five flats and two plots, valued at a total of Tk 390,844,605, in several locations across the country, including Feni, Chattogram, Pirojpur, Cox's Bazar, Moulvibazar, Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Dhaka through a total of 126 documents. Besides, Tk 82,548,108 was found deposited in 14 bank accounts in his name. Nasim holds shares worth Tk 346,239,954 in 15 different companies. His total movable and immovable assets, including membership in 10 clubs in Dhaka and Chattogram, amount to Tk 848,735,713. Nasim's wife, Dr. Arju, possessed assets totaling Tk 12,472,6189, including flats, plots, and land, which are beyond their known sources of income, according to the case statement. After investigating the initial allegations, the anti-graft watchdog found that Nasim had acquired Tk 74.52 crore, and his wife accumulated assets worth approximately Tk 12.47 crore, all of which have no known legitimate sources of income. HC Justice Khizir Hayat removed Nasim joined government service in 1986 a s BCS administration cadre. After 23 years of service, he voluntarily retired in 2009 from the position of joint secretary. Following his retirement, Nasim became involved with the Awami League and engaged in various irregularities, according to the case statement.  In 2024, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Feni-1 constituency, under the Awami League’s nomination.  

A former leader of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), who sustained severe injuries in a clash between two BNP factions in Sirajganj’s Enayetpur police station, succumbed to his injuries at a Dhaka hospital on Wednesday night. The deceased was Kabir Hossain, former president of the ward No-2 unit of JCD under Sadia Chandpur union parishad of the police station. Locals said Rawshan Ali, current UP member and former organising secretary of the union BNP, and Karim Molla, former president of the ward No-2 unit, arranged separate Iftar events in the same area on Tuesday afternoon. Followers of the both groups locked into clashes over the events, leaving 11 people, including Kabir, critically injured, they said. The injured were admitted to several hospitals. As Kabir’s condition deteriorated, he was shifted to a private hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday night and he succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday night. Protesting the death, followers of Karim Molla staged demonstrations at  Kazir Mor area of the police station. Bhola JCD leader injured in BNP factional clash, dies Enayetpur police station’s Officer-in-Charge Rawshan Yeazdani said a murder case was filed in this connection and investigation was also on. Meanwhile, membership of the police station unit of BNP’s former convenor and member secretary Jahangir Kabir Jony and Manjur Rahman Manju were suspended for their alleged involvement in the the incident. The district unit of BNP also formed a three member body to investigate the incident on Wednesday and asked to submit a report within 48 hours.

A college student, who was abducted on February 23, was found dead at Shibganj Maheshpur in Sadar upazila of Thakurgaon district early Thursday, despite his family paid Tk 25 lakh in ransom. Milon Hossain, son of Panjab Ali of Chapapara village in Pirganj upazila was abducted by his friend Sejan Ali on February 23 and the kidnappers  demanded Tk 3 lakh as ransom from the family of Milon. As Milon’s family agreed to pay the ransom, the kidnappers  demanded Tk 5 lakh, then Tk 10 and then Tk 15 lakh. Later, they realised Tk 25 lakh as ransom from the family of Milon on March 9. As per the instruction of the abductors, Milon’s father threw the bag containing ransom money from the moving Dhaka-bound  intercity train ‘Ekota Expres’ from Panchagarh at Senua. After getting the ransom money, the abductors asked Milon’s family to take Milon from Dinajpur Rail Station. As they failed to get Milon after giving ransom money, Milon’s father lodged a complaint with the local police station.

A Dhaka court on Thursday acquitted  BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman and former State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar and four  others in a bribery case. Judge of the Dhaka Special Judge Court-3 Md Abu Taher passed the order. The six others who got acquittal are Ahmed Akbar Sobhan alias Shah Alam, chairman of Bashundhara Group, his two sons Shafiat Sobhan, Sadat Sobhan, Abu Sufiyan, Kazi Salimul Haque Kamal and personal secretary of Tarique Rahman Mia Nuruddin Apu. HC Justice Khizir Hayat removed On October 4, 2007, the Anti-Corruption Commission filed the case against eight people Tarique, Babar in connection with realising Tk 21 lakh as bribery for dropping the name of an accused from the murder case of Sabbir Ahmed, an expert of Information Technology department of Bashundhara Group. Police submitted chargesheet against them on April 24, 2008.

Police arrested a madrasah teacher on charge of sexually harassing a student in Manikganj on Wednesday night. The arrestee was identified as Md Rafiqul Islam, a teacher at Siddiknagar Darbar Sharif Madrasah of Sadar upazila. 2 arrested over separate 'attempted rape' incidents in Bagerhat Officer-in-charge (OC) of Manikganj Sadar police station SM Aman Ullah said that legal action against the arrestee was underway and he would be produced before court today (Thursday).

High Court (HC) Justice Khizir Hayat has been removed from his post. A notification, signed by Sheikh Abu Taher, Secretary to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, was issued on Wednesday. Ex-ministers Inu, Menon, Anisul, Dipu Moni remanded again On March 18, he was removed upon order from the President following section 96 of the Constitution. A few days back, the Supreme Judicial Council sent a report to the authorities concerned to take action against him upon investigation. Born on January 24 in 1967, Khizir started his career as a lawyer at Dhaka District Judge Court on August 6 in 1997 on completion of his education at the University of Dhaka. He had been enrolled as lawyer of the HC division and recruited as additional justice of the division on May 31, 2008.

Police arrested two individuals in separate locations on charges of attempted rape in Mongla and Fakirhat upazilas in Bagerhat on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. The arrestees were identified as Md Ali Mollah, 36, son of Majed Molla of Khulna, and Md Shawkat Sheikh, 50, son of Insan Uddin of Chakuli village in Betaga union of Fakirhat, said Md Anisur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Mongla Police Station. Ali tried to allegedly rape an 8-year-old girl on Wednesday. At that time, locals caught him and beat him up. On information, police went to the spot and brought him to the police station, said the OC. Later, a case was filed with Mongla police following a complaint lodged by the victim's mother, he said. Meanwhile, Shawkat tried to rape an 11-year-old girl by luring her with money in Fakirhat upazila on Tuesday morning. Later, the child's mother filed a case at the police station. Following this, police conducted a drive and arrested Shawkat on Tuesday night. Both accused were sent to the Bagerhat Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Wednesday, added the OC.

In an effort to ensure a safe and festive environment for the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has implemented various security measures to safeguard homes, institutions, and shopping centres across the city. To assist in this, auxiliary police forces have been deployed, and they will play a vital role in maintaining law and order, said a DMP press release issued on Wednesday. In addition to DMP's security arrangements, the police have requested that city dwellers take further measures to enhance the security of their homes, businesses, and shops during Eid. Security guards assigned to homes, apartments, banks, insurance companies, and other institutions and shopping centres should be tasked with round-the-clock vigilance to prevent unauthorized access. It is essential that necessary measures are taken to ensure the overall security of these locations, said the release. To ensure continuous security monitoring, institutions are advised not to grant leave to all employees at once. Instead, employees should be granted leave in shifts, allowing some personnel to remain on duty and maintain oversight of the security system. Before leaving homes or businesses, individuals are encouraged to make sure all doors and windows are properly locked. Using multiple locks for extra security is recommended. If any doors or windows are in poor condition, they should be repaired to enhance security before departure. Additionally, homes and institutions should install an adequate number of CCTV cameras, ensuring that all cameras are functional. For added protection, auto-lock systems and security alarm systems may be installed on the main doors of homes and businesses. 179 arrested during DMP’s special drive in 24 hrs It is also advised in the release that the surroundings of homes and institutions be adequately lit during the night to improve visibility and deter criminal activity. Valuable items, including money and important documents, should be securely stored in safe places or with trusted relatives. Bank lockers can be used as a secure alternative for valuable items. The release also stated that before leaving homes, individuals should notify their neighbours or nearby residents who will remain in the area to keep an eye on their property. Regular communication with them is advised to maintain security. Tenants should also inform the property owner in advance if they plan to leave for Eid. Security personnel are advised to be vigilant and ensure that no unauthorised individuals enter the premises of homes or institutions. It is essential to check and ensure that all electrical switches, water taps, and gas stoves are turned off before leaving. Garages should be secured to protect vehicles, and any overgrown branches of trees near windows or doors should be trimmed to prevent criminals from using them as a means to access the property. In case of suspicious individuals or criminal activity near homes or institutions, local police stations and outposts should be immediately informed. If any unpleasant incidents occur or are anticipated during Eid celebrations, the local police should also be notified promptly, the release added.