United News of Bangladesh

Election training for police personnel began on Wednesday at 114 venues across the country ahead of the local government elections, with the two-day programme aimed at enhancing their skills and capabilities to ensure their election duties with professionalism. Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir formally inaugurated the training at the Police Headquarters' Hall of Integrity in the morning. Senior police officials were present at the programme. A total of 38,847 police personnel who had not previously received election-related training are taking part in the two-day programme at 114 venues. The first batch comprises 4,965 trainees. Earlier, 152,175 police personnel received election training before the 13th parliamentary elections. They will receive a one-day refresher training for the upcoming local government elections after completion of the ongoing training programme for those who have not previously received election training.

A tribunal on Wednesday sentenced a 56-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping a second-grade schoolgirl in Saidpur upazila in 2025. The court also fined him Tk 50,000, in default of which, he will have to serve an additional term of imprisonment. The convict is Mokhsed Ali Pramanik of Dakkhin Sonakhuli Tahshildar Para village of the upazila. Judge Masud Karim of the Children Repression Prevention Tribunal and Senior District and Sessions Judge of Nilphamari delivered the verdict in the afternoon. According to the prosecution, the incident took place on August 29, 2025, when the girl was playing with Mokhsed's granddaughter in the yard of his house. Taking advantage of the house being empty, he took the girl inside on the pretext of cleaning a room and raped her. After the girl disclosed the incident to her family, her father filed a case with Saidpur Police Station.

A Faridpur court on Wednesday convicted four people and sentenced them to life imprisonment for killing a man over previous enmity in 2018. Faridpur Special District and Sessions Judge Md Sharif Uddin handed down the punishment. The convicts are Shahjahan Matubbar, 36, Faruk Sheikh, 35, Chandu Sheikh, 22, and Farida Begum, 30, of Jhaukhola village in Sadar upazila. Farida was tried in absentia. The court also issued an arrest warrant against her. The court also fined the convicts Tk 20,000 each, in default of payment, to suffer one more year in jail. Besides, the court sentenced all the convicts to seven years in jail under another section of the case and fined each Tk 5,000, in default of payment, to suffer six more months in rigorous imprisonment. According to the prosecution, Hasan Sheikh, a staff of Faridpur Sishu Park, went missing on May 9, 2018. A general diary was lodged with Sadar Police Station over the incident. Four days after he went missing, police recovered Hasan’s body from a sugarcane field in the Jhaukhola area. Iman Uddin, father of the victim, filed a case with Kotwali Police Station. According to the case statement, Hasan had a dispute with several local youths four to five months before the incident. A village arbitration meeting was arranged by the local chairman, where the youths were punished for assaulting Hasan Sheikh. Following the incident, the convicts called Hasan out and killed him.

Police have arrested a man on charges of raping a physically challenged woman in Phulbari Upazila of Kurigram. Shahjalal Mia, 35, son of Ahsan Ali of Kishamat Prankrishna village, was arrested from Purba Dhaniram village in the upazila on Tuesday morning. According to the victim’s family and police, the 25-year-old woman was resting at her home on the afternoon of September 9 when Shahjalal allegedly found her alone and forcibly raped her. When the woman screamed and locals rushed to the scene, the accused fled. Following the incident, an influential local group allegedly attempted to hush up the matter. However, after the attempt failed, the victim filed a case with Phulbari Police Station on Tuesday morning. Abdul Awal, the investigating officer and a sub-inspector at Phulbari Police Station, said the accused was arrested during a raid shortly after the complaint was received. Mahmud Hasan Naim, officer-in-charge of Phulbari Police Station, said the accused was produced before the court in the afternoon, and the court ordered that he be sent to jail. The victim was also sent to Kurigram General Sadar Hospital for a medical examination.

A crude bomb exploded on the road in front of the main gate of the Supreme Court in the capital on Tuesday afternoon. The explosion came shortly after the International Crimes Tribunal, which is situated inside the SC premises, awarded death sentences to seven leaders of Awami League, which faces a ban on its activities, and its associate bodies in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July 2024 mass uprising. The explosion occurred at around 1:45pm, about 15-20 minutes after the verdict was pronounced, according to available information. It caused a loud bang, triggering panic among people in the area, with many fleeing in different directions. Traffic on the road came to a halt for a while following the blast, but later returned to normal. However, it could not be ascertained who exploded the crude bomb. Police rushed to the spot on information and seized evidence from the scene. They were trying to collect CCTV footage from nearby cameras to identify those involved. Officer-in-Charge of Shahbagh Police Station Moniruzzaman said no one was arrested in connection with the incident. “We are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas. The investigation is underway,” he said.    

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Tuesday sentenced seven people, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, to death for their alleged roles in suppressing the July 2024 mass uprising through incitement, provocation, attacks and killings. The tribunal found the accused responsible for crimes against humanity committed during the movement, including directing and inciting party activists to attack protesters, organising resistance against the movement and involvement in killings and other acts of violence, according to the formal charges. The three-member ICT-2, chaired by Justice Nozrul Islam Chowdhury, pronounced the verdict. The other condemned convicts are Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat, Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash and its General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, and banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan. All seven convicts are currently absconding. The tribunal also ordered that 50 percent property of the five Awami League and Jubo League leaders be confiscated and the proceeds be provided to the family members of those who were killed and injured during the July uprising. According to the prosecution, a total of seven charges were brought against the convicts in the case. The investigation began on June 18, 2025, and the probe report was submitted on December 7 of the same year. Later, formal charges were filed, and the tribunal took cognisance of the charges on December 18. Charges were framed against the accused on January 22, 2026. The opening statement in the case was presented on February 17, followed by the recording of prosecution evidence. A total of 29 prosecution witnesses were listed in the case, including the investigating officer. Closing arguments began on August 4 and concluded on August 17. The tribunal allocated a total of nine working days for the arguments. A total of 123 documentary exhibits were presented before the tribunal, along with 27 material exhibits. Witnesses were examined and their statements recorded at different stages on July 27, July 29 and August 2, 2026. After the closing arguments concluded on August 17, the tribunal kept it pending for judgement. ‘Charges brought against the convicts’ The seven Awami League leaders were accused in the case of playing roles in suppressing the movement, incitement, provocation, attacks and killings. Obaidul Quader faced three counts. According to the charges, during a phone conversation with BCL President Saddam Hossain on July 11, 2024, he ordered action against the protesters. He was also accused of inciting BCL leaders and activists against the protesters through his July 15 statement – “Chhatra League will respond to the self-proclaimed Razakars.” Quader was accused of ordering a slowdown of internet speed on July 16 and directing that various areas of Chattogram be kept under control. The charges also stated that on July 17 and 18, Quader instructed party leaders to prepare to suppress the movement in their respective areas and build resistance on the streets. On July 19, he reportedly made a “shoot-at-sight” remark in connection with the imposition of a curfew and deployment of the military. Later, on August 3, he allegedly directed party leaders and activists to take positions in neighbourhoods and resist the movement. Awami League Joint General Secretary Bahauddin Nasim was accused of supporting and endorsing Quader’s statements and supervising efforts to suppress the movement in Madaripur. He was also accused of attending the party programme on August 3 and making an inflammatory statement about protesters at Farmgate on August 4. Arafat was accused of making inflammatory statements about protesters, ordering attacks and overseeing the violence. His role in the deaths of six protesters in the Mohakhali area on July 19 was mentioned in the formal charges. He was also accused of temporarily shutting down the broadcasts of several television channels during the movement. Parash was accused of directing leaders and activists of the Jubo League under his control to suppress the movement. The charges stated that armed Jubo League activists carried out attacks at various locations, resulting in several deaths in Chattogram and Mohakhali of Dhaka on July 18 and 19. The charges also referred to killings in Lakshmipur and Rajshahi on August 4 and 5. Nikhil was accused of directing party leaders and activists on July 12 to remain prepared to resist the protesters and of leading an armed procession and attacks in Mirpur on July 19. He was also accused of being present during and supervising several killings in Mirpur on August 4 and 5. Saddam was accused of threatening and inciting protesters and directing and supervising BCL activists in attacks at Dhaka University and various educational institutions across the country. His statements on July 11 and his roles in various programmes on July 15 and 16 were cited in the charges. Wali Asif Inan was accused of planning and issuing directives to suppress the movement, making inflammatory statements and leading attacks in the Dhaka University area on July 15. He was also accused of supporting threats issued by Saddam on July 16 and directing and supervising violence on July 18. According to the formal charges, as a result of these activities, more than 1,400 protesters were killed and over 25,000 people were seriously injured across the country during the July mass uprising, with lethal weapons allegedly being used.

A Barishal court on Monday convicted a man and sentenced him to life imprisonment for killing his wife over extramarital affair with his sister-in-law, 16 years ago. Barishal District and Session Judge Moshtaque Ahmed handed down the punishment. The condemned convict is Zahirul Islam, a LGRD engineer of Baufal upazila in Barishal district. The court also sentenced another accused of the case Abdul Malek to five years in jail. According to the prosecution, the convict Zahirul had developed an extramarital affair with his sister-in-law Ruma Akter. As Zahirul’s wife Nazma Zahir came to know about the issue, Zahirul took her to Ali International hotel in Barishal city on February 15, 2010. Later, he killed Nazma by slitting her throat. Nilufa Irine, sister of Nazma filed a case with Kotwali Model Police Station. Police submitted chargesheet against Zahirul and hotel manager Abdul Malek.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Sunday decided to investigate the fresh allegations of money laundering, widespread irregularities and financial transactions involving transfers against former interim government adviser and National Citizens Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan. The allegations include laundering a large amount of money abroad and building assets in Portugal, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Swiss bank. ACC Public Relations Department Assistant Director Md Tanzir Ahmed disclosed the information at the commission’s regular media briefing at its Segunbagicha headquarters in the capital in the afternoon. Tanzir said there are allegations against Asif Mahmud over financial transactions during his tenure as an adviser in connection with the appointment of the Dhaka North City Corporation administrator, postings of Deputy Commissioners (DCs), tenders for development projects under various city corporations and the Ministry of Local Government, as well as recruitment, transfers and promotions. “There are also allegations of embezzling money by inflating costs in rural infrastructure development, bridge construction, the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant and Sheikh Russel Mini Stadium projects,” he said. “Allegations were made that a large amount of money was laundered abroad and assets were built in Portugal, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Swiss bank,” Tanzir Ahmed said. He said allegations have also been brought against Asif Mahmud’s father, his assistant private secretary (APS) and private officer (PO) over controlling a contractors’ syndicate, lobbying for bribe transactions and abusing power. “After verification and scrutiny of the complaint, the commission has decided to incorporate it into the ongoing inquiry and conduct an investigation,” he said. “You know that an allegation is already under inquiry. This complaint will be investigated by incorporating it into that ongoing inquiry,” he added. However, Asif Mahmud denied the allegations against him, describing such accusations as a “media trial” and “character assassination”. At a press conference titled “Allegations vs Reality” at NCP central office at Banglamotor in the afternoon, Asif Mahmud spoke about the allegations. Asif Mahmud said, “An inquiry is being conducted against me over promotions and transfers that took place during the BNP’s time. I mean, there should be a limit even to a circus. Clearly, I am being subjected to a media trial.” “If you find anything abroad during the investigation, just give me 10 percent. I’m struggling to get by,” Asif Mahmud said.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Sunday said there is no alternative to enhancing the skills and capacity of police personnel to combat cybercrime. He made the remarks while inaugurating a 10-day Training of Trainers (ToT) course on investigation of cybercrime cases at the Police Staff College Bangladesh in Mirpur in the city on Sunday. “Artificial intelligence, deepfakes, encrypted communication systems and cloud computing have opened new avenues of opportunities, but at the same time created new challenges for law enforcement agencies,” the IGP said. He said criminals are abusing technology to commit cyber-based fraud, online financial crimes, data theft, hacking, online harassment and digital extortion. “Changes in the nature of policing have become a demand of the time to tackle the growing cybercrime. Developing investigation capacity to combat cybercrime is extremely essential for modern policing,” he said. Addressing the police officers attending the training, the IGP said the course would help them acquire not only technical skills but also training and communication skills. “The knowledge and skills gained through the training must be disseminated among other investigators,” he said, adding that effective training of other investigators would multiply the number of cybercrime case investigators. The IGP thanked the Training Wing of Police Headquarters and the Police Staff College Bangladesh for arranging the timely training and stressed the need for regularly organising such training and updating training materials and modules. Police Staff College Bangladesh Rector and Additional IGP Kazi Md Fazlul Karim presided over the programme, while CID chief and Additional IGP Barrister Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain attended as a special guest. DIG (Training) Md Ekramul Habib delivered the welcome address, while Additional DIG (Training-2) Dr Mosammat Shehela Parveen presented the roadmap and implementation strategy for cybercrime investigation training. Faculty members and resource persons of Police Staff College Bangladesh were also present. The Police Staff College Bangladesh organised the 10-day course at the initiative of the Training Branch of Police Headquarters. A total of 332 police officers participating in the ToT course will, in phases, provide training to field-level investigators of cybercrime cases.

A court in Habiganj on Sunday sentenced two persons to death for killing a teenage girl after violating her in Nabiganj Upazila of Habiganj in 2021. Judge Syeda Minhaz Um Munira of the Habiganj Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal handed down the verdict on Sunday. The court also fined Tk 20,000 each. The convicted individuals are Khalil Miah, son of Mirash Miah, and Golam Hossain, son of Ishad Ullah; both are from Haripur village in Nabiganj Upazila. According to case details, on the night of December 26, 2021, the accused abducted 17-year-old Juba Akter—daughter of Sufi Miah from Bagaura village in the same Upazila—from her home. They took her to a nearby paddy field where Khalil raped her. When Golam Hossain subsequently attempted to violate her, the victim resisted; the accused then killed her by slitting her throat. Following the incident, Sufi Miah filed a case against unknown persons at Nabiganj Police Station under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Police arrested Khalil after examining the call list on the victim's mobile phone. Upon interrogation while on remand, he confessed to the incident and gave a statement to a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. After the investigation, police submitted a charge sheet against the accused. The judge framed charges under Sections 302 and 34 of the Penal Code and delivered the verdict after hearing the testimonies and cross-examinations of 14 witnesses.