United News of Bangladesh

The Appellate Division on Sunday set February 25 for hearing a review petition submitted by death-row convict and Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam in cases over “crimes against humanity” during the 1971 Liberation War. A three-member bench, headed by Senior Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam, set the date after International Crimes Tribunal's Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam and Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman mentioned the review petition before it for holding hearing on the petition, said defence lawyer Advocate Md Shishir Monir. Earlier, on January 23, the Appellate Division fixed February 20 for the review hearing. On that date, a five-member full bench headed by the Chief Justice was scheduled to hear the petition. But the hearing of the petition was not held on that day as the working hours of the court ended through hearing and disposal of the previous cases. Again the petition was placed before the court and prayed for the time. Following his arrest, ATM Azhar faced nine charges of “crimes against humanity”. Jamaat Ameer vows to surrender if ATM Azharul remains jailed According to the chargesheet, he was “responsible” for killing 1,256 people, abducting 17, and raping 13 women during the Liberation War in the Rangpur region. Besides, he was said to have tortured civilians, set fire to hundreds of houses, and committed other atrocities. The International Crimes Tribunal sentenced him to death on December 30, 2014, in five out of the nine charges. On January 28, 2015, the death-row convict submitted a petition to the Appellate Division, claiming his innocence. Later, on July 19, 2020, Azharul Islam filed the review petition with the relevant branch of the Appellate Division. Following an appeal hearing, the Appellate Division, under a bench led by then-Chief Justice Syed Mahmud, upheld the death penalty in a verdict delivered on October 23, 2019. Release Azharul Islam: Jamaat Ameer The full text of the Appellate Division’s verdict was released on March 15, 2020, after which ATM Azhar submitted the review petition.

Jubo Dal has suspended a member at Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila unit after video footage showed him in extortion from traders at local MC Bazar on Saturday. The BNP’s youth wing Jubo Dal took the action against Jahangir Alam after a video showing the Jubo Dal leader of the upazila unit of the convening committee went viral on social media, triggering severe criticism. He also held the post of former member secretary of Telihati union unit of Chhatra Dal and is son of Nuru Bepari of Mulaid village under the union. Gazipur district unit of Jubo Dal Convenor Ataur Rahman Molla confirmed that the executive committee of the Jubo Dal suspended him on saturday night and his party never supports such deeds. In the video footage, he was heard saying, “From now on, MC Bazar will run under my control as long as I am alive.... now and now, my people will start collecting khajna (extortion). If anyone obstructs, there will be dire consequences. I don't care if someone leased the market. Right now my people will start collecting money.” Jubo Dal suspends its Daulatpur VP for breaking discipline Preferring anonymity, some traders said wearing red tape on heads and covering faces with towels Jahangir and his 50 to 60 cohorts stormed the market at noon on Saturday and demanded money from traders brandishing machetes. Many traders fled the market in panic and some paid the money as per demand, they said. Sreepur police station’s Officer-in-Charge Joynal Abedin Mandal said their several teams are working to arrest those who forced the traders to pay the money.

Two people including a woman were killed and 20 others injured in a clash between two groups of Awami League and BNP over the ownership of a land in Durgapur upazila of Rajshahi district on Saturday. One of the deceased was identified as Ferdousi, 45, while the identity of another one could not be known immediately. Durul Hoda, officer-in-charge of Durgapur Police Station, said Mamun, an activist of BNP of Tiarkuri village and former chairman of Deluabari union and Awami League leader Riajul had been at loggerheads over the ownership of a piece of a land. As a sequel to the enmity, Mamun along with his supporters went to the disputed land of Riajul to occupy it around 10am. At one stage, both groups, equipped with sharp weapons attacked each other around 10 am, leaving 22 people injured. Among the injured three people were taken to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital where the doctors declared two of them dead. Police also detained seven people for interrogation, said the OC. Efforts are on to arrest those involved in the clash, he said.

A total of 769 people were arrested across the country as part of the ongoing "Operation Devil Hunt" in 24 hours till Saturday afternoon, according to the police headquarters. Besides, 572 others were arrested in connection with various warrants and ongoing cases during the same period in countrywide drives conducted by local police. All gang members arrested for machete attack on couple in Uttara During this period, the joint forces also recovered a range of weapons and materials, including one locally made pipe gun. Launched on the night of February 9, "Operation Devil Hunt" is aimed at curbing unrest and ensuring public safety across the country. 1,400 weapons and 250,000 ammunition still missing, says Hafiz The operation followed an attack on students and civilians in Gazipur on the night of February 7, an area known to be a stronghold of the Awami League.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has found evidence of enforced disappearance, rape, and torture against former Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohiuddin Faruki and RAB Company Commander Alep Uddin, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam has said. The tribunal has ordered that Alep Uddin be remanded for questioning on February 26 in connection with cases of abduction and torture spanning the past 16 years. Meanwhile, the investigation report on former SP Mohiuddin Faruki has been scheduled for submission on May 28, Tajul Islam said. Additionally, the ICT has directed that investigations into 10 officials—including the former police chief and the former director general of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC)—on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity be completed by May 28. Govt to form panel to probe ICT sector corruption under AL regime A three-member bench, led by tribunal chairman Justice Md. Golam Murtaza Majumder, issued these orders on Thursday after hearing separate petitions. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam emphasized that the charges against Alep Uddin are particularly grave, alleging that he was involved in the enforced disappearance and brutal torture of numerous individuals. “Alep Uddin disappeared many people, kept them locked up for years, and tortured them in the cruelest of ways,” he said. One of the most serious allegations against Alep involves rape. Tajul Islam said, “We have received evidence that an accused’s wife was raped several times under the threat of killing her husband.” Two cases against Hasina: ICT seeks probe reports by April 20 Alep Uddin is also accused of subjecting victims to electric shocks, blindfolding, and severe beatings after hanging them upside down, the chief prosecutor added. Tajul Islam noted that the tribunal has been informed of these allegations and that the investigation is ongoing. “It will take time to investigate the crimes of such a cruel criminal, as new allegations from victims continue to emerge. Our investigation agency is working day and night to complete the report and begin the formal trial process,” he said.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday filed a case against former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, his wife and two daughters, on charges of money laundering amounting to Tk 11.34 crore. Deputy Director of ACC's Integrated District Office Dhaka-1 Md Hafizul Islam filed the case, said its Director General (Prevention) Md Akhter Hossain at a briefing held at the ACC's head office in the capital. He said that no information was found about the investment anywhere after the loan of Tk 11.34 crore. He fled abroad immediately after withdrawing the money. 22 DCs sent into forced retirement The other accused in the case are Benazir's wife Jissan Mirza, his eldest daughter Farheen Rishta Binte Benazir and second daughter Tahseen Raisa Binte Benazir. Benazir Ahmed was the IGP from April 15, 2020 to September 30, 2022. Earlier, he served as the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner and Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). SC clears appointment of 1,137 BCS candidates Benazir left the country with her family on May 4 last year. Meanwhile, the court ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against Benazir Ahmed through Interpol.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against 23 people, including former Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman and economist Dr Abul Barkat, for allegedly embezzling TK 297 crore under the guise of the Enontex Group. Deputy Director Nazmul Hossain at the ACC’s Dhaka Integrated District Office filed the case on Thursday, said ACC Director General Md Akhter Hossain. The accused include high-ranking officials from Janata Bank, such as former Deputy Governor Abu Hena Mohammad Razi Hasan, former directors, and managing officials. The charges involve creating false records through forgery and money laundering to embezzle loan funds in collaboration with officials from the bank. TIB raises question over move to appoint graft accused in ACC The case was filed under several sections of the Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. The case had actually been filed earlier and closed in 2022 for lack of evidence, but new developments have led to its reopening.

Reassuring that there is no security threat, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Thursday said that multi-tier security measures have been put in place at the Central Shaheed Minar ahead of 21st February. He said that floral tributes will be organised in three phases, with VVIPs and VIPs laying flowers from 12:01 am to 12:40 am. To avoid inconvenience, the general people have been requested not to arrive during this period. The Palashi Gate near Dhaka University will be opened for public entry at 12:40 am. Addressing a security briefing in Dhaka on Thursday regarding preparations for the observance of International Mother Language Day, Commissioner Sajjat Ali urged visitors to adhere to the designated timings and maintain discipline while paying tribute at the monument. Operation Devil Hunt: 532 arrested across Bangladesh Police personnel will remain on high alert in the area until 2 pm on 21st February. While law enforcement authorities will remain vigilant, visitors are advised to take responsibility for their personal belongings such as mobile phones and wallets. A mobile police unit will be stationed within a one-kilometre radius to respond to any emergencies. The commissioner also dismissed concerns about security risks posed by top criminals on bail, stating that they are not associated with the Shaheed Minar event. Additionally, there is no threat of militant attacks. He emphasised that law and order have significantly improved, with police officers working with heightened morale. To further enhance security, seven designated points around the Shaheed Minar will be barricaded between 8 pm and 9 pm tonight. Meanwhile, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has issued specific route guidelines for the public paying homage at the Central Shaheed Minar on International Mother Language Day. According to a DMP media release, attendees are advised to follow these designated routes. The prescribed entry route for the Shaheed Minar includes Palashi Crossing – Sculpture Crossing – Jagannath Hall Crossing, while the exit route will be via Ramna Crossing – Doel Chattar. Diversions will be enforced at Shahbagh Crossing, Nilkhet Crossing, Shahidullah Hall Crossing, Chankharpul Crossing, Palashi Crossing, and Bakshibazar Crossing to ensure smooth movement and security. Authorities have called on the public to follow these instructions to facilitate an orderly and safe tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar.

Two bodies were recovered from the rooftop of a house following a joint forces raid in Mohammadpur’s Chand Udyan area of the capital early Thursday, said Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR). The joint forces conducted the operation around 12:30am after being tipped-off that muggers were preparing, said the ISPR in a media release. Upon receiving information, a team of the joint forces rushed to the spot and cordoned off the two ends of a lane in the area, the media release added. Sensing the presence of the joint forces, the terrorists opened fire from the rooftop of the one-storey house, forcing them to retaliate in self-defence, according to the ISPR. Two killed, five held during joint forces raid at Mohammadpur During the operation, it said, five terrorists were detained with a pistol, four rounds of bullets, and machete, and handed over to Mohammadpur Police Station to take legal action.  Later, two bodies were recovered from the rooftop of the house after conducting a search. Such drives to save the lives of people and property will continue, the ISPR added.

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the appointment of 1,137 candidates who were disallowed to join jobs through the 27th BCS about 17 years back. A five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed delivered the verdict after hearing three separate petitions in this regard. Defence lawyer Salah Uddin Dolan said that following the verdict the candidates will be able to join the job with appropriate seniority. The court also ordered to take them in within 90 days, he said. Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haque represented the state and lawyer Mohammad Khalequzzaman stood for the Public Service Commission during the hearing in the court. During the 1/11 caretaker government, the decision was made to cancel the first viva exam in the 27th BCS, and a second round of viva was conducted. Reform Commission recommends completing BCS exam within one year However, those deprived of recruitment submitted a writ challenging the second viva. In 2008, a High Court (HC) bench declared the cancellation of the first viva result as valid. However, in 2009, another HC bench declared the second viva to be illegal. Meanwhile, 25 candidates deprived of recruitment filed two leave-to-appeal petitions in the Appellate Division against the first verdict. Furthermore, the government submitted three leave-to-appeal petitions against the second verdict. After some observations, the Appellate Division resolved the government's leave-to-appeal petitions and delivered its verdict in 2010. The Appellate Division upheld the HC’s ruling, validating the decision to cancel the first viva examination. Govt appoints 267 assistant commissioners from 43rd BCS Following a review petition against the Appellate Division's verdict, the leave to appeal was granted. Three separate appeals were filed on behalf of 1,137 candidates deprived of recruitment last year. After hearing the appeals, the Appellate Division handed down the verdict today.