law-order
Nayapaltan clash: Fakhrul, Abbas denied bail for 4th time
A Dhaka court on Wednesday rejected the bail petitions of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, in a case over the clash between police and the party activists in the capital’s Nayapaltan on December 7.
Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Asaduzzaman turned down the petitions when their lawyers sought bail for them.
Syed Joynal Abedin Mezbah, a lawyer of the BNP leaders, said it is the 4th time that the top BNP leaders have been denied bail in the case.
On December 9, a team of Detective Branch (DB) of police picked up Fakhrul and Abbas from their homes in separate raids in the capital city.
Read more: Mirza Fakhrul, Abbas should’ve given division in jail earlier: HC
Later, they were shown arrested in a case over the clash between police and the party activists in the capital’s Nayapaltan. A Dhaka court sent them to jail rejecting their bail pleas.
On December 12, a Dhaka court rejected the bail petitions of 224 leaders and activists of BNP, including Fakhrul and Abbas.
On December 15, a Dhaka court again rejected the bail petitions of the two BNP leaders in the case.
A Dhaka court ordered to give division facility to them on December 9 and then they were given the division facility from December 13.
They were accused of instigating, planning and directing an attack on police.
Read more: 224 BNP leaders including Fakhrul, Mirza Abbas denied bail
On December 7, a Swechchasebak Dal leader was killed and around 50 others were injured in a clash between police and the BNP activists in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office, ahead of its December 10 rally.
Police filed four cases at Ramna, Shahjahanpur, Motijheel and Paltan police stations against 720 BNP activists and over 2400 unnamed people in connection with the clash with BNP.
Of the BNP men, 450 were accused in the case filed at Nayapaltan police station, 20 in Motijheel police station case and seven in Shahjahanpur police station case.
Will act against those trying to create anarchy: Home Minister
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan today said that action will be taken if anyone tries to create anarchy in the country.
Political parties have to do politics, abiding by rules, the home minister said at the inauguration ceremony of Upazila Ansar and VDP office in Bagha of Rajshahi.
Read more: There was no lack of security during US ambassador’s Shaheenbagh visit: Home Minister
He said that the law and order situation in the country is satisfactory and the police force is working with patriotism and bravery. “If political parties of the country do not follow rules, they will be held accountable.”
“Every force is working efficiently. Ansar and VDP are among them,” said the minister, adding that when police cannot be deployed in elections, Ansar personnel are deployed.
“Around 2,00,000 Ansar members performed their duties bravely when arson attacks were carried out in the country,” the minister said.
Regarding killings at Bangladesh-India border, the home minister said, “Talks have been held with India to stop border killings. They (India) also do not support such killings.”
Read more: Fardin Noor: Home Minister puts faith in RAB, DB investigation
Besides, India has requested the Bangladesh government to take care of the issue of free movement in the border areas, he added. “The government is also keeping an eye on it.”
If there is a problem at the border, an immediate flag meeting is being held. The home ministries of both countries are also working together to solve various problems and crises, the home minister said.
In order to make the field level activities of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP more dynamic and up to date, construction of upazila Ansar and VDP model buildings is underway in 13 upazilas of Bangladesh.
Construction of nine Upazila Ansar and VDP buildings has been completed.
Four ‘drug traders’ held with 100 kg hemp in Gazipur
Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in a drive arrested four suspected drug traders along with 100kg hemp from Gazipur’s Sadar police station on Tuesday afternoon.
The arrestees are Robiul Hossain, 24, Shapon Miah,20, Yasin Miah,19, and Akram Hossain,19.
On information that a consignment of hemp was being taken to Gazipur from Cumilla on a private car, a team of Rab set up a check-post on the road at Harinal Kcha Bazar area under Sadar police station of GMP, said Noman Ahmed, senior assistant superintendent of police of the Rab-1.
Read: 3 arrested for raping, killing mentally-challenged woman in Sylhet
When the car reached the check-post, the elite force signaled to stop the car and searched it.
Sensing danger, the drug traders tried to flee the scene.
However, the team managed to arrest them and recovered the hemp from inside the car.
During the drive, 3 mobile phone sets and Tk6,195 in cash were also recovered from their possession.
Nagad declares charge-free services for police
Nagad, one of the leading mobile financial service providers in the country, has announced that all types of services will be free of charges for members of Bangladesh Police force.
Nagad, an arm of Bangladesh Postal Department, wants to introduce this as soon as possible.
Tanvir A Mishuk, founder and managing director of Nagad, made this announcement of the charge-free services as part of his gratitude to police’s pro-people services in the cultural evening of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital recently. The programme was organized by the DMP on the occasion of Victory Day, says a press release on Tuesday afternoon.
Read more: Victory Day: Up to 22% cashback on Nagad payments
Tanvir A Mishuk said, “We need your help in creating the database to this end. I want to introduce such a system so that even if I leave the managing director’s position in the future, policemen can enjoy all the services free of charge for a lifetime.”
Nagad wants to start work on creating an MFS database for police members as soon as possible, he pointed out.
“Police personnel provide us with security and various other services. But we never thank them in return. Nagad is going to offer them this benefit as a token of appreciation for their work,” he said.
It may be mentioned that if the charge-free transaction facility is introduced for policemen, it will be first of its kind initiative for a specialised force in the financial sector.
Moreover, Tanvir A Mishuk announced the publication of a book compiled with the interviews of freedom fighters currently working in or retired from the police force.
Read more: Nagad is a Digital Bangladesh success story: Mustafa Jabbar
Tanvir A Mishuk said, “Valiant freedom fighters gifted us today’s independent country through their heroic contribution in the great Liberation War.”
In 1971, police first resisted the Pakistan occupation forces from Rajarbagh. Therefore, Nagad is going to take such an initiative to honour their contribution and ensure a proper place for them in history.
Earlier, Nagad published the book titled “Beerer Mukhe Birottogatha”, a collection of interviews of 25 eminent freedom fighters from the Armed Forces, which earned much appreciation.
Speaking as the chief guest, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, at the event said, “I think it is a great offer for the police force from the Nagad’s managing director.”
Impressed by the speech of Tanvir A Mishuk at the event, the home minister said, “His [Tanvir A Mishuk] love for the country, compassion for the Liberation War and gratefulness to the police force has really attracted me.”
Senior Secretary of Public Security Division of Ministry of Home Affairs Md Aminul Islam Khan, Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq also spoke on the occasion.
About 5,000 officers and members of Bangladesh Police were also present at the event.
At the beginning of the programme, members of Bangladesh Police performed patriotic songs and dances. Later, Nogor Baul James, popular folk musician and lawmaker Momtaz Begum, and renowned band Teerondaz also enthralled the audience with their performances.
Another SP sent on compulsory retirement
Another police officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) has been sent on compulsory retirement.
Public Security Division under the Home Ministry issued a notification in this regard signed by its senior secretary Md Aminul Islam Khan on Tuesday.
According to the notice, Md Munir Hossain, special superintendent of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), has been sent on compulsory retirement according to section 45 of Public Service Act, 2018.
The order will come into effect immediately in public interest, the notification said.
Read more: 2 Additional DIGs sent on compulsory retirement
Md Munir Hossain, SP, was given attachment with the Police Headquarters as officer on Special Duty (OSD) from CID on July 19, 2011.
Earlier, Md Ali Hossain Fakir, former commanding officer of Armed Police Battalion-3, given early retirement on November 16. Ali Hossain was last attached to Rajshahi Range Police.
Three police officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SPs) were given compulsory retirement on October 18. Among the compulsorily retired SPs, Mohammad Shahidullah Chowdhury and Delwar Hossain Mia belong to the 12th batch of BCS police cadre and the other one Mirza Abdullahel Baki, a 15th batch officer of BCS police cadre.
Read more: Three SPs sent on compulsory retirement
Among them, Muhammad Shahidullah Chowdhury had been working as SP (TR) at Police headquarters, Md. Delwar Hossain Mia and Mirza Abdullahel Baki are working as Special Super (SS) in the CID.
Two more police officers of the rank of Additional Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and three SPs were sent on compulsory retirement on October 31 and October 18 respectively.
Two police officers of the rank of Additional Deputy Inspector General (DIGs) were given compulsory retirement on October 31.
According to the notifications separately issued on October 31, Md Alamgir Alam, Additional DIG of CID, and Md Mahbub Hakim, Additional DIG of Tourist Police, were given compulsory retirement according to section 45 of Public Service Act, 2018.
Meanwhile, the government had also sent Additional DIG of CID Sheikh Omar Farooq and Commanding Officer (Superintendent of Police) of 6th APBN of Mahalchari, Khagrachari Mohammad Abdur Rahim on forced retirement on September 2 in last year 2021.
23,968 people held in special drive across the country
Police in special drives arrested 23,968 people including 72 militants and listed criminals across the country.
Police conducted 33429 special drives from December 1 to December 15, said an official wishing anonymity at police headquarters.
Among the arrestees, 15,968 people have been wanted in several criminal cases while 8000 were held in 5132 cases filed during the drives.
Read more: 11 female Jamaat activists arrested in Chandpur; Court sent all to jail
During the drive police also seized arms and drugs.
Police carried out the operation after the escape of the two militants from the premises of Dhaka court.
Read more: 31 members of mugging gang arrested in capital: Rab
Two members of the banned militant outfit Ansar al-Islam, who were sentenced to death in Jagriti Publications publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan murder case, escaped from the premises of Dhaka Chief Judicial Magistrate Court (Dhaka CMM Court) on November 21.
The escapees are Md Abu Siddique Sohel alias Sakib alias Sajid alias Shahab and Moinul Hasan Shamim alias Samir alias Sifat alias Imran.
No concert on roads, bars to remain closed for 24 hrs from Dec 31
To prevent misuse of narcotics, bars across the country will remain closed for 24 hours from December 31, 6 pm and no concerts will be allowed on roads and flyovers on that night.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said this on Monday to the media after a meeting on law and order for Christmas Day and 31st night celebrations at the ministry.
This year Christmas Day will be celebrated in 5,682 churches across the country and security measures will be taken for all, said the minister.
Read more: Committee formed to discourage Rohingyas from using Myanmar mobile network: Home Minister
“In large churches we have requested to provide volunteers from the Christian community along with our security forces. Special security and intelligence forces will be deployed in diplomatic zones as most diplomats are Christian. CCTV cameras will be installed and important churches will be swept as done during the VIP movement and dog squads will also be deployed,” added the minister.
He said a special anti-narcotic drive will also be conducted from December 28 to 31.
The minister urged people to not use fireworks, crackers and vuvuzela during the celebrations of 31st night creating panic among people.
When asked whether concerts can be arranged in the field he said it can be done on permission of metropolitan police but on condition of creating no traffic jam.
The minister said there is no threat regarding the celebration. "Militancy was rising but it had been identified beforehand," he said.
Read more: There was no lack of security during US ambassador’s Shaheenbagh visit: Home Minister
When asked about BNP promising justice for all enforced disappearance, murder, torture for last half decade in their outline of structural reforms of the state, he said they are taking a step in this regard too as it has become people’s demand now.
He said a list of disappeared people during the BNP regime from 2001 to 2006 is being made.
“Freedom fighters, Awami League leaders, activists were killed and fell victim of disappearance during that time. A report has been made in this regard. We also want everything to be investigated,” said Asaduzzaman Khan.
Nayapaltan clash: HC orders giving division in jail to 5 BNP leaders
The High Court on Sunday ordered the jail authorities to give first class facility in jail to five BNP leaders who were arrested in a case over the clash between police and the party activists in the capital’s Nayapaltan.
The BNP leaders are- adviser to BNP chairperson Abdus Salam, BNP joint general secretary Khairul Kabir Khokon, Publication Secretary Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, former organising secretary Fazlul Haque Milan and Barisal District (South) BNP convenor and National Executive Committee member Abul Hossain Khan.
The HC bench of Justice KM Kamrul Quader and Justice Mohammad Ali passed the order after hearing on a writ petition seeking division for them in jail
On December 13, a writ petition was filed in the High Court seeking first class facility in jail for the BNP leaders.
On December 7, a Swechchasebak Dal leader was killed and around 50 others were injured in a clash between police and the BNP activists in front of the party’s Nayapaltan central office, ahead of its December 10 rally. The BNP leaders were arrested on the same day following the clash.
Read more: Mirza Fakhrul, Abbas should’ve given division in jail earlier: HC
A Dhaka court sent 445 BNP leaders and activists including Annie and Salam to jail in two cases filed over the violence and order to give division in jail to the five leaders on the following day.
But the jail authorities did five them division jail.
Later, on December 9, a team of Detective Branch (DB) of police picked up Fakhrul and Abbas from their homes in separate raids in the capital city in the early hours.
Later, they were arrested in a case filed over the clash between police and the party activists in the capital’s Nayapaltan.
Read more: BNP leaders, activists being treated inhumanely in jail: BNP
A Dhaka court ordered to give division facility to them on December 9 and then they were given the division facility from December 13.
Two brothers killed in clash over land in Rajshahi
Two cousins were killed during a clash over a land dispute at Charghat upazila in Rajshahi on Saturday afternoon.
The deceased were identified as Azizur Rahman alias Aziz, 45, son of Dedar Hossain, and his paternal cousin Akram Hossain, 60, son of Jeker Hossain from Bankra Paschimpara village in the upazila.
A clash with locally made sharp arms began on Saturday afternoon over a land dispute and more people from the both groups joined later, said Pranab Kumar, Senior Assistant Superintendent of police (Charghat circle).
Read more: Habiganj housewife's throat slit over property dispute
Eight people from both groups were injured in the clash and were taken to upazila health complex where the duty doctor declared Aziz and Akram dead.
“The bodies have been sent for autopsy while other injured are being treated at the hospital, '' said ASP Pranab Kumar.
He said police have visited the area to take control of the situation and legal actions will be taken in this reagard.
Jamaat Ameer backing new militant group: DMP Commissioner
Police have found evidence of supporting and funding the new militant outfit Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya by Ameer(chief) of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Shafiqur Rahman, said the DMP chief on Saturday.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq said that the Jamaat Ameer’s son got involved with the militant outfit and later he supported and funded them willingly.
He made the comment in reply to a question while briefing reporters after attending a programme in the capital.
Read more: Rights experts decry advocacy of Jamaat’s British legal adviser to impose sanctions
The Jamaat chief was arrested for his on allegations of assisting the militant group.
When asked whether any other leader of Jamaat was found to be associated with the new militant outfit, the commissioner said, “For the sake of privacy, I am not disclosing that information now. We will give details after the operation is successful.”
About the escape of two militants from the Dhaka court, Faruq said “We are going to get the report of the investigation committee. The report will ask to take action against those police members who were negligent on duty to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.”
Read more: Jamaat ameer involved in breeding new militant outfit: CTTC chief
“Our surveillance has identified not only those two militants but many others who were involved in the incident. Hope we will be able to arrest them soon,” he added.