United News of Bangladesh

Amid repeated attempts of ‘push-ins’ by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), upazila and station-level Ansar-VDP members have been deployed in 11 border districts. The districts are Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Joypurhat, Jashore, Jhenaidah, Satkhira, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Sylhet, Jamalpur and Khagrachhari, according to Ansar-VDP headquarters. Ansar-VDP members have been deployed in border areas to strengthen coordinated security operations and improve border management under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in 2025, it said. According to the agreement, Ansar-VDP members perform duties in coordination with the BGB based on national needs and security requirements. In addition, Ansar battalion members have been kept on standby to respond quickly to emerging situations and provide additional manpower when required. Officials said the involvement of Ansar-VDP strengthens the national security framework and supports BGB operations. They added that this coordinated approach helps improve surveillance, prevent cross-border crimes and ensure the safety of people living in border areas.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman on Sunday expressed hope that the entire judicial process in the Ramsia murder case could be completed within the next three months. “Today's fast-track trial of the Ramsia murder case was not achieved by the government alone. It should be remembered that if the Hon'ble Chief Justice had not cancelled the leave of judges until June 15, it would not have been possible for the government to facilitate such a fast-track process,” he told reporters at Secretariat after the verdict. Explaining how the case could reach its final legal conclusion within three months, the minister said that if the case records are sent to the High Court within a week and paper books are prepared within the following 15 days, the death reference hearing could be completed within two weeks under special consideration. “After that, the case will move to the Appellate Division. I believe the entire process can be completed within three months,” he said. However, he said not all cases could be handled through a similar fast-track process. “We are trying to find a way out to determine how quickly we can dispose of such cases in the future,” he added. Regarding the death reference process, Asaduzzaman said the Chief Justice intends to take a more focused approach to ensure the speedy disposal of death reference cases including the Ramisa murder case. “I have spoken to the Chief Justice regarding the Ramisa case. He told me that once the court reopens, he will take more focused decisions to expedite all pending death reference cases,” he said. Asaduzzaman said he would continue to pursue the matter to ensure the swift disposal of both older cases and the Ramisa case. Responding to another question, he said there is no specific legal timeframe for the disposal of death reference cases, but efforts would be made to ensure that such cases are resolved as quickly as possible. Earlier in the day, a Dhaka tribunal sentenced prime accused Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna Khatun to death in a case over the rape and murder Ramisa Akter in the city’s Pallabi area.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said all important border-related issues including push-ins across the frontier will be discussed at the four-day director general-level meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF). “The DG-level meeting is held alternately in Bangladesh and India. This time it is our turn to visit India. All relevant issues will be discussed there,” he told reporters at Secretariat. Bangladesh is already engaging with India through diplomatic channels on border-related concerns while the country's border guards remain on alert.  “We will, InshaAllah, resist all attempts of border push-ins. However, these issues should primarily be resolved through diplomatic discussions,” he added. The 57th Director General (DG)-level border conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India’s Border Security Force (BSF) will be held in New Delhi from June 8 to 11. A 15-member Bangladesh delegation, led by BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, will participate in the four-day conference. The Indian delegation will be led by the BSF Director General and will comprise senior BSF officials as well as representatives from India's Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs and other relevant agencies. This is the first DG-level talks between the border guard forces of the two countries since the BNP government came to power in February this year.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury on Sunday categorically stated that while media freedom exists in the country, anyone working against democracy or supporting terrorism will face legal action, regardless of their profession. "We want to make one thing clear — there is freedom of mass media in the country. However, under existing laws, whoever acts against upholding democracy, attempts to destroy it, or works in favour of terrorism is not above the law. Action will be taken against them under the prevailing laws," the state minister said. Chowdhury said this while responding to a supplementary question from National Citizen Party (NCP) MP Abul Hasnat (Hasnat Abdullah) during the question-and-answer session in Parliament. In his supplementary question, Hasnat Abdullah emphasized the necessity of professional security for journalists, noting that many professional journalists had performed their duties with dedication even during the hostile environment of the past 17 years. He asked: "What is the government thinking regarding those self-proclaimed journalists who, during the Awami League regime, legitimized and manufactured consent for forced disappearances, murders, vote rigging, bank robberies, and genocide?" Reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy against criminals, Yaser Khan Chowdhury replied, "Whether the criminal is a journalist, politician, businessman, or employee — no one is above the law. If anyone acts against the law, the BNP-led government will definitely take action against them under the existing laws." Responding to another query from Netrokona-3 MP Rofiqul Islam Hilali regarding security risks faced by journalists investigating online gambling and cybercrimes, the State Minister disclosed that work is underway to update the guidelines for journalists working in online and digital media. Directives are being formulated to ensure their recognition, registration, and professional security, he added. Answering a question from Noakhali-2 MP Zainul Abdin Farroque, Chowdhury mentioned that a specialized team is actively working to monitor individuals spreading misinformation and disinformation on social media. Furthermore, in response to a query from Cox's Bazar-3 MP Lutfur Rahman, the State Minister stated that a policy is being drafted for approving new online portals and digital media outlets. Future approvals for all online media and portals will be granted in light of this upcoming policy. In separate written responses, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon provided detailed statistics regarding the country's print media. Replying to a query from BNP MP Nilofer Moni (Reserved Seat), the Minister informed the House that a total of 1,244 daily, weekly, and monthly periodicals are currently published from the capital, Dhaka. Of those, 585 are daily newspapers with 288 are media-listed, weekly magazines are 363 (56 are media-listed), while 296 are Monthly Magazines with 23 are media-listed. In response to a question from Jamalpur-3 MP Mostafizur Rahman Babul, the Information Minister stated that the current number of newspapers enlisted with the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) stands at 721. Meanwhile, replying to Madaripur-3 MP Anisur Rahman, Minister Swapon announced that steps are being taken to amend the Press Council Act of 1974. The initiative aims to modernize the law, making the Press Council stronger, more effective, and more media-friendly to ensure the rights, security, and working environment of journalists.

Members of the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) have arrested a notorious robber and his two associates in Ramgati upazila of Lakshmipur. The detainees were identified as Md. Azim Bepari, 32, Md. Bashir, 40, and Rabbi, 16. All three are residents of Ramgati. The paramilitary force also recovered a locally made firearm, ammunition, and Tk 8 lakh in cash from their possession, according to a BCG press release issued on Saturday. Acting on a tip-off, a Coast Guard team conducted a special operation in the Meghna River near Janata Bazar in Ramgati and detained them, the release said. Based on information provided by the detainees, Coast Guard members later searched their hideout and recovered one locally made single-barrel gun, three rounds of live cartridges, and Tk 8 lakh in cash. Lieutenant Commander Sabbir Alam Sujan said the Coast Guard would continue such operations in the future to help maintain law and order across the country.

Twenty-eight people have remained stranded near the zero line at the Bangabari border in Gomostapur upazila of Chapainawabganj after a push-in attempt by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) was foiled by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Lt Col Mohammad Ariful Islam Masum, commanding officer of Naogaon 16 BGB Battalion, said BSF members from Ashrafpur camp under Battalion 12 attempted to push the 28 individuals into Bangladesh through border pillar 203/6-S around 3:00am on Thursday. The group consists of 12 men, 10 women and six children, he said. BGB patrol teams from Bangabari Border Outpost (BOP) resisted the attempt, after which the individuals remainedstranded along the zero line. Sources said a flag meeting was held on Thursday afternoon at the company commander level, followed by a battalion commander-level meeting between BGB and BSF. Initially, BSF denied the push-in attempt during the meeting. However, it later acknowledged the incident at the battalion commander-level discussion.

A 12-year-old girl, a Class-IV student of a government primary school in Chandpur's Shahrasti upazila, has been found five months pregnant, with her family accusing a 60-year-old neighbour of raping her. The incident took place in Chitoshi East Union and has sparked widespread concern in the locality. The accused, identified as Nasir Uddin, reportedly went into hiding after the matter came to light. According to local residents and family members, the victim is the daughter of physically challenged parents and frequently worked at the accused's house. The girl said that her parents had sent her to Nasir Uddin's house about seven months ago at his request to assist with household chores. During that period, he allegedly touched her inappropriately on several occasions. She further alleged that in February, Nasir Uddin forcibly took her into a room and raped her. The accused allegedly threatened to kill her parents if she disclosed the incident, leaving her too frightened to tell anyone about it. The matter came to light on June 2 when the girl's aunt noticed physical changes and questioned her. The child then disclosed the alleged rape, family members said. Subsequently, the family took her to a physician, who confirmed that she was five months pregnant. Following the disclosure, the accused fled the area, according to locals. The victim's mother alleged that her daughter had been raped and threatened with death. "My daughter is now five months pregnant. We will seek legal action and demand justice from the administration," she said. Md Aminul Islam, member of Ward No. 5 of Chitoshi East Union Parishad, said he had heard about the incident and found the allegations to be credible after making inquiries. "It is a shameful incident involving a helpless family's young daughter. I demand exemplary punishment for the accused," he said. Shahrasti Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mir Mahbubur Rahman said no formal complaint had yet been filed with the police. "If a complaint is received, the matter will be investigated and legal action will be taken accordingly," the OC said.  

A man accused of attempting to sexually assault a seven-year-old girl died at a hospital after being thrashed by an angry mob in Jhenaidah's Char Khajura area on Thursday. The deceased was identified as Billal Hossain, 40, son of Barkat Ullah of Deuli village in Mohammadpur upazila of Magura district. He worked as a rickshaw puller in Jhenaidah and had been living in a rented room at Jhinukmala Housing Project in Char Khajura. According to witnesses and police, Billal allegedly lured the child to his room with the promise of buying her sweets and later attempted to sexually assault her. Police said the incident occurred in the afternoon when Billal allegedly took the girl to his room and gave her Tk 10. Local residents rushed to the spot after hearing the child's screams and rescued her. An enraged crowd then caught Billal, tied him up and allegedly beat him. On receiving information, police rescued the man and took him into custody before admitting him to Jhenaidah 250-bed General Hospital for treatment. He died there around 7pm while undergoing treatment, police said. Rustam Ali, a resident of the housing project, said Billal had moved into the area about a week ago after renting a room. Jhenaidah Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Asaduzzaman said the girl's mother filed a case with the police station on Thursday, accusing Billal of sexual abuse. "The accused was rescued from the scene and admitted to hospital under police custody. He later died while receiving treatment," the OC said. The body has been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy. Police said legal action would be taken following an investigation into both the sexual assault allegation and the mob beating that led to the suspect's death.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed has said that special operations will continue to ensure a safe and peaceful capital. He made the remarks at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Thursday afternoon. The Commissioner said that with everyone's cooperation, no major accidents, sabotage, or terrorist activities occurred in the capital during the Eid holidays. He added that all units of the DMP worked round the clock to ensure security at cattle markets, bus and launch terminals, railway stations, shopping malls, financial and commercial institutions, Eid congregational grounds, residential areas, and vacant houses. “From May 1 to June 2, 2026, DMP operational units conducted special drives and arrested a total of 2,844 people, including 658 extortionists, 971 robbers, bandits and terrorists, and 1,215 drug dealers.” During the same period, police recovered 744 kg of cannabis, 1,79,000 Yaba tablets, 405 grams of heroin, 1,281 bottles of Phensidyl, 28 litres of liquor, 29 grams of ice, 78 pieces of Tapentadol, and 20 narcotic tablets. They also recovered six pistols, 21 rounds of bullets, four magazines, 11 cocktails, and 12 locally made weapons. A total of nine people, including six Chinese nationals, were arrested in cases related to online gambling, cyber fraud, and illegal digital financial transactions. Police also seized 523 mobile phones, 293 SIM cards, four microbuses, six private cars, a covered van, a bus, nine CNG-run auto-rickshaws, and 15 motorcycles. The Commissioner said the DMP Traffic Division filed 38,284 cases in May against violations of the Road Transport Act. Of these, 672 were filed using AI-based enforcement. Fines totalling Tk 8.71 crore were realised during the month. He further said that during the Eid holiday period from May 25 to May 31, intensified patrols, checkpoints, intelligence surveillance, and CCTV monitoring were carried out across the city to maintain security in an almost empty Dhaka. As a result, no major robbery or sensational crime occurred during the seven-day period, although a few isolated incidents of theft and minor crimes were reported, he added. The DMP Commissioner said special drives would continue alongside routine policing to maintain law and order in the capital. Senior DMP officials and journalists from various media outlets were present at the briefing.  

The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested two people and recovered stolen copper cables linked to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) red telephone connection in connection with a theft at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The arrestees were identified as Ranjan Chandra, 26, and Rezakul Islam, 32. According to CTTC officials, the theft of the sensitive communication cable recently drew widespread attention on social media and in the news media. Following the incident, Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) filed a case with Shahbagh Police Station against unidentified persons. Considering the importance and sensitivity of the case, CTTC’s City Intelligence Analysis Division launched an investigation, says DMP's DC media SN Nasiruddin. Based on intelligence inputs and analysis of collected information, investigators detained Ranjan Chandra, an outsourcing employee working at the Secretariat, for questioning on Thursday noon. During interrogation, Ranjan allegedly confessed to stealing copper cables from Building No. 3 of the Secretariat on May 22. He told investigators that he later sold 8.2 kilograms of the stolen copper wire at a scrap shop in front of Dhaka University’s Ekushey Hall on June 1 at Tk 600 per kilogram. Acting on his information, a CTTC team conducted a raid and arrested Rezakul Islam from the scrap shop. Investigators later carried out another operation at a scrap warehouse on Hossaini Dalan Road in Chawkbazar, where they recovered the stolen copper cables belonging to the PMO’s red telephone connection, the DC media added. Preliminary investigation suggests that an organised group may be involved in the theft of various important communication cables at the Secretariat. The investigation is continuing to identify and bring the alleged masterminds of the network under the law, CTTC officials said.