United News of Bangladesh

A man accused of raping a five-and-a-half-year-old girl was beaten by angry locals at Madanhat village in Sadar upazila of Natore before being handed over to police on Wednesday evening. The accused, Shariful Islam, a fuchka vendor from the village, was detained following the incident. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mansur Rahman of Sadar Police Station said Shariful allegedly took the child to a nearby grass field on Tuesday afternoon and violated her. The girl was later rescued by her relatives and admitted to a local clinic. As news of the alleged incident spread at the village, angry locals gathered and confronted the accused on Wednesday evening. The dragged him out of his house, tied him to a tree and beat him. On information, police rushed to the spot, rescued Shariful from the mob and took him to the police station, the OC said. The victim was admitted to Natore Sadar General Hospital for treatment.

A writ petition was filed with the High Court on Wednesday seeking an investigation into the death of a 75-year-old woman whose decomposed body was recovered from a flat in the capital's Pallabi area after allegedly remaining there unnoticed for around seven days. The petition also sought a judicial inquiry into whether there were any human rights violations in connection with the incident and called for the identification of the circumstances surrounding her death. Sharif Sarkar, a Supreme Court lawyer, filed the writ petition. Barrister HM Shanjid Siddiqi, who stood for the petitioner, described the incident as "heartbreaking and inhumane." On May 31, police recovered the body of Nurjahan Begum from a flat in Mirpur-11 (Pallabi) after receiving a call through the national emergency service 999. According to preliminary findings, she died seven to eight days earlier. The deceased was mother of four and her children are well-established in society, Shanjid said. He claimed that one of her children is a senior government official and another is a professor at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) while another lives abroad. The woman's daughter, a schoolteacher, lives in an adjacent room of the same flat but allegedly did not inform authorities of her mother's death, the lawyer said. In light of this tragic incident, the writ seeks a proper investigation and legal action to ensure accountability, he said. The petition also requested a judicial inquiry to determine whether negligence contributed to the situation and why no one took notice despite the body reportedly remaining inside the flat for several days. It also sought an investigation into the actual cause of death. Shanjid said the petition also sought court directives asking the government to introduce support systems for elderly citizens, including state-backed nursing or caregiving services similar to those available in some developed countries, to help prevent such incidents in the future.  

Members of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) have removed a group of 10 to 12 people including women and children, from the zero line along the Sadipur border in Benapole on Wednesday morning. All of them had been stranded for several days amid an alleged 'push-in' attempt into Bangladesh. Following their removal, additional BGB personnel deployed in the area were also withdrawn and regular border patrols resumed, sources said, said Lieutenant Colonel Golam Mohammad Saiful Alam Khan, commanding officer of the Jashore-49 BGB Battalion. Tension had prevailed between BGB and BSF along the Sadipur border since Sunday night over what Bangladeshi authorities described as an attempt to push people into Bangladesh without following established procedures. The group had reportedly remained stranded in the border's zero line area for three days, enduring harsh weather conditions under open skies. According to BGB and local sources, BSF had attempted to send the men, women and children into Bangladesh, claiming they were Bangladeshi nationals. However, Bangladeshi border authorities refused to accept them, citing the absence of credible documents or information confirming their Bangladeshi citizenship. BGB maintained that no individual would be allowed to enter Bangladesh until their nationality was properly verified. Earlier, on the night of May 31, BSF allegedly gathered around 100 to 120 people in the Haridaspur area across the border from Sadipur and attempted to push them into Bangladesh, according to local sources. The attempt was foiled due to BGB's heightened vigilance, they said. In response to the reported push-in threat, BGB reinforced security measures across the Benapole border, deploying additional personnel at key points, increasing night patrols and strengthening surveillance to prevent any unauthorised entry. Intelligence reports received since May 31 had indicated the possibility of push-in attempts through the border area, said Lieutenant Colonel Golam Mohammad Saiful Alam Khan, commanding officer of the Jashore-49 BGB Battalion. Based on the information, BGB increased patrols and manpower deployment along the frontier, he said. Despite adverse weather conditions, BGB members remained on high alert, he added. The BGB official alleged that BSF switched off border lights on the Indian side near the barbed-wire fence on Sunday night, raising concerns about a possible push-in attempt. “At one stage, we observed around 100 to 120 people being unloaded from vehicles on the Indian side. We intensified patrols and repeatedly warned them through loudspeakers and whistles to prevent any attempt to cross the border,” said Saiful Alam. According to the BGB officer, BSF later opened a section of the barbed-wire fence and moved 10 to 12 people towards the zero line. BGB personnel prevented them from entering Bangladeshi territory, he said. “Since Wednesday morning, those individuals have no longer been visible in the area. They may have been moved elsewhere or taken shelter due to the adverse weather,” he added.  

A mobile court jointly conducted by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) fined Ad-Din Medical College Hospital in Moghbazar Tk 300,000 on Sunday for multiple violations related to food safety, hygiene and hospital management. The drive was led by DSCC Executive Magistrate Md Aminul Islam and carried out at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital and Monowara Hospital on Bailey Road. During the inspection at Ad-Din Medical College Hospital, the mobile court found unlabeled and stale sweets stored in a freezer at the hospital canteen, an unhygienic kitchen environment, inadequate ventilation and natural light in different wards, and the absence of temperature monitoring devices in hospital refrigerators. For these violations, the hospital was fined Tk 100,000 under the Consumer Rights Protection Act and Tk 200,000 under the Safe Food Act, bringing the total penalty to Tk 300,000. The fine was realised on the spot. The mobile court also instructed the hospital authorities to improve the overall environment, ensure adequate light and ventilation, install temperature monitoring devices in refrigerators, upgrade the canteen facilities and relocate the bakery unit. Authorities were warned to address the identified shortcomings promptly. The team also inspected Monowara Hospital on Bailey Road, where the hospital’s overall management system was reviewed. The authorities were provided with recommendations and guidance on improving services and maintaining standards. Among those present during the operation were Assistant Director (Hospital) of the Directorate General of Health Services Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman, DSCC Region-1 Health Officer Dr Faria Foyez, Safe Food Inspector Md Aslam Bhuiyan, members of Ramna Police Station and other officials of the city corporation. DSCC said such joint inspection and enforcement drives will continue regularly in the public interest to ensure better healthcare, food safety and compliance with relevant regulations.

Deaths from mob violence rose to 32 in May from 21 in April, reflecting a growing tendency of people to take the law into their own hands, according to a report of Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF). According to the report released on Sunday, political violence declined slightly during the month, with the number of injured falling from 303 in April to 193 in May, but it still remains high and various political parties and internal conflicts continue to destabilize the situation.  “The number of deaths in mob violence in May rose from 21 to 32 and the number of injuries from 49 to 71, a clear reflection of the increasing tendency for the mob to take the law into its own hands,” says the report. The report also highlighted an increase in killings, torture and 'push-ins' in border areas that indicates the deterioration of the regional security and human rights situation. Violence against journalists also declined, dropping from 46 incidents in April to 34 in May. However, cases of legal harassment increased from eight to 13, which the report said indicated continued structural pressure on freedom of expression. According to the report, the number of unidentified bodies recovered remained largely unchanged, declining marginally from 56 to 53, while deaths in custody increased from six to seven. An overall analysis of the human rights situation in Bangladesh during the period April to May 2026 shows that there has been some improvement in some indicators, while deterioration in several other key indicators. The report, signed by MSF Founding President Advocate Sultana Kamal, described the overall human rights situation in Bangladesh as showing a mixed but concerning trend. It also cited the obstruction of screening of a film “Banalata Express” in Brahmanbaria on May 30 as an example of clear violation of the rule of law and another form of mob culture.  

Security has been strengthened at the traditional Sholakia Eidgah Maidan in Kishoreganj ahead of the upcoming Eid congregation. Two platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to maintain law and order, said Lt Col Touhidul Bari, commanding officer of Netrokona Battalion (31 BGB), on Wednesday.Police, RAB and other law enforcement agencies will also remain on duty to ensure security. Lt Col Bari said BGB personnel will work in coordination with the district administration and other agencies to ensure a secure environment at the Eidgah Maidan and surrounding areas. He said the two platoons are being led by Assistant Director Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury. This year, the 199th Eid jamaat will be held at Sholakia Eidgah, where preparations have been made for the participation of lakhs of devotees. Mufti Abul Khair Mehmood Saifullah will lead the congregation.The Eid jamaat is scheduled to begin at 9am.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has intensified security measures surrounding the National Eidgah to protect the lives and property of city residents and ensure a peaceful celebration of Eid. Speaking to the media after inspecting preparations at the National Eidgah, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed said that only 10 to 15 percent of police personnel in Dhaka Metropolitan City have been granted leave due to heightened security arrangements for Eid. Responding to a question about possible threats to the Eid congregation, the commissioner said, “Regarding threats, various provocative campaigns may be carried out, particularly in cyberspace, and we are vigilant about that. Our cyber patrol team is monitoring the situation around the clock.” The DMP commissioner highlighted several security measures, including special searches at the entrances of the National Eidgah, installation of watch towers to monitor the situation, drone surveillance, intelligence monitoring by plainclothes officers alongside uniformed police, and standby teams from SWAT, the Bomb Disposal Unit, and the Counter Terrorism Unit. Fire service personnel, emergency medical teams, a police sub-control room, and a lost-and-found centre have also been arranged inside the National Eidgah premises. “The DMP has a special request for devotees. Those coming to the Eidgah should arrive with sufficient time in hand and cooperate with Dhaka Metropolitan Police during security checks,” the commissioner said. “Devotees arriving by car are requested to enter the Eidgah on foot from the roadblock area and park their vehicles in designated places. Everyone is also requested to follow traffic diversion and parking instructions around the National Eidgah.” The commissioner further said, “We request worshippers to bring only prayer mats and umbrellas if necessary. Please do not bring bags, sharp objects, fixed metal objects, or unnecessary metallic items.” “We also request everyone to leave the venue in an orderly manner after the congregational prayer without rushing. If anyone notices anything suspicious, they are requested to immediately inform the police officer on duty or contact the national emergency service, 999.” Security for houses and commercial establishments The commissioner said separate security measures have been formulated for vacant homes and commercial areas during the Eid holidays. “As many residential and commercial areas of the city remain vacant during Eid holidays, we have strengthened security through mobile patrols, foot patrols, and motorcycle patrols. The situation is also being monitored through CCTVsurveillance,” he said. “Checkpoints are being set up at important locations. Community policing and beat policing activities have been further strengthened. Special surveillance is being carried out at banks, ATM booths, shopping malls, markets, and other important establishments. Security personnel at residential and commercial areas are also being supervised. Intelligence surveillance on suspicious persons and vehicles has been increased.” Cyber unit active round the clock The DMP commissioner said, “In the current context, DMP’s Cyber Unit is monitoring activities round the clock to prevent the spread of rumours, propaganda, and confusion through social media. Any attempt to spread rumours, provocative propaganda, or create law and order deterioration will be dealt with strictly.” “Dhaka Metropolitan Police is performing its duties with utmost professionalism, sincerity, and caution to protect the lives and property of city residents and ensure a peaceful celebration of Eid.The media always plays a very important role in raising public awareness. I hope you will cooperate in properly conveying DMP’s security instructions to the public.” Before the briefing, the DMP commissioner, along with Local Government State Minister Mir Shahe Alam and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, inspected the latest preparations at the National Eidgah.

The Bomb Disposal Unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police found no hazardous substance in the ward where six newborns died at Ad-din Medical College Hospital in the capital, though they did detect an odour which officials said could occur when the air conditioner remains switched off. The DMP Bomb Disposal Unit visited the ward on Wednesday afternoon and conducted inspections for around an hour, but found nothing harmful there. A five-member team from the unit carried out the inspection. One member of the team, requesting anonymity, said, “We did not find anything hazardous. However, there was a slight smell which can occur if the AC remains switched off.” Earlier, the Crime Scene Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department also visited the hospital. Members of Rapid Action Battalion, DB police and several intelligence agencies also inspected the site. Later, DMP Commissioner  Mosleh Uddin Ahmed visited the hospital and spoke to reporters. The DMP Commissioner said 11 mothers, along with six newborns, were staying in the post-operative Ward. According to him, one of the mothers requested that the air conditioner be turned off as she was feeling cold. Following the request, a nurse reportedly kept the AC switched off for around an hour. He said when the room later became warm, the AC was switched on again at the request of the patients. Soon after, two babies fell sick, while the remaining four also became ill shortly afterwards. All six newborns later died while undergoing treatment,  he added.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Savar Model Police Station Arman Ali has been withdrawn over allegations of negligence in arresting a top drug dealer, alleged association with him, and deterioration of law-and-order situation. Confirming the matter on Tuesday noon, Dhaka’s Superintendent of Police Shamima Parvin said he has been attached to the district police lines. According to sources, on May 22, three journalists from Desh TV and SA TV went to collect news at the hideout of a top drug dealer named Shamim Reza in the Rajashan area of Savar. They were allegedly attacked and severely beaten by Shamim and his associates, leaving them injured. The injured journalists were later admitted to hospital. Although a case was filed at Savar Model Police Station naming 21 individuals, prime accused Shamim has not yet been arrested. Earlier, a sub-inspector and two assistant sub-inspectors of the police station were also withdrawn over alleged involvement with the drug dealer. Following the same incident, OC Arman Ali has now been removed from his post. Police sources said the matter is being investigated seriously and necessary legal and administrative action will be taken against those involved.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has deployed 23 teams in key toll plazas, highways and congestion-prone areas across the country to help maintain law and order, ease traffic congestion and ensure safe and comfortable travel for Eid holidaymakers. As per the government’s directives, four teams have been deployed in the Elevated Expressway, Baipail and Nabinagar areas, six teams in the Padma Bridge and Dhaka-Mawa Expressway toll plaza areas, and four teams in the Meghna Bridge, Panchabati Bridge, Kanchan Bridge, Mograpara and Madanpur Mor/Kanchpur areas, BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam said on Tuesday. In addition, one team has been deployed in the Gazipur Chowrasta area, two teams have been deployed at the eastern and western ends of the Jamuna Bridge, one team in the Shah Amanat Bridge area in Chattogram, one team in the Khan Jahan Ali Bridge area in Khulna, one team in the Bhairab Bridge area in Kishoreganj, two teams at the Kushtia and Pabna ends of the Lalon Shah Bridge, and one team at the Atrai Toll Plaza area in Natore. BGB members have been carrying out duties since May 21 in coordination with the local administration and other law enforcement agencies to reduce traffic congestion, maintain discipline and ensure the safe movement of people in the respective areas. The deployment will remain in place until three days after Eid.