United News of Bangladesh

The father and brother of prime accused Siddhartha Das have been picked up for questioning in connection with the killing of retired Rangpur Zilla School teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and three members of his family. Rangpur Metropolitan DB Deputy Commissioner Sanatan Chakraborty told reporters that a DB team picked up Siddhartha’s father Binoy Chandra Das and brother Partha Das from their home in Masuapara on Saturday evening. He said Binoy had been asked several times over the past few days to appear at the DB office for questioning but did not do so. “He was basically brought to the DB office for questioning,” the DB official said. “He is being questioned. Let’s see what information we can collect from him and how he can cooperate with us. A decision will be taken following the questioning,” he added. Regarding Siddhartha’s brother, Sanatan said Partha had allegedly harassed a journalist covering the killings. “The journalist verbally complained to us. If he files a written complaint, we will take action against him,” he said. The bodies of Ganapati Chakraborty, 65, his wife Pritilata Chakraborty, 50, daughter Parthi Chakraborty Agami, 25, and son Priyam Chakraborty Ayush, 12, were recovered on Saturday night (Aug 22). A case was filed and the investigation was later transferred from Kotwali Police Station to the Detective Branch of Rangpur Metropolitan Police. Police said two accused had given confessional statements before a court under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. On Monday, the investigation was formally transferred from Kotwali police to the Detective Branch of Rangpur Metropolitan Police.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir has instructed field-level police officials to work with the people to prevent and combat crimes. He gave the instruction while addressing the concluding session of the day-long Police Headquarters Quarterly Conference held at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the city on Saturday afternoon. The IGP urged police officials to remain alert against all forms of misinformation and rumours and take necessary measures by collecting intelligence in advance, before any incident occurs. “Police are working for the country and for the welfare of the people,” he said, calling on all police personnel to discharge their duties in a united manner. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed inaugurated the conference in the morning as the chief guest, while Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Manzur Morshed Chowdhury attended as the special guest. Additional IGPs, commissioners of all metropolitan police units, range deputy inspector generals (DIGs) and superintendents of police (SPs) of districts attended the conference. Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Khondkar Rafiqul Islam presented an overview of the country's overall crime situation for the April-June 2026 quarter. The conference discussed in detail the cases of robbery, dacoity, murder, rape, attacks on police and abduction, as well as pending arrest warrants, investigation and trial outcomes, and conviction rates. The meeting instructed police officials to increase investigations into robbery and rape cases and stressed enhanced supervision of cases involving attacks on police. It also emphasised reducing pending cases and increasing the conviction rate. Field-level police officials were instructed to investigate missing-person general diaries (GDs) with due importance. Heads of different police units also gave necessary instructions to field-level officials regarding the activities of their respective units. At the event, 26 police members were awarded IGP Badges in recognition of their commendable work during Police Week 2026. The IGP pinned the badges on the recipients.  

The government has assigned 30 ministers, state ministers and whips of Parliament to oversee and coordinate overall government activities in all 64 districts, including maintaining law and order, combating corruption and drug abuse, and ensuring good governance, transparency and accountability. The information was disclosed in a gazette notification signed by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani on Thursday. The assignments will take immediate effect. According to the notification, the government has expressed concern that development allocations in various districts had previously been misappropriated through widespread corruption, with part of the proceeds allegedly siphoned abroad and the rest used for activities involving drugs, social degradation and threats to public and state security. Against this backdrop, the ministers, state ministers and whips have been given the responsibility of supervising and coordinating district-level activities related to law and order, corruption and drug control, good governance, transparency and accountability, as well as development and public welfare programmes. Under the distribution of responsibilities, Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has been assigned Rajshahi and Natore, while Dr Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain will oversee Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Panchagarh. Abdul Awal Mintoo has been given responsibility for Lakshmipur. Nitai Roy Chowdhury will oversee Chuadanga, Khandakar Abdul Muktadir  Habiganj and Ariful Haque Choudhury Moulvibazar. Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee has been assigned Chattogram. M Rashiduzzaman Millat will oversee Sherpur, Mymensingh and Netrokona, while Asadul Habib Dulu will oversee Thakurgaon and Dinajpur. Md Asaduzzaman has been assigned Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat, while Zakaria Taher will oversee Feni and Noakhali. Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain will oversee Manikganj and Munshiganj, while Sa Ching Prue has been assigned Cox's Bazar. Md. Shariful Alam will oversee Tangail and Narsingdi, Shama Obaed Islam Madaripur and Shariatpur, and Aninda Islam Amit  Meherpur, Kushtia and Jhenaidah. Abdul Bari, has been assigned Bogura and Chapainawabganj, Sultan Salauddin Tuku Dhaka, and Mir Mohammed Helal Uddi Khagrachhari, Bandarban and Rangamati. Habibur Rashid will oversee Gazipur and Narayanganj. Md Razib Ahsan has been assigned Barguna, Patuakhali and Pirojpur, Mir Shahe Alam Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram, and Farzana Sharmin Sirajganj and Pabna. Shaikh Faridul Islam will oversee Jashore, Magura and Narail, while Yasser Khan Choudhury has been assigned Jamalpur and Kishoreganj. Ahammad Sohel Monzoor will oversee Barishal, Bhola and Jhalakathi, Md Shamim Kaiser Joypurhat and Naogaon, and GK Gaus Sylhet and Sunamganj. Mia Nuruddin Ahmed has been assigned Rajbari, Faridpur and Gopalganj, while ABM Ashraf Uddin will oversee Brahmanbaria, Cumilla and Chandpur. The notification said the assigned ministers, state ministers and whips will advise government offices on controlling drug abuse and illegal trafficking, preventing smuggling and curbing serious crimes to maintain and improve the overall law and order situation in their respective districts. They will also supervise and provide guidance on implementation of the government's election manifesto, poverty alleviation, employment generation, social safety-net programmes and various development and public welfare initiatives. If necessary, they may attend district-level meetings and provide advice on relevant issues, according to the notification. It further said the assignments were made in accordance with the existing powers of the Prime Minister and the government and decisions of the Cabinet, without undermining the legal authority of local government institutions or other constitutional and statutory bodies.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken a comprehensive security and traffic management plan for the upcoming Janmashtami celebrations in the capital, with adequate police personnel to be deployed at key points and along the procession route. The decision was taken at  a coordination meeting on security, law and order and traffic management for the Hindu religious festival that was held at the DMP Headquarters conference room on Thursday morning, chaired by DMP Additional Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam. The meeting discussed the measures and directives taken by the DMP for the celebration of Janmashtami on September 4. As part of the security arrangements, pickets, patrol teams, CCTV cameras, foot patrols, rooftop teams, Honda mobile teams, Detective Branch (DB) teams, plainclothes intelligence personnel, SWAT and bomb disposal teams, along with traffic police, will be deployed, the meeting was told. It was unanimously decided that the Janmashtami procession would be completed along the designated route and within the specified time. During the meeting, participants were also urged to refrain from using loudspeakers or microphones during prayer and Azan times, appoint their own volunteers and avoid taking bags or bundles during the procession. They were requested to immediately inform police if they notice any suspicious person or object. In his speech, Md Shafiqul Islam said Janmashtami is a major festival for the Hindu community in the capital and that the DMP would ensure tight security for its smooth, peaceful and safe celebration. He said deputy commissioners (DCs) of the respective DMP divisions would hold separate coordination meetings with the concerned Janmashtami celebration committees and maintain round-the-clock communication with them. He also urged all concerned agencies to properly discharge their respective responsibilities. The DMP additional commissioner further said volunteers assigned to duty during the Janmashtami celebrations must wear designated vests. Plainclothes security personnel and line forces would also be deployed. He urged everyone concerned to remain alert about electrical lines to prevent accidents. “Every moment of Janmashtami is important to us. We hope the festival will be completed peacefully with everyone’s cooperation,” he said. DMP Joint Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented the overall security plan through a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting. Senior DMP officials, representatives of various agencies and leaders of Janmashtami celebration committees also shared their views. DMP Additional Commissioner (Estate, Development and ICT) Mohammad Osman Gani, joint commissioners, deputy commissioners and police officials of different ranks attended the meeting. President and general secretary of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, president and general secretary of the Dhaka Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee, the head of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, president of ISKCON Bangladesh and representatives of other relevant organisations were also present.

Police have detained seven members of an alleged gang for posing as members of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and attempting to kidnap a woman in Sreepur upazila of Magura. A toy pistol, four jackets bearing the word “CID”, three helmets, a Noah microbus and eight mobile phones were recovered from their possesion, police said. Magura Superintendent of Police Molla Azad Hossain disclosed the information at a press briefing at the district police office on Wednesday. The detainees are Asma Khatun, 31, Md Hasanuzzaman Hasan, 28, Md Osman Gani, 25, Salman Shah, 25, Md Habibur Rahman, 22, Md Sabik, 23, and Md Al Amin Hossain, 22. Police said the suspects are from Magura, Jhenaidah, Kushtia, Kurigram and other parts of the country. According to police, a Noah microbus was moving suspiciously in the Nakol Paschimpara area of Sreepur on Tuesday night as the gang allegedly planned to kidnap a woman. After receiving the information, police conducted an operation and reached the area at around 1:10am on Tuesday. Police said an investigation is underway into the suspects' possible involvement in the incident based on information obtained from them. A case has been filed with Sreepur Police Station. SP Molla Azad Hossain said the district police was working to ensure public safety, protect human rights and curb crime. He urged members of the public to immediately inform police about any information related to criminal activities.

The investigation into the killing of a retired teacher and three members of his family in Rangpur has been handed over to the Detective Branch (DB) of police after questions raised over the police account of the incident. The investigation was transferred to the DB to ensure a more transparent and comprehensive investigation and to facilitate the submission of a charge sheet quickly, said Rangpur Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (DB) Sanatan Chakraborty on Tuesday. The case was previously being investigated by the Kotwali Police Station. Inspector (Investigation) Milan Chatterjee of Kotwali Police Station went to the DB office and handed over the case documents and relevant information to the new investigating officer, Inspector Zinnat Ali on Monday, said police. Later, the two officers visited the house of retired teacher Ganapati Chakraborty in Machuapar, where the four bodies were recovered. Sanatan Chakraborty said two accused made confessional statements before a court under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure on Sunday night. The decision to transfer the case investigation came after widespread questions were raised over the police's initial explanation of the killings. During a press briefing, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mabud on Sunday said Ganapati Chakraborty, his wife, son and daughter were killed after the retired teacher confronted two youths who had gone to the roof of his house to consume Yaba pills. The statement triggered questions among relatives of the victims, local residents, teachers, students and other citizens. They demanded a more comprehensive investigation and held human chains and protest rallies. Police said the new investigation officer would examine every aspect of the case, verify the available evidence and information, and take further legal action accordingly.

Customs intelligence officials have detected false declarations, significant quantity discrepancies and gross undervaluation in two consignments imported by the same company through the airfreight unit of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The consignments, imported by Sardar Global Trade with Fahim 5 Star Ltd as the C&F agent, contained a total of 1,167 laptops and 100 tablets and iPads, according to the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID). The two consignments had a combined declared value of only US$5,500, while their assessed value after physical examination stood at US$167,786, equivalent to Tk 2.07 crore. Officials found 543 HP Core i5 laptops, 187 HP Core i3 laptops and 10 HP Core i5 laptops that had been declared as mini PCs. The consignment also contained 55 tablets and five iPads, bringing the total number of laptops to 740 and tablets/iPads to 60. The examination report also identified 43 additional laptops against the declared quantity.  

The High Court on Monday rejected a bail petition of Chattogram arms dealer Mohammad Majedul Haque Helal, an accused in an arms case filed in Narsingdi over the murder of Inqilab Moncho Spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi in the capital. The HC bench of Justice KM Zahid Sarwar and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher passed the order. Majedul was arrested from Chawkbazar in Chattogram and later gave a confessional statement before a Dhaka court on April 18 last. According to the investigation, the pistol used in the killing of Hadi, who was shot at Paltan in the capital on December 12 last year, was recovered from Narsingdi. A case was filed with Narsingdi Police Station under the Arms Act over the incident. Forensic examination confirmed that the cartridges and bullets recovered from the scene were fired from the seized pistol. Investigators traced the pistol to Majedul's arms dealership in Chattogram. His arms licence had not been renewed after December 31, 2014.

Police have arrested a man for allegedly opening fake Facebook accounts using the names and photos of members of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s family and two of his officials. The arrestee was identified as Karkan Rana. The Cyber Crime Investigation Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested the suspect during a drive on Sunday. He allegedly created the fake accounts using the identities of the Prime Minister’s family members, his Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and Personal Assistant-2 Abdur Rahman Sani. Police said Rana used the accounts to spread propaganda and false and fabricated information, allegedly tarnishing the reputations of the people concerned. He had created multiple Facebook accounts and pages using the names of several other people, according to police. Following complaints against Rana, the E-Fraud Investigation Team of the Cyber Crime Investigation Division analysed information related to the fake accounts and conducted a drive on Sunday afternoon, arresting him. Police also seized a mobile phone and other evidence from his possession during the operation. A case was filed with Banani Police Station under the Cyber Security Act in connection with the incident. Police have sought a seven-day remand for Rana for interrogation in the case.  

Police have arrested six people, including the younger brother of Wari’s “top-listed criminal” Sajol alias Auto Sajol, and recovered four foreign-made pistols, three magazines and 12 rounds of ammunition from the capital’s Swamibagh area. The arrestees are Md Sajib, 28, brother of Sajol, Md Himu, 32, Md Tushar, 25, Md Joy, 25, Md Tutul, 33, and Md Imran, 34. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Joint Commissioner (Crime) Md Faruk Hossain disclosed the information at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Monday. He said police learned on Sunday that a consignment of illegal drugs was being brought to Dhaka from Chattogram in a private car. Acting on the information, a team of Jatrabari Police Station set up a checkpost in front of Mukti Filling Station near the Matuail U-turn. Around 4:30pm, police stopped a white private car and searched it. Five people inside the vehicle were detained, but no drugs were found at that time. During interrogation, they told police that drugs were kept in a flat at Koratitola of in the Swamibagh. Police later raided the flat around 9:30pm and, based on information provided by Sajib and Himu, recovered four foreign-made pistols, three magazines and 12 rounds of ammunition from a plastic bag hidden under a bed. Another arrest was made at that time. The private car and six smartphones were also seized. Link to previous arms recovery According to preliminary police information, Sajib is the younger brother of Sajol, as a top-listed criminal and arms and drug dealer in the Wari area. Police said on March 2, unidentified criminals shot and injured an inspector of the Department of Narcotics Control during a special anti-drug operation before fleeing the scene. A case was filed with Wari Police Station over the incident. Three people were arrested during the investigation, and police recovered a 9mm pistol, a .32-bore revolver, a 7.65mm pistol and 23 rounds of ammunition from them. Police said the arrested suspects, in their confessional statements recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, told investigators that Sajol had supplied the weapons used in the incident. Later, on June 18, police arrested Sajol from the Sayedabad area based on a tip-off. Based on information obtained from him, police raided his rented house in Swamibagh and recovered two Taurus-brand pistols, four magazines, 77 rounds of ammunition, 59 grams of heroin, materials used to make heroin, Tk 22,960 in drug sale proceeds and four mobile phones. Legal proceedings against the six arrested people are underway, police said.