United News of Bangladesh

Detectives of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have arrested two people, including an alleged mugger and a drug peddler, during a drive in the capital's Motijheel area. The arrestees were identified as Md Naim, 22, and Md Faruk, 35. According to sources at the DMP's Motijheel Division, a team of the Detective Branch (DB) conducted a raid near Gate No. 4 of the National Stadium at around 1:45 pm on Thursday. During the drive, police found Naim roaming the area suspiciously with a knife and arrested him on the spot. In the same operation, another suspect, Faruk, was caught red-handed with three packets of heroin in his possession, police said. The two were later produced before a mobile court, which sentenced Naim to three months' imprisonment and Faruk to 45 days in jail in summary trials. Additional Deputy Commissioner of DMP (Media and Public Relations) Niaz Mehdi said such drives would continue to maintain law and order in the capital.

The Chamber Court of the Appellate Division on Thursday has ruled that there is currently no legal bar to foreign investment in the exploration of oil, gas and other mineral resources in the deep sea of the Bay of Bengal, staying an earlier High Court order on the matter. The chamber court fixed June 29 for a hearing before the full bench of the Appellate Division. The latest order allows the government's offshore bidding round and the participation process of foreign companies to continue for the time being. Earlier, the High Court had issued a rule and several directives after holding a preliminary hearing on a writ petition challenging the legality of allowing foreign companies to explore oil, gas and mineral resources in the deep sea. The state subsequently filed an appeal with the Chamber Court against the High Court order. During the hearing, lawyers for the state argued that the government had invited international tenders for offshore blocks to ensure the country's energy security. They said deep-sea exploration would be difficult without foreign investment and technological expertise and that the government's ongoing initiatives would be hampered if the High Court order remained in force. On May 24, the government announced the "Bangladesh Offshore Bidding Round-2026," under which international oil companies (IOCs) were invited to bid for exploration rights in 26 blocks in the Bay of Bengal, including 15 deep-sea and 11 shallow-sea blocks. To attract foreign investment, the government has also introduced a revised Production Sharing Contract (PSC), tax incentives and other benefits. According to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, domestic gas production has been declining steadily, increasing the country's dependence on imported energy. The government's objective is to strengthen energy security by discovering and developing new gas fields in offshore areas. With the chamber court's latest order, there is currently no legal obstacle to the participation of foreign companies in Bangladesh's offshore exploration activities. However, the final decision will depend on the outcome of the hearing before the full bench of the Appellate Division on June 29.

A team of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested a drug dealer with 5,750 pieces of Yaba pills during a drive at the slope of Khilgaon Flyover in the capital on Thursday morning. The arrestee is Md Shaheen, 20, police said. According to Khilgaon Police Station sources, a police checkpost team stopped a CNG-run autorickshaw around 8 am and searched it during routine duty. During the search, Shaheen allegedly threw a polythene-wrapped packet from his bag and tried to flee, but police quickly caught him. His associate, Omar Faruk, 26, managed to escape. Police later recovered 5,750 Yaba tablets packed in 30 blue airtight zipper packets. Police said Omar Faruk is wanted in several cases, including three under the Narcotics Control Act. During initial interrogation, Shaheen and his associate reportedly admitted to carrying the Yaba for sale. A case has been filed against the arrested and the absconding accused under the Narcotics Control Act, police said. The arrestee will be produced before a court.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on Thursday destroyed a huge cache of seized narcotics worth over Tk 10.82 crore in Dinajpur ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026. The "Drug Destruction Ceremony-2026" was held at the training ground of the Dinajpur Sector Headquarters, marking the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls on June 26. The destroyed items included Phensedyl, Phensigril, Phensigrip, Fairdyl, Eskadyl, MKDyl, foreign liquor, local liquor, liquor-based juice, yaba tablets, Kupijesic injection, various narcotic injections, narcotic tablets, cocaine, heroin, Tapentadol tablets, Buprenorphine tablets, Eskaf syrup, RSCap, Unrex syrup, cannabis, aphrodisiac syrups, homeopathic syrup, alcohol-producing tablets, leaf cigarettes and zarda. The estimated seizure value of the destroyed narcotics is Tk 108,290,920. The destroyed drugs had been seized in ownerless conditions during anti-smuggling operations conducted by Joypurhat Battalion (20 BGB), Phulbari Battalion (29 BGB) and Dinajpur Battalion (42 BGB) in their respective border areas. Joypurhat Battalion seized the narcotics between December 5, 2023 and May 31, 2026, Phulbari Battalion between February 9, 2025 and May 31, 2026, and Dinajpur Battalion between January 29, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam, NDC, attended the programme as the chief guest, while BGB Rangpur Region Commander Brig Gen ASM Naser, psc, G+, was also present. Speaking at the event, the divisional commissioner described drugs as a "silent killer" that destroys human intellect and morality, particularly threatening the country's future by targeting the younger generation. He said BGB has been playing a vital role in protecting the country's borders and preventing drug smuggling, adding that the destruction of such a large quantity of narcotics reflects the force's dedication, courage and patriotism. The regional commander said drugs are not merely illegal substances but a curse for individuals, families, society and the state. "Our promising young generation is losing its dreams, talent and future because of drugs. A drug addict destroys not only his own life but also harms his family and society," he said. He noted that criminal networks continue trying to smuggle various narcotics into Bangladesh through its extensive borders and reaffirmed BGB's commitment to building a drug-free Bangladesh alongside ensuring border security. The ceremony was formally inaugurated when invited guests destroyed different types of illegal narcotics. Among others present at the programme were Dinajpur Sector Commander Col Mohammad Faisal Hasan Khan, BGBM, PBGM, psc; Commanding Officer of Joypurhat Battalion Lt Col Mohammad Latiful Bari, PBGMS; Commanding Officer of Phulbari Battalion Lt Col Mohammad Arif-Uz-Zaman, psc; and Commanding Officer of Dinajpur Battalion Lt Col Abdullah Al Moin Hasan. Senior judicial magistrates, senior district administration officials, representatives of the Department of Narcotics Control, members of the media and BGB officers and personnel also attended the event. BGB said it has been working relentlessly to prevent drug trafficking and smuggling while ensuring border security and that the destruction programme reflects the government's "zero tolerance" policy against narcotics.

A man was detained with a firearm and ammunition by local residents and later handed over to police after being beaten by an agitated crowd in Sadar upazila of Kushtia on Thursday. The detainee was identified as Farid Hossain, 35, son of the late Buro Mia of Nodirkul Mathpara area under Hatsh Haripur Union in the upazila. The incident took place around 10 am in the Kabil Mor area of Hatsh Haripur Union. According to police and locals, locals became suspicious of Farid's movements and detained him. A search of his body allegedly led to the recovery of a revolver and six rounds of ammunition. An angry crowd later assaulted him before police arrived at the scene and took him into custody. Locals claimed that Farid is an active member of the alleged “Shipon Bahini”. They also expressed suspicion that he may possess more illegal firearms and urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take effective measures to recover illegal weapons from the area. Kabir Hossain Matubbar, Kushtia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC), said that one person had been detained along with a revolver and six rounds of ammunition. An investigation is underway and necessary legal action will be taken upon completion of the inquiry.

Two members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) were killed in Ramgarh and Dighinala upazilas in Khagrachhari district on Wednesday. In Ramgarh upazila, a UPDF man was killed and another injured in a gunfight with Army personnel at Premtala area of the upazila on Wednesday morning. The deceased were identified as Bobin Tripura, 32, member of the UPDF faction, led by Prasit Bikash Khisa, while the injured is Mongsanu Marma alias Jibon, 29. Officer-in-Charge of Ramgarh Police Station Nazir Alam said a group of armed UPDF men opened fire on an Army patrol team from the Sindukchhari zone in the morning, prompting them to fire back. Bobin died on the spot and Jibon suffered injuries during the gunfight, he said, adding that one AK-47 rifle was recovered from the spot and the injured UPDF man was arrested. Additional security measures have been taken in the area following the gunfight. Meanwhile, another UPDF member was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Muropara Chaumuhani area in Dighinala upazila in the afternoon. The victim was identified as Sujan Chakma, 48. Locals said Sujan was at a shop on organisational work when a group of armed men opened fire on him and fled the scene. In a statement, the UPDF condemned the incident and blamed the Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS-Santu) group for the killing.

A court in Dhaka on Tuesday revoked its earlier order to exhume the body of late film star Salman Shah for a fresh autopsy in connection with a murder case filed over his death. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jewel Rana passed the order following a petition filed by the plaintiff, seeking cancellation of the previous order, said his counsel Abid Hasan. He said Mohammad Alamgir Kumkum, the plaintiff in the case and maternal uncle of Salman Shah, filed the petition arguing that exhuming the actor's remains could hurt religious sentiments and create an unwanted situation. In the petition, it was stated that Salman Shah was buried on the shrine premises of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) in Sylhet and that disturbing his grave could trigger public sensitivities. The victim's mother, Nila Chowdhury, also objected to the exhumation. Following a hearing, the court withdrew its earlier order. On May 24, the same court ordered the exhumation of Salman Shah's body following an application filed by the case's investigating officer, CID Inspector Ziaul Morshed, on May 20. Earlier, on October 20 last year, Alamgir Kumkum filed the murder case with Ramna Model Police Station over the death of the popular actor. The court subsequently accepted the first information report and directed the investigating officer to submit a report. The accused in the case include Salman Shah's former wife Samira Haque, her mother Latifa Haque Lucy, businessman Aziz Mohammad Bhai, actor Don and others identified as Debit, Javed, Faruk, Ruby, A Sattar, Saju and Rezvi Ahmed alias Farhad. On October 20 last year, a court also directed the officer-in-charge of Ramna Police Station to treat the earlier unnatural death case over Salman Shah's death as a murder case. Following the order, Neela Chowdhury's brother, Mohammad Alamgir Kumkum, filed the murder case on her behalf later that night. Salman Shah, whose real name was Chowdhury Mohammad Shahriar Emon, died on September 6, 1996. His father Kamruddin Ahmed Chowdhury had initially filed an unnatural death case over the incident. On July 24, 1997, he petitioned the court to convert the case into a murder case, alleging that his son had been killed. The court then directed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate both the unnatural death case and the murder allegation simultaneously. Following its investigation, the CID submitted its final report to the court on November 3, 1997, concluding that the actor had died by suicide. The report was accepted by the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court on November 25 that year. However, Kamruddin later challenged the report by filing a revision petition. On May 19, 2003, the court ordered a judicial inquiry into the case. After nearly 11 years, Metropolitan Magistrate Imdadul Haque submitted the judicial inquiry report to the court on August 3, 2014. The report also concluded that Salman Shah's death was an unnatural one. Following the death of Kamruddin, Salman Shah's mother, Nila Chowdhury, was included as the complainant in the case. On February 10, 2015, she filed a no-confidence petition with the CMM Court challenging the judicial inquiry report. The case was later investigated by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). On February 25, 2020, PBI Inspector Sirajul Islam submitted the final report to the court. The court accepted the report and disposed of the case on October 31, 2021. Subsequently, on June 12, 2022, the complainant's side filed a revision petition with the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court challenging the order.

A total of 18 state law officers – seven deputy attorneys general and 11 assistant attorneys general – who were appointed during the previous interim government period have stepped down. They separately submitted their resignation letters to the Office of the Attorney General on Tuesday. According to sources, all the resigning officials are supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. Speaking at a press briefing, Deputy Attorney General M Yusuf Ali said they resigned in protest against the non-implementation of the “July Charter,” and the failure to pass the Supreme Court Secretariat Ordinance and the Supreme Court Judges Appointment Ordinance. The other deputy attorneys general who resigned were Mohammad Shafiqur Rahman, Mohammad Abdul Karim, Farid Uddin Khan, Md Golam Rahman Bhuiyan, Md Asad Uddin and Muhammad Tarikul Islam. The assistant attorneys general who resigned are Imrul Kayes Rana, Humayun Kabir Tanin, Md Abdul Kaiyum Bhuiyan, Abdullahil Maruf Fahim, Joadur Rahman, Mohammad Shamsil Arefin, Mahbuba Akter Roly, Nur Nabi Ujjal, Al Reza Amir, Rezaul Islam and Zakir Hossain.

Two assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) and a constable of a police camp under Savar Model Police Station have been withdrawn over alleged negligence following the escape of an accused in a murder case from custody. The punitive action was taken against ASIs Robiul Islam and Khairul Alam, and Constable Tofayel, all posted at the Bhakurta police camp, said its in-charge Anwarul Islam on Tuesday. He said they were closed to the Dhaka district police lines. Police on Saturday arrested Ashab Uddin, president of Ward No. 5 unit of Awami League, which faces a ban on its activities, of Bhakurta union as he was an accused in a case filed over the murder of a student. After his arrest, he was taken to the Bhakurta police camp for interrogation. Taking advantage of the negligence and inattentiveness of the police, Ashab allegedly fled from the camp. Inspector (Investigation) of Savar Model Police Station Nur Mohammad said preliminary findings found evidence of negligence. He said they were working to arrest the fugitive accused.

A Jhenaidah tribunal on Monday sentenced a man to death for killing a five-year-old girl after rape in Kaliganj upazila in February this year. The convict is Abu Taher, son of Shafi Uddin of Faraspur village in the upazila. Judge of the Jhenaidah Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Salehuzzaman also awarded seven-year imprisonment to him for concealing the body of the girl after the murder and fined him Tk 5 lakh. The tribunal ordered the fine be paid to the victim’s “legal heirs.” If the convict fails to pay the fine, the authorities concerned will recover the amount by auctioning off his property. According to the prosecution, Tabassum, daughter of Nazrul Islam of Bhoiraba village in Maheshpur upazila, used to live with her family at Badedihi village in the Barobazar area of Kaliganj. On February 26, Abu Taher, a neighbour, took Tabassum to his house after alluring her of giving chips and juice. Later, he violated the girl and strangulated her to death. After killing her, Taher dumped the body into the septic tank of a local school. The body was later recovered the following day. Police arrested Abu Taher from Kushtia on the same night following the filing of a case and he a gave a confessional statement before the court. Police submitted a charge sheet against him on May 26 and 17 witnesses testified in the case before the verdict was delivered.