United News of Bangladesh

A total of 11 people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo, a leader of the BNP's student wing and student of Dhaka University, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali said on Tuesday. Of the arrestees, eight were detained by the Detective Branch (DB) while the remaining three were arrested by local police stations, he said at a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre. The eight arrested by DB are Rabbi alias "Kobutor" Rabbi, Mehedi Hasan, Nahid Hasan Papel, Sohag, Hridoy Islam, Robin, Sujon Sarker, and Ripon. The DMP Commissioner said police were treating the case with utmost importance and carrying out extensive investigations. Among the accused, Nahid Hasan Papel has confessed to his involvement in the killing and recorded his statement under Section 164 of the CrPc, the code of criminal procedure, before a Dhaka court on Tuesday, the DMP commissioner added. The court granted five-days' remand for Rabbi and Mehedi. On the previous day, Sohag, Hridoy Islam, and Robin were produced before the court, which also placed them on remand. Ripon gave a confessional statement to the court, while Sujon Sarker was sent to jail. Responding to questions from reporters about the motive behind the killing, DB Joint Commissioner Mohammad Nasirul Islam pointed to a drug syndicate operating in the park, led by one of the accused, Mehedi. Borders fully safe and protected, reaffirms Home Adviser He said Mehedi, who is in custody, guided police to the Mazar area inside the park, from where a switchblade used in the murder was recovered. According to current findings, Rabbi was the one who stabbed Shammo. When asked if Shammo had any connection with the drug dealers, the DB official said initial findings suggest that Shammo and two of his classmates had gone to the park to get food and the incident occurred spontaneously. “The investigation is still ongoing. So far, it appears to have been a spontaneous incident. We are looking into whether there are any deeper reasons behind the killing,” he said. Responding to a separate question about a recent murder in Badda, DMP Commissioner Sazzat said, “Please give us some time. We don’t have a magic wand to solve every case immediately after it happens.” He said police take all necessary preventive measures to combat crime but added, “Not all incidents can be prevented through such measures. Crime happens in every society around the world.”

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali on Monday issued a formal apology following public outcry over his recent comments on the term “rape” during an event. In a statement, the Commissioner clarified his stance, saying, “While discussing the issue of abuse of women and children, I referred to rape as a larger form of abuse. If anyone has been offended by my statement, I apologise.” CA’s office condemns DMP chief’s remark on "rape" The apology comes in the wake of increased public discourse on sensitive issues such as sexual violence, with many questioning the role of law enforcement in addressing these crimes. Earlier, the Office of the Chief Adviser (CA) condemned the remarks made by the DMP Commissioner, emphasising the importance of using the correct terminology in addressing sexual violence. "Rape is rape, whether committed against an 8-year-old or an 80-year-old. Such a heinous crime must be called by its rightful name," the statement said on Sunday. The CA’s office added that the interim government will not tolerate any form of violence against any citizen of Bangladesh. 4 arrested over rape of 19-year-old girl in Jashore The controversy ignited after DMP Commissioner Ali's speech on Saturday, in which he urged the media to refrain from using the term “rape.” He said, “There are two words I dislike, one of which is ‘rape.’ I request you not to use it. Instead, say ‘violence against women’ or ‘abuse.’ Our law also refers to it as violence against women and children. Let’s not use words that sound unpleasant.” Prime accused in Magura child rape case gives confessional statement

Hejaz Bin Alam alias Ezaz, (34) a well-known name in Dhaka's criminal underworld, passed away on Saturday evening while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) under the custody of Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Ezaz had been undergoing dialysis at DMCH before his death, said DB Sub-inspector Mahfuz. According to the deceased's father Shah Alam, despite being out on bail, DB police took Ezaz away on Friday night (March 14). The following morning, he was admitted to DMCH, where he was placed in Ward 601 on the sixth floor. Bangladesh reaffirms ‘zero tolerance’ stance on terrorism, commits to global security Following Ezaz’s death, his family members forcibly took his body from the hospital but later returned it around two hours later at 9pm.. DB sources said that Ezaz, the second-in-command of “top terror” Sanjidul Islam Iman alias Iman, was arrested by DB’s Wari division on Friday in connection with a case filed at Mohammadpur Police Station.  Later, he fell ill while in custody at the DB headquarters on Mintoo Road and was subsequently admitted to DMCH, where he died while undergoing treatment.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has urged all authorities concerned not to work on roads for utility purposes during the holy month of Ramadan to ease public suffering. Ramadan is expected to begin on March 2, and during this period, as well as the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr, the movement of people and traffic in Dhaka Metropolitan City is expected to increase, according to a DMP statement on Thursday. DMP urges all vehicles to refrain from driving on the wrong side Most people will conduct their activities between 7am and 10pm, resulting in potential traffic congestion on the roads throughout Ramadan, it said. It was often observed that various organisations and contractors continue road excavation for utility-related works during Ramadan, which narrows roads and causes severe traffic congestion in surrounding areas. Consequently, many people experience delays in reaching their workplaces, hospitals, and markets. “To reduce public suffering, it would be inappropriate for various organisations and contractors to begin utility-related works on the roads of Dhaka Metropolitan City during Ramadan,” the statement said. DMP launches escort facility for safe money transportation The DMP specifically requested that various organisations and contractors refrain from restarting utility-related works in the city during the holy month of Ramadan. The DMP also sought the cooperation of all concerned parties in this regard.

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested Imon Khan Jibon, the Hospitality Secretary of Salimullah Muslim Hall's unit of the banned student organization Chhatra League, in connection with a violent attack on the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Dhaka University. Deputy Police Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed the arrest on Monday, saying that Imon, 28, was apprehended from Narayanganj around 10 pm on Sunday. Ex-extremist leader hacked to death in Pabna The attack, which took place on July 15, 2024, began as a procession by Dhaka University students supporting the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The procession started from the Raju Sculpture on the university campus but was violently disrupted when activists of the now-banned Chhatra League, alongside members of affiliated Awami League organizations, launched an assault on the protesters. Armed with weapons, the attackers inflicted serious injuries on approximately 300 students. A Dhaka University student, Mahin, later filed a case with Shahbagh Police Station on October 21, 2024, naming several individuals, including Imon, as suspects. Police said Imon’s arrest was facilitated through the analysis of CCTV footage, intelligence reports, and advanced technology. He has since been presented in court.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested a leader of Awami League and a Jubo League leader in connection with the murder of Imon Hossain Akash from Pallabi area on Saturday during the anti-discrimination student movement. The arrestees are Mohammad Din Islam, a Jubo League leader from Ward No. 3 and Md. Akbar Hossain Jony, Joint General Secretary of the Awami League's Ward No. 2 under Pallabi police station. On August 4, 2024, Imon Hossain Akash joined a peaceful protest along with other students and civilians in front of the Popular Diagnostic Center near the Mirpur 10 bus stand. Police rescue kidnapping victim in Hatirjheel, arrest three suspects During the protest, members of various affiliated organizations of the Awami League reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on the protesters, leaving many people including Imon injured. Imon was was rushed to Dr. Azmal Hospital where he was declared dead by doctors. On August 27, Imon’s mother filed a case with the Pallabi police station. During the investigation, with the help of intelligence and technology, police were able to arrest Din Islam and Akbar Hossain Jony as named suspects in the case. Ex-AL lawmaker Shahidul Islam arrested: DB Talebur Rahman, a Deputy Commissioner of PoliceMedia & Public Relations of Dhaka Metropolitan Police said, the accused were produced before the court. Earlier, Pallabi police also arrested Sheikh Mohammad Wasim, law affairs secretary of Jubo League's Pallabi Police Station, from Pallabi area  in connection with the same case on Thursday night.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman today said that DMP will take decisive action against anyone attempting to incite violence during BNP's rally on October 28. He said this while responding to questions from reporters at the Uttara Metro Rail Station after inspecting the activities of the MRT police, responsible for metro rail security. Stay on streets with courage just a few days to oust govt: Fakhrul Habibur Rahman said, “Bangladesh is a democratic country, and according to the constitution, political parties have the right to peacefully organise political events, processions, and gatherings. In such instances, the police are responsible for providing security. However, if anyone attempts to exploit the October 28 programme as a pretext for violence, and pose a threat to the lives and properties of Dhaka's 2.24 crore residents, DMP will take strict measures to maintain law and order.” Addressing rumours surrounding BNP's programme on October 28, he noted that there are groups with vested interests disseminating false information to mislead the public.  AL leaders started fleeing country: Rizvi “These rumours extend beyond the October 28 event and are being propagated on various social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube. We believe the people of Dhaka and the entire country will remain vigilant against rumours. Electronic and print media will have to play a crucial role. We will dispel misinformation and ensure the safety of lives and property,” the DMP chief said. Regarding the threat of violence, he mentioned that similar incidents occurred in 2013/14, not only in Dhaka but across the entire country.  AL obstructing BNP from joining polls for an easy victory: Fakhrul “During those times, the Bangladesh police thwarted them and defeated the terrorists. In the future, the people and the police will unite against any such attempt, Inshallah,” he added. BNP will hold a grand rally in the capital on October 28 as part of the party’s final phase of ongoing movement against the government.

Awami League’s Dhaka South unit has postponed its sit-in program as it failed to acquire permission from Dhaka Metropolitan Police.  However, party leaders and activists are on high alert and will take position in front of the party’s thana and ward-level offices.  Also read: BNP’s sit-ins: Huge law enforcers deployed at Dhaka’s  key entry points Dhaka City South Awami League Office Secretary Riaz Uddin Riaz said, "Our previously announced sit-in program has been withdrawn as a mark of respect to the law enforcement agencies. Yesterday, leaders and activists of Dhaka City South Awami League and its associate organizations announced programs at Demra, Jatrabari, Babu Bazar, Shyampur, Kamalapur at the entry points of Dhaka from Saturday morning in response to BNP's sit-in program. Also read: DMP denies AL, BNP permission for programmes on Saturday  

Clashes broke out between police and BNP leaders and activists on Saturday when the latter gathered at several entrances of the capital to observe their five-hour sit-in programme. The clashes broke out at Sonir Akhra, Uttara,Matuail and Gabtoli around 11am when the opposition activists took position there.  Police picked up several BNP leaders including BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Amanullah Aman  during the clashes. BNP leader AmanUllah Aman fell sick during chase and counter-chase with police when he went to Gabtoli to join the sit-ins programme. Police picked him up while he was lying on the road. Also read: AL’s Dhaka South unit postpones sit-in program at entry points of capital  Meanwhile, a large number of law enforcers have been deployed at the key entry points of Dhaka centring BNP’s sit-ins as Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Friday night said it will not allow the party to hold their programme.    

A two-member BNP delegation is going to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner's office to try to end the impasse over the party's  December 10 rally in Dhaka. BNP vice chairman Dr AZM Zahid Hossain and law affairs secretary Kayser Kamal will go to DMP office at 2pm to finalise the venue for the rally on Saturday. Read more: ​​​​​​​BNP to hold press conference this afternoon BNP sources said their party is now thinking of holding the rally at Dhalpur ground while the government is willing to permit holding it at Mirpur Bangla College. The delegation will talk to the DMP Commissioner Khandker Golam Faruq seeking permission to hold the rally at Dhalpur ground or any other ground in Dhaka south city. To decide their next course of action regarding the detention of two top leaders of the party by detectives, the leaders of the BNP standing committee have sat for an online meeting that started at 11:40am. Meanwhile, Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, the most senior member of the BNP's standing committee, will address a conference at the party chairperson's Gulshan office at 3pm, said Sayrul Kabir Khan, a BNP media cell member. Read more: Mirza Fakhrul, Mirza Abbas picked up by detectives: BNP BNP in the early hours on Friday claimed that plainclothes police picked up its Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas from their homes in separate raids in the capital city. Earlier on Thursday night, a BNP delegation had a six-hour meeting with the DMP commissioner where they talked about holding the rally on Saturday (December 10) either at Kamalapur Stadium or Mirpur Bangla College ground. Later, Abbas with some BNP leaders visited the two venues. At that meeting, police authorities assured of reopening the BNP office at Nayapaltan. On Wednesday, 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. Read more: Police control of BNP office at Nayapaltan continues amid mounting tension Following the clash, police raided the BNP office and arrested around 300 party leaders and activists from there. With only 24 hours left of the Dhaka rally on December 10, it becomes totally uncertain to hold the rally at the designated timeframe as the venue has not finalised yet as well as the detention of the party's two top leaders.