United News of Bangladesh

As Bangladesh approaches its national elections scheduled for February 2025, crime statistics indicate a rise in criminal incidents across the country, but police insist that the apparent deterioration in law and order does not reflect the real situation. A senior official at the Police Headquarters, preferring not to be named, said the force is “fully prepared” to ensure nationwide security during the polls. He cautioned that comparisons between past and present crime figures could be misleading. “Earlier, many crime incidents were not recorded at local police stations. Now, almost every incident is being documented. So when you compare the two periods, it may seem like crime has increased. But in reality, law and order is better in many areas than before,” he said. The official also highlighted the role of social media in timely case registration. “In the past, cases were often not recorded properly and on time. Now, when an incident occurs, social media becomes active instantly, compelling the police to register cases promptly and accurately,” he added. Crime Trends According to police headquarters statistics, October saw 319 murders nationwide, slightly up from 297 in September but just below 321 cases in August. Dacoity cases rose to 56 from 50 the previous month, while robbery increased to 180 from 169. Burglary incidents remained high at 301, compared with 295 in September and 311 in August. Kidnappings jumped to 110 in October, up from 96 in September and 90 in August. Theft incidents also increased, standing at 931 compared with 888 in September and 956 in August. These figures indicate that criminal activity continues to affect both urban and rural areas. Amir Khosru alleges plot to delay 13th parliamentary polls Particularly concerning is the persistently high number of crimes against women and children, with 1,985 incidents recorded in October, virtually unchanged from 1,904 in September and 1,904 in August. Police sources noted that violent and organised crimes are not only frequent but also increasingly sophisticated, with criminal syndicates reportedly impersonating law-enforcement officers to commit robberies and abductions. Election Preparedness Police officials stressed extensive preparations for the upcoming polls. “A total of 150,000 police personnel are being trained in phases. Training for around 50,000 members has already been completed. The rest will finish on schedule,” a Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) official said. The procurement of body-worn cameras is underway, expected to be purchased through the Direct Procurement Method (DPM) due to time constraints. “We expect to be fully ready to carry out our responsibilities during the polls,” the official added. Home Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury described the law-and-order situation as “satisfactory,” noting that while it is “not excellent, it’s not bad either.” Speaking after a meeting with field-level law enforcement officials at Barishal Police Lines, he emphasised that a fair election relies not only on law enforcement but also on the Election Commission and political parties. Ahead of the elections, Police Headquarters has instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Branch (SB), and DMP to submit lists of honest, neutral, and administratively efficient police inspectors for appointment as officers-in-charge (OCs) at police stations across the country. The directive, issued on 16 November by the Personnel Management–2 wing of PHQ, states that deploying “competent, impartial and professionally credible” police station chiefs is crucial to ensuring a peaceful and fair parliamentary election. Officials said the neutrality of OCs will play a vital role in maintaining law and order during the election period. Govt reviewing body camera purchase plan: Finance Adviser

Police have arrested the prime suspect and uncovered the motives behind the gruesome murder of Ashraful Haque, whose dismembered body was found inside two plastic drums near the High Court adjacent to the National Eidgah on Thursday in the capital. The arrested suspect has been identified as Mohammad Zarezul Islam, 39, according to the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. DB officials said Ashraful Haque, 44, was a trader of onion and garlic at Hili land port in Dinajpur. On the night of November 11, Ashraful travelled from Rangpur to Dhaka with his friend Zarezul. After reaching Dhaka, Ashraful’s mobile phone was found switched off. On the evening of November 13, Shahbagh Police recovered 26 pieces of a dismembered body from two drums placed near the gate of the National Eidgah. Fingerprint analysis confirmed the identity of the victim, and his sister later identified the body at the morgue. A murder case was subsequently filed with Shahbagh Police Station. Following the incident, the DB launched a shadow investigation. Through CCTV footage analysis and technological tracking, investigators identified the movements of those involved. On Friday, November 14, DB personnel conducted a raid in Daudkandi of Cumilla and arrested Zarezul. Based on his information, a machete used in the killing was recovered from Sayedabad bus terminal, along with scotch tape and a hammer from a rented house. Briefing reporters at the DMP Media Centre on Saturday noon, Additional Commissioner (DB) Mohammad Shafiqul Islam stated that Zarezul, a Malaysia expatriate, had returned home about one and a half months ago. While abroad, he developed a relationship via the Bigo Live app with a woman named Shamima Islam from Cumilla. After Zarezul returned home, his wife discovered the affair, leading to marital tensions. She then sought help from Ashraful, giving him Shamima’s number in an attempt to dissuade Zarezul from the relationship. Instead, Ashraful himself became involved with Shamima. Trusted friend turns killer: How Jarez orchestrated trader Ashraful’s murder According to preliminary findings, Ashraful had promised to arrange Tk 14 lakh to send his friend Zarezul to Japan, of which Shamima was supposed to contribute Tk 7 lakh. In anticipation of the money and to meet in private, they travelled to Dhaka. They rented a house in Bank Colony under Demra Police Station on the afternoon of November 12, cleaned the residence together, and purchased basic household items including a mattress, pillows, and curtains. Police said the three engaged in physical relations mutually, but an altercation broke out when Ashraful insisted on unnatural acts with Shamima, which she refused. As she began crying, Zarezul became angry. Shamima then tied Ashraful’s hands under the pretext of the act. When Ashraful persisted, Zarezul struck him with a hammer. As Ashraful screamed, Shamima tied him with her scarf and scotch tape. Ashraful died from the assault and suffocation. Panicked after the killing, the duo stayed in the house with the body throughout the night. The next morning, they bought two plastic drums, polythene sheets, and a machete from local shops. In the bathroom, with the water tap running, Zarezul dismembered the body while Shamima assisted. They packed the remains into the drums and later hired a CNG-run autorickshaw. On November 13, they abandoned the drums on the footpath near the High Court water pump on the National Eidgah and quickly returned home. After collecting their belongings, Shamima left for Cumilla, while Zarezul initially planned to head to Rangpur but later travelled to a friend’s house in Cumilla, where DB personnel arrested him. Police say the investigation is ongoing, and legal action against those involved is underway. Meanwhile, RAB earlier said at a press briefing on Saturday morning that after the arrest of Zarezul’s girlfriend, Shamima Akhter, it was learned that Zarezul had planned to extort Tk 1 million from Ashraful by using her to lure him into a trap. Shamima told RAB that, under that plan, Ashraful was brought to Dhaka. However, it still remains unclear why he was killed instead of extracting the money. Read more: ‘Extramarital affair’ led to trader Ashraful’s murder: DB, RAB

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-2) has arrested four alleged robbers including Mosharaf Hossain, who recently went viral for brandishing a sharp weapon, while they were preparing for committing a robbery in the capital’s Mohammadpur area. The other arrestees were Hridoy,31, Elias Hazi,20, and Akash Howlader ,16. One samurai sword was recovered during the operation. Tipped off, a RAB team conducted a drive on Friday night and arrested them, said Senior Assistant Director (Media) Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Khan Asif Tupu of RAB-2 on Saturday morning. Several other unidentified people managed to escape. Laws must have provisions against misuse by enforcers: Nazrul During preliminary interrogation, the arrestees reportedly confessed to their involvement in in multiple criminal activities, including mugging, theft, and extortion in Mohammadpur and other parts of Dhaka. They also admitted to using samurai swords, knives, and other local weapons to intimidate pedestrians and snatch cash, mobile phones and other valuables. RAB sources said a video of Mosharaf Hossain brandishing a weapon went viral on social media recently, creating panic in the area. Legal procedures against the accused are currently underway.  

The acting chairman of Badarpur union in Patuakhali Sadar upazila, Babul Howlader, has been accused of orchestrating an arson attack on the house of a woman who had filed an attempted rape case against him. According to local sources, unidentified assailants set fire to the house of the victim in Mithapur village late last night.The blaze spread quickly, forcing the family members to flee for their lives. Despite efforts by locals to control the fire, most of the house was reduced to ashes. The victim and her family alleged that the attack was carried out at the instigation of acting chairman Babul Howlader and his associates. They claimed they had been receiving threats ever since filing the case against him for attempted rape and looting. A powerful local group had also been pressuring them to withdraw the case, they added. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station, Imtiaz Ahmed, said, “We are investigating the matter, and legal action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.Meanwhile, attempts to contact the accused chairman for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to phone calls. 

A 25-year-old youth was stabbed to death allegedly by muggers in the Matuail Madrasa Bazar area of Jatrabari in the capital on Friday evening. The deceased was identified as Md Kawsar Howlader, an employee at a mosquito coil tin factory. Md Faruk, in-charge of the Dhaka Medical College Police Camp, said the body has been kept in the hospital morgue, and the local police station has been informed. Sharmin Akhter, a colleague of the victim, said they worked in the same factory. “Kawsar had asked me for Tk 500, and after I gave him the money, three muggers intercepted him on his way home through Matuail Madrasa Bazar, stabbed him in the chest, and took his mobile phone,” she said. Youth stabbed dead ‘by JCD leader’ in Barguna Critically injured, Kawsar was rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 9:15pm, where doctors declared him dead upon examination. Kawsar, son of Haider Ali Howlader from Harina village in Pirojpur Sadar upazila, was residing in a rented house in the Mridha Bari area of Matuail.

Detectives arrested a bus driver and his helper with 4,000 yaba tablets during an anti-narcotics drive in the capital’s Jatrabari area on Friday. The arrestees were identified as bus driver Md Zakir Hossain, 45, and helper Md Shahin Chowkidar, 30. A team from the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police stopped a bus named ‘Saint Martin Road Master’ at Sayedabad Janapath intersection around 9:05 am on Friday following a tip-off, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of DMP Talebur Rahman said. Red Alert issued to arrest ex-OC Shah Alam During a search, detectives recovered the yaba tablets from a bag the driver was carrying. The bus was also seized, the DC added. Police said the duo had been smuggling yaba from Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka under the guise of passenger transport. A case has been filed under the Narcotics Control Act with Jatrabari Police Station, and further legal actions are underway.

Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun announced a thorough investigation into the shooting incident where a police constable killed his colleague in the Baridhara diplomatic zone. The probe will rely on CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, he said. The police chief addressed the media late last night at the scene, in front of the Palestine Embassy, where the tragic event unfolded. Eyewitnesses reported a heated argument between police constables Monirul Islam and Kawsar Ali after 11 pm. During the altercation, Kawsar began firing indiscriminately, hitting Monirul in the chest and killing him instantly. Sajjad Sheikh, a driver for the Japan Embassy who was nearby, was also injured in the shooting. Policeman gunned down by fellow cop in Baridhara; pedestrian injured The incident caused widespread panic, leading to road closures in the surrounding area. It took special police forces, including SWAT and the Detective Branch, about half an hour to disarm and apprehend Kawsar. Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, along with senior police officials, quickly arrived at the scene to manage the situation. A security guard, speaking on condition of anonymity, recounted that after shooting Monirul, Kawsar stood at the main gate of the Palestine Embassy. When questioned about Monirul’s lifeless body, Kawsar reportedly claimed he was "pretending." Kawsar then moved to the road opposite the embassy gate, where security personnel finally apprehended him. Witnesses reported hearing five to six rounds of gunfire during the incident. Slovakian prime minister in life-threatening condition after being shot Sajjad Sheikh, the injured driver, was admitted to United Hospital, according to his family.

Jhenaidah Member of Parliament Anwarul Azim Anar's family members will go to India shortly to provide DNA samples in connection with his murder. If Indian CID calls on them to go to India, it will be assumed that they (CID) would call them for a DNA test. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner and chief of Detective Branch (DB) Mohammad Harunur Rashid revealed this while talking to reporters at DB office on Saturday. He said MP's family members will go to India very soon for DNA test. Read more: Anar Murder: Nepal police arrested suspects Siam, Jihad, says DB chief "We have already talked to Kolkata CID. Apart from this, the Indian investigating officers have also taken the names and mobile numbers of the family members. They will call soon. If they call, assume they will call them for a DNA test," the DB chief said. Replying to another question, Harun said they have detained a local Awami League leader of Jhenaidah in connection with the killing of MP Anar. "He is being interrogated. Many important matters are being asked. However, he has not yet been officially shown as arrested. If any involvement is found during the interrogation, he will be shown as arrested," Harun said. Read more: DB chief leading team in Nepal to investigate MP Anar murder

In a decisive move against gang violence, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have apprehended 35 operatives including two masterminds behind several notorious teen gangs, across key areas of Dhaka. From March 11 to 18, focused operations spanned Mohammadpur, Adabar, Nakhalpara, Tejgaon, and surrounding locales, marking a significant stride in curbing urban crime. The arrest announcement came today via a statement from RAB-2’s Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP-media), Shihab Karim. Among those detained were Md. Akash, Md. Farid, and Md. Imam Hossain, alongside figures like Md. Arif alias Rasel Mia and Md. Mosharraf, pinpointing a wide net cast by law enforcement to dismantle these criminal networks. Train movement between Dhaka and north resumes four hours after derailment in Tangail This crackdown follows reports of rampant robbery, mugging, and extortion, leading to a targeted response from several RAB teams in areas under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) jurisdiction. Notably, operations led to the capture of leaders from the FDC Munna and King Jamal Group, including Md Ismail alias “FDC Munna” and Md Jamal Hossain, as well as heads of the King Mosharraf and Apna Bhai Groups. Authorities also seized locally-made weapons used in these gangs’ criminal endeavours. The arrests reveal a disturbing trend of violence, snatchings, and extortion, with teen gangs frequently clashing over territory and influence. Preliminary interrogations have unearthed admissions of past crimes and plans for future violence, indicating a deep-rooted issue within Dhaka’s underbelly. The arrestees engaged in criminal activities under the guise of everyday professions, from transport workers to vegetable vendors, making their operations not only diverse but challenging to dismantle, said the RAB statement, highlighting the deceptive methods employed by these groups to evade law enforcement. Gazipur gas cylinder blast: Death toll rises to 11 Following their arrest, the teen gang members have been transferred to various police stations across the DMP area for further legal proceedings, signifying the beginning of a lengthy process to bring these individuals to justice.

The sprouting teen gangs have emerged as a major concern in the capital and other cities and towns of the country, and Feni town is no exception. These misguided teens involved in theft, hijacking, drug abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, and murder, allegedly with the backing of local political leaders and public representatives, are now a new threat to society. Locals allege that local political leaders patronize the teens to establish dominance, grab properties, and threaten opposition political activists. 2 killed in road crash in Gaibandha  ‘Koshai’, ‘Himil’, ‘Shano’, ‘JK’, 'Pintu', and ‘Chakma Javed’ are among the 10 gangs of the district infamous for their crimes that have been extended even to the unions from the district town. Talking to UNB, some guardians expressed their worries over the dreadful offenses committed by the teen gangs and the future of their children, as the deteriorating social environment due to the gang activities has made it difficult for them to keep their children aloof from their influence. On Thursday, police arrested three ‘SDK’ group members, including their leader, for their involvement in various crimes, including the trade and buse of drugs, snatching, extortion, stalking, threatening people for extortion, showing arms, and clashing with rival groups. Preferring anonymity, a SDK group member said,” If the ‘leaders’ need them, they inform the ‘big brother’ who completes the operations involving teen gang members, and they get money in exchange.” A police official who preferred not to be named said if the teen gang members are arrested, they get phone calls from ‘big brothers’ or ‘leaders’ seeking their release. School teacher beaten and harassed by police in Natore