United News of Bangladesh

As the country gears up for the national election, Narsingdi is witnessing a surge in the use of illegal firearms, raising serious concerns about public safety and the polls environment. In char areas of the district where fights once meant sticks and locally-made weapons, gunfights have now become common. Locals said criminal gangs armed with looted and smuggled weapons are locked in violent conflicts over political dominance, extortion, drugs and the illegal sand trade. A series of murders and clashes over the past year has deepened public fear and shaken confidence in law enforcement’s ability to keep the peace, police said. Read more: Police recover 9 locally made guns from Fatikchhari in Chattogram Of particular concern is the cache looted from Narsingdi District Jail during July 19, 2024 unrest when the prison was attacked, set ablaze and vandalised. All 826 inmates fled during the chaos and 85 firearms along with 8,015 rounds of ammunition were stolen. Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Sujan Chandra Sarker said over the past one and a half years, 58 of those weapons have been recovered but 27 firearms and 6,336 rounds of ammunition are still missing. The unrecovered cache includes China and BD rifles as well as bore shotguns now believed to be circulating in the district’s criminal underworld, he said. “These weapons are being used in political rivalries, extortion, drug trafficking and control over illegal sand business,” said another senior police officer requesting anonymity. “We have stepped up intelligence operations, but the network behind the arms trade is complex and well-organised,” he added. Police said in the last year alone, they recovered 42 firearms and 200 rounds of ammunition in different raids, filed 27 regular cases and arrested 56 people. Read more: 10 Indian air guns recovered from Sylhet’s Jaintapur The dangers rose further last December when Sharif Osman Hadi, an independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, was shot dead in the capital’s Paltan area. Police later said the weapon used in the killing was recovered from Narsingdi town. Over the past year, the district recorded 94 murders, 17 robberies, 184 thefts, 85 rape or gang rape cases and 43 incidents of mugging, according to police record. Although 94 murder cases were filed most of the accused remain at large. The residents of Banshgari and Saidabad villages in Raipura upazila said armed criminals move around openly, spreading fear. Two retired army sergeants are alleged to be training local gangs in firearms use. Both are named in multiple cases, including murder. “People here live in constant fear. We see men with guns walking in the open. No one dares to protest” said a shopkeeper in Banshgari. Following a recent visit by the Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam, special drives were ordered in the char areas. In two such drives, law enforcers recovered several illegal weapons and arrested a number of suspects, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Sujan Chandra. Many believe policing efforts have been hampered by instability in leadership. Three superintendents of police were transferred in the past five months, causing what locals describe as a temporary disruption in law enforcement activities. One killed, 10 injured in clash over supremacy in Narsingdi Since taking charge, new superintendent of police Md Abdullah Al-Faruk has launched special drives against illegal arms and drugs. “The election will only be credible if people feel safe to go to the polling centres,” said a local rights activist. “Recovering every single looted weapon must be the top priority. Otherwise, fear will rule the ballot,” he added.

Detective Branch (DB) members have arrested eight members of a Telegram-based fraud syndicate including five Chinese nationals  in separate raids in the capital’s Bashundhara and Uttara West areas. The arrestees are Chen Ling Feng, Zeng Kong, Zeng Changqiang, Wen Jian Qiu, Huang Zheng Jiang, Mohammad Zakaria (26), Niaz Masum (20) and Kamrul Hasan alias Hasan Joy (38). During the drives, DB police recovered 51,251 SIM cards of different mobile operators, 51 mobile phones and equipment of 21 VoIP gateways. Deputy Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar of the DB’s Cyber and Special Crime (North) Division disclosed the information at a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Tuesday morning by. He said the Web-Based Crime Investigation Team of the DB Cyber and Special Crime (North) Division traced the syndicate while probing allegations of online job scams, financial fraud through Telegram groups and other cybercrimes. Following the investigation, the DB members conducted a drive in Bashundhara Residential Area on Thursday and arrested Niaz Masum and Kamrul Hasan Joy. From their possession, police recovered 14 VoIP gateway devices used for online fraud, 51,067 SIM cards of various operators, four mobile phones, two CPUs and a laptop. Read More: Over 700 arrested in Sylhet’s 'Operation Devil Hunt' to tackle crime Police later received information about similar fraud networks operating in other parts of the capital. Acting on the intelligence, the DB carried out another drive on Monday in Sector 9 of Uttara West Police Station area and arrested six people including five foreign nationals. During that operation, seven illegal VoIP gateway devices, 47 mobile phones, 184 SIM cards and five laptops were seized. According to DB cyber officials, the arrestees used various tactics to defraud people including offering fake jobs, promising high returns on investments and advertising essential commodities at unusually low prices. Among the arrestees, Niaz Masum and Kamrul Hasan Joy have already been sent to court, while legal proceedings against the others are underway, police said.

A Dhaka court has fixed January 15 for a hearing on the acceptance of charges submitted in the murder case of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam set the date on Monday (January 12, 2026) after the plaintiff, Inqilab Moncho member secretary Abdullah Al Jaber, sought additional time to review the chargesheet submitted by the Detective Branch (DB) of police. Read more: Hadi murder: Court orders freezing of 53 bank accounts of Faisal Earlier on Sunday, three lawyers were appointed on behalf of the plaintiff. They are Abdus Sobhan Tarafdar, Barrister SM Mainul Karim, and Assistant Attorney General Mustafizur Rahman Mukul. On January 6, DB Inspector Faisal Ahmed, the investigating officer of the case, submitted charges against 17 accused. Among the main accused named in the chargesheet are Faisal Karim Masud alias Daud, his associate Alamgir Hossain, Dhaka Metropolitan North Jubo League organising secretary and former ward councillor Taizul Islam Chowdhury Bappi, Philip Snal Philips, Mukti Akter, and Faisal’s sister Jasmine Akter. They are currently absconding. The remaining 11 accused are now in custody. They include Faisal Karim Masud’s father Md Humayun Kabir, mother Mst Hasi Begum, wife Saheda Parvin Samia, friend Maria Akter Lima, brother-in-law Wahid Ahmed Shipu, rent-a-car businessman Mufti Md Nuruzzaman Nomani alias Ujjwal, close associate Md Kabir, Sibion Dew, Sanjoy Chisim, Md Aminul Islam alias Raju, and Md Faisal, who was arrested with weapons in Narsingdi. The investigating officer has also sought arrest warrants against the six absconding accused. Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, who was also running for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the coming election, was shot by assailants on a motorcycle around 2:30pm on December 12 in the Box Culvert Road area of Paltan, sustaining bullet wounds to the head and below his right ear. Read more: DU Syndicate recommends renaming Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall after Shaheed Osman Hadi He was first taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later shifted to Evercare Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was flown to Singapore by air ambulance on December 15 for advanced treatment, where he died on December 18.

A Dhaka court on Monday (January 12, 2026) placed three accused on a seven-day remand in connection with the murder of Swechchhasebak Dal leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir on January 7. Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Jashita Islam passed the order when DB inspector Aminul, produced the trio -- Md Billal, Md Abdul Kadir and Md Riaz-- before the court with a seven-day remand prayer. Read more: Swechchhasebak Dal gives 24-hour ultimatum to arrest Musabbir’s killers Another accused in the case identified as Jinnah, who was involved in shooting Musabbir, gave a confessional statement before the court under section 164. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque recorded the statement. According to the case statement, Azizur Rahman Musabbir, former member secretary of BNP’s Dhaka North unit, was shot by assailants on January 7. He was rushed to hospital where doctors declared him dead. Suraiya Begum, wife of Musabbir, later filed a murder case with Tejgaon Police Station. Read more: Sunamganj witnesses protest, rally over killing of Musabbir

Two policemen of Nabinagar Police Station in Brahmanbaria district have been suspended over bribery charges. The punitive action was taken against Sub-Inspector Zahid Ahsan and Constable Abu Kawsar on Friday night, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Obaidur Rahman. An allegation has been brought against the two policemen that they intercepted a hemp-laden pickup on Nabinagar-Salimganj road at Kanabari in the upazila and released it after taking money from the vehicle. Read More: Three injured in Brahmanbaria clash over local dominance The video footage of the incident went viral on social media. Based on information, the Superintendent of Police, instructed the Officer-in-Charge of Nabinagar Police Station to conduct an investigation and submit a report to the police superintendent’s office. Rafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Nabinagar Police Station, said that after the preliminary investigation they found evidence supporting the allegations brought against the two policemen. The report was submitted on Friday.

A daring jewellery heist in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur neighbourhood has reignited concerns over worsening public security in one of the capital’s most crime-prone areas, where police say organised gangs and repeat offenders are operating with increasing confidence. Police said burglars early Monday (January 05, 2026) broke into New Rana Jewellers at Chandrima Bazar, escaping with 70 bhori of gold, 600 bhori of silver and Tk 4 lakh in cash, according to police and the shop owner. The estimated value of the stolen gold was said to be Tk 1.54 crore, while the silver is valued at around Tk 21.6 lakh. Elderly woman killed, valuables looted in Bogura burglary

A murder case has been filed against a woman who used to work as a domestic help in the Mohammadpur flat where a woman and her daughter were found dead on Monday (December 08, 2025). AZM Azizul Islam, husband of the deceased woman and father of the girl, filed the case with Mohammadpur Police Station against their domestic aide Aysha. The accused has not been arrested yet. Read more: Motives behind Mohammadpur mother-daughter murders still unclear: Police Assistant Commissioner (Mohammadpur Zone) of DMP's Tejgaon Division Abdullah Al Mamun said an investigation is underway over the murder of Layla Afroz, 48, and her daughter Nafisa Binte Aziz, 15. According to the case statement, the accused, Ayesha, started working as a part-time domestic help at the flat four days earlier. Azizul Islam said he found his wife dead with multiple cut injuries and his daughter critically injured when he returned home around 11am on Monday. His daughter was taken to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital where she was declared dead. Read more: Mohammadpur double murder: Maid disguised herself in victim’s school uniform to flee The complainant said CCTV footage showed the accused entering the flat at 7:51am and leaving around 9:35am with valuables, leading him to believe she killed the two during that period.

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.