United News of Bangladesh

Home Adviser  Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said the Ministry of Home Affairs are taking necessary preparations to ensure a free and fair election in the country. "The government is also actively working to tackle the incidents of mob violence across the country," he said.  Talking to reporters after visiting the Industrial Police Headquarters and Uttara East Police Station, the adviser said elections are not solely dependent on law enforcement agencies — political parties and the Election Commission also have their respective roles and preparations. “There are still five to six months left before the election. Preparations have already begun. Those who say the environment is not favourable for elections probably know best why they are saying that,” he said. Three Bangladeshis repatriated from Malaysia not militants: Home Adviser Regarding the recent incidents of mob violence, Jahangir Alam noted that although such incidents had largely subsided, new cases have been reported in Cumilla, Chattogram, Faridpur and Rangpur.  “The culprits involved in these incidents are being arrested. The government is active in preventing mobs,” he added. Responding to a question on allegations of illegal land dealings by officers-in-charge (OCs) of police stations, the adviser said, “If we receive specific information, we will take action. We have not received any complaints or information regarding land grabbing by OCs.” On the issue of Industrial Police, Jahangir Alam pointed out that although the number of industrial establishments in the country has increased, the manpower of the Industrial Police has not.  He stressed the need for expanding the force in line with the growing number of factories.  

Stating that the BNP does not believe in mob culture, BNP Vice Chairman Abdul Awal Mintoo on Tuesday said the incidents of mob violence are taking place due to the absence of an elected government in the country. “Mob justice is never acceptable under any circumstances. These incidents are happening because there is no elected government in place,” he told a leaflet distribution programme in Uttara aiming to promote the BNP’s 31-point reform outline. Mob violence is being used to create an unstable situation in the country, said Mintoo, adding, “Those involved in mob violence must be quickly identified, brought under the law, and punished. The BNP does not believe in mob culture.” BNP firm against mobocracy: Amir Khosru He also alleged that reforms and justice are being used as a pretext to cause unnecessary delays and obstruct the upcoming election. The BNP leader said both reforms and the trial of those involved in mass killings during last year’s mass uprising can continue even after the election. “Reform is a continuous process, and for the country’s development, reforms are always needed. We must also ensure justice, but that should not be a reason to delay the election,” he said. Mintoo, also a well-known businessman, said the election should be held as soon as possible to restore stability and revive the economy. “Without an elected government, economic growth and development are not possible. The election must be held without delay to meet the people’s expectations.” He said the BNP is now more than just a political party as it has become a people’s party. Mintoo reaffirmed the BNP’s commitment to bringing positive change by reforming the state structure and institutions, based on the party’s 31-point reform agenda. “The BNP believes in reform, which is why the party presented this 31-point outline a long time ago.” CPC invites Tarique Rahman to visit China He said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman prepared the 31-point reform plan after listening to people across the country. “This proposal can help turn Bangladesh into a modern, prosperous country.” If voted into power, Mintoo said, the BNP will implement this 31-point agenda under the leadership of Tarique Rahman to build a better, stronger, and more democratic Bangladesh.  

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said the government is taking swift action against incidents of mob justice across the country. The adviser was replying to a reporter’s question after visiting the Tourist Police Headquarters in the city’s Topkhana Road on Thursday afternoon. Regarding controlling incidents of mob attacks, the home adviser stressed the need for public awareness to curb such incidents. The public must be made aware. If people become unruly, it creates problems. Law enforcement agencies alone cannot always control the such situation, he said. Govt committee recommends withdrawal of 4,615 political cases When asked about the continued prevalence of mob violence over the past six months, including attacks on foreigners and home intrusions, he admitted it saying, "I won’t deny that incidents are happening. But wherever they occur, we are bringing those responsible under the law immediately," he added. The adviser also noted that police officers themselves have come under attacks, further underscoring the importance of public awareness. "Parents and relatives must play a role in controlling their children. The media also has a big role in preventing mob justice," he said. Regarding reports of raids on homes under the guise of operations leading to looting, he said, "No one except law enforcement agencies has the authority to conduct such operations." On the issue of highway robberies, particularly ahead of Eid, he said measures are being taken to prevent such crimes. When asked whether high-risk zones have been identified, he pointed out that robbery incidents are relatively higher in the Dhaka-Rajshahi region and parts of Tangail. "Law enforcement agencies in those areas has been instructed accordingly, and they are now more active than before," he added. CID to investigate Sadeeq Agro owner for illegal cattle import and money laundering Addressing concerns over extortion and snatching ahead of Eid, he assured that authorities are taking steps to prevent such crimes. Commenting on the challenges faced by the Tourist Police, he acknowledged the shortage of personnel, lack of dedicated police stations, and vehicle shortages. Despite these limitations, he praised the force’s efforts, emphasising that an active Tourist Police would help attract more foreign visitors and contribute to the economy. HC issues rule on President's power to pardon convicts without policy

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed grave concern over mob violence and lynchings in Bangladesh following the recent political upheaval. JMBF has urgently called on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to take immediate and decisive action to stop all forms of mob violence and lynchings, according to an statement received here on Monday. The non-profit organisation also has demanded a thorough investigation into these gross human rights violations, led by judicial officials from the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court. A transparent tribunal must be established to ensure that those responsible—both directly and indirectly—are held accountable and face appropriate punishment to uphold justice, it said. Reports from various news outlets, citing the Manabadhikar Songskriti Foundation, have highlighted a disturbing surge in mob attacks following the political transition. In August and September alone, 53 incidents were reported, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 44 people. The month of September 2024 witnessed 33 mob attacks, leading to 24 deaths and 22 serious injuries. Read: Rights group JMBF demands release of Asaduzzaman Noor, Shahriar Kabir, journalists Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser to JMBF, said, “This outbreak of lawlessness is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and justice principles. Mob lynchings, driven by frustration and a breakdown of law and order, pose a serious threat to democracy, the rule of law, and human dignity.” Advocate Shahanur Islam, founder and president of JMBF, said, “The rising tide of mob justice in Bangladesh is a direct consequence of a failing system. No society can claim to be just or humane if it allows mob violence to replace due process and the rule of law. We call on the interim government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to prevent further bloodshed.” JMBF insists that the recent surge in mob lynchings in Bangladesh underscores the urgent need to strengthen legal institutions and promote respect for human rights. Violence and lawlessness have no place in a civil society. The interim government must safeguard the rule of law. JMBF stands in solidarity with the victims of these horrific attacks and demands immediate justice and accountability for those responsible. Read more:  Global community must hold Bangladesh accountable, protect rights of its citizens: JMBF JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) will continue to advocate for victims’ rights, hold governments accountable, and work toward a Bangladesh where justice is delivered through legal institutions, not violence.

International students from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan have been targeted by violent mobs in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The violence began on the night of May 17, after social media posts alleged that Kyrgyz youths had been beaten by foreign students. The mobs quickly mobilized, targeting specific areas in the city where international students reside. Pleas for Help from Bangladeshi Students Samia Kabir, a Bangladeshi student at the International School of Medicine in Bishkek, reached out to UNB in a state of distress. “We are here, five Bangladeshi girls. We are inside our apartment right now. Some people are gathering in front of our apartment. Please help us,” she pleaded on the evening of May 18. She further added, “We have been asked by the authorities to stay inside. We hear some noises from other apartments nearby…some Pakistanis are likely to be there.” Mustafa, another Bangladeshi student living in an area farther from the capital, commented on the overall situation, noting that the Bangladeshi student population in Kyrgyzstan exceeds 1,000. He mentioned that those outside Bishkek feel relatively safer, but the danger remains, especially in shared hostels where students from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan live together. Read more: South Asian students, inc Bangladeshis, endure night of horrors in Kyrgyz capital Why Kyrgyzstan Attracts Foreign Students Kyrgyzstan has become a preferred destination for students from South Asia seeking quality medical education. According to the Migration Data Portal, in 2021, Kyrgyzstan hosted the highest number of international students among Central Asian countries, with a total of 61,418. The country’s appeal includes a low cost of living, access to subcontinental cuisine, a favorable student-teacher ratio, and no entrance fees, making it an attractive option for medical students from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The Incident that Sparked the Violence The violence is believed to have been triggered by an incident of harassment involving female students from Egypt. A video showing a brawl between Kyrgyz and Egyptian students, circulated widely on social media on May 13, led to public outrage. The fight was seen as a gross disrespect to the hospitality extended to foreign students. On the night of May 17, many Kyrgyz youths took to the streets, accusing officials of leniency towards the foreign students involved in the incident. Despite police efforts, which included the immediate detention of three students involved in the fight, the unrest escalated.