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

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday (November 19) said there is no unrest in the country following the tribunal’s death sentence handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Talking to reporters at the Secretariat after an inter-ministerial security meeting held ahead of the Victory Day 2025 celebrations, the adviser reaffirmed that nothing unexpected had occurred in connection with the verdict. Read more: Hasina verdict: Security forces in tense standoff with group looking to storm Dhanmandi 32 Responding to questions about reports of unrest after the court’s decision and any potential threats ahead of Victory Day, Jahangir said no such incidents had taken place and there was no cause for concern regarding the upcoming national celebrations. He said the Victory Day events will proceed as scheduled and noted that there is no reason to anticipate any disturbance during the commemorations. Parade will not take place this year too, he said. Commenting on allegations that law enforcers picked up a journalist on Tuesday night, the adviser said he had only just been informed of the matter and would look into it. Read more: Home Adviser signals zero tolerance on unrest as election in February

Stressing the government’s ongoing efforts to recover illegal arms and improve the law-and-order situation, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday said the nationwide special drive will continue until the national election. “Although we haven’t been able to recover all the arms that have gone missing, efforts are going on. This special drive is being carried out across the country and will continue until the election,” he told reporters after a meeting of the Law and Order Core Committee at the Secretariat. He said mob violence will come down to zero and no leniency will be shown in such cases. The election will be held under the current law enforcement agencies and it will be conducted smoothly, the adviser said. The Adviser emphasised that discussions at the meeting covered all aspects of national security, including recent incidents and potential future challenges. People-friendly policing key to restoring public trust: Home Affairs Adviser “We focus particularly on drug-related crimes, which have become a major issue. While many Yaba smugglers are being held, the big players are still at large. We are working to bring them under the law,” Alam Chowdhury said. Asked whether there was any security concern surrounding August 5, he replied, “You are better judges of how things were on August 5 after the Awami League had left office. Compare that with today. Whether there’s been any improvement is for you to assess.” Admitting that the law-and-order situation in Bangladesh has never matched international standards, he said they could not reach that level but prayed for the future government to do so. On public concerns over unrest, especially on August 5, Alam Chowdhury dismissed any fear, saying, “There’s no reason to panic. All programmes will be held peacefully, InshaAlah. We just need your cooperation in covering these events responsibly.” On election-related violence, he reaffirmed that the government is training forces and increasing deployment to maintain peace. 92 arrested, 216 looted arms recovered from Sept 4 to Sept 25: Police HQ In response to concerns about unequal police protection, the adviser said all parties receive security based on vulnerability assessments provided by agencies and media inputs.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said law enforcers have so far arrested 25 people over Wednesday’s violence centring an NCP rally in Gopalganj, vowing to continue drives until all accused are held. He came up with the warning and figure while talking to reporters at the Secretariat in the afternoon. Adviser Jahangir said 10 police personnel were injured in the clashes, with two already brought to Central Police Hospital in Rajarbagh and three more on the way to the hospital from Gopalganj. He said the law and order situation is now under control as the 22-hour curfew beginning at 8pm on Wednesday has been in place in the district following the vandalism at the NCP’s rally, arson attacks and cocktail blasts. Regarding NCP’s allegations about the role of law enforcement agencies, the adviser said the law enforcers have been given instruction in this regard and they are trying their best. Responding to a query on what measures would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future, he said all necessary precautionary measures will be taken to stop the recurrence of such incidents and the drives will continue as long as all accused are arrested. Those responsible for Gopalganj violence won’t be spared: Home Adviser He thanked the television channels for broadcasting the clashes live. Earlier, he visited the Central Police Hospital in Dhaka to enquire about the condition of the injured police personnel. On Wednesday, at least four people were killed and several others injured in clashes between police and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies over a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj. Protesting the attack, leaders and activists of the NPC put blockade on highways and important roads across the country. Later, the party convenor Nahid Islam in a Facebook post urged the party fellows to withdraw the blockade and announced a countrywide protest rally on Thursday. Govt forms probe body over Gopalganj violence Meanwhile, the government has formed a three member body to investigate the violence occurred in Gopalganj.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said there is no government bar on BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's return to the country and he may come back anytime. The Adviser made the remarks while talking to reporters during a visit to Salna Highway Police Station in Gazipur on Thursday morning. Tarique has been living in London since February 2008. Asked about recent push-in incidents by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), the Adviser said those being pushed into Bangladesh are not entering through the proper channel and are being sent back in an inhumane manner. All eyes now on Prof Yunus-Tarique talks amid strained BNP-govt ties He said the Indian High Commissioner has already been informed about the issue, expressing the hope that such push-ins will be stopped immediately. Highway Police Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Md Shafiqul Islam, Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dr Nazmul Karim Khan, and Gazipur District Police Superintendent Chowdhury Md Jaber Sadeq were, among others, present during the visit.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said that the government is committed to ensuring safety of healthcare providers and others involved in this sector. Expressing grief over the recent incidents involving attacks on hospitals, physicians and others, the adviser said the government has been working with the civil surgeon administration and police department closely to address the issues. Speaking as the chief guest on the closing day of the two-day Civil Surgeon Conference-2025 at the Shaheed Abu Sayed International Convention Centre in Dhaka on Tuesday, Jahangir reminded the participants about their responsibility towards the people, calling them talented persons of the society. “You (physicians) are the light of hope for people, a refuge of trust in times of trouble,” he said, suggesting some proposals: bringing post-mortem services to the police station level; conducting post-mortems for women by female doctors; ensuring examinations in cases of rape are conducted by female doctors, and if unavailable, by female nurses with signatures from male doctors; closing private medical colleges that are teacherless and resourcesless and building-centered; forming an accreditation council to improve the quality of medical colleges; arranging for intern doctors to receive training for six months in the city and six months in the village, and increasing honoraria during their time in the village. Rizvi urges govt to improve healthcare, curb overseas dependency People will get service fast along with reducing suffering of the service seekers, if those suggestions are implemented, he said. Highlighting the role of physicians in mental health and anti-drug drive, the adviser urged the civil surgeons to cooperate with the police stations and the Department of Narcotics Control to rehabilitate and counsel the drug addicts. Regarding the alleged negligence of the physicians in performing duty, he expressed the hope that the physicians will overcome and prove it as a lie. During the question-answer session, the attendants put forward some demands to the adviser who assured them of providing assistance in fulfilling those. Prof Yunus sees ‘window of opportunity’ for changes in health sector The demands include recognition of the establishment of KPIs for district hospitals and increasing police patrols there, modernization of the district post-mortem center and provision of bodyguards for civil surgeons. Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on the Ministry of Health and Family Planning Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Health Service Secretary Md Saidur Rahman, Directorate of Health Education and Family Welfare Secretary Dr Md Sarwar Bari, among others, were present at the event.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday vowed to step down if he fails to bring those who collaborated with former President Abdul Hamid to leave the country to book. He made the remark in the face of questions from the students involved in the July Uprising when he was leaving the conference room of Dinajpur deputy commissioner after attending a meeting on law and order. Warning of strict actions, adviser Jahangir said no one will be spared who facilitated the former president’s departure. “Of course, action will be taken. No one will be spared under any circumstances. Those involved in it must be punished,” he said. One police official withdrawn, 2 suspended over Abdul Hamid’s departure   Asked if it does not happen, the adviser replied that he would resign. Former President Hamid left the country for Thailand through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early Thursday. Earlier in the day, the adviser inaugurated the paddy harvesting in Biral upazila where he assured the farmers not to be panicked over the border amid the ongoing fighting between India-Pakistan. Agriculture Secretary Emdad Ullah Mian, Director General of Barind Zone Mozaffar Hossain, Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Shahidul Islam, Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Rafiqul Islam, Superintendent of Police Marufat Hossain and other concerned were present on the occasion.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Col (retd) Jahangir Alam has said any intrusion into the country through borders won’t be tolerated. He said this while speaking to reporters after a meeting on law and order ahead of the celebration of 31st night and Christmas at the Secretariat on Sunday. Regarding tensions along the border, the adviser said, “We’ve been vigilant on the entire border, not only in Sylhet but also in Benapole and other borders the Border Guard Bangladesh members have been on alert. You (reporters) publish true news, those who spread false news will be shamed.”    The adviser said Indian secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs will visit to Bangladesh and the secretary-level talks will be held. Replying to another question, the home adviser expressed his optimism that the normalcy in bilateral relationship between the two countries will return through the forthcoming meeting. Read: Two ‘drunken’ Indians detained in Satkhira for intrusion with pickup van He said they will shut the normal bars on the 31st night. “On many occasions, nuisance is created on the 31st night celebrations. If you tell the youth in advance that such behavior is inappropriate, they will be more cautious.”

Home Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam has said the BDR carnage will be reinvestigated and it’s a must. “Investigation team will be formed very soon ,” he said responding to a question from reporters after visiting the headquarters of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Pilkhana on Monday morning. Replying to another question the home adviser said the law and order situation of the country has improved slightly but it isn’t satisfactory yet and more improvement is needed. “You know the government has changed almost all the police members  in Dhaka. The new police personnel will take time to know alleys, lanes and make a network,” he added. He reaffirmed that the criminals won’t be spared, no matter how much powerful they are though many influential criminals had been spared earlier. Regarding the BGB, he suggested the frontier battalion to maintain cordial relationship with people who could help them in several ways. About the influx of drugs, he strictly instructed the BGB personnel to strengthen vigilance to check smuggling of the phensedyls and other drugs through borders. Admitting the intrusion of some Rohingyas recently, the advisers said those entered will be sent back as the number of Rohingyas has already stood at around 13 lakh. Earlier, he held a views exchange meeting with senior officials and others at the BGB headquarters. BGB Director General Maj. Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui was also present. On 25-26 February 2009, a mutiny in the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) left 74 people, including 57 army officers, murdered at the Pilkhana Headquarters. Read: BDR Mutiny: Dismissed jawans demand reinstatement in their jobs with full facilities On 5 November 2013, a Dhaka court awarded death sentences to 150 BDR members and two civilians, and life imprisonment to 160 others in the case. On 27 November 2017, the High Court confirmed the death penalty for 139 out of 152 accused. Following the heinous killings of the army officers at the Pilkhana headquarters, the government renamed the mutiny-hit paramilitary force BDR as Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), changing its logo as well as uniform.