United News of Bangladesh

There will be no place for rapists in Bangladesh as the government adopted a zero tolerance stance against the crime across the country, said Home Affairs Adviser Lt. General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday. “Already all accused involved in the Magura rape incident have been arrested and the government will ensure highest punishment through legal process,” he said while talking to reporters after attending the core committee meeting on law and order situation at the Secretariat. Investigation into rape cases in 15 days, trials within 90 days: Law Adviser “Similarly, if any incident of violence or rape against women takes place anywhere in the country, they will be brought to book. Their maximum punishment will be ensured. The government's stance against rape in Bangladesh is 'zero tolerance',” he said. “Our stance against rape and torture on women and children is much clear and we have asked the law enforcing agencies to take stringent measures against rape and torture on woman and children," said the adviser. HC orders completion of Magura child rape trial in six months  “I have directed to submit a report to the court after completing a quick investigation by making a list of all the violence against women so far. The perpetrators of the recent incidents of rape will be brought to justice and punished,” he said. The women will perform their duties fearlessly, without any hindrance, outside the house. Those who come to obstruct them, will be brought under the law, said the adviser. “No one will be spared.” Legal steps should be taken against women and child repression, including rape, as well as social movement and awareness should be created, he said. Referring to the banned militant outfit, Hizb ut-Tahrir, the adviser said the members of the banned militant group had brought out a procession after Juma prayer on Friday but police foiled their programme and some members of the group were arrested as the government adopted a zero tolerance policy against it. Offences will be identified by citing video footage and the culprits will be identified through fact-checking after collecting video footage of the crimes, said the adviser. Further action will be taken as per the law, he said. On the law and order situation during the month of Ramadan, the adviser said nearly a hundred of check-posts have been set up in different important points in the capital and the number of patrols in crime-prone areas has been increased. The joint forces of the army, police and BGB are conducting strong operations in the targeted areas. Officials of different levels of the ministry have been given regular tasks to monitor the night activities of these check posts and patrol teams, he said. Law enforcement agencies are working to prevent extortion and mugging during Ramadan and to ensure overall security of buyers and sellers visiting various shopping malls and were instructed to take necessary measures to prevent extortion and mugging on the highways to ensure smooth journey of the homebound people, he added.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that the launch of online application system for ‘Visa on Arrival’ (VoA) or transit visas will expedite and simplify the visa process for foreign travellers.  “This new system launched by the Immigration Division of the Special Branch (SB) of police is a timely initiative which will improve SB Immigration’s service delivery,” he said while speaking at a press briefing after inaugurating the online visa app at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday. The adviser said the initiative aims to make the visa issuance process faster and more convenient for travellers arriving in Bangladesh.  Decision on UN recommendations to be taken jointly: Home Adviser “At present, foreign travellers have to submit paper applications for VoA or transit visas upon arrival at the airport and wait for processing, which can take between 45 minutes to an hour,” he said. He said with the introduction of the online system, travellers can apply for visas in advance and, upon arrival, simply scan a QR code at the VoA desk for immediate clearance. Besides, the integration of Sonali Bank PLC’s payment gateway will facilitate seamless online fee payments, allowing visas to be issued in as little as 10 minutes, he added.  The adviser also mentioned they are considering  the simplification of the passport issuance process by eliminating police verification requirements. “Even if verification remains, we are trying to make it easier to obtain passports. However, efforts will be made to eliminate the verification,” he added.  The press briefing was attended by Md Khoda Bakhsh Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser on home affairs; Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Gani; Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam; Additional IGP (SB) Md Golam Rasul and other senior officials from the ministry. Jatiya Oaikymoto Commission formed, Prof Yunus to lead

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has expressed confidence that the ongoing issues between Dhaka University and the seven affiliated colleges can be resolved through discussions. “I believe the problems can be solved through discussions. In this case, everyone must have some patience. If we become impatient, no solution will be found,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday.  He also urged protesters to avoid creating public inconvenience while protesting, saying, “If there is any protest, it is better to do it in places like open fields or Suhrawardy Udyan rather than blocking roads. Blocking roads causes traffic congestion, leading to public suffering.” At a press conference at the Central Shaheed Minar, students issued an ultimatum demanding the resignation of Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Dr Mamun Ahmed within four hours. Protest at DU against attack on Ibtedayi madrasah teachers They also called for severing of all academic and administrative ties between Dhaka University and the seven colleges within 24 hours, as well as a comprehensive plan for establishing an independent university. The tension escalated after a clash broke out on Sunday night between Dhaka University students and those from the affiliated seven government colleges.