United News of Bangladesh

In the quiet hours before dawn on Sunday, a village in Gaibandha’s Gobindganj upazila turned into the scene of a deadly episode of mob justice, as three men, suspected of attempting to steal cattle, were beaten to death by locals in Nasirabad area. According to police, the incident occurred around 2:30am when a group of eight alleged thieves tried to lift cows from the shed of one Abdus Salam Mia. Hearing noises, Salam shouted for help, drawing villagers out of their homes. What followed was a chaotic chase through the darkness as the locals pursued the fleeing group. While five of the suspected thieves managed to escape, three were caught and brutally assaulted by the mob. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gobindganj Police Station, Bulbul Islam, said two of them died on the spot, and the third succumbed to his injuries while being taken to Gobindganj Upazila Health Complex. Sirajganj man stabbed, beaten to death by mob over alleged cattle theft The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Gaibandha Police Nishat Angela, accompanied by senior officials, visited the scene later in the morning. “A murder case will be filed, as no one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” OC Bulbul told UNB. Local residents said incidents of cattle theft had been frequent in the area in recent weeks, leaving villagers frustrated and anxious. Police have intensified patrols in the area and launched an investigation to identify those involved in the killing, as well as the rest of the suspected cattle lifters who managed to flee. Read more: Mob justice not acceptable, says Attorney General  

Attorney General Advocate Md Asaduzzaman on Saturday said mob justice, in any form, is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of the July Uprising. He warned that continuous acts of mob violence, like the recent assault on former CEC Nurul Huda, could jeopardise the country's democratic achievements, even if accountability for wrongdoing is necessary. Speaking at the ‘Shadow Parliament’ organised by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the capital, he said all political forces must also unite against fascism, as  the public outrage witnessed over the past 17 years was born from injustices. “No one convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal should be allowed to contest in elections. The tribunal also has jurisdiction over organisations complicit in crimes against humanity. Awami League represents a banned entity, and anyone associated—directly or indirectly—with it must be held accountable under the law,” he said. Referring to the previous regime, the Attorney General alleged that members of the so-called civil society, including university teachers, lawyers and journalists, became subservient to authoritarian rule. They played a key role in turning Bangladesh into a fascist state, he alleged. “Differences between political parties are not irreconcilable. Dialogue can resolve disagreements. But when it comes to fascism, there is no room for division—we must be united,” Asaduzzaman said. In his remarks, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the Awami League cannot evade responsibility for the July killings. “No assassination during the July movement happened without the consent of fugitive Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Over the past 15 years, the Awami regime has built torture cells, disappeared citizens, and committed acts of violence that are unforgivable,” he said. Govt rolls out strong policy package to boost investment, national savings Calling Hasina a ‘merciless and tyrannical ruler’, Kiron further labeled her as the ‘ambassador of authoritarianism’ and ‘godmother of fascism’, asserting she is now recognized globally as a symbol of dictatorship. “She is the second person in 700 years of South Asian history to flee power amid public outrage.” He added that following Hasina’s departure, the Awami League has lost political and social credibility. If found guilty of crimes related to the July killings, many Awami League leaders, including Hasina, may be declared ineligible to run for office. “National elections can still be fair and acceptable without the Awami League,” he claimed.   “July was a turning point in our post-liberation history. It represents unity and pride. Those who uphold the spirit of July must remain united to build an inclusive, humane state. We must ensure fascism never returns,” Kiron said. He acknowledged that some lack of consensus among opposition parties like BNP, Jamaat and NCP is causing public unease, but expressed hope that all parties—except Awami League and its allies—would unite to prevent any fascist resurgence. US Senator Sheikh Rahman calls for good governance in Bangladesh “If elections are not held on time, defeated forces may attempt to return. But the July uprising has proven that the people are the true owners of the country. No fascist regime can survive by depriving the people,” he concluded. “And if fascism returns, the people—especially students and youth—won’t wait another 15 years,” Kiron said. In the debate competition titled ‘Citizen Society’s Role in Implementing the Spirit of the July Movement Is Greater Than That of the Government’, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University defeated Daffodil International University to emerge as winners.  

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

An angry mob has vandalised and set fire to the Kishoreganj residence of former president Abdul Hamid. The incident happened in the Kharampatti area of the district around 10:00 pm on Thursday. According to eyewitnesses, a large crowd stormed the house, broke into the premises, and looted valuables before setting fire to a motorcycle parked outside. Hasina’s “provocative remarks" fueled Dhanmondi-32 vandalism: Govt Earlier in the evening, a mob demolished the Kishoreganj district Awami League office using a bulldozer, escalating tensions in the area. Local authorities are yet to comment on the situation, while security measures have reportedly been reinforced to prevent further unrest. Baitul Aman in Narayanganj, storied location in AL history, demolished