United News of Bangladesh

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday (November 26) criticised deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying the reported recovery of a large quantity of gold ornaments from bank vaults registered under her name exposed how big a ‘thief’ she was. “I saw in the newspaper that 832 bhori of gold was found in two Agrani Bank vaults belonging to Sheikh Hasina! How big a thief must someone be for such things to happen? It is natural for her to flee. She knew she was a thief,” he said. Rizvi made the remarks while speaking at a Doa and Milad programme organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal at Nayapaltan Bhasani Bhaban, seeking divine blessings for the speedy recovery and good health of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. BNP to revoke power sector indemnity provision if voted to power: Rizvi He said no gold was ever found in any bank vault in the name of Khaleda Zia, unlike Sheikh Hasina, as she is a patriotic politician. The BNP leader said despite losing her husband, home, and witnessing her children being abused, Khaleda never left the country. He said the BNP chairperson remained in Bangladesh with immense courage and patriotism, committed to protecting the nation. In contrast, Rizvi said, Sheikh Hasina left the country at the first sign of trouble. “When the difficult time came (in 2008), she quickly fled to her son. And later, seeing the people’s anger, she again escaped.” The BNP leader recalled how Sheikh Hasina and her party leaders used to boast, ‘Bangabandhu’s daughter does not flee the country!’ “But those whose character is that of thieves, robbers, and bandits are cowards. When bandits, robbers, and thieves are chased, they have to run, leaving behind whatever they cannot take. She (Hasina) did not get the chance to take that gold,” he said. Rizvi alleged that Sheikh Hasina wanted to weaken Bangladesh and make the country subservient to others by indulging in widespread plundering. “But because of the unwavering determination of Begum Khaleda Zia, and the way she, along with BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, kept the nation united, Sheikh Hasina could not succeed, and in the end, she had to flee,” he observed. Read more: Hasina still conspiring to obstruct election from abroad: Rizvi Following the ouster of Hasina, Rizvi said the interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, has been running the country for 15 months. “Now the World Bank says that six crore people in Bangladesh are at risk of falling into poverty, and three crore are already below the poverty line. Why should this happen? This is not what we want. The people do not want this either.” He said the interim government has promised to hold a free and fair national election in February next year, before Ramadan, so that the people can exercise their right to form a government of their choice. The BNP leader expressed hope that the interim government will continue to work neutrally to restore democracy and ensure people’s voting rights through the next national election. He praised BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, saying the nation prays for her recovery and holds deep affection for her commitment to the country. “Despite numerous illnesses and many hardships, she never abandoned the party, the country, or its soil, and never backed down. We take great pride in having a leader like her.” Rizvi said Khaleda Zia has shown them the way out of deep darkness, teaching how to remain steadfast during crises, speak with restraint against opponents, and maintain unity even in turbulent times. He accused the previous Awami League government of deliberately worsening Khaleda Zia’s health during her imprisonment. “She walked into jail healthy in a false and unjust case, but later her condition worsened through various means… This was a conspiracy driven by Sheikh Hasina’s vindictiveness.” Read more: What Does Gold Carat Mean? Decoding Gold Purity Levels

The International Crimes Tribunal-1  (ICT-1) is reading out its verdict in a high-profile case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others for crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August uprising. The three member tribunal led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder started to read out the verdict at 12:30 pm. Law enforcement agencies have taken all necessary preparations to tackle any possible chaos centering the verdict. Two other accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun testified as a state witness. Dhaka under security blanket as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case today Security has been tightened across the country, particularly in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka, ahead of verdict. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur and Madaripur districts to ensure overall security and maintain law and order. The prosecution has claimed all five charges against Hasina and other accused have been proven and sought the maximum punishment. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said whatever verdict the tribunal delivers in case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday (November 17) will be executed and people will accept it. Bangladesh Television (BTV) is broadcasting the verdict live. Read more: Relatives of July uprising martyrs gather at tribunal ahead of Hasina verdict

Relatives of the martyrs of last year’s July uprising gathered at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) area on Monday morning (November 17) ahead of the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others over alleged crimes against humanity during last year’s July-August. Some of the injured victims of July movement were seen on the tribunal premises with posters and banners around their necks. Dhaka under security blanket as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case today

Dhaka remained under a stringent security blanket on Monday (November 17) as law enforcement agencies intensified vigilance ahead of a verdict by International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in a case against Sheikh Hasina and two others over crimes against humanity. Multiple security layers are in place from the early hours of the day to prevent any untoward incident as several teams of law enforcing agencies, including police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), were seen patrolling at key points of the city. Movement of vehicles remained normal in Dhaka as Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Workers Federation on Sunday announced that traffic would continue operating defying the planned ‘lockdown’ of the ousted Awami League. Besides, people, particularly office-goers and students, were seen moving to their destinations and availability of the vehicles was sufficient. Earlier, Awami League, which activities are banned, and its associated bodies had observed a countrywide ‘lockdown’ on November 13 as the ICT-1 led by its Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder was scheduled to fix the date for delivery of the verdict on that day. Later, the tribunal set November 17 to deliver the judgment. Several crude bombs exploded in Dhaka on eve of Hasina's verdict Though the presence of law enforcers, including police, RAB, intelligence units and BGB was noticeable, vehicular movement across Dhaka was thinner compared to usual on that day. However, the traffic flow on the city streets increased remarkably on Monday than that of November 13. Since the early morning, Doel Chattar, High Court Mazar Crossing, Shahbagh, Press Club, Farmgate and other key points witnessed an extensive presence of police and other security forces. Checkposts were set up across strategic routes where officers were performing duty by checking pedestrians, private vehicles and especially motorcyclists. Law enforcement officials said motorcyclists are facing heightened scrutiny because assailants involved in recent explosions—reported since 10 November—used motorcycles to flee the scenes. “Given the pattern of movement observed in previous incidents, we are checking every motorcycle to prevent any attempt to commit sabotage,” said a duty officer wishing not to be named at the High Court area. Since morning, security personnel were seen stopping each motorcycle, verifying identity documents and searching bags and helmets. Foot patrols and mobile patrol teams were also deployed across busy commercial zones such as Motijheel, Gulistan and Karwan Bazar. Business owners in the Motijheel commercial area reported that although the streets are calmer early in the day, security presence is “unusually high,” adding that it offered a sense of reassurance amid prevailing tension. SC seeks army deployment ahead of verdict in Hasina case Heavy security was also reported at major city entry points including Gabtoli, Jatrabari and Mohakhali where long-distance buses, trucks and private vehicles were screened. According to law enforcement agencies, the highest level of alert remains in place to thwart any “spot violence” or organised attempts to disrupt public order on the verdict day. Authorities said the security measures would continue throughout the day and into the evening. Despite the undercurrent of anxiety surrounding the tribunal verdict, the visible security presence across Dhaka has contributed to a sense of controlled calm as the situation continues to evolve in real time.

Several crude bombs went off at different points in the capital on Sunday evening (November 16), heightening tension on the eve of the verdict in the cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others accused of crimes against humanity during last year’s July–August uprising. Around 9pm, two crude bombs exploded in front of the Central Road residence of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources. However, no one was injured in the incident. Witnesses said unidentified miscreants hurled the bombs and fled the scene immediately after the explosions. Read more: BTV to broadcast live verdict on Hasina in July Uprising case Earlier, around 7:30pm, two crude bombs also went off near the Saarc Fountain intersection in Karwan Bazar. In a separate incident, two more explosions occurred minutes before 10pm in the Mohakhali Kacha Bazar and Amtoli areas. Police said no one was hurt. The series of explosions came a day ahead of Monday’s (November 17) scheduled verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal in the trial of the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over allegations linked to last year’s July uprising. Amid the tense political climate, the Awami League last week announced a nationwide “lockdown” programme. Since November 10, incidents of arson attacks on buses and trains, along with crude bomb explosions in Dhaka and other districts, have occurred amid tight security. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has requested the Bangladesh Army to deploy troops to bolster security around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ahead of Monday’s verdict. Besides, BGB personnel have been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur districts to maintain overall security and ensure law and order. Read more: Nation on alert as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case

Security has been tightened across the country, particularly in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka, ahead of Monday’s (November 17) verdict in a high-profile case of crimes against humanity. The tribunal is set to deliver its judgement on cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, who stand accused of crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August uprising. The verdict will be delivered amid fresh tensions as a series of arson and crude bomb attacks were reported in Dhaka, Savar, Kushtia, Gazipur and other parts of the country. Awami League, whose activities remain banned in Bangladesh, called for a ‘complete shutdown’ on Sunday and Monday in protest citing several demands including the cancellation of the tribunal’s proceedings. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur and Madaripur districts to ensure overall security and maintain law and order. Read more: Fakhrul calls for full justice ahead of ICT verdict in Hasina’s case Two other accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun testified as a state witness. The prosecution has claimed all five charges against Hasina and other accused have been proven and sought the maximum punishment. In a press briefing on November 13, Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said they have appealed to the court for the highest penalty. On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain has sought acquittal for both Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, while Mamun’s lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad has also sought his acquittal. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said whatever verdict the tribunal delivers in case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday will be executed and people will accept it. Law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to prevent any untoward incident centering the verdict, he said. Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the verdict live. The live verdict will be shown via giant screen at 10 spots of the Dhaka, said MH Tamim, a prosecutor of the ICT. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said at a discussion in Dhaka. Jamaat, allies to mobilise on streets on Hasina verdict day The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its report on February 12 said Bangladesh’s previous government and security and intelligence services, alongside violent elements associated with the Awami League, systematically engaged in a range of serious human rights violations during last year’s student-led protests. Based on deaths reported by various credible sources, the report estimates that as many as 1,400 people may have been killed between 15 July and 5 August, and thousands were injured, the vast majority of whom were shot by Bangladesh’s security forces. it said. Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case. On March 16 this year, the prosecution appealed to include former IGP Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina and the tribunal approved it. After the Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, the ICT was reconstituted. The first case in the reconstituted tribunal concerned alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising, with Sheikh Hasina as the accused. The tribunal conducted its first hearing on October 17 last year, issuing an arrest warrant against Hasina that day. After extending the deadline several times, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on May 12 this year. On June 1, the prosecution formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two accused. The charges include inciting violence in a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024, ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons, shooting death of student Abu Sayed at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, killing of six protestors at Chankharpul, Dhaka and burning of six people to death in Ashulia. The tribunal formally framed these charges on July 10. Hasina and Asaduzzaman remain at large, while former IGP Mamun is the only arrested accused. On the day the charges were framed, Mamun admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity during the uprising and applied to testify as a state witness. Arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23. Relatives of victims, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed testified in the case, along with key witnesses including Nahid Islam, Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman. In total, 54 witnesses testified during the trial. Read more: BGB deployed in Dhaka, 3 other districts

Bangladesh has been placed on high alert ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal-1’s (ICT-1) pronouncement of the verdict date on Thursday (13th November 2025) in a case against ex-PM Sheikh Hasina and two others over crimes against humanity during last year’s July uprising. The tribunal fixed the date on October 23 after the prosecution and defence completed their closing arguments before the three-member ICT-1 headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder. Tensions have escalated across the country over the tribunal’s announcement of verdict date as the Awami League called for a nationwide ‘lockdown’ on Thursday through social media in protest against the trial. In the lead-up to the verdict date, several incidents of arson and crude bomb explosions were reported in different parts of the country, including Dhaka, raising public fears of renewed violence. Law enforcement agencies, including police, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been deployed across the capital and other major cities to maintain order. Read more: 14 platoons of BGB deployed in Dhaka, adjoining districts Dhaka’s usually congested roads appeared unusually calm on Wednesday, with significantly lighter traffic during office hours amid growing public anxiety and security concerns. Additional police personnel have been stationed at all entry and exit points in the capital. At a press conference on Wednesday, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali said the force was fully prepared to avert acts of sabotage associated with the lockdown. Fourteen platoons of the BGB have been deployed in Dhaka and surrounding districts since Wednesday morning. Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5, 2024 amid mass uprising  and the country has since experienced deepening political turmoil. The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police conducted simultaneous drives across the capital in the past 24 hours till Wednesday morning, arresting 44 more leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations. In this much-discussed case, the prosecution sought the maximum punishment for Sheikh Hasina and ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on five charges of crimes against humanity. Read more: Sheikh Hasina and family members can't vote from abroad: EC official Relatives of victims, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed testified in the case, along with key witnesses including Nahid Islam, Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman. In total, 54 witnesses testified in the trial. According to the charges, the then Awami League government, along with its party leaders, loyal administrators, and members of law enforcement agencies, committed crimes against humanity to suppress the student-led July–August uprising. Two international crimes tribunals are currently trying these allegations. On July 10, the tribunal formally indicted Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former IGP Abdullah Al-Mamun, beginning the trial. Former IGP Al-Mamun turned state witness and gave testimony revealing details of the incidents. Besides this case, Sheikh Hasina faces two other cases before the International Crimes Tribunal—one over enforced disappearances and killings during the Awami League’s 15 and a half years in power and another over the 2013 killings at Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Dhaka’s Shapla Chattar. Read more: Tension rises in Dhaka ahead of planned ‘lockdown’ amid fears of violence