United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka, Apr 23 (UNB) – The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a special request urging all not to obstruct vehicular movement by blocking roads unnecessarily. In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, the DMP said that various groups and vested interests have recently been staging road blockades in the capital under the pretext of protests and demands. These actions are causing severe traffic congestion across Dhaka, resulting in immense suffering for students, office-goers, outbound passengers, and those in need of emergency medical transport. Despite relentless efforts by the DMP Traffic Division to ease traffic congestion, such sudden and unnecessary road blockades are significantly disrupting the city's traffic system and causing widespread public inconvenience, the statement added. In light of the greater interest of the city’s dwellers and to ensure a well-managed traffic system, the DMP has earnestly requested all concerned to refrain from obstructing roads without just cause.    

The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested nine more members of the banned Chhatra League and various affiliated organisations of the Awami League during drives in different areas of the capital. DMP’s Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman confirmed the matter on Monday. The arrestees are: Mohammad Bappi (30), General Secretary of Chhatra League’s Ward-33 unit under Bangshal Thana; Md Mohibur Rahman (50), Vice-President of South Badda Bazar Unit Awami League; Abul Kalam Azad (47), Joint General Secretary of Monoharganj Thana Awami League in Cumilla; Babu Ahmed (55), Vice-President of Ward-32 Awami League under Bangshal Thana; Abdul Khalek (55), former President of Ward-22 Awami League; Kabir Hossain (48), General Secretary of Kalabagan Thana Bangabandhu Parishad; Dipam Saha (26), Secretary for Theatre and Debate, Jagannath Hall Unit of Dhaka University Chhatra League; Kazi Ismail Hossain (42), former General Secretary of Demra Unit Chhatra League; and Chhatra League activist Muhtasin Fuad alias Piyal. According to DB sources, Bappi was arrested from the Nawabpur area around 11am on Sunday by a team of DB-Lalbagh Division. Later in the evening, another team of DB-Gulshan Division arrested Mohibur Rahman from the Berait area. No one allowed to join ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ arbitrarily: DMP chief At around 3pm on the same day, DB-Cyber and Special Crime Division arrested Abul Kalam Azad from in front of the Department of Public Health Engineering in Ramna. At around 11pm, Babu Ahmed was arrested from the Bangshal area by DB-Lalbagh. Meanwhile, Abdul Khalek was picked up from Moghbazar at around 10pm, and Kabir Hossain was arrested from Hatirpool at around 11:30pm by separate teams of DB-Ramna Division. Kazi Ismail Hossain was arrested from the Matuail area on Sunday night by DB-Wari Division. He reportedly admitted to participating in a flash procession in Jatrabari earlier that day, according to DMP. DB sources further said Dipam Saha was arrested from Tejgaon around 1:45am on Monday, while Muhtasin Fuad alias Piyal was detained from a residence in Adabor around 2:45am by separate teams of DB-Cyber Division. DC Talebur Rahman said the arrestees are named in various cases filed with different police stations in the capital. "They were involved in attempts to destabilise the country. By organising flash processions in various parts of the city, they aimed to spread panic among the public," he added. Legal proceedings against the arrestees are underway, he further stated.

No one will be permitted to join the ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ midway once the procession starts during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali said on Sunday. The DMP Commissioner made the remarks while talking to reporters following an inspection of the security arrangements at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka. DB chief Rezaul Karim removed, transferred to DMP HQ The traditional ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ procession, held to mark Pahela Baishakh, will start from the Faculty of Fine Arts, moving through Shahbagh, TSC, Shaheed Minar, Doel Chattar, Bangla Academy and will return to the Faculty of Fine Arts, he informed. “The entire procession route will be under stringent security surveillance. Entry via alternative or side routes will not be permitted,” he added. Assuring that there is no lack of security measures, the DMP chief said 18,000 police personnel will be deployed during the Pahela Baishakh celebrations, with members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), Bangladesh Army, and Anti-Terrorism Unit also on duty alongside the police. Intelligence agencies will be operating in coordination as well, he added. DMP identifies DU arsonist, arrest expected before Pahela Baishakh procession “So far, there is no specific threat. It is expected that police will assist Dhaka University in ensuring a peaceful and successful celebration,” Sazzat Ali said. To facilitate smooth celebrations, the city has been divided into 21 sectors. A sufficient number of both uniformed and plainclothes police will be deployed across the capital, while key installations will be searched by dog squads. Besides, barricades will be set up at 21 key points, including Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan. All event venues will be equipped with archways and handheld metal detectors for security screening. Law enforcement agencies will monitor the main procession and its surrounding areas via CCTV, video cameras and drones along the entire route. There will be ample foot patrols and specialised units including the CTTC, SWAT teams and others will be deployed as well. To prevent incidents such as eve-teasing and snatching, plainclothes detective teams will be on duty, Sazzat Ali said. The Commissioner also mentioned that cyber monitoring is being strengthened to prevent the spread of rumours and misinformation on social media ahead of the celebrations. He urged participants not to carry bags, sharp objects, or flammable items during the festivities. All events must conclude on time, and venues must be vacated as per the stipulated schedule. He further warned that fireworks, sky lanterns and noise-polluting items such as whistles will not be allowed. “No commercial products may be promoted or marketed as part of the celebrations, particularly during the procession or at event venues.” The Commissioner also urged caution for those planning to attend the Chhayanaut event. “Women and children should avoid large crowds and use only the designated entry and exit points.” Entry to Suhrawardy Udyan will be permitted through three gates until 5pm, after which all gates will serve as exits. The gate on the western side of Suhrawardy Udyan, opposite the Faculty of Fine Arts, will remain closed during the procession, with movement through that gate restricted. Participants must enter via the Shahbagh intersection. Those joining after the Chhayanaut event must proceed via Shahbagh, Katabon and Nilkhet, and join the procession in front of the Dhaka University Vice Chancellor’s residence.

Detective Branch (DB) Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Rezaul Karim Mallik has been transferred to the DMP Headquarters as Additional Commissioner. DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Md Talebur Rahman confirmed on Sunday, saying that it is an internal posting and   an official order regarding the transfer was issued from the DMP Headquarters the previous day. "No one has been appointed to replace him yet," he said.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has identified the miscreant responsible for setting fire to a motif at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University ahead of the Pahela Baishakh celebrations and the suspect is expected to be arrested by Monday morning, before the Ananda Shobhajatra begins, said DMP Commissioner Sazzat Ali. “The miscreant involved in setting fire to the motif — a symbolic face representing autocracy — has already been identified. We hope to arrest the individual before the Shobhajatra begins tomorrow (Monday),” he told journalists while inspecting the security arrangements for the Pahela Baishakh celebrations at Ramna Park in the capital on Sunday morning. “A case has been filed over the incident under the Shahbagh Police Station. We are very close to solving the case,” he added. 'Fascist’s Effigy' burned at DU: Farooki blames Hasina’s ‘allies’, vows stronger resistance Earlier on Saturday, a fire destroyed several symbolic motifs, including the ‘monstrous face of fascism’ and the ‘dove of peace’, created for the Bengali New Year celebrations organised by the Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts. "The fire is believed to have started between 4:45am and 5:00am. It may have occurred while mobile team members on duty had gone to offer Fajr prayers," said DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed. Crafted from bamboo and cane, the depiction portrayed a woman with a toothy grin, four horns on her head, a large nose, and two fearful eyes. The striking image led many to believe it resembled ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In a Facebook post made Saturday morning, Farooki condemned the incident and warned that those involved - regardless of political label - must face legal consequences.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed restriction on access of unauthorised people within 200 yards of exam centres as the SSC and its equivalent exams are set to begin on Thursday.   DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali issued the restriction following the sections 28 and 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance-1966, said a notification on Wednesday. DMP issues guidelines for safe Eid travel The restriction  aimed at ensuring a peaceful atmosphere surrounding the exams centres and it will continue until the exams end. Beginning tomorrow, the exams will end on May 15.       

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has deployed 667 patrol teams in two shifts in its 50 police station areas every day to maintain law and order during Eid-ul-Fitr, said Additional Police Commissioner (Detective Branch) Rezwan Karim Mallik on Saturday.  Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on the security measures taken for Eid, he said 71 police checkpoints have been set up at various key and strategic locations in the capital to strengthen security.  To prevent any sabotage attempts at financial institutions, shopping malls, railway stations, bus terminals, and launch terminals during Eid, DB’s intelligence surveillance has been intensified more than ever before, he added.  He also mentioned that the DB’s cyber team has also increased monitoring using information technology to curb any misinformation or propaganda spread in cyberspace ahead of Eid. DMP issues guidelines for safe Eid travel To ensure the safety of city residents returning home after Eid celebrations, DB will conduct a "special operation" targeting muggers, thieves, extortionists, and habitual offenders. Several specialised teams from DB’s eight divisions will carry out the operation at key locations across Dhaka, the official stated.  Besides, DB is actively working to prevent the production and circulation of counterfeit currency ahead of Eid. A significant number of fake banknotes, along with materials used to produce them, have already been seized, and several members of counterfeit gangs have been arrested in recent raids, he said.  The DB official urged city residents to report any untoward incidents or security concerns in their neighbourhoods, residences, or markets to the nearest police outpost, police station, or DB office. He also advised people to contact DMP’s control room or the national emergency helpline 999 for assistance.   

In preparation for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, the Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Tuesday introduced several measures to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free travel experience for passengers, transport workers, and pedestrians. The DMP urged all concerned to strictly adhere to the following guidelines in a press release. Instructions for transport owners and workers Inter-district buses must pick up passengers only from designated terminals and depart directly to their destinations without stopping on the streets; passengers must not be picked up or dropped off outside authorised ticket counters. No vehicle should be parked on roads leading into or out of Dhaka city and BRTC buses must depart from their designated depots without crossing Dhaka unnecessarily (e.g., buses from Gabtoli depot should travel directly to Rangpur and Rajshahi, while those from Fulbaria and Kamalapur should head towards Chattogram and Sylhet), said the release. It also mentioned that buses must adhere to their designated schedules when departing from terminals and transport operators must not overcharge passengers beyond the approved fare. Passengers must not be subjected to any form of harassment or misconduct, tickets for a single seat must not be sold to multiple passengers. 15 directives issued to ensure safety ahead of Eid No passengers should be allowed to travel on the roof of buses and speed limits must be strictly followed, and reckless driving is prohibited. Overtaking is strictly forbidden in restricted zones, at road bends, and on narrow bridges. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of intoxicating substances or while feeling drowsy or physically unwell. Vehicles must only be driven by individuals holding valid driving licenses and carrying updated vehicle documents. The use of mobile phones or earphones while driving, as well as playing loud music inside vehicles, is strictly prohibited. Driving against traffic on one-way roads is not permitted. Transport owners must verify the validity of driving licenses before employing drivers. Drivers must not be compelled to drive for more than five consecutive hours or beyond eight hours a day. Unfit, mechanically defective, smoke-emitting, or rundown vehicles must not be used on the roads. Guidelines for passengers Passengers should board buses from designated terminals or counters, avoiding random street locations. Food or drinks from strangers should not be accepted. Luggage and personal belongings should be kept secure at all times. Travellers should arrive at the terminal or counter well before the scheduled departure time. Pedestrians must use foot overbridges, underpasses, or zebra crossings when crossing roads. Boarding or alighting from moving vehicles and traveling in goods-laden vehicles is strictly prohibited. For emergencies, passengers should contact the police control room at terminals or dial 999. Instructions for pedestrians Pedestrians must use zebra crossings, foot overbridges, or underpasses to cross roads. Running or talking on mobile phones while crossing roads is strictly discouraged. Footpaths must be used for walking instead of the main road. The DMP has urged transport operators, passengers, and pedestrians to follow these instructions to ensure a safe and smooth Eid journey. Cooperation from all stakeholders is essential for maintaining order and preventing disruptions during the festive rush, the release added.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) during special drives in the capital, arrested 219 people for their alleged involvement in different crimes in 24 hours till Saturday midnight. A total of 56 cases were filed during this period, said Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of DMP on Sunday. Among the arrestees, eight were robbers, nine muggers, one extortionist, seven thieves, seventeen drug peddlers and 44 were listed criminals with warrants out against them. Police also seized one knife, one machete, one hammer, one cutter, one punch machine, one vanity bag, 29 mobile phones, two tabs, one motorcycle, two private cars, cosmetics worth Tk 1,21,450 and Tk 3,225 in cash from their possession. To ensure public safety, 667 patrol teams carried out duties in two shifts across 50 police stations in Dhaka. Of these, 340 teams operated at night, while 327 teams worked during the day. DMP arrests 71 during raid at Mohammadpur, Adabor Moreover, 71 police checkpoints were set up at key locations throughout the metropolis to enhance security. In addition, the recovered drugs include 32.750 kilograms of marijuana, 363 pieces of Yaba, and two grams of heroin. DMP remains committed to ensuring the security and smooth movement of the people of Dhaka Metropolitan City.

In an effort to ensure a safe and festive environment for the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has implemented various security measures to safeguard homes, institutions, and shopping centres across the city. To assist in this, auxiliary police forces have been deployed, and they will play a vital role in maintaining law and order, said a DMP press release issued on Wednesday. In addition to DMP's security arrangements, the police have requested that city dwellers take further measures to enhance the security of their homes, businesses, and shops during Eid. Security guards assigned to homes, apartments, banks, insurance companies, and other institutions and shopping centres should be tasked with round-the-clock vigilance to prevent unauthorized access. It is essential that necessary measures are taken to ensure the overall security of these locations, said the release. To ensure continuous security monitoring, institutions are advised not to grant leave to all employees at once. Instead, employees should be granted leave in shifts, allowing some personnel to remain on duty and maintain oversight of the security system. Before leaving homes or businesses, individuals are encouraged to make sure all doors and windows are properly locked. Using multiple locks for extra security is recommended. If any doors or windows are in poor condition, they should be repaired to enhance security before departure. Additionally, homes and institutions should install an adequate number of CCTV cameras, ensuring that all cameras are functional. For added protection, auto-lock systems and security alarm systems may be installed on the main doors of homes and businesses. 179 arrested during DMP’s special drive in 24 hrs It is also advised in the release that the surroundings of homes and institutions be adequately lit during the night to improve visibility and deter criminal activity. Valuable items, including money and important documents, should be securely stored in safe places or with trusted relatives. Bank lockers can be used as a secure alternative for valuable items. The release also stated that before leaving homes, individuals should notify their neighbours or nearby residents who will remain in the area to keep an eye on their property. Regular communication with them is advised to maintain security. Tenants should also inform the property owner in advance if they plan to leave for Eid. Security personnel are advised to be vigilant and ensure that no unauthorised individuals enter the premises of homes or institutions. It is essential to check and ensure that all electrical switches, water taps, and gas stoves are turned off before leaving. Garages should be secured to protect vehicles, and any overgrown branches of trees near windows or doors should be trimmed to prevent criminals from using them as a means to access the property. In case of suspicious individuals or criminal activity near homes or institutions, local police stations and outposts should be immediately informed. If any unpleasant incidents occur or are anticipated during Eid celebrations, the local police should also be notified promptly, the release added.