United News of Bangladesh

Indian police have arrested two people in Meghalaya for receiving prime suspect Faisla Karim Masud and his accomplice in the sensational murder of Sharif Osman bin Hadi from the Bangladesh border area of the state. The arrestees were identified as Putti and Sami. “Through informal communication with Meghalaya Police, we learned that Putti and Sami have already been arrested,” SN Md Nazrul Islam, additional commissioner (crime and operations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), disclosed this at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday. In Haluaghat of Mymensingh district, the accused identified as Philip and Sanjay received Faisal and Alamgir and helped them cross into India’s Meghalaya state. They were later handed over to Putti, who passed them to taxi driver Sami, who took them to Tura town, he said, adding that they unearthed how and who helped the accused flee to India. Law enforcement agencies, including DMP, Detective Branch (DB), Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) began working jointly to identify and arrest those involved following the ‘heinous’ incident, Nazrul said. Using information from witnesses present at the scene, CCTV footage analysis, open-source intelligence and information technology, police identified the shooter as Faisal, alias Rahul, and his accomplice, motorcycle rider Md Alamgir Sheikh, on the day of the incident. Hadi Murder: Charge sheet likely within 10 days The law enforcers immediately conducted raids in Savar, Hemayetpur, Agargaon and Narsingdi to arrest the suspects. As part of the continued operation, a DMP team pursued the suspects up to the border areas of Haluaghat in Mymensingh. Nazrul said efforts are ongoing to bring all those involved to justice. The case has already been handed over to the DMP DB for intensive investigation. The charge sheet of the case will be submitted within the next seven to eight. “So far, we have arrested 11 people, including the two main masterminds involved in planning the incident, those who helped hide the weapons used, and individuals who assisted the accused in fleeing,” he said. The arrestees include Humayun Kabir, father of Faisal; Hasi Begum, his mother; Shahida Parvin Samia, his wife; Wahid Ahmed Shipu, his brother-in-law; Maria Akter Lima, his friend; Mohammad Kabir Nuruzzaman Nomaniya alias Ujjwal; Sibion Dio Sanjay Chisi; Md Aminul Islam Raju; and Abdul Mannan. Meanwhile, six of the arrestees have made confessional statements before the court, he said. Police recovered two foreign-made pistols used in the killing, 52 rounds of ammunition, magazines, the motorcycle used in the crime along with a fake number plate, the autorickshaw that was carrying Hadi at the time of the incident, spent bullet casings, CCTV footage and other evidence. Besides, he said, investigators also seized signed cheques worth Tk 218 crore linked to 53 bank accounts. Charge sheet in Hadi murder case by Jan 7: DMP chief According to the investigation, Faisal and Alamgir fled Dhaka immediately after the incident, first travelling by CNG-run autorickshaw to Aminbazar, then to Kalampur in Manikganj, before reaching Haluaghat by private car as per a pre-planned route. Nazrul said the killing was premeditated, enabling the suspects to cross the border before they could be intercepted. On December 12, assailants shot Hadi in the head during an election campaign event. After receiving initial treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Evercare Hospital, he was airlifted to Singapore for advanced medical care on December 15. Hadi died there on December 18 at around 9:45 pm (local time). The following day, his body was brought back from Singapore and his namaz-e-janaza was held at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, with thousands of people in attendance. A case has been filed with Paltan Police Station in connection with the killing.

Police expect to submit a charge sheet within the next seven to ten days in the murder case of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho. “We will be able to submit the charge sheet within the next seven to ten days, Insha’Allah,” said Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) SN Nazrul Islam at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday morning. Nazrul Islam said the government has already announced that the case will be tried under the Speedy Trial Tribunal. “We are working towards that goal, and maximum efforts from both the state and law enforcement agencies are underway to ensure justice for this heinous incident,” he added. On December 12, assailants shot Hadi in the head during an election campaign event in the capital’s Purana Paltan area. After receiving initial treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Evercare Hospital, he was flown to Singapore for advanced medical care on December 15. Protests continue over justice for Hadi Hadi died there on December 18 at around 9:45 pm (local time). A case has been filed with Paltan Police Station in connection with the killing. Meanwhile, police have arrested the parents of Faisal, the prime suspect and identified shooter. However, Faisal and one of his accomplices remain at large and are believed to have fled to India.

Detectives have arrested nine more people from different parts of the country for their alleged involvement in vandalism and arson attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area during protests over the death of Inqilab Moncho leader Osman Hadi. The identities of the arrestees could not be known immediately. Read more: NCP labour leader shot, injured in Khulna Based on intelligence information, DB police arrested them from various locations across the country, said Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), on Tuesday morning. With the latest arrests, the total number of arrestees has risen to 26. Taking advantage of protests in the Shahbagh and Karwan Bazar areas over the death of Osman Hadi, a group of miscreants carried out vandalism and arson attacks, and looted valuables from the Prothom Alo office, before targeting The Daily Star office at around 10:30 pm on Friday. Later, a case was filed in connection with the incidents. Read more: Police disclose special security measures for Christmas, New Year’s Eve

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Saturday (December 13, 2025) released a photograph of a suspect involved in the gun attack on Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi and urged people to share any information about the suspect. A suspect has been identified preliminarily through analysis of CCTV footage collected from the scene, said a DMP media release signed by Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Police Commissioner. Fakhrul urges govt to ensure law and order after Hadi shooting Osman Hadi was seriously injured when a group of assailants opened fire on him in the Box Culvert area of Bijoynagar in the capital. A major operation is underway in Dhaka to arrest those involved in the attack, it said. Anyone having information about the suspect or his whereabouts has been requested to contact the police immediately by dialing the national emergency number 999 or calling the following numbers: DC Motijheel at 01320040080 and OC Paltan at 01320040132. Prof Yunus terms attack on Hadi a planned strike on Bangladesh’s democratic path The identities of informants will be kept secret, and suitable rewards will be given for credible information, the release added.

Dhaka may witness a shift in its crime patterns in the coming weeks ahead of the national election as the intelligence agencies are apprehending a rise in acts of sabotage, arson attacks and politically-driven violence. In recent weeks, parts of the capital have experienced scattered incidents of crude bomb explosions, arson on vehicles and attempts to spread fear which the law enforcers see as early indicators of pre-election unrest. Additional Commissioner of DMP’s Detective Branch (DB) Shafiqul Islam said political groups which have been facing restrictions on activities may try to carry out bomb and arson attacks in Dhaka ahead of the polls to create an environment of fear. Read more: Awami League using looted money for acts of sabotage: Rizvi He said the government’s main mandate is to hold a free, fair and acceptable election and attempts may be made to derail or discredit that process. Intelligence Monitoring Strengthened The DB chief said several people linked to the recent arson and crude bomb blast incidents have been arrested who have given important clues about ongoing sabotage plans. “Interrogations have revealed the names of several instigators. They are being brought under the ambit of law,” he added. To prevent similar attacks, DB has strengthened surveillance through CCTV networks, human intelligence, electronic intelligence and coordinated field operations across the capital. Social Media Under Watch With the election approaching fast, law enforcers expect a spike in disinformation, manipulated videos and fabricated content on social media. Police submits chargesheets in 106 cases linked to July 2024 uprising Shafiqul Islam said a 24/7 monitoring committee made up of representatives from Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI) and other agencies is working to detect and address harmful content in real time. Any adverse material is being handled immediately, he said. Petty Crimes Stable According to DB, petty crimes such as theft and mugging remain generally under control in Dhaka. Shafiqul Islam said a few recent killings were linked to internal disputes among underworld groups. He stressed that these incidents do not reflect the city’s wider homicide trend and intelligence assessments show no major rise in petty crimes. Another senior official at DMP headquarters preferring not to be named said communal incitement and rumor campaigns may increase before the polls. He said political rallies may also carry a higher risk of clashes, prompting agencies to increase intelligence deployment before each event. Why Acts of Sabotage Rise Intelligence officials say targeted violence often rises before elections as political tension increases. Arson attacks on busy routes are often planned to cause maximum public fear. Suspect in Pallabi Jubo Dal leader murder dies after arrest Crude bombs are also used to create pressure and send political signals without large-scale damage, the DMP official said. He said sudden confrontations may escalate tensions and disrupt the electoral environment while propaganda campaigns on social media may attempt to mislead voters. On preparedness, he said law enforcement agencies have already intensified preventive steps. These include increased patrols on major transport routes, deployment of more plainclothes intelligence officers in politically sensitive zones, active automated systems for cyber monitoring and focused surveillance in trouble-prone areas. DB officials said enhanced surveillance, quick arrests and coordinated intelligence actions are expected to keep the overall situation under control. Read more: Saboteurs to be declared ‘Unwanted’ in Dhaka: DMP Commissioner 

There can be few jobs as unrewarding as that of a Bangladeshi traffic sergeant. This is particularly true if you happen to be posted in its overpopulated, unplanned capital. By its very nature, the job entails long hours spent outdoors, which in this part of the world exposes you to very hot and humid conditions, apart from putting you in the thick of both air and noise pollution. On top of all that, you must deal with an unruly, irreverent populace that puts no premium on the civic sense to abide by traffic laws and can even be openly hostile to people in uniform when pulled up for their actions. On October 31, 2025, at approximately 11pm, Sergeant Md. Zahid Hossain Mintu and Constable Shahidul Haque of the Ramna Traffic Division were on night duty at Moghbazar Crossing. At that time, a private car was coming from the direction of Moghbazar Railway Gate towards Mintoo Road. When Constable Shahidul Haque Sahed, under the direction of the on-duty sergeant, signaled the car to stop, the driver ignored the signal and attempted to speed away. Read more: How to Get Traffic Updates in Dhaka: Useful Apps and Sources With the help of other traffic officers, the vehicle was eventually stopped. When asked to show vehicle documents, the occupants - Mahbub Hasan Siam (20), son of Md. Kabir Hossain, and Khairul Alam (20), both residents of Keraniganj, began shouting on the road, forcibly grabbing Constable Shahidul Haque by his police uniform, and alleging that he was a “fake police officer,” while using abusive language. Their actions constitute an offense under Section 75 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance. Legal action was also taken against the vehicle under the Road Transport Act, 2018. Subsequently, the two accused were produced before the Special Metropolitan Magistrate, Ramna, who sentenced them to 15 (fifteen) days of simple imprisonment. This is just one story that demonstrates the challenges faced by the Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police in the course of performing their duties. Disobeying the traffic rules everywhere has now become almost normalised in the city, despite the Traffic Division’s best efforts to impose some order on the roads. As Dhaka expands further, experts warn that without comprehensive traffic management reforms and long-term planning, the capital’s roads will soon reach a breaking point — making everyday life even more difficult for millions. Recent traffic‐enforcement drives by the DMP illustrate the scale of the problem. In early November 2025, the Traffic Division filed 2,580 cases over just two days across various parts of the city, with 676 vehicles dumped and 176 towed in that period. On Nov 8, 2025 they reported filing 1,037 cases in a single day, towing 96 vehicles and dumping 277. Another earlier drive on October 21 saw 1,658 cases, with 398 vehicles dumped and 130 towed. Meanwhile, nationally, BRTA data shows alarming accident and fatality numbers: in 2023, the authority recorded 5,024 deaths in road accidents and 7,495 injuries involving 7,837 vehicles. The urban crawl City‐officials point out that Dhaka, where amenities were originally planned and designed for a much smaller population, now accommodates over 20 million residents, while thousands of new vehicles join the roads each month. According to BRTA statistics, in one recent dataset, Dhaka alone had over 43,398 buses, 42,968 covered vans, and a large volume of other vehicle types registered within its metropolitan area while the average traffic speed on Dhaka’s roads has fallen from about 21 km/h in 2006 to just 5 km/h in 2024. Commuters are bearing the brunt. “I leave home at 7am and still end up late to the office. The traffic feels endless,” said Mahmud Hasan, a private‐sector employee travelling from Mirpur to Motijheel. The toll is not just time: health costs, fuel waste, and lost productivity mount steadily. Read more: Traffic police back to work after one week Despite continued investments—such as the mega projects like elevated expressways and metrorails—the results remain patchy. Without coordinated, long-term traffic management initiatives—covering road‐space reallocation, public transport strengthening, parking regulation, the harnessing of technology, and behavioural change—the capital’s roads risk pushing everyday life closer to breaking point. Autorickshaws pose dilemma Another persistent problem is the unregulated movement of autorickshaws and battery-powered three-wheelers. Though these vehicles serve as an essential mode of transport for short distances, their sheer number and frequent violations of traffic rules make them a major source of gridlock. Many operate beyond their permitted zones, occupy key intersections, and often stop abruptly to pick up passengers — severely disrupting traffic flow. “Auto-rickshaws are convenient but undisciplined,” said a private car driver Shahin. “Many drivers ignore signals, drive against the flow, and use roads where they are banned. Without strict regulation, they will keep adding to the chaos.” According to DMP reports, unauthorized three-wheelers and easy bikes continue to enter restricted areas such as key city corridors, despite repeated drives. Traffic authorities have seized hundreds of such vehicles in recent operations, but enforcement remains difficult due to their large numbers and high commuter Equally troubling is footpath encroachment, which forces thousands of pedestrians onto already congested roads. In many areas — including Gulistan, New Market, Mirpur, and Farmgate — sidewalks remain occupied by makeshift shops, tea stalls, and parked motorcycles. Hawkers have virtually taken over walkways in commercial hubs, leaving little space for foot traffic. According to DMP officials, the lack of usable sidewalks increases the number of pedestrians walking on the roads, reducing vehicle speed and increasing the risk of accidents. “We conduct eviction drives almost every week, but the vendors return within days,” said a DMP zone officer from the Traffic South Division. “As long as there’s no coordinated rehabilitation plan for hawkers, the problem will continue.” Read more: DMP Chief calls for traffic police involvement in road accident investigations

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

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Sunday (November 16) instructed police personnel to open fire on anyone attempting to torch vehicles or carry out petrol bombs or crude bomb attacks in the capital. The order was issued through a wireless message in the afternoon, said a police officer, posted in a police station, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to comment publicly. Commissioner Sajjat Ali later told the media that the directive was issued in light of recent arson attempts targeting public transport and law enforcement. He said that the directive was given through a wireless message to open fire if anyone sets fire to a bus or throws a crude bomb with the intent to cause loss of life. “This is permitted under the existing laws.” SC seeks army deployment ahead of verdict in Hasina case According to police sources, the instruction applies in situations where miscreants ignite buses, throw crude bombs with lethal intent, or attempt to attack police by hurling explosives from moving motorcycles. The directive comes amid a fresh wave of unrest allegedly linked to the Awami League (AL), which has been barred from political activities. It had earlier called for protests and a ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ from November 10 to 13. The party launched the programme ahead of the expected verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal in a case against Sheikh Hasina over charges related to the July uprising. Since November 10, many incidents of arson attacks on buses and trains, along with crude bomb explosions, have been reported in Dhaka and other districts. The verdict in the case against Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to be pronounced on Monday, prompting the Awami League to declare a two-day ‘complete shutdown’ beginning today (Sunday). Read more: New iron-grey Bangladesh police uniform stirs mixed public reactions

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

The interim government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding interfaith unity and communal harmony, declaring that any attempt to disrupt the nation’s religious coexistence will be met with the full weight of the law. Security has been stepped up in all churches and religious establishments of all faiths in the capital, said the Chief Adviser's press wing. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with a series of recent cocktail attacks in the capital, the press wing said on Monday (10th November 2025).  Murder reports rise as suppressed cases surface during interim govt: CA’s press wing Initial police investigation has identified him as a member of Chhatra League, the outlawed student wing of the deposed Awami League whose activities have been banned by the government.   The suspect is being interrogated regarding multiple incidents, including the cocktail explosions on the premises of Kakrail’s St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Joseph School, a Catholic-run famous educational institution. The DMP, in coordination with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), has intensified a citywide manhunt to apprehend all individuals involved in these heinous and cowardly acts of violence, the government said.  Read more: Cocktail explosion near NCP office in Banglamotor, 5 detained