United News of Bangladesh

Additional police personnel and members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed at key points in the capital to maintain law and order during namaz-e-janaza of Inquilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi. An adequate number of police personnel equipped with around 1,000 body-worn cameras have been deployed to ensure overall security and prevent any untoward incident, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman. Besides, 20 platoons of BGB have been deployed in and around important areas of the capital including the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban to strengthen security, said Shariful Islam, public relations officer of BGB. The namaz-e-janaza of Hadi will be held at 2:00pm at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Read more: DU journalism students demand justice for Hadi, attacks on media The government has requested those wishing to attend the janaza not to carry any bags or heavy objects. It also said that flying drones in and around the parliament complex will remain strictly prohibited during the funeral prayers. Meanwhile, a decision has been taken to bury Hadi beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on the Dhaka University campus in line with the wishes of his family, according to a Facebook post from Inquilab Moncho’s official page. Read more: Amnesty urges accountability over Hadi murder, mob violence Hadi was shot in the head on December 12 while travelling in a rickshaw on Culvert Road in Puratan Paltan. He initially underwent surgery at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and was later admitted to Evercare Hospital. For advanced treatment, he was airlifted to Singapore, where he succumbed to his injuries on the night of December 18. His body arrived in Dhaka on Friday evening. Read more: Bangladesh mourns death of Osman Hadi

Police have taken special security measures ahead of the twin celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. A meeting on security and law and order was held at the Hall of Pride of Police Headquarters on Wednesday (December 17, 2025), chaired by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bangladesh Baharul Alam, ahead of the Christmas celebration on December 25 and the New Year’s Eve on December 31. Welcoming leaders of the Christian community, the IGP said Christmas is a universal festival and emphasized that the police would remain alert throughout the celebrations. He expressed hope that, with the capabilities of the Bangladesh Police, both Christmas and New Year’s Eve would be celebrated in a peaceful environment. Read more: Missing Guns: Can Bangladesh’s arms crackdown ensure peaceful polls? Authorities warned that any individual or group attempting to disrupt communal harmony by posting misleading content, comments, or images on social media during the festive period would face immediate legal action. Cyber monitoring will be strengthened to prevent the spread of rumors. The meeting urged concerned parties to recruit volunteers, arrange adequate lighting, standby generators or chargers, and ensure the security of churches across the country in coordination with law enforcement agencies. Security will also be heightened in all tourist areas, including Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata, during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Authorities said action would be taken against anyone who honks loudly or drives recklessly on the roads. People are urged to contact the National Emergency Service 999 or their nearest beat police officer in case of any emergency. During the meeting, Christian community leaders expressed satisfaction with the security measures and thanked the police administration. They expressed hope that, with everyone’s cooperation, Christmas would be celebrated in a festive atmosphere while maintaining religious solemnity, as in previous years. Read more: Freedom fighter, wife found dead in Rangpur RAB Director General (Additional IGP) AKM Shahidur Rahman, concerned Additional IGPs and senior officers of Police Headquarters, St. Mary’s Cathedral Church Pastor Father Albert Rosario, Bangladesh Christian Association President Nirmal Rosario, Joint Secretary General James Subrata Hazra, Public Relations and Communications Secretary Apu Placid Madhu, and The Christian Cooperative Credit Union Limited President Michael John Gomez and Secretary Manju Maria Palma were present at the meeting. All police commissioners, Range DIGs, and district police superintendents were connected to the meeting virtually.

Amid fresh tensions in relations between two neighbours, India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Riaz Hamidullah and briefed him on the activities of certain extremist elements who have reportedly announced plans to create a security situation around Indian territory. High Commissioner Hamidullah was apprised of India's strong concerns at the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh. His attention was drawn, in particular, to the activities of some extremist elements who have announced plans to create a security situation around the Indian Mission in Dhaka. "India completely rejects the false narrative sought to be created by extremist elements regarding certain recent events in Bangladesh," the MEA said in a media release following the summon. Read more: Indian visa application centre in Dhaka to close at 2pm Wednesday "It is unfortunate that the interim government has neither conducted a thorough investigation nor shared meaningful evidence with India regarding the incidents," India conveyed to Bangladesh. India said it has close and friendly relations with the people of Bangladesh rooted in the liberation struggle, and strengthened through various developmental and people-to-people initiatives. "We are in favour of peace and stability in Bangladesh and have consistently called for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections, conducted in a peaceful atmosphere," India reiterated. India said they expect the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in keeping with its diplomatic obligations. Visa Centre in Dhaka Closed In view of the ongoing security situation, the Indian Visa Application Centre in Dhaka was close at 2:00 pm on Wednesday. "In view of the on-going security situation, we wish to bring to your kind notice that IVAC JFP Dhaka will be closed at 2 PM today," said a notification issued by the IVAC in Dhaka. Read more: ISPR calls out fake news of Bangladesh Navy sinking an Indian fishing trawler in the Bay All applicants with appointment slots scheduled for submission today will be rescheduled for a later date. The Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC) at Jamuna Future Park (JFP) in Dhaka is the main, integrated center for all Indian visa services in the capital. Delhi's Cooperation South Bangladesh Sunday sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter into Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam summoned High Commissioner Pranay Verma at State Guest House Padma and emphasised that as a neighbour, India is expected to stand with the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes. The High Commissioner of India emphasised that India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all cooperation in this regard. Police have already identified the attackers and their associates in the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the Inquilab Moncho and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency. Intensive operations by law enforcement agencies are continuing to arrest them, said the interim government. Read more: Jamaat Islam opposed India, not 1971 war: Amir Hamza The motorcycle used in the attack has already been seized and the fingerprints of the suspects are being checked. To prevent the main suspect from crossing the border, photos and other information of the suspects were provided to all immigration check posts on Friday night. Patrols of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and RAB have been intensified in the border area. Although the location of the suspects has been identified several times within the country, it has not been possible to arrest them yet due to their repeated changes of location, the government said. Hasina’s Extradition The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed the government of Bangladesh’s serious concern to the government of India over former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ministry expressed its objection over India allowing fugitive Sheikh Hasina to continue making incendiary statements, urging her supporters to engage in ‘terrorist’ activities in Bangladesh with the aim of disrupting the upcoming national election. Bangladesh reiterated her call for the expeditious extradition of Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to face the sentences handed down by the judicial authorities in Bangladesh. Read more: India greets Bangladesh on Victory Day The ministry also drew the attention of the envoy to anti-Bangladesh activities by fugitive Awami League members staying in India, including planning, organising and helping to carry out terrorist activities inside Bangladesh in order to hinder the upcoming elections. The Indian government was called upon to expeditiously act to end the criminal actions by these fascist terrorists and extradite them to Bangladesh as soon as possible, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to immediately launch “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2” across the country to prevent subversive activities using illegal arms and to suppress ‘fascist terrorists’ ahead of the February national election. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury disclosed the decision while briefing journalists after a core committee meeting on law and order at the secretariat on Saturday (December 13, 2025). He said the law enforcement agencies are already conducting nationwide drives to recover looted and illegal firearms. Read more: 2 arrested with large cache of spying devices at Dhaka airport The adviser said the meeting in addition to routine law and order issues specifically reviewed overall security preparations for the upcoming parliamentary election, security arrangements for frontline fighters of the July movement including Osman Hadi, and progress in the recovery of looted illegal weapons. Jahangir Alam said law enforcement agencies have been directed to arrest those involved in the the attack without delay. “We hope to bring the perpetrators to justice within a very short time. No one involved in this attack will be spared,” he said expressing confidence that the people would fully cooperate with the investigation. The adviser said the attack on Osman Hadi is being viewed as an attempt to obstruct the upcoming election. He added that the interim government would take a firm stance against any attempt to disrupt or sabotage the election process. The adviser also said the interim government remains firmly committed to ensuring the security of frontline fighters of the July uprising. Read more: DMP intensifies drive to arrest attackers of Hadi

There is no known legal bar preventing BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman from returning to Bangladesh, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said on Monday (December 01). “If any obstacles exist, we will certainly cooperate (with him). We will make the best possible arrangements for his security,” he said while talking to reporters at the Secretariat. The adviser said the decision to return rests entirely with Tarique Rahman. “He has the authority to choose the appropriate time. I believe he will return when he considers it right,” he added. Read more: 'Political realities prevent my return', says Tarique as he seeks prayers for Khaleda Responding to questions about why Tarique has not yet returned, the adviser said such speculation is unnecessary. “Many people raise questions about his return, but I find those comments uninteresting. This is a matter between a mother and her son. Is there any directive from Begum Khaleda Zia, or does Tarique Rahman have personal considerations? I don’t think it is appropriate to comment on that,” he said. “We must understand that this is a mother-son relationship. He knows best when to come and when to take any action,” Nazrul added. Read more: No objection to Tarique’s return, says govt

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Saturday (November 15) said that a special law enforcement and security deployment plan will be there in place for nine days over the upcoming national election. “The plan includes five days prior to the election, one day on the election day, and three days following the vote, with strict security measures enforced throughout; and the duration may be adjusted depending on the country’s situation,” he said while talking to reporters at Patuakhali Circuit House. The adviser said the army currently has 30,000 personnel deployed, but this number is expected to rise to nearly 100,000 during the election period. He said the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will contribute around 35,000 members, while the Navy and the Coast Guard will deploy five thousand and four thousand personnel respectively. “The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will have approximately eight thousand members on duty.” Read more: Tensions rise as ICT going to set verdict date in Hasina case The adviser highlighted the role of the Ansar force, noting that about 550,000 personnel will be involved in the election management. According to him, Ansar will play a major role this time and will be equipped with weapons and body cameras to ensure effective management and security throughout the election period. Emphasising security, he asserted, “There is no room for doubt regarding security. The election will be held very peacefully—there is no question about that.” On a question regarding the change of government, the adviser said, “The government did not fall because of three individuals. It happened due to the spontaneous participation of the people. You have seen how they fled the country, how their relatives escaped. It was not due to one or two persons; it happened because of the will of the people.” Later, he inspected the Patuakhali Police Lines and the Coast Guard Station. Read more: Dhaka on high alert amid Awami League's countrywide ‘lockdown’ call

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday said the highest level of security has been ensured across the country to ensure peaceful celebration of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community. A total of 31,606 mandaps have been set up nationwide and except for a few isolated incidents, festivities have been proceeding smoothly, he said at a press briefing at the police headquarters. “So far, police have taken cognisance of 49 incidents related to Durga Puja. A total of 15 cases have been filed and 19 people arrested in connection with those incidents,” he added. DMP vows foolproof security for Durga Puja celebrations Baharul Alam said security has been maintained at every mandap regardless of its risk level. “We are keeping strict vigilance to preserve the long-standing communal harmony of the country.” Regarding rumors, the IGP said false and outdated videos are often circulated on social media to incite communal unrest. “Our cyber unit is monitoring these matters closely and verifying incidents to prevent misinformation,” he added.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali on Thursday said they have taken comprehensive security plans for smooth celebrations Buddha Purnima. Speaking at a coordination meeting held at the DMP Headquarters conference room, the DMP Commissioner said necessary traffic management plans have also been undertaken by the DMP's Traffic Division to ensure normal vehicular movement around different Buddhist temples in the capital during the celebrations. Measures have been taken on all designated routes to control traffic during the Buddha Purnima processions. DB arrests two AL leaders in Dhaka To ensure safety at the event venues, CCTV cameras, archways, and metal detectors will be installed by the police. The coordination meeting was attended by representatives from various Buddhist temples in Dhaka, Buddhist religious leaders, officials from intelligence agencies, specializsd police units, Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Fire Service and Civil Defence, DPDC, WASA, Public Works Department, and other public and private service agencies. At the beginning of the meeting, DMP Joint Police Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented the overall security plan through a PowerPoint presentation. This was followed by an open discussion where participants from various agencies shared their opinions and suggestions. Among others,  DMP Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Md. Sarwar,  Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam; Additional Police Commissioner (Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime) Md. Masud Karim; Additional Police Commissioner (Logistics, Finance and Procurement) Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali; as well as Joint and Deputy Police Commissioners, and other senior officials were present.       

Bangladesh Army are working along with the law enforcement agencies to prevent attacks and sabotage at important installations or Key Point Installations (KPIs) across the country and ensure their security. The issues are regularly reviewed with other law enforcement agencies, said Colonel-Staff of Military Operation Directorate under the Army Headquarters Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan while briefing reporters at the Banani Army Officers Mess-A of Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday noon regarding the activities of the army deployed under the campaign, In Aid to Civil Power. When his attention was drawn to Thursday's fire at the important installation like Bangladesh Secretariat , Colonel Intekhab said the incident just occurred, and they have not yet received detailed information in this regard. However, the army is working on the security of important establishments, he added. In response to another question, he said how long the army will serve in the field is a matter of the government's decision. The army is working to maintain law and order according to the government's decision. Therefore, the army’s withdrawal depends on the government's decision. He also said that the army has taken training to take pressure while maintaining law and order. However, the army is working in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to keep law and order, he added In response to another question regarding security risk in the Cox's Bazar area, Col Intekhab said, there is no threat to the sovereignty of the country of security at the moment. The army in the area has always on alert. If there ever is a security threat, the army is ready to take action accordingly. Moreover, the BGB and Coast Guard and the law enforcement agencies are working on the Rohingya infiltration. Army, BGB deployed outside Bangladesh Secretariat after fire, gates closed When asked about the arson attack on Tripura community in Bandarban district, he said the incident occurred due to a land dispute and no other reason. Though incidents related to law and order has occurred there has been no deterioration. In this regard, the army is continuing to work in coordination with the police and others to keep the law and order situation tolerable. Earlier in a written statement, Col Intekhab said that members of Bangladesh Army have recovered  28 illegal fire arms and 424 rounds of ammunition conducting drives across the country in the past one month since November 28. During the period, the army played an active role in controlling 67 unstable situations and 13 main road blockades arising from such situations in various industrial areas of the country (mainly in Gazipur, Ashulia and Savar areas). In addition, they (army members) have been working to keep the factories running in coordination with all concerned, including the police, BGMEA, the owners, workers and the concerned ministries. As a result, all but one of the country's 2,093 garment factories are currently operational, he added. Apart from the industrial area, the army members have also controlled 45 different types of disorderly situations in the last one month. Of which five were related to educational institutions, three to government organisations/offices, seven were political conflicts and 30 were other types of incidents. In addition, on December 19, the army members provided direct assistance to the police in the attempted robbery at Rupali Bank in Keraniganj, which made it possible to quickly bring the incident under control without any incident. Besides, 200 suspected drug dealers or people associated with drugs have been arrested in joint operations along with recovery of a good amount of illegal drugs, such as Yaba, Phensedyl, illegal liquor, etc. Around 1,405 people involved in various types of crimes were also arrested from different parts of the country during the joint drives. 26 arrested in Army's special anti-crime operation in Dhaka city The army personnel worked with law enforcement agencies and religious leaders to ensure that the recently concluded Christmas celebrations of Christians across the country wre celebrated safely. A total of 4,241 churches across the country celebrated Christmas without any incidents, he said. In addition to these tasks, the army is also continuously performing its duties of maintaining communal harmony in the country, ensuring the security of foreign diplomats and embassies, maintaining peace and order in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and providing security to the FDMN camp area in Cox's Bazar district.

U.S. federal authorities have called on telecommunications companies to strengthen network defenses following a widespread hacking campaign by Chinese operatives that compromised the private communications of an unspecified number of Americans. The FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued guidance on Tuesday to help identify and block the hackers, aiming to prevent future cyberespionage. Officials, however, admitted they are still uncertain about the full extent of the breach or whether Chinese hackers retain access to U.S. networks. Highlighting the global impact of the operation, the U.S. collaborated with security agencies from New Zealand, Australia, and Canada—members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which also includes the UK. The hacking campaign, referred to as Salt Typhoon, was uncovered earlier this year. Hackers targeted telecommunications networks to access metadata such as call and text logs, including timestamps and recipients. In fewer cases, they intercepted audio files and text content. Victims included government and political officials, and the FBI has reached out to this group. However, the responsibility of notifying affected customers from the larger pool rests with telecom companies. Despite months of investigations, the true scale of the breach remains unknown. Some of the data targeted by the hackers involved U.S. law enforcement investigations and court orders, potentially linked to programs under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). However, officials believe the hackers aimed for broader access to Americans' information by embedding themselves deeply into the nation's telecom systems. The FBI's recommendations for telecom companies include technical measures like encryption, network centralization, and continuous monitoring. If adopted, these steps could help disrupt ongoing operations like Salt Typhoon and strengthen defenses against similar future attacks, according to Jeff Greene, CISA's executive assistant director for cybersecurity. TikTok defends handling of Romania election content in grilling by EU lawmakers “We’re not under any illusion that these actors won’t try to return,” Greene said. China has been linked to several high-profile cyberattacks in recent months. In September, the FBI disrupted a Chinese operation that infected over 200,000 consumer devices with malware, creating a botnet capable of launching large-scale cybercrimes. In October, hackers associated with China targeted phones belonging to political figures, including then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, as well as individuals tied to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. China has denied the allegations, with a spokesperson for its embassy in Washington dismissing them as “disinformation.” The statement emphasized China’s opposition to all forms of cyberattacks and accused the U.S. of engaging in its own cyber operations against other nations.