United News of Bangladesh

The death toll from coordinated attacks by suspected gang members on Guatemalan police rose to nine on Monday, prompting President Bernardo Arévalo to impose a 30-day state of emergency that curtails several civil rights and expands security powers. National Civil Police Director David Custodio Boteo said a ninth officer died early Monday from injuries sustained in the attacks, while several others remain in critical condition. Some officers also suffered amputations. The violence erupted over the weekend after inmates seized control of three prisons in apparently coordinated riots, taking 43 guards hostage. Authorities said the gangs were demanding privileges for their members and leaders. Shortly after police regained control of one prison on Sunday morning, suspected gang members launched a wave of attacks against police across the capital. On Monday, police honored the fallen officers in a ceremony at the Interior Ministry, where flag-draped coffins were displayed. President Arévalo said the nation would not forget the sacrifice of the officers who died in the line of duty. The government gazette published the emergency decree on Monday, citing “coordinated actions by self-named maras or gangs against state security forces, including armed attacks against civilian authorities.” Under the emergency measures, authorities have limited freedom of movement and demonstrations. Police are also allowed to detain suspected gang members without a judicial order and may restrict or search vehicles in designated areas. The unicameral Congress approved the state of emergency with minor changes on Monday night by a vote of 149 to 1, with 10 lawmakers absent or on approved leave. The decree, however, took effect on Sunday. Traffic in Guatemala City was lighter than usual on Monday as residents stayed indoors amid heightened security. Schools were suspended nationwide as a precaution. The US Embassy in Guatemala condemned the attacks on police and reaffirmed its support for Guatemala’s security forces. It had earlier instructed US government personnel to shelter in place on Sunday before later lifting the order and advising continued caution. In October, Guatemala’s Congress amended the law to designate members of the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs as terrorists, increasing prison sentences for gang-related crimes. The United States also designated the two groups as foreign terrorist organizations last year.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday directed law enforcement agencies to maintain absolute neutrality while performing election duties, warning them against accepting any unethical benefits, favours or hospitality from political parties. “Police are not protectors of any political party, rather they are government employees who are paid by taxpayers' money. The main responsibility of the police force is to serve the people and ensure the rule of law,” he said. The Home Adviser came up with the information while speaking at the passing-out parade of Assistant Superintendents of Police at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi. Referring to the election-time duties, the adviser said the protection of human dignity and the rule of law largely depended on the conduct of field-level police personnel. Significant progress in Hadi murder probe: Home Adviser “Peace cannot be established by the use of force alone without gaining public trust. The law enforcers are fully prepared to ensure a free, fair and neutral upcoming national parliamentary election as nearly one lakh police personnel have been given special training to ensure election security,” he added. If any chaos created at polling centres during the election, it must be dealt with firmly in line with the advice of the returning officers, he said. Claiming that Bangladesh Police is not an ordinary force, the adviser said police should act as a servant of the state and the people. Mentioning corruption as the biggest enemy of the state, the adviser said corruption destroys an institution from within and undermines public trust. If any police officer neglects their duties for personal gain or political advantage, they weaken the very foundation of the state. Police officers may face various pressures and criticism in their professional lives, but honesty and patriotism can overcome all obstacles, he said. No force can stop elections if people are determined: Home Adviser The adviser also urged the police to build a corruption-free, impartial, humane, courageous and proud police force by upholding the sacrifices of the people and the expectations of future generations. A total of 96 trainee officers of the 41st BCS (Police) batch, which began training on February 15, last year, formally entered their professional careers through the passing-out parade. Besides, 87 trainees from the 41st BCS (Police) batch, one trainee from the 28th BCS, three from the 35th BCS, one from the 36th BCS, two from the 37th BCS and two from the 40th BCS were also present there.  

The Dhaka University (DU) authorities have filed a case against those responsible for attacking DU students at New Market Police Station on Thursday at the Science Lab intersection. The case was lodged on the night of January 15, according to a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office. The press release stated that Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan immediately spoke with the Home Affairs Adviser to ensure the safety of university students. He has also been maintaining communication with the Education Adviser and other senior government officials regarding the matter. Additionally, the university authorities have formally sent a letter to the Home Secretary seeking to ensure the security of student transportation. The release further mentioned that students of the proposed Central University blocked the Science Lab area on the afternoon of January 15. When a bus carrying Dhaka University students was heading toward the campus, the protesters obstructed it. Upon receiving the information, members of the DU Proctorial Body and the Transport Manager rushed to the spot and managed to escort the bus away. During this time, the protesters attacked the DU students, leaving several of them injured. Referendum: DUCSU announces month-long programme to secure victory for ‘Yes’ In protest against the incident, Dhaka University students staged a sit-in at the Nilkhet area on the evening of January 15. The Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, the Treasurer, the Proctor, the Provost of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, the Director of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology, senior faculty members, assistant proctors, DUCSU leaders, and leaders of the Zahurul Haq Hall unit spoke with the students and expressed solidarity with them. The press release also noted that the administrator of Central University has expressed regret to the Dhaka University authorities over the incident.

A fire that broke out at the home of late schoolteacher Birendra Deb in Sylhet’s Gowainghat was caused by an electrical short circuit, police said, rejecting claims of any communal link. In a statement issued on Friday night, Assistant Superintendent of Police Md Samrat Talukder said the fire started from a short circuit at the house of Birendra Deb. The fire broke out on Thursday afternoon at the house in Bahar village, East Para, under Nandirgaon Union of the upazila. The affected family claimed that goods worth Tk 60 to 70 lakh were destroyed. Meanwhile, from Thursday evening, photos and videos of the fire began circulating online. Some social media users claimed the house of Birendra Deb was set on fire for political reasons, while others spread rumors that it was due to his religious identity. In a statement issued Friday night, Sylhet District Police said a recent fire at a family home in Gowainghat was caused by an electrical short circuit. While the incident was purely accidental, the police noted that it was being circulated on social media as a communal attack. The statement added that the fire actually started on Thursday afternoon in the house due to an electrical short circuit. The fire service team later brought the blaze under control. Police have contacted the victim’s family and inspected the site, confirming that the fire was caused by a short circuit. No complaints were received from the family, and the police urged the public not to be misled. The police also urged the public not to be confused about the incident. The house belongs to the family of the late teacher Birendra Dev, and his four sons live there. His eldest son, Bikash Chandra Deb, who is also a local school teacher, said the fire started in the straw storage shed, which was attached to the main house. He added that a short circuit could have caused the fire, which quickly spread to the house. Drug-addicted grandson held for grandmother’s murder in Sylhet He further said that around noon, his wife saw the fire burning in the straw shed and the house while fetching water from the tube well. The flames spread quickly. Bikash Deb added that his family has no enemies and he has no complaints against anyone. “It was an accident and, with the help of local people, he is managing to survive despite losing everything,” he added. Nobo Kumar Singh, Station Manager of Companyganj Fire Service Station, said, “The fire likely started in the straw shed due to an electrical short circuit.”    

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Saturday (January 10, 2026) said police personnel deployed at high-risk polling centres during the next national election will be equipped with body-worn cameras to help prevent violence and ensure transparency. “There are around 24,000 risky polling centers across the country. Police personnel assigned to these centers will be provided with body-worn cameras so that no violence or chaos can occur. Through these cameras, everything can be monitored,” he said. The IGP made the remarks after attending a special welfare meeting with police officers and members of various units of the Rangpur Metropolitan Police and district police in the afternoon. The IGP also sought cooperation from the public in carrying out police duties effectively. EC to start disposing appeals against decisions on nomination papers Referring to the flow of arms, he said illegal weapons are being seized gradually, although it is not possible to recover all of them at once. Baharul Alam said police personnel across the Rangpur division remain fully committed to ensuring a free, fair, and festive election, noting that the Election Commission has taken initiatives to conduct the polls peacefully. “It is our responsibility to maintain stability and create a suitable environment for the elections. All members of the Rangpur Range and Rangpur Metropolitan Police are determined to ensure full security,” he added. He further said the police will not be working alone during the election. On polling day, around six lakh Ansar members will be deployed alongside police forces. In the pre-election period, members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other defense forces are also assisting law enforcement. 645 appeals filed with EC against decisions on nomination papers Besides, the Border Guard, Coast Guard, and Navy are working in coastal areas to control criminal activities. Rangpur Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Aminul Islam, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Majid Ali, superintendents of police from eight districts of the division, and other senior police officials were present at the event.

The police are examining two video messages reportedly released by Faisal Karim, the prime suspect in the Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi murder case. “We have got the two video messages from Faisal and are currently scrutinising those. No comment on this now. We will speak after verification,” DMP Commissioner Md Sajjat Ali told reporters on Saturday (January 03, 2026). He was speaking at the ‘A4 Bashundhara Paper CRAB Best Reporting Award-2025’ ceremony at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU). Read more: Inqilab Moncho stages protests demanding justice for Hadi The force is placing highest priority on maintaining law and order ahead of the upcoming national election, said Md Sajjat Ali. The DMP Commissioner urged journalists to remain responsible, saying inaccurate or exaggerated reports could harm police officers. He said DMP’s reshuffle of officers-in-charge was conducted through a lottery system and the force continues to operate within its limitations. “If we can keep law and order under control for the next 40 days it will be possible to hold a fair election.” Speaking about election candidates’ security, he said those facing genuine threats are being provided with armed protection upon SB verification. Hadi’s killers will be tracked down even if they flee abroad: Shipping Adviser Security for election commissioners has also been strengthened, he added. Referring to limited manpower, he said, “If we deploy police everywhere, who will guard the polling centres?” The DMP Commissioner claimed that incidents of mugging and other crimes have decreased in the capital and sought public cooperation to maintain the current situation.

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

A labour leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP) was injured in a gun attack in Khulna city on Monday (December 22, 2025), just days after the shooting of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka, which resulted in his death. The injured, identified as Motaleb Shikder, 42, organiser and divisional chief of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, is the son of Muslim Shikder, and a resident of Sheikh Para area in Khulna city. Read more: Journalist shot dead, another injured in Khulna Police said miscreants shot him in the head around 11:45am. Locals rescued him and took him to Khulna Medical College Hospital, according to Sonadanga Police Station officer-in-charge Animesh Mondol. The attack comes 10 days after Osman Hadi was shot in the capital. He later died from his injuries at a Singapore hospital, triggering widespread outrage and demands for quick arrests. Read more: BNP leader shot dead in Pabna

Law enforcement agencies have arrested at least nine people in connection with recent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star and two cultural organisations in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. Seven of the arrestees were identified as Md Kashem Faruk, Md Saidur Rahman, Rakib Hossain, Md Naim, Faisal Ahmed Pranto, Md Sohel Rana and Md Shafiqul Islam, according to a Facebook post by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Monday morning (December 22, 2025). Kashem, a former student of Al-Jamia Al-Islamia Kasemul Uloom Madrasa in Bogura, currently lives in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area. Saidur hails from Noakanda village in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district. Rakib Hossain, from Sherpur district, was identified in video footage taking part in vandalism and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. He also posted images of the wreckage along with provocative messages on Facebook. Read more: Attacks on Daily Star, Prothom Alo a direct assault on democracy: Fakhrul Md Naim, a resident of Kunipara in Tejgaon, was arrested in Chauddagram upazila of Cumilla with Tk 50,000 looted during the attacks. During primary interrogation, he admitted to looting Tk 123,000, part of which he used to purchase a television and a refrigerator from Mohammadpur. The items were later recovered. Sohel Rana, arrested from the Karwan Bazar rail-line area, has 13 cases filed against him, including drug-related charges, at different police stations in Dhaka. Shafiqul Islam, arrested from the same area, has two previous cases related to arson and grenade attacks. Meanwhile, the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the police, along with intelligence agencies, has detained two more individuals whose identities are currently being verified. At a meeting on Sunday, police informed Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that primary video analysis had identified 31 suspects involved in the incidents. In Chattogram, three people who attempted to create unrest near the residence of the Indian Assistant High Commissioner were also identified from video footage. Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused. Read more: 17 arrested over attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star offices: DMP

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