United News of Bangladesh

The law and order situation in Bagerhat has worsened over the past seven months, with the south-western district recording 23 murders and 21 rapes until February, reflecting the countrywide trend. In addition to murdering and raping, the incidents of piracy occurred 17 times, two robberies while a case involving mugging was registered during the same period starting from the last year’s August. Many people were injured in clashes and counter-clashes over establishing dominance, political issues following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last. During the period, incidents of vandalism, arson attacks and occupying lands were reported. But Superintendent of Police Md Towhidul Arif claimed that the law and order was improving gradually as engagement of law enforcers has increased in reining in disorder. According to the district police office, six murders, one each robbery, rape and piracy were committed in August, one murder, four rapes and two piracies in September, four murders, six rapes and one piracy in October, seven murders, three rapes and one piracy in November, one murder, three rapes, one robbery, and two piracies in December, two murders, one rape in January, and two murders, three rapes and two piracies in February. Home Adviser orders law enforcers to adopt tougher stance to prevent crimes Of them, the last October witnessed the highest number of six rapes and seven murders in November. Political leaders, some professionals and housewives had been the victims of killings during the period. Pointing to a number of initiatives taken by the district police to address the worsening law and order situation, police official Towhidul said they were working to improve the law and order in the district. Activities, including drives, patrolling, setting up checkposts and random search have been increased along with vigilance by the intelligence, he said. The police super said they record cases after any crime commits, and launch operations to nab the accused showing an improvement in the law and order situation. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ahmed Kamrul Hasan told UNB that they are in touch with the law enforcement agencies constantly to maintain law and order. The district’s law and order committee holds a meeting every month to evaluate the overall situation and stresses the need for improving the deteriorating issues, the DC said. Magistrates and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) are directed to actively work in ensuring public safety, Ahmed Kamrul added. Bangladesh sees spike in crimes amid political shift Expressing concern over the current situation of the country, district’s civil society member Prof Chowdhury Abdur Rauf suggested the government take immediate measures to stop the ongoing anarchy. He urged the government to consider alternative ways to prosecute the accused bypassing the existing law, fearing that the situation may further worsen if the government fails to tackle it. Prof Rauf observed that the situation might improve if the rights of all citizens are protected everywhere.

Some 1,400 weapons and 250,000 rounds of ammunition looted in the aftermath of the July Uprising still remain missing, CA’s Special Assistant Abdul Hafiz said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters following the final session of the three-day Deputy Commissioners’ (DCs) Conference, Hafiz said the joint forces’ drive across the country would continue and the focus will be given to recover the missing arms and ammunition. When asked about directives given to the DCs, Hafiz said, “In a few districts, some weapons and ammunition have been destroyed. Questions were raised about how quickly these could be officially disposed of. Moving forward, the authorities must address multiple challenges. As I have mentioned, around 1,400 weapons, looted after 5 August, have yet to be recovered. Similarly, 250,000 rounds of various types of ammunition remain missing, which could potentially fall into the hands of terrorists and be used for nefarious purposes.” Providing further details, Hafiz said early 6,000 weapons were looted, with three-quarters of them successfully retrieved. “Of the 600,000 rounds of ammunition taken, only 250,000 remain missing. This means a significant number has been recovered. The ongoing operations will ensure that the rest are recovered in due course,” he added. Joint Forces arrest 12 men with arms in Dhaka's Geneva Camp Expressing concerns about emerging threats, Hafiz said, “I have pointed out that autocratic elements and their allies are regrouping and announcing programmes. They could drive the country towards instability, and we must remain vigilant. With Ramadan approaching, the authorities will face threefold challenges: ensuring market stability to keep commodity prices affordable, managing potential electricity shortages, and maintaining law and order.” Hafiz said citizens have some fundamental expectations. “People want to move around safely, sleep peacefully at night, and have access to essential goods at reasonable prices. Moreover, they should receive government services without unnecessary hassles. I have conveyed that the officials on the ground represent the government to the people.” Huge arms, ammunition recovered KNF den in Bandarban: ISPR About civil-military cooperation, Hafiz mentioned that discussions were held on enhancing coordination between the civil administration and the armed forces.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged law enforcers to be more vigilant to bring criminals to justice during the ongoing ‘Operation Devil Hunt’. He made the call while addressing a workshop on ‘Law Enforcement with Emphasis on Human Rights and Environment in the Future Situation of the Country,’ at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Dhaka’s Rajarbagh on Tuesday. Emphasising the need for strict law enforcement, the adviser said, "I would like to emphasize that no criminal should be allowed to escape from the law enforcement agencies. We do not want to see criminals in the streets, markets, fields, or highways. Every criminal must be brought under the law, and we want to ensure that justice is served." Highlighting the primary objectives of the government, he said they are working to ensure the safety and security of the citizens' lives and property. He also said that the government is committed to bringing those involved in terrorism, anarchy, and criminal activities to justice. Fascism has been defeated, but its allies continue to conspire both domestically and internationally against the government, he added. 81 arrested in Gazipur on 3rd day of 'Operation Devil Hunt' The Home Adviser narrated how fascists had illegally accumulated vast wealth by exploiting the resources of the country and had labeled those who opposed their wrongdoing as traitors. "They encouraged their party's supporters to file false cases, harassed people unjustly, and controlled the media. Human rights organisations were silenced, and a loyal capitalist class was created to exploit resources. The civil service and security forces were manipulated, and the independence of the judiciary was undermined," he said. He said that the government is sincerely working to bring criminals involved in murders, money laundering, embezzlement, and treason to justice, particularly those involved in July-August killings, terrorist activities, and organised criminal networks. The adviser informed that a good number of criminals have so far been arrested by the government’s police, Rapid Action Battalion and armed forces amid the operation which was started on February 8. He said his ministry will oversee and monitor the entire operation nationwide and the 'Joint Operation Center' established at the police headquarters will coordinate the activities of 'Operation Devil Hunt' across the country. 343 arrested on second day of joint forces' 'Devil Hunt' The adviser also emphasised that metropolitan police commissioners in major cities and district magistrates in other regions would coordinate the operation. Moreover, the government has appointed eight judicial magistrates in Dhaka metropolitan area to expedite summary trials for criminals, urging people to remain vigilant with commitment to the government.

The sudden political transition on August 5 last year has led to a surge in criminal activities across Bangladesh, raising significant concerns among people. Data from the Police Headquarters reveals a sharp increase in violent crimes, including murders, robberies, and kidnappings, during the four months following the regime change compared to the preceding four months. The period of unrest was marked by widespread protests, escalating into a student-led uprising towards the end of Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. In the aftermath, law enforcement agencies faced severe disruption, with 450 of the country’s 664 police stations attacked and several set ablaze. Many police officials, including senior officers, went into hiding, leaving citizens vulnerable. Troubling Crime Statistics From August 1 to November 30, 1,361 murders were reported nationwide, up from 1,158 recorded from April 1 to July 31. Robberies also rose, with 464 incidents compared to 416 in the previous four months. Similarly, dacoity cases doubled, climbing from 123 to 209. Kidnapping incidents surged from 168 to 255 during the same comparative periods. But the incidents of burglary and theft showed a notable decline. Local communities organised neighbourhood watches in response to the reduced police presence, resulting in 844 burglary cases and 2,424 thefts in the latter period, down from 909 and 3,068, respectively. Experts Cite Political Instability Experts attribute the rise in crime to the socio-political instability following the regime change. The weakened law enforcement apparatus, coupled with economic uncertainty, created an environment where criminals felt emboldened. Disruption in judicial processes further exacerbated the problem. Read: ‘No magic to crime control; police working’, says IGP “The breakdown of social order in the wake of political turmoil has made it easier for criminal elements to operate unchecked,” said a criminologist at Dhaka University. Law Enforcement Efforts In response, the interim government has initiated measures to stabilise the police force. Increased patrols, enhanced surveillance, and community policing efforts have been introduced, particularly in urban areas with higher crime rates. Investigations targeting organised crime syndicates involved in robberies, kidnappings, and dacoities have led to several key arrests. Read more: 26 arrested in Army's special anti-crime operation in Dhaka city “We are working tirelessly to restore public confidence in law enforcement,” said a senior official from the Police Headquarters. “Coordination with other agencies and improved intelligence gathering have been prioritised to address these challenges.” Public Concern Persists Despite these measures, public anxiety remains high. Community leaders and advocacy groups have called for urgent reforms to address the underlying causes of rising crime. Many citizens have urged the government to prioritise public safety in policy discussions, emphasising the need for long-term social and economic reforms alongside robust policing. Broader Implications According to retired police officials, the recent crime wave highlights the vulnerabilities that emerge during periods of political transition. While immediate steps are being taken to curb criminal activities, the broader challenges of socio-political instability and economic insecurity require sustained attention, they said. Read more: IGP calls for enhanced operations to fight crime and terrorism They stressed the need for a comprehensive approach blending law enforcement, judicial efficiency, and social reforms will be essential to restore stability and ensure the safety of all citizens.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday alleged that the members of the law enforcement agencies have been carrying out 'one murder after another due to pampering by the government'.  “A simple woman who was working and raising her son in Naogaon was picked up and brutally tortured and killed (by RAB). Now they are denying it,” he said. Speaking at an iftar party, the BNP leader also said the law enforcers are indulging in extrajudicial killings by obeying the illegal orders of the current regime which is not elected by the people. “Even after the US sanctions on RAB, the government did not take any action against the officials (of RAB). So, they’re pampered to carry out such murder one after another,” Fakhrul observed. He also alleged that the incumbent ‘usurper’  Awami League government has been suppressing the country’s people by resorting to various forms of repression, killing and enforced disappearance for over a decade to materialise its dream of establishing 'one-party Baksal rule'. Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal organised the iftar party at the Ladies Club in the city’s Eskaton Area. Sultana Jasmine, a union-level land employee in Naogaon, died in RAB custody on March 24. RAB claimed that Sultana Jesmin was picked up for interrogation on charges of fraudulence, but she fell ill and died at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Fakhrul said their party’s 17 leaders and activists sacrificed their lives on the streets during their current movement for the restoration of democracy, people’s voting and all other democratic rights that have been lost. Besides, he said 35 lakh people associated with BNP have been implicated in ‘false’ cases while around 600 people were made to disappear and several thousand others were killed by the current government. “This’s a monstrous regime and we must remove it immediately,” Fakhrul said. The BNP leader said the country’s people and the political parties are now united to oust the Awami League government through a strong simultaneous movement. Read more: US sanctions on RAB made BNP fearless in anti-government protests: Fakhrul “We believe that through a united movement of the people, this monstrous fascist government will be removed and a government of the people will be established in the country,” he said. BNP standing committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, vice chairmen Abdullah Al Noman, Barkatullah Bulu, Ahmed Azam Khan, AZM Zahid Hossain, chairperson’s adviser Abdus Salam and Nagorik Oikya president Mahmudur Rahman Manna, among others, joined the programme.

Law enforcers in plainclothes allegedly picked up a Satkhira journalist up on his way to home from an assignment on Monday. Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation, a human rights organisation headed by noted activist Sultana Kamal, expressed deep concern over the incident and demanded immediate release of Raghunath Kha, local correspondent of Dainik Projonmo Ekattor and Deepto TV, in a press release. It said the journalist went to Khalishakhali area under Debhata upazila on professional purpose and captured some photos. The law enforcers in plainclothes intercepted him on his way back at Day Night College roundabout and took him away - in fact there is no record of his detention. However that has been common across all the agencies for some time now. Read more: Missing journalist Sarowar found in Sitakunda On information, the victim’s wife Supriya Rani rushed to the concerned police station and other offices but they denied the detention. Addressing the role of journalists in taking the country forward, the human rights organisation demanded his immediate release.

A clash broke out between the law enforcers and activists and leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Chhatra Shibir in the capital's Malibagh as they tried to bring out a procession after Juma prayers, police said. Several people, including 10 cops and Jamaat- Shibir men sustained injuries during the clash. The law enforcers detained several Jamaat-Shibir men over the incident. The injured cops were New Market and Ramna zones’ Assistant Commissioners Sharif Mohammad Farukuzzaman and Md Bayezidur Rahman, sub inspectors—Shahidul Osman Masum, Subir Kumar Karmakar, Habibur Rahman, Mohaiminul Hasan, Kabir Hossain, Md Firoz Miah, constables Sourav Nath and Sadi Mohammad.   A police officer said the Jamaat-e-Islami sought permission from the police to bring out a mass procession from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque as part of the simultaneous movement of the opposition parties and alliances to unseat the current government. "But the party was denied permission." Read more: Simultaneous Movement: Ganatantra Mancha brings out mass procession in Dhaka "The Jamaat men tried to hold a mass procession without police permission in Malibagh. A clash ensued as police had asked the Jamaat men not to go through with the procession, but they had paid no heed to the law enforcers," Shahen Shah Mahmud, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (Ramna Division), said. "The Jamaat-Shibir men hurled bricks at police. The law enforcers then fired tear gas to disperse them and bring the situation under control," he added. "Later, some people were detained from the spot and brought to the concerned police station." Read more: Simultaneous Movement: 33 opposition parties set to take out mass processions in city

The central office of BNP at Nayapaltan remained locked on Friday morning although police authorities assured of reopening from this morning. Besides, police again put up barricades in front of Nightingale restaurant  in Kakrail and Fakirapool intersections restricting the traffic movement from 7am after 11 hours of being normal. Police earlier lifted the blockades on this road from 4 pm on Thursday. Read more: Mirza Fakhrul, Mirza Abbas picked up by detectives: BNP A large number of law enforcers remained deployed in the area since this morning. Police are not allowing anyone to enter this area without the identity card and proper checking. Several leaders and workers of BNP gathered at Fakirapul intersection and were chased by the police at 11am. An on-duty police member told UNB the step has been taken to ensure public security. Motijheel Division Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner Hayatul Islam Khan said the surrounding area including Nayapaltan is under police control. No BNP leaders activists will be allowed to enter this area. He said some leaders and activists tried to gather in the surrounding areas in Nayapaltan since morning, but they were dispersed. There are dozens of armoured vehicles, prison vans and police cars on the blocked road. Read more: BNP yet to decide venue for Dec 10 rally

Law enforcement agencies certainly cannot avoid their responsibility in the escape of two convicted militants from police custody, Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of Rab’s legal and media wing, said on Monday. The Rab commander said this while responding to questions from reporters at the Rab media centre in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar. Read: Militants flee Dhaka Court: Red Alert issued, says Home Minister It would have been possible for the law enforcers to take action or prevent the escape if they had received information from the intelligence agencies earlier. “That’s why law enforcers cannot avoid responsibility.” Asked whether the two militants have already left the country, Moin said that he cannot say anything about that right now. “We are examining the CCTV footage of their movement at various places,” he added. Read: Police announce Tk 10 lakh for each death row convict who fled a Dhaka court today On November 20, two members of the banned militant outfit Ansar-al Islam – Abu Siddique Sohel and Moinul Hasan Shamim – who were sentenced to death in publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan's murder case, were whisked away from police custody at Dhaka Chief Judicial Magistrate court arena. They also tried to snatch two other accused, Arafat and Sabur, but failed. Police filed a case against 20 people in this connection.

Thousands of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate bodies joined the party’s divisional rally in Cumilla on Saturday morning, amid relative ease with no transport strike this time. Cumilla city unit of BNP arranged the rally that formally began at 11:05am at Cumilla Town Hall ground. The rally venue has been teeming with opposition leaders and activists since morning as they gathered there from different upazilas of Cumilla and adjoining districts, including Brahmanbaria and Chandpur. Unlike the party’s previous rallies in other divisions, BNP leaders and followers faced less hassles in Cumilla to join the programme as no transport strike has been enforced here. The rally in Cumilla is the 8th by BNP at the divisional level after others were held in Chattogram, Mymensingh, Khulna, Rangpur, Barishal, Faridpur and Sylhet. An adequate number of police and security officials have been deployed around the rally venue and at different points of the town to prevent any untoward incident. Read more: BNP's Cumilla rally set to take place amid relative ease The organisers said the rally was meant to denounce the price hike of daily essentials and fuel, the death of five party activists in police action in Bhola, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Brahmanbaria and Jashore, and to ensure the freedom of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. BNP has long been demanding that the next general election be held under a caretaker government, not under any political government – a demand rejected by the ruling Awami League as the constitution does not allow it. Read more: BNP to avoid AL's trap over December-10 rally: Gayeshwar