Law enforcement agencies on Friday held a man with 900-kg VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) rice from a warehouse at  Lokra Bazar area in Habiganj Sadar. Besides, 17 empty rice sacks bearing the seal of the food department’s warehouse  were also seized during the raid. The arrestee was identified as Hasan Ali, 45. The seizure was made after a team led by the personnel of  National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Sadar Police Sub-Inspector (SI) Abdur Rahim raided the warehouse on Friday afternoon, according to police sources. Also read: 1 detained with 89 sacks of VGF rice SI Abdur Rahim of Sadar Police Station confirmed the information to UNB. A case is being filed against the detainee, he added. Also read: 62 sacks of VGF rice seized in Sirajganj

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday directed all the authorities concerned to perform their duties properly to ensure the government’s directives are implemented appropriately to battle the fresh wave of the Covid-19 in the country. “We’ve already issued some directives to check coronavirus. You all will have to pay special attention so that people follow the directives properly,” she said while inaugurating the newly constructed multi-storied head office of the National Security Intelligence (NSI). The Prime Minister declared the 20-storied head office building open, joining the function virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban. Also read: Avoid public gatherings, wear masks to fight Covid surge, PM urges all She said her government is much conscious about keeping the economic activities running, but saving lives of people is the first priority. Sheikh Hasina said various countries across the world witnessed economic slowdown due to the corona situation, but Bangladesh has been able to keep the economic pace running and its economic growth rate is higher than other South Asian countries. “We’ll have to maintain it (the trend of growth),” she said. The Prime Minister asked all to raise public awareness so that people follow the health protection rules and guidelines. “All will have to keep themselves protected and protect others. You all who are in-charge throughout the country will have to perform your duties properly,” she said. Also read:PM issues directives to tackle Covid-19 Sheikh Hasina asked the NSI to work properly to check militancy, terrorism, drug and corruption in the country as the government announced ‘zero tolerance policy’ against these social menaces. “You always will have to remain vigilant about these (social menaces) and take proper measures. You’ll have to do whatever necessary for protecting people’ lives and properties, public interest and ensuring peace and security to public life,” she said. “We want that you, every member of NSI, will perform your duties with honesty and sincerity being imbued with the spirit of patriotism,” she said. The PM put emphasis on maintaining the continuation of the country’s development adding that now Bangladesh is a developing country thanks to her government’s tireless works since 2009. “If we want to keep its continuation, we’ll have to maintain peace and order in the country, fight Corona and simultaneously keep up the economic pace,” she said.  Sheikh Hasina said though the Corona pandemic may hinder the country’s progress to some extent, Bangladesh will be able to recover from it. “Bangladesh is marching forward and will do so,” she said. Also read:PM to inaugurate Covid-19 vaccination on Jan 27 Extending her thanks to the NSI members for playing a role in fighting the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic, she asked the NSI members to play more significant role this time. PM’s Security Affairs Adviser Tarique Ahmed Siddique was present at the function moderated by PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus. NSI Director General Major General TM Jobaer delivered the welcome speech. On January 17, 2015, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the 20-storied building for the NSI head office.

BNP on Tuesday demanded the government immediately stop the collection of personal information about its leaders and activists by the National Security Intelligence (NSI) as it thinks it is a move that goes against fundamental rights.