United News of Bangladesh

With the national election approaching fast, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday (5th November 2025) said all necessary instructions have been given to the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure a free and fair election slated for February 2026. “No threats to the upcoming polls have been detected so far,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Gazipur. Addressing the role of voters in the polls, Jahangir Alam said attempts to disrupt the process are unlikely to succeed when voters are active and aware. Over 48,000 police officers complete election training: Police HQ He also highlighted the responsibilities of participating political parties in maintaining law and order and said close coordination among the Election Commission, law enforcement and administration will prevent potential issues. Regarding security concerns, he warned that any Awami League leaders and activists released on bail who engage in criminal activity before the election will face strict action. He also acknowledged that miscreants and rumour may attempt to create unrest, assuring that comprehensive measures will be taken to prevent such actions. Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, Gazipur Metropolitan Police acting Commissioner Zahid Hossain, Superintendent of Police Dr. Chowdhury Jaber Sadeq, and senior officials from the army, fire service, and other administrative departments, attended the meeting. Read more: Action if police favour any political party, warns Home Adviser

The situation in the hills of Khagrachhari has returned to normal, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury claimed on Tuesday. He made the claim while talking to reporters after a meeting at his ministry regarding recent violence in Guimara upazila of the district. Responding to journalists’ questions, the adviser said the current situation in the hills is calm and there are no major problems. He also said certain groups attempted to disrupt Hindu devotees from celebrating Puja peacefully but their efforts failed. The ministry condemned recent attacks by miscreants in Khagrachhari that left three local people dead and several others, including members of the army and police, injured. The unrest followed the alleged gang rape of an eighth-grade girl on September 23. The victim’s father filed a case against three unidentified people with Khagrachhari Sadar police station. Khagrachhari violence: Blockade disrupts daily life for 4th day The next day, the police, with army assistance, arrested a suspect, Shoyon Sheel, who is now in custody for interrogation. Protests demanding punishment have been ongoing under the banner of ‘Jumma Chhatra Janata,’ including indefinite road blockades. On Sunday, at Ramessu Bazar in Guimara, protesters clashed with law enforcement, injuring 25 people, including army personnel, and vandalising several shops and houses. Authorities have imposed Section 144 in the area to prevent further violence, and the situation remains tense.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday acknowledged that the country’s law and order situation has seen a slight deterioration. “The situation was good but based on the incidents of the last few days I would say it has deteriorated slightly. We will try our best to restore it to the previous state,” he said. The Home Adviser came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after inaugurating a training programme for increasing capability and skills of police for performing election duties at Rajarbagh Police Lines in the capital. Union-level police camp in Munshiganj to become permanent soon: Home Affairs Adviser When asked about the recent violence in Rajbari he said they are investigating the incident. “We will be able to give details once the investigation report is available. However, we have already brought five people involved in the incident under the law. After their interrogation, we may be able to get a clearer picture,” the adviser added. Responding to a question about whether a fair investigation is possible while the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of police of the district remain in their posts, the adviser said, “Negligence will be determined through investigation. If I remove everyone beforehand, it means I’ve not given importance to the investigation. If anyone is proven guilty, action will be taken. If someone is innocent, no action will be taken against them. Without investigation, how can I say who is responsible?” Awami League will definitely try to obstruct election: Home Adviser Regarding questions about prior threats that were circulating on social media and the recent incidents in Rajbari and Hathazari, he denied failure in preventing mob violence. “We are not failing. The problem is we have become very intolerant. Those who committed these acts will be brought under the law. I urge everyone to be patient. There’s a lack of patience in everything nowadays,” he said. When asked if the situation would hinder the upcoming election, the adviser said when people will become election-oriented no one will be able to stop them.  

The Gopalganj administration has extended the ongoing curfew until further order with a three-hour pause from 11 am to 2pm, to maintain law and order in the district following Wednesday’s violent clashes that left four people dead and over 50 injured. The curfew will be in effect from 6 pm on Thursday until 11 am on Friday and then again from 2 pm onwards until further notice, according to a statement from the Home Ministry. Although the curfew will be relaxed for three hours, the administration did not specify the reason, though it is believed to be in consideration of Jumma prayers. Earlier, on Wednesday, the administration slapped the 22-hour curfew beginning at 8pm considering the deteriorating law and order situation in the district. On Wednesday, at least four people were killed and over 50 others injured in clashes between police and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies over a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the district. 25 arrested over Gopalganj violence, crackdown to continue: Home Adviser Protesting the attack, leaders and activists of the NPC put blockade on highways and important roads across the country. Later, party convener Nahid Islam in a Facebook post urged the fellows to withdraw the blockade and announced a countrywide protest rally for Thursday. Meanwhile, the government has formed a three-member body to investigate the violence occurred in Gopalganj.  Govt forms probe body over Gopalganj violence On Thursday, Home Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said law enforcers have so far arrested 25 people over the violence centring an NCP rally, vowing to continue drives until all accused are held.

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the BNP, will hold demonstrations across the country, including in Dhaka, on Thursday to protest against the worsening law and order situation. The programme was announced in a press release issued on Sunday, signed by Jubo Dal Assistant Office Secretary Minhazul Islam Bhuiyan. It said the leaders and activists of the BNP’s youth wing will bring out protest processions in all districts and metropolitan cities. Jubo Dal expels 2 leaders over murder in Old Dhaka  In Dhaka, they will take out a procession from in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office at 2pm. It will pass through Fakirapool, Dainik Bangla intersection, the National Press Club, Matsya Bhaban, and end at Shahbagh. Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna and General Secretary Mohammad Nurul Islam Nayan have urged all units of the organisation across the country to make the programme a success.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain order once the Election Commission (EC) announces the schedule for the upcoming national election. He made the statement while talking to reporters following a meeting of the core committee on law and order held at the ministry’s conference room of the Secretariat. The assurance comes amid growing political developments, including a meeting in London on Friday between Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, where they reportedly discussed current national issues. Home Ministry ready to tackle election-time challenges: Adviser According to information from that meeting, the next general elections may be held in the first half of February next year. When asked about preparations by law enforcers in light of the potential election timeline, Adviser Jahangir said, “The law enforcement agencies are prepared as soon as the EC announces the date of the elections.” Responding to a question about continued cross-border push-ins from India, he said discussions had been held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka on the issue. Tarique may return anytime, no govt bar: Home Adviser Urging the media to highlight the matter, he said, “We have asked India to follow the proper procedure if the people being sent are indeed Bangladeshis. But they have not been complying.” On the recent incident in Uttara where criminals allegedly posed as members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) to snatch money, the adviser said, “We are on the highest alert. We are doing our utmost to bring those responsible to justice.”  

As Bangladesh continues to navigate a period of political transition and law and order problems, stakeholders like economists, security experts and business leaders have stressed that the nation’s economic progress cannot be sustained without a stable law and order situation. Rising political unrest, factory closures and disruptions to trade and production are clear indicators of an unstable environment. The effects of insecurity and disorder are being felt across various sectors, from the garments hubs in Gazipur to financial institutions in Motijheel. Since the interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, took office in August 2024 following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calls for fresh elections have intensified. The absence of a clear election roadmap has led to widespread protests and sporadic violence, disrupting daily life and business in urban centres. Disruptions are visible in key sectors -- from garment hubs in Gazipur and Ashulia to financial institutions in Motijheel. Intelligence agencies report that over 200 garment factories were shut temporarily in September 2024 due to labour unrest, threatening export reliability and affecting thousands of workers. To address the unrest, the interim government formed a joint command centre in February to coordinate security efforts under ‘Operation Devil Hunt’. Yet, concerns from the business community and economists persist. RMG workers stage protest at Kakrail demanding arrears, Eid bonus Taskin Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said business leaders are deeply worried about safety and demand a secure, disruption-free environment for operations. Abdus Salam, former DCCI Senior Vice President, added that businesses paying taxes and VAT are being destabilised by unrest—something he called unacceptable. Professor Selim Raihan, Executive Director of SANEM, pointed out that global trade realignments present opportunities for Bangladesh, especially under the 'China+1' strategy. He, however, warned that these prospects hinge on ensuring safety, security, and a smooth business environment. Brigadier General (Retd) Md Abdul Hamid emphasised that worsening law and order, fuelled by political agitation and disinformation, now threatens economic development. He highlighted that frequent protests in Dhaka are disrupting commerce and transport. Investors, he noted, are increasingly concerned about law and order, corruption, and unreliable energy supplies—factors that increase costs and discourage investment. Rights activist Ashis Kumar Dey, General Secretary of the National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways, echoed the need for social stability, warning that neither local nor foreign investors will commit under current conditions. Analysts stress that stabilising law and order is not only the duty of security agencies but a prerequisite for long-term planning and development. They urge political actors to prioritise national interest, agree on election timelines, and enact key reforms. Grim Cost of Failing Law and Order   Law and order and a stable economy are inseparable threads in a nation’s fabric. When either frays, the effects are far-reaching, eroding livelihoods, undermining confidence and threatening national progress, according to the experts. JnU protesters vow to continue their movement with rally and hunger strike They said a secure environment fosters investment, job creation and growth. But recent spikes in crime, delayed justice, and weak enforcement have shaken public trust. For investors, instability signals risk. Combined with inflation, unemployment and reduced growth forecasts, the economic outlook is worsening. The cycle is vicious—poor law and order hampers business, while economic distress fuels unrest. If left unaddressed, this could spiral into long-term stagnation, they added.

Police arrested two individuals in connection with the alleged gang rape of a female journalist in Pallabi, Dhaka. The incident occurred on Monday night, starting at approximately 11:30pm, according to Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Talebur Rahman. 5 ‘ARSA members’ among 6 arrested in N’ganj The two arrested suspects have been identified as Enamul Haque (38) and Mohidur Rahman (50). They were picked up at 8am on Tuesday. The victim herself filed the case with police, accusing a total of 16 individuals, with 8 named and 8 unnamed.

The High Court (HC) on Tuesday ordered an investigation into allegations of a large-scale fraud involving K-Telecom, a company linked to the family of Awami League leader Shamim Osman. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) have been directed to conduct the probe and submit their findings within 90 days. The order was issued following the preliminary hearing of a writ petition filed by an affected individual, Sakhawat Hossain. A High Court bench comprising Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Shikdar Mahmudur Raji also issued a rule questioning why the authorities' failure to take action on the petitioner’s request should not be declared illegal. The court has instructed the secretary of the posts and telecommunications ministry, the home secretary, the BTRC chairman, the registrar of joint stock companies, the governor of Bangladesh Bank, the chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the CID chief, the inspector general of police (IGP), the officer-in-charge (OC) of Banani Police Station, and five members of Shamim Osman’s family to respond to the rule within four weeks. Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir represented the petitioner in court. The writ petition was filed based on a report published in a national daily on January 14, titled “Tk 126 crore owed to govt: Osman family's unthinkable fraudulence." According to the newspaper report, Sakhawat Hossain, who operates a small travel agency from a rented office in Fakirapool, Dhaka, was falsely listed as a shareholder and Managing Director of K-Telecom, later renamed International Voice Tel Ltd. This company held an International Gateway (IGW) licence, enabling it to handle international call traffic to Bangladesh. Court orders freezing of 31 bank accounts belonging to Hasina, family BTRC records indicate that K-Telecom owes over Tk 126 crore to the government. To evade this liability, BTRC has filed a lawsuit against the company’s owners. However, Sakhawat claims he was unaware of his involvement until BTRC officials, accompanied by local police, visited his ancestral home in Rangunia, Chattogram, on October 18 last year. The company was originally owned by the family of former MP Shamim Osman. His wife, Salma Osman, and son, Imtinan Osman, obtained K-Telecom’s IGW licence in 2012 for a 15-year period. Additionally, Shamim Osman’s brother-in-law Tanvir Ahmed and close associates Joynal Abedin Molla and Jahangir Hossain Molla held stakes in the company. Documents reveal that on August 4, 2013, the Osman family transferred ownership of K-Telecom to three individuals—Sakhawat Hossain, Debabrata Choudhury, a schoolteacher from Sylhet, and Rakibul Islam, an office assistant from Bogura—without their knowledge or consent. All three claim they had no prior knowledge of this transaction and that their names were used fraudulently. BTRC and other sources allege that the Osman family hurriedly transferred ownership to avoid repaying the government dues. The process involved falsified documents and fake photographs. Concerns have been raised over potential collusion between regulatory authorities and the Osman family. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 05 last year, the Osman family has reportedly gone into hiding. Efforts to obtain comments from Shamim Osman have been unsuccessful. After Awami League came to power in 2009, several IGW licences were issued, making international call termination a lucrative business. Among the beneficiaries were party leaders such as Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Shamsul Haque Tuku, and Shamim Osman. Licence holders were required to pay a fee and share a portion of their revenue with BTRC. However, many companies allegedly failed to make these payments and eventually shut down operations. Court freezes 21 bank accounts linked to P.K. Halder's associates BTRC records indicate that six IGW companies collectively owe the government over Tk 921 crore. The regulator filed a case against K-Telecom on June 22, 2014 to recover its dues. Investigators visited the newly listed 'owners' in 2023 and 2024. Rakibul Islam, one of the individuals fraudulently listed as a shareholder, said he had no idea how he became an owner of K-Telecom. He worked at a garment factory in Savar from 2006 to 2017 and is now employed as an office assistant at a small contracting firm in Bogura. In May 2024, BTRC officials visited his home to verify his identity and financial status. He suspects his National ID card was misused for this fraudulent transaction. He also revealed that his ID had been used previously to open unauthorised mobile financial service (MFS) accounts. Debabrata Choudhury, a government schoolteacher in Sylhet’s Golapganj area, was arrested in February 2023 after BTRC traced his name to the company records. Following protests by his students, he was released on a written undertaking the next day. He has been employed at MC Academy since 2003 and lives in a rented two-room flat with his wife in Sylhet city.

Police arrested six members of a robbery gang on Tuesday in connection with the armed robbery earlier this month at a jewellery shop, as well as the murder of its owner in Ashulia’s Nayarhat area. Law enforcement recovered 13 bhori of gold, Tk 76,000 from gold sales, and two machetes from their possession. Dhaka District Superintendent of Police (SP) Anisuzzaman said that the suspects are active members of a notorious robbery gang. Some of them work as autorickshaw drivers, while others trade seasonal fruits, but they engage in robberies at night. Five of the suspects carried out the robbery, while one was responsible for hiding the stolen goods. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ripon Mia (40) from Karimganj in Kishoreganj, Arif Pramanik (30) from Sujanagar in Pabna, Shah Alam (45) from Ataikul in Pabna, Arman Sheikh (37), gold businessman Ibrahim Babu (45) from Karnohar in Rajshahi, and Masud Rana alias Kala Masud (45) from Debidwar in Cumilla. According to police, the robbery took place on March 9 when the gang targeted the gold shop. They arrived in a car, with two members staying inside while two others took positions for surveillance. The gang created panic among the public by detonating a crude bomb. Bank official assaulted ‘by JCD leader’ in Feni ‘for failing to give money’ During the attack, Ripon and Arif hacked shop owner Dilip, while Masud Rana snatched a bag of gold. Following this, all eight members of the gang fled the scene in their vehicle, according to the SP.