United News of Bangladesh

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.

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.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Monday instructed the law enforcement agencies to adopt a stricter stance against crimes and disturbing activities. "Strict legal action will be taken against criminals and justice will be ensured through due process. No one will be spared,” he said while talking to reporters after an early morning visit to four police stations in Dhaka—Tejgaon, Dhanmondi, Shahbagh, and New Market police stations. No place for rapist in Bangladesh: Home Adviser Responding to reporters’ queries, the adviser said the government is committed to maintaining law and order during Ramadan. "To ensure security, around 100 checkpoints have been set up at strategic points across the capital, and patrols have been intensified in crime-prone areas," he said. Senior officials from the Home Ministry were assigned to monitor nighttime security operations at the checkpoints and patrol teams, he added. "The law will take its course against those engaging in organised mob activities, theft, robbery, extortion, rape, and violence against women and children," he warned. The visits were part of an initiative to reinforce law and order during the holy month. During his visit, the adviser inspected the reception areas, detention cells, and other facilities at the police stations. Magura child rapist to be brought to justice: Home Adviser He gave necessary directives to law enforcement personnel to to remain more vigilant, proactive, and alert in carrying out their responsibilities. On his way, Lt Gen Jahangir also visited several checkpoints set up at key locations in Dhaka and spoke with the officers stationed there.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of shares worth Tk 102.85 crore belonging to 23 companies associated with former Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, along with individuals and organisations linked to him. The court has also approved the attachment (seizure) of 957 bighas of land, worth Tk 4.65 crore, in Anwara Upazila of Chattogram for corruption.  According to the land attachment application, there have been attempts to transfer the immovable property registered under the name of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury and affiliated entities. After paying ACU’s bills, Bangladesh's reserve drops below $20 billion The ACC says that securing these assets was essential under Section 14 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2012, to ensure their potential confiscation by the state upon conviction. Further legal proceedings are expected as authorities continue to probe the alleged misappropriation of wealth.

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Sunday expressed deep concern over the worsening law and order situation in the country and the lack of public safety. "The law and order situation in the country has deteriorated significantly. It is worsening with each passing day. The common people’s lives and property are no longer secure," he said. Quader made the remarks while addressing a meeting with the leaders of the party’s affiliated organisations at the auditorium of the Jatiya Party Chairman's office in Banani. He said that job opportunities are not being created as unemployment is rising amid the soaring prices of essential commodities. Investigation into rape cases in 15 days, trials within 90 days: Law Adviser “Due to this, the number of hungry and underfed people in the country is steadily increasing,” the Jatiya Party Chairman mentioned. Quader also criticised the government for its failure to address the escalating violence and unrest across the country. In the name of politics, he said, there is widespread vandalism, arson and looting, with unruly mobs causing chaos. The Jatiya Party Chairman alleged that law enforcement agencies are either failing to stop these rowdy individuals, or, in many cases, are indirectly assisting them or being forced to do so. Taking advantage of the situation, Quader claimed that these unruly groups, by labelling people as members or supporters of the Awami League, are looting the assets of anyone without consequence. Magura child rapist to be brought to justice: Home Adviser “It is as if the unruly masses have received a licence to oppress, torture, and harass people without any resistance. In light of the situation, it appears the country is now operating under mobocracy,” he said. Referring to a recent incident of looting at a house in Gulshan, GM Quader said three people were arrested, yet media reports indicated that up to 80-90 people were involved. He questioned why the remaining perpetrators were not being held accountable. GM Quader, also a former leader of the opposition in parliament, claimed that law enforcement agencies are being unfairly labelled as associates of the previous government. “This has weakened their morale. They consider performing their duties to be risky in many cases, which is why they are avoiding responsibility,” he observed. DMP deploys auxiliary police for Ramadan, Eid with arrest powers The Jatiya Party Chairman expressed concern that no specific guidelines seem to be in place to boost the morale of law enforcement officers. The country could soon become a failed state if this situation continues, he warned.

Three people were detained in connection with the attempt to loot valuables from a house in Gulshan area of Dhaka on Tuesday night, Chief Adviser's press wing  said in a Facebook post. The detainees are Jewel Khandarkar, 48, his son Shakil Khandakar, 24, and another Shakil Ahmed, 28. A group of 20 to 25 people entered the house of the ex-wife of Tanvir Imam, son of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s political adviser HT Imam, on Tuesday night hearing that huge amount of illegal money, arms and collaborators of the Awami League had been kept in the house.    They vandalised the house  and tried to loot valuables in the name of search, according to the post. Responding to a call from the national emergency-999, army members, deputy commissioner of Gulshan Zone of police, officer-in-charge of Gulshan police station rushed to the spot and detained the trio from the house. In primary investigation it was revealed that Shakil Ahmed once worked as caretaker at the house and he provoked people to enter the house spreading rumor that that they could get Tk200-300 crore in the house. Member of teen gang held in Dhaka’s Pallabi Earlier on Monday around 10:30pm, a group of people also tried to enter the house on the same excuse but failed as police sent them back from there. The Ministry of Home warned all not to take the law into their own hands and inform the nearest police station if any crime occurs anywhere. The government is trying to maintain law and order in the country and is determined to ensure safety of lives and property.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has once again ordered law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant at all times to maintain law and order in the country. During an early morning visit to four police stations in the capital—Mirpur, Darus Salam, Adabor, and Mohammadpur, he issued the directive to the officials. The adviser made the early visit to the police stations and checkpots for the second consecutive day on Thursday in the capital which witnessed a deteriorating law and order situation recently. Speaking to reporters at a police station, Jahangir emphasised the importance of ensuring that citizens can sleep peacefully and move around without fear, noting that alongside law enforcement, ministry officials have also been tasked with monitoring the security situation. Moreover, the number of security personnel and patrols has been increased, he said, warning that those attempting to disrupt law and order would be brought to justice. The home adviser assured that law enforcement agencies remain alert and active, with checkpoints at key locations in the capital operating efficiently. No one should take law into own hands: Home Adviser He said joint force operations were proceeding smoothly and his inspection aims to ensure that police stations are functioning properly. Expressing concern over a tendency among law enforcement personnel to relax in their duties in the early morning hours, which criminals exploit for illegal activities, he said, "I have instructed the forces to remain alert during this period as well." Replying to a question, the adviser said they would stop the joint operations once the situation improves, but other law enforcement activities would persist. Warning action against the negligence, he said a sub-inspector and a constable from Gulshan Police Station were suspended on Wednesday for negligence in duty. Starting his visit from his residence in Baridhara DOHS, the adviser traveled through ECB Chattar, Kalshi, Pallabi, and Mirpur-10 before arriving at Mirpur Police Station. He then proceeded to Darus Salam Police Station via Mirpur-1 followed by visits to Adabor and Mohammadpur Police Stations. His return route covered Dhanmondi-27, the Parliament area, Bijoy Sarani, Mohakhali, and Banani before concluding at his residence. Home Adviser goes out on surprise inspection of police patrol operations at dawn While inspecting police reception areas, detention cells, and other facilities, he interacted with on-duty officers, providing necessary instructions and urging them to be more proactive. He visited checkpoints at Zillur Rahman Flyover and Kalshi Mor.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday urged people not to take law into their own hands. “I will urge people not to take law into their own hands and police to become more active,” he told reporters after inaugurating the farmers’ cool house initiative and the farmers’ mobile app developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) at the Horticulture Centre in Rajalakh area of Savar in the morning. The Home Adviser said the police and other law enforcement agencies across the country are working together to ensure public safety and prevent people from taking the law into their own hands. Law and Order Core Committee decides on increased patrols, joint operations Jahangir Alam said he himself was out in the capital early this morning to monitor the law-and-order situation. He stressed the need for vigilance, especially during the early hours, as criminal activities are more prevalent at that time. There was serious unrest among garment workers in Ashulia industrial zone but the problem has now been resolved and there is no longer any discontent, he added. Alongside police, the army is also deployed in Ashulia, Savar, and Dhamrai areas to ensure safety. He also said the government has undertaken several measures to protect agricultural lands. Patrolling to be increased from today following deterioration of law and order situation: Press Secretary Agriculture Secretary Dr Md Emdad Ullah Mia and senior officials from various government departments and law enforcement agencies, among others, attended the meeting.