A Dhaka court on Thursday granted bail to Mostafa Asif Arnob, a staff at the Dhaka University library, a day after his arrest in a case filed over harassing a female student of the university. Metropolitan Magistrate Mehra Mahbub passed the order on a bond of Tk 1,000 after a hearing. Earlier, Md Toufiq Hasan, a sub-inspector of Shahbagh Police Station and also the investigating officer of the case, produced him before the court. Govt taking swift action against mob violence: Home Adviser Advocate Azmat Hossain stood for the petitioner at the court. Sub-inspector Abul Kalam Azad of the General Registration Branch of the Shahbagh Police Station (Women and Children) Court said the complainant had earlier submitted an application to the Police Station for the withdrawal of the case against Arnob. According to the case statement, the student was walking with a friend from the National Museum adjacent to Shahbagh Police Station around 1:30 pm on Wednesday to the university campus. When she reached the Raju Sculpture, the accused came in front of the student and verbally harassed her for not having her "scarf" in the right place. HC issues rule on President's power to pardon convicts without policy Later, she informed her classmates about the matter and posted it on Facebook. In the Facebook post, she shared a photo of a man and wrote, "This man harassed me today (Wednesday) on my way from Shahbagh. He suddenly stopped me on the road and told me my clothing was 'inappropriate,' among other things… When I said I would call the proctor, he ran away."

Coast Guard (CG) members rescued 13 fishermen floating in the Bay of Bengal for four days after their fishing trawler went out of order. The fishermen were rescued 10 nautical miles off the island Dublar Char in the Sundarbans on Wednesday afternoon, said a media release sent by the CG on Thursday. All the fishermen are residents of different districts under Barishal division. The Coast Guard received a phone call from the national emergency service-999 on Wednesday noon and conducted a rescue operation. After rescuing them, they were brought to the Dublar Char, according to the release. The fishermen set off for fishing from Barguana’s Patharghata 12 days back and their trawler went out of order eight days after the journey.

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Thursday said the government is taking swift action against incidents of mob justice across the country. The adviser was replying to a reporter’s question after visiting the Tourist Police Headquarters in the city’s Topkhana Road on Thursday afternoon. Regarding controlling incidents of mob attacks, the home adviser stressed the need for public awareness to curb such incidents. The public must be made aware. If people become unruly, it creates problems. Law enforcement agencies alone cannot always control the such situation, he said. Govt committee recommends withdrawal of 4,615 political cases When asked about the continued prevalence of mob violence over the past six months, including attacks on foreigners and home intrusions, he admitted it saying, "I won’t deny that incidents are happening. But wherever they occur, we are bringing those responsible under the law immediately," he added. The adviser also noted that police officers themselves have come under attacks, further underscoring the importance of public awareness. "Parents and relatives must play a role in controlling their children. The media also has a big role in preventing mob justice," he said. Regarding reports of raids on homes under the guise of operations leading to looting, he said, "No one except law enforcement agencies has the authority to conduct such operations." On the issue of highway robberies, particularly ahead of Eid, he said measures are being taken to prevent such crimes. When asked whether high-risk zones have been identified, he pointed out that robbery incidents are relatively higher in the Dhaka-Rajshahi region and parts of Tangail. "Law enforcement agencies in those areas has been instructed accordingly, and they are now more active than before," he added. CID to investigate Sadeeq Agro owner for illegal cattle import and money laundering Addressing concerns over extortion and snatching ahead of Eid, he assured that authorities are taking steps to prevent such crimes. Commenting on the challenges faced by the Tourist Police, he acknowledged the shortage of personnel, lack of dedicated police stations, and vehicle shortages. Despite these limitations, he praised the force’s efforts, emphasising that an active Tourist Police would help attract more foreign visitors and contribute to the economy. HC issues rule on President's power to pardon convicts without policy

The committee formed by the Ministry of Law to review and recommend the withdrawal of politically motivated and harassing cases has so far suggested lifting 4,615 cases. Headed by Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Professor Dr Asif Nazrul, the committee has held six meetings to assess the cases and determine their merit for withdrawal, according to an update issued by the ministry on Thursday. The statement highlighted that during its 15-year tenure, the ousted Awami League government had filed numerous cases against people, which were deemed politically motivated or meant to harass opponents. Following the political changeover on August 5 last year, the interim government pledged to ensure justice by withdrawing such cases. Over 2,500 politically motivated cases likely to be withdrawn: Law Adviser The move aligns with its broader commitment to upholding the rule of law and rectifying politically motivated legal actions. Further recommendations from the committee are expected as the review process continues.

The Appellate Division on Thursday acquitted BNP Acting  Chairman Tarique Rahman and businessman Giasuddin Al Mamun in a money laundering case. A four-member tribunal headed by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order, said the defendants’ lawyer, Advocate Md Maksud Ullah. Earlier, on Tuesday, the court set March 6 for delivering the verdict after concluding the hearing on the appeal against their conviction. On December 10 last year, the Appellate Division granted leave to appeal in the case following a petition by Mamun. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed the case on October 26, 2009, with Cantonment Police Station in Dhaka, accusing Mamun of laundering Tk 20.41 crore to Singapore. According to the case statement, Mamun received the amount from Khadija Islam, chairman of Nirman Construction Company Ltd, in exchange for awarding the contract for an 80MW power plant in Tongi. SC stays 7 year jail sentence of Tarique in money laundering case The money was transferred to a Citibank NA account in Singapore under Mamun’s name. On July 6, 2010, the ACC submitted a charge sheet against Tarique Rahman and Giasuddin Al Mamun. The court framed charges against them on August 8, 2011. During the trial, testimonies from 13 witnesses, including FBI agent Debra Laprovette, were recorded. On November 17, 2013, Dhaka Special Judge’s Court-3 acquitted Tarique Rahman but sentenced Mamun to seven years in jail with a Tk 40 crore fine. Following the verdict, the ACC filed an appeal on December 5, 2013, against Tarique Rahman’s acquittal. The High Court accepted the appeal for hearing on January 19, 2014. After hearing both appeals, the High Court on July 21, 2016, sentenced Tarique Rahman to seven years in jail and fined him Tk 20 crore while upholding Mamun’s conviction. Gias Uddin Al Mamun acquitted in money laundering case Mamun later challenged the High Court verdict in the Appellate Division.

Police rescued a 50-year-old contractor who was injured in a mob attack at the T&T Wireless Tower area of Hatirjheel Police Station in the capital on Wednesday. The victim was identified as Mahfuzur Rahman Bipu, son of Fazlur Rahman from Daridpur's Boalmari upazila. Banned BCL leader arrested for offensive remarks on Prophet (PBUH) Md. Selim, a sub-inspector at Hatirjheel Police Station, said that Bipu, a construction contractor, went to the T&T Wireless Tower under their jurisdiction at 8:30 pm. The exact reason for his visit is yet to be determined. According to reports, Bipu was beaten and confined to a room inside the tower. Upon receiving information, Hatirjheel Police rescued him from the scene and took him to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital at 9:35 pm. Member of teen gang held in Dhaka’s Pallabi He is currently receiving treatment at the hospital, added the SI.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested 181 individuals involved in various crimes during a special operation in the capital in 24 hours till 11:59 pm on Tuesday. Among those arrested were 11 robbers, 33 professional hijackers, five extortionists, nine thieves, 31 drug dealers, 27 wanted criminals, and others involved in various illegal activities, said Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of DMP, in a media release on Wednesday. During the operation, authorities recovered three knives, one machete, five mobile phones, Tk 8,080 in cash, and several locally made weapons. Besides, law enforcement seized 4.93 kg of marijuana, 3,236 yaba tablets, and five bottles of foreign liquor. Banned BCL leader arrested for offensive remarks on Prophet (PBUH) A total of 78 cases were filed at different police stations under DMP within the 24-hour period. To ensure public safety, 667 patrol teams carried out duties in two shifts across 50 police stations in Dhaka. Of these, 340 teams operated at night, while 327 teams worked during the day. Moreover, 71 police checkpoints were set up at key locations throughout the metropolis to enhance security. In addition to the DMP’s patrol teams, 14 CTTC teams, 12 Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) teams, and 10 RAB teams collaborated with the DMP at various crime-prone areas. Member of teen gang held in Dhaka’s Pallabi Specialised police units such as the APBN also set up 20 additional checkpoints, contributing to the effort to maintain law and order. DMP remains committed to ensuring the security and smooth movement of the people of Dhaka Metropolitan City.

Police arrested a leader of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League on Wednesday in a case field for making derogatory remarks about Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) on Facebook. The arrestee was Supta Saha Anik, vice-president of the Fazlul Haque Hall unit of the Rajshahi University Chhatra League, said Netrokona Police Superintendent Mirza Sayem Mahmud. District Detective Branch (DB) of Police arrested Anik from Hossainpur inter-district bus stand, said the SP. Anisul, Shajahan, 7 others shown arrested in July uprising cases Anik had posted insulting comments about the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on Facebook on multiple occasions. In response, Abdur Rahim, a resident of Borobazar in Netrokona, filed a case against him at the Sadar Police Station. Furthermore, Muslims in the district staged protests and issued an ultimatum demanding Anik’s arrest. ACC sues ex-minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, wife for unaccounted wealth Acting on the unrest, the police arrested Anik and brought him to the District Superintendent of Police's office for further proceedings, added the SP.

Former ministers Anisul Huq and Shajahan Khan and seven others were shown arrested on Wednesday in cases filed over murder and attempted murder during the anti-discrimination student movement in July. The cases were filed at various police stations across the capital. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Monirul Islam’s court granted the petition to show them arrested in the cases. The other individuals include former LGRD minister Md Tazul Islam, former state minister for industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder, former mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation Atiqul Islam, former Dhaka-7 MP Solaiman Selim, journalist couple Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed, and former officer-in-charge of Jatrabari Police Station Abul Hossain. Anisul, Mamun remanded again, Salman, 8 others shown arrested in new cases According to the case details, Anisul Huq, Shajahan Khan and Atiqul Islam have been shown arrested in separate murder cases filed at Jatrabari Police Station. Farzana Rupa and Shakil Ahmed have been implicated in two murder cases. Md Tazul Islam have been shown arrested in an attempted murder case at Khilgaon Police Station and a murder case at Paltan Police Station. Kamal Ahmed Majumder has been implicated in a murder case at Mirpur Police Station, while former MP Solaiman Selim have been shown arrested in a murder case filed at Lalbagh Police Station. Besides, former Jatrabari OC Abul Hossain has been shown arrested in two murder cases and an attempted murder case filed at the same police station.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday filed a case against former Textile and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi and his wife Hasina Gazi on charges of acquiring assets outside known sources of income. Two cases were filed against them, Director General Akhter Hossain said at the ACC's head office in Segunbagicha in the capital. He said that suspicious transactions worth TK 257.75 crore have been found in six bank accounts of Gazi. The ACC also said it has received information about Gazi's assets worth TK 448 crore . Of this, TK 23.51 crore is known assets outside known sources of income. Akhter also said that a case has been filed against his wife Hasina Gazi on charges of acquiring assets worth TK 9.70 crore without known sources of income. Suspicious transactions worth TK 31.69 crore have been found in five bank accounts of her, he said.