United News of Bangladesh

Former Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Saiful Islam has been arrested in a murder case in Dhaka. Additional Commissioner of the CMP Humayun Kabir said a police team from Chattogram arrested Saiful on Wednesday noon. Arrestee Saiful will be produced before a Chattogram court, he said. During the anti-government movement, a student was killed in  Chandgaon area of the port city. Later a case was filed against him. Read: SP Tanvir Salehin detained from Rajshahi’s Sardah Joining the Bangladesh Civil Service through the 20th Batch BCS, he performed duty as deputy inspector general at Dhaka Metro Rail. He was assigned as the 32nd CMP commissioner on June 23 last year. He joined on July 4 but was transferred to Bangladesh Police Training Academy in Sardah of Rajshahi on August 21 following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last.

Detectives have detained Superintendent of Police Tanvir Salehin Emon from Bangladesh Police Academy in Rajshahi’s Sardah. Additional Deputy Inspector (crime management) of Rajshahi Range Sarowar Jahan said a DB team of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) picked up the SP from the Sardah academy around 10 pm on Tuesday. He could not provide details about the arrest, saying that the DB knows why they picked him up. Tanvir, hailing from Kishoreganj’s Karimganj upazila, joined Bangladesh police in 2010 through the 28th BCS examination. His father Md Iqbal is general secretary of upazila unit of Awami League. He received the IGP Badge and President Police Medal in 2016 and 2017 respectively. During the July uprising, he was posted at the police headquarters as deputy commission (admin) and later transferred to Sardah.

Home Affairs Adviser, Lieutenant General (retd) Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has stated that the Ansar forces play a crucial role in ensuring security and development to build a just, integrated, and non-discriminatory state. The adviser made this statement while addressing the 45th National Assembly-2025 of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party (VDP) at the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP Academy in Safipur, Gazipur, this morning. He said, “This force includes 39 male Ansar battalions, 2 female Ansar battalions, and a specialized Ansar Guard Battalion (AGB), totaling 42 Ansar battalions. Among them, the members of 16 Ansar battalions are working shoulder to shoulder with the army, BGB, and police as auxiliary forces in 'Operation Uttoron' to maintain peace and order in the remote hilly regions.” The adviser further added, “The vigilant guards of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party are working closely with the upazila administration to resist land grabbers, combat counterfeit goods, and establish a drug-free society. Their role in providing security at the foreign diplomatic missions has been crucial in creating an investment-friendly environment and maintaining Bangladesh’s image abroad. The specially trained members of the Ansar Guard Battalion (AGB) are ensuring the security of important installations, including KPIs.” Meeting underway to finalise new uniform designs for police, RAB, Ansar The adviser also mentioned, “Special initiatives have been taken to inspire young people with the fundamental spirit of serving the country in a short time. The force has a plan to create employment for one lakh people, prioritising youth, in collaboration with various organizations such as the Bangladesh Industrial Technical Assistance Centre (BITAC).” During the assembly, the adviser presented awards to 18 officials, employees, and other members of the Ansar and Village Defence Force for their outstanding and commendable work. This year, a total of 156 persons, including officers, employees, Ansar battalion members, and other staff, were awarded in 8 categories across 4 divisions for their service and bravery. Reforms will turn Ansar and VDP into a skilled, professional force: Home Affairs Adviser The adviser planted a tree in the Ansar Academy premises, participated in a photo session, and visited the cottage industry exhibition.

Law enforcement agencies have detained Hossain Muhammad Murad, also known as Sohel Murad, personal assistant (PA) to ex-MP Sheikh Helal Uddin, from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return from abroad. Immigration police detained Murad on Tuesday evening and later handed over to the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) the same night, sources at the airport’s intelligence unit confirmed. Additional Police Commissioner of DB, Rezaul Karim Mallik said legal proceedings regarding Murad are currently underway. “There are multiple cases against him, including one at Uttara East Police Station. However, a decision is yet to be taken regarding which case he will be officially shown arrested in,” he added. Mura, who used to manage financial affairs for Sheikh Helal, was allegedly involved in funding violent activities during the July movement in the country last year.

The International Crimes Tribunal on Tuesday asked the authorities concerned to produce six people including former mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation Atiqul Islam, to appear before the court on February 17 in connection with a case filed over July-August mass killings. The two-member bench of the ICT led by its chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the prosecution. The other accused are—Shahinur Mia, secretary on Education Affairs of North East unit Awami League, president of  North East unit Awami League Monowar Islam Chowdhury Robin, Abdullah Al Mamun Mandal, organizing secretary of Gazipur Metropolitan unit Awami League, Bashir Uddin, president of Uttara 6 sector unit AL and Delwar Hossain Rubel, president of Metropolitan North No 1 Ward unit Jubo League. All of them are now behind bars. Public prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud and Gazi Monwar Hossain stood for the prosecution. Apex court defers hearing of caretaker government review petitions for 2 weeks Besides, the tribunal sent Jabed Iqbal, former assistant commissioner of Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to jail in connection with a case filed over crimes against humanity during the July movement. Police arrested Jabed from Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on Tuesday.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has criticised former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, questioning whether she feels any guilt. “She mocked the painful memories of the people. She even claimed that Abu Sayeed's death scene was fabricated using AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Mughdo was shot by students. How can such statements be tolerated?” he said. Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he accused her of arrogance and provocation in her last address. He further accused Hasina and her supporters of spreading lies and engaging in conspiracies. “A section of her forces blindly follow her and continue to make provocative and offensive statements,” he added. Over 16000 ‘ghost cases’ filed during AL tenure to be withdrawn: Law Adviser Regarding the ongoing security operations, he stated that intelligence reports suggest Awami League workers are involved in further conspiratorial activities, which is why 'Operation Devil Hunt' is being conducted. Timeframe for justice Asif Nazrul also provided an update on the trial proceedings of the July murder cases, saying that verdicts in at least three to four cases are expected by October. He confirmed that deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, along with top Awami League leaders, police officials, and members of the administration, are among the accused. Addressing public concerns over the pace of the trials, he assured that significant progress has been made following amendments to the International Tribunal Act and the establishment of the International Criminal Tribunal. “This court has been fully operational for four months. During this time, over 300 complaints have been filed, and our prosecution team has formally filed 16 cases after review,” he mentioned. He further mentioned that investigations into four of these cases are expected to be completed within the month, after which chargesheets will be submitted to initiate the trial process. “As the court is conducting hearings continuously, we expect verdicts in these cases within the next four to six months, starting from April,” he added. Home Adviser calls for heightened vigilance in ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ Nazrul highlighted the efficiency of the current trial process, contrasting it with previous trials under Sheikh Hasina’s government. “During her tenure, it took at least two and a half years to complete the trial of a Jamaat-e-Islami or BNP leader in the International Criminal Court. In contrast, we are taking less than half that time,” he claimed. Additionally, he mentioned that the UN investigation team’s report is expected within a few days. “I will not make any official comments on the report at this moment. However, it will contribute significantly to ensuring transparency and acceptance of our investigation and trial proceedings,” he added.

The government has decided to withdraw over 16,000 ghost cases filed during the Awami League tenure, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul. “Some 16,429 ghost cases filed during the tenure of the AL government will be withdrawn, but 1,214 cases will be withdrawn within a week,” said Adviser Asif while speaking at a press briefing held at the Secretariat on Tuesday. “A list of 16,429 cases has been prepared. After that each case record must be reviewed to determine whether it is genuinely a politically motivated ghost case, or it was filed through any irregularity or manipulation. If a murder case was lodged against an individual by another person, we cannot withdraw it. We are thoroughly verifying each case record before proceeding,” he said. A gazette notification, regarding 53 cases, out of 1,214, will be issued within a day or two, he added. Referring to the cases related to Cyber Security Act, Asif said a total of 396 cases were filed for speech-related offences during the tenure and the Law Ministry has already withdrawn 332 cases through public prosecutors while decision to withdraw 61 more cases was finalised which will be disposed of within 3-4 working days. Apex court defers hearing of caretaker government review petitions for 2 weeks By the end of February, no more speech-related cases will remain in the Cyber Security Court, he said. He, however, added that three cases cannot be withdrawn as these are pending at the High Court. Mentioning the allegations of amendment to Power of Attorney Regulations made by the expatriates, the law adviser said under the previous rule, individuals seeking to issue a power of attorney were required to possess a Bangladeshi passport and submit it at the Bangladeshi embassy. Many expatriates' children do not hold Bangladeshi passports, making the process complicated. Home Adviser calls for heightened vigilance in ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ "After discussions with all stakeholders, we have amended the regulations. Under the new rule, even if an expatriate Bangladeshi does not possess a Bangladeshi passport, they can still execute a power of attorney. If they have a No Visa Required (NVR) sticker on their passport, a birth certificate or a national identity card, they can complete the power of attorney process from abroad. I believe this will significantly ease the difficulties faced by many Bangladeshi expatriates," he said. Besides, an ordinance has been issued to amend the International Crimes Tribunal Act to prevent bureaucratic delays in case proceedings and investigations.

The Appellate Division has deferred the hearing on four petitions, seeking a review of its verdict that scrapped the caretaker government system, for two weeks. A three-member bench, headed by Acting Chief Justice M Ashfaqul Islam, passed the order on Tuesday. Currently, Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed is out of the country. Senior lawyers Joynul Abedin, Sharif Bhuiyan and Shishir Monir stood for the petitioners while Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman represented the state during the hearing in the court. The caretaker government system was introduced in 1996. In 1998, a writ petition was submitted with the High Court (HC) challenging its validity. Jamaat files review petition to reinstate caretaker government The HC dismissed the writ on 4 August 2004, upholding the system's constitutionality. Following this, the writ petitioners appealed in 2005. On May 10, 2011, the Appellate Division declared the Thirteenth Amendment unconstitutional. The caretaker government system was formally abolished through the Fifteenth Amendment, passed in Parliament on 30 June 2011, and gazetted on 3 July that year. BNP wants to reinstate caretaker government system for elections: Tarique Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, five people, including secretary to Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJON) Badiul Alam Majumdar, submitted a petition seeking a review of the verdict. Besides, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir filed a separate petition on 16 October, while secretary general to Jamaat-e-Islami Mia Golam Parwar, submitted another on 23 October.

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.

Today marks 13 years since the brutal murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi, yet law enforcement agencies have not been able to identify the motive behind the much-discussed crime. Over the years, the submission date for the investigation report in the Sagar-Runi murder case has been postponed over 100 times and the investigating authority has been changed four times. In a bid to expedite the long-stalled investigation, the current interim government formed a high-powered task force on October 23 last year, led by the chief of the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI). Both the PBI chief and the plaintiff’s lawyers expressed hope that the mystery surrounding the case would finally be solved. On January 27, a Dhaka court once again rescheduled the submission date for the investigation report, setting it for March 2. This marks the 115th time the submission has been delayed. Six years ago, in a progress report submitted to the court, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) revealed that DNA samples from two unidentified people were found at the crime scene. However, those people are yet to be identified. Sagar, a news editor at private television channel Maasranga TV, and Runi, a senior reporter at ATN Bangla, were murdered in their rented apartment in Dhaka’s West Rajabazar on February 11, 2012. Their four-and-a-half-year-old son, Mahir Sarowar Megh, was present in the house at the time of the murder. Following the killings, then home minister Sahara Khatun (late) assured that the perpetrators would be arrested within 48 hours. Two days later, then inspector general of police (IGP) Hasan Mahmud Khandker claimed the investigation had made positive progress. However, a solution has been elusive. Hopeful PBI can solve Sagar-Runi murder case: Shafiqul Alam On February 5 last year, former law minister Anisul Huq told the National Parliament that he did not want to set a deadline for completing the Sagar-Runi murder investigation. “As a lawyer, I know it is not possible to set a timeframe for an investigation.” Probe should not be concluded until investigators successfully debunk the mystery, he said. Runi’s brother, Naosher Alam, filed the murder case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station following the murders. Initially, police handled the investigation, but after four days, it was transferred to the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). DB admitted its failure before the High Court on April 18, 2012, after 62 days of investigation. The case was subsequently assigned to RAB. Despite years of legal proceedings, the case remains unresolved. Adding to the grief, Runi’s mother, Nurun Nahar Mirza, passed away two years ago without seeing justice for her daughter and son-in-law. On September 30, 2024 the HC ordered the formation of the task force to probe the case that remained unsolved for 12 years. The court also directed the Home Ministry to execute the decision after removing the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from the investigation as the elite force had repeatedly been failing to submit the probe report. Earlier, the submission date of the probe report on the double murders has been deferred for the 114th time till October 15. On October 1 this year, Runi’s brother Nowsher filed a petition with a trial court seeking permission for appointment of nine lawyers to assist the state in the case. Sagar-Runi murder case: Court reschedules submission date for investigation report Later, the court appointed nine lawyers, including Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir. On October 10, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Moinul Islam said police started reinvestigating the case. Police arrested Tanvir Rahman in connection with the murder case on October 1, 2012. Later, he secured bail in 2014. The seven other suspects are Rafiqul Islam, Bakul Mia, Abu Syed, Mintu alias Baggira Mintu alias Masum Mintu, Quamrul Hasan alias Arun, security guard Enam Ahmed alias Humayun Kabir and Palash Rudra Pal. Out of the eight people arrested in connection with the case, two were granted bail, while the others are in jail.