United News of Bangladesh

Three persons were arrested in separate raids in Khulna and Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on Friday in a acase filed over the murder of Dr AKM Abdur Rashid, a Bangladeshi-born British citizen. The arrestees are Md Nayem Khan, 22, Md Zahidur Rahman Rifat, 20, and Md. Abu Taher Sikder, alias Shawon, 22, said Masud Alam Deputy Commissioner (Ramna Division) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police at a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Saturday. The suspects were arrested from Dumuria of Khulna, and Mohammadpur on Friday, he said. During the raids, a knife used in the murder was recovered acting on information provided by Md. Nayem Khan. Joint Forces arrest 12 men with arms in Dhaka's Geneva Camp According to Hazaribagh Police, Dr Rashid, who lived in the UK and occasionally visited Bangladesh, resided at House No. 294/1, Road No. 8/A, of West Dhanmondi in Dhaka. On November 15, around 2:30 am, three to four unknown assailants entered Rashid’s home. They confronted him and engaged in a struggle. When his wife, Sufia Rashid, tried to intervene from the adjacent room, one of the attackers blocked her. The assailants stabbed Rashid multiple times in the chest, leaving him seriously injured. Later, the attackers fled the scene after Sufia screamed for help. Rashid was rushed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital in a critical state, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival, the DMP official said. Md. Rezaul, Rashid’s cousin, lodged a complaint at Hazaribagh Police Station, leading to the case being filed on the same day. Three men held for cheating on Shwapno jobs: Police During  primary interrogation, the arrestees admitted that Nayem and Zahidur, tenants in a flat at Rashid’s house, had ongoing disputes with the victim’s wife over rent. Frustrated, Nayem and Zahidur decided to break into Rashid’s home and steal money to fund a restaurant business .On November 15, 2024, Nayem and Zahidur, along with their accomplice Abu Taher Sikder (Shawon), carried out their plan by scaling the boundary wall to enter the house. Rashid, who had woken up for Tahajjud prayers, sensed the intruders’ presence. When Dr. Rashid attempted to intervene, the assailants engaged in a scuffle. They stabbed him with a sharp knife before fleeing the scene.

The Traffic Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) filed 2,683 cases during operations against traffic rule violators in the last two days in various areas of the capital. Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, shared this information in a media release on Saturday afternoon. Joint Forces arrest 12 men with arms in Dhaka's Geneva Camp During the operations, 34 vehicles were impounded, and 93 others were towed. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) carried out the operations on Thursday and Friday (November 28 and 29). The DMP's drives will continue to enforce traffic regulations in the Dhaka metropolitan area, he added.

Joint forces have arrested 12 individuals, including Mahbub and Irfan, who are close associates of notorious drug trafficker Chua Selim, during an operation in the Geneva Camp of Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area on Friday. A press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the operation was carried out by a combined team of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and army personnel. During the drive, the forces seized a range of weapons and drugs, including one revolver, eight rounds of ammunition, five machetes, and seven sharp-edged weapons. Fight Indian media's misformation campaign with truth: CA's Press Secretary The arrested individuals were later handed over to Mohammadpur Police Station, it added. The joint forces' operation, led by the Bangladesh Army, will continue to maintain law and order.    

The government is intensifying its efforts to enforce the ban on polythene shopping bags, urging all citizens to comply with the directives to stop using such bags. Non-compliance will result in strict actions, said Tapan Kumar Biswas, additional secretary and chair of the Monitoring Committee on this issue under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate, during a monitoring operation at New Market Kitchen Market in Dhaka on Friday. He told reporters that since November 3, authorities have conducted 166 raids to enforce the ban. Officials fined 349 establishments a total of Tk 19,29,900 and confiscated 40,000 kg of polythene during this period.  “Public awareness is growing, and we are witnessing gradual improvements,” he said.  “Awareness campaigns, providing alternatives, and strict enforcement are advancing simultaneously,” added Tapan. Realistic solutions key to addressing sustainable plastic management: Speakers During the monitoring activity, market committee members acknowledged the harmful effects of polythene usage and pledged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Department of Environment, law enforcement agencies, and representatives from the media participated in the operation.

Police arrested three members of a fraud gang accused of deceiving job seekers by offering employment at super shop ‘Shwapno’. The arrestees are Shahin Rabbani, Swapan Das and Parvez Mosharraf. Of them, Shahin is the leader of the gang and Managing Director of one Dragon Shield Security Solutions.   Police recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, and various documents, including money receipts, from the possession of the arrestees. Based on information from Shwapno’s Crisis Management Team, a police team arrested the suspects on Thursday from a second-floor apartment on Road No. 2 in Sector 4 of Uttara. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Uttara East Police Station, Md. Muhibullah, said the gang had been cheating  people for a long time. Based on secret information, police raided their (arrestees) office and arrested them on charges of fraud and embezzlement, he said. A case was filed in connection with the incident on Thursday night, the OC said. A job seeker named Sujan Pal, present during the raid, shared his ordeal. "They asked for money, claiming it was necessary for a bank account linked to my job at Shwapno. I paid them some money but was later asked for more. Many others like me fell for their promises and paid money in hopes of getting a job," he said. "They should face strict punishment for this deception." Thanking police for their action against the frauds, Masum Billah, head of Shwapno’s Crisis Management Team, said that the gang had been active since 2019, targeting areas such as Uttara, Badda New Market, Mohammadpur and Savar using fake online job advertisements. "At Shwapno, we never charge money for recruitment—only qualifications matter,” he added.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali has said the police force is committed to fulfilling both students’ and the public expectations. He said this after visiting the National Orthopaedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (NITOR) on Thursday to meet check on those who were injured during the July-August quota reform movement. DMP Commissioner urges OCs to enhance service delivery, build public trust “The police are committed to fulfilling the expectations of both students and the public, with a pledge to be the people’s police,” said the DMP commissioner. He assued that DMP would continue to offer support to the injured, ensuring they receive adequate medical care and attention. The DMP commissioner engaged with each patient, expressing concern for their health and well-being. He reassured them that the police remain dedicated to upholding the trust and expectations of both students and the public. DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Md Israel Hawlader, Additional Commissioner (Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime) Md Masud Karim were were present at the time, among others.

The Supreme Court (SC) has sent a proposal to the Law Ministry over the formation of Judicial Appointments Council to appoint judges for the higher court of the country. The proposal was sent to the ministry after conducting a detailed study on the laws, rules and regulations, customs and other related matters over the appointment of higher court judges in different countries, said a media release sent by the SC. The SC proposed the formation of the council headed by the Chief Justice which will make recommendations after receiving a request from the President to recommend suitable persons for appointment as judge of the Supreme Court. In many countries especially in the western ones there are independent and impartial commissions or similar institutions for the appointment of judges of the HC. The council has proposed issuance a public notice inviting applications from the candidates for sending recommendations for the appointment of judges under Articles 95 and 98 of the Constitution on the basis of a request by the President. Read: Ctg lawyers demand CMP commissioner's resignation over Adv Alif’s murder Besides, the council can call any person concerned to the council meeting to seek opinions or suggestions about candidates or can instruct any government and private organisation to provide information demanded by the council. Once the council is formed, transparency and accountability will be ensured in the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, said the release.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali has directed the officers-in-charge (OCs) of all police stations to improve the police force's image by delivering quality services to the public. Speaking at a views exchange meeting at the DMP Headquarters with the OCs of 50 police stations in Dhaka metropolitan area on Thursday, the Commissioner emphasized that police stations are the central hub for law enforcement services and must operate with greater accountability. He urged the OCs to ensure that service seekers receive prompt and effective assistance when they visit police stations. OCs to be fired in just one minute for refusing to register cases: DMP Commissioner "You are the ones who take legal action," said the DMP Commissioner, stressing the pivotal role of police stations in implementing police activities. He noted that many legal matters eventually reach the OCs for resolution, and their responsibility is crucial in shaping the public's perception of the police force. Acknowledging concerns about the tarnished image of the police in the past, he said, "The police's image has suffered due to the actions of some overambitious officers. However, you must work in such a way that no complaints are filed against any officer. I do not wish to take action against anyone, but if any complaint arises, there will be no concessions." He further underscored the importance of building stronger relationships with the community, saying, "The more rapport you build with people, the more information you will receive. This will enable you to take preventive action before crimes are committed." The Commissioner also called for fair and proper investigations in all cases. New DMP Commissioner Sajjat Ali assumes office The meeting also provided a platform for the OCs to discuss the challenges and issues they face in their operations. The DMP Commissioner listened attentively to their concerns and assured them that solutions would be implemented in phases. Additional Police Commissioners Faruk Ahmed (Admin), Rezaul Karim Mallick (Intelligence), Md. Masud Karim (CTTC), Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali (Logistics, Finance, and Procurement), along with the concerned Joint Police Commissioners, Deputy Police Commissioners, were also present.

Lawyers in Chattogram have demanded the immediate resignation of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner over the murder of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif, linking police negligence to the crime. They have warned of forcibly removing the commissioner if he does not step down voluntarily. Ctg lawyers go on strike protesting lawyer’s murder; thousands join janaza During a rally on Thursday, held as part of the second day of the court boycott, lawyers accused the police of “encouraging” the violence surrounding the protest for Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari’s release, in which Advocate Alif was killed. The court boycott has paralysed proceedings in courts in Chattogram for two consecutive days. “We saw the police standing inactive at a safe distance. They abandoned the prison van (carrying Chinmoy Krishna) and left. We believe the police encouraged this incident,” a protesting lawyer said. Another lawyer added, “I read in the newspapers that Chinmoy gave a speech using a handheld microphone from the prison van, urging the continuation of their movement. I request that Chinmoy Krishna be made the primary accused in all related cases.” Advocate Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, president of the Lawyers' Association, called the situation unprecedented. “We are deeply mournful and burdened with grief today. Such an incident has never occurred in Chattogram’s court premises before. This is a difficult time for us,” he said. He directly criticised the CMP Commissioner, demanding answers about how Chinmoy Krishna Das obtained a handheld microphone in the prison van. “The Police Commissioner must answer for this. Otherwise, he cannot remain in Chattogram. We do not want the Police Commissioner,” he said. 33 arrested over lawyer murder, violence in Ctg Advocate Abdus Sattar, convenor of the United Lawyers Front Chattogram, and Advocate Mohammad Shamsul Alam, general secretary of the Bangladesh Lawyers Council, also addressed the rally.

Advocate Saquib Rahman, son of slain Colonel Quadrat Elahi Rahman Shafique, has hinted at lodging a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) within two weeks to ensure justice for the ‘hidden conspirators’ and to unearth the ‘truth’ behind the Pilkhana tragedy that took place 15 years ago. Advocate Saquib revealed this information during a press briefing held at Rawa Hall in Mohakhali, where he spoke on justice for the 74 victims, including 57 officers, who were killed during the Pilkhana massacre, and to mark the day as ‘Martyrs' Day’ for the slain soldiers. BDR mutiny: Case filed against Hasina, ex army chief Aziz He said that the trial proceedings of the BDR Mutiny case have been pending in the Appellate Division for the past 15 years, and that they were unaware of any recent developments in the case, adding that no one had made any contact throughout this prolonged period. “We, the victims, have no idea about the status of the case. Then, how will the people of the country know?” he questioned. “Our plan of action is to lodge a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal within the next two weeks. We hope the government will ensure the safety of the families of the martyrs, as we lodge complaints against those who were in power during the previous government,” Saquib said. Advocate Saquib also named several people, including Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Sheikh Fazlul Karim, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and Mirza Azam, in connection with the incident. He suggested that Sheikh Hasina could be held accountable under the Doctrine of ‘Command Responsibility’ as per international law, as she was the head of the Defence Ministry at the time. “We’ll lodge a complaint against her, the then army officers, and especially the DGFI officers.” BDR Mutiny: Dismissed jawans demand reinstatement in their jobs with full facilities Saquib hinted at lodging complaints against journalists who misinterpreted the incident. Meanwhile, Rakin Ahmed, the son of Major General Shakil Ahmed, demanded that those responsible for the Pilkhana massacre be brought to justice following a thorough investigation. Rakin also called for the declaration of Pilkhana Massacre Day as Martyrs' Day, stating, “If the perpetrators are punished, all the people of the country will stand by us. Specific measures must be taken for those who were removed from their jobs for seeking justice for the killings.” He demanded justice for the murder of Chattogram lawyer and the arrest of those involved in the attempt to kill Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam. Nahrin Ferdousi, wife of slain Colonel Mujibul Haque, also made several demands during the press briefing. These included the declaration of February 25 as Martyr Army Day through a gazette before February 2025, the lowering of the national flag to half-mast on that day across the country, the renewal of investigations into the Pilkhana killings, the provision of updates to the victims of the Pilkhana tragedy regarding the progress of the proposed inquiry commission, and the release of all investigation reports to the public. She called for the 57 slain army officers to be honoured as ‘Martyrs’, the inclusion of the Pilkhana tragedy in school textbooks, and the ensuring of justice for all those innocent individuals arrested in connection with the case, following the disposal of the case. 'Mystery' behind BDR mutiny to be unveiled through re-investigation: Hafizuddin On February 25, 2009, several hundred Bangladesh Rifles (now BGB) personnel staged an armed revolt at the Darbar Hall of the force’s Pilkhana headquarters during the three-day "BDR Week." A total of 74 people, including 57 army officers, were killed in the massacre that began on this day. The mutiny ended the following day (Feb 26) after a negotiation between the then government and the BDR rebels, which resulted in the surrender of firearms, ammunition, and grenades.