United News of Bangladesh

Legal expenses in Bangladesh are escalating at an alarming rate, driven by a syndicate of Supreme Court lawyers, said ICC Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam on Monday. Tajul Islam said this while speaking at a dialogue titled "Dialogue for Democratic Reconstruction — on Judiciary," organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital. Raising serious concerns about the state of the judiciary, the chief prosecutor said, “While a regular lawyer’s fee might amount to Tk 20,000, political biases in the courts often compel litigants to hire syndicate lawyers, who charge between Tk 5 lakh and Tk 25 lakh to secure bail or a favourable outcome.”  “Cases handled by general lawyers are unlikely to succeed,” he added, highlighting the difficulties faced by those unable to afford such exorbitant costs. Tajul Islam alleged that ordinary lawyers, unable to secure clients, are increasingly resorting to corrupt practices. He also criticised bench officers for accepting bribes ranging from Tk 20,000 to Tk 1 lakh to expedite the listing of bail petitions. Advocate Tajul Islam returning as Chief Prosecutor at ICT, where once he led defence of Jamaat leaders “I have seen instances where judgments were delayed by three years due to bribe-related issues. Political appointments of judges have exacerbated corruption within the judiciary. When the judicial system is used for political purposes, judges exploit the situation to engage in corrupt activities,” he mentioned. Citing the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the corruption investigation into S Alam, he posed a pointed question: “Why did the Supreme Court shield corrupt individuals who support the ruling party? This culture must end.” Backlog of cases The ICC Chief Prosecutor expressed alarm over the backlog of cases in the judicial system, and described how files are stored haphazardly in inadequate spaces, including in front of bathrooms in annex buildings. He called for the urgent digitisation of case management to enhance efficiency. “At present, even if no new cases are filed, it would take at least 30 years to resolve the existing backlog.” The prosecutor underscored the necessity of structural reform in the judiciary to ensure its impartiality and effectiveness. He urged authorities to address corruption, improve infrastructure, and embrace digital solutions to overcome the inefficiencies plaguing the judicial system.

Reminding the responsibility of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGBB), Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has said that this force will have to be strong and fearless to protect every inch of the border and stop smuggling. He made the remark while speaking at the ‘BGB Day-2024’ at the Border Conference Centre of the BGB in Dhaka’s Pilkhana on Monday. Urging the BGB personnel to carry out duty as vigilant guard, he said the frontier force has been performing several duties, including maintaining law and order inside the country, assisting the civil administration, accidents, natural disasters and emergency along with guarding the borders. Recalling the role of the then BDR during the Liberation War, he said the BGB is a disciplined force with the glory of valor and tradition and their patriotism, honesty and unwavering morale are the biggest tolls in severing the country. Read: BDR families demand renaming of BGB, justice for mutiny victims The home adviser also said that the success of a well-disciplined force depends on truthfulness and establishing a chain of command at every level.  

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday approved filing the case against former deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank SK Sur Chowdhury, his spouse Suparna Sur Choudhury and daughter Nandita Sur Choudhury. Deputy director of ACC Nazmul Hossain will file the case, spokesperson of the anti-graft body Aktarul Islam said. Read: ACC seeks bank account details of SK Sur, his family to probe graft Earlier, the ACC grabbed the bank account details of SK Sur, his spouse and daughter as part of an investigation into the allegation of tax evasion against the three. Earlier in July 2021, the National Board of Revenue directed banks to freeze bank accounts of the former deputy governor and his two family members.

Mohammad Masud Karim, Additional Police Commissioner (Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation between the police and the public in fulfilling the expectations of the people from law enforcement. He made these remarks on Sunday afternoon during a views-exchange meeting with police, students, the public, and distinguished citizens of the Khilgaon area, held at the Fortune Community Center in Khilgaon. In his address, Additional Police Commissioner (CTTC) assured that the police would not resort to unnecessary force and would carry out their duties in accordance with the law. He further stated, “We have achieved a new Bangladesh through the uprising of the students and the public. I thank you for the support you have given us since the events of August 5. I hope you will continue to cooperate with the police in the future whenever necessary.” He also encouraged the public to assist law enforcement by providing information on drug dealers, extortionists, and criminals. “With your cooperation, we can take legal action against them,” he added. The event aimed to foster a stronger relationship between the police and the community to address ongoing challenges and promote public safety in the Khilgaon area.

The Traffic Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has filed 979 cases against violators of traffic laws during a drive conducted in various parts of the capital. Additionally, 34 vehicles were dumped and 11 vehicles were towed away during the drive. The drive was conducted on Friday by the DMP's Traffic Division, according to Talebur Rahman, DC (Media) of the DMP. The DMP has announced that such operations will continue to ensure traffic discipline across Dhaka metropolitan areas.

Arrest warrants have been issued for 19 sailors who are absconding with Continuous Discharge Certificates (CDC) from sea-going vessels. A notice signed by Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam, director general of Department of Shipping, disclosed the names of the sailors for whom the arrest warrants have been issued. They are Md Sohanur Rahman, Md Ariful Islam, Abu Sufian, Mostafa Kamal, Iskandar Miji, Md Sanaullah, Md Anwaruzzaman, Md Abdul Quddus, Aminul Islam, Opi Hossain, Md Rafiqul Islam, Md Mizanur Rahman, Md Sheikh Alam, Md Mehedi Hasan, Md Al Amin, Md Imam Hossain, Enamul Haque, Md Imrul Hossain and Mohammad Ibrahim. Truck falls into Turag after bailey bridge collapse The notice urged people to provide any relevant information regarding the whereabouts of these sailors to the nearest police station or the Department of Shipping.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued special traffic instructions ahead of the “Echoes of Revolution” concert, scheduled to be held at the Bangladesh Army Stadium on Satruday. The traffic guidelines, effective from 2 pm to 11 pm today (Saturday), aim to ensure smooth completion of the event, according to a public notice signed by the DMP Commissioner Sazzat Ali. Guidelines Vehicles traveling from Tongi-Uttara towards Gulshan-Banani-Mohakhali are advised to use alternative routes as traffic may be disrupted from Stafford Rail Gate to Navy Headquarters Crossing. Expressway access Airport, Kuril, and Banani ramps of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway will be toll-free during the designated hours. From 2 pm to 11 pm, users of Airport, Kuril and Banani ramps can use the expressway without paying toll. Vehicles heading from Uttara-Airport towards Gulshan-Banani-Mohakhali can use the expressway by taking a U-turn before Radisson Hotel or the U-loop beneath Banani Overpass. Crackdown on poly bags: Tk 2.5mn in fines collected Vehicles from Gulshan-Banani-Mohakhali can access the expressway through the Airport and Kuril ramps. Vehicles from Airport/Uttara/Tongi can use the Banani ramp. Road closures and restrictions The ECB Square-Banani flyover loop will remain closed. Vehicles from ECB Square to Banani can use the ramp in front of Kurmitola Hospital. Motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, battery-powered rickshaws and bicycles are prohibited from using the expressway ramps. The DMP has urged the public to cooperate in minimising traffic congestion and ensuring the smooth flow of vehicles during the event.

A total of 199 mobile court operations have been conducted across the country since 3 November last, collecting Tk 25,72,300 in fines on 414 establishments and the seizure of 50,556 kg of polythene shopping bags. Tapan Kumar Biswas, Additional Secretary and Chairman of the Monitoring Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, on Friday vowed to intensify enforcement efforts alongside raising public awareness about eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags. He shared these updates during a press briefing held at Karwan Bazar following a monitoring operation aimed at curbing the use of polythene bags in the area. Tapan Kumar reiterated that the ban on polythene bags is important for protecting the environment and reducing plastic pollution.  The ministry has been making comprehensive efforts to ensure the success of this initiative, including intensified monitoring operations across the country, he added.  Case filed over Biswa Ijtema killings; one arrested He called on all stakeholders to actively support the government's campaign to safeguard the environment. During the drive, both shopkeepers and customers were encouraged to adopt alternatives such as jute bags, cloth bags, and wax-coated brown paper bags. Several shops showcased environmentally friendly bag options as part of the initiative. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, alongside representatives from the Department of Environment, were present during the operation to oversee and promote the campaign.

A case has been filed in connection with violent clashes between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat at the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi over control of the venue, police said. Maulana Zubair's follower M Alam Hossain filed the murder case on Thursday evening against 29 people at the Tongi West Police Station, naming Syed Wasiful Islam as the main accused. Iskander Habibur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Tongi West Police Station, said Mufti Muaz bin Noor, a follower of Maulana Saad Kandlavi, was arrested in connection with the violent clashes on Thursday night. He added that the police operation to apprehend other suspects is ongoing, but declined to provide further details about the accused to protect the integrity of the investigation. Earlier, four people were killed and 40 others injured in a clash between two factions of Tabligh Jamaat at the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi early Wednesday. The deceased included Amirul Islam Bachhu, 70, from Kishoreganj, Bilal Hossain, 60, from Faridpur, and Tajul Islam, 70, from Bogura. The identity of the fourth victim remains unknown. According to Commissioner Nazmul Karim Khan of Gazipur Metropolitan Police (GMP), the violence erupted when followers of Maulana Saad attempted to enter the venue, prompting a counter-attack by supporters of Maulana Zubair around 3 am. Meanwhile, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury warned that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.

The High Court has observed that the August 21, 2004 grenade attack case should be sent to the Home Ministry for a fresh investigation by a qualified and expert agency to ensure justice. The HC bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain made the remarks while delivering the full text of its verdict on Thursday. The HC also directed the concerned office to forward a copy of this order to the Home Ministry for appropriate and necessary action. "It is a heinous, tragic incident in the history of this country, where many people lost their lives, including then Awami League leader Ivy Rahman. The killings need to be investigated properly and independently to ensure justice, which has been completely absent in this case until today. In this context, we believe the case should be referred to the Ministry of Home Affairs to take necessary steps and initiate a fresh investigation by a proper and expert agency to ensure the proper administration of justice," said the High Court bench. HC questions validity of canceling Channel I journalist’s press accreditation On December 1, the bench overturned the verdict of a lower court in two cases filed over the August 21 grenade attack, acquitting all convicts, including BNP's Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman and former state minister for home affairs Lutfozzaman Babar. The court also declared the charge sheet in the case “illegal.” The bench delivered the judgment after holding a hearing on death references (trial court documents for confirmation of capital punishment) and appeals filed by some of the convicts of the cases. The grenade attack, a shocking incident, occurred on Dhaka's Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004. At least 24 people, including Awami League’s women affairs secretary and late President Zillur Rahman’s wife Ivy Rahman, were killed. Three hundred others were also injured. Sheikh Hasina survived but suffered hearing impairment. On October 10, 2018, a Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal issued a verdict in one of the cases (pertaining to murder and explosives). The tribunal sentenced 19 people, including Lutfozzaman Babar and former deputy education minister Abdus Salam Pintu, to death. Besides, 19 others, including BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, were handed life imprisonment sentences, while 11 accused received various terms of imprisonment and fines.