United News of Bangladesh

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has expressed grave concern over mob violence and lynchings in Bangladesh following the recent political upheaval. JMBF has urgently called on Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus to take immediate and decisive action to stop all forms of mob violence and lynchings, according to an statement received here on Monday. The non-profit organisation also has demanded a thorough investigation into these gross human rights violations, led by judicial officials from the High Court Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court. A transparent tribunal must be established to ensure that those responsible—both directly and indirectly—are held accountable and face appropriate punishment to uphold justice, it said. Reports from various news outlets, citing the Manabadhikar Songskriti Foundation, have highlighted a disturbing surge in mob attacks following the political transition. In August and September alone, 53 incidents were reported, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 44 people. The month of September 2024 witnessed 33 mob attacks, leading to 24 deaths and 22 serious injuries. Read: Rights group JMBF demands release of Asaduzzaman Noor, Shahriar Kabir, journalists Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser to JMBF, said, “This outbreak of lawlessness is a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and justice principles. Mob lynchings, driven by frustration and a breakdown of law and order, pose a serious threat to democracy, the rule of law, and human dignity.” Advocate Shahanur Islam, founder and president of JMBF, said, “The rising tide of mob justice in Bangladesh is a direct consequence of a failing system. No society can claim to be just or humane if it allows mob violence to replace due process and the rule of law. We call on the interim government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate action to prevent further bloodshed.” JMBF insists that the recent surge in mob lynchings in Bangladesh underscores the urgent need to strengthen legal institutions and promote respect for human rights. Violence and lawlessness have no place in a civil society. The interim government must safeguard the rule of law. JMBF stands in solidarity with the victims of these horrific attacks and demands immediate justice and accountability for those responsible. Read more:  Global community must hold Bangladesh accountable, protect rights of its citizens: JMBF JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) will continue to advocate for victims’ rights, hold governments accountable, and work toward a Bangladesh where justice is delivered through legal institutions, not violence.

Detectives of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested former Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary and also former National Bureau of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Nojibur Rahman from Ramna area of Dhaka on Sunday night, said authorities. Rezaul Karim Mallik, additional deputy commissioner (ADC-DB) of the DMP confirmed the matter to media. Read: Ex-AL lawmaker Shahidul Islam arrested: DB He informed that the arrestee will be produced before a Dhaka court on Monday. Nojibur served as the PMO principal secretary and NBR chairman during the rule of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Read more: DB arrests ex-food minister Sadhan Chandra from Dhaka’s Bhatara

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has arrested former Land Minister Narayan Chandra Chanda from the Maheshpur border in Jhenaidah district. BGB headquarter’s Public Relation Officer Shariful Islam confirmed the information. Narayan Chandra Chanda, a former Member of Parliament from Khulna-5, was apprehended while he was attempting to illegally cross into India, BGB said. Narayan Chandra served as the Minister of Land after being elected as an MP in the 12th national election. He was elected as an MP three consecutive times in 2008, 2014, and 2018.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) seized arms, ammunition, drugs and other contraband items worth Tk 253.56 crore during anti-smuggling drives across the country, especially in bordering areas in the month of September. During the period, the paramilitary force seized 26.753 kgs of gold, 10 kgs of silver, 2.999 kgs of snake venom, 2,94,482 cosmetics items, 25,442 sarees, 11,620 three-piece/shirt-piece/bed-sheet/blankets, 80,016 meter unstitched fabric, 1,978 cft timber, 24,667 kgs of tea leaves, 4,77,450 kgs of sugar, 4,041 kgs of fertilizer, 1,11,980 cubic feet coal, 12,900 mobile displays, 1,960 glasses, 30,687 kg of yarn/current net, 45,612 kg of betel nuts, 28,416 kg of fish, 3,774 kg of onion, 37,617 kg of garlic, 4,604 kg of cumin, One touchstone statue, 9 trucks, 17 pickups, 7 private cars/microbuses, 8 trolleys, 191 boats, 21 CNG/easybikes, 108 motorcycles and 21 bicycles, said a BGB media release on Sunday. BGB detains two locals trying to flee through Dinajpur border The seized drugs and narcotics include 12,82,943 pieces of Yaba tablets, 9.413 kgs of crystal meth ice, 16. 874 kgs of heroin, 29,164 bottles of Phencidyl, 20,638 bottles of foreign liquor, 137 liters of Bengal liquor, 1, 347 cans of beer, 1,998 kg of cannabis, 89,044 packets of cigarettes, 2,62,701 narcotic tablets/injections, 3,772 bottles of Iscaf syrup, 25.44 kgs of cocaine, 630 bottles of Mkdil/Cofidil, 3,07 ,580 different types of medicine, 84,09,480 Enegra/Senegra tablets, 13 bottles of LSD and 38,655 other tablets, according to the release. The seized weapons consist of two pistols, one gun, 10 cocktails and seven rounds of ammunition. 32 arrested in raid against drugs on CU campus Meanwhile, legal action has been initiated against 241 alleged smugglers, 298 Bangladeshi nationals, and 24 Indian citizens for illegally crossing the border during this period. Besides, 1,621 Myanmar nationals have been repatriated following their detention, according to the press release.

Saber Hossain Chowdhury, former minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, was arrested in the capital on Sunday. A team of Detective Branch arrested him from the capital’s Gulshan area, said DC (media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Talebur Rahman. Travel ban imposed on former NSI DG, his wife The police official, however, did not disclose in which case he was arrested.

Asaduzzaman Asad, former lawmaker from Rajshahi-3, was arrested in a case over assault and killings during the recent anti-discrimination student movement on Sunday. A team of Detective Branch arrested him from the capital’s Baridhara area, said ASP Imran Khan of the RAB Headquarters (media wing). RAB arrests ex-Industries Minister Nurul Majid The arrested MP will be handed over to the Boalia police station in Rajshahi, added the RAB official.    

A Dhaka court on Sunday imposed a travel ban on former Director General of the National Security Intelligence (NSI) Major General (retd) TM Jobayer, and his wife Fahamina Masud. Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge (Acting) Farzana Yasmin passed the order after hearing a petition submitted by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said ACC Public Prosecutor Mahmud Hossain Jahangir. Earlier, ACC Deputy Director Md Anowarul Haque filed the petition with the court seeking a travel ban for the former NSI DG and his wife. In the petition, the ACC said an investigation is going on against him for allegedly acquiring illegal wealth including a house in London worth £29.45 million in his name and family members by giving jobs to several people abusing power. The accused may flee the country and it is necessary to restrict their foreign travel for the sake of investigation, it said.  

Legal action will only be taken if individuals are found guilty following an investigation, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd.) said on Saturday. He said that the process for filing cases has changed. "In the past, police would file cases, name 10 individuals, and add another anonymous 50," he said. "Now, it is the general public who are filing cases. And just because a case is filed, it does not mean there will be an immediate arrest. There will be an investigation first, and only if someone is found guilty will legal action be taken." The adviser made these remarks after inaugurating the "Scout Shaheed Mir Mugdho Building" and the entrance gate of the Armed Police Battalion School and College, dedicated to Shaheed Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho. Mugdho was a founding member and unit leader of the APBN Scout Group and lost his life during the mass uprising. "Those who sacrificed their lives in this movement are all martyrs," the adviser said. "Not just Mugdho, but all who were martyred deserve our prayers and recognition." He added that the government would provide medical treatment for those injured in the movement. "If necessary, they will be sent abroad for advanced treatment, or doctors will be brought from abroad. Based on doctors' recommendations, arrangements will be made for their proper care." Commenting on law enforcement, Chowdhury noted that several officials and leaders from the previous government fled between August 5 and 7. "To prevent further escapes, we have reinforced border security," he said. "It is now difficult for them to flee. Even if they try, it is not just the police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) who are apprehending them—ordinary citizens are also turning them in." The adviser also urged journalists to assist law enforcement by providing vital information through investigative journalism to help capture criminals.  

The Bangladesh Army has made comprehensive preparations to ensure the safety of all during the Durga Puja celebrations, the largest festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, while maintaining law and order. Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman made the remarks during his visit to Dhakeshwari National Temple, where he observed the security measures put in place for the Durga Puja celebrations. During his visit, the army chief extended warm greetings to all members of the community on the occasion of Durga Puja. He also exchanged views with members of Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee and the President of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (BPUP) and others concerned. Waker-Uz-Zaman said that the Bangladesh Army has implemented appropriate measures to ensure safety during the festival celebrations, following the interim government's directives. As part of these efforts, army personnel have been deployed in all districts to ensure security at the places of worship. The army chief hoped that all Bangladeshi Hindus would celebrate their festival in a joyful and festive atmosphere. He urged all, regardless of their religion, to come together to celebrate Durga Puja with a spirit of cooperation and harmony.

A Dhaka court on Friday placed former food minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder on a seven-day remand in a case filed over the death of a university student, Ramij Uddin Ahmed Roop, in Dhaka's Tejgaon area during the recent student-led protests on August 4. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Saifuddin Hossain passed the order after police produced him before the court seeking a 10-day remand for him. Members of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested Sadhan from Basundhara Residential area last night. Earlier, on September 7, AKM Rakibul Ahmed, father of the victim, lodged a murder case at Tejgaon Police Station against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 222 others. On August 4, Ramij, 24, a student of Daffodil International University, was shot in front of Karwan Bazar Metro Rail Station around 4pm. He was then rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 6pm.