United News of Bangladesh

Miscreants set fire to three buses at different locations in Gazipur on Tuesday night (11th November 2025) and early Wednesday (12th November 2025), triggering panic among people. However, no casualties have so far been reported, according to fire service officials. The first incident occurred at dawn (Wednesday) when a group of unidentified people torched a bus parked on Dhaka–Tangail highway near Peyarabagan area of Bhogra Bypass. Being informed, firefighters from the Bhogra Modern Fire Service rushed to the spot and doused the flames. Bus torched after running over teenager in Sirajganj Around the same time, another group set fire to a minibus in the Beraid Chala area of Sreepur upazila of the district.  Fire service personnel from Sreepur Fire Service Station responded and managed to bring the fire under control. In a separate incident around 10pm on Tuesday, miscreants set a minibus ablaze at Chakrabarti along the Kaliakoir–Nabinagar highway, partially burning its seats. Mohammad Mamun, deputy assistant director of Gazipur Fire Service, said the Peyarabagan fire caused an estimated Tk 20 lakh in damages, while the Sreepur incident led to losses worth about Tk 10 lakh. Read more: 14 platoons of BGB deployed in Dhaka, adjoining districts

The government has deployed 14 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Dhaka and adjoining districts to maintain law and order amid incidents of vehicle torching by miscreants. Shariful Islam, Public Relations Officer at the BGB headquarters, said on Wednesday morning (12th November 2025) that 12 platoons have been stationed in Dhaka, while the remaining two have been deployed in nearby districts of the capital. The paramilitary force has been positioned at key locations including Hotel Intercontinental, Dhanmondi-32, Airport, Abdullahpur, Kakrail, Shishu Academy, the High Court area, and Abrar Fahad Avenue. 3 buses set on fire in Gazipur Miscreants set fire to buses in Dhaka, Gazipur and other districts to create panic among the public, as the Awami League announced a ‘lockdown’ for November 13 ahead of the verdict dae to be set by the International Crimes Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and others in a case involving crimes against humanity.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Tuesday urged city residents not to panic over the Awami League’s announced ‘lockdown’ programme scheduled for November 13, assuring that stringent security measures are in place across the capital. “There is no cause for concern or fear. The Dhaka city dwellers will stand against the Awami League’s subversive activities,” the Commissioner said while addressing a press briefing on the city’s law and order situation at the DMP Media Centre in the afternoon. Sajjat Ali said a significant number of police personnel, supported by other law enforcement agencies, will be deployed throughout Dhaka to maintain peace and ensure public safety during the programme. Urging citizens to remain vigilant, he advised, “Do not give shelter to any unknown person. Before renting out your motorcycle or vehicle, verify the person properly to ensure it does not fall into the hands of miscreants.” The DMP Commissioner also requested residents to immediately report any suspicious movement or activity by calling the national emergency helpline 999. Providing an update on recent violence, Sajjat Ali said that 17 cases have been filed and 50 people arrested in the last 24 hours in connection with cocktail explosions across the capital. “A political party, whose activities are banned, and its affiliated organisations have carried out 14 flash processions since October,” he said. Law enforcement agencies on high alert over AL programme: adviser According to police data, from October to November 11, these organisations were responsible for 17 incidents of cocktail explosions in various parts of Dhaka. In the last two days alone, nine vehicles were torched. “So far, 17 cases have been filed and 50 people arrested in connection with these incidents,” the DMP chief said, adding that a total of 552 individuals have been detained since October for their involvement in such acts of violence. CCTV footage, he noted, shows that the perpetrators typically wear helmets and masks and conduct their attacks during dawn or rush hours. “We have found evidence that underage boys are being used to detonate cocktails,” he added. The DMP Commissioner reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property, urging city residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prevent any attempt at destabilising the capital.

Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday said that security patrols have been intensified across the country and protective measures strengthened at Key Point Installations (KPIs) ahead of the November 13 ‘lockdown’ announced by the Awami League. “We have stepped up our patrols. Security at KPIs has been beefed up. Selling fuel on the streets has been stopped,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting of the advisory council committee on law and order at the Secretariat. The adviser explained that the temporary suspension of roadside fuel sales aims to prevent incidents that could trigger unrest. “Tribunal areas, metro rail routes and other critical zones have been brought under heightened surveillance.” The adviser said that the decision to procure body-worn cameras for law enforcement has been finalised and the process may be completed within days. “Training for forces assigned to election duties is nearing completion, and rehearsals will follow.” Jahangir Alam detailed that around 1.5 lakh police personnel, 1 lakh army members, 35,000 from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), 5.5 lakh Ansar members, along with 4,500 navy and 4,000 coast guard personnel, will remain deployed during the election period. Regarding the recovery of illegal firearms, the adviser said operations are being intensified to seize remaining weapons. On possible militant infiltration, he said border forces are on high alert and have been instructed to prevent any unlawful entry. The adviser also said special checkpoints and vehicle inspections will be conducted in sensitive areas to ensure security and public safety.

The government of Bangladesh has once again extended the magistracy power of commissioned officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force until February 28, 2026, with effect from November 12 (Wednesday). The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification to this effect on Tuesday (November 11). Read more: Armed forces' magistracy powers extended by 60 days According to the notification, commissioned officers holding the rank of captain and above in the Bangladesh Armed Forces have been granted special executive magistrate powers across the country. Army officers serving on deputation in the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have also been vested with the same authority. The interim government initially granted the magistracy power to commissioned army officers on September 17 last year for 60 days to improve law and order. It was subsequently extended on January 12, March 13, May 13 and July 13 this year. Read more: Govt vows to protect interfaith unity, communal harmony

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday (11th November 2025) said law enforcement agencies are on high alert ahead of the Awami League’s planned Dhaka ‘lockdown’ programme on November 13, assuring that the situation will remain normal. The adviser made the remarks after a meeting of the advisory council committee on law and order at the Secretariat. Read more: DMP bans gatherings near CJ’s residence, SC areas from Tuesday “There had been detailed discussions here and we need your cooperation in one matter. If anyone is found suspicious, immediately inform the law enforcement agencies,” he said. He said law enforcers are in a strong position and there is no cause for concern, as they will remain vigilant. “No leniency will be shown to terrorists. You often say terrorists get bail very quickly. To ensure they do not get bail easily, we will also request the authorities not to release terrorists on easy terms,” the adviser said. Read more: Govt vows to protect interfaith unity, communal harmony

The interim government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding interfaith unity and communal harmony, declaring that any attempt to disrupt the nation’s religious coexistence will be met with the full weight of the law. Security has been stepped up in all churches and religious establishments of all faiths in the capital, said the Chief Adviser's press wing. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with a series of recent cocktail attacks in the capital, the press wing said on Monday (10th November 2025).  Murder reports rise as suppressed cases surface during interim govt: CA’s press wing Initial police investigation has identified him as a member of Chhatra League, the outlawed student wing of the deposed Awami League whose activities have been banned by the government.   The suspect is being interrogated regarding multiple incidents, including the cocktail explosions on the premises of Kakrail’s St. Mary’s Cathedral and St. Joseph School, a Catholic-run famous educational institution. The DMP, in coordination with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), has intensified a citywide manhunt to apprehend all individuals involved in these heinous and cowardly acts of violence, the government said.  Read more: Cocktail explosion near NCP office in Banglamotor, 5 detained

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Monday issued a public notice banning all forms of mass gatherings and processions in areas surrounding the official residence of the Chief Justice and nearby Supreme Court premises, effective from Tuesday until further notice. The restricted areas include Justice Bhaban, the Judges Complex, the main gate of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, Mazar Gate, Jame Masjid Gate, the entrances of International Crimes Tribunal 1 and 2, and the Judicial Administration Training Institute building. The order, signed by DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali, was issued under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance (Ordinance No. III of 1976) to maintain public order. DMP restricts mobile phone use for on-duty police to boost vigilance According to the notice, all types of gatherings — including meetings, rallies, processions, human chains, sit-ins, and similar activities — are prohibited in these areas. The DMP also urged all concerned to refrain from obstructing traffic or blocking roads in the name of protests or demands.  

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Monday filed a case against the ruling Awami League’s research wing, the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), on charges of securing tax exemption without registration, embezzling funds and laundering a large sum of money through irregular transactions. Assistant Director Mubashshira Atia Tama filed the case at the ACC’s Integrated District Office, Dhaka-1, on Monday, said ACC Public Relations Officer and Deputy Director Akterul Islam. The case names eight accused, including CRI Trustee Board Chairman and ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy; Vice Chairman and Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed Putul; Trustee and Hasina’s nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby; former finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal; former state minister for power Nasrul Hamid; former NBR chairman Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan; former NBR member Rowshan Ara Akhter; and CRI Executive Director Shabbir Bin Shams. According to the case statement, a total of Tk 15.68 crore from the funds deposited in CRI’s accounts was embezzled while CRI enjoyed tax exemption benefits despite not being registered under the Department of Social Services, causing financial losses to the government. The complaint further said the organization conducted ‘unusual transactions’ across multiple bank accounts, transferring large sums of money suspected to be linked to money laundering activities. The ACC investigation found that despite lacking registration, CRI collected Tk 45.35 crore from 23 different entities. Review of income tax records showed that between the fiscal years 2014–15 and 2023–24, CRI reported income of Tk 100.31 crore but failed to provide valid documentation for Tk 20.45 crore in expenditures. The discrepancy analysis indicated that while CRI’s accounts showed a balance of Tk 70.80 crore, bank statements reflected only Tk 55.11 crore, leaving Tk 15.68 crore unaccounted for, which the ACC claims was embezzled. The case further alleges that in 2019, CRI trustee Nasrul Hamid applied to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for tax exemption despite the organization not having proper registration. The then finance minister, NBR chairman, and NBR member approved the request, issuing SRO No. 83-Law/2019, which the ACC says violated provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance. 34 More Awami League, Front Organization Activists Held for Planning, Funding Flash Processions in Dhaka Taking advantage of the exemption, CRI allegedly evaded a total of Tk 36.52 lakh in taxes over three fiscal years while Tk 9.47 lakh in 2020–21, Tk 13.26 lakh in 2021–22, and Tk 13.78 lakh in 2022–23. The ACC said its review of 25 bank accounts under CRI’s name revealed deposits of Tk 247.85 crore and withdrawals of Tk 191.21 crore, amounting to transactions worth Tk 439 crore deemed ‘unusual’. The incident occurred between December 30, 2014, and July 10, 2024.  

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued a directive restricting the use of mobile phones by on-duty police personnel, with the exception of team in-charges, in a bid to ensure heightened vigilance and more effective performance of their duties. The order, signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali on Monday, comes amid growing concern that police officers’ use of mobile phones during duty hours has been affecting alertness and disrupting the smooth execution of their responsibilities. Officials noted that such distractions could compromise both the safety of the officers themselves and the public, despite the visible presence of law enforcement personnel. According to the directive, unit in-charges have been tasked with briefing their forces to ensure full compliance before deployment. Any violation of the order will be considered a breach of discipline and handled in accordance with existing regulations. The move also comes as authorities prepare for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections. The DMP aims to maintain a peaceful environment, ensure law and order, and curb the activities of banned organisations during this sensitive period. Commissioner Sajjat Ali emphasised that the measure is intended to strengthen operational efficiency and protect both the public and police personnel from potential risks arising from lapses in vigilance.