United News of Bangladesh

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday summoned national cricketer and former Magura-1 lawmaker Shakib Al Hasan for interrogation in a case linked to alleged stock market manipulation and illicit asset movement. A letter issued from the ACC headquarters on Thursday asked Shakib to appear before investigators on November 26. ACC Director General Md Akhter Hossain told reporters that accused Md Abul Khayer, known as Hiru, allegedly manipulated the stock market through irregularities and corruption, luring investors and causing losses. He then reportedly laundered the illicit gains through layered transactions across different channels. Shakib Al Hasan signs for three new foreign leagues He said Shakib Al Hasan, along with several others, has been named in the case for their alleged involvement in receiving or transferring proceeds linked to the scheme. “As part of the investigation, notices have been issued. Shakib has been summoned on November 26,” he added. According to the ACC, a total of 15 accused in the case have been summoned on November 25 and 26 for questioning.  

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Thursday warned that persons involved in acts of sabotage will be declared “unwanted” in the capital under existing laws. He said those orchestrating planned crude bomb attacks and arson on vehicles to create public panic are being identified and brought under the purview of the law. The commissioner made the remarks while addressing DMP’s monthly crime review meeting at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh Police Lines in the city. He emphasized that police must remain completely neutral and work in the public interest during the upcoming national election, adding that no officer can show weakness or bias toward any political party, ideology or individual. To ensure public safety and maintain law and order, the DMP chief said police will not hesitate to use maximum legal force against criminals.  He also instructed field units to intensify patrol activities to prevent crime at the precinct level. Additional Police Commissioner (Admin) Md Sarwar underscored the need for police personnel to use social media in accordance with government policies and to increase the use of e-documents in daily activities. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime & Operations) S.N. Md Nazrul Islam stressed swift and effective action after filing cases to ensure suspects are quickly brought under legal procedures. He also highlighted the need for the highest level of professional integrity and neutrality during the upcoming general election, warning that no one will be allowed to destabilize the law-and-order situation surrounding the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal. At the meeting, Joint Police Commissioner (Crime) Md Faruk Hossain presented crime statistics for October 2025, including figures on robbery, theft, burglary, homicide, unnatural deaths, road accidents, violence against women and children, rape, and the recovery of drugs and illegal weapons. The DMP commissioner also issued various directives to attending officers and later distributed awards to personnel of different ranks in recognition of exemplary performance in crime control, law-and-order maintenance and public safety in October.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) on Thursday dismissed Joint Commissioner Md Lutf ul Kabir after charges of misconduct and desertion under the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018 were found proven through a full departmental proceeding. The order, issued in the public interest, takes immediate effect. According to a gazette notification, Lutf ul Kabir, previously posted at the Customs, Excise and VAT Commissionerate, Dhaka (South), had been transferred to the Commissionerate in Jashore under an NBR order issued in October 2024. The Dhaka (South) office subsequently released him on October 28, 2024 to enable him to join his new workplace. Despite the release order, he failed to join the Jashore office. Instead, he submitted a leave application dated October 28, 2024, which was backdated by having it received in the relevant register on October 27, 2024 through a subordinate official. As the leave request was not approved, his prolonged absence from duty was deemed unauthorised. It was found that he violated lawful orders of his superiors and had remained absent from work for more than 60 days without permission. He was suspended on March 2, 2025 through a notification issued by the Internal Resources Division. After examining his statements, relevant documents, and other evidence, authorities determined that the allegations, if proven, could warrant a major penalty. To ensure fairness, Commissioner Mohammad Akbar Hossain of the VAT Intelligence and Investigation Directorate was appointed as the inquiry officer. The inquiry officer submitted his report on June 15, 2025, concluding that both charges—misconduct under Rule 3(b) and desertion under Rule 3(g)—had been proved. After reviewing the report and all related documents, the authorities issued a second show-cause notice, informing the accused officer that dismissal or another major penalty was under consideration. He was directed to respond within seven working days. Although Lutf ul Kabir submitted his second written reply on July 24, 2025, the response was judged unsatisfactory. The matter was then referred to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) for its statutory opinion. The BPSC agreed with the administrative ministry’s decision and recommended imposing the major penalty of dismissal under Rule 4(3)(gha). The decision to dismiss Lutf ul Kabir from government service received the approval of the President, the notification said. Following a final review of the allegations, his written replies, the inquiry report, the BPSC’s opinion and all relevant documents, the government confirmed that the charges of misconduct and desertion had been proved beyond doubt.  

Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) has launched the GenieA app to make police services more accessible, enabling citizens to request help and report incidents with a single click. SMP Commissioner Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury introduced the app which was first piloted on October 16 at Moglabazar Police Station and extended to all five other police stations on November 16. The app currently offers two main features— an SOS button to immediately alert police with the user’s location and identity and incident reporting to provide information about criminals, with an option for reports to go directly to the Police Commissioner. Future upgrades will include CCTV and AI-based monitoring, drone surveillance, student safety measures, blockchain-based evidence handling, and AI-assisted legal support for filing FIRs. Experts call for effective implementation of SMP guidelines to ensure fair competition and new investments in telecom sector The app will also integrate with other agencies including fire and immigration services, support ambulance and ride-sharing emergencies, and tackle cyberbullying. GenieA is available for download on Google Play and iOS TestFlight. SMP said the app aims to ensure faster, safer, and more transparent service delivery for Sylhet residents.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Sajjat Ali on Thursday warned that efforts to undermine police morale could again force citizens to guard their own homes, as witnessed after August 5 last year. Talking to reporters after inaugurating the DB Cyber Support Centre on Minto Road, he said significant effort had been made to rebuild police morale. “Please do not try to break this morale. If it collapses, you will have to guard your houses with bamboo sticks, just like after August 5 last year,” he cautioned. Referring to a recent viral incident, he said police officers had faced inappropriate behaviour while trying to prevent unrest. DMP chief orders use of firearms to stop arson attacks in Dhaka “We do not stand on the streets to clash with you. We are there to serve you. Such behaviour deeply hurts us,” he said. The DMP chief said an officer was injured on Wednesday night after miscreants hurled a cocktail near Pallabi Police Station. “He was an innocent officer standing on the road. Such attacks damage police morale and ultimately harm everyone,” he said. The DMP chief warned that attempts to create instability after the recent change in government could push society into further disorder and urged those involved to stop immediately. Serve people lawfully to win their trust: DMP chief Asked about shooting those who throw cocktails, he said the law—not he—dictates police action. “I did not make the law. Parliament makes the law. Whatever is stated in the law is what my officers follow." He urged city residents to work together to maintain peace and ensure public safety.

The Appellate Division on Thursday ordered that the caretaker government system be reinstated in the Constitution of the country, declaring the 13th amendment to the constitution as legal. A seven-member bench led by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order in the packed court. The other bench members are Justice Md. Ashfaqul Islam, Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury, Justice Md. Rezaul Haque, S. M. Emdadul Hoque, Justice AKM Asaduzzaman, and Justice Farah Mahbub. The apex court in its observation said that the next national election would be held under the interim government and the caretaker government system would be applied from the 14th national election. After ending the hearing on November 11, the court set November 20 to deliver the final verdict. The appeal hearings were conducted by senior lawyer Zainul Abedin and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal on behalf of the BNP Secretary General; Mohammad Shishir Monir on behalf of Jamaat; and senior lawyer Sharif Bhuiyan for five prominent citizens. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman represented the state. Earlier, on August 27, the Appellate Division allowed the filing of an appeal against the verdict that abolished the caretaker government system. The hearing of the appeal to restore the caretaker government system began on October 21. The caretaker system was introduced into the Constitution through the 13th Amendment in 1996. Caretaker Govt: Top court sets Nov 20 for delivering judgment Later, three lawyers, including Advocate M Salim Ullah, filed a writ petition challenging the amendment in 1998. The petition was dismissed in 2004, and the petitioners appealed in 2005. Acting on that appeal, a full bench of the Appellate Division delivered a verdict on May 10, 2011, declaring the 13th Amendment null and void. Following the verdict, the 15th Amendment Act, which abolished the caretaker government system along with several other changes, was passed in Parliament on June 30, 2011, with the gazette notification published on July 3 that year. After the change of government, five prominent individuals, including Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, filed an appeal on August 5 last year seeking a review of the verdict. The other petitioners were Tofail Ahmed, M Hafizuddin Khan, Zobairul Haq Bhuiyan and Zahra Rahman. No scope for holding next national election under caretaker govt: Shishir Manir Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir filed a review petition on October 16, followed by another from Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar on October 23.

An assistant sub-inspector of police sustained injuries after unidentified miscreants hurled crude bombs near Pallabi Police Station in the capital on Wednesday night. The explosions occurred around 8:30pm in front of Sagufta Housing Gate adjacent to the police station, where two crude bombs went off in quick succession. A third device detonated moments later on the paved road in front of the station gate, police said. ASI (unarmed) Md Nur Islam, who was waiting at the gate at the time, was injured in the blasts, said Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner of DMP (Media). He said the injured officer has been admitted to a local hospital for treatment. Quoting witnesses, police said the attackers threw the explosives from the nearby flyover to create panic among residents before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. Talebur Rahman said the incidents appeared to be intended to spread fear and disrupt public order. He added that police have intensified operations to track down those responsible. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) reiterated that efforts to maintain law and order in the city remain ongoing and urged residents to report any information about such criminal elements to the nearest police station or through the national emergency helpline 999.

The Appellate Division will deliver its judgment on Thursday on an appeal challenging its earlier verdict that abolished the caretaker government system for conducting national elections. A seven-member bench led by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed is scheduled to announce the verdict. The appeal hearings were conducted by senior lawyer Zainul Abedin and Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal on behalf of the BNP Secretary General; Mohammad Shishir Monir on behalf of Jamaat; and senior lawyer Sharif Bhuiyan for five prominent citizens. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman represented the state. Talking to reporters, lawyer Shishir Monir said holding the 13th parliament election under a caretaker government is not possible under constitutional provisions. “A caretaker government must be formed within 15 days of dissolving Parliament. Parliament was dissolved more than a year ago. We hope the 14th National Parliament election will be held under a caretaker government,” he said. Earlier, on August 27, the Appellate Division allowed the filing of an appeal against the verdict that abolished the caretaker government system. The hearing of the appeal to restore the caretaker government system began on October 21. The caretaker system was introduced into the Constitution through the 13th Amendment in 1996. Later, three lawyers, including Advocate M Salim Ullah, filed a writ petition challenging the amendment in 1998. The petition was dismissed in 2004, and the petitioners appealed in 2005. Acting on that appeal, a full bench of the Appellate Division delivered a verdict on May 10, 2011, declaring the 13th Amendment null and void. All criminal proceedings need to meet int'l fair trial standards, HRW says on Hasina verdict Following the verdict, the 15th Amendment Act, which abolished the caretaker government system along with several other changes, was passed in Parliament on June 30, 2011, with the gazette notification published on July 3 that year. After the change of government, five prominent individuals, including Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, filed an appeal on August 5 last year seeking a review of the verdict. The other petitioners were Tofail Ahmed, M Hafizuddin Khan, Zobairul Haq Bhuiyan and Zahra Rahman. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir filed a review petition on October 16, followed by another from Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Prof Mia Golam Parwar on October 23.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Wednesday (November 19) said there is no unrest in the country following the tribunal’s death sentence handed down to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Talking to reporters at the Secretariat after an inter-ministerial security meeting held ahead of the Victory Day 2025 celebrations, the adviser reaffirmed that nothing unexpected had occurred in connection with the verdict. Read more: Hasina verdict: Security forces in tense standoff with group looking to storm Dhanmandi 32 Responding to questions about reports of unrest after the court’s decision and any potential threats ahead of Victory Day, Jahangir said no such incidents had taken place and there was no cause for concern regarding the upcoming national celebrations. He said the Victory Day events will proceed as scheduled and noted that there is no reason to anticipate any disturbance during the commemorations. Parade will not take place this year too, he said. Commenting on allegations that law enforcers picked up a journalist on Tuesday night, the adviser said he had only just been informed of the matter and would look into it. Read more: Home Adviser signals zero tolerance on unrest as election in February

Police recovered 10 firearms including foreign-made revolvers and pistols in nationwide raids conducted over the past 24 hours ending at 8am on Tuesday. In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, the Police Headquarters said law enforcement teams also seized around 30.5 kilograms of gunpowder, ammunition and several improvised explosive devices (crude bombs) during the drives. During the same period, a total of 1,649 persons were arrested on various charges, the statement added. Police said such drives will continue to curb illegal firearms, explosives and criminal activities nationwide.