Law-&-Order
No threat of militant attacks detected, enhanced security at Eidgahs: RAB Chief
The Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), M Khurshid Hossain, said on Tuesday that extensive intelligence analysis and cyber monitoring have revealed no threats of militant attacks during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.
Speaking to the press after a thorough inspection of the National Eidgah grounds, the RAB chief detailed the exhaustive security preparations made to ensure the peaceful observance of Eid prayers across the country.
Among the deployed assets, Hossain highlighted the round-the-clock presence of dog squads and bomb disposal units at the National Eidgah and other prayer venues. He also noted that RAB's elite commando teams are on standby to swiftly address any potential attacks or disruptive activities.
To further bolster security measures, Hossain revealed that an increased number of RAB personnel have been strategically stationed in various regions. These units are supported by a robust infrastructure including control rooms, striking reserves, and both foot and mobile patrols.
Additionally, checkpoints are being established with a dual focus on security and minimising inconvenience to those traveling for the holiday.
The implementation of CCTV monitoring and the strategic placement of checkpoints underscore the RAB's comprehensive approach to safeguarding the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.
53 KNF members detained during operations in Bandarban
Members of the Bangladesh army and police in Bandarban have detained 53 KNF members in two separate operations.
Among the detainees are 18 women. The operations also led to the arrest of Lalchiam Bom, assistant cashier of Sonali Bank in Ruma upazila, who is currently undergoing interrogation.
CHT situation to be normal soon: Quader
Additionally, law enforcement agencies carried seven firearms, ammunition, and KNF-related equipment during the operations.
The operation, conducted on Monday afternoon by army personnel, targeted several villages, including Bathel Para in Ruma upazila, where a cache of arms, ammunition, and equipment was discovered.
2 more active KNF members arrested in Bandarban
On Sunday night the operation by the police, resulted in the arrest of three KNF members at Reicha camp and the driver of the vehicle used in the robbery, apprehended from Thanchi.
Zone Commander of the army in Ruma upazila, Lt Col KM Arafat Amin confirmed the matter.
Chief Coordinator of KNF arrested in Bandarban by RAB
The detainees from the police operation were identified as Vannanun Moy Bom, Jemeniyu Bom, and Ame Lanchao Bom, residents of Simtlangpi Para in Ruma upazila, while the arrested driver was named Md Kofil Uddin Sagar (28) from Thanchi.
Furthermore, Additional Superintendent of Police Raihan Kazemi revealed that 49 individuals from Ruma, three from Bandarban, and one from Thanchi were detained and sent to the Bandarban district headquarters for further processing.
Meanwhile, in response to the escalating situation, a joint combing operation led by the army has been initiated since Sunday night, covering Ruma, Rowangchhari, and Thanchi upazilas. The authorities have bolstered security measures by deploying four Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) from Dhaka and increasing the number of security personnel in the area.
The intensified security measures have caused disruptions in daily life, with the closure of banking and financial institutions and the suspension of vehicular movement in Ruma upazila. Markets are shuttering early, reflecting the prevailing tension in the affected upazilas.
The district administration has instructed hospitals to remain on high alert and prepare to provide prompt medical assistance to patients and the injured. The situation remains fluid as security forces continue their efforts to quell any potential threats posed by insurgent activities in the region.
2 more active KNF members arrested in Bandarban
Law enforcers in a joint drive arrested two more active members of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) from Bethelpara in Ruma upazila of Bandarban district on Monday.
They also recovered seven guns, 20 bullets, laptop and uniform from their possession, said a press release of ISPR.
Chief Coordinator of KNF arrested in Bandarban by RAB
In a significant development on Sunday, RAB arrested Cheusim Bawm, the 55-year-old chief coordinator of KNF, from his home in Sualok in Sadar upazila of Bandarban.
The operation marked a critical step in combating the activities of KNF, which according to RAB, was formed under the pretext of a cultural organisation by Roal Lin Bawm and Cheusim Bawm, with links to KNF chief Nathan Bawm.
RAB crackdown: 5 suspected KNF members arrested; 2 firearms recovered
HC orders returning hall seat allotment to Buet student Rabbi
The High Court on Monday ordered the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) to return the hall seat of its student Imtiaz Rahim Rabbi.
HC Justice Md Khasruzzaman and Justice KM Zahid Sarwar passed the order after hearing a writ petition challenging the cancellation of the hall seat allotment to Rabbi, a student of 21st batch of Civil Engineering department and an executive member of BCL central panel, by the Buet authorities.
Earlier on April 1, the same HC bench stayed the decision of Buet authorities restricting politics on the campus.
In email to BUET students Hizbut Tahrir calls for crusade against westerners
Rabbi’s hall allotment was cancelled by the university authorities amid students’ protests demanding expulsion of Rabbi for his suspected involvement in the gathering Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists on the campus defying the authorities’ ban on student politics.
Barrister Harun-or-Rashid filed the writ petition challenging the Buet’s decision.
The Vice Chancellor of Buet and others concerned have been made respondents in the writ.
On March 27, BCL president Saddam Hussain along with other leaders and activists entered Buet campus when Imtiaz Rahim Rabbi was present and allegedly played a vital role in facilitating the entry by the BCL men.
On March 29, the students of Buet staged demonstrations against the alleged activities of Bangladesh Chhatra League activists on the campus where student politics is prohibited.
Amid protests of general students, Buet authorities cancelled the hall allocation of Rabbi on March 30 but no decision was taken about his expulsion as per the demand of the students.
In open letter, Buet students appeal to PM for a politics-free campus
The Buet students on April 2 appealed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, seeking her intervention to maintain their campus as a zone free of political activities.
This request was articulated through an open letter to the Prime Minister, the contents of which were shared during a press briefing in front of the Prof MA Rashid Administrative building on the BUET campus.
Army Chief vows decisive action against crime in Bandarban: Comprehensive joint operation underway
In response to a surge of criminal activities, including high-profile bank robbery and abduction, General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff, announced on Sunday a comprehensive joint operation in Bandarban.
This initiative marks a significant escalation in efforts to maintain public safety, involving coordination among the Bangladesh Army, Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
During a press briefing at the Bandarban Cantonment, General Ahmed disclosed, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of our citizens. We are implementing both overt and covert strategies to achieve tangible results from this operation.”
The recent criminal spree has alarmed the local populace, prompting high-ranking military officials, including General Ahmed, to visit Bandarban. Their presence aims to reassure the community in the aftermath of unsettling events.
A breakthrough came on Friday night when the operation led to the arrest of several armed suspects. The crackdown, according to General Ahmed, signals the military's unwavering resolve against groups undermining regional stability. He particularly mentioned the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), a group previously engaged in peace negotiations.
“Despite our hopes for peace, the KNF reverted to criminal conduct,” he said.
“After being cornered last June, they appeared willing to negotiate. Unfortunately, their commitment to peace was superficial, as evidenced by their continued involvement in criminal acts,” he added.
In an earlier address to the troops, General Ahmed called for bravery and vigilance in combating crime, underscoring the importance of this mission to national security and public well-being.
Female drug peddler held with cannabis in Bagerhat
Detective Branch (DB) of police detained a woman along with cannabis at Mongla upazila in Bagerhat district early Saturday.
The detainee was identified as Fatima Begum, 30, a resident of Kapalirmoth village in the upazila.
1 dead, 15 injured in old-fashioned village brawl Kishoreganj
Acting on a tip-off, a team of the DB conducted a drive in Kapalirmoth area and detained Fatima from her house along with 15 kg of cannabis, said Inspector Swapan Kumar Roy district DB.
However, sensing the presence of the law enforcers her husband Billal Haque managed to flee.
Clash over distribution of VGF rice in Habiganj; 50 hurt
Later, she was handed over to Mongla Police, said the DB official, adding that a case was filed against her.
DB dismantles fraudulent loan scheme: Election Commission employee among 4 arrested
The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has apprehended four individuals linked to a fraud operation involving the embezzlement of funds through bogus bank loans. Among the arrested is an employee of the Election Commission office.
The operation, spearheaded by Assistant Commissioner Javed Iqbal of the DB Ramana Zone, was launched in Dhaka and Rangpur following credible intelligence. The suspects, identified as Joynal Abedin alias Idris (42), Election Commission staffer Pallab Das (36), Rafiqul Islam Khan (38), and Alif Hossain (20), were nabbed for their roles in attempting to secure loans totaling Tk 50 crore by exploiting vulnerabilities in the banking system.
Police investigating robbery at Chinese workshop in Dhaka
DB Chief Harun ur Rashid, in a press briefing on Saturday, disclosed the gang's method of operation, highlighting Joynal as the mastermind behind the fraudulent scheme. Utilising forged National ID cards (NIDs), the group sought to manipulate bank officials into approving substantial loans for non-existent enterprises.
Previously engaged in the trade of imitation goods, Joynal ventured into fraud following a business setback. He established a faux company, "ER International," in Mirpur DOHS, and fabricated documentation for seven other phantom companies to support his loan applications. To date, Joynal has illicitly obtained loans amounting to Tk 30 crore, which he used to amass considerable assets, including a seven-story residence in Bashundhara, multiple flats across Dhaka, and a property in Madaripur.
Security tightened for banks in Khagrachhari following robberies: DC
The DB Chief emphasised the investigative efforts to unravel the extent of the scam, including the procurement of fraudulent NIDs and the potential involvement of other Election Commission employees. "We will interrogate Joynal and Pallab Das under remand to uncover the full scope of this network," Rashid stated.
Police investigating robbery at Chinese workshop in Dhaka
The police are investigating an alleged robbery that took place at the workshop of Sinohydro, a Chinese state-owned hydropower engineering and construction company, situated on the opposite side of Boat Club in the capital's Mirpur Beribadh area.
On April 1, the employees of the workshop were tied up and robbed during Iftar.
Later, a case was lodged at Rupnagar police station on April 2. Jane Alam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Rupnagar police station, said on Friday evening that they are investigating the matter.
"And there was no robbery taking place at the Metrorail workshop. Actually, it happened in the workshop of a Chinese company," he added.
"We are trying to identify and arrest those who committed it," he mentioned.
Police are also scrutinising the CCTV footage, said the officer.
60 sued over robbery at Rampal Power Plant
A case has been filed over the robbery at the Rampal Thermal Power Plant in Bagerhat.
Habildar Shahidul Islam, of Ansar Battalion-3, filed the case at Rampal Police Station on Thursday night, naming 20 individuals and 30 to 40 unidentified men.
Armed miscreants attempt to enter Rampal Power Plant: BIFPCL
Police have already arrested 12 suspects involved in the case, with efforts underway to apprehend the others, according to police sources.
Rampal Police Station Officer-in-Charge Somen Das, quoting the case details, said that on Wednesday night, a group of robbers entered the D-block of the Rampal Thermal Power Plant. At that time, Ansar members and private security personnel of the power plant attempted to stop them. The robbers attacked them, injuring five Ansar members. During their escape, the robbers stole various sizes of iron rods worth Tk 90,000.
‘Attempted robbery’ at Rampal Power Plant: 5 security personnel injured
Those injured in the attack --Akram, Saidul Islam, Mintu Bairagi, Brajen Mondal, and Habib Kamal--are undergoing treatment at the hospital, said the OC.
Around 11:00 pm on Wednesday, a group of 50 to 60 men attacked the power plant. During the attack, two Ansar members, three private security personnel of the power plant, and one member of the robber gang were injured.
Production at Rampal power plant suspended following technical fault
Incidentally, incidents of theft are becoming more frequent at the Rampal Thermal Power Plant, where nearly 1,320 megawatts of electricity are generated. The thieves often steal copper wires and various machine parts.
Security tightened for banks in Khagrachhari following robberies: DC
In the wake of bank robberies in Bandarban’s Ruma and Thanchi upazilas, security measures have been beefed up for public and private banks stationed in hilly Khagrachhari district.
Deputy Commissioner Md Sahiduzzaman confirmed this on Friday morning.
Managers of public and private banks in the district said there is no concern over the security. However cautionary measures have been taken following the bank robberies in Bandarban.
Khagrachhari Sadar upazila’s Sonali Bank Assistant General Manager Samar Kanti Tripura said, “After the bank robbery a virtual meeting was held where priorities were given on the increase of security measures. In addition, vigilance by the law enforcement agencies has also been tightened. Our bank also has its own security system.“
Bangladesh Krishi Bank’s Khagrachhari branch Manager Devashish Tripua said, “Our authorities have ordered to increase security. But since we are in the district town, we aren’t worried about security. But we’re careful. The number of security personnel has been increased.”
Two gunmen will perform duty at the branch along with vigilance by the law enforcers, he said.
Private Dutch Bangla Bank Limited’s Manger Md Nuruddin Chowdhury said there is no crisis for the security issue as the government has increased security measures along with the bank’s own security.
DC Sahiduzzaman said the number of police personnel has been increased at the banks for security.
The banking security issue was discussed with importance in the core committee meeting, the DC added.
On Tuesday night, armed separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) abducted Sonali Bank’s Bandarban Ruma upazila branch manager Nizam Uddin.
They also carried out robberies at Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank branches in Ruma and Thanchi upazilas on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.
The Rapid Action Battalion rescued the abducted bank manager on Thursday night and took him to his family on Friday morning.