United News of Bangladesh

Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested a man in the capital’s Mohammadpur area on Saturday evening for allegedly planning acts of arson and sabotage. The elite force also recovered six petrol bombs, one samurai sword, one gas lighter and an Android mobile phone from his possession. Based on secret information, a team of Rab-2 battalion carried out a drive on the bank of the Turag River, adjacent to Arab Mission Public School at Bashila Garden City in Mohammadpur at around 7:00 pm. During the drive, they arrested Md Ferdous alias Barek alias Bhatija, son of Omar Ali of Dularhat in Bhola. He currently lives in Nabinagar, Dhaka Udyan, Mohammadpur. RAB-2 Media Officer Additional Superintendent of Police Md Shamsul Islam said, a tip-off indicated that the detainee and his associates were planning to gather in different key points of Mohammadpur— including Tin Rasta and Rayerbazar— to carry out arson and sabotage during the lockdown called by Awami League and its associate bodies on November 16 and 17. During PCPR verification, RAB said several cases, including a murder case, were found against him. Legal proceedings are underway.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Sunday (November 16) instructed police personnel to open fire on anyone attempting to torch vehicles or carry out petrol bombs or crude bomb attacks in the capital. The order was issued through a wireless message in the afternoon, said a police officer, posted in a police station, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to comment publicly. Commissioner Sajjat Ali later told the media that the directive was issued in light of recent arson attempts targeting public transport and law enforcement. He said that the directive was given through a wireless message to open fire if anyone sets fire to a bus or throws a crude bomb with the intent to cause loss of life. “This is permitted under the existing laws.” SC seeks army deployment ahead of verdict in Hasina case According to police sources, the instruction applies in situations where miscreants ignite buses, throw crude bombs with lethal intent, or attempt to attack police by hurling explosives from moving motorcycles. The directive comes amid a fresh wave of unrest allegedly linked to the Awami League (AL), which has been barred from political activities. It had earlier called for protests and a ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ from November 10 to 13. The party launched the programme ahead of the expected verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal in a case against Sheikh Hasina over charges related to the July uprising. Since November 10, many incidents of arson attacks on buses and trains, along with crude bomb explosions, have been reported in Dhaka and other districts. The verdict in the case against Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to be pronounced on Monday, prompting the Awami League to declare a two-day ‘complete shutdown’ beginning today (Sunday). Read more: New iron-grey Bangladesh police uniform stirs mixed public reactions

The Supreme Court has requested the Bangladesh Army to deploy troops to bolster security around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ahead of Monday’s scheduled verdict in cases relating to crimes against humanity involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. Supreme Court Special Officer Mohammad Muazzem Hossain said on Sunday afternoon that a letter had been sent to the Army Headquarters seeking ‘flawless security’ in and around the tribunal. He said a similar request was made last Thursday following the announcement of the verdict date. Nation on alert as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case The ICT-1 is set to deliver its judgment in the case concerning alleged crimes committed during last year’s July uprising. The other two accused are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who testified as a state witness. Meanwhile, the Awami League—whose organisational activities remain banned—has called for a ‘complete shutdown’ on Sunday and Monday, demanding the cancellation of the tribunal proceedings, among other issues. Besides, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur districts to maintain overall security and ensure law and order.

A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to popular actress Mehazabien Chowdhury and her brother Alisan Chowdhury in a case over embezzlement of Tk 27 lakh. Judge of the Dhaka Executive Magistrate Court-3 Afroza Tania granted bail when she along with her brother surrendered before the court, said Mehazabein’s lawyer Tuhin Hawladar. Earlier, in the day, a Dhaka court issued warrants for their arrest. According to the case statement, Mehazabien took Tk 27 lakh from plaintiff Amirul Islam through Nagad and bKash, promising to make him a business partner in a new family venture. When Mehazabien and her brother did not initiate any business activities for a long period, Amirul asked for his money back but they delayed repayment. On February 11, after Amirul again sought the refund, the accused asked him to meet at Hatirjheel Road on March 16. Upon reaching the designated spot, Amirul was verbally abused and threatened with death by Mehazabien, her brother, and 4–5 others if he appeared near the actress’ residence, it said. Amirul filed a case with Dhaka Executive Magistrate on March 24.

Security has been tightened across the country, particularly in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Dhaka, ahead of Monday’s (November 17) verdict in a high-profile case of crimes against humanity. The tribunal is set to deliver its judgement on cases against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, who stand accused of crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August uprising. The verdict will be delivered amid fresh tensions as a series of arson and crude bomb attacks were reported in Dhaka, Savar, Kushtia, Gazipur and other parts of the country. Awami League, whose activities remain banned in Bangladesh, called for a ‘complete shutdown’ on Sunday and Monday in protest citing several demands including the cancellation of the tribunal’s proceedings. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur and Madaripur districts to ensure overall security and maintain law and order. Read more: Fakhrul calls for full justice ahead of ICT verdict in Hasina’s case Two other accused in the case are former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Mamun testified as a state witness. The prosecution has claimed all five charges against Hasina and other accused have been proven and sought the maximum punishment. In a press briefing on November 13, Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said they have appealed to the court for the highest penalty. On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain has sought acquittal for both Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, while Mamun’s lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad has also sought his acquittal. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Sunday said whatever verdict the tribunal delivers in case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday will be executed and people will accept it. Law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to prevent any untoward incident centering the verdict, he said. Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the verdict live. The live verdict will be shown via giant screen at 10 spots of the Dhaka, said MH Tamim, a prosecutor of the ICT. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged people and political parties to resist the ‘vested quarter’ that, he alleged, is trying to create anarchy ahead of Monday’s verdict in the case filed against ‘fascist Sheikh Hasina for committing genocide’. “The verdict in the trial over the genocide committed by fascist Hasina will be delivered tomorrow (Monday). Extreme uncertainty and fear are now prevailing across the entire country because of this,” Fakhrul said at a discussion in Dhaka. Jamaat, allies to mobilise on streets on Hasina verdict day The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its report on February 12 said Bangladesh’s previous government and security and intelligence services, alongside violent elements associated with the Awami League, systematically engaged in a range of serious human rights violations during last year’s student-led protests. Based on deaths reported by various credible sources, the report estimates that as many as 1,400 people may have been killed between 15 July and 5 August, and thousands were injured, the vast majority of whom were shot by Bangladesh’s security forces. it said. Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case. On March 16 this year, the prosecution appealed to include former IGP Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina and the tribunal approved it. After the Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, the ICT was reconstituted. The first case in the reconstituted tribunal concerned alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising, with Sheikh Hasina as the accused. The tribunal conducted its first hearing on October 17 last year, issuing an arrest warrant against Hasina that day. After extending the deadline several times, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on May 12 this year. On June 1, the prosecution formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two accused. The charges include inciting violence in a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024, ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons, shooting death of student Abu Sayed at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, killing of six protestors at Chankharpul, Dhaka and burning of six people to death in Ashulia. The tribunal formally framed these charges on July 10. Hasina and Asaduzzaman remain at large, while former IGP Mamun is the only arrested accused. On the day the charges were framed, Mamun admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity during the uprising and applied to testify as a state witness. Arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23. Relatives of victims, including the father of martyr Abu Sayed testified in the case, along with key witnesses including Nahid Islam, Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) and Amar Desh editor Dr Mahmudur Rahman. In total, 54 witnesses testified during the trial. Read more: BGB deployed in Dhaka, 3 other districts

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members have been deployed in Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur districts to ensure overall security and maintain law and order ahead of a verdict in a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others. BGB personnel have been on duty in the districts since morning, said Shariful Islam, Public Relations Officer of BGB Headquarters. However, the BGB headquarters did not disclose the number of platoons deployed.

Police have arrested a man allegedly for cutting down at least 50 Bakul trees and several other species along the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway in Betlatail area of Sadar Dakshin upazila of Cumilla district. The arrestee was identified as Azmiri Hossain of Souratoli area in Sadar Dakshin upazila of the district. The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) filed a case with Sadar Dakkhin police station on Saturday night against Azmiri for chopping down the trees for vegetable cultivation, said officer-in-charge of the police station Mohamamd Selim. According to the case statement, more than 50 trees were felled along a stretch of about 500 metres---some uprooted completely, some cut halfway and some even burned, which drew a huge flak. The trees were planted after the highway was expanded into four lanes in 2016 to enhance beauty and ensure safety.

A Dhaka court on Sunday issued warrants for the arrest of popular actress Mehazabien Chowdhury and her brother Alisan Chowdhury in a case over embezzlement of Tk 27 lakh. Judge of the Dhaka Executive Magistrate Court-3 Afroza Tania passed the order and fixed December 18 for the next hearing. The accused were scheduled to appear before the court on November 10 but failed to do so. According to the case statement, Mehazabien took Tk 27 lakh from plaintiff Amirul Islam through Nagad and bKash, promising to make him a business partner in a new family venture. When Mehazabien and her brother did not initiate any business activities for a long period, Amirul asked for his money back but they delayed repayment. On February 11, after Amirul again sought the refund, the accused asked him to meet at Hatirjheel Road on March 16. Upon reaching the designated spot, Amirul was verbally abused and threatened with death by Mehazabien, her brother, and 4–5 others if he appeared near the actress’ residence, it said. Amirul filed a case with Dhaka Executive Magistrate on March 24.

Miscreants set fire to the July Memorial in Muktabazar area of Feni district town early Sunday. Police said a around 3:30 am group of helmet-wearing youths poured petrol on the monument and set it ablaze before fleeing. Feni Superintendent of Police Habibur Rahman and senior officials visited the spot. Police said CCTV footages from the surrounding areas were collected. “We have already identified those involved and legal action will be taken soon,”  said the SP. The July Memorial commemorates 11 people from Feni who were killed during last year’s July uprising. July Memorial set on fire in Pirojpur Seven of them died in Feni on August 4, 2024 when Awami League men allegedly opened fire on protesters. Condemning the attack, ‘A’ categorised July fighter Nahidur Rahman said it is disgraceful for the July martyrs and urged law enforcers to bring the accused to justice. Feni district Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Abdul Hannan alleged that Awami fascists were preparing for further violence, calling on all to unite against them. District BNP member secretary Alal Uddin Alal said Awami miscreants are still active in the district to destablise the national election.

Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast live on Monday (November 17) the verdict in the case over crimes against humanity during last year’s July uprising, involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others. A three-member bench headed by International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder will deliver the judgment. The live verdict will be shown via giant screen at 10 spots of the Dhaka, said MH Tamim, a prosecutor of the ICT.   A foreign news agency has also sought permission for live coverage, the prosecutor said. The prosecution has claimed all five charges against Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun have been proven, seeking the maximum punishment, including the death penalty. In a press briefing on November 13, Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said they have appealed to the court for the highest penalty. Initially, Sheikh Hasina was the sole accused in the case. On March 16 this year, the prosecution appealed to include former IGP Mamun as an accused alongside Sheikh Hasina and the tribunal approved it. After the Awami League government was toppled on August 5, 2024, the ICT was reconstituted. The first case in the reconstituted tribunal concerned alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising, with Sheikh Hasina as the accused. Tensions rise as ICT going to set verdict date in Hasina case The tribunal conducted its first hearing on October 17 last year, issuing an arrest warrant against Hasina that day. After extending the deadline several times, the tribunal’s investigation agency submitted its final probe report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on May 12 this year. On June 1, the prosecution formally filed charges against Sheikh Hasina and the two accused. The charges include: - Inciting violence in a press conference at Ganabhaban on 14 July 2024;- Ordering the elimination of protestors using helicopters, drones, and lethal weapons;- The shooting death of student Abu Saeed at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur;- The killing of six protestors at Chankharpul, Dhaka;- The burning of six individuals in Ashulia. The tribunal formally framed these charges on July 10. Hasina and Asaduzzaman remain at large, while former IGP Mamun is the only arrested accused. On the day the charges were framed, Mamun admitted his involvement in crimes against humanity during the uprising and applied to testify as a state witness. Arguments in the case began on October 12 and concluded on October 23. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has sought the death penalty for Hasina and Asaduzzaman over the alleged crimes. On the other hand, state-appointed lawyer Md Amir Hossain has sought acquittal for both Hasina and Khan, while Mamun’s lawyer Zayed Bin Amjad has also sought his acquittal. Read more: ICT sets Nov 17 to deliver verdict on Hasina case