United News of Bangladesh

A court in Narayanganj on Thursday rejected the bail petition of former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor Salina Hayat Ivy in a murder case filed over the death of Selim Mondol during the July Uprising in 2024. Senior Judicial Magistrate Selina Khatun passed the order after hearing the bail petition in the afternoon. Advocates Mahbubur Rahman Masum, Awlad Hossain, Zahidul Haque Dipu and Ziaul Islam Kajal, among others, represented Ivy in court. On February 26 this year, police applied to show Ivy arrested in the murder case of Selim Mondol, 29, filed with Siddhirganj Police Station. Ivy’s lawyer Awlad Hossain said the investigation officer failed to present any reasonable grounds before the court. “Even then, the court denied bail. She has been shown arrested in this case only to harass her. Through such false cases, a message is being sent to the nation that harassment through false charges still exists and that the rule of law is absent in the country,” he said. The lawyer also said that the High Court on February 26 granted Ivy interim bail in five cases, but police applied to show her arrested in the Selim Mondol murder case on the same day. Former NCC mayor Ivy gets HC bail in 5 cases According to the case statement, a multi-storey building in Siddhirganj was set on fire during clashes between protesters and police on July 20, 2024. Three workers, including Selim, who were doing interior decoration work at the Shimrail branch of Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited on the third floor of the building, were burned to death. Their bodies were recovered three days later. Selim was a resident of Char Jagannathpur village in Kumarkhali upazila of Kushtia. His father, Wazed Ali, filed the murder case on June 6 last year.    

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Thursday set April 9 for delivering judgment in the case filed over the killing of Begum Rokeya University Student Abu Sayed during the July uprising. A three-member ICT-2 bench led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury fixed the date. Earlier on January 27, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 kept the judgment pending in the case. A total of 25 people testified before the court in the case. On June 30, 2025, the investigating agency of International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) found involvement of 30 people including police in the killing of Abu Sayed. They submitted chargehseet on June 24, 2025. Among the 30 accused, 24 accused are absconding. Six accused arrested in the case are former assistant sub-inspector Amir Hossain and former constable Sujan Chandra Roy, former Proctor of Begum Rokeya University Shariful Islam, banned Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Russel and Anwar Pervez. Abu Sayed, a 12th batch student of Begum Rokeya University's English Department, was shot dead during students’ protests on July 16, 2014 in front of Begum Rokeya University at Park Mor in Rangpur.

The Special Metropolitan Magistrate of Dhaka Metropolitan Police disposed of 2,273 criminal cases and 1,778 traffic cases in February this year through summary trials. A total of 3,706 people were arrested and produced before the summary courts. Of them, 2,113 were given different jail terms. Law Official (District Judge) Mohammad Ataul Haque said the arrests were made by DMP divisions including Motijheel, Tejgaon, Wari, Gulshan, Mirpur, Ramna, Lalbagh and Uttara during February. The court fined the accused a total of Tk 2,32,950 in criminal cases and sentenced to different terms of imprisonment to 2,113 people. In traffic cases, police filed 1,833 cases in February. The magistrate disposed of 1,778 cases, including 359 pending cases, and fined offenders Tk 6,44,400. It is notable that minor offences and cases with lighter punishment can be tried under summary procedure at the Special Metropolitan Magistrate Court as per the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), on Wednesday publicly disclosed his and his family members’ bank statements in response to corruption allegations that surfaced following discussions over his possible candidacy in the upcoming city corporation elections. At an emergency press conference held at the NCP office in Banglamotor at night, Asif unveiled bank account details of his own as well as those of his parents and wife. Asif said he had submitted a full statement of his income and assets to the Cabinet Division while stepping down from his post as adviser to the interim government. “Even after that, when attempts are being made to create speculation about my assets, I think it is necessary to make my and my family’s bank accounts public so that no one can spread confusion over the matter.” Although he initially planned to disclose only his own bank statements, he later decided to make public the accounts of all family members to remove any remaining questions. Providing details, Asif said that during his 16 months as adviser, his average monthly salary was Tk 1.65 lakh and all transactions, including allowances, were conducted through his salary account. He said the total credit in the two accounts, including salary and other deposits, stood at more than Tk 85 lakh, while total debit amounted to more than Tk 76 lakh. Currently, the combined balance in the two accounts is around Tk 9,88,000. Asif also disclosed that his father has five bank accounts with a total credit of Tk 5,47,711. However, his father had taken a service loan of Tk 10 lakh, of which Tk 6,39,746 remains outstanding. According to Asif, his father is still in debt by around Tk 82,000. His mother has one bank account with a balance of Tk 21,154, while his wife’s single bank account contains Tk 613. Claiming that the allegations were politically motivated, Asif said individuals associated with the Awami League and driven by vested interests were behind the accusations. “No one raised these allegations when I stepped down as adviser. Only after the announcement of the city corporation elections did a group start this campaign with ill motives.” On March 2, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) sent letters to all banks and financial institutions asking them to provide details of Asif’s personal bank accounts within three working days. Following the fall of the Awami League government in the July mass uprising on Aug 5, 2024, an interim government was formed on Aug 8, where Asif served as one of three advisers representing student leaders of the movement. He initially oversaw the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and later took charge of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives along with the Youth and Sports Ministry. Ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, Asif resigned from his advisory post on Dec 10, 2025. He is currently serving as spokesperson of the National Citizen Party. Earlier on Feb 10 this year, the interim government published asset statements of its advisers, which showed that as of June 30, 2025, Asif’s total assets stood at Tk 15,34,717, while his liabilities amounted to Tk 28,669.

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been put on maximum alert along the borders to prevent fuel smuggling amid volatility in the international market triggered by the ongoing Iraq-Iran war. According to BGB headquarters sources, uncertainty in global fuel supply centering the Iraq-Iran conflict has created concerns about its possible impact on the domestic market. In response, surveillance has been intensified in border areas to curb any attempt to smuggle out of fuel. Additional patrols have been deployed at vulnerable points, including unofficial routes, riverine paths and land ports. BGB Headquarters Public Relation Officer Shariful Islam said that in the current global context, the force remains on highest alert at the borders to prevent fuel smuggling. A senior BGB official told UNB that intelligence activities have been strengthened to ensure that unscrupulous groups cannot take advantage of the international situation to hoard or smuggle fuel. Joint drives are also being conducted in coordination with local administration and law enforcement agencies when necessary. Bangladesh flags economic risks of prolonged Middle East war He further said that immediate action is being taken against any allegation of illegal transportation or stockpiling of fuel through the borders. Surveillance and vehicle checks have already been increased in several areas. BGB said its strict vigilance at the borders will continue to ensure the country’s energy security and maintain market stability.

Police on Tuesday said the murder of seven-year-old Jannatul Naima Ira, found with her throat slit in Sitakunda’s hilly area of Chittagong, was the result of a family dispute. After arresting the main suspect, Babu Sheikh, Police Superintendent Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan held a press briefing at Sitakunda Police Station, revealing details of the crime. According to the SP, Babu Sheikh lured the child to Sitakunda Ecopark with the promise of chocolate and killed her by slitting her throat, apparently over a prior dispute with her father. Minor girl with throat slit rescued from Sitakunda park dies; one held Police said construction workers at the park discovered the injured child, believing she had been abandoned, and informed authorities. She was first taken to Sitakunda Upazila Health Complex and later transferred to Chittagong Medical Hospital for advanced treatment, where she died early Tuesday morning. Using CCTV footage and technical evidence, police arrested Babu Sheikh from the Kumira Kajipara area of Sitakunda. SP Mohammad Nazir Ahmed Khan said the murder was premeditated, carried out due to a family feud. Blood-stained evidence was recovered from the scene. The suspect has been sent to court, and the investigation is ongoing.

Leaders and activists of Jubo Dal allegedly attacked the president of Shyamnagar Press Club, Samiul Monir, inside the press club premises in Satkhira on Monday over a report published against them. The incident occurred in the afternoon at the Press Club building adjacent to the Shyamnagar Upazila Parishad. Samiul Monir is the Shyamnagar upazila correspondent of Daily Samakal and Dainik Patradut. According to eyewitnesses and journalists present at the scene, 25–30 leaders and activists, including Shyamnagar upazila Jubo Dal member secretary Anwarur Islam Angur, along with Bablu, Mizan and Matleb, entered the press club and assaulted Monir. They allegedly dragged him out of the building and beat him with bricks, hammers and iron rods, leaving him seriously injured. On information, police rushed to the spot, rescued him and admitted him to Shyamnagar Upazila Health Complex. Shakir Hossain, the doctor on duty at the emergency department of the health complex, said Monir sustained serious injuries to the left side of his head from a hard object. He also bore marks of hammer and iron rod injuries on different parts of his body. He is currently undergoing treatment, the doctor added. Khaledur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shyamnagar Police Station, said police responded immediately after receiving the information. Two people have been detained in connection with the incident and drives are underway to arrest the others involved. Earlier, on February 23, a report on alleged looting of sand from the Kholpetua-Kapotaksha river was published in Daily Samakal. Since the publication of the report, Monir had reportedly been receiving threats. The attack has triggered strong reactions among local journalists in Shyamnagar, who described it as a direct assault on press freedom. They demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible.  When contacted, accused Anwarur Islam Angur did not deny the incident and said, “Monir is a psycho. Discussions are underway with the OC. I will speak later.”  

Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Ali Hossain Fakir on Monday issued a stern directive to field-level police officials to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against extortion. He also instructed officers to take strict measures to curb mugging, extortion and drug-related crimes. The IGP gave the directives while addressing a law and order meeting with superintendents of police (SP) all districts through an online platform from the Police Headquarters on Monday. The chief of Bangladesh police force ordered law enforcers to stop extortion, mugging and robbery on highways, directing both the Highway Police and district police to intensify their operations on major roads. Ahead of the upcoming Eid, the police chief also instructed officials to ensure safe and uninterrupted travel for homebound people. He stressed the need to take effective steps to prevent traffic congestion and ensure that passengers can reach their destinations and return safely. The IGP directed police personnel to behave courteously with people seeking services at police stations so that they can leave with satisfaction. He said efforts must be made to enhance the image of Bangladesh Police by earning public trust through good conduct. He also warned that innocent people must not be harassed under any circumstances. Calling for united efforts, the IGP urged district SP's to work collectively to build a safer Bangladesh. Additional IGPs and other senior officials of the Police Headquarters were present at the meeting.

Police have arrested six people in separate raids in the capital’s Khilkhet area on charges of robbery and operating a honeytrap scheme. The arrested are Shahapran, 30, Afzal Hossain, 40, Hanif, 40, Sagar Howlader, 28, Nasif Ankan, 28, and Farhad Sohan, 33. According to Khilkhet Police, Shahapran, Afzal and Hanif were arrested in connection with a robbery that took place on a paved road adjacent to Lakepar under Khilkhet Police Station at around 3:40 am on Friday (February 27). A mini-truck and nine motorcycles allegedly stolen during the robbery were recovered from their possession. A private car used in the robbery was also seized. In a separate incident, police said the victim, Md Jasim Uddin, 38, a resident of Bashundhara Residential Area, befriended a woman named Hafiza through Facebook. The woman regularly communicated with him over the phone and developed a relationship. On February 21 at around 8:30 pm, Hafiza asked Jasim to meet her at the north gate of Khilkhet Rajuk Market. When he arrived there, Sagar, Ankan and Farhad allegedly surrounded him. Hafiza told him she was at a restaurant on the fourth floor of Rajuk Market and attempted to take him there. When Jasim became suspicious and refused to go, the trio allegedly forcibly detained him, assaulted him and took him to the restaurant. They allegedly confined him there and snatched his mobile phone, driving licence and Tk 1,500 in cash, demanding more money. When their demand was not met, they returned the mobile phone and driving licence but provided a mobile number and later demanded Tk 20,000 for returning the phone, police said. A case was filed with Khilkhet Police Station following the victim’s complaint. After analysing CCTV footage and other information, police arrested Sagar Howlader and Nasif Ankan in front of Rajuk Market at around 6:30 pm on February 28. Later that night, at around 10:30 pm, Farhad Sohan was arrested during a raid in the Nikunja-2 area based on information obtained from the detainees. The victim’s driving licence was recovered from their possession. During initial interrogation, police said the arrestees, along with absconding suspect Hafiza, were members of an organised fraud and robbery gang. They allegedly targeted young men by opening fake social media accounts using women’s identities. Legal action against the arrested is under process.

A four-year-old girl, Tabassum, was allegedly raped and suffocated to death in Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, authorities said Friday. The prime suspect, Abu Taher, has confessed to the crime after being arrested. Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Jhenaidah Sadar Circle, said Abu Taher was apprehended around midnight on Thursday from his brother’s rented flat in Kushtia city. The suspect, a resident of Farashpur village in Kaliganj and son of the late Shafi Uddin, admitted to committing both the rape and murder of Tabassum. Following the incident, local residents held protests and human chains demanding justice and the death penalty for Abu Taher. Hundreds took part in the demonstration after Jumma prayers at Barobazar on Friday afternoon. OC of Kaliganj Police Station, Jellal Hossain, said the suspect, Abu Taher, worked as a sales representative for a cigarette company and was reportedly addicted to drugs. He rented a house near Tabassum’s family home in Badedihi village. On the day of the incident, he tempted the child indoors with chips and juice. The OC added that Abu Taher subjected Tabassum to brutal physical assault. When she cried, he allegedly covered her mouth with a lungi, causing her to suffocate. Later, he placed her body in a sack and hid it in the septic tank of Abdul Jabbar Secondary School nearby. Tabassum’s body was recovered Thursday morning from the school’s septic tank. She had been reported missing around 2:00 pm on Wednesday. The victim’s family lived in a rented house in Badedihi, Barobazar area. Her father, Nazrul Islam, works at a local tailor shop, while her mother, Halima Khatun, is employed with a private development organization, Web Foundation.