United News of Bangladesh

A joint team of the Detective Branch (DB) and Chawkbazar police has arrested six individuals in connection with a violent attack on an operation conducted by the Department of Environment (DoE) at a polythene factory in Dhaka’s Chawkbazar. The arrested individuals have been identified as Md Humayun Kabir (28), Md Ariful Islam (40), Anwar Hossain Khokon (48), Md Shahabuddin (45), Md Nazmul Alam Ujjal (36), and Md Sumon (26). According to DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media), the arrests were made during raids conducted in various parts of the city on Monday and Tuesday, following a case filed over the attack. The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a mobile court, led by DoE Executive Magistrate Faizunnesa Akter, raided a polythene factory in the West Islambagh area of Chawkbazar. The operation, conducted in collaboration with police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), seized 40 sacks of illegal polythene from a rented house. As officials attempted to transport the seized items using a pickup truck, a mob of 150-200 people armed with sticks, bricks, and iron rods intercepted the team. The mob launched a violent attack, injuring Md Shawkat Ali, Director (Deputy Secretary) of the DoE’s Monitoring and Enforcement Wing. The attackers also vandalized the pickup truck and forcibly took away the confiscated polythene. Shawkat Ali sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. 21-year-old stabbed to death over drug dispute in Bogura In the aftermath of the attack, Md Motaher Hossain, Inspector at the DoE, filed a case at Chawkbazar Model Police Station. The case named six individuals while also identifying 150-200 others as unknown attackers. The DB and Chawkbazar Police launched immediate raids following the incident, which led to the arrest of the six suspects. Legal proceedings are currently underway, while police continue their efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the attack.

A 21-year-old youth was stabbed to death allegedly by his friends over drug peddling in Bogura Sadar upazila on Tuesday. The deceased Hridoy Akanda was son of Babu Akanda of Phulbaria Madhyapara. Almas Ali Sarkar, in-charge of Phulbaria police outpost, said that there might have been previous dispute between Hriody and his friends over drug dealing that may have led to the killing. An altercation broke out between Hridoy and the friends in a mustard field in the area in the morning, he said. At one stage, one of the friends stabbed him with sharp weapons and fled, the police official said, adding that the victim was rushed to TMSS Hospital. Later, he succumbed to his injuries on way to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical and College, he added.

Students of seven colleges have lifted their protest proprammes, including cording off New Market police station, following an assurance that their demands will be addressed. The decision to withdraw came from a meeting held between Home Affairs, Information, Broadcasting Advisers Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Nahid Islam, and the students in Dhaka on Tuesday. Moinul Islam, a Dhaka College student who attended the meeting, said, “The government is positive towards our six-point demand.” He also said they earlier issued a 24-hour ultimatum that no buses of Dhaka University would be allowed to move in front of seven colleges and the New Market police station be besieged, if their demands were not met within the deadline. Their demands also included withdrawal of New Market Police Station’s officer-in-charge, and Assistant Commissioner of the zone, taking action against them, resignation of DU Pro-VC (academic), seeking mercy by the Dhaka University for distasteful comment on Eden students by DU students. Read: DU suspends Monday's exams, classes following clashes One of the demands--separation of the seven colleges from Dhaka -- has already been met. At around 10pm on Sunday night, students of Dhaka College tried to enter the DU area in a protest march. Their aim was to surround the office of the DU Pro Vice-Chancellor (academic) Professor Mamun Ahmed, attempting to enter the campus through the Liberation and Democracy Arch. When the information spread, students from various halls of Dhaka University started to make noise, and the situation became tense. For a prolonged period, students from both sides engaged in alternating clashes. Read more: Students of DU and seven colleges clash They took positions, throwing bricks and stones, in the Nilkhet and New Market areas. Several students from both sides were injured in the clashes. On Monday, the students of seven colleges issued the 24-hour ultimatum outlining six point demands.

The Anti Corruption Commission has commenced its investigation into the purchase of electronic voting machines (EVMs) by the Election Commission, to find out if there were any irregularities in the procurement process. Among the 618 machines at the Election Commission's headquarters, the ACC randomly tested some for their 'operational capacity.' The defects indicate the purchase of substandard machines.  Additionally it was unable to find any trace of 1,599 EVMs. ACC Director General (Prevention) Mohammad Akhtar Hossain said that it has become apparent that the basis on which renowned experts like Muhammad Zafar Iqbal deemed the machines appropriate must also be brought to the commission's attention. After reviewing the relevant records gathered during yesterday's operation, the Enforcement Team will submit a detailed report. Cadman warns against rushing cases before ICT, seeks further changes to legal framework Although EVMs were used in various elections under the Awami League government, the Election Commission, led by Kazi Habibul Awal after taking office in 2022, assessed the feasibility of using EVMs in elections. In May of that year, a group of technology experts, including Professor Zafar Iqbal of SUST and Professor A. Kaykobad from BUET's Computer Science and Engineering Department, were shown the EVMs, and the EC sought their consent to use them in voting. After observing the EVMs and exchanging views with the EC on May 25, 2022, Zafar Iqbal and Kaikobad argued in favor of using the machines in elections. On that day, Zafar Iqbal said, "I have seen the full demonstration of the EVM. I have learned all the details, the technical aspects inside it. Finally, I opened the machine that was kept for us. Personally, I am convinced. It's an excellent machine." He also urged political parties opposed to EVMs to approve the use of the machine. On Sunday, the ACC conducted an operation accusing the previous government of wasting public money by purchasing substandard EVMs. During the review of the relevant records, it was found that the machines are stored at the Election Commission's headquarters, 10 regional offices, and the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory, which was contracted to provide the machines.

Addressing the complexities of the cases before the International Crimes Tribunal, Special Adviser to the Chief Prosecutor Toby Cadman on Monday warned the intricacies involved leave no scope for expediting justice. "These cases are intricate and require time," Cadman said, during a press briefing at the ICT premises, after participating in the legal proceedings of the tribunal for the first time today. "There is no room for rushing to ensure due process is followed.” While expressing confidence in Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam's leadership and commitment to ensuring justice, he also mentioned plans to engage with legal professionals and the government to bring about further changes to the tribunal's legal framework. These changes, he said, would be necessary to enhance the tribunal's impartiality and align its proceedings with both domestic and international standards. Shooting from helicopter: ICT issues arrest warrant against ex-RAB DG Cadman, a British lawyer and co-founder of London-based law firm the Guernica37 Group, was appointed Special Adviser to the Chief Prosecutor of the ICT on November 20. Previously, he had sought to represent some of the leaders of the Jamaat e Islami who were tried in the same tribunal under the Awami League, but was prevented from doing so by the AL government. He, however, dismissed concerns that events of the past could influence his professional conduct in the cases going forward.  Cadman also expressed his hope that India would extradite Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh in the interest of justice and a fair trial. “The Foreign Ministry has rightly urged India to extradite her. It is now up to India to decide whether they will stand for justice or shield her from trial. I hope they will support justice in the future,” Cadman said. ACC finds foreign currency, gold, FDR documents in Sur’s lockers Cadman emphasised that while the Bangladesh government cannot compel India to act on the extradition request, there is hope that she will be brought back, provided the requisite security and given every opportunity to defend herself under the law. The International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, under which the ICT operates, was amended by an ordinance in November to allow for the prosecution of members of the army, navy, air force, police, Rapid Action Battalion, Border Guard Bangladesh and all intelligence agencies, among other changes. Arrest warrants issued In other developments, the tribunal issued arrest warrants against eight individuals, including six police officers and two Awami League leaders, in connection with cases centring the July-August massacre. ACC to investigate officials involved in 2018 Nat’l Election ‘manipulation’ Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said that the warrants were issued based on evidence of direct involvement in sensational murders in Dhaka. “The investigation agency sought the warrants only after confirming their involvement,” Tajul said. To prevent the accused from fleeing, their identities have not been disclosed. Separate petitions were filed for the arrest warrants against the eight individuals, Tajul added.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced a series of traffic regulations to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public safety during the Bishwa Ijtema, particularly on February 2 and 5, the days of the Akheri Munajat. In a circular signed by Deputy Commissioner (media) Talebur Rahman, the DMP outlined specific routes and restrictions for vehicles to avoid congestion and maintain order around the Ijtema venue in Tongi. The directives are as follows: From 4am on February 2 and 5, district buses, trucks, card vans, and other heavy vehicles will bypass Abdullahpur and Dhaur Bridge intersection, proceeding instead via Mohakhali-Bijoy Sarani-Gabtoli. Similarly, vehicles coming from North Bengal via Nabinagar, Baipail, and Ashulia are advised to avoid Kamarpara and Abdullahpur crossings, using alternate routes via Savar, Gabtoli, or Dhaur Bridge crossing to Mirpur Beribandh. Vehicles traveling via Airport road are instructed to use routes, including Kuril Flyover, Pragati Sarani, and Bishwa Road crossings. On both days of the Akheri Munajat, vehicles within 300 feet of the area will avoid Kuril Flyover Loop-2 (Airport-bound) and instead use Loop-4 (Kakoli-Mohakhali-bound). DMP files 1,735 cases over traffic violations in Dhaka Drivers are requested to avoid the Kawla/Airport-bound exits of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway during the Akheri Munajat. Vehicles and passengers except residents of Uttara, air passengers, aircraft operational vehicles and vehicles carrying air crew are advised to use Mirpur-Gabtoli Road via Mohakhali-Bijoy Sarani as an alternative route. Transportation services will be provided for passengers from Padma U-loop and Kuratoli Loop-2 and Nikunja-1 gates under the management of the Traffic-North Division to take and pick up foreign-going passengers to the airport. Devotees traveling on foot from Dhaka city are directed to use the Paltun Bridge or Kamarpara Bridge over the Turag River to reach the Ijtema Maidan. Vehicles carrying pilgrims must park in designated areas with the driver's name and mobile number displayed visibly. Due to the collapse of the Bailey Bridge under the flyover on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway, drivers are urged to use the Azampur flyover. Pedestrians are requested to avoid crossing the flyover on foot for safety. Parking on both sides of the road from Khilkhet to Abdullahpur via Dhaur Bridge is strictly prohibited. The DMP has called for full cooperation from the public to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain order during the event.

The court has rescheduled the submission date for the investigation report of the murder case of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi to March 2. This is the 115th time the submission date has been delayed. The new submission date was set by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate GM Farhan Ishtiaq. On February 11, 2012, journalist couple Sagar and Runi were murdered in their rented apartment in West Rajabazar, Dhaka. Sagar worked for the private television channel Masranga, while Runi was at ATN Bangla. Runi's brother, Nowsher Alam, filed a case at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station. After the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, a four-member task force was formed on October 23 by the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate this high-profile case. The task force is headed by the Additional Inspector General of Police and Chief of the PBI, Mohammad Towfiq Mahbub Chowdhury.

Police have arrested three alleged members of a mugging gang while they were reportedly planning a mugging operation in the Uttarkhan area of Dhaka late Sunday night. The suspects, identified as Md. Nayan (20), Md. Sabbir Hossain (21), and Md. Jihad, were arrested by a team from the Uttarkhan Police Station under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Acting on a tip-off, officers conducted a raid near the Rajabari Ghat area around 11:30 pm and arrested the three individuals before they could carry out their plans. During the operation, police recovered two knives and an iron rod from their possession, said Deputy Commissioner (media) of DMP Talebur Rahman. According to Uttarkhan Police sources, the suspects were preparing to target victims on a paved road near Rajabari Ghat when law enforcement intercepted them. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the three men are active members of a professional gang involved in muggings and theft across Uttarkhan and other areas of Dhaka. During initial questioning, the suspects admitted to their involvement in numerous previous criminal activities, including mugging and theft. Police believe the gang has been operating in various neighborhoods of Dhaka, targeting unsuspecting victims under the cover of darkness. A case has been filed at the Uttarkhan Police Station in connection with the incident, and further legal action is in progress. Investigators are working to uncover additional details about the gang’s operations and identify other members who may be involved.

The High Court (HC) on Monday stayed the recruitment process of 3, 534 job seekers as junior instructors and physical education instructors under the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) for three months. The HC bench of Justice M Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Justice KM Rasheduzzaman Raja passed the order after hearing a petition in this regard. The court also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the recruitment process should not be declared illegal. The BPSC issued a circular on October 26 in 2021 announcing vacant posts for the junior instructors and physical education instructors for polytechnic institutes and technical schools and colleges under the Technical and Madrasha Education Board.    The recruitment tests were held on March 18, 2023.   The BPS issued a circular appointing 3, 534 applicants on January 20 this year and ordered the successful candidates to join on January 29. But challenging the legality of the appointment, 18 people filed a writ petition with the HC. Barrister Kaisar Kamal accompanied by several lawyers stood for the petitioners at the court.  

Students from the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University have issued a four-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate action on their six demands and threatened to wage tougher measures if their demands are not met by 4:00 pm today (Monday). Addressing a press conference held at Dhaka College’s Shaheed Minar, representatives of the protesting students outlined their demands and condemned the events of the previous night in Dhaka University areas. They accused Dhaka University authorities and local police of the clashes that happened overnight in the New Market, Nilkhet and Dhaka University areas, which left over 40 people injured, including journalists and students. Six-Point Demand The students presented six demands, including a public apology from Dhaka University for its alleged role in the conflict. They also called for the resignation of DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Mamun Ahmed by the deadline. A significant demand focuses on the removal of New Market Police Station officials, including the Assistant Commissioner and officer-in-charge, who were allegedly involved in attacks on Dhaka College students. Protesters called for their withdrawal and departmental investigation for punitive action. The clashes, which began on Sunday night, reportedly left Dhaka College student Rakib critically injured. Protesters allege he was attacked with the intent to kill and described police actions during the unrest as "barbaric." Read: DU suspends Monday's exams, classes following clashes The students also demanded the complete severance of academic and administrative ties between Dhaka University and the seven colleges. They called on the government to draft a framework for an independent university for the seven colleges within 24 hours.