United News of Bangladesh

Police arrested five leaders and activists of Awami League and its wing organisation from Mirpur areas in the capital conducting separate operations on Friday night  in connection with the attack on the anti-discrimination student movement in the city’s Pallabi thana areas. The arrestees were identified as Pallabi thana Jubo League unit Joint Convener Md. Mamun (35), Pallabi thana Ward No. 6 Jubo League unit leader Md. Saju (34), Pallabi thana Ward No. 5 Awami League unit Relief and Rehabilitation Affairs Secretary Md. Saikat Islam (19) and its activists-- Md. Bachchu Bepari (60) and Raju (52). Police arrest 5 suspects who committed robbery posing as RAB in Dhaka Sources at the Pallabi Police Station said leaders and activists of various Awami League organizations opened fire indiscriminately on students and the public during an anti-discrimination movement in front of Abul Taleb School of Mirpur-10 under Pallabi police station on the afternoon of July 19 this year.  Akram Khan Rabbi was seriously injured during the gunfire while he was crossing the road. Local people rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where the doctor on duty declared him dead. Farukh Khan, the father of Akram filed a murder case with Pallabi Police Station on 25 August in connection with the incident. Pallabi thana police started investigation into the Akram Khan murder case. After scrutinizing CCTV footage, a team of Pallabi Thana police conducted raids in Mirpur-11 area at around 11pm on Friday and arrested Md. Mamun and Md. Saju for being involved in the murder case. Deputy Commissioner (DC-Media) of the DMP Talebur Rahman said in another incident Md. Abid joined the movement with the students and the general people demanding the one-point demand of fall of the government in front of the Mirpur-10 Popular-2 Diagnostic Center under Pallabi Police Station on August 4. 2 smugglers arrested with 3,360 liters of diesel in Kurigram During this time, leaders and activists of Awami League and its affiliate wings resorted to attacks on the movement with local weapons and pistols. During the attack,  Abid was seriously injured by a bullet in his right eye. Later, he was taken to the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital for treatment. Abid's brother Jinnat Sayedee filed a case with Pallabi Police Station on November 12. After investigation of the case as well as scrutinizing CCTV footage, another team of Pallabi thana police conducted a raid at Adarshanagar area at around 10:00 pm and arrested Shaikat, Bachchhu and Raju.

The Traffic Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) filed 1,799 cases during operations against traffic rule violators in the last two days in various areas of the capital. Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner (Media) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, shared this information in a media release on Saturday afternoon. During the operations, 52 vehicles were impounded, and 58 others were towed. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) carried out the operations on Thursday and Friday (Dec 12 and 13). The DMP's drives will continue to enforce traffic regulations in the Dhaka metropolitan area, Rahman added.  

The reform of the education system should be gradual, not revolutionary, and requires time. To bring about changes in the education system, investment in education must be increased, and educational opportunities should be provided to all. The state must take responsibility for the cost, curriculum, and language of education. These points were made during a dialogue titled "Post-People's Uprising Thoughts on Education—What Kind of Education System Do We Want?" held at the RC Majumdar Auditorium of Dhaka University on Friday afternoon, organized by the Samajtantrik Chhatra Front. Professor and writer Salimullah Khan stated during the discussion that if we want to bring about changes in the education system, investment in education must be increased, and the state must take on that responsibility. He emphasized that the real issue in education is how long we will consider education a right, what the curriculum will be, and in what language education will be delivered. He added that even if education is universal and everyone’s rights are protected, inequality will still persist. For this reason, the democratic form of education would be nationalization. The state must take responsibility for the cost, curriculum, and language of education. He further said that everyone should have access to education and that the teacher-student ratio must be changed. Read: AKDN's resident representative discusses education and climate change initiatives with Foreign Adviser Associate Professor Samina Lutfa of the Department of Sociology at Dhaka University stated that the reform of the education system should not be revolutionary, but should happen gradually. The reform cannot be accomplished quickly, so experienced educators should be involved in the process. She said that teaching is not like a typical 9am to 5pm job; it is a 24-hour responsibility, and teachers should be provided with the necessary environment to perform their duties. She further emphasized that for real change to take place, students need to be involved in extracurricular activities such as sports and various cultural and literary events, and that diversity is important. The infrastructure of schools and colleges, along with the role of teachers, are crucial in this process. Professor Kamrul Hasan Mamun of the Department of Physics at Dhaka University commented that political stories have been included in the textbooks of children in the country’s education system. Political messages and images have been added to the back covers of books. The inclusion of politics in children’s books is something not found in any other country. He also mentioned that various education streams, including Bengali, English, Madrassa, and technical education, exist in the country, but there is no common platform for them. He pointed out that those who study in English-medium schools are expected to pursue "export-quality" education, while those studying in Bengali-medium schools aim to take the BCS exam. This divide has emerged in the education system. He added that there has been a rush to establish universities in districts under the name of development. Unqualified individuals have been made teachers in these universities. However, he noted that Bangladesh has never had a sufficient number of qualified teachers in its 161 universities. Navine Murshid, a teacher at a private university, said that the kind of education system they want is one where students can think critically. Critical thinking should be the foundation of any education system. Read more:Private institution teachers to get transfer opportunity: Education Adviser Other speakers at the dialogue included writer and editor Rakhal Raha, and senior teacher Shamiem Zaman from Muhammad Shahidullah Adarsha Higher Secondary Institution.

Police arrested five operatives of an organized gang, who allegedly committed a robbery posing as members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Dhaka’s Kakrail area on December 4, from several areas of Dhaka on Thursday. Besides, a microbus and eight mobile phones used during the robbery were seized. The arrestees included Mohammad Sajjad Hossain, 35, Mohammad Kabir Hossain, 50, Mohammad Sharif, 25, Mohammad Monir Hossain, 40, and, Mohammad Habibur Khandakar, 38, said a media release sent from Dhaka Metropolitan Police. According to a case statement, one Saiful Islam, Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of the Trasmil Company Limited in Demra, was carrying an amount of Tk 26 lakh inside a school bag, which he had withdrawn from a gold jewelry shop in Tantibazar. On the afternoon of December 4, Saiful boarded a bus from Bangshal Chaurasta, intending to go to his house in Badda. As the bus stopped at a traffic signal near Kakrail in Ramna, 10-12 people boarded the bus and identified themselves as members of RAB. One of them was wearing a RAB-branded jacket and had handcuffs and a wireless set in his possession. Read: RAB rescues infant girl abducted from Azimpur during robbery The gang told passengers that a suspect in a case was traveling on the bus. They pointed to Saiful Islam and forcibly dragged him off the bus, and made him get into a white microbus they were using for the robbery, according to the statement. After robbing him, they blindfolded him, bound his hands, and left him on the road in Demra. The victim, Saiful Islam, filed a robbery case at the Ramna Model Thana on December 11, based on which the police launched an investigation. Further investigation, including the analysis of CCTV footage and intelligence gathering, led the police to seize the microbus used in the robbery on Thursday from the ECB Square area in the Cantonment area of Dhaka. The driver, Mohammad Kabir Hossain, was arrested. Based on his information, a raid was conducted at 1:40pm in front of Al Razzak Hotel in Bangshal, leading to the arrest of four more gang members: Sajjad, Sharif, Monir, and Habibur. Eight mobile phones, used in the robbery, were recovered from their possession. During preliminary interrogation, it was revealed that the arrested individuals were active members of a well-organized inter-district robbery gang. They used the identity of law enforcement agencies to carry out robberies across Dhaka and surrounding districts, following a strict chain of command. Read more:13 arrested during attempted robbery in Dhaka's Dhanmondi They addressed their leaders as “Sir” and distributed the loot according to pre-arranged shares. The gang consists of around 10-12 members, each playing specific roles in the execution of robberies. The arrested suspects were sent to court, and the investigation into the case continues. Efforts to recover other stolen goods and arrest remaining gang members are ongoing.

Two people were arrested by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) for attempting to smuggle 3,360 liters of diesel to India via a river route in the border area of Ulipur Upazila. The BGB also seized a boat used in the illegal operation. The arrested smugglers were identified as Mohammad Monir Hossain (32), son of Mohammad Shamsher Ali from Kalikapur village in Nageshwari Upazila, and Mohammad Rubel Hossain (26), son of Mohammad Almas Ali from Kamarchar village in Kachakata Thana. The BGB’s Kurigram Battalion (22 BGB) received a tip-off on December 13. A BGB patrol team stationed at the Jatrapur Border Outpost (BOP) moved approximately 2 kilometers inside Bangladesh, near the Poararchar area, where they positioned themselves on the river route. Around 12:00 PM, the BGB patrol team spotted a motorized boat with two people heading towards India. The BGB signaled them to stop, but the suspects attempted to flee. The BGB swiftly apprehended them along with the boat. Upon searching the boat, the BGB recovered 3,360 liters of diesel stored in 17 barrels. The total value of the seized diesel and boat is estimated to be Tk 10 lakh 12 thousand 880 . A case has been filed for smuggling valuable national resources, and the suspects are in the process of being handed over to the Kurigram police.

A mobile court has sentenced nine individuals to one month's jail each for illegal sand extraction in the Meghna River in Guagachia area of Gazaria Upazila in Munshiganj. During the drive, the authorities seized a bulk carrier loaded with sand. The operation, conducted jointly by Gazaria Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Mamun Sharif and Matlab (North) Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Hillol Chakma, lasted 7 hours and took place in the Matlab (North) area of Chandpur. The drive aimed to halt illegal sand extraction and continued until midnight on Thursday. Following the court's verdict, the convicts were sent to Munshiganj Jail.  

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed six separate cases on Thursday against former health minister Zahid Maleque, his son Rahat Maleque, former state minister for post, telecommunication, and information technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak and his wife, and former state minister for textiles and jute Mirza Azam and his wife, on various allegations. New ACC Commission imposes travel ban on 5 ex-MPs, families The ACC filed the cases with the Dhaka Integrated District Office, ACC spokesperson Aktarul Islam told UNB. Zahid faces accusations of amassing undeclared assets worth Tk 614,256,426, while his son Rahat Maleque is accused of acquiring assets worth Tk 114,984,161. Palak was charged with acquiring illegal assets worth Tk 87,347,042, and his wife Arifa Jasmine was accused of possessing assets worth Tk 95,893,433. ACC to start probe against ‘big fish’ soon: New Commissioner Mirza Azam was accused of acquiring illegal assets worth Tk 397,667,200, while his wife Dewan Aleya faces allegations of acquiring assets worth Tk 237,771,995.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjad Ali said on Thursday that strict security measures will be implemented to maintain law and order during the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s Eve (December 31st night) celebrations. He made the announcement at a coordination meeting held at the DMP headquarters, where he emphasised the importance of cooperation from the public to ensure peaceful celebrations. Christmas, the largest religious festival for Christians, will be celebrated on December 25, followed by New Year’s Eve on December 31, marking the end of the year. Surveillance intensified as criminal activities rise at Kamrangirchar: DMP DC The DMP has promised comprehensive security arrangements for both events to ensure there are no disruptions. At the meeting, DMP Joint Police Commissioner (Operations) Mohammad Shahidullah presented a detailed security plan for the celebrations. For Christmas, security measures will include the deployment of a sufficient number of uniformed and plainclothes police officers at each church. Visitors will be screened through metal detectors and manual checks, while dog squads will sweep the premises. Fire service and ambulance teams will be on standby, and an uninterrupted power supply will be ensured in church areas. Police must reach the scene of an incident within an hour: DMP Commissioner To maintain order, no floating shops or hawkers will be allowed near churches, and bags will be prohibited inside church premises. For the New Year’s Eve celebrations, the DMP plans to increase regular patrols and set up check posts across key areas. Fireworks, crackers, and lanterns will be banned in open spaces. In addition, access to the Dhaka University area will be restricted, with only individuals carrying valid ID cards allowed entry. Traffic management measures will be implemented in areas like Gulshan, Hatirjheel, and Dhaka University to control vehicle movement. DMP commissioner attends courtesy meeting with US Embassy delegation Besides, the DMP will enhance intelligence surveillance and cyber patrolling to prevent rumors, monitor social media, and ensure overall safety during the festivities. The meeting also included contributions from various government agencies, armed forces, Dhaka University, city corporations, and other stakeholders, all working together to ensure a safe and smooth celebration of the two festivals.  

The Appellate Division on Thursday upheld the High Court's order to acquit businessman Giasuddin Al Mamun, a close associate of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in a case filed for accumulating illegal wealth. The Appellate Division's full bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed passed the order. Sabbir Hamza Chowdhury, the lawyer for Giasuddin Al Mamun, said the High Court had acquitted Giasuddin Al Mamun of the charges. On May 8, 2007, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed a case at the Cantonment police station after Giasuddin Al Mamun failed to submit his wealth statement. The ACC charged him with amassing illegal wealth worth over Tk 101.73 crore. On March 27, 2008, the lower court sentenced Mamun to 10 years imprisonment  with a fine of Tk 10 lakh. When he appealed against that verdict in the High Court, a bench of Justices AKM Asaduzzaman and Abu Taher Md. Saifur Rahman acquitted Mamun on July 30, 2012. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) later filed a Leave to Appeal against the High Court verdict. On November 1, 2015, the Appellate Division scrapped the High Court's acquittal verdict and ordered a re-hearing of the appeal in the case. Gias Uddin Al Mamun acquitted in money laundering case Gias Uddin filed an application for a review of the Appellate Division's order. When the Appellate Division granted his review, he appealed and the appeal was granted today.  

All allegations of enforced disappearance and killing against Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) will be investigated, said its Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman on Thursday. "I assure you that as long as I am in charge, RAB will not be involved in any enforced disappearances or killings," he said while speaking at a press conference held at Media Center in Karwran Bazar in Dhaka. A commission is investigating all allegations against RAB, including enforced disappearances and killings, he added, "We are fully cooperating with the commission and we believe that legal actions will be taken based on the investigation reports.” Replying to a question about changing the uniform of the elite force, the top RAB official said, “We are thinking about it as RAB has its own law. We are thinking of making a separate law for RAB and will take necessary measures based on public and media feedback regarding reforms.” Referring to the arrest of the members of elite force involved in mugging, the DG said 16 members of the force were arrested in connection with their alleged involvement in mugging and extortion after August 5. ‘Have patience for restoration of democracy’, says Tarique    Since the establishment of RAB, a total of 58 officers and 4,246 members were brought to book. Mentioning about the challenges faced by the elite force after August 5, the RAB chief said a total of 14,500 accused were arrested while 20,000 illegal arms were seized during this period.