United News of Bangladesh

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed assured on Sunday that the judiciary will stand beside people, stressing that strong steps have already been taken for institutional reforms at this crucial juncture. “Everyone will find a people-oriented and people-centric judiciary by your side in welfare and work,” he said while inaugurating the Citizen's Conference 2024 titled ‘People-centric Reform for Good Governance: Aspirations of Disadvantaged Communities’ in the capital. In recent years, the Chief Justice said that a sense of justice and the values associated with it have been eroded. “Dishonesty instead of honesty, deprivation instead of rights, oppression instead of justice, torture instead of shelter have been made normal matters (in the past years). But we did not want such a society and state,” he said. Read: Chief Justice calls for justice as a universal right at RULAA Council The Chief Justice stressed the need for starting a new journey of the judiciary and reestablishing the destroyed values standing on this pile of rubbles of this destruction. “At this critical juncture of the country, the judiciary is also not free from its broken state. However, at this stage, I want to assure you in a strong voice without any hesitation that a new journey has already started with some strong steps for institutional reforms to overcome this situation,” he added. The Chief Justice went on to say, “This historic moment of victory for the student-people movement has presented us with a golden opportunity to stand by the oppressed and oppressed. We must always be careful to make full use of this opportunity.” The two-day conference has been organised by Citizen's Platform for SDGs Bangladesh, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bangladesh and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation at BICC in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area. Read more:Chief Justice concerned over incidents on SC premises, reaffirms smooth justice delivery The opening session was chaired by Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Convenor of the Citizen’s Platform and distinguished fellow at CPD, with speakers including Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Chief Adviser’s Office, Corinne Henchoz Pignani, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, and Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh.

Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed on Friday urged legal professionals to stay committed to ensuring justice as a universal right in society. “Whether in the courtroom, the classroom, or the community, let us remain committed to building a society where justice is not a privilege but a universal right,” he said. The Chief Justice made this call while addressing the Rajshahi University Law Alumni Association (RULAA) Council held at the Shaheed Shafiur Rahman Auditorium of the Supreme Court Bar Association. “Together, we have the power to transform challenges into opportunities and to pave the way for a future defined by equity and integrity,” he said. Pointing at the alumni, he said they carry the responsibility of upholding the ideals of justice, equality, and human rights. He said that their work as legal professionals, educators, and advocates plays a pivotal role in shaping a society rooted in fairness and the rule of law. “It is imperative that we continue to use our knowledge, influence, and resources to champion the causes of the marginalized, strengthen the legal framework, and promote access to justice for all,” he said. Pointing at the Supreme Court lawyers, the Chief Justice said they also act as bridges between the judiciary and the people as their role extends beyond the courtroom. “You educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to engage with the legal system. Your work ensures that the law is not an abstract concept but a living promise of fairness and equality for all,” said the Chief Justice. IGP calls for integrity and unity among police officers Refaat Ahmed said when he took the oath as the 25th Chief Justice of Bangladesh, he was acutely aware of the immense responsibility placed upon his shoulders. “This role is not merely a position of leadership, but a solemn trust bestowed by the people of this nation to uphold fairness, equity, and ensure access to justice for all, irrespective of their status or circumstances,” he said. From the very moment of his appointment, he recognized the urgency of addressing the challenges that have long impeded the full realization of our judiciary’s potential, he added. “To this end, on September 21, I unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for judicial reform. This initiative is a cornerstone of my vision to strengthen our judiciary and its capacity to serve the people with integrity and efficiency,” said the Chief Justice. As part of his steadfast commitment to institutional reform and strengthening the independence of the judiciary, he has taken decisive steps to establish the foundations for true separation of powers, said Refaat Ahmed. “I have declared and initiated the process of creating a separate Secretariat for the Judiciary, a pivotal measure to ensure the judiciary's administrative autonomy,” he said. Alongside this, he has proposed the formation of a Judicial Appointment Council to institutionalize transparency and meritocracy in the appointment process of apex court judges, as well as Posting and Transfer Guidelines for District Judiciaries, aimed at fostering consistency and fairness in judicial postings. “These proposals have been formally submitted to the government for necessary action, marking a significant step toward the complete institutional separation of the judiciary from the executive branch,” he said. Moreover, in reinforcing the judiciary's independence from the legislative branch, they have restored and strengthened the Supreme Judicial Council following the disposal of the 16th Amendment review case, he went on. Recognizing the critical importance of access to justice, he introduced a Capacity Test alongside the existing Means Test for invoking legal aid services, said the Chief Justice. RULAA convenor Barrister Bodruddoza Badal presided over the function moderated by its member secretary Kamal Ziaul Islam Babu.  

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained five Bangladeshis who had illegally entered India and were attempting to return home through the Beanibazar border in Sylhet on Thursday. The detainees are Ayesha Khatun, 37, wife of Mintu Sheikh of Kadmari village in Benapole of Jashore; Roksana Khatun, 40, wife of Lal Mia of the same area; Rumana, 21, wife of Badsha Sheikh of Brahmanbaria; Badsha Sheikh, 27; their three-year-old son Mahdi Islam. According to a media release from the BGB, a patrol team detained them at the border near Barotal adjacent to pillar no-1359/5 under Beanibazar upazila along the Bangladesh-India border early Thursday. Read: BGB detains 47 Bangladeshi nationals near Maheshpur border of Jhenaidah During interrogation, the detainees informed that they had intruded into India illegally on December 3 through Bagara border in Cumilla with the help of brokers. They were caught by Indian police at a customs checkpoint in Tripura while traveling by bus to Guwahati. After being detained for two days, they attempted to return to Bangladesh, the BGB release said. The detainees were handed over to the relevant police station while a case was filed in this connection, the release added.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has emphasized the importance of the role of police in ensuring stability and law and order in the country. He urged police personnel to perform their duties with integrity and courage, overcoming all forms of fear. The IGP made the remarks while addressing a welfare meeting organized by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) at the Bangladesh Police Auditorium in Rajarbagh Police Lines on Thursday with DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali in the chair. Read: Ensure no innocent is harassed in post-Aug 5 investigations: IGP The police head addressed the government's formation of various reform commissions, including the Police Reform Commission. He also said that the commission is working to ensure that the police operate independently and do not become tools of political parties, stressing the need for every member of the police force to carry out their responsibilities impartially. Addressing concerns raised by police personnel, the IGP reassured them that no action would be taken against officers who acted lawfully during the July-August public uprisings. Read: Some officers violated law, failed to perform duties during July-August protests: IGP He informed that a large number of officers have recently been transferred to different units and instructed unit heads to foster unity and avoid any division between new and existing members. "Everyone must work together as a team to uphold the pride of DMP." DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali underscored the importance of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police as the largest unit of the Bangladesh Police. "The reputation of the Bangladesh Police largely depends on the performance of the DMP." During the meeting, officers of various ranks from the DMP shared specific issues and requests with the IGP. The police chief attentively listened to their concerns and assured them of appropriate solutions. Additional Police Commissioners Faruq Ahmed (Admin), Md. Israil Hawlader (Crime and Operations), Rezaul Karim Mallik (Intelligence), Khondkar Nazmul Hasan, PPM (Bar) (Traffic), Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali (Logistics, Finance, and Procurement) and Md. Masud Karim (CTTC), among others, attended the meeting.

The High Court (HC) on Thursday acquitted Gias Uddin Al Mamun, a businessman and close friend of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, in a money laundering case scrapping his 7-year jail sentence. An HC bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain passed the order after hearing a petition submitted challenging the judgment. Lawyers Omar Sadat and Sabbir Hamza stood the petitioner while Asif Hasan for the Anti-Corruption Commissioner (ACC). On September 22, 2011, the ACC filed a case against Gias Uddin Al Mamun with Cantonment Police Station in Dhaka. According to the case statement, M Shahjad Ali, the then chairman of BTL and Globe Pharmaceuticals, was the Bangladesh agent for a Dutch contracting company that won a tender to modernise the railway signaling system. In 2003, when the work order was finalizsed, Gias Uddin Al Mamun allegedly demanded an illegal commission for the work. In 2004, Shahjad deposited Tk 6, 015, 7762 into Mamun's NatWest Bank account in London. On April 24, 2019, the Special Judge Court of Dhaka sentenced Gias Uddin Al Mamun to seven years in jail and imposed a fine of Tk 12 crore. The court also ordered the confiscation of 44,610.08 British pounds from Mamun's NatWest Bank account. Mamun was arrested on January 30 in 2007 and was released from prison on August 6 this year.

The High Court has acquitted Aman Ullah Aman, an adviser to the BNP  Chairperson), from a seven-year jail term handed down by a lower court in a case of alleged extortion. A High Court bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayetur Rahim delivered the verdict on Thursday. Senior advocates Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Nazmul Huda argued on behalf of Aman, with legal assistance from Tariq Bhuiyan. Tarique’s homecoming ‘looms large’ following steady acquittal in multiple cases The case dates back to 6 March 2007, when a complaint was filed at the South Keraniganj Police Station by Rafiqul Alam, a resident of Purba Aganagar, accusing Aman of extortion. The allegations are related to an incident on June 26, 2004, where Aman was accused of collecting Tk 5 lakh in two installments in 2005. Aman was shown arrested in the case on March 7, 2007, and the trial court sentenced him on May 8, 2008 to seven years of rigorous imprisonment along with a Tk 1 lakh fine. After the conviction, Aman appealed to the High Court in 2008, challenging the verdict. After a prolonged legal battle, the High Court's decision now clears him of the charges.

The International Crimes Tribunal has imposed a ban on the dissemination of inflammatory remarks by Awami League President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the media and on social media platforms. A three-member bench, led by Tribunal Chairman Justice Mohammad Golam Mortuza, issued the order on Thursday. The Tribunal also directed the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to remove the remarks from digital platforms. Interim Govt to pursue crimes against humanity charges at ICC against Hasina regime: Chief Adviser Yunus Earlier on Thursday, the prosecution filed a petition with the Tribunal requesting a ban on the circulation of Sheikh Hasina's controversial statements. Prosecutors argued that Sheikh Hasina, who is wanted for charges related to genocide and crimes against humanity, has been making provocative statements while living in exile in India. The petition specifically sought to block any statements by her that incite hatred against the country, its people, or the current government on social media and in the media. Earlier, on November 18, the Tribunal instructed a one-month investigation into Sheikh Hasina’s involvement in the July-August genocide case.

The High Court has set December 17 for the verdict on a rule issued regarding the validity of the 15th Amendment of the Constitution, which abolished the caretaker government system. A High Court bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury announced the date for the ruling. Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman and Deputy Attorney General Mohammad Asad Uddin represented the state during the proceedings. HC orders Harris Chowdhury’s burial with state honour Senior lawyer Dr. Sharif Bhuiyan presented arguments on behalf of the petitioner, Badiul Alam Majumdar, representative of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik. The BNP was represented by senior lawyers, including Zainul Abedin, Barrister Badaruddin Badal, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajal, and Advocate Farzana Sharmin Putul. Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir and Barrister Ehsan Siddique argued on behalf of Jamaat-e-Islami. Earlier, the rule was issued to address the legality of the 15th Amendment and the abolition of the caretaker government system. BNP's Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Jamaat-e-Islami's Secretary-General Mia Golam Parwar had joined the proceedings as parties in favor.

Law enforcement officials have arrested Chandan, the prime suspect in the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, from Kishoreganj. The arrest took place early Thursday morning. Chandan, from the Methorpatti area of Sebak Colony, Bandar Road in Chattogram city was apprehended near Bhairab Railway Station after he got off a train on Wednesday evening around 7:30 pm. According to police, he was reportedly loitering near the station before being taken into custody. Ctg lawyers demand CMP commissioner's resignation over Adv Alif’s murder The arrest was confirmed by Kazi Md. Tarek Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of the Media and Public Relations Division of Chattogram Metropolitan Police. This development follows the issuance of arrest warrants by the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate's Court on December 2, which named nine individuals as suspects in the case. Earlier, on November 29, a case was filed by Alif's father, Jamal Uddin, accusing 31 named individuals and 10 to 15 unidentified others of involvement in the killing.

The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has arrested three individuals during anti-drug operations in Dhaka's Gulshan and Paltan areas. The arrestees are Kazi Maruful Islam (26), Md. Ismail Bepari (30), and Sakib Naeem (27). A team of the DNC, led by the Ramna Circle Enforcement Team and Assistant Director Rahul Sen, conducted the raids in Dhaka’s Gulshan and Paltan areas on Wednesday and arrested them, said Shamim Ahmed, deputy director of DNC's Dhaka Metro Office (North). The operation also resulted in the seizure of various drugs and cash. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the drugs were smuggled from Thailand and Canada and were being distributed discreetly through app-based groups, he added. Private institution teachers to get transfer opportunity: Education Adviser The seized items include: Tetrahydrocannabinol-infused kush (1.040 kg), Tetrahydrocannabinol-infused candy (60 grams), Liquid cannabinoids (38 grams), Magic mushrooms (18 grams), Foreign liquor (8.5 liters), Cash from drug sales (Tk 105,000). The narcotics were reportedly sold to affluent young adults in areas like Gulshan and Banani. In addition, a case was filed against the suspects under the Narcotics Control Act, 2018.