United News of Bangladesh

The government is intensifying its efforts to enforce the ban on polythene shopping bags, urging all citizens to comply with the directives to stop using such bags. Non-compliance will result in strict actions, said Tapan Kumar Biswas, additional secretary and chair of the Monitoring Committee on this issue under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate, during a monitoring operation at New Market Kitchen Market in Dhaka on Friday. He told reporters that since November 3, authorities have conducted 166 raids to enforce the ban. Officials fined 349 establishments a total of Tk 19,29,900 and confiscated 40,000 kg of polythene during this period.  “Public awareness is growing, and we are witnessing gradual improvements,” he said.  “Awareness campaigns, providing alternatives, and strict enforcement are advancing simultaneously,” added Tapan. Realistic solutions key to addressing sustainable plastic management: Speakers During the monitoring activity, market committee members acknowledged the harmful effects of polythene usage and pledged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives. Officials from the Ministry of Environment, Department of Environment, law enforcement agencies, and representatives from the media participated in the operation.

Police arrested three members of a fraud gang accused of deceiving job seekers by offering employment at super shop ‘Shwapno’. The arrestees are Shahin Rabbani, Swapan Das and Parvez Mosharraf. Of them, Shahin is the leader of the gang and Managing Director of one Dragon Shield Security Solutions.   Police recovered mobile phones, SIM cards, and various documents, including money receipts, from the possession of the arrestees. Based on information from Shwapno’s Crisis Management Team, a police team arrested the suspects on Thursday from a second-floor apartment on Road No. 2 in Sector 4 of Uttara. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Uttara East Police Station, Md. Muhibullah, said the gang had been cheating  people for a long time. Based on secret information, police raided their (arrestees) office and arrested them on charges of fraud and embezzlement, he said. A case was filed in connection with the incident on Thursday night, the OC said. A job seeker named Sujan Pal, present during the raid, shared his ordeal. "They asked for money, claiming it was necessary for a bank account linked to my job at Shwapno. I paid them some money but was later asked for more. Many others like me fell for their promises and paid money in hopes of getting a job," he said. "They should face strict punishment for this deception." Thanking police for their action against the frauds, Masum Billah, head of Shwapno’s Crisis Management Team, said that the gang had been active since 2019, targeting areas such as Uttara, Badda New Market, Mohammadpur and Savar using fake online job advertisements. "At Shwapno, we never charge money for recruitment—only qualifications matter,” he added.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali has said the police force is committed to fulfilling both students’ and the public expectations. He said this after visiting the National Orthopaedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (NITOR) on Thursday to meet check on those who were injured during the July-August quota reform movement. DMP Commissioner urges OCs to enhance service delivery, build public trust “The police are committed to fulfilling the expectations of both students and the public, with a pledge to be the people’s police,” said the DMP commissioner. He assued that DMP would continue to offer support to the injured, ensuring they receive adequate medical care and attention. The DMP commissioner engaged with each patient, expressing concern for their health and well-being. He reassured them that the police remain dedicated to upholding the trust and expectations of both students and the public. DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Md Israel Hawlader, Additional Commissioner (Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime) Md Masud Karim were were present at the time, among others.

The Supreme Court (SC) has sent a proposal to the Law Ministry over the formation of Judicial Appointments Council to appoint judges for the higher court of the country. The proposal was sent to the ministry after conducting a detailed study on the laws, rules and regulations, customs and other related matters over the appointment of higher court judges in different countries, said a media release sent by the SC. The SC proposed the formation of the council headed by the Chief Justice which will make recommendations after receiving a request from the President to recommend suitable persons for appointment as judge of the Supreme Court. In many countries especially in the western ones there are independent and impartial commissions or similar institutions for the appointment of judges of the HC. The council has proposed issuance a public notice inviting applications from the candidates for sending recommendations for the appointment of judges under Articles 95 and 98 of the Constitution on the basis of a request by the President. Read: Ctg lawyers demand CMP commissioner's resignation over Adv Alif’s murder Besides, the council can call any person concerned to the council meeting to seek opinions or suggestions about candidates or can instruct any government and private organisation to provide information demanded by the council. Once the council is formed, transparency and accountability will be ensured in the appointment of judges of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, said the release.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjad Ali has directed the officers-in-charge (OCs) of all police stations to improve the police force's image by delivering quality services to the public. Speaking at a views exchange meeting at the DMP Headquarters with the OCs of 50 police stations in Dhaka metropolitan area on Thursday, the Commissioner emphasized that police stations are the central hub for law enforcement services and must operate with greater accountability. He urged the OCs to ensure that service seekers receive prompt and effective assistance when they visit police stations. OCs to be fired in just one minute for refusing to register cases: DMP Commissioner "You are the ones who take legal action," said the DMP Commissioner, stressing the pivotal role of police stations in implementing police activities. He noted that many legal matters eventually reach the OCs for resolution, and their responsibility is crucial in shaping the public's perception of the police force. Acknowledging concerns about the tarnished image of the police in the past, he said, "The police's image has suffered due to the actions of some overambitious officers. However, you must work in such a way that no complaints are filed against any officer. I do not wish to take action against anyone, but if any complaint arises, there will be no concessions." He further underscored the importance of building stronger relationships with the community, saying, "The more rapport you build with people, the more information you will receive. This will enable you to take preventive action before crimes are committed." The Commissioner also called for fair and proper investigations in all cases. New DMP Commissioner Sajjat Ali assumes office The meeting also provided a platform for the OCs to discuss the challenges and issues they face in their operations. The DMP Commissioner listened attentively to their concerns and assured them that solutions would be implemented in phases. Additional Police Commissioners Faruk Ahmed (Admin), Rezaul Karim Mallick (Intelligence), Md. Masud Karim (CTTC), Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali (Logistics, Finance, and Procurement), along with the concerned Joint Police Commissioners, Deputy Police Commissioners, were also present.

Lawyers in Chattogram have demanded the immediate resignation of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner over the murder of Advocate Saiful Islam Alif, linking police negligence to the crime. They have warned of forcibly removing the commissioner if he does not step down voluntarily. Ctg lawyers go on strike protesting lawyer’s murder; thousands join janaza During a rally on Thursday, held as part of the second day of the court boycott, lawyers accused the police of “encouraging” the violence surrounding the protest for Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari’s release, in which Advocate Alif was killed. The court boycott has paralysed proceedings in courts in Chattogram for two consecutive days. “We saw the police standing inactive at a safe distance. They abandoned the prison van (carrying Chinmoy Krishna) and left. We believe the police encouraged this incident,” a protesting lawyer said. Another lawyer added, “I read in the newspapers that Chinmoy gave a speech using a handheld microphone from the prison van, urging the continuation of their movement. I request that Chinmoy Krishna be made the primary accused in all related cases.” Advocate Nazim Uddin Chowdhury, president of the Lawyers' Association, called the situation unprecedented. “We are deeply mournful and burdened with grief today. Such an incident has never occurred in Chattogram’s court premises before. This is a difficult time for us,” he said. He directly criticised the CMP Commissioner, demanding answers about how Chinmoy Krishna Das obtained a handheld microphone in the prison van. “The Police Commissioner must answer for this. Otherwise, he cannot remain in Chattogram. We do not want the Police Commissioner,” he said. 33 arrested over lawyer murder, violence in Ctg Advocate Abdus Sattar, convenor of the United Lawyers Front Chattogram, and Advocate Mohammad Shamsul Alam, general secretary of the Bangladesh Lawyers Council, also addressed the rally.

Advocate Saquib Rahman, son of slain Colonel Quadrat Elahi Rahman Shafique, has hinted at lodging a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) within two weeks to ensure justice for the ‘hidden conspirators’ and to unearth the ‘truth’ behind the Pilkhana tragedy that took place 15 years ago. Advocate Saquib revealed this information during a press briefing held at Rawa Hall in Mohakhali, where he spoke on justice for the 74 victims, including 57 officers, who were killed during the Pilkhana massacre, and to mark the day as ‘Martyrs' Day’ for the slain soldiers. BDR mutiny: Case filed against Hasina, ex army chief Aziz He said that the trial proceedings of the BDR Mutiny case have been pending in the Appellate Division for the past 15 years, and that they were unaware of any recent developments in the case, adding that no one had made any contact throughout this prolonged period. “We, the victims, have no idea about the status of the case. Then, how will the people of the country know?” he questioned. “Our plan of action is to lodge a complaint with the International Crimes Tribunal within the next two weeks. We hope the government will ensure the safety of the families of the martyrs, as we lodge complaints against those who were in power during the previous government,” Saquib said. Advocate Saquib also named several people, including Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Sheikh Fazlul Karim, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and Mirza Azam, in connection with the incident. He suggested that Sheikh Hasina could be held accountable under the Doctrine of ‘Command Responsibility’ as per international law, as she was the head of the Defence Ministry at the time. “We’ll lodge a complaint against her, the then army officers, and especially the DGFI officers.” BDR Mutiny: Dismissed jawans demand reinstatement in their jobs with full facilities Saquib hinted at lodging complaints against journalists who misinterpreted the incident. Meanwhile, Rakin Ahmed, the son of Major General Shakil Ahmed, demanded that those responsible for the Pilkhana massacre be brought to justice following a thorough investigation. Rakin also called for the declaration of Pilkhana Massacre Day as Martyrs' Day, stating, “If the perpetrators are punished, all the people of the country will stand by us. Specific measures must be taken for those who were removed from their jobs for seeking justice for the killings.” He demanded justice for the murder of Chattogram lawyer and the arrest of those involved in the attempt to kill Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam. Nahrin Ferdousi, wife of slain Colonel Mujibul Haque, also made several demands during the press briefing. These included the declaration of February 25 as Martyr Army Day through a gazette before February 2025, the lowering of the national flag to half-mast on that day across the country, the renewal of investigations into the Pilkhana killings, the provision of updates to the victims of the Pilkhana tragedy regarding the progress of the proposed inquiry commission, and the release of all investigation reports to the public. She called for the 57 slain army officers to be honoured as ‘Martyrs’, the inclusion of the Pilkhana tragedy in school textbooks, and the ensuring of justice for all those innocent individuals arrested in connection with the case, following the disposal of the case. 'Mystery' behind BDR mutiny to be unveiled through re-investigation: Hafizuddin On February 25, 2009, several hundred Bangladesh Rifles (now BGB) personnel staged an armed revolt at the Darbar Hall of the force’s Pilkhana headquarters during the three-day "BDR Week." A total of 74 people, including 57 army officers, were killed in the massacre that began on this day. The mutiny ended the following day (Feb 26) after a negotiation between the then government and the BDR rebels, which resulted in the surrender of firearms, ammunition, and grenades.  

Chief of the Labour Reform Commission Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmed on Thursday said the commission will highlight the legal protection and recognition of the informal sector workers in their recommendations as more than 85 percent of these workers have not yet been brought under legal protection. “New labour sectors are being created in the labour market. A large number of people are working in sectors such as IT, transportation, food supply without any kind of legal protection," he said while sharing the plan at a press briefing organised by the Labour Reform Commission at the Department of Labour in the capital. This briefing discussed the outcomes of the first meeting of the commission and shared key updates on labour reform initiatives. Syed Sultan Uddin, also executive director of Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), said over two million labourers are joining the labour market every year and competition for jobs has become extreme.  "Capitalising this situation, widespread labour exploitation and abuses are taking place. The existing labour laws in the country are applicable to only a small portion of the total workers," he said. Stating that there is no protection framework for most of the remaining workers, Syed Sultan Uddin said a significant number of workers are going abroad and are being forced to work in dangerous and unhealthy conditions for lower wages due to the lack of suitable employment opportunities in the country. The bodies of Bangladeshi labourers are brought home from abroad every day, he said. There is no alternative to responsible trade union activities to build sound industrial relations and it is expected that workers and employers will create a proper productive and safe working environment through collective bargaining, he said. The commission chief also hinted that a culture of considering each other as opponents has been created here unfortunately although not in all areas, "If the entire nation cannot come out of it, it will have to pay the price," he said. "A significant number of workers are engaged in the industrial sector. Although industrial workers have legal recognition as 'workers', the majority of workers in the informal sector do not have legal recognition," he added. He also said though working people at home and abroad are the main driving force of the country's economy, they have not yet been able to receive the status expected from the state and they are also living in a socially disrespectful state.  "The saddest thing is that looking down on workers has become a part of our culture. Domestic workers face abuse in every house, the constant death of construction workers, shipwrecks or accidents in the transportation sector reveal the neglectful attitude of policymakers and society towards workers," he said.  The commission chief promised that they want to play a role in protecting the rights and welfare of all workers in the formal and informal sectors of the country and all migrant workers so that in the future they are considered as 'social assets' and can live a dignified life with their families.

A Dhaka court on Thursday granted bail to suspended assistant commissioner of Lalmonirhat Tapashee Tabassum Urmi in a defamation case filed for making derogatory remarks about the July-August movement martyr Abu Sayed.   Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Imran Ahmed passed the order when Urmi surrendered before the court and sought bail, said Khademul Islam, a counsel of the plaintiff.   Abu Hanif, media coordinator of Gono Odhikar Parishad, filed a petition at the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain on October 8 against Urmi . Chief Justice concerned over incidents on SC premises, reaffirms smooth justice delivery After recording the plaintiff’s statement, the court accepted the case and summoned her to appear before it on November 28.   According to the case statement, on October 5, she allegedly made defamatory remarks not only about martyr Abu Sayed but also targeting the interim government established through the student-people’s movement and its Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.   Her statements were disrespectful and undermined the legitimacy of a constitutionally formed government, it said.   Her comments could create public fear by threatening the stability of the government and damaging the reputation of its officials, it said.    

The Office of the Chief Justice of Bangladesh has expressed deep concern over the unprecedented incidents that unfolded on the Supreme Court premises on Wednesday, as well as other recent events within judicial premises nationwide. In a statement on Thursday, the Chief Justice’s Office reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the smooth operation of the justice delivery system across the country. All developments are being closely monitored to ensure that the judicial processes remain undisturbed despite the challenges, it added. BNP leader Zainul Abedin Farroque acquitted in wealth statement case To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, the Office of the Chief Justice has implemented comprehensive measures within the Supreme Court, as well as in district judgeships and magistracies. The chief justice has also issued clear directives for all courts and tribunals to continue their functions normally, emphasising the judiciary’s crucial role in serving the nation’s greater interest.