United News of Bangladesh

The government has approved an ordinance that maintains the provision for appointing judges to the High Court (HC) through the establishment of a council. Law Affairs Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul announced this at a press conference regarding HC judge appointments and other contemporary affairs held at the Secretariat on Tuesday. He revealed that the Council of Advisory approved the draft of the 'Supreme Court Judge Appointment Ordinance, 2025' on January 17 and its gazette was published on Tuesday. Emphasising the importance of appointing neutral and competent judges, he said that the human rights of the 18 crore people would remain at risk if impartial and qualified individuals are not appointed as HC judges through a transparent process. "The gazette for the 'Supreme Court Judge Appointment Ordinance 2025' was issued today. You all know that under the previous government, the High Court became a major platform for lawlessness, human rights violations, and the repression of people. Even in the face of severe human rights violations, people were denied redress," he added. The Law Adviser noted that political parties and civil society organisations had long been advocating for the appointment of skilled, experienced and neutral judges to the HC to ensure justice. Read: Govt okays SC Judges Appointment Ord According to the ordinance, the formation of the Supreme Judicial Appointment Council for HC judge appointments is mandated. The council will be headed by the Chief Justice and will include two justices each from the Appellate Division and the HC, along with the Attorney General. "The council will first conduct a thorough scrutiny. They will gather potential candidates on their own initiative, but anyone—be it an individual or a lawyer—can also submit recommendations. This process will be open, and the council will hold interviews after the initial scrutiny," the ordinance explains. Adviser Asif further assured, "Judges will be appointed to the High Court through a transparent and accountable process. Hopefully, with the High Court's involvement, we will be able to establish a better appointment process than in any previous tenure." He said that judges for the HC will be appointed from both the judicial services and the pool of lawyers, with the council determining the appropriate ratio for each group. Regarding the trial progress at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), the Law Adviser expressed satisfaction, saying that there is no connection between the election and the prosecution of the former Awami League government's cohorts. Read more: Political appointment of judges destroyed judiciary: Asif Nazrul A second ICT could be formed to expedite trials, if necessary, and that political party unity could further accelerate the election process, he added.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner  SM  Sajjat Ali on Tuesday said that the DMP is set to introduce a new hotline for real-time information exchange, aimed at providing timely updates and facilitating communication between the police and journalists, especially crime reporters. The DMP Commissioner  announced the initiative during a meeting with the newly elected executive committee of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) on Tuesday. The DMP Commissioner said the initiative to launch the hotline in the media division of the DMP will be taken keeping in mind the idea of 'Instant information whenever there is an incident', an initiative is being taken to launch a hotline in the media department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). IGP urges increased professionalism at Central Police Hospital He said that the new hotline will enable journalists to receive instant information about incidents, and equally allow them to report details on ongoing situations. In his speech, CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal emphasized the long-standing cooperation between the police and the association, asserting that such collaboration would continue in the future. He noted that delays in receiving timely information from the police could create gaps in the flow of information. CRAB General Secretary M.M. Badshah recommended enhancing partnership between DMP and CRAB, and suggested organizing orientation and awareness programs.  He also urged the DMP Commissioner to foster cooperation under the concept of "real-time information exchange." In response, DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) S.N. Md. Nazrul Islam was instructed to take necessary steps to ensure effective information flow. Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sojjat Ali highlighted the importance of media cooperation in maintaining law and order and building a crime-free society. IGP emphasizes maximum effort to combat crime in DMP’s monthly crime review meeting He emphasized that controlling law and order is a difficult task for the police without the active support of journalists, and reiterated that the police and media are complementary to each other. Meanwhile, when the Commissioner was asked  about  former Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Uttara East Police Station Shah Alam, who had escaped from police custody after being arrested in Kushtia and brought to Uttara East Police Station in the capital, is still at large. Despite a nationwide red alert issued by the police, the fugitive remains unapprehended. In response,  the DMP Commissioner clarified that the police had not released the former OC, stating, "If the police were to release him, it would have been in Kushtia itself, not after bringing him to Dhaka." He also mentioned that two officers responsible for the incident had been dismissed due to negligence. However, he acknowledged that the escaped OC has likely fled to India or a neighboring country.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam on Tuesday asked on-duty doctors to enhance the quality of services at the Rajarbagh Central Police Hospital by ensuring professionalism, sincerity, and dedication.  The IGP gave the instruction during a view exchange meeting with physicians, nurses, employees and staff of Police Central Hospital in the city after inspecting various departments of the hospital in Rajarbagh in the city on Tuesday. In his speech, the IGP emphasized on modernizing the Central Police Hospital and directed the doctors and staff to maintain high standards of patient care. He appreciated the ongoing healthcare services provided to police personnel and their families, and expressed his gratitude to the doctors and nurses for their tireless efforts. IGP emphasizes maximum effort to combat crime in DMP’s monthly crime review meeting During the meeting with hospital doctors, officers, and staff, it was told that, on average, around 4,500 police officers and their family members receive medical services at the Central Police Hospital daily. Furthermore, approximately 1,500 police officers receive pathology reports every day. Last year, a total of 712 surgeries were successfully conducted in the eye department, while 6,467 surgeries were performed across other departments.  The IGP also inspected the hospital's digital healthcare services, including registration, OPD, consultations, medicine stores, and report delivery. He also visited various other departments such as the Emergency Unit, Radiology and Imaging, ICU, and Dialysis Unit. During the visit, he observed the service process for police members and their families and provided necessary guidance. During the IGP's inspection, Central Police Hospital Director (DIG) Sardar Nurul Amin, Additional DIG (Administration and Finance) Dr. Md. Emdadul Haque and Superintendent of the hospital Dr. ABM Md. Khorshed Alam were present.

Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has said over 2,500 politically motivated and harassment cases filed during the tenure of the Awami League government are expected to be withdrawn within a week. “The government has successfully identified over 2,500 cases in 25 districts which were politically motivated. We expect to withdraw these cases within seven days," he said at a view-exchange meeting with reporters on Tuesday at the Secretariat. All parties reach consensus on inclusive ‘July Declaration’: Asif Nazrul The Adviser said they are trying to review and withdraw cases filed under the Cyber Security Act. "Many cases have already been withdrawn and the remaining cases will be withdrawn in phases," he added.

The Traffic Department of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has filed 2,004 cases against traffic rule violators across various streets in the capital. As part of the operations, 71 vehicles were dumped, and 35 others were towed, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (media), Talebur Rahman on Tuesday The enforcement drive was conducted by eight traffic divisions of the DMP on Monday to ensure discipline on Dhaka’s roads. The DMP Traffic Division has assured that such drives will continue to maintain order and compliance with traffic laws in the city.

Voicing concern over the extent of extortion, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali said extortionists must be brought to book no matter who they are. “Steps will be taken to intensify police patrols especially in the early morning hours and vehicles such as microbuses or private cars loitering unnecessarily should be thoroughly searched,” he said. The DMP Commissioner came up with the information while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with the officer-in-charges of 50 police stations at DMP headquarters on Monday. He also urged the Officers-in-Charge (OCs) to ensure their presence in every alley and lane under their jurisdiction to address any emerging issues promptly. DMP files 2,073 cases for traffic rules violation “You must treat victims and those seeking police services with respect. Regular briefings with subordinates at the police station are essential,” said the DMP Commissioner. The more connections you build with people, the more information you will gather, he said. He also instructed the OCs to register all cases requiring legal action on time and to conduct proper and prompt investigations of General Diaries (GDs).

A petition has been filed in the High Court challenging the president's power to pardon convicted offenders. Supreme Court lawyer Ishrat Hasan filed the petition on Monday. The petitioner has informed that a High Court bench, comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury, will hear the petition next week. The Cabinet Secretary, the Law Secretary, the Home Secretary, the Parliament Secretary, and the Secretary of the President's Office have been named as respondents in the petition. 2 men sentenced to 10 years for harassing minor, inciting suicide The petition requests the High Court to issue a rule asking why the president's power to pardon convicted offenders without a policy should not be declared unconstitutional. Additionally, the petition seeks directions to formulate a policy for the remission, suspension, or reduction of sentences under Article 49 of the Constitution. The petition also asks the court to rule on why the respondents' failure to formulate a policy for the implementation of this provision of the Constitution should not be declared illegal, unconstitutional, and contradictory to Articles 7, 27, and 31 of the Constitution. Article 49 of the Constitution states: "The president shall have the power to grant pardon, delay or suspend the execution of any sentence, and remit, suspend or reduce any sentence awarded by any court, tribunal, or other authority." The petition points out that under Article 49, the president’s power to grant pardons is unrestricted and lacks any formal policy. There is no clear policy governing who can be granted a pardon and on what basis, which the petition argues contradicts Articles 7, 27, 31, and 32 of the Constitution. Appellate Division defers 13th Amendment review hearing to Feb 9 The petition also highlights the misuse of this power, citing examples such as the pardons granted to individuals like the brother of the former army chief, Joseph, and Aslam Fakir. It has become common for sentences to be remitted for political reasons, which the petition claims constitutes an abuse of power. “For years, the president's power to grant pardons has been widely misused. During the previous government’s tenure, convicted murderers were pardoned through the improper use of this power. This has led to growing public concerns about the fairness of justice, with many feeling disillusioned with the notion of receiving fair legal treatment. To prevent the ongoing misuse of this power, the petition asserts that it is essential to formulate a clear policy,” said petitioner Ishrat Hasan.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members have detained a Sudanese woman while she was trying to trespass into the country through Feni border from India. The detainee is Eslam, 26, daughter of Abdel Rahim. Mohammad Mosharaff Hossain, commandant of the BGB-4 Battalion in Feni, said a patrolling team detained the Sudanese woman while she was trying to enter through Parshuram border in Purbo Nij Kalikapur area early Monday morning. Read: Bangladeshi youth ‘tortured by BSF’ near Feni border A mobile phone set, $100 dollars, 30 Indian rupees, and some dresses were seized from her, he said. On November 7 last, the BGB detained an Ethiopian national from the Feni border. On December 29, a Nigerian citizen named Gilbert Aphe was detained for illegal intrusion into Bangladesh through the border.

After months of discussion over reforms and uniform changes for law enforcement agencies, the government is set to introduce new attire for the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Ansar. According to reliable sources, the Home Ministry's advisory council is expected to approve the new uniforms at a meeting today (Monday). Meanwhile, representatives from the police, Ansar, and RAB entered the meeting wearing 18 different uniform prototypes. “These designs are under consideration, and a final decision is anticipated to be made during the session,” said an official wishing anonymity. Read: Call for inclusive police reform to rebuild trust, accountability The initiative for this reform gained momentum following deliberations on police reforms, which began after August 5 last year. The upcoming changes aim to modernise the appearance of law enforcement personnel while aligning with their functional and operational requirements. Read more: No discussion on RAB reforms with US: Home Minister Officials have indicated that the selected uniforms will reflect a combination of practicality and professionalism, ensuring better identification and uniformity across the forces. Further details about the finalised designs and implementation timeline are expected to be announced following the meeting.

The Coast Guard seized two bulkheads carrying soil illegally extracted from the Meghna River in Chandpur in the early hours of Monday. Nine people were also detained in connection with the illegal soil extraction. Fraudster arrested for extortion using false identity Tipped off, a team from Chandpur Station Coast Guard conducted a drive around 2am in  Lalpur area of Bishnupur Union targeting bulkheads and dredgers operating illegally and seized two, said Lieutenant M Fazlul Haque, Commander of Coast Guard Chandpur Station. The seized bulkheads and the detained people were later handed over to Chandpur Sadar River Police for further action.