United News of Bangladesh

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in a crackdown on Thursday caught two brokers red-handed and took action against two corrupt staff for their involvement in bribery related to national identity card (NID) services of the Election Commission. A team of ACC conducted an enforcement operation at the Election Commission (EC) office in Dhaka’s Agargaon, targeting a network of corrupt staff and brokers who were allegedly involved in bribery related to NID card services. The members of the ACC’s enforcement team went undercover as service seekers and found evidence of bribery. 400,000 pending NID applications to be settled in 3 months: NID DG The operation was prompted by allegations that several staff members of the EC Secretariat and its National Identity Registration Wing, and members of law enforcement were involved in taking bribes for different NID services like personal data corrections and smart NID card printing. During the seven-hour operation, the four-member team, headed by ACC Deputy Director Atiqur Rahman, discovered that computer shop owners and brokers around the Election Commission office were demanding bribes in exchange for facilitating NID services. “Two brokers were detained red-handed during the operation, and two employees of the Election Commission were found to be directly involved. Immediate action was taken against the two employees for their involvement,” said an ACC release this evening. The enforcement team leant that an internal investigation, earlier conducted by the Election Commission, also confirmed that several employees within the Commission and its related projects were involved in bribery. 3 detained for bank robbery attempt in Keraniganj The team will now place a detailed report to the ACC, reviewing the collected documents and evidence. Team member and ACC Assistant Director Ashif Al Mahmud told reporters that they started the operation at 11 am today and found the bribery allegation to be true. "A network of bribery transactions has been created. From computer shopkeepers, Ansar members, brokers, policemen to the staff of the EC are involved in the network. We’ve primarily identified those who are involved," he said. About the ACC’s operation, Director General of EC’s National Identity Card (NID) Wing ASM Humayun Kabir said the detained persons are not from the EC, but rather brokers. He said they were trying to find out if anyone from the EC’s side is involved in the irregularities.  

Three robbers were detained by law enforcers in connection with an attempted robbery at  Jinjira branch of Rupali Bank in Dhaka's Keraniganj on Thursday afternoon. The detainees—Nirob, Riafat, and Arafat—were detained after their surrender, said Mazharul Islam, officer-in-charge of South Keraniganj Police Station. They were later taken to the RAB 10 headquarters for questioning. Journalist Turab killing: Ex-ADC of Sylhet Police Dastagir placed on 5-day remand OC Mazharul Islam mentioned that a press conference would be held later to provide further details to the media. Meanwhile, bank manager Shekhar Mondal declined to comment on the incident. No casualties were reported, and the bank is currently assessing the extent of any damages, the OC added. Earlier, the robbers entered the bank disguised as customers around 2 pm and held the bank staff hostage at gunpoint.

A Sylhet court on Thursday placed former additional deputy commissioner (ADC) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police (SMP) Sadeq Kawsar Dastagir on a five-day remand in connection with the killing of journalist ATM Turab during the anti-discrimination student movement. Sylhet Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Abdul Momen ordered the remand while Dastagir was produced before the court. Advocate Abdur Rob, lawyer for the plaintiff, said that a seven-day remand had been sought and the court granted five days. HC summons Naogaon Public Prosecutor for ‘derogatory remarks’ about Senior Judicial Magistrate  A team of Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) arrested Dastagir from Sherpur district on Wednesday. Another accused in the case, Constable Ujjal, was arrested in Dhaka on November 17 and is currently in jail following a five-day remand. The murder case was filed by the deceased’s brother Abul Hasan Md Azraf on August 19. The case named 18 individuals, including former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and several high-ranking police officials, along with 200 to 250 unnamed individuals.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday filed a case against 58 individuals, including the son of S Alam Group Chairman Mohammad Saiful Alam, for embezzling Tk 1,092 crore from the Chaktai branch of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL) in Chattogram. The accused include Ahsanul Alam, son of S Alam Group chairman; 34 bank officials, including former IBBL managing director and directors; as well as owners of borrower companies, ACC Deputy Director (Public Relations) Aktarul Islam told UNB. ACC launches investigation against Obaidul Quader, ex-secretary ABM Aminullah ACC Deputy Director and investigation team leader Md Yasser Arafat filed the case with ACC coordinated office Chattogram-1. The accused include Ahsanul Alam, Fasiul Alam, Kazi Shahidul Alam, Sirajul Kabir, Joynal Abedin, former director Md Selim Uddin, former vice-president Tanvir Ahmed, nominee director Syed Abu Asad, Chaktai branch head and assistant vice-president Monzur Hasan, Chaktai branch manager Ahsan Ullah, and the proprietor of Murad Enterprise, Gulam Sarwer Chowdhury. S Alam Group Chairman accuses Bangladesh Bank of “intimidation”, cites international protections The case statement said that the Chaktai branch of the bank disbursed Tk 966.65 crore in loans to Murad Enterprise on November 23, 2021, without receiving valid documents. The loan was approved in just six days without conducting a proper investigation after the company opened an account at the branch, it said.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday decided to launch an investigation against former road, transport and bridges minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and former secretary ABM Aminullah Nabi. ACC spokesperson Aktarul Islam told UNB that ACC took the decision to investigate the complaint against Obaidul Quader and ABM Aminullah. The complaint sent to the ACC director general (special investigation) said that the process of purchasing 137 buses for the 20km specialized-lane from airport to Gazipur was halted as the former minister and the then secretary wanted to purchase the buses through a company of their preference. They delayed the entire process after failing to do that. Gazipur resident and businessperson Jannatul Baki sought information in this regard under the Right to Information Act on July 25. However, the BRT authorities said they were unable to provide any information.  Although six companies took part in the first tender, there was not enough competition. So, questions were raised regarding the competitiveness of the second tender where the number of participants was two. At the same time, the cost of the project was growing exponentially as the dollar exchange rate at the time was Tk 106 during the first tender.

The High Court has summoned Naogaon Public Prosecutor Abu Zaid Md Rafiqul Islam for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Senior Judicial Magistrate Tariqul Islam. The High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debashish Roy Chowdhury passed the order on Wednesday along with a contempt of court rule, taking suo moto notice of the issue. HC finds 15th amendment conflicting, clears path to restore caretaker govt PP Rafiqul Islam has been asked to appear before the court on January 6 to explain his actions, according to Deputy Attorney General Tanim Khan. Earlier in December, Senior Judicial Magistrate Tariqul Islam submitted an application to the Registrar General in this regard, which was signed by seven magistrates. HC order declaring ‘Joy Bangla’ as national slogan suspended Later, when the petition was brought to the attention of the Chief Justice, he directed that the contempt of court case be sent to the relevant bench for further action.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police arrested two more staff members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in connection with question paper leak. The arrestees have been identified as Md Abdul Azim, 49, an Office Assistant in the Advertisement Department, and Rupan Chandra Das, 44, a sweeper.  They were arrested from in front of the PSC headquarters in the capital’s Agargaon area on Tuesday, said CID’s Special Superintendent (Media Wing) Azad Rahman. Mother, daughter poisoned to death: Man arrested in Dhaka During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered two mobile phones, question papers from various PSC exams, admit cards, bank cheques, and cash from their possession. A case was filed on July 9, 2024, at Paltan Model Police Station in connection with the question paper leaks. So far, a total of 22 individuals have been arrested in the case. ACC files cases against ex-MPs Nizam Hazari and Naimur Rahman Durjoy over acquiring illegal wealth During initial interrogations, the arrested suspects admitted to their involvement in leaking question papers for various recruitment exams, including the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) and PSC exams, in exchange for money over the past several years.  

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday filed separate cases against former Feni-2 MP Nizam Uddin Hazari, and former Bangladesh cricket team captain and former Manikganj-1 MP Naimur Rahman Durjoy on charges of acquiring illegal wealth. The cases were filed on Wednesday after the primary investigation, ACC Director General (Prevention) Md. Akhter Hossain said. Primary investigators show evidence of unusual transactions amounting to Tk 548.8 crore in 82 bank accounts linked to Nizam Hazari. Of this, the ACC alleges Tk 187.2 million constitutes illegal wealth. The case was lodged at the ACC Integrated District Office, Dhaka-1, by Deputy Director Mohd. Nurul Huda. Charges have been brought against the accused under Sections 27(1) of the ACC Act 2004, 4(2), 4(3) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2012 and 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1947. The statement said that Nizam Hazari deposited TK 280.14 crore and withdrew TK 268.66 crore in 82 bank accounts. He has TK 12.61 crore deposited in his bank account. On the other hand, the case against Naimur Rahman Durjoy was filed at the ACC's Integrated District Office Dhaka-1 by Director Md. Abul Hasnat on charges of acquiring illegal assets of TK 11.21 crore. Charges have been filed against Durjoy under Section 27 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004, Sections 4 (2) and 4 (3) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2012, and Section 5 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. The statement mentioned that the former cricketer and former MP received TK 42.2 crore from Manikganj Power Generation Limited through abuse of power. The ACC launched its probe into the financial dealings of both former MPs last September. As part of the investigation, the commission summoned records of bank accounts held by Durjoy and his wife, Farhana Rahman, on September 26. Nizam Uddin Hazari, who won the last three parliamentary elections using the boat symbol, is accused of acquiring illegal wealth, buying land and commercial buildings in various districts including Dhaka and Feni under his own name, and laundering money abroad.

Authorities have tightened security in and around the Biswa Ijtema ground in Tongi to prevent any untoward incidents following violent clashes between two groups that left two people dead and many injured. A large contingent of the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and other forces, along with regular police, have been patrolling the area, reports UNB’s district correspondent from the scene. According to a statement from the BGB headquarters, four platoons have been deployed in the area. Despite the heavy security, a tense atmosphere persists there. Locals reported that followers of Maulana Saad remain inside the ground, while those of Maulana Zubair are positioned outside. Meanwhile, a meeting between the two groups was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs later today (Wednesday). The meeting asked the two groups to vacate the ground and they were learned to have agreed to leave the area. Read: Ijtema: Saad’s supporters attempt to march to Chief Adviser’s residence As per the government’s decision, the first phase of the Biswa Ijtema, organised by Zubair’s followers, will take place from January 31 to February 2 next year, while the second phase, led by Saad’s followers, is scheduled from 7 to 9 February. Although the government permitted the Saad group to host the first phase, the opposing faction has been reluctant to accept the decision. Tensions between the two groups have been brewing ever since. In preparation for their 'Jor Ijtema,' set to be held from December20 to 24, Saad’s followers began entering the ground. But, sensing their presence, Zubair’s followers reportedly attacked them around 3 am. In response, Saad’s supporters, attempting to gain entry to the ground, launched a counter-attack, leading to a fierce clash that resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries. Locals alleged that as Saad’s supporters entered the ground, police stationed at the Ijtema site moved away, positioning themselves on the Dhaka-Mymensingh Highway to the east. Read more: First phase of Biswa Ijtema to begin Jan 31 Tongi West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Iskandar Habibur Rahman confirmed the fatalities, adding that several injured individuals were sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He said that the situation is now under control, with law enforcement remaining on high alert.

The High Court on Tuesday said that the 15th Amendment to the Constitution of Bangladesh contradicts its fundamental framework and undermines key democratic principles, emphasising that there is no legal obstacle to reinstating the caretaker government system. A High Court bench comprising Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury made the remarks while delivering its verdict on the highly debated 15th Amendment and the abolition of the caretaker government system. The court ruled that while the amendment is not entirely void, it has compromised the Constitution's fundamental structure. In its observations, the High Court said that the core of the Constitution lies in democracy, which can only be upheld through free, fair and credible elections. It added that the caretaker government system, introduced through political consensus, had become an essential component of the Constitution’s basic framework. “The beauty of the Constitution lies in empowering people. People are the source of all power,” the court noted in its judgment, reinforcing the necessity of a mechanism to preserve democratic values. The High Court reiterated that the abolition of the caretaker government system disrupted the nation’s democratic structure, as it was originally enacted to ensure impartial elections and foster political stability. The court observed, “Caretaker governments were formed through political consensus and have since become a fundamental part of the Constitution’s foundation.” The ruling followed extensive hearings over 23 working days, during which key legal representatives from all concerned parties presented their arguments. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman and Deputy Attorney General Md Asad Uddin represented the state. Senior lawyer Dr Sharif Bhuiyan argued on behalf of the petitioners, including Badiul Alam Majumdar of SUJAN, while BNP’s counsel included senior lawyers Zainul Abedin, Barrister Badruddoza Badal, Barrister Ruhul Quddus Kajol, and Advocate Farzana Sharmin Putul. Jamaat-e-Islami was represented by Advocate Mohammad Shishir Monir and Barrister Ehsan Siddique, while Advocate Ishrat Hasan spoke for Insaniyat Biplob. Additionally, Barrister Junaid Ahmed Chowdhury appeared for four other petitioners, and Barrister Hamidul Misbah argued as an intervener. Earlier, on December 5, the court had scheduled the verdict following the prolonged hearings on why the 15th Amendment, which abolished the caretaker government system, should not be declared illegal. The verdict came four months after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in a student-led mass uprising, followed by her fleeing to India. The caretaker government system, originally introduced to oversee impartial elections, was scrapped through the Fifteenth Amendment in 2011. This move sparked criticism from various political factions and civil society groups. Legal and political analysts have noted that the High Court’s ruling opens the door for revisiting and restoring the caretaker government framework, a measure many believe is crucial for holding credible elections and ensuring the nation’s democratic stability. What AG Says Attorney General (AG) Md Asaduzzaman stated that the High Court did not abolish the 15th Amendment entirely but rather kept some issues, including the father of the nation and the 7th March Speech, pending for Parliament. Asaduzzaman said this while briefing reporters after the final hearing of two separate petitions in this regard. Referring to the past three national elections, the court observed how they were conducted, with exiled leaders, a bar on rule of law, biased judicial division, and constitutional interference. He added that the court did not address the remainder of the 15th Amendment and left these matters for Parliament to decide. Caretaker Govt’s Start     The first caretaker government in Bangladesh was installed in 1990 under then Chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed based on political understanding, without any prior constitutional amendment. 1996 Constitutional Amendment Khaleda Zia, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), became Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time after the 1991 general election. She was reelected in the February 1996 general election, which was conducted by her government. Major opposition parties, including the Awami League, Jatiya Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, boycotted the election. As a result, BNP secured a landslide victory, and Khaleda Zia retained her position as Prime Minister. However, the opposition demanded fresh elections under a neutral caretaker government, leading to widespread violence. Amid violent protests, new elections were held in June 1996 under a caretaker administration, and the Awami League won the election. On 28 March 1996, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was passed, introducing a system of non-party Caretaker Government to oversee general elections. 2006–2008 Caretaker Govt In late 2006, President Iajuddin Ahmed formed a caretaker government. The role of Chief Advisor was initially intended for Chief Justice KM Hasan, but he could not assume the position. The Awami League alleged that Hasan had been appointed Chief Justice by the outgoing BNP-led government to manipulate the caretaker system in its favor. This controversy led to violent unrest, culminating in the cancellation of the January 2007 general election. Subsequently, Fakhruddin Ahmed formed a new caretaker government in January 2007 with the support of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. This caretaker government remained in power beyond its constitutionally-mandated 120-day term and oversaw the 2008 general election before stepping down. Abolition However, the caretaker government system was abolished through the 15th Amendment in 2011, as the Supreme Court struck down the 13th Amendment to the Constitution as illegal. Since the abolition of the system, BNP and its allies have persistently demanded its reinstatement. The then ruling Awami League, on the other hand, firmly rejected these calls. What is Next? Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman said, "The review petition regarding the reinstatement of the Caretaker Government system is under consideration in the Appellate Division. The findings of this order (from the HC) will be presented there. Ultimately, the Appellate Division will make the final decision on the caretaker government system." Dr Sharif Bhuiyan, the lawyer representing the petitioners challenging the validity of the 15th Amendment, said, "A major obstacle to the return of the caretaker government system has been removed. However, it cannot be said that it has fully returned, as it was abolished in two ways—by the court's order and by the constitutional amendment passed by Parliament." He noted that Badiul Alam Majumdar and four others have filed a review petition with the Appellate Division on this matter. A hearing will take place in January, and if the decision is made in favor of the petitioners, the caretaker government system will be reinstated, he added.