United News of Bangladesh

In his farewell address as Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Syed Refaat Ahmed on Sunday said no legal provision in the world can ensure collective freedom if society is driven by the desire for unearned wealth, unjust luxury and the prestige of undue power, stressing that moral integrity must accompany the rule of law. “There is no point in establishing a separate secretariat for the judiciary unless we, the judges, are careful about personal dishonesty,” he said. The Chief Justice made the remarks while delivering his farewell address at the Supreme Court Auditorium on Sunday noon, ahead of his retirement as the country’s 25th Chief Justice on December 27. Addressing fellow judges, Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed urged them to regard the pursuit of knowledge and the habit of reading as the highest duty of their lives. He encouraged continuous study, research and the development of judicial experience. “Let the primary foundation of all our efforts be not merely the execution of work, but the pursuit of excellence in that work,” he said. The Chief Justice also called on judges to go beyond traditional legal learning and expand their understanding of society, culture, anthropology, history, economics and political thought. At the same time, he urged them to explore modern fields such as artificial intelligence, environmental science and cybersecurity. “As judges, we can never be certain which everyday occurrences in people’s lives may give rise to disputes and when unprecedented questions will be brought before the courts, testing our judgment and discernment,” he added. Referring to the historic establishment of the Supreme Court Secretariat, the Chief Justice said judicial independence and a separate secretariat must be firmly established as the primary guardians of the constitutional rights of the people. He emphasised that strict action must be taken against corrupt and dishonest judges and said members of the judiciary should no longer point fingers at others for injustices committed within the system. “We must fulfil our responsibilities fully to ensure speedy justice for the people. Political influence must be avoided in the pursuit of preferred outcomes,” he said. Judges of the Appellate Division, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman, senior advocate Zainul Abedin, Supreme Court Bar Association President AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, district and sessions judges, metropolitan sessions judges, chief judicial magistrates and chief metropolitan magistrates, among others, were present on the occasion.          

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (Retd) Abu Fazal Md Sanaullah on Saturday said law enforcement agencies are fully alert to prevent any repeat of covert attacks ahead of the upcoming national election, asserting that the electoral process will proceed on schedule despite recent security concerns. The assurance came after a special meeting held at the EC involving representatives from the Home Ministry and various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to review the law and order situation since the election schedule was announced. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Sanaullah said the discussion particularly focused on the recent “covert and targeted attack” on Inquilab Manch spokesperson and independent Dhaka-8 aspirant Sharif Osman Hadi, which has raised serious concerns among political actors and voters alike. “While details cannot be disclosed for the sake of investigation, several important aspects have emerged,” he said, adding that the suspected attacker had gradually gained close proximity to the victim and has a past involving political violence and criminal records. The EC was informed that a significant number of previously arrested militants and criminals have been released on bail over time and are currently active in society, posing renewed security challenges. “This issue has been taken seriously, and we discussed what further measures are required,” he also said. The Election Commissioner said the meeting also examined whether the attack was an isolated incident or part of a larger coordinated plan, and whether there were any gaps or failures in preventive intelligence or operational responses. Participants further discussed recent attempts to set fire to two upazila-level election offices, which failed but were captured on CCTV footage. These incidents, the EC noted, indicate the possible involvement of individual or splinter actors attempting covert sabotage. “To ensure deterrence, we have stressed the need for increased checkpoints, restrictions on the movement of known criminals, recovery of illegal arms and ammunition, and intensified intelligence coordination,” the official said. Law enforcement agencies informed the commission that the second phase of the ‘Rebel Hunt’ operation resumed on Friday and is being carried out in a coordinated manner. Special emphasis has been placed on intelligence-sharing, border areas—particularly the southeast—and Rohingya-inhabited regions to assess any linkage with broader destabilisation attempts. The EC said cyber security units are already operational using existing national cyber infrastructure, with a dedicated coordination cell formed at the commission to monitor election-related disinformation and online threats. Responding to questions on whether the attack could create fear among candidates and voters, the EC official said, “That is precisely the intention behind such acts. But today’s meeting was meant to defeat that objective. These attempts will not be allowed to succeed.” Regarding a recent comment by the Home Adviser suggesting licensed firearms could be issued to candidates, the EC said no such discussion had taken place with the commission so far and the matter would be reviewed once official clarification is received. The EC also confirmed that three individuals have already been arrested in connection with the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, while further details remain confidential due to ongoing investigations. On election code of conduct enforcement, the commission said returning officers and executive magistrates are already active in the field to remove illegal posters and banners following the expiry of the 48-hour deadline. EC Sanaullah reiterated that while it is impossible to eliminate all risks during an election, the effectiveness and responsiveness of law enforcement agencies are key. “We are satisfied with the actions taken so far, though there is scope for further strengthening,” he said. He also urged political parties and candidates to remain vigilant, warning that infiltrators may pose as allies. “This incident has shown that sabotage can come from within close circles. Preventive caution is essential.” The Election Commissioner reaffirmed that the election will be held on time, and any attempt to derail or intimidate the democratic process will be met with firm and coordinated action by the state.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Sunday said they have identified two suspects in connection with the gun attack on Inquilab Moncho leader and Dhaka-8 election candidate Osman Hadi. The DMP also issued border alerts to prevent them from fleeing the country. DMP Additional Commissioner Nazrul Islam disclosed the information at a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre at Mintu Road in the afternoon. DMP has also collected the passport details of suspected shooter Faisal and blocked his passport at immigration to ensure that he cannot flee the country. Confirming the identities of the two attackers, Nazrul Islam said Faisal opened fire while Alamgir was riding the motorbike used in the attack. Police are making all-out efforts to arrest both suspects, he said, adding that there is no information yet about their fleeing the country. Nazrul Islam also said Faisal’s passport has already been blocked. He said police have detained two suspected human traffickers Sibion Dion, 32, and Sanjoy Cichim, 30 from Nalitabari area of Mymensingh. “We are collecting information regarding some people involved in facilitating illegal cross-border movement through Mymensingh border areas,” he added. The DMP official said efforts to arrest those involved in the attempted killing are continuing and the government has taken special measures to ensure security for frontline July fighters and people contesting the upcoming election.

The interim government on Sunday said the police would provide security protocols for all political parties ahead of the upcoming national election and referendum. Under this protocol, there will be clear instructions on how security will be ensured for political leaders and potential candidates in the upcoming national elections and in their residences, offices, movements, public meetings and cyberspace, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Sunday. Besides, initiatives have been taken to provide additional security to the leadership of the frontline leaders of the mass uprising and other important political leaders. Police have already identified the attackers and their associates in the attack on Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson of the Inquilab Moncha and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 constituency. Intensive operations by law enforcement agencies are continuing to arrest them, said the interim government. The motorcycle used in the attack has already been seized and the fingerprints of the suspects are being checked. To prevent the main suspect from crossing the border, photos and other information of the suspects were provided to all immigration check posts on Friday night. Patrols of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and RAB have been intensified in the border area. Although the location of the suspects has been identified several times within the country, it has not been possible to arrest them yet due to their repeated changes of location, the government said. Meanwhile, police have already collected the travel history of the main suspect and it shows that he has traveled to several countries in the past few years as an IT businessman. The latest information is that he traveled to Singapore on July 21. Several other suspects who may be involved in this attack have already been brought under surveillance. Bangladesh sought India’s cooperation in preventing the escape to India of the suspects involved in the recent attempted assassination of Bangladeshi political leader Sharif Osman Hadi and, in case they manage to enter the Indian territory, to ensure their immediate apprehension and extradition to Bangladesh. Bangladesh emphasised that India, as a neighbour, is expected to stand with the people of Bangladesh in upholding justice and safeguarding democratic processes. The High Commissioner of India emphasised that India looked forward to peaceful elections in Bangladesh and expressed his country’s readiness to extend all cooperation in this regard.

Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the attack on ‘July Rebels’ activist Md Rezaowan. The arrestees were identified as Md Masum and Md Fahim Khan. Some unidentified people attacked Rezaowan at Sector 6 of Uttara around 7:30pm on Saturday, leaving him critically injured, Md Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), said. DMP intensifies drive to arrest attackers of Hadi Later, he was taken to a nearby private hospital for necessary treatment. Following the attack, police conducted operations across Dhaka and arrested the duo from Dakshinkhan area early Sunday. Efforts are on to arrest the rest of the accused, he added.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has identified the motorbike used in the gun attack on Inquilab Moncho spokesperson and Dhaka-8 election candidate Osman Hadi and detained its registered owner from the Mohammadpur area of the capital. Tipped off, a special team of RAB-2 conducted a drive in Mohammadpur area in the early hours of Sunday (December 14, 2025) and detained Abdul Hannan, said RAB Headquarters’ Deputy Director (Media) Major Mohammad Lutful Hadi. Read more: NBR freezes bank accounts of Hadi’s suspected attacker Masud and his firm After detention, motorbike owner Abdul Hannan was handed over to Paltan Police Station for further legal proceedings, he said. Major Lutful Hadi said interrogation is underway to identify those directly involved in the attack and to uncover the motive. Osman Hadi was shot by assailants in the capital's Bijoynagar area on Friday noon, triggering widespread concern and condemnation. Read more: NBR freezes bank accounts of Hadi’s suspected attacker Masud and his firm Law enforcement agencies including police and RAB have been conducting drives to identify and arrest those involved in the attack.

Detectives have detained three suspects with a huge quantity of materials used in making arms after busting a den (in disguise of factory) in Khulna city. The discovery was made at 7:30pm on Saturday in a lane beside HRC Bhaban in the Joragate area of the city. Those detained are Nazrul, owner of Doha Iron Founder factory, and his employees Shahidul and Akbar Ali. Member of Detective Branch recovered 30 to 35 firearms-making tools, including molds, lead, triggers, and trigger guards, from the den, with locals expressing concern over the matter. Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Mohammad Tajul Islam said a DB team launched the operation after being tipped-off the factory. The DB recovered various firearm components and molds used to manufacture weapons, he said. Officer-in-Charge of Khulna Metropolitan DB Taimur Islam said various parts of firearms, including triggers and trigger guards, were being produced in the factory. Nearly 30 to 35 firearms-making tools were recovered and further operations are ongoing, he added.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has imposed maximum alert along all borders of Chuadanga and Meherpur districts following the attempted assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8. Security has been stepped up to prevent the attackers from fleeing the country via the Indian border, with intensified patrolling and searches across all border points. Lieutenant Colonel Nazmul Hasan, Director of the 6th Battalion (Chuadanga BGB), confirmed that strict security measures have been implemented along the Chuadanga–Meherpur border under the battalion’s jurisdiction. Patrols have been increased at sensitive and strategic locations, and suspected individuals and vehicles are being thoroughly searched. Additional BGB personnel have been deployed, and both day and night operations are ongoing to ensure that the assailants cannot escape the country. Local residents in border areas have been urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement, avoid unnecessary movement near the border, and follow all security guidelines. Hadi was shot on Friday, Dec 12, around 2:15 pm in front of the water tank in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. He was admitted to the hospital, where a medical board stated he is currently under conservative management. Meanwhile, the government has announced a reward of 5 million taka for information leading to the arrest of those involved in the attack. The announcement was made on Saturday, Dec 13, by Senior Secretary and Law Enforcement Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury after a core committee meeting on law and order at the Secretariat. The advisor urged citizens to assist authorities in apprehending the suspects and expressed optimism that the perpetrators would be caught quickly with public cooperation. He also called upon the nation to pray for Sharif Osman Hadi’s speedy recovery.

There was a burglary on Friday night at the village home of Sharif Osman Hadi, a potential independent candidate for Dhaka-8 and spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha who rose to prominence during the July 2024 Uprising against the Awami League regime, in Nalchiti, Jhalokathi. The incident took place Friday night in the Khasmahal area of the town, confirmed by Hadi’s cousin, Sirajul Islam. He said that taking advantage of the house being empty, intruders broke a window to enter. The total value of the stolen items is yet to be determined. Nalchiti police officer-in-charge Ariful Alam confirmed the incident, stating, “We have visited the scene, and those responsible will be brought under the law swiftly.” Earlier on Friday, around 2:15 pm, Osman Hadi was shot by assailants while traveling in a rickshaw in front of the water tank in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. Two individuals on a motorcycle fired at him from close range before fleeing the scene. Hadi was rushed to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition and later transferred to Evercare Hospital in the capital, where he is currently receiving intensive care (ICU) treatment. Hadi’s family members, upon learning of the attack, left for Dhaka on the same afternoon.

The interim government of Bangladesh has decided to immediately launch “Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2” across the country to prevent subversive activities using illegal arms and to suppress ‘fascist terrorists’ ahead of the February national election. Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury disclosed the decision while briefing journalists after a core committee meeting on law and order at the secretariat on Saturday (December 13, 2025). He said the law enforcement agencies are already conducting nationwide drives to recover looted and illegal firearms. Read more: 2 arrested with large cache of spying devices at Dhaka airport The adviser said the meeting in addition to routine law and order issues specifically reviewed overall security preparations for the upcoming parliamentary election, security arrangements for frontline fighters of the July movement including Osman Hadi, and progress in the recovery of looted illegal weapons. Jahangir Alam said law enforcement agencies have been directed to arrest those involved in the the attack without delay. “We hope to bring the perpetrators to justice within a very short time. No one involved in this attack will be spared,” he said expressing confidence that the people would fully cooperate with the investigation. The adviser said the attack on Osman Hadi is being viewed as an attempt to obstruct the upcoming election. He added that the interim government would take a firm stance against any attempt to disrupt or sabotage the election process. The adviser also said the interim government remains firmly committed to ensuring the security of frontline fighters of the July uprising. Read more: DMP intensifies drive to arrest attackers of Hadi