United News of Bangladesh

Three individuals were beaten to death by a mob on suspicion of cattle theft in Kaliakair upazila of Gazipur early Sunday. The incident occurred around 4:00am in the Bagchala area under Fulbaria union, where a group of 10-12 suspected cattle thieves allegedly arrived in a pickup van and attempted to steal cattle from the house of one Abu Bakkar Siddique, locals said. Sensing the intrusion, members of the household alerted local residents, who chased the group and managed to detain three of them, they said. Later, the angry mob beat them severely, leaving them injured. They also set fire to the pickup van used by the suspects. On information, police rushed in, rescued the injured and took them to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Officer-in-Charge of Kaliakair Police Station Shahidul Islam said police responded promptly after receiving the information and took the victims to hospital.

The Russian Embassy in Bangladesh on Saturday held commemorative events to mark the 81st anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Students from the Embassy School, together with their teachers, prepared a celebratory concert. The children performed dances and songs and recited poems about the Great Patriotic War. Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander Khozin thanked the students and teachers for their reverent attitude toward our country's history and their diligence, as they had been preparing for the performance for several months. The celebration also included patriotic events such as the Candle of Memory and the Garden of Memory. Such events have been held at the Embassy for several years and have become a long-standing tradition. To honor the memory of veterans, diplomatic mission staff and their families prepared the "Immortal Regiment" exhibition, which provided a wonderful opportunity to share family stories. Victory Day celebrations in Bangladesh were also marked by a motorcycle and car rally on the streets of the capital's Gulshan district. Staff of the Russian Embassy in Bangladesh and the Russian House, school teachers and students, compatriots, and graduates of Soviet and Russian universities participated in the event. Ambassador Alexander Khozin, Director of the Russian House Alexandra Khlevnoy, Chairperson of the Compatriots Association “Rodina“ Elena Bass, Head of the Soviet Alumni Association Mizanur Rahman, and Chairman of the Liberation War Academy Trust Abul Azad delivered remarks to the participants. The motorcycle rally has become a unique tradition that annually unites Dhaka residents who are passionate about Russian history and wish to honor the memory of those who contributed to the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.

Battery-run autorickshaw pullers blocked the Dhaka-Aricha Highway in Savar on Saturday, demanding an end to alleged police harassment and extortion and calling for alternative employment if authorities bar them from operating on the roads. “If the government does not allow us to drive auto-rickshaws, then it should also provide us with jobs so that we can support our families,” several protesters said during the demonstration. Hundreds of drivers gathered at Pakija More around noon and parked their rickshaws across the highway, disrupting traffic for nearly two hours and causing long tailbacks on both sides of the busy route. The protesters alleged that despite restrictions on three-wheelers on highways, many are forced to operate for their livelihoods and are regularly stopped by highway police, who allegedly compel them to pay Tk 2,600 without receipts. Drivers said they often earn only Tk 600 to Tk 700 a day after working long hours in the heat and are forced to borrow money to secure the release of seized vehicles. “We want relief from this harassment. If rickshaws are not allowed on the roads, then the factories producing them should also be shut down, or we should be given alternative employment,” one protester said. The blockade caused severe traffic congestion from Savar Bazar bus stand to Genda and Hemayetpur, leaving passengers stranded in intense heat. Ambulances and emergency vehicles were also caught in the gridlock. Around 1:45pm, the protesters withdrew the blockade after Savar Model Police Station Inspector (Operations) Helal Uddin assured them that the issue would be discussed with highway police authorities. Responding to the allegations, Officer-in-Charge Sheikh Shahjahan of Savar Highway Police Station denied claims of extortion, saying police were enforcing existing laws that prohibit the movement of three-wheelers, CNG-run vehicles and e-bikes on highways. He said the Tk 2,600 collected was part of the legal process for releasing seized vehicles, including a Tk 2,500 fine and a Tk 100 bank charge under Section 39 of the law.

A murder case has been filed over the killing of five members of the same family, including a woman and her three daughters, in Kapasia upazila of Gazipur. Md Shahadat Molla, father of deceased Sharmin Khanom, filed the case with Kapasia Police Station on Saturday night, said Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahinur Alam. Forkan Mia was named as the prime accused in the case along with three to four unidentified individuals. Inside the Gazipur family killings: What we know so far The victims were identified as Sharmin Khanom, 40, her daughters Meem, 16, Maria, 8, and Faria, 2, and Sharmin’s brother Rasul, 22. Police recovered their bodies from a rented house in Rautkona village on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, post-mortem examinations of the five bodies were conducted at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital morgue. After the autopsies were completed on Saturday night, the bodies were handed over to relatives for burial, police said. Investigators suspect the killings were premeditated, and multiple law enforcement agencies, including DB, CID and PBI, are continuing efforts to arrest the main accused and uncover the motive behind the murders.

Two people, including a woman and a teenage boy, were killed in separate road accidents in Sylhet. A 13-year-old boy was killed after being hit by a truck in Jalalpur Bazar under Moglabazar Police Station in South Surma upazila on Saturday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Tuhin Ahmed, a resident of Hasampur village in Jalalpur union and worked at a company named Swad, said the locals. According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred around 5:00pm on the northern side of a bridge in Jalalpur Bazar, where the truck ran over the boy, killing him on the spot. Following the incident, locals detained the truck driver and handed him over to police, who took him into custody. In another incident, an unidentified elderly woman died after being hit by a long-distance bus in Nazirbazar area of South Surma around 11:00pm on Friday. She was critically injured and taken to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on Saturday afternoon. Officer-in-Charge of South Surma Police Station Md Ashrafuzzaman confirmed the incidents.

The heinous killing of five members of a family inside a rented house in Kapasia upazila of Gazipur has sent shockwaves through the area, with investigators suspecting that the murders were carefully planned long before it took place. Police say the prime suspect, Forkan Mia, a private car driver, allegedly fled after slaughtering his wife, three daughters and brother-in-law, leaving behind five identical typed “notes” beside the bodies. The victims were identified as Forkan’s wife Sharmin Khanom, 40; daughters Meem, 16, Maria, 8, and Faria, 2; and Sharmin’s younger brother Rasul, 22. Their bodies were recovered from a rented house in Rautkona village on Saturday morning. Investigators suspect the killings may have been driven by long-standing family disputes, allegations of an extramarital relationship, and financial conflicts involving Tk 10 lakh, though police say all claims are still being verified. A silent house, a horrifying discovery According to police and local residents, relatives rushed to the house after receiving a phone call from Forkan early Saturday informing them about the deaths. When they entered the residence, they found the bodies lying inside with deep throat injuries. The house, owned by expatriate Monir Hossain, had been rented by Forkan around five months ago after he moved from Tongi with his family. Neighbours told investigators the family kept largely to themselves and had little interaction with local residents. Police officials believe the isolated location may have been chosen deliberately. Typed accusations left beside bodies One of the most startling discoveries at the scene was five identical typed documents resembling formal complaint letters addressed to the Officer-in-Charge of Gopalganj Sadar Police Station. According to investigators, the documents contained allegations against Sharmin and several of her relatives. The papers claimed that Sharmin was involved in an extramarital relationship with a cousin and that members of her family had embezzled around Tk 10 lakh earned by Forkan and used the money to purchase land. The documents also alleged that Forkan had been tied up and assaulted on May 5 after confronting his wife over the alleged affair. Police officials said they are trying to determine whether any such complaint had actually been filed with the police station mentioned in the documents. Investigators stressed that the allegations remain unverified. Signs of premeditation Crime scene investigators recovered liquor bottles, machetes and other materials from the house, leading police to suspect the victims may have been drugged before the killings. Officials involved in the investigation said the murders appeared highly planned. “Several important pieces of evidence have been collected from the scene. After the killings, Forkan allegedly switched off his mobile phone and disappeared. Police suspect he fled using the private vehicle he used for work. Multiple agencies join investigation Additional Superintendent of Police (Kaliganj Circle) Md Asaduzzaman said the bodies were sent to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsies. He said teams from district police, Detective Branch (DB), CID and Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) are conducting parallel investigations. “We are examining all evidence carefully and trying to arrest the accused as quickly as possible,” he said. Police also confirmed that two people are being questioned over possible links to the case, though their identities have not yet been disclosed. Shock and fear in the neighbourhood The gruesome killings have left residents of the quiet rural neighbourhood stunned. Many gathered outside the house throughout the day as police cordoned off the area and forensic teams collected evidence. Locals said they never imagined such violence could occur inside the seemingly quiet family home.

Bangladesh and Pakistan on Saturday noted the recent momentum in bilateral engagements and shared their desire to further strengthen relations between the two countries. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam met the visiting Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control of Pakistan Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi over breakfast at a local hotel in Dhaka. During the meeting, the two ministers discussed various issues of bilateral interest and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral engagement and cooperation, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  They agreed that there remains significant untapped potential for broadening and deepening cooperation in areas including trade and commerce, sports, culture, women entrepreneurship, education, science and technology and digital innovation and underscored the importance of enhanced people-to-people contacts and greater institutional collaboration. The State Minister also reiterated the government of Bangladesh’s commitment to revitalizing the SAARC as an important platform for regional collaboration and prosperity. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening regional cooperation for the collective benefit of the peoples of South Asia.

The government will continue to support cable operators, internet service providers (ISPs) and broadcasting-related institutions that play a significant role in creating employment and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people across the country, said Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology Adviser Faqir Mahbub Anam. He said ensuring the sustainability of this sector and modernising it in line with emerging technological developments remain important responsibilities of the government. The adviser made the remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the International Cable TV, Broadcasting and Communication (ICBC) Expo 2026 as the chief guest at the International Convention City Bashundhara on Saturday. He said Bangladesh’s cable television, broadcasting and telecommunications sectors are entering a new era amid rapid technological transformation. According to him, the expansion of smart technologies, fibre-optic networks, IPTV services and digital content management systems has turned the sector into a major driving force for national development, job creation and the country’s ICT-based economy. Faqir Mahbub Anam said the government is giving top priority to infrastructure development, policy support, skilled human resource development and technological innovation to modernise the sector. He acknowledged the long-standing contribution of cable operators in strengthening the country’s information and entertainment industry and assured continued government support. The adviser also stressed the ethical use of technology, protection of customer data privacy and the need to ensure quality services. He called for stronger international partnerships and encouraged the development of high-quality local content. The three-day expo, which began on May 7, concluded on Saturday. A total of 67 local and international companies showcased their latest cable television, broadcasting and communication technologies and services at the event. The programme was chaired by ABM Saiful Hossain Sohel, President of the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB). Among others present were Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; Md. Abdus Salam, Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation; ATCO General Secretary and Chairman of Ekushey Television Abdus Salam; and COAB leaders and members, said PID handout. Following the closing ceremony, the Minister visited various stalls at the expo.  

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has issued the highest alert along the 278-kilometre border in Kurigram amid fears of illegal infiltration and possible “push-ins” linked to the ongoing political situation in West Bengal. Border patrols, intelligence surveillance and other security measures have been intensified across the frontier areas, officials said on Saturday. Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Mahbub-ul-Haq, commander of the Kurigram Battalion (22 BGB), said uninterrupted patrols are being carried out round the clock from all Border Outposts (BOPs) under the battalion. He said intelligence monitoring has also been strengthened to quickly detect and prevent any illegal activities along the border. According to BGB sources, awareness campaigns and information-gathering activities are also being conducted with the support of local residents, while the movement of suspicious individuals and vehicles is being closely monitored. “BGB is working under a zero-tolerance policy to prevent smuggling and illegal infiltration. We are always alert and prepared to ensure border security,” said Lt Col Mahbub-ul-Haq. Meanwhile, Lalmonirhat 15 BGB also issued a similar alert for the 36-kilometre border area in Phulbari upazila, which falls under its jurisdiction. The battalion said fears of illegal infiltration and push-ins through the border have increased due to the prevailing political situation in India. As part of precautionary measures, additional personnel have been deployed in sensitive and remote border areas. BGB members are also continuing drives against cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, cattle smuggling and human trafficking, while intelligence activities have been reinforced alongside regular patrols. Commanding Officer of Lalmonirhat-15 BGB Lieutenant Colonel Mehedi Imam, PSC, said the force remains fully active in preventing crimes and maintaining border security under directives from the BGB headquarters. “There is no laxity in border security. Surveillance has been further strengthened based on local intelligence information,” he said. Local residents said BGB patrols and activities in the border areas have increased significantly in recent days, particularly at night, contributing to greater public vigilance.

A husband and wife were killed in a fire that broke out at their house in the Bilashpur-Radhanagar area under Dohar Police Station in Dhaka early Saturday, while their two children and a grandson managed to escape safely. The deceased were identified as Salam Sikder, 55, and his wife Nasima Begum, 45. The fire erupted around 1:15am and spread through the house within minutes, trapping five family members inside, said Tamim Hawlader, station officer of the Dohar Fire Service. Family members managed to break open a window and rescue two daughters and a grandson from the burning house, but Salam and Nasima were unable to escape and died in the blaze. On information, firefighters and police rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control within five minutes. The bodies of the couple were later recovered from inside the house. Jannatul, daughter of the deceased couple, however claimed that the house door had been locked from the outside, raising suspicion over the incident. Tamim Hawlader said the fire had already engulfed much of the house by the time firefighters arrived. After extinguishing the blaze, rescue workers recovered the bodies and handed them over to police. Abu Bakkar Siddique, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dohar Police Station, said the fire might have originated from a gas cylinder in the kitchen. He said the family had applied to receive the bodies without autopsy and the handover process was underway. An unnatural death case will be filed in connection with the incident. Dohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Maidul Islam visited the scene around noon. The fire cast a pall of gloom over the area as grieving relatives gathered at the scene.