United News of Bangladesh

A Dhaka court on Wednesday placed Subrata Bain alias Fateh Ali on a 7-day remand in a case filed over the murder of Jubo Dal leader Md Arif Shikder in the capital’s Hatirjheel area. Metropolitan Magistrate Md Abdul Wahab passed the order when the investigating officer of the case  sought a 10-day remand for Bain. Earlier on June 23, a Dhaka magistrate court showed Subrata Bain arrested in the case. He was produced before the court virtually from jail that day for a hearing on his arrest. HC orders reinstatement of ACC's Sharif, declares termination illegal According to the case statement, Arif Shikder was shot on the night of April 19 in front of “The Jheel Cafe” in Nayatola Morol Goli under Hatirjheel Police Station. He was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with bullet injuries and later died on April 21. Arif was the former assistant sports secretary of Ward-36 unit of Dhaka North Jubo Dal. Following the incident, Arif’s sister Rima Akter filed a case with Hatirjheel Police Station accusing 10 people, including Subrata Bain and his associate Mahfuzur Rahman Bipu.

The High Court (HC) on Wednesday instructed the authorities concerned to reinstate former Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Sharif Uddin in the job, declaring his termination made during the Awami League government as illegal. A two-member tribunal of Justice Md Rezaul Hasan and Justice Biswajit Debnath passed the order on completion of long legal procedures, said senior lawyer Md Salah Uddin Dolan who stood for Sharif in the court. The former ACC official was present during the delivery of the verdict.     The court also instructed the authorities to execute the order within 30 days after obtaining the copy of the verdict and ensure seniority and other facilities for him when he will join the job. On February 16, 2022, Sharif was terminated from his position, citing no ground which triggered severe outcry on social media across the country. Appointment of administrator to Nagad legal: High Court On March 13 of the same year, the victim submitted a writ with the HC seeking his reinstatement in the job. After the primary hearing on February 6 last year, the HC issued a rule asking why his termination would not be declared illegal and his job would not be returned. On Tuesday, the court held a hearing on the ruling and set Wednesday for delivering the judgment. ACC lawyer Asif Hasan said the anti-graft commission will be apprised of the verdict and they (ACC) will decide regarding the appeal challenging the order.

A Cumilla court on Wednesday placed eight accused on a three-day remand each in connection with the killing of three members of a family in Karoi Bari area of Muradnagar upazila. Senior Judicial Magistrate Muminul Haque passed the order when the eight accused, were produced before the Cumilla Chief Judicial Magistrate Court-11 around 11:30 am under tight security, said Court Inspector Sadekur Rahman. Detective Branch, which is now investigating the case, sought a seven-day remand for each of the suspects, said Cumilla DB Officer-in-Charge Md Abdullah. Earlier, the DB took over investigation of the sensational triple murder that took place on July 4. Three people-Roksana Begum Ruby, her daughter Jonaki Akter, and son Russel Mia were beaten and hacked to death allegedly by a mob in their home following accusations of drug trading. Roksana’s elder daughter Rikta Akter later filed a murder case with Bangra Police Station naming 38 people and accusing 25 unidentified ones. Ex-Ministers Anisul, Mosharraf, another remanded in 2 cases The court recorded the confessional statement of one of the prime suspects, Bachchu Miah  under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. On July 6, police produced six  accused- Bachchu Miah, Robiul Awal, Atikur Rahman, Bayez Master, Dulal, and Akash—before the Cumilla court. Their bail pleas were rejected and they were sent to jail by Chief Judicial Magistrate Court-5 Judge Siddiq Azad. Salman, Anisul, ex-IGP Abdullah remanded again On July 5, army personnel handed over two other accused—Nazimuddin Babul and Sabir Ahmed—to police who were later produced in court. Judicial Magistrate Muminul Haque also ordered their imprisonment.

An old man and his daughter-in-law were allegedly strangled to death at their residence in Dupchanchia upazila of Bogura on Tuesday night. The victims were identified as Aftab Ali, 65, and his daughter-in-law Riva Akhtar, 35, of Lakshmindal village in Jiyanagar union of the upazila. Aftab lived with his Riva in the village as his son, Shahjahan, is a Saudi Arabian expatriate. According to police and locals, the two had dinner together and went to their separate bedrooms to sleep. The following morning, Riva’s five-year-old daughter found her mother’s lifeless body and began crying, which prompted neighbours to rush in. They found the bodies lying in the rooms and subsequently informed police. Officer-in-charge (OC) of Dupchanchia Police Station Faridul Islam said they recovered the bodies from the house and sent those to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital for autopsy. “We are considering all possible motives including prior enmity, family disputes, or even a robbery attempt,” he said. Teenager strangled to death in Bogura Officers from both the local police station and the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) have begun investigation to identify the accused involved with the murders. Law enforcers suspect that unidentified assailants broke into the house at night and strangled Aftab with a rope and Riva with a scarf before fleeing.

Members of Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBn-13) on Tuesday arrested two persons along with gold ornaments weighing 896 grams from the capital's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The detainees were identified as Md Hasan, 39, and Md Shahajan, 49. According to APBn sources, the duo was detained around 2:00 pm from the canopy area near Arrival Terminal-01 as they attempted to flee after sensing the presence of law enforcers. They were later taken to the APBn office where the law enforcers recovered 502 grams of gold ornaments from Hasan’s punjabi pocket and another 394 grams from Shahajan’s pocket after searching their bodies. Inspector posted as OC at Sonargaon police station defying Police Headquarters’ directive The total 896 grams of seized ornaments, estimated to be worth Tk 1,07,04,300, were of 21 and 22 carat quality, officials said. During primary interrogation, the detainees confessed that the ornaments were smuggled into the country from abroad by unidentified passengers in an attempt to evade customs duty. They also admitted to being long-time members of a gold smuggling syndicate and acting as receivers. A case was filed against the duo at Airport Police Station on Tuesday evening. Speaking on the matter, APBn-13 Operational Commander Mohammad Mozammel Haque said, “We are continuously working to curb smuggling and other crimes at the airport.' Recently, there has been a noticeable rise in gold smuggling attempts. We remain committed to preventing any form of smuggling through the airport, he added.

An inspector aged over 52 has been posted as Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sonargaon Police Station in Narayanganj, in violation of a directive from the Police Headquarters. According to a source at the Police Headquarters, on June 17 a circular was issued to all Range DIGs, Metropolitan Police Commissioners, and relevant unit heads, stating that no police inspector over the age of 52 should be posted as Officer-in-Charge of any police station. The directive followed a policy group meeting held on April 16 at the Police Headquarters, presided over by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam. One of the key policy decisions taken during the meeting was the age restriction for OC postings. Despite the instruction, Inspector Md Ismail Hossain, who is approximately 54 years old, was posted as the OC of Sonargaon Police Station on Monday by the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Narayanganj. He formally joined his new post on Monday evening. When contacted, SP Narayanganj district Pratyush Kumar said that decisions are often made in consultation with senior officials for the betterment of the department. Police sub-inspector withdrawn over bribery allegation in Feni He confirmed that Inspector Ismail Hossain’s posting was made following discussion with seniors. However, he declined to comment on whether the posting violated the Police Headquarters' directive. Inspector Ismail Hossain, when reached for comment, said he joined as OC after receiving the posting order. He claimed to be unaware of any directive from the Police Headquarters regarding age restrictions.

Bangladesh Army has underscored its commitment to maintaining proper law and order in industrial areas to ensure the continued production of the garment industry since it's the lifelines of the economy. GOC of the 9th Infantry Division Major General Md. Moin Khan said this during a view exchange meeting on Tuesday between the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Board and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9th Infantry Division and Area Commander, Savar Area, of the Bangladesh Army. The discussion at BGMEA Complex in Uttara focused on the security of garment factories, particularly issues related to law and order. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan led the BGMEA delegation, while Major General Md. Moin Khan of the 9th Infantry Division, led the army's representation. The GOC further stated that they are considering implementing a new method to solve the jhoot (fabric scraps) problem in the garment sector, suggesting that establishing an auction house for jhut could alleviate this issue for factories. He expressed hope that entrepreneurs would provide accurate information to assist the army in maintaining stable law and order in the industrial sector. He also urged BGMEA to encourage entrepreneurs to ensure timely payment of wages and benefits. Maj Gen Khan reassured business owners that the Bangladesh Army stands with the industry in any unforeseen external incidents that could harm factories. WRAP and BGMEA to bolster partnership for ethical apparel production BGMEA President Hasan praised the Bangladesh Army for its patience and prudence in standing by the people during the critical post-student uprising period, and for their involvement in national reconstruction and economic recovery. He specifically highlighted the army-led joint forces' cooperation in ensuring industrial security, which enabled the garment industry to survive a catastrophic situation. On behalf of the garment industry, he extended sincere gratitude and thanks to the Bangladesh Army for their continued support. Among those present at the meeting were BGMEA Senior Vice President Enamul Haq Khan (Bablu), Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim, Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury, and several directors. Also in attendance were the Commander of the 81st Infantry Brigade, Bangladesh Army, Commander of the 9th Artillery Brigade, Md. Abul Kalam Siddique, DIG (Operation & Crime), Industrial Police; Md. Israel Howlader, DIG (Administration & Crime), Industrial Police; and representatives from DGFI and NSI. Various chairmen and managing directors of garment factories also participated in the discussion. The meeting also discussed the possibility of forming a confederation of various labor federations. Entrepreneurs at the meeting stated that the industry is being held hostage by "jhoot terrorism" (terrorism related to leftover fabric scraps). They explained that terrorist groups dominating the jhoot sector are forming juvenile gangs, creating an unstable environment in industrial areas, and harassing both factory owners and workers. Garment entrepreneurs sought the army's cooperation in resolving these issues.

Activists  of Awami League (AL) and banned Chhatra League along with family members of several accused laid siege to Saturia Police Station in Manikganj  on Monday evening, demanding the release of four leaders. Saturia Upazila Awami League Organizing Secretary Md Mosharraf Hossain Baka, Upazila Jubo League General Secretary Md Abdul Khalek, Ward No. 8 Awami League President of Saturia Sadar Union Md Helal Uddin, and Chhatra League man Golam Rabbi were arrested on Monday afternoon in different cases. Protesting the arrest, a group of 40 to 50 people including Awami League and banned BCL activists and relatives of the arrestees gathered on the police station premises in the evening and besieged it demanding their release. Later police dispersed them and brought the situation under control, said Officer-in-charge (OC) of Saturia Police Station Md Shahinur Islam. He said a case will be filed against those who obstructed police from performing duties and attempted to snatch the suspects from the police custody.

After five and a half years behind bars on militancy charges, two students of Khulna University (KU) were released from Khulna District Jail on Monday night after securing bail from the High Court (HC). Campus sources said Nur Mohammad Anik and Mozahidul Islam Rafi -- students of Human Resource Management and Statistics departments respectively -- were arrested on January 8 in 2020 on charges of militant activities, and later sentenced to 30 years in prison in multiple cases. They were finally released from jail following the efforts of KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim and legal assistance provided by the university’s legal cell. The duo alleged that they had been kept in an unknown location for 17 days and tortured before being arrested on January 25 in connection with bomb attacks at the Krishak League office and a vehicle garage of police. Initially they were sued in two cases. Later, four more cases were filed against them, prompting fellow students, teachers and family members to protest and hold press conferences demanding release. Khulna University student found hanging at residence After the political changeover on August 5 last, the university began the legal fight to release the students from the jail. Of the cases, they were acquitted in two and granted bail in two others. In the remaining two cases under Sonadanga police station, they were sentenced but later secured bail from the High Court. University authorities said the bail order was delayed due to the Ashura holidays and was executed on Monday evening. They students claimed that they had falsely been implicated for criticising the previous government’s anti-national activities on social media. Besides, law enforcers allegedly attempted to make them disappeared before any cases were filed.

A Narayangaj court on Monday placed former city mayor Selina Hayat Ivy on a two-day remand in a murder case involving last year’s July Uprising. Narayanganj Senior Judicial Magistrate Md Moinudding Kadir passed the order after hearing a remand prayer, said the court’ Police Inspector Md Kaium Khan. Accused Ivy joined the hearing virtually from Kashimpur Central Jail, he said. According to the case statement, the 36-year-old rickshaw puller Tuhin was shot dead during a protest led by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Shimrail area of Siddhirganj upazila in district on July 20 last. On September 13 last, the victim’s wife Aleya Akter Mim filed a case naming 99 accused with the Siddhirganj Police Station, making Ivy as the 13 accused. On May 9 last, Ivy was arrested from her city residence. Ivy denied bail in three cases Later, she was sued in several cases, including of murder, in the district. Earlier on November 13, a Dhaka court imposed a travel ban on Ivy when the Anti-Corruption Commission had been investigating her graft.