Category: CRIME & JUSTICE

Former Shipping Minister and Awami League Presidium member Shahjahan Khan was arrested by Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch in Dhanmondi area on Thursday night. IGP M Mainul Islam confirmed the arrest. Khan, also the executive president of Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Sramik Federation, has been a lawmaker since 1986, representing Madaripur-2 constituency. He was elected eight times, first as an independent candidate and subsequently with the Awami League.READ FULL

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bangladesh has launched an investigation into alleged money laundering by Bashundhara Group’s chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and MD Sayem Sobhan Anvir. The probe covers accusations of embezzlement, fraud, duty and VAT evasion, and under/over-invoicing. The group is suspected of laundering money to multiple countries and fraudulently acquiring land. They allegedly borrowed over 42,000 crore taka from banks by inflating land prices. The investigation also includes claims of illegal land grabbing and unauthorized development projects.READ FULL

Chattogram Customs House seized a container of illegally imported liquor at the port. The consignment, declared as synthetic fabrics from China, was imported by Supreme Smart Wear Limited, a Narayanganj-based export-oriented company. Customs officials are still cataloging the seized items. The import, which arrived in December, was handled by Hafez Trading Pvt Limited. Importing liquor requires a 605.80% duty payment, even with proper permissions. Officials suspect a syndicate is involved in false declarations. A case will be filed after the examination is complete.READ FULL

Two former Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) of Bangladesh, AKM Shahidul Hoque and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, were arrested in Dhaka’s Uttara area. The arrests were confirmed by Rezaul Karim Mallick, chief of Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s detective branch. Both ex-police chiefs are wanted in several cases, including murder charges. Shahidul Hoque served as IGP from 2014 to 2018, while Mamun held the position from 2022 until August 5, 2024, when then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled during a mass uprising. This marks an unprecedented arrest of high-ranking police officials in recent history.READ FULL

Former lawmaker Anwar Hossain Manju, Chairman of Jatiya Party (Manju), was detained by detectives in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area for questioning. He was held for about 4.5 hours before being released around 8:00pm. The reason for his interrogation remains unclear. Manju had unsuccessfully contested in the recent 12th parliamentary election held on January 7. The detention was confirmed by a DB joint commissioner. READ FULL

Former minister Obaidul Quader and 74 others have been sued for the killing of a school student named Md Sabid Hossain during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on August 5. The victim’s brother filed the murder case, and the court ordered the police to record the statement and register the complaint as an FIR.READ FULL

Dhaka Medical College Hospital witnessed an attack on doctors, with a student from Gaibandha being arrested in connection to the incident. The student, identified as Sanjoy Pal Joy, is a final-year student at a private university in Dhaka. The attack occurred on Saturday night, leading to a complete shutdown of services at the hospital’s emergency department. The doctors have called for the arrest and trial of the perpetrators, as well as ensuring a safe work environment. READ FULL

The interim government’s Home Affairs Adviser, Lt Gen (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, stated that a full investigation and fair trial for the 2009 BDR (now BGB) killings will commence shortly. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring good governance and justice. The advisor, as a former army member, expressed his desire for justice in the case, where 74 people, including 57 army officers, were murdered during a mutiny.READ FULL

A Jagannath University student from the Music Department has filed a sexual harassment complaint against Jahid Hasan Joni, a Marketing student. The incident allegedly occurred on August 28. The victim seeks justice and hopes for appropriate action from the university administration. The accused could not be reached for comment. University officials, including the Treasurer, have assured a fair investigation into the matter. The proctor’s office confirmed receiving the complaint and will investigate. READ FULL

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared “ineffective” a petition seeking to stay a High Court order that had suspended Somoy TV’s broadcast for seven days. The Appellate Division dismissed the case as the channel had already resumed broadcasting after the suspension period ended. The original High Court order came on August 19 in response to a writ petition by Shampa Rahman, managing director of Somoy Media Ltd. The Supreme Court ruled that the case had become infructuous since the suspension was no longer in effect.READ FULL

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-5) recovered 1.06 kg of heroin during a raid in Chapainawabganj sadar upazila, Bangladesh. The operation, based on intelligence, took place around 11 PM Friday at the Baroghoria sluice gate area. The drugs were found abandoned. RAB officials subsequently handed over the seized heroin to Chapainawabganj Sadar Police Station, where a general diary was recorded. READ FULL

In an anti-crime operation, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Rabiul Islam, 40, for drug peddling in Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. The suspect was apprehended at his residence in Mougachhi village, Charghat upazila, where 655 yaba tablets were seized. The arrest occurred around 10:30 PM following a tip-off. A case has been filed with Charghat Police Station regarding the incident. READ FULL

The body of Awami League leader Ishaque Ali Khan Panna, reportedly “throttled to death”, is awaiting handover at the India-Bangladesh border. Indian authorities moved the body from a Meghalaya hospital to Dawki check post. BSF has taken custody, awaiting Panna’s family for paperwork completion. The transfer process involves coordination between Indian and Bangladeshi authorities. A Bangladesh High Commission representative is overseeing the repatriation. Panna allegedly attempted to cross into India on August 24 with former Supreme Court judge Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik. READ FULL

A court in Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh, has sentenced Monirul Islam, 54, to life imprisonment for drug smuggling. The case dates back to 2019 when Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officers arrested Islam with 1.05 kg of heroin. The court also imposed a fine of 50,000 Taka. Another accused, Md. Ujjal, was acquitted due to lack of evidence. The verdict was delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge Md. Rabiul Islam after a lengthy trial process.READ FULL

Delhi Police have filed a charge sheet against ten people, including three Bangladeshi nationals, in connection with an alleged kidney transplant racket. The accused include a 50-year-old Delhi-based doctor, Ijaya Rajakumari, who allegedly performed around 15 illegal transplants for Bangladeshi patients between 2021 and 2023. The Bangladeshi nationals named are Rasel, Muhammad Sumon Miyan, and Mohammad Rokon. Rasel, who donated his kidney in 2019, is believed to be at the center of the network, coordinating between donors from Bangladesh and patients in India.READ FULL

A Las Vegas politician, Robert Telles, has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering investigative journalist Jeff German. Telles stabbed German to death outside his home in September 2022, following critical articles about Telles’ office. The jury found Telles guilty after a two-week trial. Prosecutors emphasized that attempts to silence journalists will not be tolerated. The verdict is seen as justice for German and a victory for press freedom. READ FULL

Former commerce minister Tipu Munshi has been arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion in Dhaka’s Gulshan area. The arrest is linked to a case filed over the killing of a worker during protests in Rangpur on July 19. The case, filed by the victim’s wife, names 17 accused including the Jatiya Sangsad Speaker. Earlier, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit had ordered banks to freeze Munshi’s and his family’s accounts for 30 days. READ FULL

Supreme Court lawyer Yunus Ali Akand has filed a case against seven former Appellate Division judges, including three ex-chief justices, for allegedly violating the Contempt of Courts Act. Akand claims they abused power by punishing him for contempt without a proper hearing in 2020, suspending his practice and imposing a fine. The case, filed with the High Court, accuses them of acting unconstitutionally and beyond their jurisdiction. READ FULL

The body of Sarah Rahanuma, a 32-year-old Gazi TV newsroom editor, was found in Dhaka’s Hatirjheel Lake early Wednesday. She was declared dead at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Before her death, Sarah posted farewell messages on Facebook, hinting at personal distress. Police have reported the incident to Hatirjheel police station, and her body is being held at the hospital morgue for further investigation. READ FULL

Former Textile and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi was arrested in Dhaka’s Shantinagar area around 3:00 AM. Police apprehended him from a house in Pirergoli after a group besieged the location. He is accused in a case filed in Narayanganj. Dastagir is currently being held at the DB office due to damage to the local police station from recent violence. Daily Star

In Chattogram, Bangladesh, two cases were filed at Kotwali Police Station within 24 hours, accusing over 41,500 people of various crimes. One case, filed by a Jubo Dal leader, accuses 351 named individuals, including former ministers, and 1,200 unnamed people of attempted murder. The other, filed by police, accuses 40,000 unnamed individuals of attacking the police station, looting firearms, and arson. These cases follow the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, which led to widespread attacks on police establishments. Daily Star

Police arrested Sadek Khan, former Awami League lawmaker for Dhaka-13, in West Nakhalpara, Dhaka. The arrest is linked to a murder case filed on August 22 at Mohammadpur Police Station. Khan, elected to parliament in 2018, did not receive his party’s nomination for the January 2024 election. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest via WhatsApp. Daily Star

Police seek 10-day remand for former ministers Anisul Huq, Dipu Moni, and advisor Salman F Rahman in separate murder cases related to recent protests. Anisul and Salman are implicated in a student’s death in Lalbagh, while Dipu Moni is linked to a death in Badda. These cases, filed by victims’ families, also name former PM Sheikh Hasina among the accused. The suspects were previously remanded in other protest-related death cases. Daily Star

The army filed a case against 106 named individuals and thousands of unidentified people for attacking soldiers, vandalizing vehicles, and stealing weapons in Gopalganj on August 10. The incident occurred when army personnel attempted to clear a highway blockade by Awami League protesters. The clash resulted in injuries to nine soldiers, two stolen firearms, and damage to army vehicles. The case names local Awami League leaders among the accused. Two firearms and some magazines were later recovered. Daily Star

Former state minister AB Tajul Islam was remanded for nine days in Brahmanbaria for allegedly assaulting policemen in 2022. He was arrested in Dhaka as an unnamed accused in a case filed by Bancharampur Police Station against BNP leaders. The case stems from a 2022 clash where a Chhatra Dal leader was killed. Tajul, a four-term MP and former liberation war affairs secretary of Awami League, faced no bail application during the hearing.Daily Star

Three prominent figures were arrested in Dhaka last night: former state minister AB Tajul Islam, Awami League Organising Secretary Ahmed Hossain, and former Chattogram port chairman Mohammad Sohail. Islam was apprehended in Gulshan, Hossain in Rampura, and Sohail in Banani. The arrests were confirmed by Detective Branch and DMP officials. The specific charges leading to their arrests have not been disclosed yet. Daily Star

A union parishad member, Talimul Islam, died in a Dhaka hospital after he suffered severe burn injuries when miscreants set his house on fire in Jhikargacha, Jashore. Talimul, his wife, and son were sleeping when the incident occurred. Talimul’s brother also sustained injuries while trying to rescue them. Police have initiated an investigation and a case has been filed against unknown perpetrators. Daily Star

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh has decided to investigate corruption allegations against four former MPs, including two ex-ministers. The individuals under scrutiny are Shajahan Khan (former shipping minister), Mostafizur Rahman Fizar (former primary and mass education minister), Asim Kumar Ukil (AL Cultural Affairs Secretary), and Jannat Ara Henry. The investigation targets their activities during their terms as members of parliament. Daily Star

A case has been filed against eight individuals, including Rajshahi’s Deputy Inspector General of Police Anisur Rahman, for the alleged extrajudicial killing of BNP activist Abu Sayed in 2015 in Jashore. The victim’s wife filed the case, claiming Sayed was arrested, beaten, and later killed in a staged “crossfire” incident. The court has ordered an investigation to be completed within 15 days. The case implicates both police officials and local Awami League activists in the alleged crime. Daily Star

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 61 others, including key Awami League officials, face a new murder case filed in Narayanganj. The case relates to the death of fish trader Md Milon during protests on July 21. Hasina, who resigned and left the country on August 5 amid mass protests, now faces 16 cases, including 13 for murder. The plaintiff is Milon’s wife, Shahnaz. This is the second murder case filed against Hasina in Narayanganj recently. Daily Star

A murder case has been filed against 17 named individuals, including former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun, and 30-35 unidentified persons for the killing of Abu Sayed, a student at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur. Sayed was killed during quota reform protests last month. The case, filed by Sayed’s brother, also names former police officials, Bangladesh Chhatra League members, and university staff. Sayed’s death during police firing sparked widespread protests, with an image of him facing police moments before being shot going viral. Daily Star

Former senior secretary Shah Kamal was arrested by Dhaka Metropolitan Police in Mohakhali. The arrest follows a raid on his Mohammadpur house, where authorities recovered approximately Tk 3.11 crore in cash and foreign currencies. The seized money included Tk 3.01 crore in cash, Tk 74,400 in prize bonds, and various foreign currencies worth Tk 10.03 lakh. Kamal served as secretary from 2015 to 2019 and senior secretary from 2019 to 2020 in the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. Daily Star

A Dhaka court has requested a probe report by September 15 in a case against former PM Sheikh Hasina and six others over a death during quota protests. The case, filed by SM Amir Hamza Shatil, concerns the killing of Abu Saeed in police firing on July 19. This is the first case against Hasina since her resignation on August 5. Additionally, three more cases have been filed against her, including accusations of crimes against humanity and genocide between July 15 and August 5. Daily Star

A major embezzlement scheme involving Biman Bangladesh Airlines officials and travel agencies has been uncovered, resulting in the misappropriation of approximately Tk10 crore through fraudulent air ticket sales. The scam affected thousands of workers flying to Malaysia, with many left stranded at Dhaka airport. Key figures implicated include high-ranking Biman officials and former executives. The syndicate manipulated the ticketing system, creating artificial shortages and selling tickets at inflated prices. An investigation by the Civil Aviation Ministry recommends swift action against those involved. Dhaka Tribune

Miscreants attacked the Chittagong Press Club, injuring at least 20 journalists. The attackers broke into the club, vandalized rooms, and assaulted management committee members. Senior journalists Nirmal Chandra Das, Golam Mortuza Ali, and Helal Sikder were among those hurt. Chittagong Press Club President Salahuddin Reza claimed the attack was led by individuals associated with BNP and Juba Dal. An army team rescued the injured journalists. The incident highlights growing concerns about press freedom and safety in Bangladesh. Daily Star

Police sought 10-day remands for Salman F Rahman, former PM’s advisor, and Anisul Huq, ex-law minister, in a murder case. Arrested in Dhaka’s Sadarghat while allegedly attempting to flee, they’re accused of instigating a shop employee’s killing on July 16. The arrests are linked to recent violent student protests that led to over 500 deaths and the government’s fall. Both were influential figures in the previous administration. A magistrate is set to hear the remand plea. Daily Star