Law-&-Order
17 get life terms for killing father-son duo in Khulna
A court in Khulna on Sunday sentenced 17 people including an incumbent Union Parishad (UP) chairman to life imprisonment in a sensational double murder case.
Khulna Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge Md Nazrul Islam Hawlader also fined the convicts Tk 5,000 each, in default, they will have to serve one more year in jail.
The court handed down the judgment in presence of all the accused.
According the case statement, all the accused equipped with sharp weapons stormed into the house of Piru Sheikh, a resident of Pahardanga village in Terokhada upazila of the district, and stabbed him at the instruction of Abdur Rahim over previous enmity on August 6, 2019, leaving him injured.
The killers also hacked Piru’s son Nayem to death on the spot when he was desperately trying to save his father, the statement said.
Piru Sheikh succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka around two months after the incident.
Later, Piru’s wife filed a murder case against 17 named people and 12 unnamed ones at the local police station.
Read: 2 to die, 2 get life term jail for killing businessperson in Ctg
Police pressed the charge sheet accusing 19 people at the court on January 29, 2020.
The court acquitted two accused from the charges as allegations brought against them were not proved, Md Ahaduzzaman, public prosecutor, told UNB.
He said they are satisfied with the verdict delivered by the court and demanded immediate execution of it.
Rejecting the judgment, plaintiff Mahfuza Begum said they will appeal to the High Court seeking capital punishment of the convicts.
Man detained with huge amount of foreign currency at Benapole checkpost
Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained a Bangladeshi passport-holder with a huge amount of foreign currencies of US, Saudi Arabia and Canada at Benapole International Checkpost Terminal in Jashore district on Saturday noon.
The detainee has been identified as Md Ashiq Mia, son of Nurul Hoque of Masterkandi village in Shariatpur district.
Minhaj Siddque, Lieutenant Colonel of BGB-49, said on information they conducted a drive in the terminal area and detained him due to his suspicious movements.
Read: Woman held with 30,000 USD in Benapole
Later, $22,300 (USD), 75,000 Saudi Arabian Riyal, 10,000 Canadian Dollars and 8 bottles of foreign liquor were recovered from his possession, said Siddique.
The detainee was handed over to Benapole Port Police Station, the BGB officer added.
HC reconstitutes Destiny board of directors
The High Court has reconstituted the board of directors to administer scam-ridden Destiny Multipurpose Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Retired Justice of the High Court Mainul Islam Chowdhury has been made the chairman of the board.
Bench of Justice Mhummad Khurshid Alam Sarkar passed the order on Thursday during a hearing on the petition filed by 16 shareholders of the company including director Bikash Shil.
Former district judge Hasan Shahed Ferdous, barrister Margub Kabir, FCA Fakhruddin Ahmed and former MPO trader Md Iqbal Zaman has been made members of the new board of directors.
On May 31, 16 shareholders of the company appealed seeking permission to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to the High Court.
The petition said, from 2012 to 2021 no AGM of the company was held as several directors including Managing Director of Destiny Rafiqul Amin remained in jail in criminal cases.
In 2018, an appeal was made seeking to liquidate the company at the High Court but an order in this regard was stayed by the appellate division of the Supreme Court later, said the petition.
However, the order did not ask to refrain from holding AGM or directing the company.
Barrister Mainul Hossain represented the petitioner’s side while advocate Ujjwal Kumar Bhowmik represented the opposition on behalf of Destiny MD Rafiqul Amin during the hearing today.
Barrister Mainul Hossain said the High Court has asked to keep five members in the new board and it will take decisions considering the interests of the shareholders.
Also read: Issue red alerts for arrest of 39 fugitives in Destiny scam case: HC
85 election officials won’t get back job: Appellate Division
The Appellate Division has scrapped a decade-old judgment pronounced by the Administrative Appellate Tribunal, due to which 85 upazila election officials who were recruited during the BNP-Jamaat alliance government won’t be getting their jobs back.
A six-member bench headed by Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddiqui pronounced the judgment on Thursday, accepting the state’s appeal against the tribunal’s decision.
During the hearing, Attorney General AM Amin Uddin and Additional Attorney Generals Sheikh Mohammad Morshed and Mohammad Mehedi Hasan stood for the state, while lawyers AF Hasan Arif, Prabir Niyogi, Salah Uddin Dolon and Kamrul Haque Siddiqui represented the plaintiffs.
According to the court, the BNP-Jamaat government appointed a total of 327 upazila election officials through the Public Service Commission (PSC) on September 3, 2005. The recruitment stirred widespread controversy which led to an evaluation of the officials by the caretaker government in 2007.
The evaluation resulted in dismissal of 85 election officials.
Read: Labour law violation: Appellate Division to hear Dr Yunus’s petition on Oct 17
The sacked officials filed a case against the government decision with the Administrative Appellate Tribunal and got rejected. However, on April 12, 2010, the tribunal accepted an appeal filed by the ex-election officials and pronounced a judgment in favor of their reinstatement.
The prosecution filed a total of four leave to appeal after the tribunal’s judgment, based on which a chamber court of the Appellate Division stayed the effectiveness of the tribunal’s judgment and sent the case to a full bench of the Appellate Division on April 29, 2010.
In 2011, the prosecution filed another appeal, which started the hearing process that was concluded on August 28, 2022.
HC rejects ex-Tangail mayor Mukti’s bail plea in murder case
The High Court on Thursday rejected bail petition of former Tangail municipality mayor Sahidur Rahman Khan Mukti in a case filed over the murder of freedom fighter and Awami League leader Faruq Ahmed.
The HC bench of Justices Sahidul Karim and Fatema Najib passed the order during a hearing on a rule in this regard.
Deputy Attorney General Bashir Ahmed represented the state while advocate SM Shahzahan appeared for the accused during the hearing.
On February 10, Tangail Additional District Session Court-1 Jusdge Masud Parvez granted bail to Mukti in this case.
Later in February 28, when the same court scrapped his interim bail, Mukti moved High Court seeking bail.
On, April 27, the HC bench of Justice Sheikh Hasan Arif and KM Zahid Sarwar Kajol granted Mukti bail in the case.
On April 28, the Appellate Division stayed the bail granted by High Court upon a petition filed by the state side.
On January 18, 2013, Faruq Ahmed’s bullet-wounded body was recovered from near his house in Tangail.
Read: HC grants bail to journalist Kanak Sarwar's sister
A murder case was filed against anonymous people at Tangail sadar police station following a complaint received from Faruq’s wife Nahar Ahmed.
In 2014, Detective Branch (DB) of police arrested Anisul Islam Raja and Mohammad Ali in connection with the murder. The two revealed the involvement of then parliament member of Tangail-3 constituency Amanur Rahman Khan Rana, his three brothers, then Tangail municipality mayor Sahidur Rahman Khan Mukti, Zahidur Rahman Khan Kakan, and then central committee Vice-President of Bangladesh Chhatra League Saniyat Khan Bappa.
In February, 2016, DB police submitted a charge sheet against 14 people including MP Amanur Rahman Khan and his three brothers.
In September 2016, Amanur Rahman surrendered and he was granted bail after three years of imprisonment.
On December 2, 2020, after remaining absconding for six years Sahidur Rahman Khan Mukti surrendered before court and sought bail which was rejected.
Their two other accused brothers in this case have remained absconding.
Court frames charges against Golden Monir in drugs case
A Dhaka court on Thursday framed charges against vehicle and gold trader Monir Hossain alias Golden Monir in a narcotics case.
Third Additional Metropolitan Sessions Court Judge Sheikh Samidul Islam framed the charges rejecting Monir’s plea for exemption from the case and ordered to begin trial in the case.
The court also fixed November 2 for recording testimonies of the witnesses.
Read: HC rejects bail to 'Golden Monir' in money laundering case
On November 20, 2020, Rab members surrounded Monir's house in the capital's Badda. During the eight-hour operation, almost 7 Kg gold jewelry, foreign pistols, liquor, huge amount of foriegn currencies from 10 countries and Tk 1.9 crore cash were seized from the house.
On December 10 of the same year, Golden Monir was sent to jail after being remanded for 27 days in three separate cases under the arms, special powers and narcotics laws.
On January 26, 2021, Inspector of Detective Brunch (DB) Abdul Malek submitted a chargesheet against Golden Monir in two separate cases under the Narcotics Control Act and the Arms Act.
Apex court stays HC order on govt officials' arrest
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed till October 23 the High Court's order scrapping the provision of prior permission for the arrest of government employees.
A six-member bench of the Appellate Division, headed by Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, passed the order in the wake of an appeal by the government against the HC order.
The Appellate Division also asked the government to file a leave-to-appeal petition against the HC ruling by October 23.
Read: Chamber Court declines to stay HC order on govt officials' arrest
Attorney General AM Amin Uddin appeared for the state, while the writ petitioner's lawyer Manzill Murshid opposed the government's appeal.
On Wednesday, the Appellate Division chamber judge refused to stay the HC ruling and sent the appeal to its full bench for Thursday's hearing.
On August 25, the HC scrapped the provision of the Public Service Act, 2018, describing it as "unconstitutional".
"The Constitution is the country’s main law and as per the Constitution, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law," the court observed.
"A section has been given special facilities by enacting the provision of getting prior permission to arrest government employees, which is sheer discrimination and violence of articles 26, 27 and 31 of the Constitution," the HC bench said.
On November 14, 2018, a gazette was issued on Public Service Act, 2018. It was published on September 26, 2019, and came into effect on October 1, 2019.
Read: No prior permission needed to arrest govt officials for criminal offence
According to Section 41(1) of the Act, prior permission is needed from the government or higher authorities to arrest a government officer in a criminal case.
On October 14, 2019, a writ petition was filed challenging the legality of Section 41 (1) of the Act.
Advocates Sarwar Ahad Chowdhury, Eklas Uddin Bhuiya and Mahbubul Islam filed the writ petition on behalf of the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh, a non-profit.
On October 21, 2019, the HC issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why Section 41 (1) of the Public Service Act should not be declared "illegal and contradictory to articles 26(1) and (2), 27 and 31 of the Constitution".
Nilphamari: Husband attempts suicide after killing wife, daughter
A man allegedly killed his wife and minor daughter over a family feud in Domar upazila of the district on Wednesday afternoon.
The accused also stabbed his mother-in-law and threw his 14-day-old baby boy identified as Yasin Islam in a pond during the incident, creating a scene in the area.
Ziarul Islam, 30, also attempted to end his own life by stabbing himself following the incident.
The ill-fated housewife identified as Ratna Begum, 26, and her two-year-old daughter Yasmin Ara, were residents of Pachhim Boragari village in the upazila.
Local people said Ratna along with her husband and children had been staying at her father’s house at Nimojkhana Hartaktala village since before the delivery of son Yasin.
Ziarul, a carpenter by profession, wanted to take his family members away to his house on Wednesday morning and was locked in a quarrel with his wife over the issue.
At one point of the brawl, the unruly Ziarul stabbed his wife and daughter with a sharp knife, leaving them dead on the spot, they said.
The accused also stabbed the mother-in-law while she was trying to save Ratna and Yasmin. Ziarul unbelievably threw his newborn baby in the pond. Yasin is now undergoing treatment at Upazila Health Complex.
Read: BCL leader stabbed to death in Rangamati
Aminul Islam Rimun, chairman of Boragari Union Parishad, said an argument between the couple was settled through arbitration around three months back.
The argument led to the killing, he suspected.
Md Mahmud un-Nabi, Officer-in-charge (OC) of Domar Police Station, said the bodies were sent to Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH) morgue for autopsy.
Ziarul is undergoing treatment at the RMCH while the two others at the Upazila Health Complex, he said adding that no case was yet filed in this connection.
HR Violation- Monthly monitoring report
The Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF), an entity committed to protecting and promoting human rights across the country, on Wednesday expresses its deep concern over continuing increase in human rights violations.
At the same time, the organisation also strongly condemned the alleged inaction of the government to prevent the incidents of human rights violation.
In its monthly report, the MSF said at least three people died in the custody of law enforcement agencies, three other people died by jumping into water and in a collision with a bus while trying to escape arrest in August.
In addition to the unethical actions of some members of the police, allegations of their involvement in several crimes including indecent behaviour, torture, extortion and robbery, harassment and rape have been published in the media, the report said.
The MSF prepared the report based on information published in various media and also collected information by MSF own source.
Read: UN human rights expert on climate change to visit Bangladesh from Sept 4-15
During the period between August 1 and August 31, eight people died in prison custody which is six more than the previous month July,. Among them, one was allegedly died of illness after being sent to prison after being tortured.
A speech-impaired young woman committed suicide while in custody. It is also illegal to keep a disabled person in jail without committing a crime.
MSF considers that the incidents of death in custody and torture in prisons are alarming and necessary action has to be taken urgently based on proper investigation.
Around 62 incidents of violence in the political arena during the programs of the opposition parties in different districts of the country occurred. Besides, one incident of post-Union Parishad election violence was also happened during the times in August.
According to information in the media, 62 political violence and post-UP election violence caused lives of four people during times in August.
In August, 799 people became victims of violence, of which 722 people were injured, 30 people were shot and seriously injured and 43 people were detained.
Among the victims, one was members of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), two workers of Awami League and one was stabbed to death in UP election conflict. Out of the 30 shot injuries, 27 are BNP workers and three are from Awami League. Apart from that, among those detained, four are from the Left Democratic Alliance, 35 are from BNP, one is from Awami League and three are bus drivers and assistant transport workers.
Violence against women and children such as; Rape, gang rape, sexual harassment, suicide and domestic violence especially physical violence have increased in most cases compared to previous months which is very alarming.
Around 534 incidents of violence against women and children have taken place in last month, which is 180 more than previous month of July.
Among those incidents, 66 were rape incidents, 24 organized rapes and two were incidents of murdered after raped. Among them, three disabled children and adolescents and four disabled women and two disabled children and adolescents.
Fourteen journalists were injured in 38 incidents, the body of one female journalist was recovered, three journalists were attacked, six were assaulted, 14 journalists were threatened in various ways due to being hindered in their professional duties in August.
MSF believes that attacks on freedom of thought and conscience and the exercise of obstacle on freedom of speech are undermining independent journalism and the free flow of information. Common people are deprived of objective news.
Nine incidents of killing, vandalizing of idols, land grabbing and harassment of religious and ethnic minorities at different levels were reported during the period in August.
Naren Munda of the Munda community was beaten to death by Lathial bahini. Besides, 14 idols were vandalized in different temples of Pirojpur, Khulna, Jhenaidah, Kurigram, Bogura and Manikganj, one temple was set on fire and six houses were attacked and set on fire.
Eleven people including Bhumi Raksha Sangram Committee leader Rangdhajan Tripura and Langkam Mro are being harassed in Sarai Union of Lama Upazila of Bandarban by filing false cases, the MSF report added.
Chamber Court declines to stay HC order on govt officials' arrest
The Appellate Division Chamber Judge on Wednesday refused to stay a High Court ruling that no prior permission is required to arrest a government official for a criminal offence.
Chamber judge Justice M Enayetur Rahim passed the order after hearing an appeal by the government seeking a stay of the HC order.
The appeal was sent to the full bench of the Appellate Division for further hearing Thursday.
Attorney General AM Amin Uddin appeared for the state, while writ petitioner's lawyer Manzill Murshid opposed the state's petition.
On August 25, the HC scrapped a provision of the Public Service Act, 2018, describing it as "unconstitutional".
"The Constitution is the country’s main law and as per the Constitution, everyone is equal in the eyes of the law," the court observed.
Read:No prior permission needed to arrest govt officials for criminal offence
"A section has been given special facilities by enacting the provision of getting prior permission to arrest government employees, which is sheer discrimination and violence of articles 26, 27 and 31 of the Constitution," the bench said.
On November 14, 2018, a gazette was issued on Public Service Act, 2018. It was published on September 26, 2019, and came into effect on October 1, 2019.
According to Section 41(1) of the Act, prior permission is needed from the government or higher authorities to arrest a government officer in a criminal case.
On October 14, 2019, a writ petition was filed challenging the legality of Section 41 (1) of the Act.
Advocates Sarwar Ahad Chowdhury, Eklas Uddin Bhuiya and Mahbubul Islam filed the writ petition on behalf of the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh, an non-profit.
On October 21, 2019, the HC issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why Section 41 (1) of the Public Service Act should not be declared "illegal and contradictory to articles 26(1) and (2), 27 and 31 of the Constitution".