law-order
Case filed against two Sylhet Swecchasebak League leaders for raping teen girl
Two leaders of Awami League’s voluntary organization Swecchasebak League allegedly raped a teen girl on the pretext of offering a lucrative job in Sylhet city.
The accused are identified as Abdus Salam, 40, president of the ward No-11 of Sylhet city unit of Swechasebak League and Abdul Manaf, 38, member of the city unit of the party.
The victim’s mother filed a case under “Women and Children Repression and Prevention Act” naming the duo and some unidentified individuals with city’s Kotwali police station on Friday night, said the police station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC-investigation) Suman Kumar Chowdhury.
47 BNP-Jamaat activists sent to jail in Chuadanga
According to the case statement, the victim used to work for a bottle factory and live with her family in a city colony.
As her family went to their village home in Habiganj leaving her alone in the colony residence in January, one of the colony residents Rekha Begum made an introduction between the victim and the accused Abdus Salam.
At first meet, Salam allured her by offering a good job while Rekha took the girl to Salam at his city residence in Laldighi area on January 7.
The Swechasebak League president kept the girl captive for 22 days at his residence and raped continuously.
Upon the victim’s family returning from the village, they didn’t find her in the residence and other places.
Man held for allegedly killing wife in Khulna
As the family failed to find her, they were on move to file a general diary but Rekha barred them from doing this and took them to Salam who assured them of rescuing her.
After a few days, Salam informed the family that he rescued her from a London expatriate family but expressed reluctance to disclose the identity of the family.
When the victim’s family insisted on knowing the family’s identity then the Swecchasebak League president got furious.
At one stage of altercation, the incident of rape got leaked while accused Salam assured the girl of marrying her and threatened them not to make the matter public.
After three days of the assurance, Salam picked up the girl and sent her to Habiganj with the help of his cohort Abdul Manaf. A few people including the duo again raped the girl there.
Later on March 26, one of the relatives of the victim rescued her tactfully from the clutches from the accused.
Police Official Suman said the victim gave a confessional statement before a court in this regard.
Though no one has so far been arrested, drives are on to arrest the accused along with investigation, he added.
Man dies after being attacked for fishing in disputed waters in N’ganj
A 45-year-old man, who sustained severe injuries in an attack by his uncle and others over fishing in a disputed pond, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a Dhaka hospital early Friday.
The deceased was identified as Nurul Haque, son of Latif Miah of Chhani area under Sadar union of the Rupganj upazila.
Victim’s family and locals said paternal uncle Abul Hashem locked into an altercation with Nurul over the latter fishing in the water body with a net on the afternoon of March 15.
In the early hours of March 16, Hasem and his sons Babu and Sohag, allegedly equipped with locally-made sharp weapons, swooped on Nurul when he was on his way to the pond again, leaving him critically injured.
Hearing screams, locals rushed to him and took to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and later shifted to a private hospital.
Nurul succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at the private hospital early Friday.
Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Dipak Chandra Saha confirmed the matter saying that they have already arrested one named Babu.
The body was sent to DMCH morgue for autopsy, he said.
A case filed earlier was recorded now as a regular murder case, the OC said, adding that drives are on to arrest the rest accused involved with the murder.
Call 999 in case of any problem during Eid holidays in Dhaka: IGP
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun has advised the people to inform the National Emergency Service 999 as soon as possible, if they face any kind of problem in Dhaka during the Eid holidays.
"Dhaka becomes almost empty during the Eid holidays. So, please let us know through our control room number or call (National Emergency Service-999) if anyone is in trouble."
NHRC chairman: Responsible for electrocution of six members of a family must be punished
"We will take action as soon as possible," he was talking to journalists after distributing the prizes of the Kirat, Hamad Naat and Azaan competition to the policemen at the Rajarbagh Central Mosque premises on Friday.
"We will take the same measures that we did in the previous years taking into account all the issues of empty Dhaka, robbery and traffic jams," he said.
"Do not travel at any risk to your life. Travel in a way that you don't have to face any kind of risk. This is what I request all passengers."
Draft of law on AI and its use to be formulated by September, says Law Minister
He said the Eid holiday may be long this time. Along with various places, we are taking measures to keep in mind the safety of all recreational spots.
Regarding the involvement of shohoz.com with black ticket marketing, the IGP said, "We take action as soon as we receive any specific complaint. No one will be exempted who tries to harass passengers.
NHRC chairman: Responsible for electrocution of six members of a family must be punished
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairman Kamal Uddin Ahmed on Thursday termed the incidents of the death of six members of a family due to electrocution in Moulvibazar as very shocking and heartbreaking.
Appropriate legal action has to be taken against those responsible after investigation and necessary measures have also be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future, he said.
“Though we could not do anything for a family, but we have to do for hundreds of such families,” the NHRC chairman added.
Electrocution in Moulvibazar: Death toll stands at 6 as another victim dies
The NHRC Chairman came up with the remarks while addressing at the discussion meeting titled 'Role of Media in Protection of Human Rights and Consumer Rights' organised by 'Business Digest' in a city hotel on Thursday.
He also said, "The issue of rights is directly and indirectly the daily practice of the media." Media can question all the irregularities, make people aware of their rights and duties and play an important role in establishing rights. We can carry out reforms only in view of the news published in the media.”
The NHRC Chairman called on the journalists to take all-out efforts to spread the necessary knowledge about the constitution, law and rights among the people.
Gazipur cylinder blast: Death toll rises to 16
At one point in the discussion, he talked about the recurrence of fires.
"The main responsible persons and institutions should be brought under accountability. We have not learned proper lessons from the big fires and explosions that took place in Nimtali, Newmarket and Bangabazar in the past years. Had we taken effective measures, recurrence of fires could have been prevented"
47 BNP-Jamaat activists sent to jail in Chuadanga
A Chuadanga court on Thursday sentenced 47 leaders and activists of BNP and Jamaat to jail in a case filed for arson.
Chuadanga District and Sessions Judge Md Zia Haider sent the accused to jail after they appeared before the court with a bail plea on Thursday.
Public Prosecutor Advocate Belal Hossain confirmed the information.
Attack on Hasina’s motorcade: Absconding convict held from Jashore
BNP lawyer Adv Shahjahan Mukul said the BNP leaders and activists were on anticipatory bail for six weeks from the High Court in the sabotage case. The anticipatory bail period will end on Sunday, and on Thursday, 107 leaders and activists appeared before the Chuadanga District Judge's Court and appealed for bail again.
Chuadanga District and Sessions Judge Md Zia Haider granted bail to seven of them and sent 47 to jail, he added.
Drive against illegal VoIP to continue: Palak
Fifty-three leaders and activists left the court without appearing, and they were deprived of justice, said the lawyer.
Man held for allegedly killing wife in Khulna
Police arrested a local Awami League leader and businessman for allegedly killing his wife in Khulna.
The man— Tareque Biswas— is the owner of Biswas Properties and the brother of Khulna district Awami League leader and real estate businessman Azgar Biswas Tara alias Tara Biswas.
Attack on Hasina’s motorcade: Absconding convict held from Jashore
Police arrested him from his office in the city on Wednesday morning, said Rafiqul Islam, investigation officer of the case and Assistant Police Inspector of Harintana police station.
Later on Wednesday afternoon, he was sent to jail, added the officer.
He said on March 24 Tareque Biswas' second wife Mahmuda Akhter Mili was admitted to a private clinic with serious injuries. Later, she succumbed to her injuries during the treatment at the hospital on the same day.
RAB arrests 8 teen gang members in Pabna
On March 26 a case was filed against three people including Tareque Biswas following a complaint lodged by Mili's mother Selina Begum at Sonadanga police station.
Attack on Hasina’s motorcade: Absconding convict held from Jashore
Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested a man who had been on the run since he was given a 7-year jail term for an attack on the motorcade of the then opposition leader Sheikh Hasina in Satkhira district.
RAB arrested Yasin Ali, 57, son of late Yusuf Ali of Tulshidanga village under Kalaroa police station of Satkhira district, from Bejpara area of Jashore town on Tuesday (March 26) night, Major Mohammad Saqib Hossain, captain of RAB-6 CPC-3 Jashore Camp, said on Wednesday.
Drive against illegal VoIP to continue: Palak
Tipped off, a team of RAB-6, conducted a drive in the area and arrested Yasin.
Three more cases are under trial against him, added the RAB officer.
Later, he was handed over to Kalaroa police station of Satkhira district.
RAB arrests 8 teen gang members in Pabna
Yasin was one of the masterminds of the attack on Aug. 30, 2002, at Kalaroa in Satkhira district. Sheikh Hasina was returning to Dhaka after attending a meeting in Kalaroa when the attack took place.
Following the attack, three separate cases were lodged at Kalaroa police station in Satkhira.
On April 18, 2023, the Special Tribunal-3 of Satkhira, sentenced 44 defendants including Yasin to various terms.
Body of rice depot employee recovered in Jashore
The body of an employee of a rice wholesale depot was recovered from his workplace in Jashore Sadar upazila early Monday.
The deceased Bayezid Hasan, 28, son of Nazrul Islam of Banargati village in Khulna city. He was an employee of the rice depot owned by Jashore city unit BNP’s president Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury Malluk Chand.
Kotwali police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdur Razzaque said Bayezid allegedly stole Tk five lakh from the rice depot few days back.
He might have been beaten and strangled to death over the issue, he said.
Being informed, a police team rushed to the spot and recovered the body from around 3 am, the OC said, adding that the body was sent to Jashore Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.
The night guard of the wholesale depot was arrested in this connection.
A case will be filed in this connection, he added.
Cyberbullying: What to Do If Someone is Harassing You Online
Cyberbullying has emerged as a widespread concern in the contemporary digital era, as harassment across diverse online platforms has become increasingly frequent. This type of bullying poses significant threats to the mental health and overall well-being of individuals. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue promptly and effectively.
What is Cyberbullying or Cyber Harassment?
Cyberbullying, also known as cyber harassment, refers to the use of digital communication tools such as social media platforms, messaging apps, or online forums to intimidate, threaten, or harass individuals. This form of bullying encompasses various actions, including sending hurtful messages, spreading rumours, sharing embarrassing photos or videos without consent, and creating fake accounts to impersonate and harass someone.
Cyberbullying can occur anonymously, making it difficult to identify perpetrators. Also, it can have profound and lasting effects on the mental and emotional well-being of victims.
Read more: '80% of cyberbullying victims are women'
Types of Cyberbullying
Harassment
Harassment entails sending mean or threatening messages to someone online. It can be done through text messages, emails, social media posts, or online chat rooms.
Exclusion
Exclusion involves intentionally leaving someone out of an online group or activity. For instance, a cyberbully might create a social media group and exclude their target.
Outing and Doxxing
Doxxing includes sharing someone's private information online without their consent. For example, their home address, phone number, or embarrassing photos.
Read more: Online bullying serious problem for 85% of Bangladesh youths: Survey
Impersonation
Impersonation means creating a fake online profile and pretending to be someone else. The cyberbully can then use this fake profile to send mean messages or damage the victim's reputation.
Trickery
Trickery mainly is deceiving someone into sharing personal information or embarrassing photos. For example, a cyberbully might create a fake survey to obtain personal details.
Cyberstalking
This involves using technology to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone. This includes sending threatening messages or tracking the victim's online activity.
Read more: Why are Suicide Rates Higher Among Men?
Flaming
Flaming is described as posting angry or insulting messages on someone's social media page or online forum.
Trolling
Trolling entails posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online forum to upset other users.
Fraping
A frape happens when someone changes another person’s information on social media without them knowing or giving permission.
Read more: How to Protect Your Child from Sexual Abuse?
Impacts of Cyber Harassment
Emotional Distress
Cyberbullying can lead to profound emotional turmoil, including feelings of sadness, humiliation, and anger. Victims often experience heightened anxiety, constantly anticipating the next hurtful encounter, which undermines their sense of safety and well-being.
Psychological Effects
Research shows a significant correlation between cyberbullying and psychological challenges. Victims of cyberbullying frequently endure elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
The relentless influx of derogatory messages and harassment often fosters sentiments of powerlessness and diminished self-worth. Also, the incessant negativity and pressure can prove overwhelming for those targeted.
Read more: Students with Depression: Tips for Parents and Educators
Social Isolation and Self-Esteem Damage
Cyberbullying can cause individuals to retreat from both online and offline social interactions, fearing additional harassment or scrutiny from their peers. This can foster feelings of isolation and solitude. Additionally, cyberbullying can profoundly impact an individual's self-esteem, as the recurrent attacks can engender feelings of worthlessness and insecurity.
Academic Consequences
The emotional distress caused by cyberbullying can impact victims' ability to concentrate on their studies and perform academically. Consequently, this can lead to a decline in grades and overall academic performance of the bullied person.
Physical Health Issues
The prolonged stress and anxiety caused by cyberbullying can manifest in physical health problems such as headaches, insomnia, and gastrointestinal issues. Victims may also experience changes in appetite and energy levels.
Read more: Digital Detox: Unplugging for Stress Relief and Mental Wellbeing
Long-term Effects
The effects of cyberbullying can extend beyond the immediate harassment, affecting victims' long-term mental health and well-being. Some individuals may carry the trauma of cyberbullying into adulthood, impacting their relationships and overall quality of life.
Bystander Effects
Observing cyberbullying can exacerbate mental health issues and foster an atmosphere of apprehension and vulnerability. It can instil fear of becoming a target, erode trust in online interactions and impact individuals' well-being.
What to do If You Experience Cyberbullying in Bangladesh
Stay Calm
It is essential to maintain composure and refrain from impulsive reactions to harassment. Responding to the bully may exacerbate the situation, as it gratifies their desire for a reaction. So, try to resist the temptation to engage with their messages or posts.
Read more: Helicopter Parenting: Signs, Pros, Cons and How to Change
Document Evidence
It is important to document instances of cyberbullying, whether through screenshots of messages or posts or by noting down dates and times. This evidence will prove invaluable should you need to report the bullying at a later stage.
Reach Out for Support
It is highly recommended to discuss your experiences with a reliable friend, family member, another trusted adult, or mental health professional. They can provide valuable support and advice on navigating through the situation effectively.
Block the Bully
You may utilise privacy settings to block the person responsible for the harassment from reaching out to you further. Most social media platforms and messaging apps offer the option to block individuals. It can effectively prevent any further contact with them.
Read more: Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention
Report the Abuse to the Platform
Utilising the available reporting tools to report instances of cyberbullying is crucial. Most social media platforms and online forums provide mechanisms for reporting abusive behaviour. Report the cyberbullying to the relevant website or platform, as they typically have anti-bullying policies and may take disciplinary action against the perpetrator, such as suspending their account.
Seek Legal Advice
In instances of severe cyberbullying, it is advisable to seek advice from a legal professional. The available remedies for cyberbullying may vary depending on individual circumstances. Victims are advised to seek legal counsel from a lawyer knowledgeable about cyberbullying and relevant laws for guidance.
File a Report
Victims of cyberbullying have the option to file a criminal complaint with the police under the Cyber Security Act of 2023. This act criminalises cyberbullying and imposes imprisonment and/or fines on offenders found guilty.
Read more: Parliament passes Cyber Security Bill 2023
Cyber Crime Help Desk
Bangladesh Police operates a Cyber Crime Help Desk for women (https://www.police.gov.bd/en/police_cyber_support_for_women) where victims can report incidents of cyberbullying and seek assistance. Evidence and proof (links, screenshots, etc) of cyberbullying can be forwarded via email to [email protected]
Also, victims can lodge complaints through multiple channels, including the dedicated hotlines at the Police Headquarters, the nearest police station or the official Facebook page of "Cyber Police Centre, CID, Bangladesh Police."
Alternative Reporting
Cybercrime victims also have the option to file complaints with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) by calling their hotlines or emailing [email protected].
Read more: Sibling Bullying and Abuse: Reasons, Types, Signs and Prevention
BTRC pledges to take action within 24 hours, with perpetrators brought to justice within 3 days of filing the complaint. The government has also introduced a cyber-crime helpline at +88-02-55007183 for victims to report their complaints.
Consider Civil Suit
Victims can pursue a civil suit for damages against the perpetrator, seeking compensation for emotional distress and reputation damage caused by cyberbullying. In cases of criminal intimidation, the perpetrator may be liable under the Penal Code 1860.
Seek Restraining Orders
Although the term "restraining order" is not specifically defined in Bangladesh’s law, victims can apply under relevant sections before a competent executive magistrate to prohibit a perpetrator from making unlawful contact.
Read more: Should You See a Therapist? 8 Surefire Signs You Need Help
Take Care of Yourself
The emotional strain of cyberbullying can impact your mental well-being. You should prioritise self-care by reaching out to loved ones, participating in activities that bring you joy, and seeking professional assistance if necessary. Concentrate on self-nurturing activities to alleviate stress during this demanding period.
Verdict
Cyber harassment is a serious issue that can have profound consequences on individuals' lives. It is crucial to recognise the signs of cyberbullying, take proactive measures to protect oneself and seek support if victimised. By working together to combat cyberbullying, we can create safer and more inclusive online communities.
Read more: Bullying in School: How to Protect Children and Deal with the Issue
Drive against illegal VoIP to continue: Palak
Anyone involved in illegal activities using the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) facility will not be spared and the drive against them will continue, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak declared on Sunday.
Such activities will not be tolerated under any circumstances, he added.
The state minister made the remarks while inspecting a large quantity of seized VoIP equipment, including around 17,000 illegal SIM cards, used in illegal VoIP operations, during a drive in Tongi, Gazipur on Sunday.
The operation is being conducted and will continue under the initiative of BTRC as the telecom sector regulator, in collaboration with the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre, or NTMC, which is legally mandated to monitor, collect and record communications over telco lines as part of intelligence gathering, and paramilitary force RAB.