United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has taken a special security plan to ensure the safety of city residents during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Besides, city residents, who have no relatives and fear leaving valuables at home during Eid can keep their gold ornaments and other important items safely at police stations if necessary. DMP acting commissioner Md Sarwar made the remarks at a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road in the capital on Sunday. He said special security measures have been taken at four bus terminals, one launch terminal and railway stations in the capital ahead of Eid. Alongside uniformed police, detectives will also perform duties to ensure passengers’ safety. Mobile courts led by judicial and executive magistrates are being operated to prevent overcharging of fares, ticket black marketing and passenger harassment, he said. The acting DMP commissioner said special drives are being conducted in different areas to maintain normal law and order in the capital ahead of Eid. Regular block raids and operations are being carried out against snatchers, drug traders and members of juvenile gangs. The acting chief of the DMP said the capital becomes largely empty during Eid holidays and patrol activities have been intensified to prevent any criminal activities during that time. Additional checkpoints will also be set up at different places, with special surveillance in residential, commercial and diplomatic areas. Members of the Armed Police Battalion, dog squad, SWAT team and  bomb disposal unit will also be deployed to maintain law and order, he added. Sarwar urged city dwellers to properly lock doors and windows before leaving homes during Eid, keep CCTV cameras functional and ensure adequate lighting around their houses. He also advised passengers not to accept food from strangers while travelling and to keep cash and valuables under their own custody. He asked citizens to contact the national emergency service at 999 if necessary and inform police immediately about any suspicious movement. He said additional police will be deployed across the capital during Eid and security will be strengthened at important points so that city residents can celebrate the festival safely. He also said truck, lorry and covered van movement—except those carrying essential goods—will remain suspended for three days before and after Eid to ensure smooth passenger movement. Additional traffic police will be deployed on major entry and exit roads of Dhaka, he added.

The Special Metropolitan Magistrate of Dhaka Metropolitan Police disposed of 2,273 criminal cases and 1,778 traffic cases in February this year through summary trials. A total of 3,706 people were arrested and produced before the summary courts. Of them, 2,113 were given different jail terms. Law Official (District Judge) Mohammad Ataul Haque said the arrests were made by DMP divisions including Motijheel, Tejgaon, Wari, Gulshan, Mirpur, Ramna, Lalbagh and Uttara during February. The court fined the accused a total of Tk 2,32,950 in criminal cases and sentenced to different terms of imprisonment to 2,113 people. In traffic cases, police filed 1,833 cases in February. The magistrate disposed of 1,778 cases, including 359 pending cases, and fined offenders Tk 6,44,400. It is notable that minor offences and cases with lighter punishment can be tried under summary procedure at the Special Metropolitan Magistrate Court as per the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Police have detained 100 people in a special drive aimed at curbing crimes of teen gangs, extortion and mugging in the capital’s Mohammadpur and Adabor areas. The special drive was conducted from 10:00pm on Wednesday until 2 am on Thursday in different parts of Mohammadpur and Adabor in the city. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ibne Mizan of Tejgaon Division told the media that the drive was conducted to put an end to the growing activities of juvenile gangs, extortionists and muggers in the area. DMP to provide escort service for transport of cash and valuables ahead of ramadan, Eid He said the objective of the operation was to ensure that such criminal elements cannot further deteriorate the law and order situation. The DC also said police operations will continue so that no criminal or organised group can take advantage of the situation during the holy month of Ramadan and the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Law enforcers will remain vigilant to ensure overall security and public safety in the capital.

Police on Wednesday said there is no threat of mob violence at this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair, as extensive security measures remain in place to prevent any untoward incidents. Speaking at a press briefing at Suhrawardy Udyan, Additional Commissioner (Admin) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Md Sarwar said law enforcement agencies were fully prepared in this regard. “There is no apprehension of mob violence at the fair. However, police preparedness is in place,” he said. The annual book fair, organised by the Bangla Academy, is being held at Suhrawardy Udyan and adjacent areas of the university campus. Responding to a question about the possible display of religion-defaming or provocative books, Sarwar said intelligence agencies would maintain strict surveillance to ensure that no such publications entered the fair premises. He said the Dhaka Metropolitan Police had adopted multilayered security arrangements in and around the venue, including the Bangla Academy and nearby locations. Uniformed officers have been deployed alongside plainclothes personnel to ensure visitors’ safety and prevent unwanted incidents. A police control room has been set up inside the fairgrounds to monitor the area around the clock. Approximately 300 CCTV cameras have been installed in and around the venue to maintain constant surveillance. All entry gates are equipped with metal detectors and archways, while dog squads are conducting regular sweeping operations. Specialised units of the DMP, including SWAT, the Bomb Disposal Unit, the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit and the Detective Branch (DB), will remain on standby throughout the event. Additional measures will be enforced at weekends, when larger crowds are expected. Bangla Academy assures inclusive, safe Amar Ekushey Book Fair Sarwar said special arrangements had also been made to ensure the safety of women and children. Facilities at the fair include a lost-and-found centre, breastfeeding corners, childcare centres, primary medical services and ambulances. On traffic management, he said the traffic division had implemented diversion plans to ease congestion in the University of Dhaka area during the fair. Heavy vehicles will not be permitted to enter the area. The road from TSC to Doel Chattar may be opened or closed temporarily depending on crowd pressure. Visitors have been advised not to wait for transport directly outside the fair gates, but instead to disembark a short distance away and walk to the venue to help reduce congestion. Police have also issued strict instructions against parking vehicles in unauthorised locations. Meanwhile, Bangla Academy assured that this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair will be held in a more organised, inclusive and secure manner from February 26, despite various challenges, with the participation of the highest number of publishers. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the book fair at 2pm on Thursday.

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued traffic guidelines ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected Members of Parliament (MP) and the newly formed cabinet, scheduled to be held on Tuesday. The swearing-in of the newly elected MPs will take place at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, while members of the new cabinet will take oath at the South Plaza of the parliament complex. A large gathering is expected in and around the Parliament area throughout the day, forcing the authorities to impose restrictions in some key points from 8am to 7pm. No fear as voting proceeds peacefully despite rumours: DMP Commissioner The DMP has requested all drivers to avoid Manik Mia Avenue and Lake Road from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Feb 17 and to follow the diversion instruction to avoid traffic congestion. The vehicular movement will remain restricted from Khejur Bagan Crossing to Manik Mia Avenue and along Lake Road from July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum to Urojahaj Crossing during the event. To minimise temporary inconvenience caused by traffic control measures, DMP’s Traffic Division has arranged diversions to ensure smooth vehicular movement. Diversion points and alternative routes: Mirpur Road to Farmgate via Manik Mia Avenue: Vehicles coming from the northern parts via Mirpur Road towards Farmgate/Sonargaon will proceed through Defence Gap and proceed through China Friendship Conference Center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing towards Farmgate. 26,515 police deployed in capital for election security: DMP Dhanmondi to Farmgate: Vehicles from Dhanmondi 27 will move via Asad Gate–Defence Gap, turn right towards the conference center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing and then right towards Farmgate Crossing. Asad Gate to Farmgate Crossing: From Asad Gate, vehicles will turn left towards Ganabhaban Crossing (July Smriti Jadughar), proceed to Defence Gap, then turn right towards the conference center–Urojahaj Crossing–Bijoy Sarani Crossing and finally right towards Farmgate Crossing. Elevated Expressway/Indira Road to Dhanmondi: Vehicles coming from the Elevated Expressway or Indira Road will move via Khejur Bagan Crossing, turn right towards Urojahaj Crossing, then left towards the conference center, left again at Defence Gap and proceed via Asad Gate to Dhanmondi. Mirpur Road to Dhanmondi: As the blockade on Manik Mia Avenue will be lifted, southbound vehicles from Mirpur Road will travel via Shyamoli–Shishu Mela–Ganabhaban (July Uprising Memorial Museum)–Asad Gate towards Dhanmondi 27. Elevated Expressway: To avoid congestion during the ceremony, commuters are advised to use the FDC (Hatirjheel) ramp instead of the Farmgate exit ramp. 37 Dhaka polling centres under risk watch: DMP Commissioner

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Monday said 37 polling centres in the capital have been identified as risky ahead of the national election. He disclosed the information at a press conference on the security plan taken by DMP on the occasion of the election at the DMP Media Centre. “Seven police personnel equipped with body cameras will be deployed at each of the 37 risky polling centres. These centres are mostly in remote areas with narrow roads, which is why additional police presence has been arranged,” he said. The commissioner said the city has 1,614 important polling stations and 517 general polling stations. Four police personnel will be deployed at each important station while three will be stationed at each general polling station, he said. Sajjat Ali added that all necessary preparations have been taken to ensure a peaceful election and prevent any untoward incidents. He also said 25,000 DMP members have received election-related training. The DMP’s Special Reserve Force, Bomb Disposal Unit and Dog Squad will also remain deployed to handle any situation. DMP Commissioner orders highest security at Dhaka polling centres Additional Police Commissioner (Admin) Sarwar and Additional Police Commissioner SM Nazrul Islam were present at the briefing. Meanwhile, he said, extensive security measures have been put in place in the capital centring the national election.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Monday launched special hotline numbers to receive complaints and information related to the 13th Parliamentary Election and the referendum. Through the hotlines, citizens can promptly inform police about any violations of the electoral code of conduct or activities that may influence the election, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman. 46 arrested in Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 in 24 hours: DMP City residents have been requested to contact the following mobile numbers for immediate police intervention in election-related incidents: 013200373580132003735901320037360 The DMP also sought the sincere cooperation of city residents to help maintain law and order during the election.

A total of 46 people were arrested in the last 24 hours till 8:00am on Sunday under Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 by different units of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). The arrests were made during simultaneous drives conducted on Saturday in crime-prone areas under the jurisdictions of Jatrabari, Mugda, Rupnagar, Banani, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and Bangshal police stations, said DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Talebur Rahman on Sunday afternoon. Read More: DMP arrests 59 in Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2 Of the arrestees, Jatrabari Police arrested 17 people, Mugda Police 11, Rupnagar Police eight, Banani Police four, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police four and Bangshal Police two. All the arrested persons were produced before the court on Sunday, the DMP official added.

'Underworld' criminal Dilip alias Binash ordered the killing of Swechchhasebak Dal leader Azizur Rahman Musabbir over extortion and control in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area, detectives said on Saturday. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner and Detective Branch (DB) Chief Shafikul Islam disclosed the information while briefing reporters at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road on Saturday morning. He said eight to nine extortion syndicates are currently operating at Karwan Bazar and the murder stemmed from rivalry over control of extortion earnings. Shafikul said the DB is working to dismantle the syndicates and will launch drives soon. Replying to a question, he said preliminary findings indicate that Dilip alias Binash is currently staying abroad. Musabbir, former general secretary of Swechchhasebak Dal’s Dhaka North City unit, was shot dead on January 7 in an alley beside Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue. His wife filed a murder case with Tejgaon Police Station the following day against four to five unidentified individuals. Earlier, on January 11, DB arrested Jinnat (24), Abdul Kadir (28), Md Riaz (31) and Md Bilal in connection with the killing. On Friday morning, another alleged shooter, Rahim, was arrested from Narsingdi, bringing the total number of arrests to five. Asked about the identities of the arrestees Shafikul Islam said they should be described as extortionists. “Extortionists have no political ideology and often misuse political identities or banners to carry out illegal activities.” he added. Responding to another query, he said police reviewed CCTV footage from the crime scene immediately after the incident and identified two shooters. One of them, Jinnat, was arrested earlier while the second shooter, Rahim, was arrested on Friday.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will start taking action against drivers who honk in restricted areas around Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka from January 25. The DMP issued a notice in this regard on Tuesday. According to the notice, the government declared certain areas around the airport including a 1.5-kilometre stretch from Scholastica School to Hotel La Meridien as well as Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara, and Niketan as silent zones in September 2025. Honking in these areas is a punishable offence and violators may face a fine of up to Tk 10,000 or three months in jail. Read More: 29 arrested under Operation Devil Hunt Phase-2: DMP The DMP traffic division will enforce the rule in the airport area, covering Civil Aviation Authority roads and parking zones. Special mobile courts will operate under the supervision of the Department of Environment, BRTA, Civil Aviation Authority, Dhaka North City Corporation, and DMP magistrates to impose fines or custodial sentences on offenders. It also urged the drivers to comply with the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2025 and refrain from honking in the designated areas to maintain a peaceful environment around the airport. For police assistance, citizens can dial 999 or visit www.dmp.gov.bd For further information, DMP Media Cell can be contacted at 01320038035, 01320038036, or via email at [email protected]