DMP
Violation of lockdown rules to invite legal action, warns DMP
Urging people not to get out of homes without any valid reason during the seven-day tough lockdown, DMP Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam on Wednesday said the violators of its rules will face legal action leading to arrest and imprisonment.
“This time the police will take tough action against the violators. We’ve preparations to arrest 5,000 people or more a day from the capital, if needed. Then we’ll send them to jail and produce before court,” said the DMP Commissioner.
He came up with both the advice and warning while talking to reporters at DMP Media Centre.
Replying to a question, Shafiqul, said, “No motorised vehicle will be allowed to ply roads but rickshaws can move enabling people to deal with emergency causes like buying daily essentials, medicines and taking patients to hospitals. No one will be allowed to use a rickshaw for roaming or visiting relatives’ houses.”
Asked about the media people’s movement, the DMP chief, said the journalists have been asked to cover their assignments after hanging their ID cards and they can move in the city to perform their duties.
“Police won’t obstruct them. They can also use vehicles provided by their respective offices,” he added.
Responding to another query, the DMP commissioner said police patrolling will be increased on main roads as well as in alleys of the city.
Read: DMP explains directives on ridesharing during lockdown
DB busts counterfeit drugs syndicate; 5 arrested
Dhaka Metropolitan Police's (DMP) Detective Branch of Gulshan zone on Monday arrested five people, including a woman, in connection with manufacturing counterfeit drugs under a US-China brand.
The arrestees are Lubna Akhter, Anwar Kazi, Ram Chandra Basak, SM Tajmul Tariq and Kanak Kumar Shaha.
Acting on secret tips, the DB ran a series of raids at the capital's Hatirpul, Rampura and Malibagh area today, said a media release.
During the raids huge numbers of various unlicensed tablets and capsules made in unauthorized factories of Narayanganj’s Jalakuri were recovered from the arrestees.
READ: Expired medicines worth Tk 30 cr destroyed in 11 months; DGDA submits report to HC
During the preliminary interrogation, the arrestees confessed collecting plastic bottles, caps and silicone from the Chawkbazar-Midford area and printing colourful English stickers and labels from local press services, before they could send the drugs to market.
The preliminary inquiries also revealed that some doctors were prescribing those counterfeit and adulterated drugs to patients.
A syndicate of wholesalers in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Cox's Bazar, Manikganj used to market those using college-going girls, the media release also said.
During the raids counterfeit drugs and medicine including Motive Xtra and J- Plus, labeled as Made in USA and Desire S Aksim Lab Bangladesh were recovered.
The team also recovered Issy R Omega3, Cibacal D, Neogel MaxTM, NeixitTM, OrcalTM, OrkidTM, ImpaleTM and Procare Probiotic4, labeled as made in Guangzhou, China.
READ: Expired medicines recovered from septic tank
Legal action was being taken against the arrestees and efforts were being made to arrest the members of the syndicate.
DMP explains directives on ridesharing during lockdown
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Monday requested the bikers to desist from ridesharing to prevent the rise of coronavirus transmission.
Ridesharing operators were often seen sharing motorcycle rides during lockdowns. As a result, different people had been using the same helmet again and again increasing the risk of coronavirus infection.
READ: No motorcycle ride-sharing from Thursday
In this situation, DMP encouraged a one-person bike ride for emergency movement in the city, said a media release.
However, people were requested to use rickshaws following health guidelines for emergency movement.
READ: Dhaka City Election: Ban on motorcycles movement from tonight
The government this week announced a partial lockdown from June 26 to July 1, on which date it would turn into a strict lockdown to prevent the rising spread of coronavirus.
Pori Moni buoyed by police work, calls it 'magic'
Popular Dhallywood actress Pori Moni has praised the police for what she called 'magic' in apprehending those she accused of attempted rape and murder.
“The role of the police in arresting the perpetrators was like magic. I never thought they would be arrested so soon,” said Pori, real name Shamsunnahar Smriti, in remarks to journalists outside the Detective Branch of police office Tuesday.
“Now I believe that I will get justice, and the accused will be punished through a fair trial,” she added, looking much more buoyed than the distressed, helpless woman who appeared before the media on Sunday, and before any arrests were made on Monday.
Also read: Pori Moni case: Police press drug-related charges against Nasir, four others
She visited the office of the Detective Branch and also thanked Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benzir Ahmed for promptly taking action in arresting the accused as soon as he learned about the incident.
“I knew he was the only place of hope. That's why I repeatedly wanted to reach out to him,” the starlet also said.
She seemed to backtrack somewhat from her initial grievance of the law enforcers not being cooperative, at least when she went to file a case at the Banani police station, right after the incident. Asked about going to Banani police station under the influence of alcohol, he said, "I was forced to drink alcohol."
Also read: Uttara Club's ex-president Nasiruddin,4 others arrested over rape attempt on Pori Moni
In response to another question, Pori Moni said, "I did not say that the police did not cooperate, rather I said I did not get cooperation from many places without specifically mentioning the police.”
Speaking after her, Harun-or-Rashid, joint commissioner (North) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), literally lapped up the praise, saying: "The IGP contacted our superiors as soon as he found out. We have arrested the accused with lightning speed. As she has already said, the role of the police was like magic.”
“We will do our best to bring justice in this case,” he added.
Also read: Pori Moni files sexual assault complaint against Uttara Club’s ex-president Nasiruddin, 5 others
On Monday, Pori Moni filed a sexual assault complaint against six people, including businessman Nasir U Mahmood, at Savar Model Police Station.
The previous day, on her verified Facebook page, she had posted a status seeking justice from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claiming that someone or some people had attempted to rape and kill her at the Uttara Boating Club, in an incident four days earlier, that is June 9th.
The status went viral in no time, and it was followed by a dramatic midnight press conference from her residence that was widely broadcast.
Also read: Pori Moni's plea for justice from PM causes sensation
Nasiruddin, owner of real estate company Kunjo Builders, and also an ex-president of Uttara Club, was picked up along with some associated before the next working day(Monday) was over.
Uttara Club's ex-president Nasiruddin,4 others arrested over rape attempt on Pori Moni
Nasiruddin Mahmud, former president of Uttara Club Limited, and four others were arrested on Monday afternoon following a case filed over his reported attempt to rape and kill actress Pori Moni.
Nasiruddin and the four others were arrested from Uttara area of the capital, DMP's ADC (Media) Iftekhairul Islam told UNB.
“So far five people have been arrested from Uttara Sector-1 in connection with Pari Moni's case,” he said.
The arrestees, apart from Nasiduddin, are Tuhin Siddique Omi, 33, Lipi Akhter, 18, Sumi Akhter, 19, and Najma Amin Snigdha, 24.
Later in the day, Joint Commissioner of Detective Branch (DB) Harun or Rashid provided further information to the press regarding the arrests.
“The detective branch of police assisted Savar Model Police Station in arresting Nasiruddin following their request,” he said.
Also read: Pori Moni's plea for justice from PM causes sensation
“At one point of the operation, a detective team arrested Nasiruddin and the four others, including three young women, from an apartment in Uttara Sector-1,” he added.
Besides, 1,000 pieces of Yaba tablets, foreign liquor and beer were seized from the apartment, Harun or Rashid said.
Nasir’s Facebook profile shows that he is currently the chairman of Kunj Developers, former president of Uttara Club, former district chairman of Lions Clubs International, a former footballer of the Dhaka first division and former elected general secretary of SM Hall of Dhaka University.
Earlier in the morning, Dhallywood star Pori Moni filed a sexual assault complaint against six people, including Nasiruddin Mahmud with Savar Model Police Station.
Pori Moni, in her verified Facebook page, uploaded a status seeking justice from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, claiming that the six people attempted to rape and kill her.
The popular actress, whose real name is Shamsun Nahar Smriti, addressed the post to the Prime Minister, stating that she is seeking justice as a loyal citizen of the country.
"I’ve been physically assaulted and they even attempted to rape and kill me. I want justice. I’ve asked for help from so many people. However, they just heard what I said and commented that they'll 'look into it' while the fact is that no one has helped me yet," Pori Moni stated in her post.
She has mentioned that she tried to contact the local police station and even IGP Benazir Ahmed, but she was yet to receive any formal help regarding her complaint. "I haven't found justice in the last three or four days. Where can I find justice? I’m a woman and an actress, but first of all I’m a human being. I can’t remain silent over what happened to me today," she added.
In her post, Pori Moni then addressed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as her "mother", writing: "I was about 2 and a half years’ old when my mother died. Today, I need a mother more than ever. I’ve never seen you, accepting any injustice quietly. I need you; I need your help to stay alive. Please save me, mother."
Also read: Pori Moni files sexual assault complaint against Uttara Club’s ex-president Nasiruddin, 5 others
Pori Moni’s press conference
Pori Moni revealed the name and details of her assaulters through a press conference at her Gulshan residence in the capital on Sunday night.
The press conference took place after the actress surprised the nation through a status from her verified Facebook page on Sunday evening.
Breaking into tears at the press conference, Pori Moni described what exactly happened to her, sharing the graphic details of the incident and revealed who tried to rape her.
Sitting beside noted director Chayanika Chowdhury, Pori Moni said at the press conference that Nasiruddin Mahmud, a businessman and currently appointed entertainment and cultural affairs secretary of Dhaka Boat Club, assaulted her at the club in Birulia, Uttara in the capital on Wednesday night.
The actress said she went to the boat club with her costume designer Jimmy and Jimmy’s friend Omi for a professional meeting regarding a movie, where Nasir and another man offered them drinks at that time. She refused the offer stating that she was feeling unwell.
At one point, Nasir ganged up on her at the club and forced her to drink by putting the neck of a bottle into her mouth, beat her up and tried to rape her at the same time, Pori Moni said at the press briefing.
During the assault, she said, Nasir addressed himself as a “friend” of Benazir Ahmed, Inspector General of Bangladesh Police and president of the Dhaka Boat Club.
The actress went on saying that when she was able to get out after two and a half hours, she went straight to the Banani Police Station but the officials refused to hear her words. She stated that she has also contacted Zayed Khan, general secretary of Film Artists Association, and other leaders of the film industry, however, did not get any legal or logistic support.
DB nabs gang of motorcycle thieves
Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested eight alleged members of an organized motorcycle thieves' gang by conducting special drives in different places of the capital Dhaka and Comilla district.
The detectives also recovered 17 stolen motorcycles of different brands from their possession during the simultaneous drives.
The arrested gangsters were identified as Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Md Rubel, Md. Sagar Mia alias Bhsani, Md. Babu, Md. Afzal Hossain, Md. Rashedul Islam alias Russel, Md. Faruk Hossain and Md. Helal Hossain.
Also read: Rab nabs four members of international women trafficking gang
Sources at the DB said, the DB (Lalbagh Division) had information that some members of a vehicle thieves' gang were gathered at Madhubagh area of Hatirjheel to buy and sell stolen motorcycles. Based on the information, a special DB team carried out a drive on the location at around 5:45 pm on June 8 and arrested Abul Kalam, Rubel, Sagar, Babu, Afzal and Rashedul.
Five stolen motorcycles were recovered from their possessions during the time, said Assistant Commissioner (DB-Lalbagh Division) Madhusudan Das.
Then based on information extracted from the arrestees, the detectives conducted simultaneous drives and arrested Farooq and Helal from Muzaffarganj area of Comilla district. This time they recovered 12 more stolen motorcycles from their possession, he said.
Also read: Criminal gang members arrested for taking lawyer hostage in Ctg
During the preliminary interrogation, the arrested gangsters confessed that they are members of a syndicate trading in stolen motorcycles. They took the stolen motorcycles by driving themselves to Hajiganj and Shahrasti areas of Chandpur district. Later, the arrested Farooq, the leader of the gang, changed the shape of the stolen motorcycles and then sold them on in different areas of Chandpur, Noakhali and Comilla districts.
All eight were shown arrested in a case filed with Hatirjheel police station.
A man held for alleged social media posts on militancy
Authorities said they held a 28-year-old man from the city on multiple allegations, including posting provocative posts on social media and uploading militancy-related pictures.
The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said Shohag Hossain was picked up on Friday (June 5) from Shymoli under Mohammadpur police station.
A mobile phone set was also recovered from his possession.
The man also faces allegations that he tried to spread militancy and misinterpretations of religion.
A case was filed under the Digital Security Act wth Ramna Model Police Station in regard to the allegations.
The DB produced Shohagh before a Dhaka Metropolitan magistrate court on Monday. The Magistrate granted police appeal for a 3-day fresh remand for interrogation.
Sources at the CTTC said, the Cyber Intel team of the City-Intelligence Analysis Division had been conducting online monitoring from March 1 to June 6 this year as part of regular cyber patrolling.
During the monitoring period, the Cyber Intel team detected that one Khalid Ibn Walid (Facebook Profile Link: https://www.facebook.com/shohagrana.rana.524) was trying to disrupt law and order, including spreading militancy, through his facebook ID by uploading various provocative and militant pictures.
Based on the allegation, a team of the CTTC conducted a raid at Shyamoli area in the capital at around 11:00 pm on June 5 and arrested Shohagh, said Sayed Nasirullah, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of City-Intelligence Analysis Division.
The police official claimed that during the preliminary interrogation, the accused had admitted his involvement in the alleged anti-state activity.
313 identified for financing Hefazat
Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has identified at least 313 individuals financing Hefazat-e-Islam.
Additional Commissioner (DB), AKM Hafiz Akhteer revealed the matter to the press in a briefing at the DB Headquarters.
He said, "We have identified 313 people who provided funds to Hefazat so far."
The DB official also said that a few Hefazat leaders, including Mamunul Haque and Junaid Al Habib, met at the wedding of the son of Junaid Babunagari, former Amir of Hefazat-e-Islam, and planned to remove Shah Ahmad Shafi last year.
Later they drove away leaders loyal to Shafi after creating chaos and anarchy at Hathazari Madrasa as per the plan, he said.
Hafiz also added that they have traced over Tk 6 crore transactions in different bank accounts of Mamunul.
He said that police derived all this information from the recently arrested top leaders of Hefazat.
More than a dozen top Hefazat leaders of the recently dissolved committee were arrested in cases filed over violence in 2013 and earlier this year.
Lockdown climbdown: 10am-9pm for shopping confirmed
Shops and shopping malls will be allowed to remain open from 10am to 9pm instead of earlier-announced 5pm amid the lockdown enforced by the government to contain the transmission of Covid-19.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Shariful Islam confirmed the matter.
Earlier on April 23, Cabinet Division issued a notice permitting shops and malls to reopen from April 25 maintaining proper safety protocols.
Also read: Pandemic in Bangladesh: Shops, malls reopen doors
The second phase of lockdown started on April 22 and is supposed to continue until April 28.
Earlier on April 5, public transports, shops and shopping malls were directed to remain shut in capital Dhaka as the country started a 7-day lockdown.
Talking to UNB, local and international health experts, however, predicted Bangladesh is unlikely to see any improvement in the Covid-19 situation before June next as the country is still in the grip of its second wave.
Also read: 'Strict’ lockdown again if health rules violated: Quader
Using a mathematical model, Bangladesh Como Modelling Group, a group of experts from both Bangladesh and Oxford University, also projected that the country will witness the similar infection rate intermittently till the end of May while the situation may improve in June.
Meanwhile, after a slight fall for several days, Bangladesh’s daily coronavirus death toll crossed the 100-mark again on Sunday with a sharp fall in new cases.
Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: Daily deaths shoot past 100; new cases fall dramatically
Fatalities climbed to 11,053 with 101 deaths in the past 24 hours until the morning. The virus also infected 2,922 people, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said in a handout.
Bangladesh has so far confirmed 745,322 coronavirus cases.
Mamunul controversy: Jharna's father now in police custody
Waliyar Rahman, father of Hefazat-e-Islam Joint Secretary General Mamunul Haque's "second wife" Jannat e Jharna, has been taken into police custody for interrogation.
Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police left for Dhaka from Faridpur's Alfadanga Police Station with Waliyar on Sunday at around 11:30am.
Waliyar is a freedom fighter and was the president of ward 4 of Gopalpur Union Awami League in Alfadanga upazila. On 21 April, he was suspended from his post.
Also read: AL leaders receiving death threats for showcausing Mamunul's 'father in law'
Alfadanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Wahiduzzaman said, "Waliyar was not detained or arrested, DB police will talk to him for the sake of an investigation."
Waliyar's wife Shirin Begum said the OC and other policemen came at night and took him away, but they did not say why.
Earlier, local Awami League leaders alleged that they had received death threats for issuing a showcause notice to Waliyar.
Also Read: Hefazat leader Mamunul's '2nd wife' goes missing; GD filed
Monayem Khan, Faridpur's Alfadanga upazila Gopalpur union Awami League president, filed a general diary (GD) with the police station in this regard.
According to the GD, Monayem received death threats from three different phone numbers on April 13 evening, for issuing the showcause notice.
Md Farid Uddin, general secretary of the same Awami League unit, also reportedly received death threats the same evening from a number where the caller identified himself as Mamunul.
On April 12, the local Awami League issued a showcause notice to freedom fighter Waliyar. The notice was sent to him through a letter signed by Monayem and Farid over his alleged link with Hefazat.
Also Read: Woman who was with Hefazat leader Mamunul is not his wife
Waliyar never informed the party leaders about his family's involvement with Hefazat; so, it is a risk that the organisational work plan of Awami League may be leaked through him, the letter said.
A satisfactory reply within the seven working days was also sought in the notice, but Waliyar did not respond to it.
On April 3, Mamunul Haque was found along with a woman, at a resort in Narayanganj's Sonargaon, whom he claimed to be his "second wife."