United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Sunday (November 16) instructed police personnel to open fire on anyone attempting to torch vehicles or carry out petrol bombs or crude bomb attacks in the capital. The order was issued through a wireless message in the afternoon, said a police officer, posted in a police station, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to comment publicly. Commissioner Sajjat Ali later told the media that the directive was issued in light of recent arson attempts targeting public transport and law enforcement. He said that the directive was given through a wireless message to open fire if anyone sets fire to a bus or throws a crude bomb with the intent to cause loss of life. “This is permitted under the existing laws.” SC seeks army deployment ahead of verdict in Hasina case According to police sources, the instruction applies in situations where miscreants ignite buses, throw crude bombs with lethal intent, or attempt to attack police by hurling explosives from moving motorcycles. The directive comes amid a fresh wave of unrest allegedly linked to the Awami League (AL), which has been barred from political activities. It had earlier called for protests and a ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ from November 10 to 13. The party launched the programme ahead of the expected verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal in a case against Sheikh Hasina over charges related to the July uprising. Since November 10, many incidents of arson attacks on buses and trains, along with crude bomb explosions, have been reported in Dhaka and other districts. The verdict in the case against Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to be pronounced on Monday, prompting the Awami League to declare a two-day ‘complete shutdown’ beginning today (Sunday). Read more: New iron-grey Bangladesh police uniform stirs mixed public reactions

Police have recovered cheques worth Tk 2.25 crore and fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) worth Tk 20 lakh from the Tejgaon’s Nakhalpara residence of Riyad, who was earlier arrested for allegedly attempting to extort money from a former MP’s house in Gulshan. The recovery was made on Monday night based on information provided by Riyad, police said at a press briefing at DMP’s Media Centre on Wednesday. DC of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division Mohammad Talebur Rahman said five people, including Riyad, have been arrested for allegedly demanding Tk 50 lakh from the residence of a former Awami League lawmaker. They are now on remand. A separate case is being processed with Kalabagan Police Station over the recovery of the cheques and FDRs, he added. No criminal should go unpunished: DMP Commissioner  Earlier, on July 26, police arrested Riyad along with four others, including three leaders of the ‘Baisamya Birodhi Chhatra Andolon’, when they went to the Gulshan-2 residence of former Awami League MP Shammie Ahmed to allegedly collect extortion money. Following the arrest, Gulshan Police Station registered a case filed by Siddiq Abu Zafar. Apart from Riyad, the other accused are Kazi Gaurab Apu, Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, Md Ibrahim Hossain and Aminul Islam. After being produced before court, four of the accused were placed on seven-day police remand, while one minor accused was sent to a juvenile correction centre.

Tazia processions marking holy Ashura were held peacefully in the capital on Sunday amid strict security measures taken by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).   The main mourning procession of the Shia community began at 10:00 am from the historic Hussaini Dalan in Old Dhaka, with thousands of participants walking barefoot, beating their chests and chanting "Hay Hussein, Hay Hussein" in remembrance.   The procession moved through Bakshibazar Lane, Lalbagh, Shaheed Mazar Road, Azimpur, Nilkhet, Mirpur Road, Dhaka College, Science Laboratory, Dhanmondi Residential Area, BGB Gate No. 4 and Sat Masjid Road, before ending at the symbolic Karbala point on the banks of Dhanmondi Lake.   Earlier  ahead of the procession, DMP had imposed a ban on carrying sharp weapons such as knives, daggers, scissors, spears, lances, swords, and sticks, as well as the use of fireworks and firecrackers.   Holy Ashura being observed with religious solemnity   The 10th of Muharram, observed as Ashura, holds deep religious significance for Muslims across the world.    The Shia community commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein through various rituals, with the Tazia procession being a central part of the observance.   In Dhaka, major mourning processions and events were organised by the Shia community from the historic Hussaini Dalan Imambara in Lalbagh, Boro Katara Imambara, and other locations across the city.    

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed restrictions on all forms of meetings, gatherings, rallies, processions, showdowns and protests at several designated locations, including the government residence of the Chief Justice, for an indefinite period with effect from Saturday. According to a public notice signed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Thursday morning, the restrictions will come into effect under Section 29 of the DMP Ordinance. DMP bans rallies, processions outside CA’s residence, Secretariat The restricted areas also include Justice Bhaban, Judge Complex, the main gate of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, Majar Gate, Jame Masjid Gate, entrances of International Crimes Tribunal-1 and -2 and the Judicial Administration Training Institute. Besides, the DMP has once again urged citizens not to block city streets as a means of pressing home their demands.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) conducted a special security drill on Monday ahead of the upcoming international football match between the national teams of Bangladesh and Singapore. The drill took place at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Gulistan in the morning, with the objective of demonstrating emergency response strategies, testing preparedness, and ensuring a robust security plan for the high-profile event. Led by the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of DMP, the exercise involved participation from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Bomb Disposal Unit, and the K-9 Unit. According to DMP, the simulation aimed to evaluate operational capabilities in managing potential emergency situations and ensuring the safety of players and spectators during the match. DMP bans rallies, processions outside CA’s residence, Secretariat To maintain security and manage traffic, necessary measures have been put in place by the DMP.  A significant number of uniformed and plainclothes police officers will be deployed in and around the stadium.  The Bomb Disposal Unit, SWAT, and K-9 teams will remain on standby to respond to any special circumstances. Senior officials of various ranks within the DMP, along with journalists from print and electronic media, were present at the drill. DMP ensures foolproof security for Eid congregations in Dhaka Dhaka Metropolitan Police has requested full cooperation from all attendees to ensure a safe and secure environment for the match.

In accordance with a public notice issued by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner on May 10, all forms of rallies, gatherings, processions, and demonstrations remain prohibited in and around the Bangladesh Secretariat, the official residence of the Chief Adviser at Jamuna, and adjoining areas. The restriction has been imposed in the interest of maintaining law and order, says  a DMP press release issued on Monday night.  DMP adopts zero tolerance against mob violence Authorities have urged all concerned to strictly adhere to the directive, the press release added.

A sense of unease grips the residents of Mohammadpur as the area finds itself at the heart of a growing crime wave. The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has recently identified 13 hotspots within the locality as ‘red zones’ for mugging, shedding light on an escalating crisis that has left residents fearful and law enforcement agencies scrambling for solutions. From Dhaka Udyan to Basila Bridge and Taj Mahal Road to Japan Garden City, these areas have become dangerous terrains where criminals operate with alarming impunity. According to a senior DB official, the proliferation of teenaged gangs has exacerbated the situation, pushing criminal activities, including mugging, drug trading, and violent attacks, to intolerable levels. The lawlessness in Mohammadpur has been particularly noticeable since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year. The once-thriving neighbourhood has transformed into one of Dhaka’s most crime-infested zones, with reports of gunfire, robbery, and armed assaults becoming a daily occurrence. Such an environment has led to a heightened sense of insecurity among residents, who fear that no time of the day is truly safe. Teen Gangs The rise of teenage gang culture has emerged as a major concern for both law enforcement agencies and the local community. Authorities have identified around 100 members of such gangs operating in Mohammadpur alone. The audacity of these criminals was starkly displayed on February 6, when four police officers—three of them sub-inspectors—were severely injured during an anti-drug operation in Rayer Bazar. The attackers, armed with sharp weapons, left the officers battered, reinforcing fears about the growing brutality of teen gangs. One of the most shocking incidents occurred in late January when a video surfaced on social media showing a teenage boy wielding a machete and assaulting another in broad daylight in the Dhaka Udyan area. Special police operation to tackle growing mugging incidents The video sent shockwaves through the city, highlighting the reckless nature of these crimes and the lack of fear among perpetrators. Habibur Rahman, a long-time resident of Dhaka Udyan, believes the unchecked rise of teen gangs is the primary reason behind the surge in crimes. “These groups operate freely, and many are involved in drug peddling and violent attacks. The situation has worsened in recent months,” he said. Fear in Broad Daylight What makes the situation more alarming is that mugging and violent crimes are no longer restricted to the cover of darkness. According to an intelligence report, Dhaka currently has 432 high-risk mugging spots, with Mohammadpur alone accounting for 108 of them. Many residents report that criminals strike even during daylight hours, creating an atmosphere of perpetual anxiety. Rabiul Islam, a security guard, became one of the most high-profile victims when he was fatally stabbed by muggers in Dhaka Udyan on October 10 last year. Another gruesome attack followed on January 30 when 26-year-old Md. Sumon Sheikh had his left wrist severed during a mugging incident in the Adabor Balur Math area. Sumon was crossing the road at around 2:45 pm when the attackers pounced, leaving him critically injured. Police arrest 3 suspected mugging gang members in Dhaka's Uttarkhan Passersby rushed him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, but the brutality of the crime left a deep scar on the community’s psyche. Authorities Respond: A Glimmer of Hope? In response to the worsening crime situation, the DB of DMP, alongside joint forces, has ramped up operations in Mohammadpur. Law enforcement agencies have arrested several gang members, while others have reportedly fled the area due to intensified crackdowns. Joint Commissioner (DB-North) of the DMP, Mohammad Rabiul Hossain Bhuiyan, acknowledged that crime in Mohammadpur had reached an intolerable level in recent months. However, he assured residents that with persistent efforts, the situation is beginning to show signs of improvement. “We have conducted repeated anti-crime operations. A large number of miscreants, including teenage gang members, have been arrested. Many others have fled the area,” he said. Despite these efforts, concerns remain. For many residents, safety still feels like a distant dream. Until criminals are fully eradicated and law enforcement establishes firm control, Mohammadpur will remain a battleground between security forces and a rising wave of organised street crime. Drive to continue till Dhaka free from mugging: DMP Commissioner For now, the residents of Mohammadpur wait—hoping for the day their neighbourhood will once again be a place of peace, rather than fear.

SM Mehedi Hasan, joint commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP-Traffic South) was suspended on Monday for his unauthorised absence at workplace since August 6 last. The Public Security Division under the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification, signed by the division’s Senior Secretary Nasimul Goni, in this regard. According to the notification, police official Mehedi has been absent at his workplace since August 6 in 2024 without informing the relevant authorities verbally or in writing. Two OCs suspended over beating BNP leaders in Lalmonirhat As a result, he was suspended from government service under Rule 2 (f) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. He will receive allowance in accordance with the rules, reads the notification.

The Traffic Department of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) filed 2,180 cases for traffic rule violations during a special drive conducted across the capital. During the drive 77 vehicles were dumped and 51 others were towed for obstructing traffic or failing to comply with legal requirements, said Deputy Commissioner (media) of DMP Talebur Rahman on Tuesday. DMP files 2,089 cases for traffic rules violation The drive was conducted on Monday by eight traffic divisions of the DMP to ensure traffic discipline, he said adding “Such operations will continue to ensure traffic discipline across the Dhaka metropolitan area.”      

The Traffic Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) filed 3,447 cases for traffic rule violations during operations conducted in various areas of the capital in the last two days. The drives were conducted on Thursday and Friday, said Deputy Commissioner (Media) of the DMP Talebur Rahman. DMP files 2,206 cases for traffic rules violation The authorities also dumped 158 vehicles and towed away 79 others as part of the crackdown. The Traffic Division’s crackdown on traffic rule violations will continue in the coming days to maintain order on the roads, he added. DMP files 2,243 cases for traffic rules violation