Investigation
Fardin Noor: Home Minister puts faith in RAB, DB investigation
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Friday said that the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and Detective Branch (DB) of police must have revealed the reason behind the death of Buet student Fardin Noor Parash after proper analysis.
He said this in a response to reporters after paying homage at the Martyrs' Memorial of Rajarbagh Police Line in the capital marking of the Victory Day.
Regarding DB’s report revealing Fardin’s death by suicide, the minister said, “Rab and DB police are working on this case. They can say it well.”
Read more: DB to apprise court that Bushra has no link to Fardin’s death, says its chief
After a long 38-day investigation, on December 14, Additional Commissioner (Detective Branch) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Harunur Rashid claimed that Fardin died by suicide after scrutinizing the footages regarding Fardin’s movement before his death.
Then he went to Sultana Kamal Bridge around 2:34 am on November 4. He was alone on the bridge till 2:37am, he said.
“He didn’t know swimming and we believe that Fardin committed suicide by jumping off Sultana Kamal Bridge,” he said.
However, Fardin’s father Kazi Nuruddin said that his son did not kill himself, he was murdered.
Meanwhile, DB police will give a report to the court that Amatullah Bushra, a 3rd year student of East West University who is now in jail, has no connection with Fardin’s death, said DB chief on Thursday.
Read more: Fardin didn’t commit suicide, he was murdered, claims father
Fardin was a 3rd year student of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology’s (Buet) civil engineering department and a resident of Qutubpur area in Narayanganj's Fatullah.
Police recovered Fardin’s body from the Shitalakhkhya River, behind a cotton mill at Siddhirganj, on November 7, three days after he went missing.
Sheikh Farhad, a physician at Narayanganj General Hospital where the autopsy was done, said there were several injury marks on Fardin’s head and body.
Kazi Nuruddin Rana, Fardin’s father, filed a case in connection with his son’s killing with Rampura Police Station on the same day and the case was later transferred to Detective Branch (DB) Police.
Police conducted search operation at BNP’s Nayapaltan office for the sake of investigation
Police conducted a search operation at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office for the sake of investigation, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud said today.
“It is not unusual for police to search the BNP office, as they have found bombs there, and the law enforcement agencies must check whether there were grenades or other deadly weapons,” he said.
The information minister came up with the remarks while unveiling a book titled “Politics of Bangabandhu’s Three Generations” at the Secretariat.
Read more: Diplomats don’t have the power to put anyone in power: Information Minister
Talking about the BNP’s allegation of police “ransacking” its central office, Hasan said, “Law enforcement agencies carried out the search operation for the sake of investigation.”
Criticising BNP for “exaggerating the damages” during the search operation, the minister said BNP “flopped” on December 10. “They boasted of gathering 10 lakh people, but they finished their rally with only 50,000 people.”
Read more: BNP MPs resigned to impede democracy: Hasan Mahmud
Buet student Fardin might have been killed in Dhaka: DB
Additional Commissioner (Detective Branch) of DMP Mohammad Harunur Rashid has said police are suspecting that Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) student Fardin Noor Parash was killed somewhere in Dhaka.
Harun said this while replying to a question at a press briefing held at the media center of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) at the capital’s Minto Road on Saturday.
“After analyzing Fardin’s mobile data and talking to the people with whom he had communicated before his death, we’re assuming that he might’ve been killed in Dhaka. We’ve also come to know that he had gone to Narayanganj. We can’t say anything concrete right now for the sake of the investigation,” Harun said.
Read: Fardin murder case transferred to DB
Harun said police are not saying that Fardin was killed for drugs.
“We (DB) never said that Fardin had died when he went to buy drugs in Narayanganj’s Chanpara. We haven’t detected yet what actually happened. We’re working on all the information we’ve received till now,” said Harun.
Harun further said that police are yet to confirm whether Amatullah Bushra, the prime accused in the murder case filed by Fardin’s father, was involved in the killing or not.
“We’ve arrested Bushra based on the case filed by Fardin’s father. We’re not saying that she (Bushra) had killed him (Fardin). We’re currently analyzing various information surrounding the case. We’ve taken Bushra into remand to know more about the matter,” Harun said.
Police recovered Fardin’s body from the Shitalakhkhya River, behind a cotton mill at Siddhirganj, on November 7, three days after he went missing.
Read: Buet student Fardin’s last tracked location was in Gazipur: Home Minister
On November 8, Sheikh Farhad, a physician at Narayanganj General Hospital where the autopsy was done, said there were several injury marks on Fardin’s head and body.
On Thursday, Fardin’s father Kazi Nuruddin Rana filed the case against his son’s friend Amatullah Bushra, a 3rd year student of East West University, and several unidentified people in connection with the death with Rampura Police Station.
Increase supervision in case investigation: Police HQ to field level officers
Police headquarters has given instruction to field level police officers to bring criminals under the law, through increased supervision in case investigation.
The instruction was given from the monthly crime review meeting held at the police headquarters on Thursday.
Additional IGP (Crime and Operations) Md. Atiqul Islam, who presided over the meeting, gave the instruction.
Read: New IGP wants to turn police station into 'a place of public trust and confidence'
All metropolitan police commissioners, tange DIGs and district superintendents of police (SPs) participated virtually in the meeting. DIG (Crime Management) YM Belalur Rahman, DIG (Operations) Md Haider Ali Khan and related officers were present at the police headquarters.
AIG (Crime Analysis) Sunanda Roy presented statistics regarding the overall crime situation of the country in the month of September 2022 such as robbery, murder, rape, gender violence, recovery of drugs and weapons, unnatural deaths etc.
Read more: Monthly Crime Review: Police have to be more active in market surveillance, against theft & robbery
A review of the statistics of various cases presented in the meeting shows that in the month of September, there has been a decrease in the total number of registered cases, rape cases, women and children abuse cases compared to the previous month of August 2022.
Sexual harassment, misconduct went on unchecked at Al Jazeera, staff allege: BBC investigation
Veteran television journalist Kamahl Santamaria quit after only 32 days on the job at TVNZ, the biggest broadcaster in New Zealand. As claims of his improper behaviour in the newsroom surfaced, surprise turned to shock. Soon, Santamaria’s former coworkers at Al Jazeera, where he spent 16 years working, started to speak out.
A BBC investigation has uncovered many claims of sexual harassment against Santamaria in Al Jazeera’s Doha newsroom, focusing on interviews with several current and former employees as well as documented proof of improper texts and staff complaints. According to some, Santamaria was not the only one.
Additionally, they claimed that Al Jazeera promotes a negative workplace environment where complaints of racism, sexism, sexual harassment, and bullying are frequently ignored. Those who talked with the BBC requested anonymity out of concern for how it may impact their jobs.
Read:84% of women facing sexual harassment
The BBC received no direct response from Santamaria. However, he made an admission in a public statement, claiming that some of the charges were “true, some missing crucial context, some outright lies and a rewriting of history”.
He acknowledged and apologised for “behaviour that may have made anyone feel uncomfortable” in response to the allegations made by the BBC. He also acknowledged that what he had previously believed to be “flirtatious, overly friendly, just a bit of banter”, or simply within the bounds of acceptable in the prevailing newsroom culture was, in fact, “not”.
The BBC forwarded a thorough list of the 22 complaints to Al Jazeera, but the news organisation chose not to address any of them specifically, saying that it “considers its staff across the world the backbone and foundation of the company – their safety and wellbeing are of utmost importance”. “As an international organisation with over 95 nationalities, we continually strive to build a healthy and constructive work environment for all,” it added.
Read: Most sexual harassment through technology perpetrated by close ones
Employees in Qatar, a small, oil-rich Gulf nation criticised for its record on human rights and gender equality, also told the BBC that it is difficult to address issues there.
Many drew comparisons between Santamaria’s graceful goodbye message after working at Al Jazeera for 16 years and his hasty departure from TVNZ, which was reportedly prompted by a barrage of claims.
Santamaria was employed by Al Jazeera in 2005 as a presenter on the English language channel in Doha after beginning his career as a TV reporter in New Zealand.
He advanced fast through the ranks, anchoring significant international issues including the 2020 US presidential election and flagship shows.
Read BBC pays damages to former royal nanny over false claims
He was described as an “excellent broadcaster”, affable, and conversational by those who knew him.
Former colleague, Tory (not her real name) claims Santamaria began giving her unwanted attention, when she was still a rookie producer. She claims that he would message her on Twitter, offering to “cuddle” and questioning why she had not invited him on her vacation. The BBC has proof of inappropriate emails and texts Santamaria sent to coworkers on internal Al Jazeera email, Whatsapp, and Twitter.
The touching in the workplace followed, according to Tory. The worst was the kiss on the cheek, and more than once she had to use the restroom to clean Santamaria’s “spit off my face”.
Tory claims she spoke about Santamaria's behaviour with at least one other coworker and a mid-level boss; both have told the BBC that these talks did indeed take place. Santamaria’s actions allegedly attracted witnesses on multiple occasions, according to a number of current and former coworkers.
Read Hasina voice of the vulnerable: BBC
A current male employee at Al Jazeera claimed Santamaria gave him an impromptu kiss on the mouth while they were in the newsroom. It was supposedly observed by a news editor who is now a senior executive at the station.
Fiona, who worked as a freelancer for Al Jazeera for four years, claimed that Santamaria made inappropriate comments, tried to hug her in the newsroom, and sent her inappropriate texts. She referred to this behaviour as “textbook grooming”.
Although she claims she did not file a formal complaint, she did tell a mid-level management about her experience, and the manager responded, “Oh, he’s not still doing that, is he?” She claims she was asked if she wanted to speak with HR, but she declined because she was on a temporary contract. Then, according to her, she was told to disregard Santamaria.
Read Slain Al Jazeera journalist to be laid to rest in Jerusalem
After that, she continues, he stopped talking to her, but she made new hires aware of him.
Fiona and others are questioning why, in contrast to TVNZ, which independently evaluated Santamaria’s appointment as soon as allegations surfaced, their complaints against Santamaria did not result in an investigation.
At Al Jazeera, where the BBC has learned that the accusations extend beyond Santamaria and the newsroom, a reckoning now seems to be underway.
At least two other men at Al Jazeera, besides Santamaria, harassed her, according to a former producer and correspondent. She claims that one of them was her line boss and the other was a manager who would invite her over to his house when his wife was not there.
Read Bangladesh media condemn Al Jazeera journalist Shireen’s killing
She admitted that she was terrified that if she refused his approaches too forcefully, he might ruin her career.
A mid-level manager has also been accused of harassment by a number of women and men in another department at Al Jazeera.
He has said the most offensive things, including talking about “sex during Ramadan” and asking hijabis what colour their hair is. He has also asked male colleagues when they are getting a second wife and if they have lost their virginity yet.
They claimed that at least one of their colleagues had left as a result. Another employee who worked there corroborated to the BBC that he had seen this individual harassing others.
Read Al Jazeera report on Bhasan Char false; part of it has vindictive approach: FM
Members of his department report that this man has now left Al Jazeera, months after charges against him first arose.
Liam, an employee in Doha, claims that a number of staff members have been subjected to harassment and bullying for “years and years and years”.
Because their work is intertwined with every area of their life in Qatar, everyone the BBC spoke to expressed a dread of speaking out.
According to Marti Flacks, a senior scholar at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, workers in Qatar struggle to leave abusive professions since the recruiting system connects the work visa, children’s schooling, housing, and other perks to a certain company.
Read Palestinians: Israel deliberately killed Al Jazeera reporter
The fact that individuals have “challenges accessing effective remedy, such as compensation,” Flacks continued, is another reason why people are hesitant to report abusive and inappropriate behaviour.
Even though Al Jazeera claims to be independent, the Emir of Qatar finances it, and its journalists do not cover every facet of the government. Local regulations also impose restrictions on free speech.
In response to a BBC request for comment, Al Jazeera stated: “Our anti-harassment policies are clear, comprehensive, and available to all employees. As is evident in several recent cases, every formal complaint by our staff is taken extremely seriously with the appropriate remedial action taken after thorough investigation of the claims being made.”
Read Capitalism culprit for U.S. gun violence: Al Jazeera
In 2022, victims complain that policies are not being followed, there is a “culture of forgiving behaviour”, and “people considered to be above the law” are protected. This is especially frustrating in a global newsroom like Al Jazeera, and especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which the network extensively covered.
All victims’ names have been changed upon request to protect their identity.
PBI Chief Banaj sues Babu Akhter for making investigation questionable
Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) Chief Banaj Kumar Majumdar on Tuesday filed a case accusing four people including former Superintendent of Police (SP) Babul Akhter on charge for making an ongoing investigation questionable, spreading false information and throwing abusive words.
Banaj Kumar, also an additional inspector general of police, lodged the case at Dhanmondi police station.
The accused in the case are US expatriate and Youtuber Elias Hossain, Babul’s father Md Abdul Wadud Mia, brother Md Habibur Rahman Labu, and Babul Akter. Of them, Elias was made the prime accused in the case.
In the case the plaintiff alleged that all the accused intentionally spread false information to make objectionable the ongoing investigation of Mahmuda Khatun Mitu murder case through social platforms including Youtube.
Besides, Elias from the US spread misleading information to spoil communal harmony of the country and tarnish the image of PBI, the statement said.
Mentionable, On June 5, 2016, unidentified assailants gunned down Babul's wife Mitu at the port city's GEC intersection while she was going to drop her son Mahir Akhter, 7, for a bus of Chittagong Cantonment Public School and College.
Soon after the crime, Babul filed a murder case at Panchlaish Police Station against three unidentified men.
The case was transferred to the Police Bureau Investigation (PBI) in 2019 after Mitu's father, himself a retired police officer, filed a complaint against the CMP's mishandling of the case.
On May 12, 2021, the PBI submitted its final report and arrested Babul Akhter in another case filed by Mitu’s father and since then he has been in prison.
Read: Court rejects Babul Akther’s petition to sue PBI chief, five other cops
Babul Akhter filed a no-confidence motion against the PBI report on October 14, 2021.
On November 3 last year, a Chattogram Court rejected the final report of PBI in the murder case and ordered it to conduct further investigation.
PBI in an investigation found Babul’s involvement in his wife's murder.
On September 25 this year, a Chattogram court rejected a plea filed by Babul seeking its permission to file a case against six officials of Police Bureau of Investigations (PBI) including its chief Banaj Kumar Majumdar for torturing him in police custody.
The court also rejected two separate petitions for recording statement under Section 200 bringing Babul Akhter to the court and seeking security in Feni prison cell.
Ronaldo charged by FA over Everton fan incident in April
Cristiano Ronaldo was charged by the Football Association on Friday in relation to an incident that saw the Manchester United forward apparently knock a phone out of an Everton fan’s hand at a Premier League match in April.
It is alleged Ronaldo’s conduct was improper and/or violent, the governing body said.
Ronaldo received a police caution in August after being interviewed by officers in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage following the incident at Goodison Park on April 9.
Footage was posted online of Ronaldo appearing to knock the supporter’s mobile phone on to the ground as he walked toward the tunnel following United’s 1-0 loss.
Read: Police investigate after Ronaldo knocked phone from fan
Under British law, a caution is essentially a warning given out by police for a minor crime if the person admits to the offense.
After the incident, Ronaldo issued a social media apology for his “outburst” and invited the supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford “as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship.”
Certificate award ceremony of BAF aircraft accident investigation course held
The certificate award ceremony of the No. 11 Aircraft Accident Investigation course of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) was held at the Flight Safety Institute in Dhaka Thursday.
Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Maintenance) Air Vice Marshal Sade Uddin Ahmed attended the ceremony as chief guest and distributed certificates to the student officers.
Twelve student officers participated in this course over 17 working days.
Read: BAF training aircraft crashes in Tangail; pilot killed
Of the participants, five officers were from BAF; two each from Bangladesh Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Tanzania Air Force and one from Pakistan Air Force.
Lieutenant Commander Md Shahnur Talukdar Munna of Bangladesh Navy secured the first position in the course, according to the Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate.
Senior BAF officers, guests from Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and the Pakistan High Commission were present at the ceremony.
Probe to reveal whether Ctg fire sabotage or accident: Info Minister
Investigation will reveal whether the Chattogram container depot fire was an accident or sabotage, said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Sunday.
Investigations are on to detect the real reason behind the devastating fire at BM container depot in Sitakund, he said.
Also read:2 probe bodies form over Ctg deadly fire
The prime minister herself is looking after the matter and she instructed all concerned to provide necessary support, said Hasan while speaking at a meeting with Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (Crab).
The death toll from the deadly fire at privately run inland container depot rose to 43 on Sunday, said fire service officials.
‘The death toll from the fire climbed to 43 and there were seven fire service members among the deceased,” said Anisur Rahman, deputy director of Fire Service and Civil Defense, while briefing reporters at Chattogram Medical College and Hospital over the deadly fire incident.
Also read:Firefighter Maniruzzman transferred to Kumira 2 months ago, says uncle
Besides, over 200 people suffered injuries, most of them from burns.
Two committees have been formed to investigate the blaze and blasts.
Court directs investigation on GD filed by Murad’s wife
A Dhaka court on Sunday directed police to investigate the General Diary filed against former junior minister Murad Hassan by his wife Dr Jahanara Ehsan.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mamunur Rashid passed the order, said Fuad Uddin, Officer of General Registration Office of Dhanmondi police station.
On Saturday, Investigation Officer, Sub Inspector Rajib Hasan appealed for permission to investigate the case.
Earlier in the day, three licensed firearms of former State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Murad Hassan, and his wife Dr Jahanara Ehsan were handed over to Dhanmondi Police Station.
Also read: Embattled Murad, wife hand over licensed firearms to police
On Thursday, Dr Jahanara registered the GD against her beleaguered husband with Dhanmondi police station accusing him of torturing and issuing her a death threat.
She called 999, the National Emergency Service, seeking cooperation from the police to save her from her husband’s torture.
As police visited her residence, Jahanara told law enforcers that she has been subjected to physical and mental torture by her husband and even he threatened to kill her.
Also read: Murad in hot water again as wife files GD against him
On December 7 last, Murad Hassan resigned from the cabinet following the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for his offensive and indecent remarks on women.
After the resignation from the cabinet, Murad had left the country in his desperate bid to hide amid widespread criticism at home, but his attempt to stay abroad went in vain as he had to get back home having failed to enter Canada and the UAE.