Narayanganj
8 arrested while trying to rob a RAB vehicle in Narayanganj: RAB
Eight members of a robbery gang have been arrested while trying to take over a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) vehicle in Narayanganj.
RAB 11 Company Commander and Deputy Director Monirul Alam confirmed the information at a press conference at its local camp in Kalirbazar area of the city this afternoon.
“Two teams of RAB 11 were on patrol duty on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in plain clothes last night. At that time, one team got stuck in traffic in the Char Bausia area under Gazaria Police Station in Munshiganj,” he said.
Also Read: Tk 11 crore robbery: Mastermind among 3 held with Tk 58 lakh
“A group of armed robbers, thinking the Rab vehicle to be a normal passenger car, surrounded it. At one stage, the robbers attacked the car, in return, RAB men in plain clothes chased and arrested eight people, including the leader of the gang,” said the RAB deputy director.
“Several locally-made weapons were seized from the robbers at the time. Legal action, including a case, is under way against them,” he added.
During primary interrogation, the arrestees confessed to committing more than 50 robberies on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in the last two years. There are also multiple cases against them at different police stations, said RAB.
Fire breaks out at chemical factory in N'ganj
A fire broke out at a chemical factory in Duptara area of Narayanganj's Araihazar upazila on Tuesday afternoon.
The fire broke out at SP Chemicals at 1:35 pm, said Shahjahan Sikder, deputy assistant director (media cell) of the Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters.
Also Read: Spinning mill catches fire in Narayanganj's Gausia
On information, six firefighting units rushed to the spot, he added.
Gas explosions took 82 lives in 3 years in Narayanganj, threats remain: Police, fire service
At least 82 people died in gas explosion-related fires in Narayanganj over the last three years, according to police and fire service. This excludes the number of victims of such fire incidents who died while receiving treatment.
Although gas pipeline leaks and cylinder explosions are the leading causes of these recorded fires, threats still persist. A blast in Pashchim Talla Baitus Salam Mosque of Narayanganj killed 37 on September 4, 2020.
There have also been accusations of irregularities in the investigation process, and the accused in the majority of cases remain uncharged due to the slow process of investigation.
Also read: Fire in Ctg’s Andarkilla area leaves one dead
According to police and fire service, there were 104 gas explosion-related fire incidents in Narayanganj district in 2022. Sixty-nine of them were caused by flaws in the gas pipeline, 34 incidents were reportedly caused by cylinder and air conditioner blasts. A total of 18 people, including children, died and 25 were injured in those incidents.
There were 114 gas explosion-related fire incidents in 2021. Pipeline flaws were responsible for 96 incidents. That year, 20 people were killed and more than 50 were injured.
A total of 44 people died and 26 were injured in 106 gas explosion-related fire incidents in 2020. Seventy-one incidents were caused by gas line faults, while the rest were caused by cylinder and air conditioner blasts. That year, 37 people died in a massive explosion at the Pashchim Talla Baitus Salam Mosque.
Also read: Death toll from Gulshan fire rises to two
Locals of the district say that the authorities show concern for a few days following an incident. But their efforts to address these threats got nipped in the bud every time, they said.
Locals reportedly file complaints about gas leaks, but no significant action is taken to address this serious issue.
Fire Service and Civil Defence officials said that the negligence of Titas gas authorities and lack of awareness among locals are to blame for many incidents.
Read More: Fire breaks out in Ctg’s VIP Tower
Fakhruddin, deputy director of Narayanganj Fire Service, said, “We urge residents to stay cautious and inspect their gas pipelines for leaks.”
Mamunur Rashid, deputy general manager of Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited in Narayanganj, said, “Gas pipelines inside the homes are the responsibility of the consumers. All we do is distribute the lines.”
“The majority of fire incidents are caused by faults in house lines. Gas leaks cause explosions when burners are left on,” he added.
Read More: Fire Service team going to Turkey to be part of rescue effort
“Customers need to be cautious and should never leave gas stoves on,” he said.
Chai Lau Marma, additional superintendent of police (Crime and Operations) in Narayanganj, said, “We file cases in response to complaints. After investigating, we put the names on the chargesheet and file in court.”
Narayanganj residents urged the government to take measures to address these fire risks promptly.
Read More: 6 charred bodies retrieved from Old Dhaka plastic factory: Fire Service
Motorcyclist killed in N’ganj road crash
A motorcyclist was killed in a road accident at Mouchak in Siddhirganj upazila of Narayanganj district on Sunday.
The deceased was identified as Jewel Chowdhury, son of Ebayedullah of Noakhali district.
Also Read: Two friends die as their motorcycle spins out of control in Keraniganj
The accident occurred in the area early in the morning when Jewel was heading towards Narayanganj from Noakhali, leaving him critically injured, said Inspector Bachhu Mia, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital police camp.
Later, he was taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries around 11:30 am.
Fugitive death row convict held in N’ganj
Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) have arrested a fugitive death row convict in several murder cases, including four murders of Kurigram, from Kanchpur area of Narayanganj.
The arrestee is hired terrorist Palash Gazi alias Jalal Gazi alias Daat Bhanga Palash. He used to work as a hired terrorist in various crimes including robbery, drug peddling, and theft since 2010.
Tipped off, Rab members conducted a drive at Kanchpur area on Monday night and arrested Palash Gazi, said Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director legal and media wing of the Rab headquarters at its Karwan Bazar media center on Tuesday.
Read more: 2 fugitive convicts held in Dhaka
He is a death row convict in the case of killing four members of the same family in Kurigram. Rab said that the murder was carried out due to a land dispute between two brothers.
In November 2013, Mumtaz Uddin made a contract with Palash Gazi to kill his younger brother Sultan Ahmed in Bhurungamari area of Kurigram following a land dispute.
Under the leadership of Palash, Nazrul alias Manju, Amir, Zakir, Hasmat and Mumtaz planned to kill Sultan on January 13, 2014. On the following day, Palash's other associates, wearing masks with local weapons, attacked Sultan’s house.
They hacked Sultan, his wife Hazera Begum, their grandchildren Rumana and Anika to death, said the Rab commander.
Sultan's son Hafizur Rahman filed a murder case at Bhurungamari police station.
Read more: Crimes against humanity: Fugitive death row convict held in Savar
Later, police arrested two people in another murder case in Bhurungamari area. At one stage of interrogation, they admitted the involvement in the four murders and revealed the names of their associates.
Investigating officer of the case submitted a chargesheet against seven people including Mumtaz Uddin, Palash Gazi in the court.
On February 16 last year, the court sentenced six accused, including the accused killer Mumtaz Uddin, the fugitive Palash Gazi, and acquitted another.
The Rab officer also said Palash Gazi and his associates killed a microbus driver Nurul Haque and left the body in a pond in Mirzapur area of Sherpur in Bogra to steal the microbus in July 2015.
In this case, the court sentenced a total of nine accused, including the Palash Gazi, to life imprisonment last November.
Among the eight other convicts, Nazrul Islam Manju and Amir Hamza were also convicted over the brutal murder of four members of the same family in Bhurungamari area of Kurigram, said the officer.
RMG workers stage demo in N’ganj over layoffs, dues
Workers of a garment factory at Fatullah in Narayanganj staged a protest on Tuesday morning against the retrenchment of workers without notice and demanding payment of two months’ arrears.
The workers of Prime Textile Limited started demonstration in Nandalalpur area of Sadar Upazila Tuesday morning.
Read more: RMG workers stage demo for arrears in Gazipur; 10 hurt in clash with cops
The agitating workers claimed that the owner laid off 360 workers last month without giving any prior notice. They announced that another 650 employees will also be retrenched.
They said that they found a factory closure notice on the gate in the morning and started the protest.
Read more: RMG workers block road for dues in Chattogram
The industrial police reached the area and spoke with the owners upon receiving the information.
Demanding immediate payment of all arrears, they threatened to go for a tougher movement if their demands are not met.
Woman, daughter burned in N’ganj fire
A woman and her six year old daughter sustained burn injuries in a fire that broke out at a house near Narayanganj Police Lines in the district early Sunday.
The victims were identified as Nargis Akter, wife of Monir Mia and Mariam Akter of Tagarpar area.
Dr SM Ayub Hossain, a physician of the Burn Institute of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, said the fire broke out at the house from gas pipeline leakage around 2:30 am and engulfed soon.
Nargis and her minor daughter who were at the house sustained burn injuries. Monir Mia was out of his house when the incident occurred.
Read More: Fire at a market in Old Dhaka doused
Later, they were taken to a local hospital and then shifted to DMCH.
Of them, Nargis sustained 70 percent burn injuries while Mariam received 55 percent injures.
BSEZ can provide investors best possible environment in region: Ito Naoki
Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has said the just-launched Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) at Araihazar in Narayanganj will undoubtedly attract investment not only from Japanese companies but also from other international companies.
He said the BSEZ fully meets the international standard in terms of facilities and infrastructure SEZ has to offer.
Read more: PM opens Japanese Economic Zone: Expected to draw $1.5bn investment, create over 1 lakh jobs
“I expect more than 100 companies will operate here in the future, with US$ 1.5 billion investment in total. BSEZ can provide prospective investors with the best possible environment in the region,” he said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially opened Bangladesh Special Economic Zone, also known as the “Japanese Economic Zone” at Araihazar in Narayanganj. She joined the event virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka.
There have already been inquiries from approximately 30 Japanese companies and 10 foreign companies looking at the possibility of investing in the BSEZ.
In 2026, Ambassador Naoki said, Bangladesh will graduate from the LDC status and it is a wonderful feat for Bangladesh under this government.
“Then, the country aims to become a developed country in 2041 by achieving Vision 2041. I want to reiterate that Japan will continue to stand by Bangladesh in its development journey and work to build a win-win partnership for our prosperous future,” he said, adding that the success of BSEZ will surely guide them to get there.
The Ambassador said he will return to Japan next week completing his tenure in Dhaka and he put in his best efforts over the last three years for the development of Bangladesh.
Read more: Japan will continue to work toward resolution of Rohingya issue: Ambassador
“I sincerely hope that the dream of Bangabandhu to build Sonar Bangla and a happy and prosperous country will be realized,” he said.
Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun and President and CEO, Sumitomo Corporation Masayuki Hyodo also spoke.
BSEZ is the first Special Economic Zone in Bangladesh designed and developed by Japanese companies. Eight years have passed since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shared their intention to cooperate for economic zone development.
“I am delighted that our leaders' intention was finally materialized, overcoming all the challenges we faced, including the Covid-19,” said the Ambassador.
“This is the Japanese Economic Zone. But, BEZA gave the name 'Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ).’ I believe BEZA and the government did so with the expectation that it would become the flagship SEZ in Bangladesh,” he said.
Naoki said it will play a pivotal role in boosting FDIs and become a symbol of the growing business partnership between Japan and Bangladesh.
This month, following the opening of BSEZ, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line 6 will start commercial operation.
MRT Line 1 and Line 5 North will start construction next year in 2023. Then, the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Expansion of terminal 3 will do a soft-opening next October, said the Japanese Ambassador.
Read more: Momen ‘not worried’ about Japanese Ambassador’s remarks, calls him a ‘simple, good person’
Matarbari Deep Sea Port is also under construction, with the prospect of completion of the Power-plant in 2024, and Bangabandhu Railway Bridge will open in the same year, he said.
These quality infrastructure projects by JICA will transform the nation and significantly enhance Bangladesh's economic opportunities, he said.
The ambassador said Bangladesh needs to continuously address some challenges to improve the business climate and Japan and Bangladesh should join hands to that end.
“It is noteworthy that BSEZ has declared to be a corruption-free SEZ, showing its determination to eliminate corruption for a fair and favorable investment and business environment,” he said.
BEZA Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun said the economic zone will help attract US$ 1.5 billion investment and create employment opportunities for over 100,000 people.
Sumitomo Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Masayuki Hyodo said this economic zone is so special and is strongly supported by the two governments and private sectors.
“We have more than 30 years of experience in this business and we have been actively engaged in various infrastructure projects in Bangladesh,” said the President and CEO of the Corporation.
Hyodo said they have been contributing to Bangladesh for sustainable economic development and prosperity.
Couple gets life imprisonment for killing young girl in Narayanganj
A Narayanganj court on Tuesday sentenced a couple to life imprisonment in a case filed for killing a young girl in 2013 - although both of them were tried in absentia.
Narayanganj Woman and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Nazmul Haque Shyamol handed down the sentence.
Read more: 4 get life term for killing 8-year old over land dispute in Joypurhat
Swapan Gazi, 36, son of Abdul Majid alias Mannan and his wife Ankhi Akter, 30, of Fatullah area in Narayanganj district were also fined them Tk 50,000 each - in default, to suffer three month more in rigorous imprisonment.
According to the prosecution, Marjina Akter, 16 used to live with the couple at theit rented house in Fatullah.
On November 10, 2013, Swapan strangulated Marjina to death after failing to rape her. Ankhi helped Swapan in the crime.
Read more: Schoolgirl rape-murder in N’ganj: 4 to die, another gets life term
Police recovered the body and arrested two other young girls from the house.
During interrogation, police came to know that the couple used to traffic the girls for sex.
Russel, the owner of the house filed a case with Fatullah Police Station. Police submitted chargesheet against them later.
3 more members of new militant group Jamatul Ansar held in N'ganj
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested three more members of new militant outfit Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya from the signboard area of Narayanganj.
The arrestees are Abdul Hadi Sumon, 40, son of Abdur Rakib of Sunamganj's Jagannathpur, Abu Sayed Sher Mohammad,32, son of Abdus Sattar of Bogura Sadar and Md Roni Mia,29, son of late Khorshed Mia of Narayanganj.
Read more: 26 members of new militant group ‘Jamatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya' held so far: Rab
Commander Khandaker Al Moin, director of Rab’s legal and media wing, revealed the information while briefing the media on Wednesday in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar.
With these, 29 members of the new militant outfit have been arrested so far, said Rapid Action Battalion (Rab).
Tipped off, they were arrested in a drive conducted by Rab-11 and Detective Branch in the area on Tuesday night.
The elite force also seized some leaflets and books on radical views from the arrestees, Commander Moin said.
Read more: Five suspected members of new militant outfit Jama'atul Ansar held
In 2019, ‘Jamatul Ansar fil Hindal Sharqiya’ (Jamatul Ansar of Eastern Hind) was formed.
Some leaders and activists of different levels of banned militant groups of Bangladesh including Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Ansar Al Islam and Harkat-ul-Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B), joined together to start the activities of this radical militant group, said the Rab official.