law-order
RAB ready to thwart any militant attack targeting Pahela Boishakh celebration, DG says
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General M Khurshid Hossain, in a briefing on Saturday, reassured the public of comprehensive security arrangements for Pahela Boishakh celebrations tomorrow.
Following a detailed review of intelligence, cyber monitoring data, and other sources, the RAB has not identified any specific threats targeting the festivities, he said.
Although no imminent threats have been pinpointed, RAB forces are on high alert to counter any potential militant activities, the RAB chief stated during his inspection of the security protocols at Ramna Botomul area of Dhaka.
The Director General highlighted the proactive measures taken by RAB's cyber team to monitor and mitigate the dissemination of rumours or false information that could disrupt the festive spirit online.
To bolster security, RAB plans to deploy additional forces across various event venues nationwide. RAB is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all attendees. Anyone who encounters or suspects deceptive activities should report immediately to RAB personnel for swift action, Hossain advised.
He confirmed that all event locations will have adequate security coverage, including the deployment of bomb disposal units and K9 squads in Dhaka.
With rigorous preparations, RAB aims to provide a secure environment for the celebration of Pahela Boishakh, allowing citizens to partake in the cultural festivities without concern.
DMP bolsters security measures for Pahela Boishakh celebrations
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman has emphasised the absence of specific threat information related to Pahela Boishakh celebrations but confirmed comprehensive precautionary measures during a security briefing at Ramna Park’s Ramna Botomul.
The DMP Commissioner spoke to reporters on Saturday as he reviewed the preparations for the festivities marking the Bangla new year.
To ensure public safety, all scheduled events will conclude by 5 pm, and the premises will be cleared immediately afterward, Rahman stated, underscoring the importance of these measures in light of past terror activities that targeted such cultural gatherings.
He detailed the extensive security arrangements in place, including the use of CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, and watchtowers strategically placed around event venues. The Bomb Disposal Unit has also completed a preliminary security assessment and has defined clear roles for maintaining safety.
Traffic control measures will be enforced around Dhaka University and the Ramna Park area, with diversions starting this evening to facilitate secure and orderly celebrations.
Security at Ramna Botomul will be tightly controlled with the installation of archways and metal detectors at all entry points to enhance screening processes. Access to the venue will be allowed until 5 pm tomorrow, after which no further entries will be permitted, the DMP chief clarified.
The Commissioner also noted that additional security layers would include support from DMP's Detective Branch and plainclothes officers both inside and outside the venue. For international visitors, tourist police will be available to assist with any issues that may arise.
In terms of health and safety, a temporary medical center will be operational, courtesy of Dhaka Medical College, to handle any medical emergencies. Facilities such as a Lost and Found center and a blood donation station will also be accessible to attendees, ensuring comprehensive support services during the event.
Shooting by miscreants leaves 3 AL, Jubo League leaders injured in Jashore
In the Rajghat area of Abhaynagar upazila in Jashore, three local leaders of Awami League (AL) were seriously injured in a shooting by miscreants at a tea stall last night.
One of the injured was admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital and the rest at Phultala Upazila Health Complex in Khulna.
The injured are identified as Hedayet Hossain Litu alias Litu Member, general secretary of Phultala union unit of AL, Khayrujjaman Sabuj, a leader of the union Jubo League, and Nasim, a local AL leader.
Abhaynagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Atiqul Islam said the three men were having tea at a stall near Rajghat Bus Stand around 9:30 pm.
At that time, unidentified assailants targeted them and opened fire, leaving all three seriously injured. It has been initially reported that one of them was shot in the abdomen and the other two were shot in the hands, the OC said.
Locals rescued them and admitted them to Phultala Upazila Health Complex. One of them was referred to Khulna Medical College Hospital, he said.
Police have launched an operation to arrest those involved in the incident, the police officer added.
Attack by ‘rivals’ leaves 4 BCL activists injured in Lakshmipur
In an incident early Saturday, at least four members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) sustained injuries in a violent attack in Chandraganj, Lakshmipur. The confrontation occurred around 2:30 am near a local pond in the Pachpara area of Chandraganj union.
The victims, identified as M. Sajeeb, Saiful Patwary, Saiful Islam Joy, and Rafi, are affiliates of the Chandraganj upazila BCL unit led by General Secretary Masudur Rahman Masud.
In response to the severity of their injuries, Sajeeb, Patwary, and Joy were urgently transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) from Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital for advanced care.
Sajeeb is vying for the presidency of the Chandraganj Kafil Uddin University College BCL unit.
Masudur Rahman, the local BCL General Secretary, attributed the assault to ongoing conflicts with Kazi Bablu, the president of the upazila's Swechasebak League unit.
Emdad Hossain, the Officer-in-Charge at Chandraganj Police Station, acknowledged the incident. The police are actively seeking the unidentified attackers.
Fugitive death-row convict in Prof Humayun Azad murder case arrested
The Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of Police has arrested a fugitive death-row convict in a case filed over the death of Dhaka University Professor Humayun Azad.
The arrestee was identified as Nur Mohammad alias Shamim, 40, a leader of the banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
Shamim was present on the spot and actively took part in attacking Prof Azad on the Dhaka University campus on February 27, 2004. There were also a few others with him.
No threat of militant attacks detected, enhanced security at Eidgahs: RAB Chief
ATU Chief Additional IG SM Ruhul Amin confirmed the matter at his Baridhara office on Tuesday.
Prof Azad’s brother filed a case over attempted murder with Ramna Police Station after the attack in 2004.
Later, Shamim's name came up in the supplementary charge sheet of the case.
HC orders returning hall seat allotment to Buet student Rabbi
Prof Azad was taken to Bangkok, Thailand, after the attack for better treatment and he returned to the country after over 47 days.
Prof Azad died in Munich, Germany on August 12, 2004, and the case was later turned into a murder case following his death.
No threat of militant attacks detected, enhanced security at Eidgahs: RAB Chief
The Director General of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), M Khurshid Hossain, said on Tuesday that extensive intelligence analysis and cyber monitoring have revealed no threats of militant attacks during the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.
Speaking to the press after a thorough inspection of the National Eidgah grounds, the RAB chief detailed the exhaustive security preparations made to ensure the peaceful observance of Eid prayers across the country.
Among the deployed assets, Hossain highlighted the round-the-clock presence of dog squads and bomb disposal units at the National Eidgah and other prayer venues. He also noted that RAB's elite commando teams are on standby to swiftly address any potential attacks or disruptive activities.
To further bolster security measures, Hossain revealed that an increased number of RAB personnel have been strategically stationed in various regions. These units are supported by a robust infrastructure including control rooms, striking reserves, and both foot and mobile patrols.
Additionally, checkpoints are being established with a dual focus on security and minimising inconvenience to those traveling for the holiday.
The implementation of CCTV monitoring and the strategic placement of checkpoints underscore the RAB's comprehensive approach to safeguarding the Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.
53 KNF members detained during operations in Bandarban
Members of the Bangladesh army and police in Bandarban have detained 53 KNF members in two separate operations.
Among the detainees are 18 women. The operations also led to the arrest of Lalchiam Bom, assistant cashier of Sonali Bank in Ruma upazila, who is currently undergoing interrogation.
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Additionally, law enforcement agencies carried seven firearms, ammunition, and KNF-related equipment during the operations.
The operation, conducted on Monday afternoon by army personnel, targeted several villages, including Bathel Para in Ruma upazila, where a cache of arms, ammunition, and equipment was discovered.
2 more active KNF members arrested in Bandarban
On Sunday night the operation by the police, resulted in the arrest of three KNF members at Reicha camp and the driver of the vehicle used in the robbery, apprehended from Thanchi.
Zone Commander of the army in Ruma upazila, Lt Col KM Arafat Amin confirmed the matter.
Chief Coordinator of KNF arrested in Bandarban by RAB
The detainees from the police operation were identified as Vannanun Moy Bom, Jemeniyu Bom, and Ame Lanchao Bom, residents of Simtlangpi Para in Ruma upazila, while the arrested driver was named Md Kofil Uddin Sagar (28) from Thanchi.
Furthermore, Additional Superintendent of Police Raihan Kazemi revealed that 49 individuals from Ruma, three from Bandarban, and one from Thanchi were detained and sent to the Bandarban district headquarters for further processing.
Meanwhile, in response to the escalating situation, a joint combing operation led by the army has been initiated since Sunday night, covering Ruma, Rowangchhari, and Thanchi upazilas. The authorities have bolstered security measures by deploying four Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) from Dhaka and increasing the number of security personnel in the area.
The intensified security measures have caused disruptions in daily life, with the closure of banking and financial institutions and the suspension of vehicular movement in Ruma upazila. Markets are shuttering early, reflecting the prevailing tension in the affected upazilas.
The district administration has instructed hospitals to remain on high alert and prepare to provide prompt medical assistance to patients and the injured. The situation remains fluid as security forces continue their efforts to quell any potential threats posed by insurgent activities in the region.
2 more active KNF members arrested in Bandarban
Law enforcers in a joint drive arrested two more active members of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) from Bethelpara in Ruma upazila of Bandarban district on Monday.
They also recovered seven guns, 20 bullets, laptop and uniform from their possession, said a press release of ISPR.
Chief Coordinator of KNF arrested in Bandarban by RAB
In a significant development on Sunday, RAB arrested Cheusim Bawm, the 55-year-old chief coordinator of KNF, from his home in Sualok in Sadar upazila of Bandarban.
The operation marked a critical step in combating the activities of KNF, which according to RAB, was formed under the pretext of a cultural organisation by Roal Lin Bawm and Cheusim Bawm, with links to KNF chief Nathan Bawm.
RAB crackdown: 5 suspected KNF members arrested; 2 firearms recovered
HC orders returning hall seat allotment to Buet student Rabbi
The High Court on Monday ordered the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) to return the hall seat of its student Imtiaz Rahim Rabbi.
HC Justice Md Khasruzzaman and Justice KM Zahid Sarwar passed the order after hearing a writ petition challenging the cancellation of the hall seat allotment to Rabbi, a student of 21st batch of Civil Engineering department and an executive member of BCL central panel, by the Buet authorities.
Earlier on April 1, the same HC bench stayed the decision of Buet authorities restricting politics on the campus.
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Rabbi’s hall allotment was cancelled by the university authorities amid students’ protests demanding expulsion of Rabbi for his suspected involvement in the gathering Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists on the campus defying the authorities’ ban on student politics.
Barrister Harun-or-Rashid filed the writ petition challenging the Buet’s decision.
The Vice Chancellor of Buet and others concerned have been made respondents in the writ.
On March 27, BCL president Saddam Hussain along with other leaders and activists entered Buet campus when Imtiaz Rahim Rabbi was present and allegedly played a vital role in facilitating the entry by the BCL men.
On March 29, the students of Buet staged demonstrations against the alleged activities of Bangladesh Chhatra League activists on the campus where student politics is prohibited.
Amid protests of general students, Buet authorities cancelled the hall allocation of Rabbi on March 30 but no decision was taken about his expulsion as per the demand of the students.
In open letter, Buet students appeal to PM for a politics-free campus
The Buet students on April 2 appealed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, seeking her intervention to maintain their campus as a zone free of political activities.
This request was articulated through an open letter to the Prime Minister, the contents of which were shared during a press briefing in front of the Prof MA Rashid Administrative building on the BUET campus.
Army Chief vows decisive action against crime in Bandarban: Comprehensive joint operation underway
In response to a surge of criminal activities, including high-profile bank robbery and abduction, General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff, announced on Sunday a comprehensive joint operation in Bandarban.
This initiative marks a significant escalation in efforts to maintain public safety, involving coordination among the Bangladesh Army, Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
During a press briefing at the Bandarban Cantonment, General Ahmed disclosed, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of our citizens. We are implementing both overt and covert strategies to achieve tangible results from this operation.”
The recent criminal spree has alarmed the local populace, prompting high-ranking military officials, including General Ahmed, to visit Bandarban. Their presence aims to reassure the community in the aftermath of unsettling events.
A breakthrough came on Friday night when the operation led to the arrest of several armed suspects. The crackdown, according to General Ahmed, signals the military's unwavering resolve against groups undermining regional stability. He particularly mentioned the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), a group previously engaged in peace negotiations.
“Despite our hopes for peace, the KNF reverted to criminal conduct,” he said.
“After being cornered last June, they appeared willing to negotiate. Unfortunately, their commitment to peace was superficial, as evidenced by their continued involvement in criminal acts,” he added.
In an earlier address to the troops, General Ahmed called for bravery and vigilance in combating crime, underscoring the importance of this mission to national security and public well-being.