[🇧🇩] The fate of big guns/beneficiaries of Awami League after the student revolution

G Bangladesh Defense
[🇧🇩] The fate of big guns/beneficiaries of Awami League after the student revolution
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Some political parties critical of Mujib house demolition
Moinul Haque and Moloy Saha 07 February, 2025, 00:15

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New Age photo

Some political parties were on Thursday critical of the demolition of the Dhanmondi 32 residence of the country’s founding president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, while some others expressed reservations about commenting on the matter.

In the early hours of Thursday, a large group of people, including students, demolished the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum building at Dhanmondi in the capital Dhaka, after hours of vandalism that began on Wednesday evening at the Mujib’s house.

The agitated people stormed the residence at about 8:00pm on Wednesday.

Wednesday’s vandalism was triggered by an announcement over Sheikh Hasina’s online address to the country’s students from India where she fled to in August 2024 amid a student-led mass uprising against her 15-year authoritarian rule.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Thursday told New Age that the incident at Dhanmondi might pose a challenge to the interim government to achieve its main goal of democratic transition.

He said that Sheikh Hasina’s crime had been globally recognised by her fleeing the country amid a mass uprising.

The BNP leader added that they must not fall into the trap Hasina was hatching through her provocative statements.

Another BNP standing committee member Hafizuddin Ahmed on Thursday said that the incident was ongoing and they had no information about who were responsible.

‘We believe some might attempt to create chaos to undermine democracy and hinder its future, and we will particularly investigate any interference from neighbouring countries,’ he said at a discussion organised by the Shadhinata Forum at the National Press Club in the capital.

Hafizuddin said that the BNP would share its official response regarding the vandalism at house number 32 at Dhanmondi once all necessary information was gathered.

He said that it would be inappropriate to comment without having full details of the incident.

The BNP leader expressed hope that within a short time, the situation would become clearer, revealing who were involved in the incident and who were accountable for it.

Hafizuddin also said that the role of the government in the matter was also unclear.

Communist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said that the attacks on sites linked to Bangladesh’s history, including the house on the road number 32 at Dhanmondi, would undermine the spirit of the mass uprising and hinder progress towards a democratic and equal society.

‘We have begun a journey towards democracy and freedom from discrimination, guided by the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising. Meanwhile, the fallen dictator and its symbol, Sheikh Hasina, from abroad is engaged in provocative actions that cast doubt on others, including the forces against her,’ he said.

Despite all these, the interim government is responsible for protecting life, properties, and the country’s historical and cultural heritage, Ruhin said.

‘But we were angered to notice that various places related to the history and heritage of our country, including Mujib’s residence, were attacked with public announcements, and bulldozers were used. The government remained completely silent on this matters,’ the CPB leader alleged.

He said that such vandalism was happening in various parts of the country and it might raise question of whether it signalled the rise of new fascism.

‘I hope the government will take actions immediately to stop the culture of fear and prevent these incidents, ensuring that those responsible are identified and brought to book,’ he said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami publicity affairs secretary Motiur Rahman Akand said that they were gathering information on the incident at Dhanmondi, and the party’s central committee would discuss it.

After the committee’s decision, Jamaat would make an official statement on the matter, he said.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-JSD president ASM Abdur Rob in a statement said that it was more important to work for introducing inclusive politics in the country now than demolishing the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The house was the centre of initiation of movements of the Liberation War in 1971 and then it was also the centre of introduction of fascist rule by the Awami League, Rob said.

Gonoforum president Mostafa Mohsin Montu said that they did not support any confrontational politics and wanted the establishment of inclusive politics based on the spirit of the Liberation War in 1971.

‘We must implement the spirit of students-people-led mass uprising of July,’ Montu said.

Revolutionary Workers Party general secretary Saiful Huq termed the demolishing the house unnecessary.

The interim government could not avoid responsibility of such irresponsible work, Saiful said.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod central executive committee also condemned the demolition of the house.

Jasod in a statement claimed that the attack at Dhanmondi took place with the support of the government.

The statement added that the house on Road 32 at Dhanmondi was historically significant and should be preserved.​
 

ACC to probe into Hasina’s foreign trips, degrees
Staff Correspondent 07 February, 2025, 00:27

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Sheikh Hasina. | File photo

The Anti-Corruption Commission has launched an inquiry into the allegations of wasting public money by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina during her foreign trips and for acquiring ‘fake’ honorary doctorate degrees during the ousted Awami League regime.

The ACC took the decision on Thursday at a meeting of the commission at its headquarters in the capital’s Segunbagicha, said ACC spokesperson director general (prevention) Md Aktar Hossain.

According to the allegations, Hasina, during her tenure as a prime minister, used state funds to charter flights from Biman Bangladesh Airlines for her foreign trips, each accompanied by a huge number of entourages.

She was reportedly part of numerous high-profile delegations, including annual United Nations sessions in New York, which she attended as the head of the government for 16 consecutive years, said the allegations.

It also stated that, in 2015, she led a 227-member delegation to the 70th General Assembly and the UN’s Sustainable Development Summit, and, in 2014, she was accompanied by 178 people, and in 2013, a total of 134 people travelled with her.

The allegation further claimed that, during her tenure as a prime minister, Sheikh Hasina used advanced Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft from the state-run airline.

From 2019 to mid-2024, the national carrier reportedly spent around Tk 250 crore to conduct 48 VIP flights for her, and she herself spent an estimated Tk 200 crore during these trips, it said.

One of the examples was her flight on September 18, 2021, when she left for New York on a VIP flight, BG-1902, from Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport. It was found that, instead of travelling directly from Dhaka to New York, the flight made a stopover in Finland, where the stopover and the related expenses, including two days of landing charges for her entourage, amounted to around Tk 7 crore.

Till 2023, the government owed Tk 50 core to Biman Bangladesh Airlines for these flights, according to the allegations.

Besides foreign trips, the allegations include Sheikh Hasina’s acquiring several ‘fake’ honorary doctorate degrees from different foreign universities by spending a significant amount of public funds on lobbying.

Among the universities alleged to have conferred these degrees are India’s Tripura University, Belgium’s Catholic University of Brussels, and India’s Visva-Bharati University.​
 

Vandalism at Dhanmondi 32 outburst of public rage: govt
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 06 February, 2025, 18:38

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New Age photo

The vandalism at Dhanmondi-32 house was the outburst of public agony, caused by Sheikh Hasina’s provocative remarks against the July uprising, the interim government said on Thursday.

In a statement, issued by the chief adviser’s press wing, the government said that the incident was unintended and unexpected, while the vandalism at Dhanmondi-32 was the outburst of public anger created due to Sheikh Hasina’s provocative statements against the July uprising from India where she was staying to avoid arrest.

‘In the last six months, there has been no attack or destruction on Dhanmondi-32 house,’ the statement said, adding that the vandalism happened Wednesday night due to two reasons.

Firstly, deposed dictator Sheikh Hasina insulted and undermined the martyrs of the July uprising. By making irrelevant, vulgar and hateful remarks on the deaths of the martyrs, Sheikh Hasina disrespected and disgraced the July uprising.

Secondly, despite fleeing the mass uprising, fugitive Sheikh Hasina was talking in the same tone she used to speak when she was in power by means of corruption, terrorism and inhumane processes. And she was threatening the July mass uprising and everybody who participated in the mass movement against her.

Sheikh Hasina had threatened to create instability in the country, the statement said.

‘Sheikh Hasina continues to strike one after another on the wounds created in the minds of the people due to July massacre. In response to her violent behaviour, the incident of vandalism at Dhanmindi road no-32 has occurred,’ the statement read.

It said that the interim government was on the highest alert to protect the lives and property of the country’s people and the law enforcement agencies were making all-out efforts to bring the situation under control.

‘If Sheikh Hasina, a wanted accused on charges of crimes against humanity, refrains from delivering derogative statements, it will be possible to avoid the occurrence,’ it read.

The government hoped that India would not allow its territory to be used for any act that creates instability in Bangladesh and would not give Sheikh Hasina scope to make statements. ‘The interim government does not want recurrence of such incidents in the future.’

Mentioning that the trial of those involved in the July massacre was continuing in full swing, the statement said that the interim government was committed to ensuring befitting punishment to the perpetrators of the massacre through the trial.

The government will examine what legal steps can be taken against those involved in provocative acts, according to the statement.​
 

Ex-Narail MP’s house set ablaze, AL office vandalised
Violence erupts in Kalia following political rally

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Photo: Star

Protesters vandalised an Awami League office and torched a house belonging to former Narail-1 MP BM Kabirul Haque Mukti in Narail's Kalia upazila yesterday afternoon.

Witnesses said that the unrest began following a rally held by the BNP and its affiliate organisations around 4:00pm in Kalia Bazar.

Around 5:30pm, a group of protesters targeted the AL office, breaking in and setting it on fire.

Later, protesters set Mukti's house near Kalia Dakbungalow on fire.

SM Wahiduzzaman Milu, general secretary of Kalia upazila BNP, denied the allegations, saying, "Our programme was ongoing when we noticed flames rising from the Awami League office's direction.

"Law enforcement swiftly intervened and dispersed the crowd. We used megaphones to urge people to remain calm. We have no knowledge of who was responsible, but BNP had no connection to this incident."

Kalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rashedul Islam confirmed the attacks, stating that the fire was extinguished and the situation was now under control.​
 

Vandalism, arson on AL leaders’ houses continue
Staff Correspondent 08 February, 2025, 00:42

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Clockwise – An abandoned part of the Mujibnagar Memorial Complex in Meherpur after agitated people raze a mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March 7 speech, the front part of the demolished house of former Rajshahi city mayor and Awami League presidium member AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, people gather as angry mob sets fire to the house of former president Md Abdul Hamid in Kishoreganj, passers-by watch the demolished Bogura district AL office in Bogura city on Thursday night. | Focus Bangla/Star Mail photo

The vandalism of and arson attacks on the Awami League leaders’ homes and party offices by agitating students and people continued for the third consecutive day on Friday.

They also continued to vandalise murals and portraits of the country’s founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the day.

Between Thursday evening and Friday evening, AL presidium member Sheikh Selim’s house was set on fire in the capital’s Banani at 1:30am on Friday, party presidium member and former Rajshahi city mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton’s front part of the house was demolished at about 11:00pm on Thursday, former minister SM Rezaul Karim’s house was set on fire in Pirojpur’s Nazirpur upazila at about 8:30pm on Thursday, former state minister for information and lawmaker for Jamalpur-4 constituency Murad Hasan’s house at Sorishabari upazila in Jamalpur was set on fire after vandalism on Thursday night, according to reports received from districts.

On Thursday at about 10:30pm, protesters vandalised and looted a warehouse situated on the Hasina family’s ancestral seat in Dighalia upazila of Khulna.

The agitators vandalised murals and portraits of the country’s founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his daughter now ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also the president of the Awami League.

The fresh spate of such attacks began on Wednesday evening when agitators launched an attack on the Sheikh Mujib’s Dhanmondi Road 32 house, already broken in a violent attack on August 5, just after the fall of the Awami League regime amid a student-mass uprising leading to then prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and fleeing to India.

In the fresh attack, the agitators vandalised the remnants of the house, which was Bangabandhu Memorial Museum until the fall of the AL regime, set it on fire and bulldozed it, razing it to the ground.

The members of law enforcement and security agencies were largely inactive when house’s demolition was going on as well as in other attacks launched on the homes of Awami League leaders in different parts of the country, including Dhaka city.

The countrywide anarchy began with the ‘Bulldozer 32’ programme announced on social media by several quarters and top leadership of the Student Against Discrimination on Wednesday evening centring the ousted prime minister’s address to the student community at 9:00pm on the day.

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday called for peace and order, saying that no further attacks on any citizens on any pretexts must not happen.

Yunus’s call came in a statement shared by the chief adviser’s press wing in the afternoon.

At Dhanmondi 32 on Friday afternoon, a large number of people thronged to watch the remnant of the demolished historic building on the weekend.

Many people were seen collecting building materials from the debris and also breaking the parts of the remaining structure of the house to take iron rods, wood etc.

Mohamamd Taleb, a carpenter, living in the capital’s Asadgate area said that he came to see the demolished historic building.

‘Allah brought Sheikh Hasina down from power for her immense torture on people,’ Taleb said.

On Wednesday, over a thousand agitators stormed the museum premises at about 8:00pm after Student Against Discrimination convener Hasnat Abdullah announced on his verified Facebook page that Bangladesh would be freed of the bastions of fascism that night.

Awami League presidium member Sheikh Selim’s house in the capital’s Banani was set on fire at about 1:30am on Friday with the Fire Service and Civil Defence duty officer claiming that they did not reach the spot over security concern stemming from the agitating people’s activities.

Local people later brought the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to other houses.

Sheikh Selim, also a former AL lawmaker for Gopalganj-2 constituency, is a first cousin of Sheikh Hasina.

An agitated mob set fire to the village home of former chief of army staff Moeen U Ahmed at about 9:00pm on Thursday at Alipur village of Chaumuhani municipality in Noakhali.

Also on Thursday evening, an angry mob set the house of former minister SM Rezaul Karim on fire in Pirojpur’s Nazirpur upazila, United News of Bangladesh reported.

Protesters demolished Bogura district unit offices of Awami League and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-Jasod after vandalism an arson attacks on them at about 8:00pm on Thursday, UNB reported quoting witnesses.​
 

Ex-Habiganj MP Abdul Majid Khan arrested in Dhaka
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Abdul Majid Khan

Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested former MP of Habiganj-2 constituency Abdul Majid Khan.

He was arrested from the capital's Farmgate area last night, confirmed Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (media) of DMP to The Daily Star.​
 

Former CHT affairs state minister Dipankar Talukder arrested

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Dipankar Talukder

The Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested former state minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, Dipankar Talukder, today in the capital's Sobhanbagh area.

Talebur Rahman, DMP deputy commissioner (media), confirmed the arrest without providing further details.

Dipankar is an Awami League politician and a former MP representing Rangamati.

He is also a member of the AL Central Executive Committee and serves as the president of the AL's Rangamati district unit.​
 

Steps ordered for Interpol red notice for Benazir
Staff Correspondent 11 February, 2025, 00:23

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Benazir Ahmed

The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court on Monday ordered the authorities concerned to request an Interpol ‘red notice’ for the arrest of former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed in connection with graft cases.

Judge Md Zakir Hossain of the court passed the order accepting a petition submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission’s deputy director Md Hafijul Islam.

In his petition, Hafijul said that an arrest warrant needed to be issued against Benazir through Interpol as the former IGP remained absconding abroad, and it was needed to arrest the former police boss to bring him to justice.

On December 15, 2024, three cases were filed against Benazir, his wife, and two daughters on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 74 crore and concealing information about their wealth.

The cases allege that Benazir acquired Tk 9.44 crore in assets beyond known sources of income and concealed information about assets worth about Tk 2.62 crore.

His wife, Jissan Mirza, is accused of acquiring Tk 31.69 crore in illegal assets and concealing information about assets worth Tk 16.01 crore.

Their elder daughter, Farheen Rishita Binte Benazir, is accused of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 8.75 crore, and their second daughter, Tahseen Raisa Binte Benazir, amassed illegal wealth worth Tk 5.59 crore.

On June 12, 2024, the court ordered the confiscation of eight apartments and 27.5 acres of land, including properties in Dhaka’s Badda and Adabar, as well as land in Narayanganj, Bandarban, and Uttara.

The court also froze assets such as 621 bighas of land in Gopalganj and Madaripur, shares in 19 companies, four flats in Gulshan, and several other financial assets.

The court also blocked his savings certificates worth Tk 30 lakh, 33 bank accounts, and three Beneficial Owner Accounts (BO Accounts) for share trading.

Benazir and his family members left the country on May 4, 2024 after the ACC had started a probe against them on April 18 over graft charges.​
 

‘I was with BNP’ Shamsher Mobin tells court, PP calls him a ‘turncoat’
Asaduzzaman
Dhaka
Updated: 10 Feb 2025, 19: 26

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Police escort Trinamool BNP chairperson Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury to the Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Court on 10 February 2025.Prothom Alo

Trinamool BNP chairperson Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury on Monday claimed to the court he was at home on the day of the student-people mass uprising on 5 August 2024.

He referred to his freedom fighter identity and said, “Honourable court, I was at home on 5 August. I am not involved in any killing incidents. I can prove I was at my residence on 5 August. Let the appeal to place me on remand be rejected.”

At one stage, Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury told the court, “Honourable court, I was also involved in the politics of BNP for 15 years.”

After that, the chief public prosecutor of the Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Court Omar Faruq Faruqi placed arguments in the court saying Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury was a "turncoat" and one of the leading collaborators of fascist Sheikh Hasina. Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury is one of those who were involved in the conspiracy of the July-August, he said.

Hearing both sides, the court then placed Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, a former foreign secretary, on a four-day remand in a murder case with the capital’s Jatarabari police station.

Shamsher Mobin debates with public prosecutor

Police produced Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman and Zunaed Ahmed Palak at the court in the Parvez Mia murder case with the Jatrabari police and sought 10 days remand for each of them.

PP Omar Faruq Faruqi argued in favour of the remand. Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury was in the dock at the time. He was holding a walking stick in his left hand. Suddenly, he raised his right hand and told the judge, ”Honourable court I want to say something. I am a freedom fighter. I was at home on 5 August. I can prove it. I also was involved in the politics of BNP.”

When Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury was speaking loudly, a group of lawyers said, “You are a leader who switches sides. You are one of the leading collaborators of Sheikh Hasina.”

Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury told the court, “I am a freedom fighter with an award. I fought for the liberation of this country. I am a war-wounded freedom fighter. I lost one of my legs in the war and I walk with a stick.” At that time, he raised the stick that he was holding in his left hand.

Chief public prosecutor of the Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Court Omar Faruq Faruqi, however, opposed the statement of Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury.

PP Omar Faruq Faruqi told the court that Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury is a leader who switches sides. It is also true that he joined the Liberation War and has enjoyed maximum privileges as a freedom fighter. The Sheikh Mujibur Rahman government sent him to Germany for treatment after the Liberation War. He served in important positions like foreign secretary in Bangladesh. He then switched sides, left Awami League and joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Fascist Sheikh Hasina labelled him as an "international betrayer" at the Suhrawardy Udyan.

When PP Omar Faruq Faruqi was speaking of Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, former law minister Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman, Zunaid Ahmed and Dipu Moni were also in the dock. At that time, a group of lawyers were again calling Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury a "turncoat".

At one stage, PP Omar Faruq Faruqi told the court, “Honourable court, when Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury was with BNP, the party tasked him with maintaining communications with foreign diplomats and various political parties ahead of the 2014 parliamentary election, but he betrayed BNP at that time. He went to Sheikh Hasina of Awami League again. Lastly, Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury is one of those who received money from Sheikh Hasina and formed political parties ahead of the fake election of 7 January. He also participated in the dummy elections of Sheikh Hasina.”

PP further said Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury joined the dummy election on 7 January but could not go to vote centres.

At that time, Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury got angry and told the court, “Honourable court, it is not a crime to participate in an election. I went to the voting centre on the polling day on 7 January and cast my vote. His (PP) statement is not correct.”

Police escort former law minister Anisul Huq and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun to the Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Court on 10 February 2025.

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Police escort former law minister Anisul Huq and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun to the Dhaka Metropolitan Session Judge Court on 10 February 2025. Prothom Alo

Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury also begged the court, “Honourable court, I did not know that today was the hearing in my case. My lawyers did not know it either. That is why he was not present at the court today. I was at home on 5 August. I was watching the news on television. I am strongly appealing to reject the order on placing me on a four-day remand.”

When Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury was taken into custody from the dock, he told the journalists, “I am a valiant freedom fighter, but I am handcuffed now.” He then raised his right hand and showed the journalist the handcuffs. Police were seen holding his right hand.

Trinamool BNP chairperson Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury has been behind bars since he was arrested on 17 October last year.

Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury was a vice president of BNP but quit the party in 2015. He then joined Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, led by former president AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, in 2028. Lastly, he became the chairperson of Trinamool BNP in 2023 prior to the 7 January election. Late Nazmul Huda founded Trinamool BNP, which got the registration from the election commission ahead of the last national election.

Anisul, Salman exchange no words

Police brought Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman and Zunaed Ahmed Palak to the court custody from jail by a prison van around 7:00 pm. They then wore bulletproof vests and helmets.

They were taken to the dock around 10:00 am and stood there for about an hour. Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman were standing next to each other but they did not talk to each other. Dipu Moni spoke to Anisul Huq for a while and exchanged smiles with Zunaid Ahmed.

Salman F Rahman spoke to his lawyers only but he was seen anxious. Anisul Huq and Dipu Moni also talked to their lawyers.​
 

AL leader Dolna arrested in Kurigram

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Dolna Akhter

An Awami League leader was arrested in Kurigram's Phulbari upazila last night.

The arrestee, Dolna Akhter, 27, was held in Kabirmamud village of Phulbari.

She is a member of the Forest and Environment Affairs subcommittee of AL Central Committee.

Police said that after the fall of Sheikh Hasina, Dolna had been in hiding in various places in Dhaka. A few days ago, she went to her village home in Phulbari and was in hiding.

On information, police conducted a raid in the village home of the central AL leader and arrested her.

Phulbari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mamunur Rashid confirmed the matter and said Dolna has been arrested in a case filed in connection with the attack on the student movement during the July uprising in Phulbari upazila on August 4.​
 

Court issues travel ban on Lotus Kamal and family
UNB
Published :
Feb 18, 2025 23:44
Updated :
Feb 18, 2025 23:44

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A Dhaka court on Tuesday imposed a travel ban on former finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal, aka Lotus Kamal, his wife Kashmiri Kamal and daughters Kashfi Kamal and Nafisa Kamal in a graft case.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Jakir Hossain Galib passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking the travel ban.

The investigating officer of the case Md Nurul Huda, also an ACC official, submitted the appeal.

According to the petition, an investigation is underway in a case against the former minister Kamal, his wife and daughters regarding acquisition of wealth beyond known sources of income. It goes on to state the petitioners' concern that in light of the investigation, Kamal and his family may attempt to flee abroad - thus necessitating the travel ban.

The petitioners are right to be concerned, but they are many months too late. Not only has there been no sighting of the family in Bangladesh since August 5, shortly after the fall of the Awami League government, a video surfaced on social media of Kamal and daughter Nafisa.

It was clearly shot at an airport and showed the two of them scrambling to get hold of a number of bags and suitcases. Reportedly they left the country way before the movement even picked up, on July 15. So either way, this travel ban looks set to be as ineffective as the ones issued earlier against ex IGP Benzir Ahmed, or ex-secretary Matiur Rahman (who has since surrendered), and numerous others.

Earlier on February 13, the ACC filed a case against the former finance minister, his wife and two daughters on charges of amassing illegal wealth totalling Tk 1.67 billion.

In the case, the allegations of amassing Tk 275.2 million against Lotus Kamal himself, Tk 461.1 million against wife Kashmiri, Tk 315.8 million against Kashfi and Tk 620 million by daughter Nafisa were brought.​
 

ACC sues Atiur, Barkat, Benazir, 24 others
s 20 February, 2025, 17:35

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From left, Atiur Rahman, Abul Barkat and Benazir Ahmed | UNB Photo

The Anti-Corruption Commission on Thursday filed a case against 23 people, including former Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman, former Janata Bank chairman Abul Barkat and AnonTex Group chairman Md Yunus Badal, on charges of embezzling Tk 297 crore.

The anti-graft agency also filed a case against former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed and his family members on charges of money laundering amounting to Tk 11.34 crore, while it also filed a case against former member of parliament Gulam Faruk Khandaker over illegal wealth.

The graft cases were filed with the ACC’s integrated district office in Dhaka-1, said ACC director general Md Aktar Hossain.

ACC deputy director Md Nazmul Hossain filed the case against 23 people, including Atiur, on charges of embezzling Tk 297 crore.

The other accused are former Bangladesh Bank deputy governor Abu Hena Mohammad Razi Hasan and its former assistant director Ismat Ara Begum, former Janata Bank managing director Abdus Salam Azad, former directors Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Md Imdadul Haque, Nagibul Islam Dipu, RM Debnath, Md Abu Naser and Sangeeta Ahmed, director Nitai Chandra Nath, former deputy general manager Azmul Haque, former AGM Ajay Kumar Ghosh, former manager (industrial loan-1) of Janata Bhaban corporate branch Md Golam Azam, executive engineer (SME department) Md Shahjahan, SEO Md Emdadul Haque, former DGM Md Abdul Jabbar, former DMD Md Golam Faruk, and former deputy managing director Omar Faruk, M/S Suprabh Spinning Limited managing director Md Anwar Hossain, and director Md Abu Talha.

According to the case statement, Suprabh Spinning Ltd, Mohammad Anwar Hossain and Mohammad Abu Talha took Tk 297.38 crore in loan from Janata Bank through fraud and forgery, laundering the funds in collusion with the other 21 accused.

Despite no actual factory or structure existing on the mortgaged land, the duo overvalued the land and property at Tk 6,098.97 million, and with the assistance of other accused, obtained a loan amount of Tk 297.38 crore, which was subsequently embezzled.

Abdul Salam Azad, Azmul Hossain, Ajoy Kumar Ghosh, Gulam Azam, Shahjahan and Emdadul Haque in collusion with each other helped the accused Anwar Hossain and Abu Talha to forge records, bypass regulations and help facilitate the illegal loan approval process, said the case statement.

Accused Abdul Jabbar, Golam Faruk, and Omar Faruk, although stating that the proposed loan approval would violate BRPD Circular No 05/2005 and the MOU guidelines, presented a memorandum to the board for approval of the loan with the intention of obtaining Bangladesh Bank’s clearance, thereby helping Anwar and Talha to secure the loan, it said.

Yunus Badal has been charged with embezzling Tk 50.5 crore out of a sanctioned loan of Tk 180 crore in favour of Suprabh Spinning Ltd by receiving the money in the accounts under his Anontex Group.

Despite knowing about violation of rulers, the accused Abul Barkat, Jamal Uddin Ahmed, Emdadul Haque, Nagibul Islam, RM Debonath, Abu Naser, Sangita Ahmed and Nitai Chandra Nath aided and abetted in approving and distributing the loan.

Atiur Rahman, Ismat Ara Begum and Abu Hena Mohammad Raji Hassan assisted the loan applicant by abusing power and violating banking rules, despite the loan application being for a new and relatively unknown businessman.

The ACC on Thursday filed a case against former IGP Benazir Ahmed, his wife Jissan Mirza, his eldest daughter Farheen Rishta Binte Benazir and his second daughter Tahseen Raisa Binte Benazir on charges of laundering of Tk 11.34 crore.

According to the case statement, the accused withdrew Tk 11.35 crore in cash from banks through collusion and illicit means, but no evidence of any investment of these funds was found.

It is also alleged that after withdrawing the money, they left the country.

Benazir was the IGP from April 15, 2020, to September 30, 2022. Earlier, he had served as the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner and the Rapid Action Battalion director general.

The ACC earlier filed several cases against Benazir and his family members on charges of amassing illegal wealth. Benazir left the country with his family on May 4, 2024.

The ACC also filed a case against former lawmaker from Pabna-5 constituency Golam Faruk Khandaker Prince on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 9.91 crore.

The case statement also said that Gulam Faruk was also accused of suspicious transactions of Tk 425 crore in his 39 bank accounts.​
 

Dealing with remnants of fascist regime
by Md Farid Alam 23 February, 2025, 00:00

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The people of Bangladesh have long held a vision of a developed, prosperous nation where peace reigns, discrimination is non-existent, and every citizen has access to justice, rule of law, economic opportunity, and social and health well-being. For years, this dream of a fair and just society seemed elusive, particularly when faced with deep-rooted political instability, corruption, and oppressive regimes. The revolution of July 2024, however, has reignited hope in the hearts of many Bangladeshis. It opened the door to a brighter future, one where the seemingly insurmountable task of removing a fascist regime — responsible for destroying the nation’s institutions and economy — was finally achieved. But while this event marked a victory for the people, it also uncovered the deep psychological scars inflicted upon the nation. These scars have the potential to undermine the very prosperity the people seek to build.

The revolution succeeded in ousting a fascist regime that had torn apart the country’s economy and the institutions meant to protect its people. These institutions, which should have been pillars of governance and stability, were left shattered. However, the damage inflicted by the regime did not stop at physical destruction. The most insidious and long-lasting damage was to the morality of the people. The regime manipulated public opinion, brainwashed the masses, and distorted the minds of a significant portion of the population. The followers of the regime, in particular, were subjected to a psychological campaign that stripped them of their rational thinking, turning them into individuals who could no longer differentiate between right and wrong. This has resulted in what we can now call ‘psychopathic hypocrites’ — individuals who, despite their society’s progress, continue to harbour destructive tendencies.

These individuals, living well within the general population and while many may appear to be ordinary citizens, harbour a dangerous potential to sabotage any effort toward progress. Their minds, moulded by years of dictatorship and propaganda, remain susceptible to reverting to their former behaviours. Given the opportunity, they are likely to act against the pursuit of prosperity, even at the cost of the nation’s well-being. Their actions, driven by a distorted sense of loyalty to the past regime and its values, threaten to hinder the nation’s journey toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

The rhetoric of the past regime’s leader, Hasina, who advocated for harsh measures against those opposing her regime, is still fresh in the memory of many. Hasina’s words were aimed at inciting fear and violence against dissenters. In contrast, the chief adviser of the interim government, a man of more temperate rhetoric, has expressed a more inclusive philosophy for the nation’s future. He has stated his commitment to integrating all citizens into the nation’s forward march, excluding only those who have committed criminal offences. Even those who have committed crimes may find a place in the new Bangladesh, but only after undergoing due trial and receiving appropriate punishment.

While the chief adviser’s approach of national integration is noble, it is not without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles will come from the very individuals who were products of the fascist regime — those psychopathic hypocrites who, if left unchecked, could obstruct the nation’s progress. The task of integrating these individuals into mainstream society without allowing them to disrupt the country’s efforts toward prosperity is a delicate and complex one.

As the chief adviser pointed out, ‘We cannot throw them out of the country, nor can we cast them aside. They are our children; they are our people.’ This statement reflects a deep truth. Regardless of their past affiliations, these individuals are a part of Bangladesh’s social fabric. A nation cannot simply abandon its citizens because they have made mistakes in the past, no matter how grave those mistakes may have been. It is crucial to remember that a family may have a sick child or an individual with mental challenges, and society must take responsibility for providing care. Similarly, Bangladesh must take responsibility for rehabilitating its psychopathic hypocrites, helping them regain their moral compass and reintegrating them as productive, positive members of society.

However, this rehabilitation process must be well thought out and methodically planned. There is no simple solution, and the government must put in place a structured framework to guide these individuals back to a place where they can positively contribute to the nation’s growth. The first step in this process is to identify those who need help. The government must compile a comprehensive list of individuals who are likely to fall into the category of psychopathic hypocrites. This list should primarily include individuals who were ardent activists of the previous regime, but it may also encompass others who, though not directly involved in criminal activities, still harbour negative influences that could pose a threat to the country’s future progress.

Once identified, these individuals must go through a rehabilitation process that includes counselling, education, and motivation. This process would aim to normalise their mental and emotional states, preparing them to re-enter society as positive forces for change. The goal is not to punish or ostracise them but to guide them back to a place where they can make meaningful contributions to society’s well-being.

Although Bangladesh’s situation is unique, it is not unprecedented. Many other countries that have experienced similar political turmoil and oppression have dealt with the aftermath through truth and reconciliation commissions. These commissions provided a platform for nations to confront the atrocities of their past, offer amnesty to those who confessed to their crimes, and initiate processes of national healing and reconciliation.

For example, South Africa (1996–2002) established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to expose the brutalities of apartheid. The commission not only offered amnesty to perpetrators who fully disclosed their involvement in abuses but also recommended reparations for victims and institutional reforms to prevent such atrocities in the future. Similarly, Argentina (1983–1984) established the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons to document forced disappearances during the military dictatorship and hold the perpetrators accountable. Chile (1991–1996) created the National Commission for Truth and Reconciliation to acknowledge human rights abuses, recommend reparations, and foster national reconciliation.

Other countries like Canada (2008–2015), Peru (2001–2003), Sierra Leone (2002–2004), Rwanda (1999–2003), East Timor (2002–2005), Guatemala (1997–1999), Liberia (2006–2009), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2000–2004) also established similar commissions to address their respective historical injustices.

Bangladesh can take inspiration from these experiences. However, it must also tailor its approach to its unique context, taking into account the cultural, political, and technological landscape of the nation. Technological advancements, in particular, can help streamline the process of gathering information and facilitating the integration of individuals into society. A modern, tech-enabled system can ensure that this process is both efficient and accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic background.

One approach that could be adopted is the creation of a simple, web-based registration form accessible via mobile phones. This form would allow individuals to register their details and provide answers to a series of questions that will help gauge their mental and emotional state. For example, questions might ask whether they were supporters of the former regime, whether they felt remorse for their past actions, or whether they believe the actions of the regime were harmful to the nation. Basic information, such as name, address, and other necessary details, could be collected directly from their national identification documents. Once submitted, each individual would receive an automated ID number that could be used for future reference.

This information could then be used to design customised rehabilitation programs for each individual, ensuring that the process is tailored to their unique psychological needs. A dedicated committee or commission could be formed to oversee the implementation of this plan, ensuring that it is carried out effectively and that individuals who register are not harassed or persecuted unless they have committed a criminal offence.

The path to a prosperous Bangladesh is undoubtedly a challenging one, and the psychological remnants of a fascist regime represent a significant hurdle. Yet, with thoughtful planning and the integration of modern technology, Bangladesh can overcome these challenges. By implementing a well-designed rehabilitation and integration program, similar to those seen in other nations, Bangladesh can transform its past wounds into a source of strength. The people of Bangladesh deserve a future where they can live in peace, free from the shackles of the past, and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. It is time to heal the wounds of the past and create a society where every citizen — regardless of their history — has the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s future.

Md Farid Alam is a retired lieutenant colonel.​
 

I’ve quit politics and Awami League, Kamal Majumder tells court
Asaduzzaman
Dhaka
Published: 03 Mar 2025, 23: 00

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Former lawmaker Kamal Ahmed Majumder was produced before the Dhaka CMM Court Monday Dipu Malakar

Former industries minister of the ousted Awami League government Kamal Ahmed Majumder has told the court that he will not be doing politics anymore.

He also has resigned from the party, he said.

The AL leader and a former state minister said this after being produced before the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court Monday morning.

Kamal Ahmed Majumder and five others were produced before the court in a case filed over the killing of Atiqul Islam.

The other five persons are former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s adviser Salman F Rahman, former food minister Quamrul Islam, former inspectors general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun and AKM Shahidul Haque.

The court granted the police appeal to show them arrested in this new case.

‘Won’t be doing politics any more’

The judge was yet to come when Kamal Ahmed Majumder was seen talking to his lawyer angrily at 10:02 am. He was seen scolding his lawyer for not appealing to the High Court for his bail.

Although the lawyer was trying to respond, Kamal Ahmed kept on talking to him without giving him any chance. The judge reached the court in between. Following that, Kamal Ahmed Majumder moved to the other side of the court. He kept staring at the judge.

Meanwhile, a police official called the names of Anisul Huq and Salman F Rahman. They both were were looking at the judge. At this point, Kamal Majumder raised his hands to say something. Right at that moment, a police official called the names of Kamal Majumder, Quamrul Islam, Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and AKM Shahidul Haque. Kamal Majumder and others were looking at the judge at the time. However, the judge kept reading the case documents.

After a while the judge told Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman, Kamal Majumder and others, “You have been shown arrested in a murder case. Your names were among the accused in the case statement.”

As soon as the judge finished, Kamal Majumder started to talk, addressing the judge. He said, “I am 76. I have diabetes. Still the jail authorities are not allowing me to carry my glucometre.”

Kamal started sobbing at this point. He regained composure and went on to say, “We cannot talk to our lawyers here either. We are not being allowed to speak to our lawyers.”

He started sobbing again and said, “My lord, I won’t be doing politics anymore. I also resigned from the Awami League. I am being made accused in cases one after another. I am being shown arrested in cases one after another. I am subjected to torture. I was supposed to be playing with my grandchildren at my age.”

Addressing the court, the former state minister further said, “Let me carry my glucometre. Let me have at least a digital version of holy Quran.”

‘We want the youth to take the lead’

Later the court asked him to appeal to the regular court in this regard. Following the hearing, Kamal Majumder and others were taken to the court premises from the court room.

Although Salman F Rahman and others remained silent, Kamal Majumder started talking as soon as he saw the newspersons. He told the newspersons, “I have resigned from the Awami League. I don’t hold any posts. I also have quitted politics.”

In response to the question as to when he took the decision, the former lawmaker said, “You can say I quitted politics today. I won’t be doing politics anymore.”

Explaining his decision to quit politics Kamal Majumder said, “The environment of the country is not suitable for doing politics. It’s not possible to be active politically at the age of 76. We want the youth to take the leadership.”

He was taken to the court lock up afterwards.

Kamal Ahmed Majumder served as a lawmaker from Dhaka-15 constituency for 15 consecutive years. He introduced a special judicial system going beyond the laws of the country.

He established a so-called Samajik Bichar Committee (social judicial committee) which was active from 2009 to 2014.

Salman handcuffed from behind

Anisul Huq, Salman F Rahman and Kamal Majumder were taken out of the court lock up at around 9:55 am today. All of them had a handcuff on one hand, except Salman F Rahman whose both hands were cuffed from behind. But they all kept their both hands behind. Two policemen helped Salman F Rahman move to the court room.

After the hearing the adviser of the former prime minister was taken back to custody in a similar way. He was looking downwards at the time.

However, none of Salman F Rahman or Anisul Huq refrained from saying anything. However, former IGP AKM Shahidul Huq spoke to his lawyer.

Speaking to Prothom Alo regarding handcuffing the accused from behind, Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court additional public prosecutor (PP) Azizul Haque Didar said he had no information whether Salman F Rahman and others were handcuffed or not at the time of being produced before the court.

Earlier on Wednesday, Salman F Rahman, Anisul Huq and former social welfare minister Nuruzzman Ahmed were handcuffed from behind while being taken to the court. They had both their arms handcuffed that day.

* This report appeared on the online version of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten in English by Ashish Basu​
 

ACC prosecutes ex-minister Dastagir, wife
Staff Correspondent 05 March, 2025, 23:30

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The Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday filed two separate cases against former textile and jute minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, and his wife, Hasina Gazi, on charges of amassing wealth beyond known sources of income and engaging in suspicious financial transactions.

The Dhaka metropolitan senior special judge court on the day ordered the freezing of 39 bank accounts with Tk 5.26 crore of former land minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury over graft allegations.

The ACC filed the two cases against Dastagir and Hasina Gazi with its integrated district office in Dhaka-1, said ACC director general Md Aktar Hossain at a press briefing.

According to the case statement, Dastagir, also a former Awami League lawmaker from the Narayanganj-1 constituency, allegedly amassed illegal assets worth Tk 23.51 crore and conducted suspicious transactions involving Tk 257.75 crore in his six bank accounts.

An inquiry revealed that Gazi’s total assets amounted to Tk 448.42 crore, whereas his legitimate income sources could only account for Tk 424.90 crore, said the case statement.

Another case was filed against Hasina Gazi on charges of amassing illegal assets worth Tk 9.69 crore and engaging in suspicious transactions of Tk 31.69 crore in her five bank accounts.

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024, amid a student-led mass uprising, the ACC launched an inquiry against Dastagir.

Dastagir was arrested on August 25, 2024 from a relative’s house in the Shantinagar area of the capital Dhaka. He was later shown as arrested in a case filed over the murder of school student Roman Mia at Rupganj.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain Galib ordered the freezing of 39 bank accounts with Tk 5.26 crore of Saifuzzaman.

The court issued the order following a petition submitted by ACC deputy director Md Mahfuz Iqbal seeking the order.

The ACC in its plea stated that the commission had already formed a team to probe money laundering allegations against Saifuzzaman.

On October 7, 2024, a court imposed a travel ban on Saifuzzaman and his wife, Rukmila Zaman.​
 

TK 25,000CR DUBIOUS TRANSACTION: UP chair, wife sued
Staff Correspondent 06 March, 2025, 23:10

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Md Luck Mia

The Anti-Corruption Commission has found suspicious transactions involving Tk 25,160 crore through bank accounts of Brahammandi union parishad chairman Md Luck Mia, his wife and one of his staff at Araihazar in Narayanganj.

Luck Mia was known as a close aide of former Awami League lawmaker from the Narayanganj-2 constituency Nazrul Islam Babu, according to locals.

Luck Mia is involved with the AL politics, and he is an executive committee member of the Araihazar upazila Awami League.

The anti-graft agency in an inquiry found that there were transactions worth Tk 14,376 crore in 49 bank accounts of Luck Mia and transactions worth Tk 461 crore in 14 bank accounts of his wife Mahmuda Begum.

The ACC also found transactions worth Tk 10,322 crore in 14 bank accounts of Luck Mia’s staff Md Mohsin Mollah.

Mohsin was appointed by Luck Mia with monthly salary of Tk 12,000.

Despite being a staff of UP chairman Luck Mia, Mohsin is managing director of two entities — NRB Textile Mills Limited and M/S NRB Traders Limited.

The ACC on Thursday filed two separate cases against Luck Mia and his wife Mahmuda on charges of amassing illegal wealth.

The commission also decided to conduct another inquiry against Luck Mia’s staff Mohsin and his family members.

ACC director general (prevention) Md Akhtar Hossain at a press briefing said that the commission filed the two cases with its integrated district office in Dhaka-1, accusing Luck Mia and his wife of amassing illegal wealth.

Of the two cases, ACC deputy director Sohanur Rahman filed a case against Luck Mia on charges of amassing illegal assets worth Tk 55.23 crore and suspicious transactions of Tk 14,376 crore.

The case statement said Luck Mia acquired these illegal assets between 1990 and 2024.

ACC assistant director Ashiqur Rahman filed a case against Mahmuda, accusing her of acquiring Tk 14.50 crore beyond known source of income and suspicious transactions of Tk 461.17 crore.

According to ACC officials, the transactions of over Tk 25,000 crore in the bank accounts of the three people took place between the 2014-15 financial year and the 2023-24 financial year.

Luck Mia, his wife and his staff conducted the transactions through their 77 bank accounts in the Premier Bank, Janata Bank and National Bank.

After the fall of the AL government on August 5, 2024 in a mass uprising, Luck Mia went into hiding, but later, he was arrested by the joint forces during the Operation Devil Hunt on February 25 from near Kanchan bridge at Rupganj.

Luck Mia is an accused in a number of cases filed on charges of murder during the student-led mass uprising in July-August in 2024.

ACC officials said that Luck Mia was involved in various types of corruption, including bribery, extortion and abuse of power in the Araihazar area.

During the inquiry, the ACC summoned him four times to appear at the ACC, but he ignored three summons and appeared at the ACC headquarters to face interrogation on the fourth summon, said ACC officials.

The ACC inquiry team also found a cotton mill owned by Luck Mia in Narayanganj, but when ACC officials went to visit the mill recently, they failed to do so due to obstruction by people of the mill.

ACC officials said that Luck Mia bought about 600 bighas of land and 265 bighas of land have already been seized by the ACC.​
 

AL leaders with hands cuffed behind backs as they want to raise hands, shout against govt: PP
Asaduzzaman
Dhaka
Published: 12 Mar 2025, 22: 40

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Salman F Rahman and Zunaid Ahmed Palak are being brought to court on 12 March Prothom Alo

Around 9:39am on Wednesday morning, two police men opened the main gate of the custody of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court.

Five police members were standing in front of the custody, all with sticks in hand. Behind them were Salman F Rahman, private industry affairs adviser to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former state minister for information and technology ministry.

Salman had his hands cuffed behind his back, so were Palak's.

Standing behind Palak with their heads bowed are former MP Sulaiman Selim and former mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation Atiqul Islam. Sulaiman and Atiq had their hands cuffed behind their backs.

Standing behind Sulaiman with their heads bowed is former senior secretary Mohibul Haque. He had his hands cuffed behind his back.

Standing to the left of Mohibul Haque was former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s son, Safi Mudassir Khan Jyoti. He had his hands cuffed behind his back.

Salman, Palak, Atiqul, and Mohibul wore police helmets. The front of the helmet was covered with glass. And each of them was on bulletproof jackets.

With their heads bowed, Salman, Palak, Atiqul, and Mohibul climbed the stairs from the ground floor of the court building to the second floor.

After they were taken in front of the courtroom, their helmets were removed. When they were taken to the dock, police removed the handcuffs from one hand. Salman, Palak, Atiqul, Sulaiman and Mohibul were all standing on the dock with heads bowed down.

At 9:40am, with the judge yet to arrive, Palak was seen having a conversation with one of his lawyers. He told the lawyer, “I don’t expect to get bail now. But you will collect copies of the case statement and charge sheet of every case filed against me.”

Then Palak kept giving his lawyer one advice after another. Atiqul Islam, who was standing to Palak's left, was also talking to his lawyer.

Salman F Rahman kept talking to his lawyer about various matters, including case-related matters, since he went to the dock. One of the officers said, "Sir (judge) is coming."

After the judge arrived in the courtroom, the police called Salman F Rahman and Atiqul by name.

Police told the court that an application had been filed to show Salman and Atiqul arrested in a case filed by Bhatara police station. The court granted their application to show them arrested in this case.

Palak with a fixed gaze

With handcuffs on one hand, Palak, wearing a blue T-shirt and black pants, stared at the judge.

Then the police told the court that an application had been filed to remand Palak for seven days in the Riaz murder case filed at Dhanmondi police station.

Omar Faruk Faruqi, the chief public prosecutor (PP) of the Metropolitan Sessions Judge's Court in Dhaka, began to present arguments in favour of the remand.

Omar Faruq Faruqi told the court that Palak, an illegitimate state minister in the fascist Hasina government, had shut down the internet during the student-people's mass uprising against discrimination in July. In July, the Chhatra League had beaten up female students and others in the Dhaka University area. Riaz was shot dead in Dhanmondi area during the movement. Palak was one of the conspirators in shooting and killing the protesters during the student-people's mass uprising against discrimination.

Palak's lawyer opposed this stance by the state. His lawyer told the court that Palak had been remanded for 12 consecutive days recently. He was taken on remand before. He is not involved in any murder.

The court granted Palak a three-day remand after hearing. During the hearing, Palak stared at the judge.

Sulaiman and Safi converse

Former home minister’s son Safi stood silently in the dock initially. However, he talked with Sulaiman several times during the hearing of other accused.

PP Omar Faruq told the court that Safi was involved with various crimes including extortion and taking bribes in police recruitment. He had formed a criminal gang when his father was the home minister.

Safi’s lawyer protested against the state’s allegation and said he has been accused in slew of cases just because of his father.

The court granted a three-day remand for Safi.

Atiqul and Mohibul with their heads bowed

Former secretary Mohibul and former DNCC mayor Atiqul, standing silently on the dock, talked with their lawyers for a while.

Mohibul was arrested in a case filed with Tejgaon police station. Atiqul and Salman were arrested in another case with Bhatara police station.

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina government in a student-led mass uprising on 5 August, a total of 27 ministers of the government including former law minister Anisul Huq were arrested. Six state ministers and three deputy ministers and three advisers of Sheikh Hasina were also arrested. The arrested Awami League leaders include 43 former members of parliament and 11 former bureaucrats.

After 5 August, Anisul, Salman, former ministers, state ministers, advisers, secretaries and mayors were brought to the court with one hand in handcuffs. However, for the past two weeks, several others, including Anisul and Salman, have been brought to court from jail with both hands behind their backs.

Regarding Salman and Palak being brought to court with both hands behind their backs, PP Omar Faruq Faruqi told the court, "Recently, it has come to my attention that several accused, including Salman and Anisul, are being brought to court with both hands behind their backs. Basically, several accused want to raise their hands and shout anti-government remarks while being brought to the court from jail. They have hands cuffed behind their backs so that they cannot raise their hands and make such statements.”​
 

Anti-govt statement

Ambassador goes to Canada ignoring order to return Dhaka


The interim government has finally decided to take actions against the ambassador who claimed himself a “persecuted Bangladeshi diplomat”, who went to another country ignoring the official order of the government.

Diplomatic Correspondent
Dhaka
Updated: 14 Mar 2025, 22: 54

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The government ordered Bangladesh ambassador in Morocco Harun Al-Rashid to return to Dhaka “immediately” on 11 December last year and join the foreign ministry. But he went to Canada ignoring the order of the interim government.

From there he has posted a status on his Facebook wall criticising the interim government on Friday.

Harun Al-Rashid has written, “A Plea for Bangladesh—and for Myself. Subject: Bangladesh’s Descent into Anarchy under Yunus - The World’s Silence Is Painful”.

This professional ambassador has written, “On August 5, 2024, the nation experienced one of its darkest hours—a meticulously coordinated terrorist onslaught that shattered its foundations by overthrowing the legitimate government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As the country burned and order collapsed, Muhammad Yunus emerged as the usurper.”

The interim government has finally decided to take actions against the ambassador who claimed himself a “persecuted Bangladeshi diplomat”, who went to another country ignoring the official order of the government.

In a notification, the foreign ministry on Friday evening spoke about taking necessary actions to cancel the passports of the ambassador and his family. The ministry has also said about taking departmental actions against him.

Several former ambassadors termed Harun Al-Rashid’s decision to ignore the government order and go to another country as unforeseen.

Several former ambassadors also said the foreign ministry did not do anything for the last three months after asking him to return to the country.

They also asked whether the ministry investigated where he was in the last two and a half months leaving Morocco; and whether he took leave to go to Canada.

According to them, the foreign ministry could not avoid its responsibilities in this regard.

The former ambassadors said the action of the foreign ministry was too late.

The foreign ministry notification said immediate past Bangladesh ambassador in Morocco Harun Al-Rashid posted a status on his Facebook wall, where he praised the previous fascist government, and tried to portray that the post-5 August situation in Bangladesh under the interim government has been gradually becoming chaotic.

He also tried to damage the overall image of the country including several attempts by the interim government and chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, it added.

The foreign ministry further said such a writing on Facebook portraying the current situation in Bangladesh under the leadership of the chief adviser in a completely deformed way is completely unacceptable and deeply concerning. Such a writing hints at the ulterior motive of the writer.

The former ambassador went to Canada and identified himself in his Facebook as a “persecuted diplomat”, “exiled novelist” and “secular”, which are nothing but attempts to draw sympathy from abroad.

The foreign ministry has already taken necessary actions to cancel the passports of his and his family members. The ministry also will take departmental actions for such an action of Harun Al-Rashid.

The foreign ministry has further said it would never entertain such actions of the ministry’s officials and employees in the future and will take stern actions against them for any such acts.​
 

Freeze 137 bank accounts of ex-Jashore MP Ranjit, family: court orders ACC

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Star Online Graphic

A Dhaka court today ordered the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to freeze 137 bank accounts of former Awami League lawmaker Ranjit Kumar Roy, his wife Neoti Rani Roy, and four of his family members over graft allegations.

The court also ordered the confiscation of 2433 decimals of immoveable properties, five flats and 60 shops owned by Ranjit and his family members.

The other four family members are his sons Rajib Kumar Roy and Sajib Kumar Roy, Rajib's wife Rishita Saha and Sajib's wife Anindita.

Judge Md Zakir Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court passed the order after ACC Assistant Director Md Sajid-ur-Roman, who is leading the inquiry team, submitted an application in this regard.

Ranjit, a former lawmaker from the Jashore-4 constituency, and his family members deposited Tk 2,78,59,360 in these accounts, said ACC's Public Relations Officer Akhtarul Islam.

Of the immoveable properties, Ranjit's wife owns two flats in the capital's Mirpur area while her two buildings are situated in Jashore.

Rajib owns two flats at Jashore, while Sajib owns a flat and 60 shops at Jashore.

Earlier on October 27 last year, the same court issued a travel ban on Ranjit, his wife, and four others after ACC Deputy Director Sirajul Haque submitted an application in this regard.​
 

Seizure of assets of ex-minister Chumki ordered
Staff Correspondent 23 March, 2025, 23:41

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Meher Afroz Chumki

The Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court on Sunday ordered the Anti-Corruption Commission to freeze five bank accounts of former state minister for women and children affairs Meher Afroz Chumki and confiscate a flat owned by her in the capital Dhaka in connection with a graft case.

The court also ordered the anti-graft agency to confiscate immoveable properties and freeze moveable properties of Molla Nazrul Islam, former deputy inspector general of police, and it also issued travel ban on former lawmaker Saifuzzaman Shikhor and his wife over corruption allegations.

Judge Md Zakir Hossain passed the orders following separate petitions filed by the ACC, said ACC deputy director for public relations Aktarul Islam.

Measuring 3,115 square feet, Meher Afroz’s flat is located at Banani in the capital and valued at Tk 30.51 lakh. There is Tk 2.32 crore in deposits in her five bank accounts.

In the petition, the ACC said that there was a possibility that these assets could be transferred and so it was necessary to seize her assets and freeze her bank accounts.

On January 21, the ACC filed two separate cases against Meher Afroz, also a member of parliament from the Gazipur-5 constituency, on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 5.27 crore beyond her known sources of income.

Besides, the court issued a travel ban on former MP from the Magura-1 constituency Saifuzzaman Shikhor and his wife Sima Rahman over graft allegations.

The ACC in its plea said that a case was filed against Shikhor and Sima on charges of amassing illegal wealth.

It is imperative to issue an order prohibiting the two accused from traveling abroad until the probe into the case is completed for the sake of a fair investigation, the commission said in its petition.

On January 7, a case was filed against Shikhor on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 1.79 crore and suspicious transactions worth Tk 10.98 crore in his banks accounts.

A case was filed against Sima on charges of amassing illegal wealth worth Tk 1.16 crore.

Meanwhile, the court ordered the ACC to confiscate immoveable properties and freeze moveable properties of Molla Nazrul Islam, former deputy inspector general of police.

Molla Nazrul owns 10.18 kathas of land in the capital’s Aftab Nagar and two flats at Rampura. He also owns shares worth Tk 55,47,306.

The court also issued a travel ban on Molla Nazrul after a petition was filed in this regard.

On February 26, the ACC filed a case against Molla Nazrul on charges of amassing illegal wealth of Tk 1,64,30,540.

He was arrested in Rajshahi on February 8 and now in jail in connection with other cases.

The same court also issued a travel ban on Subhash Chandra Saha, former superintendent of police of Faridpur, in a case filed over amassing wealth of Tk 57,91,997 beyond known sources of income.

On December 4, 2024, the ACC filed the case against Subhash.​
 

Hasina sued for conspiring to wage civil war, oust govt

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Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, along with 72 others, has been sued for conspiring to overthrow the interim government through a civil war.

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police filed the sedition case with the Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court yesterday.

The court took cognisance of the case and directed the CID to investigate, said a press release issued by the CID yesterday.

According to the case statement, the CID received information about an online meeting held on December 19, 2024, where participants formed a platform called the "Joy Bangla Brigade" and discussed plans to bring ousted premier Hasina back to power by waging a civil war. A total of 577 individuals from home and abroad attended the meeting and showed support for Hasina's directives.

Rabbi Alam, vice president of Awami League's US chapter who convened the virtual meeting, has been named as the second accused in the case.

The case has been filed under Sections 121, 121A, 124A, and 34 of the Penal Code.​
 

July uprising: Hasina, nine journos sued for attacks, incitement

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A case has been filed against 165 individuals, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and nine journalists, in connection with their alleged involvement in the mass killing of protesters during the July uprising.

Md Rafiqul Islam Bepari filed the case with the capital's Paltan Police Station on March 16, said Nasirul Amin, officer-in-charge of police station.

The accused journalists are Ayub Bhuiyan, general secretary of Jatiya Press Club; Santosh Sharma, editor of daily Kalbela; Syed Ashik Rahman, CEO of RTV; Shariful Islam Mollah, managing editor of Samakal; Saiful Islam, former president of Dhaka Reporters Unity and former chief editor of Boishakhi TV; Julfikar Ali Manik, former planning editor of Boishakhi TV; Motahar Hossain of Climate Journal Online; Asaduzzaman of Samakal; and Hira Talukder, former reporter of Shomoyer Alo.

The plaintiff alleged that the individuals, who are affiliated with the Awami League, played a role in the violent attacks that led to the deaths and injuries of people, including the plaintiff's cousin, Saiful Islam, who was among those killed.

According to the case statement, on July 19, the accused attacked the protesters in the capital's Kakrail area.

It said some of the accused directly participated in the attack or ordered the attack, while others are said to have incited the violence. The coordinated shooting and attacks resulted in the killing of Saiful and left many others injured.

The case drew attention after the metropolitan magistrate court took it into cognisance and ordering a probe.​
 

AL’s Hasan Mahmud seen publicly in London
Saidul Islam
London
Published: 01 Apr 2025, 19: 16

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Hasan Mahmud is embracing Syed Faruk, general secretary of the UK chapter of Awami League Collected

Bangladesh Awami League’s joint general secretary and former foreign minister Hasan Mahmud was seen taking part in an Eid-ul-Fitr congregation publicly in London on Sunday.

He was seen saying his Eid prayers at Al-Kalam mosque in Gants Hill area of London and exchanged greetings with some people afterwards.

This is the first time Hasan Mahmud appeared publicly after the fall of the Awami League in the student-people uprising on 5 August last year. There was a rumour that he is not in Bangladesh.

The photos of him exchanging greetings with the acquainted people went viral on social media.

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Hasan Mahmud poses for a photograph with the acquaintances after the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer in London on 30 March 2025 Collected

In one of the photos, Hasan Mahmud was seen embracing Syed Faruk, general secretary of the UK chapter of Awami League.

In another photo, he was seen with journalist Syed Anas Pasha, his son and ITV journalist Mahathir Pasha and two young adults.

Speaking about the meeting, Syed Anas Pasha told Prothom Alo, “Syed Faruk, general secretary of the UK chapter of Awami League, is my uncle and we live in the same area in London. He made us acquainted with Hasan Mahmud after the prayer.”

Attempts were made to contact Syed Faruk over phone but he did not pick up the call.​
 

Tulip accused of corruption based on documentary evidence: ACC chairman
Published :
Apr 06, 2025 23:57
Updated :
Apr 06, 2025 23:57

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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chairman has claimed that Tulip Siddiq, the niece of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former UK City minister, has been accused in a case concerning plot allocation in Dhaka’s Purbachal because of documentary evidence.

“Sufficient evidence exists against the accused, and they must appear in court to respond to the charges,” said ACC chief Mohammad Abdul Momen.

He presented a written statement at the ACC Headquarters in Dhaka’s Segunbagicha on Sunday afternoon, reports bdnews24.com.

On Dec 27, 2024, the ACC decided to investigate allegations of “irregularities” in plot allocation involving six members of Hasina’s family, including her sister Sheikh Rehana.

Subsequently, six separate cases were filed against them on Jan 12, 13, and 14.

On Mar 10, the national anti-graft agency approved the chargesheets for these cases, with Tulip named as an accused in two cases for allegedly influencing the plot allocation as a British MP.

The ACC chief also referred to a recent report, which said the agency had not responded to a letter from Tulip’s British lawyer.

The report, citing Sky News, quoted the accused as saying the ACC had not contacted her.

Momen said, “Please note, Tulip Siddiq, despite the strong support of the UK prime minister, had to resign as the UK City minister because she could not dismiss the corruption charges."

He reiterated that the charges against Tulip were filed entirely based on documentary evidence and urged her to appear in court to defend herself.

“This is not a compoundable case; the outcome will not be determined by letter exchanges,” he said.

“The matter will be settled in court,” the ACC chief added. “Her absence will be considered ‘criminal flight’.

“The ACC follows the same standard process for everyone, from former fugitive prime minister Sheikh Hasina to any ordinary citizen, in corruption cases.”

"As there is international media interest in the cases filed against Tulip Siddiq, and since some of you are local correspondents for those media outlets, I am providing a brief English statement as well."

Due to international media interest in the cases against Tulip, the ACC chief also delivered a brief statement in English.​
 

Court orders freezing 16 bank accounts of ex-minister Kamrul
FE Online Desk
Published :
Apr 10, 2025 19:19
Updated :
Apr 10, 2025 19:57

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A Dhaka court on Thursday ordered authorities to freeze 16 bank accounts of former food minister Advocate Kamrul Islam following a petition submitted by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Senior Special Judge of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Court Md Zakir Hossain Galib passed the order in this regard, according to a BSS report.

Deputy Director of the public relations department of the ACC Aktarul Islam informed reporters of the order.

The ACC, in its petition, told the court that huge suspicious transactions were made through these accounts with different commercial banks and financial institutions.

The anti-graft body came to know that the money and moveable properties belonging to Kamrul Islam may handover, transfer or sale to others. As a result, the ACC prayed for freezing those bank accounts for the sake of proper investigation against him.

The former minister was arrested by police from Uttara sector-12 in the capital on November 18 last year.

The court, on February 11, following a petition submitted by the ACC, ordered to show him arrested in connection with a corruption case. He has been staying in prison.​
 

Arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina, daughter Saima in plot allotment corruption case
Staff CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 10 Apr 2025, 14: 21

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Deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (L) and her daughter Saima Wazed File photo

The court has ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul in a case filed on allegations of corruption in plot allotment. Dhaka city senior special judge, Md Zakir Hossain, gave the order in the morning today, Thursday.

Sources related to the court say that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has recently submitted a charge sheet against 18 people, including Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, in a case filed on allegations of corruption in plot allotment. Today was the hearing date set for taking that charge sheet into cognisance.

The court took the charge sheet filed by the ACC into cognisance and gave an order to issue an arrest warrant against those 18 people, including Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul. The court has also ordered the submission of a report on 5 May regarding the execution of the arrest warrant.

Sources from the court say that a charge sheet has been filed against 23 people, including Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and four other members of their family, in another case of corruption in plot allotment.

The ACC filed a case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed on 12 January this year on charges of allotment-related corruption.

Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed have been accused in the case along with former RAJUK chairman Md Anisur Rahman Mia, former secretary of housing and public works ministry Md Shahid Ullah Khandaker, former RAJUK members Mohammad Khurshid Alam, Mohammad Nasir Uddin and Major (retd) Engineer Samsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury.

Earlier on 26 December last year ACC started investigating about the plots allocated under the names of Sheikh Hasina and members of her family.

In addition to that, ACC gave approval for charge sheet against 23 people including Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana and four other members of their family on 10 March. Sheikh Hasina’s son Sajeeb Wazed, daughter Saima Wazed, Sheikh Rehana’s son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby and daughter Azmina Siddiq Rupanti have been named in the charge sheet.

The ACC filed two separate cases against Sheikh Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed last January on allegations of acquiring two plots, each 10 katha in size, in the Purbachal New Town project by withholding information and misusing power. A total of 23 people, including officials from the housing and public works ministry and RAJUK, have been accused in the case.

The ACC has stated that Sheikh Hasina, through abuse of power and corruption, had a 10-katha plot allotted under her own name in the Purbachal New Town project. A case has been filed on this allegation with her as the main accused. Through misuse of power and irregularities, another 10-katha plot was allotted in the same project under the name of her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy. The other case regarding this incident was filed against Joy as the main accused, and Sheikh Hasina as an associate.

Sheikh Hasina has been accused in a total of six cases on allegations of irregularities in plot allocation under the Purbachal New Town project.​
 

Arrest warrant against 53 including Hasina, Rehana, Tulip, Radwan
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 13 Apr 2025, 17: 16

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(From left) Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana's daughter Tulip Siddiq and son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby Collage

This time the court has ordered to issue arrest warrant against 53 people including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s daughter Tulip Siddiq, and son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby.

The order was given in connection with three more separate cases filed on charges of the corruption allegation in plot allocation.

Senior special judge of Dhaka Metropolitan, Md Zakir Hossain, passed the order today, Sunday, after taking into cognizance the charge sheets in three separate cases filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Sources at the ACC and the court confirmed the development to Prothom Alo.

Sources at the court said that the ACC recently submitted charge sheets in the court against 53 people in three separate cases filed on allegation of corruption in plot allocation.

Today was fixed for the hearing for taking the charge sheets into cognisance.

Since 53 people indicted in the case, including Sheikh Hasina, are absconding, the court took cognisance of the charge sheets and ordered to issue the arrest warrants against them.

Earlier on 10 April, there was an order for issuance of arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul in another corruption case in plot allocation.

The ACC launched an investigating into the allocation of plots under the names of Sheikh Hasina herself and members of her family on 26 December last year. The ACC then went on to file six cases against Sheikh Hasina and others on allegation of irregularities in allocating plot under the Purbachal New Town Project.

The ACC gave approval for charge sheet against Sheikh Hasina and seven other members of her family on 10 March on charges of allotting 60 katha of plots under the Purbachal New Town Project through misuse of power and various irregularities in mutual collusion.

Later, the ACC submitted charge sheets in the court in six cases. The accused named in the charge sheet are Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, Sheikh Hasina’s sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s daughters British MP Tulip Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq Rupanti and son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby.

According to ACC charge sheets, it has been alleged in the case that some plots of 60 kathas, 10 katha each in size were allotted by RAJUK in Purbachal to Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, along with their family members, through various irregularities and corruption.

The government led by Sheikh Hasina fell in the face of a student-people's uprising on last 5 August. Since then, more than 300 cases have been filed against Sheikh Hasina in the courts and police stations of Dhaka alone on various allegations including charges of murder by opening fire on the anti-discrimination student movement.​
 

RAJUK plot allotment: Arrest warrants issued against Hasina, Joy and 15 others
Staff CorrespondentDhaka
Published: 15 Apr 2025, 17: 58

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A Dhaka court has issued arrest warrants against 17 including deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy in two more cases filed over corruption and irregularities in plot allotment.

Dhaka Metropolitan’s senior special judge Md Jakir Hossain issued the order taking cognizance of the chare sheet of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Arrest warrants have been issued against seven members of the families of Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana.

The others against whom arrest warrants were issued in two cases are: former state minister for housing and public works Sharif Ahmed, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's private secretary Mohammad Salahuddin, housing and public works ministry former senior secretary Shahid Ullah Khandaker, the same ministry's former secretary Kazi Wasi Uddin, former RAJUK chairman Anisur Rahman Miah, housing and public works ministry former senior assistant secretary Purabi Goldar, the same ministry's administrative officer Saiful Islam Sarker, RAJUK's former member Mohammad Khurshid Alam, former member Mohammad Nurul Islam, former Member Major (retd) Shamsuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, member Tanmoy Das, member Mohammad Nasir Uddin, RAJUK deputy director Nayeb Ali Sharif, RAJUK director Kamrul Islam and assistant director Mazharul Islam.

The ACC began its investigation into allegations of corruption in the allotment of plots in the names of Sheikh Hasina and her family members on 26 December last year.

Later, the ACC filed six separate cases against seven members of Sheikh Hasina and Rehana’s family and others on charges of irregularities and corruption in the allotment of plots in the Purbachal New Town project.

On 10 March, the ACC approved the charge sheet in six cases filed over the allegation of abuse of power and various irregularities in obtaining the allotment of plots of 60 katha-land in the Purbachal New Town project of RAJUK. Later, the ACC submitted the charge sheet to the court in the six cases.

According to the ACC’s charge sheet, a total of six 10-katha plots (amounting to 60 kathas in total) in the Purbachal New Town project were allotted through various irregularities and acts of corruption in the names of Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and other members of their family.

On Sunday, a court issued arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s daughters Tulip Siddique and Azmina Siddique, son Radwan Mujib Siddique Boby in three separate cases filed over irregularities in plot allotment.

On 10 April, a court issued arrest warrants against Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul in a separate case filed over corruption in plot allotment.​
 

Court freezes 70 bank accounts of Nasrul Hamid, allowing ACC plea
FE REPORT
Published :
Apr 21, 2025 09:44
Updated :
Apr 21, 2025 09:44

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A special court in Dhaka on Sunday ordered freezing 70 bank accounts of Nasrul Hamid Bipu, former state minister for power and energy, allowing an application filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The court also ordered the confiscation of the former Awami League lawmaker's three Toyota Land Cruiser cars and four flats in capital's Ramna and Banani areas, as ACC sought in the application.

Judge of the Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court in Dhaka, Md Jakir Hossain, passed the order after ACC Assistant Director Minhaz Bin Islam, who is leading the inquiry team, submitted the application.

In the application, the ACC official said they learned from credible sources that the accused has been attempting to transfer his properties. Therefore, an order is needed to prevent him from doing so, the application read.

On December 26 last year, the ACC filed three cases against Nasrul Hamid, his wife Seema Hamid, and his son Zarif Hamid for allegedly amassing illegal assets worth over Tk 640 million.​
 

Interpol red notice against former IGP Benazir
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 22 Apr 2025, 18: 10

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Former inspector general of police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed from Benazir's Facebook page

The Interpol has issued a red notice against former inspector general of Bangladesh Police Benazir Ahmed, according to the police headquarters.

Enamul Haque Sagar, assistant inspector general of police (public relations and media wing), confirmed the information to Prothom Alo, saying it was issued in the current month. However, the former IGP is yet to be included on the ‘most wanted’ list on the Interpol website.

The police’s National Central Bureau (NCB) requested the Interpol to issue a red notice against 12 people, including fallen prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the former IGP. They all are now hiding abroad.

According to a police source, the red notice application against Benazir mentioned his alleged financial crimes, while the others included evidence of the concerned individuals’ involvement in crimes against humanity.

Benazir left the country along with his family on 4 May, when the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) were already investigating allegations of his corruption and financial irregularities under the Awami League regime.

He served as the IGP from 2020 to 2022, after completing his tenure as the director general of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from 2015 to 2020.​
 
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Travel ban imposed on ex-MP Tonmoy, three others of Sheikh family
Published :
Apr 24, 2025 18:08
Updated :
Apr 24, 2025 18:08

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A Dhaka court has issued travel bans on former Khulna-2 lawmaker Sheikh Salahuddin Jewel, his brothers Sheikh Sohel and Sheikh Jalal Uddin Rubel, and former Bagerhat-2 MP Sheikh Tonmoy.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Ghalib issued the order on Thursday following an application by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), reports bdnews24.com.

Anti-graft watchdog spokesman Akhtarul Islam said the commission's Deputy Director Mostafizur Rahman had filed the petition seeking a stay on their foreign trips.

According to the plea, the former ministers and MPs of many constituencies of the previous government have been accused of acquiring wealth beyond their means through irregularities and corruption. The ACC found that these suspects were trying to go abroad during the investigation of the complaints. The ACC said they need to be barred from travelling abroad for fair investigations into the allegations.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s younger brother Sheikh Abu Naser’s son Jewel became a member of parliament from Khulna-2 in 2018 and 2024.

His brother Sohel, former director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, is a presidium member of the Jubo League while Jalal is involved in the shipping business.

Tonmoy, the son of another brother Sheikh Helal, became a lawmaker from Bagerhat-2 seat in 2018 and 2014.​
 

July uprising: Hasina among 408 sued in murder case
UNB
Published :
Apr 27, 2025 19:14
Updated :
Apr 27, 2025 19:14

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A case was filed against 408 people, including deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, recently, for their alleged involvement in the murder of a man during the July-August uprising.

Mostafizur Rahman Bappi, brother of Srabon, filed the case with Mirpur Model Police Station on April 20, nine months after the death of the victim, said Rajib Hossain, inspector of the police station on Sunday.

Sraban, son of Mosharraf Hossain of Naogaon district, used to live in Mirpur.

He was shot to death during the July-August movement in Mirpur on August 5, last year.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, former home minister Asaduzzaman, former state minister for power Nasrul Hamid, Salman F Rahman, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's adviser, former foreign minister and Bangladesh Awami League joint general secretary Hasan Mahmud, former Inspector General of Polices, former home secretary, former police commissioner of Dhaka and a number of police officials, leaders of Awami League, Jubo League, banned Chhatra League and media persons, including Asaduzzaman Nur and Iresh Zaker were among the accused.​
 

Court orders issuing arrest warrant against Saima Wazed through Interpol
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 27 Apr 2025, 20: 53

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Saima Wazed File photo

A Dhaka court has ordered to issue an arrest warrant through Interpol against Saima Wazed, daughter of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with a case filed over corruption charges in plot allocation in Purbachal.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain passed the order after an appeal of the Anti-Corruption Commission in this regard on Sunday, ACC and court sources said.

Earlier on 10 April, the court ordered issuing an arrest warrant against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed in the case filed over corruption charges in allocation of plot.

The court also ordered issuing arrest warrants against 21 people including Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s daughter Tulip Siddiq and son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby in three separate cases on 13 April.

Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, Tulip Siddiq, Azmina Siddiq, another daughter of Sheikh Rehana, and Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby and former state minister for public works Sharif Ahmed have been chargesheeted in the three cases.

The ACC on 26 December last year started an investigation against allocation of plots in the names of Sheikh Hasina and her family members in Dhaka’s Purbachal.

The anti-graft watchdog has filed six lawsuits against Sheikh Hasina and others.​
 

17 actors alongside Hasina accused in attempted murder case
bdnews24.com
Published :
Apr 29, 2025 20:04
Updated :
Apr 29, 2025 20:04

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A total of 17 actors, including Nusraat Faria, Apu Biswas, Nipun Akter, Ashna Habib Bhabna, and Zayed Khan, have been accused in a case alongside ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of attempted murder during the Anti-discrimination Movement.

The plaintiff, Enamul Haque, initiated the case against 283 people at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court in Dhaka in March.

On the court's order, Bhatara police began the process of registering the case on Tuesday.

Inspector (Investigation) Sujan Haque told bdnews24.com, “We’ve received documents today. The registration process is under way."

Actors Suborna Mustafa, Rokeya Prachi, Sohana Saba, Meher Afroz Shaon, Jyotika Jyoti, Symon Sadik, and Azizul Hakim are among the accused in the case.

Meanwhile, Hasina and 406 others were accused in a case filed at a Dhaka court on Mar 20 over the death of BNP activist Mahfuz Alam Shrabon in Mirpur during the Anti-discrimination Movement. Actor Iresh Zaker has also been implicated in the case.

Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostafa Sarwar Farooki described the case against Iresh as "disturbing" during a discussion.

Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Monday, he said: “I am in the government now. If I was an activist, I could talk a lot. I personally know Iresh Zaker. He was also involved in the July movement. That’s why it’s truly upsetting."

Referring to the case, he said: "Now everyone has the freedom to file a case. But some are misusing it."

At a press conference on the same day, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam also spoke about the large numbers of accused in the cases becoming overwhelming for police to manage.

He said, “Some time ago, [officers-in-charge] at the police stations used to listen to the complaints, write them down, and take signatures.

“But now, since literacy rates have increased, people bring written complaints themselves. When a complainant brings in a written statement, under the law we cannot go beyond that.”

He added, “Whether it is true or false — we have no opportunity to verify that at the filing stage. Whatever the complainant submits, we must accept exactly that as a case. Only during the investigation can we determine how much of it is true or false.”

He advised those wrongfully implicated to avoid falling into complainants’ traps and instead seek police assistance.​
 

Court orders freeze on shares, bank accounts of Bashundhara Group chairman, family

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of 70 bank accounts and shares belonging to Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan and his family members.

Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Zakir Hossain Galib issued the order on Wednesday after hearing an appeal by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), said the anti-graft agency’s spokesperson Akhtarul Islam, bdnews24.com reports.

He said the ACC brought charges of money laundering, revenue evasion, land occupation, loan fraud, embezzlement and acquisition of illicit wealth and sought the freezing of bank accounts. The anti-graft watchdog is investigating these charges.

An order has been issued to freeze 70 bank accounts containing Tk 198.1 million and 758.6 million shares worth $10,538 and Tk 14.58 billion belonging to Sobhan and seven members of his family.

The others accused are: his son Sayem Sobhan Anvir, the managing director of Bashundhara Group, wife Sabrina Sobhan, Co-chairman Sadat Sobhan and his wife Sonia Ferdousi Sobhan, Vice-chairman Shafiat Sobhan Sanvir, Vice-chairman Safwan Sobhan and his wife Yeasha Sobhan.

The investigation team’s member ACC Assistant Director Sajid-ur-Rahman lodged the complaint seeking the freezing of bank accounts and shares.​
 

Former prime minister Hasina, 161 others named in journalist killing case
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Apr 30, 2025 19:34
Updated :
Apr 30, 2025 20:08

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The father of a journalist who died during the anti-discrimination movement has accused deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 161 others in a murder case.

Md Abul Bashar, the father of journalist Md Abdun Noor, started the case on Tuesday in the court of Metropolitan Magistrate M Misbah Ur Rahman.

The court recorded the plaintiff’s statement and ordered Jatrabari police to investigate whether a similar case had been registered elsewhere.

It asked them to submit a report within the next 15 workdays.

Among the accused are former ministers Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan, Anisul Huq and Hasan Mahmud, Hasina’s advisor Salman F Rahman, former inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, former Detective Branch chief Harunor Rashid, and former additional joint commissioner Biplob Kumar Sarkar.

According to Bashar, Noor was a journalist for a publication named Abhijan News based in Mymensingh’s Gafargaon. He had travelled to Dhaka on Aug 1, 2024, to cover the protests.

The case alleges that he was present at Jatrabari during the protests around 12pm on Aug 5 when police and Awami League activists reportedly opened fire on demonstrators. A stray bullet reportedly struck Noor in the head.

He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where doctors declared him dead, it said.​
 

Court orders seizure of property of ex-DB chief Harun
UNB
Published :
Apr 24, 2025 16:55
Updated :
Apr 24, 2025 16:55

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A Dhaka court on Thursday ordered the authorities concerned to confiscate one flat and three plots of former Detective Branch chief Harun-or-Rashid.

Dhaka Senior Special Judge Md Zakir Hossain Galib passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Deputy Director of ACC Mohammad Joynal Abedin filed a petition seeking an order to confiscate the property of Harun.

According to the petition, an investigation is underway against former DB chief Harun for amassing assets worth billions of taka both in the country and abroad through abuse of power and corruption.

During the investigation, it was found that he is attempting to sell or transfer these assets.

Earlier, on February 19, the court ordered the seizure of 100 bighas of land, five buildings and two apartments owned by Harun.

At the same time, the court also ordered the authorities concerned to freeze Tk 12.6 million in ten bank accounts under his name.

Besides, the court also ordered the seizure of 30 bighas of land belonging to his brother ABM Shahriar, as well as the freezing of 11 bank accounts and shares in three companies.​
 

One police official withdrawn, two suspended over Abdul Hamid’s departure
FE Online Desk
Published :
May 08, 2025 21:17
Updated :
May 08, 2025 21:17

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An additional deputy commissioner of the Immigration Police has been withdrawn for his alleged negligence in performing duty in connection with the departure of former President Abdul Hamid for Thailand.

Besides, the investigating officer of cases filed with Kishoreganj Sadar police station against the former President and an officer of Special Branch of the district were suspended on the same ground, said a statement sent form police headquarters on Thursday night.

However, the identities of the police officials have not been disclosed yet, reports UNB.

Early Thursday, the former president left the country for Thailand through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.​
 

ACC summons Tulip over accepting Gulshan flat as ‘bribe’
Published :
May 08, 2025 22:52
Updated :
May 08, 2025 22:52

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The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned British MP Tulip Siddiq, the niece of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, to question her in a case that alleges she unlawfully received a flat from Eastern Housing Limited in Dhaka’s Gulshan area.

The anti-graft watchdog asked her to appear at the ACC headquarters at 10am on May 14 in a case that the commission filed on Apr 15, reports bdnews24.com.

ACC spokesperson Akhtarul Islam said notices were sent to Tulip's addresses in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi and Gulshan-2 on May 6.

According to the ACC, the accused colluded in a “criminal conspiracy, corruption, misconduct and abuse of power” to unlawfully occupy an Eastern Housing Ltd flat in Gulshan without paying any money, according to the ACC. The flat was later registered in Tulip's name.

The case also alleges she was assisted in taking ownership through the registry.

On Thursday, the ACC said it is “necessary to hear and receive” Tulip’s statement in the interest of a fair investigation.

“If you [Tulip] do not appear, it will be deemed that you have no statement in this regard,” it added.

ACC Assistant Director Monirul Islam filed the case naming two RAJUK officials, besides Tulip -- assistant legal advisors, Shah Md Khosruzzaman and Sardar Mosharraf Hossain, as co-accused.

On Apr 13, a Dhaka court issued arrest warrants for 53 people, including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana’s son Radwan Mujib Siddiq, and her daughters -- British MP Tulip Siddiq and Azmina Siddiq Ruponti -- in cases related to "abuse of power" involving the allocation of six 0.2-hectare plots in Dhaka’s Purbachal New Town Project.

Tulip is the MP for the Hampstead and Highgate constituency in the UK capital, London.

She stepped down from her post as minister of state for the UK's finance ministry in January amid criticism after allegations of irregularities and corruption against her surfaced in Bangladesh and the UK.

However, her lawyer dismissed the ACC’s allegations against her as “entirely false” and politically motivated.

On Apr 14, she told UK journalists: “There is no evidence that I have done anything wrong.”

She claimed to be a “victim of politically motivated propaganda” by the Bangladesh government.

When bdnews24.com reached out for Tulip’s comment on the matter, a spokesman on her behalf said: “If this is a serious process and not a political smear campaign, why won’t the ACC engage with Tulip’s lawyers who have written to them twice over the last few weeks?

“She is a UK citizen, born and living in London and representing her constituents in the British Parliament.

“She is yet to hear anything officially, but they know where to reach her – and that’s clearly not in Dhaka.”​
 

Hamid's departure: Committee formed, Kishoreganj SP withdrawn
Published :
May 08, 2025 22:45
Updated :
May 08, 2025 22:45

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A three-member inquiry committee headed by the Additional IG (Administration) has been formed in connection with the departure of former President Abdul Hamid to Thailand.

The Superintendent of Kishoreganj Police has also been withdrawn in the incident, said Faisal Hossain, public relations officer of Home Ministry on Thursday evening.

Earlier, an additional deputy commissioner of the Immigration Police withdrew and two other police officers suspended on the same grounds, according to UNB.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury vowed to step down if he fails to bring those who collaborated with the former president to leave the country to book.

Warning of strict actions, adviser Jahangir said no one will be spared who facilitated the former president's departure.

The former president left the country for Thailand through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka early Thursday.​
 

Probe report on Hasina over July uprising atrocities due Monday, Chief Prosecutor says
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 09, 2025 21:45
Updated :
May 09, 2025 21:49

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The Investigation Agency of the International Crimes Tribunal is set to submit its report on Monday in a case against deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, involving allegations of crimes against humanity, including genocide, during last year’s July uprising.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam said in a Facebook post on Friday that he expects to receive the report on Monday. “Following this, formal charges will be submitted and the trial will begin,” he wrote.

Under the tribunal’s procedures, the investigation report is first submitted to the chief prosecutor’s office. After review, the chief prosecutor formally places the charges before the tribunal.

The tribunal was reconstituted following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August, when the uprising reached its peak.

The case against Sheikh Hasina -- centred on alleged crimes committed during the uprising between 15 July and 5 August -- was the first to be filed with the newly formed tribunal.

Two additional cases against her remain pending with the tribunal.

Of them, one involves allegations of murder and enforced disappearances during the Awami League tenure, and the other concerns deaths during a Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Dhaka’s Motijheel.​
 

Ex-Narayanganj mayor Ivy lands in Kashimpur Women’s Jail
FE Online Desk
Published :
May 09, 2025 19:01
Updated :
May 09, 2025 19:01

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Former Narayanganj City Corporation mayor Selina Hayat Ivy was sent to Kashimpur Women’s Jail in Gazipur on Friday in connection with the killing of a garment worker during the July uprising.

She was brought to the jail around 2 pm, Senior Jail Superintendent Kawalin Nahar confirmed.

Early in the morning, Ivy was arrested in a case linked to the death of garment worker Minarul Islam on 20 July last year.

Later, around 10am, police produced her before the Narayanganj Judicial Magistrate’s Court, which held a hearing and ordered her to be sent to jail.

The court has set May 26 for the next hearing.​
 

High-powered committee formed to investigate Abdul Hamid’s departure
BSS
Published :
May 11, 2025 20:41
Updated :
May 11, 2025 20:41

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A three-member high-powered committee, headed by Education Adviser Professor CR Abrar, has been formed to investigate the departure of former President Md Abdul Hamid from the country.

Other members of the probe body are Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain.

The committee will submit its report within the next 15 days, according to a press release issued by the Chief Adviser's press wing on Sunday.

The committee will investigate how former President Md Abdul Hamid traveled abroad through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in May. It will determine whether there was any deviation from duty or negligence on the part of the authorities concerned.

The committee has also been asked to recommend possible actions that can be taken in this regard.

To conduct the investigation, the committee will have access to all necessary documents, equipment, and evidence, and will be able to interview relevant individuals.

All organizations have been instructed to comply with the committee's directives and are required to extend all necessary cooperation, the release added.

The committee may co-opt additional members if necessary.

The Public Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs will provide secretarial support to the committee.​
 

Ex-AL MP, 6 others arrested in Dhaka
UNB
Published :
May 11, 2025 16:09
Updated :
May 11, 2025 16:09

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Detectives have arrested seven people including a former MP of Awami League during a drive in the capital in 24 hours till 6 am on Sunday morning.

The arrestees are Shamima Akhter Khanom alias Shamima Shahriar, former AL MP from a reserved seat in Sunamganj district, Md Imran Mati, general secretary of Darussalam Thana Swechchhasebak League; Md Ashraf Siddiqui alias Bitu 44, director of the Centre for Research and Information (CRI) and assistant press secretary to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina; Md Nesar Ahmed alias Nesar Uddin Hawlader 35, former organising secretary of Cumilla District Chhatra League, Md Robiul Islam, vice president of Darussalam Thana Swechchhasebak League; Md Mosharraf Hossain Sarkar, former organising secretary of Nabinagar Upazila units of Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League; and Mohidul Islam Biplob , general secretary of South Badda Bazar Unit Awami League.

DB sources said all the arrestees were involved in attempting to destabilise the country and create panic among the public.

Multiple cases were filed against them at different police stations.​
 

Former MP and singer Momtaz arrested
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 13, 2025 00:41
Updated :
May 13, 2025 00:41

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Former Awami League MP and renowned folk singer Momtaz Begum was arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Monday.

She was apprehended from a residence behind Star Kabab in the Dhanmondi area around 11:45 PM and is currently being held at the DB office on Mintoo Road, as per local media reports.

According to police sources, Momtaz Begum faces multiple charges related to the July uprising, including several murder cases. Authorities have indicated that she will be presented before the court on Tuesday, with a remand application to be filed .

This arrest follows earlier legal actions against her. In October 2024, Momtaz Begum, along with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others, was sued for attempted murder in connection with an alleged attack on a BNP activist in June 2022 .

Additionally, in the same month, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) ordered the freezing of her personal and business bank accounts for 30 days under anti-money laundering regulations .

Momtaz Begum, often referred to as the "Music Queen," served as the Member of Parliament for Manikganj-2 from 2014 to 2024 and previously held a reserved women's seat from 2009 to 2013. She has recorded around 700 albums and has been a prominent figure in Bangladesh's folk music scene .​
 

AL leader Zeenat Sohana arrested in Ctg
Published :
May 13, 2025 18:17
Updated :
May 13, 2025 18:17

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Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) arrested Advocate Zeenat Sohana Chowdhury, a leader of Chattogram North District Mahila Awami League (AL) from the city’s Aturar Depot area under Bayezid Bostami Thana early on Tuesday.

She is the Chattogram divisional Coordinator of the AL-backed NGO Suchinta Foundation, confirmed OC Md Arifur Rahman, of Biyazid Thana, reports BSS.

Zeenat, a former member of Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) was picked up from a residence under Biyazid Bostami Thana around 1:00 am, OC Arifur added.

She has been accused in a case filed over a clash between police and followers of Chinmoy Krishna Brahmachari on December 4 last year at Chattogram Court premises.

The case, filed with Kotwali police station, includes 29 people, including Zeenat and leaders of the Awami League, Chhatra League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, and ISKCON. Additionally, 40-50 unnamed individuals were also implicated.

Originally from Raozan upazila, Zeenat had submitted a nomination paper for a reserved women’s seat on behalf of the AL during the 11th national parliamentary election.

According to the sources, she is a former member of Chattogram Women’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry. She is also the chairman of Farmin Group of Industries Ltd and was a member of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

Her husband, Md Imran, currently serves as the president of the Florida chapter of the Awami League in the United States and is a former general secretary.

He also served as the joint general secretary of Chattogram University Chhatra League.​
 

Momtaz placed on four-day remand in murder case
Published :
May 13, 2025 17:33
Updated :
May 13, 2025 17:52

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A court has given police four days to question Momtaz Begum, popular singer and former MP for Manikganj-2, in their custody in connection with the murder of hawker Md Sagar in Dhaka's Mirpur during last year's July Uprising.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Jewel Rana issued the remand order on Tuesday following a hearing on a police petition, reports bdnews24.com.

Monirul Islam, a sub-inspector from Mirpur Model Police Station and the case's investigating officer, produced Momtaz in court and sought a seven-day remand for interrogation.

After hearing the petition, the magistrate granted a four-day remand.

Momtaz was apprehended by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) in the capital’s Dhanmondi on Monday night, according to spokesman Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman.

Momtaz was then formally arrested in the Sagar murder case.

According to the case dossier, hawker Sagar took part in the July Uprising on Jul 19 in the Mirpur-10 roundabout area. It alleges that the suspects attacked and fired upon the protesters that day at 4:30pm. Sagar was shot in the chest.

His mother, Beauty Akhtar, found his body at a private hospital at 3am the following day.

On Nov 17, Beauty filed a case at Mirpur Model Police Station over the incident. Deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 242 others were named in the case, alongside 250-400 unnamed suspects. Momtaz is suspect No. 49 in the case.

The three-time MP has been accused in several cases filed in Manikganj following the fall of the Awami League government.

Momtaz became a member of the 9th parliament in 2008 on Awami League’s nomination. She was later elected with the boat symbol.

However, the singer lost to another Awami League leader who stood as an independent candidate in the 12th parliamentary election.

She has been named in several cases filed over the deaths during the mass uprising.

The DMP official, however, has yet to clarify the specific charges against the lawmaker.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) of Bangladesh Bank, has already frozen her bank account.​
 

Court freezes bank accounts of ex-DB chief Harun’s father-in-law, brother
Published :
May 15, 2025 21:48
Updated :
May 15, 2025 21:48

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A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of a 10-storey building owned by Mohammad Solaiman, father-in-law of Harun-or-Rashid, the former head of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), and frozen five bank accounts linked to Solaiman.

It has also frozen two bank accounts belonging to Harun’s brother, according to bdnews24.com.

The orders were issued on Thursday by Judge Zakir Hossain Galib of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judges’ Court, following separate petitions filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

According to ACC spokesperson Akhtarul Islam, the applications were submitted by Deputy Director Zainal Abedin.

Earlier, on Feb 19, the same court ordered the seizure of 29.16 hectares of land registered under the names of Harun and his brother ABM Shahriar. On the same day, 21 of their bank accounts, as well as shares in three companies were frozen.

On Aug 27, the court imposed a travel ban on Harun and his wife Shirin Akhter.

Later, on Jan 8, the court issued an order to seize the income tax records of both Harun and his brother Shahriar.

Harun, once a powerful figure under the ousted Awami League government, faces allegations of amassing vast wealth through abuse of power.

He is accused of owning around 24 houses and more than 50 flats and plots across the capital, both in his own name and under proxies.

The ACC has also received reports of Harun’s assets abroad, including in the United States, Dubai, and Jeddah.

Harun served as chief of the Detective Branch from July 2022 until July 31, 2023, when he was reassigned as additional commissioner (Crime and Operations) of the DMP, four days before the fall of the previous government.

Since the shift in power, his whereabouts remain unknown.​
 

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