News 24 Hours

DHAKA: Unidentified miscreants have shot dead former additional Police Superintendent Fazlul Karim, 67, in Rampura of the capital on Thursday morning. Witnesses said that miscreants shot him on head at his residence at 10:00am. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) where doctor declared him dead.

DHAKA: The admission test for the academic session of 2013-2014 of Dhaka University (DU) will start from November 1. Public Relations Department of the University made the disclosure on Thursday. The admission test of ‘Gha’ unit (Social Science) will be held at first day of the admission process.

DHAKA: Election Commission decided to uphold provision of its authority to cancel one’s candidature in general election for violating electoral laws. Election Commissioner Mohammad Shahnewaz came up with the disclosure while talking to reporters at EC secretariat in the city on Thursday. The election office took the decision after facing huge criticism from different quarters.

DHAKA: Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) filed four cases against 22 people, including Managing Director of  Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL), SOM Kalimullah on charge of embezzlement of Tk 610 crore. Confirming the matter to banglanews, ACC deputy direction SM Sahidur Rahman said that the cases were filed with Banani Thana in the capital Thursday.

FATIKCHHARI, CHITTAGONG: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina categorically said that all war criminals would be brought under trial gradually. She came up with the observation while addressing a mass rally in Fatikchhari of the district on Thursday afternoon. Later the Awami League president described about the matter about misdeeds of war criminals and their cohorts.

photo: DHAKA: A Dhaka court on Sunday placed nine members of Ansarulla Bangla Team on a five-day remand in a case filed under anti-terrorist act. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Shariar Mahmud Adnan passed the remand order after hearing on the case. Investigation Officer (IO) of the case Inspector Sabbir Ahmed produced the accused before the court with 10-day remand plea.

DHAKA: Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) is set to file four cases against 22 people including Managing Director of Bangladesh Telecommunications and Regulatory Commission (BTCL) SOM Kalimullah on charge of embezzlement of Tk 610 crore. A high level source of ACC confirmed the matter to banglanews on Sunday.

DHAKA: Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has unveiled his plan to reduce the price of internet in a bid to build ‘Digital Bangladesh’. Joy made the disclosure through a post update on his facebook at 8:30pm Sunday. The post is as follows-- I have an update on the price of internet. Recently our Government has reduced the wholesale rate to Tk. 4800 from Tk. 18,000.

UN, NEWYORK: The United Nations has information that there is confusion within BNP itself about participating in the upcoming election. UN thinks that major portion of BNP leaders want to vie in election while party’s Chairperson Khaleda Zia and some others leaders took intransigent position against election. On the other hand, the government also thinks that they would win in the upcoming election. At the same time, incumbent Awami League-led 14-party government has a strong commitment to hold free and fair election whether they win or lose. And United Nations has faith in the government’s position.

DHAKA: Two of the 37 deceased in Malaysia road accident were identified as Bangladeshis Thursday. They are-- Rafik Ali Chowdhury and Bhuiyan Rifique Ali. Four injured Bangladeshis are—Ali Haider, Rawnak Arefin, Rashidah Bhuiyan and Rezwan Arefin. Thirty-seven people were killed while 16 others were injured after a bus with 53 people on board plunged into 6O-metre deep ravine at KM3.5 from Genting Highlands Wednesday.

Dr Muhammad Yunus DHAKA: Nobel Laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said categorically said there is no alternative to caretaker government for holding next general polls. “There is no way of holding elections without non-partisan caretaker government system. The elections must be held in participation of all political parties,” he said. The renowned economist of the country came up with the observation while addressing a joint press conference with Bangabir Kader Siddiqui at Yunus Centre in the city.

SYLHET: Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Thursday categorically said change is mandatory in line with our political culture. “Change is mandatory as per our political culture and the people of the country believe that change will happen,” he said. The ruling Awami League lawmaker came up with the observation while addressing a programme of foundation stone of a temple here.

president Hosni Mubarak DHAKA: An Egyptian prosecutor has ordered a Cairo prison to release deposed president Hosni Mubarak, an official said on Thursday. The official in the prosecutor’s office said written instructions had been sent to Tora prison to release Mubarak, who was toppled in a revolt in 2011. Deposed Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak will be put under house arrest, the prime minister’s office said on Wednesday.

DHAKA: International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-1) fixed September 2 for pronouncing the order on contempt charge against Human Rights Watch (HRW) for making comment over verdict and war crimes trial against Ghulam Azam. The three-member ICT led-by ATM Fazle Kabir on Thursday fixed the date after hearing arguments on contempt rule sought against the New York-based rights organisation.

DHAKA: International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has brought contempt of court charges against Human Rights Watch (HRW) for making comment over verdict and war crimes trial against Ghulam Azam. State prosecutor Tirun Afroz submitted the charges to registrar of ICT-1 Tuesday. On August 16, Human Rights Watch

DHAKA: Customs arrested one Indian citizen with 65 gold bars weighing 8kgs, memory cards and i-phone at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport early Tuesday. The detainee was identified as Dipok Kumar Acharia. He was going to Kolkata from Hong Kong via Bangladesh on a Bangladeshi flight BG 079, on Tuesday.

DHAKA: The Anti-Corruption Commission has decided to restart investigation to find out illegal wealth of imprisoned Awami League lawmaker Gulam Maula Rony. ACC chairman Badiuzzaman confirmed the matter to banglanews on Tuesday noon. Badiuzzaman said, “We are assuming that MP Rony is owner of more illegal wealth, we found out in our first inquiry. This is why it is necessary to restart probe.”

DHAKA: Visiting US Congressman Sander Levin on Tuesday said the suspension of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) facilities is not a stance of US against Bangladesh. The congressman came up with the assertion in a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the city. Press Secretary to the premier Abul Kalam Azad made the disclosure while talking to journalist after the meeting.

DHAKA: Joint Secretary General of Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh Mahi B Chowdhury was injured in a road crash at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on Tuesday morning. The accident took place at around 8:00 am (BD time) in Kuala Lumpur while he was going to the airport with his family to fly for Thailand. He sustained injuries on his right leg. He was rushed to a local hospital of Malaysia.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has demanded that the government restore the caretaker government system by pushing a Bill through Parliament.

The government has decided to import 5,000 tonnes of onion to stabilise the market.

DHAKA : Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested a Sonali Bank official of Faridpur Branch and his wife on charge of embezzlement of Tk 3 crore. The arrestees are Zakir Hossain, Sonali Bank official (Cash) of Sadarpur branch, Faridpur; and his wife Shiuly Aktar. A team led by ACC Deputy Director Moloy Kumar Saha arrested the couple from Faridpur ACC office on Monday afternoon.

NEW YORK: Bangladeshi community people need to be involved more with the politics in USA than the politics of their own country apart from increasing their involvement in the democratic process here. “I think someday a Bangladeshi American will be the President of United States of America,” said Daniel Dromm, the council member, also chairperson of the immigration committee of New York City Council.

DHAKA: More than 300 passengers of United Airways endured sufferings at Dhaka airport from Sunday night due to a flight schedule disaster of the private airline. According to United Airways officials, they had to cancel two international flights from Sunday night to Monday noon for technical glitches. Oman bound flight No. 4h583 and Malaysia bound flight no.573 were also rescheduled, they added.

RANGPUR: A Shibir activist on Saturday attempted to murder Blogger Tanmoy, who is under treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH). During the time, police held Raihan Kabir, a Chhatra Shibir activist, also a fourth-year student of RMCH. Security In-Charge Constable (DB) Shahidul Islam told banglanews: “Tanmoy shouted when apron-worn Raihan entered into the room.”

DHAKA: US ambassador to Dhaka Dan W Mozena categorically said Bangladesh has much more potentialities but positive mentality is needed to utilize the chances.  He came up with the assertion on Saturday while addressing a conference of Non-resident Bangladeshis at Hotel Sonargoan in the city. Mozena also said he believes that Bangladeshi expatriates are playing a vital role for the development of Bangladesh economy. Bangladesh has more potentialities but it has to aware about the potentiality. To utilize the potential sectors, Bangladeshis have to identify the problems and need positive mentality to solve those. Technology has to be used in that sectors where young people should be engaged, Mozena added.  

DHAKA: US Ambassador in Bangladesh Dan W Mozena and Sayma Wajed Joy daughter of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a three and half hours long meeting on Friday. The meeting started at 4:30 and finished at 8:00pm at US Ambassador’s residence in Dhaka. Defense Affairs Advisor Major General (retd) Tareq Ahmed Siddiqui was also present in the meeting.

DHAKA: Detective Branch (DB) of Police held five persons, including Oishee’s friend Trisha, for their alleged involvement in killing Special Branch inspector, on Saturday afternoon. Earlier in the day, Oishee Rahman, the daughter of a Special Branch inspector who was murdered with his wife at their house in the city, surrendered before the police.

DHAKA: Violent clashes across Egypt on Friday that pitted supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood against security forces killed 173 people, including 95 in central Cairo. The health ministry said on Saturday, reports TDS.

DHAKA: The High Court has sent Odhikar secretary Adilur Rahman to jail imposing a stay on remand order issued by a Dhaka court. The court also ordered not to take Adilur on remand ever and issued a rule asking to explain why the remand order against Adilur should not be declared illegal. An HC vacation bench comprising Justice Borhan Uddin and Justice Kashifa Hossain passed the order Monday. On Sunday, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Amit Kumar Dey placed Adilur Rahman Khan on a five-day remand for police interrogation.

CHITTAGONG: A case was filed and an investigation committee was formed over Prity Das murder at moving train in the port city. Railway Thana ASI Jasim Uddin filed the case on Monday morning. Railway Thana Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Shahidullah confirmed the matter to banglanews. Rail police filed the case as victim’s family did not file the case. Sources said a youth named Rubel was arrested in this connection. On the other hand, railway authority formed a three-member probe committee led by Railway East Zone engineer Shahidulla in this connection. The committee has asked to submit probe report within seven working days.

DHAKA: The government has approved the draft of Overseas Employment & Migration Act-2013 keeping provision for 10-year jail for illegal immigration & 7-year jail for fake assurance for salary, allowances. The act also has provisions for minimum Tk 5 lakh and Tk 1 lakh fine for the above irregularities respectively. The approval came from the cabinet meeting at secretariat on Monday with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

DHAKA: Association of Online Journalists (AOJ), a platform of online newsmen, has been formed to boost online news quality and increase facilities of the online journalists. A seven-member committee of convener has been initially formed. Editor-in-Chief of banglanews24.com, the leading online news portal of the country, Alamgir Hossain will lead the committee.

DHAKA: State prosecutors filed an appeal petition seeking capital punishment of former Jamaat Ameer Ghulam Azam, who has been jailed for 90-year for his involvement in crimes against humanity during liberation war in 1971. Chief Coordinator of Prosecution Additional Attorney General MK Rahman filed the petition to Appellate Division of Supreme Court Monday.

DHAKA: The High Court has sent Odhikar secretary Adilur Rahman to jail imposing a stay on remand order issued by a Dhaka court. The court also ordered not to take Adilur on remand ever and issued a rule asking to explain why the remand order against Adilur should not be declared illegal. An HC vacation bench comprising Justice Borhan Uddin and Justice Kashifa Hossain passed the order Monday. On Sunday, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Amit Kumar Dey placed Adilur Rahman Khan on a five-day remand for police interrogation.

DHAKA: A Dhaka court on Sunday placed Adilur Rahman Khan, secretary of human rights organization Odhikar, on a five-day remand for police interrogation. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Amit Kumar Dey passed the order when police produced him before the court with 10-day remand plea. The court also gave permission to police to raid the office and residence of Adilur Rahman.

DHAKA: Opposition BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia demanded unconditional release of Adilur Rahman Khan, secretary of Human Rights organization Adhikar. Her personal secretary Advocate Shimul Biswas confirmed the matter to banglanews. Earlier on Saturday night, Detective Branch of Metropolitan Police held him for his alleged violation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Act.

DHAKA: Home Minister MK Alamgir on Sunday said Adilur Rahman Khan, secretary of human rights organization Odhikar, was arrested on basis of specific charges. The home minister came up with the assertion while talking to journalists after Eid holidays at his secretariat office on Sunday noon. He said, “It is offensive to tarnish country’s image in the name of protecting human rights. Charges brought against Adilur are under investigation.”

DHAKA: Opposition BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia demanded unconditional release of Adilur Rahman Khan, secretary of Human Rights organization Adhikar. Her personal secretary Advocate Shimul Biswas confirmed the matter to banglanews. Earlier on Saturday night, Detective Branch of Metropolitan Police held him for his alleged violation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Act.

DHAKA: At least 20 people were injured and over hundred others injured in separate road accidents in Bogra, Comilla, Dinajpur, Brahmanbaria, Narail, Gainbandha, Jamalpur and Natore districts Sunday. Banglanews correspondents from the respective districts report as bellows: Bogra: At least five people were killed and 25 others injured as a bus collided head-on with a truck on Dhaka-Bogra highway in Shahjahanpur area in the afternoon. Comilla: Two persons were killed and two others injured when a rashly driven Dhaka-bound bus rammed an auto-rickshaw on Dahka-Chittagong Highway in Daudkandi area at 11:1am. Dinajpur: Five people, including a mother and daughter, were killed and 50 others injured as a Panchagarh-bound passenger bus collided head-on with another bus in Badiapara area under Birganj upazila in the afternoon.

DHAKA: Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mujaheed on Sunday filed an appeal challenging the ICT verdict that awarded death penalty to him for his involvement in crimes against humanity. Mujaheed’s lawyers submitted the appeal petition around 11:30am with the appellate division of the Supreme Court seeking his release and acquittal of the proved war time charges.

DHAKA: The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Sunday stayed a High Court order over hajj pilgrims for eight weeks. Chamber judge of the Appellate Division vacation bench Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury passed the order. Deputy Attorney General Ekramul Haque confirmed the matter to banglanews.

DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also ruling Awami League president, on Sunday categorically said the continuity of the government is needed for the ultimate progress of the country. The premier came up with the assertion while addressing the opening ceremony of Kuril Flyover in the city in the morning.

DHAKA: A Dhaka court on Sunday granted bail to Hall-Mark Group Chairman Jesmine Islam in 11 cases over Sonali Bank loan scam signing bond to pay Tk.100 crore per month. Dhaka Metropolitan senior special judge Zahurul Haque granted her bail. In bail condition, the judge said Jasmine Islam would have to pay Tk 2600 crore in 26 months.

DHAKA: A man named William Gomes has issued death threat to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family in Twitter. Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of the prime minister, made the disclosure in a post in his social media site, Facebook, on Sunday evening.

NEW YORK: A drama of information conspiracy on Bangladesh politics is being staged in remote USA. The main actor in this drama is the son of an expatriate BNP leader. He took up the mission of gathering information about a leading technologist Bangladeshi politician. To this end he even bribed a former FBI official. But, fate did not favor him as the youth identified as Rizvi Ahmed was trapped in the net of FBI men. The former FBI personnel who had been bribed also netted along with Rizvi. Even their middle man met the same fate. All three are now in the jail custody of USA. Meanwhile their bail petitions were also rejected by a US court. If this charge is proved, this BNP leader’s son will have to suffer imprisonment for 20 years.  

DHAKA: The US state department has issued a global travel alert because of an unspecified al-Qaeda threat. In a statement, the department said the potential for an attack was particularly strong in the Middle East and North Africa. It comes shortly after the US announced nearly two dozen embassies and consulates would be shut on Sunday.

DHAKA: Opposition BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Saturday said Sajeeb Wazed Joy, as Awami League’s new commander, would not help out them evading the collapse. “Awami League brought new commander to shun the upcoming collapse in next general polls as they defeated in recent city polls but it’s quite impractical as the newly brought man has no relations with country and people,” he said.

DHAKA: A former FBI agent and two others including a Bangladeshi national have been charged in the Southern District of New York with engaging in a bribery scheme to secure confidential, internal law enforcement documents about a prominent individual in Bangladesh. Acting Assistant U.S. Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara of the Southern District of New York, and Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz of the Department of Justice made the announcement.

MUNSHIGANJ: Former Awami League lawmaker Hemayet Ullah Aworanga and four others were killed in a road accident on Dhaka-Mawa highway in the district on Saturday afternoon. Three of the deceased were identified as Munshi Jamaluddin, 49, Yasin, 50 and jeep driver Jalal. Mawa Highway Police Sergeant M Shahadat Hossain told banglanews that a passenger bus collided head-on with a jeep carrying the lawmaker and four others, leaving five people dead on the spot.