In a plot that sounds straight out of a movie, a jeweler in Manikganj staged a fake robbery at his own store to deceive everyone. Police said that 35-year-old shop owner Shubho Das of Abhi Jewellers, located in the Swarnakar Patti area, hired three men—Sohan, Amanat, and Sharif—for Tk 5 lakh to act out a robbery. On the night of October 4, the hired men entered the shop wearing caps, held Shubho at knifepoint, and took away 22 bhori (around 40 lakh taka worth) of gold ornaments. To make the act convincing, they even injured Shubho before fleeing. Locals rushed him to the hospital, believing it was a real attack. However, police investigation later revealed that Shubho had orchestrated the entire event. All four suspects were arrested from Shailipara, Pouli area, and police are now probing possible financial motives and other hidden agendas.

In Chattogram, a court has sent a man named Majedul Islam (45) to jail after he surrendered in a case involving extortion of Tk 1.2 crore from a businessman and social worker, Moslem Uddin. According to the case, Majedul and another accused, Iftekharul Karim, allegedly posed as journalists of different TV channels and online portals to demand the money and threaten the businessman by labeling him as a political affiliate. The incidents occurred between February and March this year. Frustrated by repeated threats, Moslem Uddin filed a case on March 13. After an investigation, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) submitted a charge sheet against both men in July. When Majedul sought bail from the High Court, it was denied, and he was asked to appear before the lower court. Upon surrendering on Sunday, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate rejected his bail plea and ordered his imprisonment.

A Dhaka court has granted a two-day remand for Saiful Islam Rabbi, former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, along with three others—Abu Sufian, Abdur Rahman alias Manik, and Habibur Rahman Forhad—in connection with an extortion case. Another accused, Shahin Hossain, has been allowed to be interrogated at the jail gate if necessary. The case originated after the group allegedly demanded Tk 3 lakh from a private clinic in Mohammadpur, threatening vandalism and abduction when their demands were not met. According to the case statement, the accused already collected part of the money and continued issuing threats over the phone. The accused were arrested by the army and later handed over to police. Their lawyers sought bail, but the court rejected it, granting remand for interrogation.

A 55-year-old woman was brutally attacked on a New York subway after being asked if she was Muslim. The attacker, 34-year-old Naveed Durrani, confronted her on a train in Queens, asked about her religion, and launched a violent assault when she answered “Yes.” The woman sustained serious injuries, including a broken nose. Police later arrested Durrani on hate crime charges. A GoFundMe has been launched to help with her medical bills, living expenses, and mental health support as she recovers from the trauma.

A cattle trader named Hannan was seriously injured after being beaten by volunteers hired by the leaseholder at a temporary cattle market in Molla Bazar, South Keraniganj. The incident occurred when Hannan attempted to leave the market with his cows, leading to an argument. Police intervened, and the attackers allegedly assaulted Inspector Mosharraf Hossain. The leaseholder claimed it was a misunderstanding that was resolved, and the trader received medical attention. Police said the dispute was later settled between both parties.

A violent clash broke out between two groups in Barshapara village of Kotalipara, Gopalganj, on Friday morning over a dispute regarding a fish enclosure. At least 30 people, including a child, were injured in the conflict involving local UP member Ibrahim Fakir and Moksed Ali Fakir’s supporters. Both sides blamed each other for initiating the attack. The injured were taken to local hospitals. Police said the situation is now under control and no formal complaint has been filed yet.

Seventeen individuals have been arrested in Sylhet in connection with vandalism, looting, and attacks that occurred during an anti-Israel protest. The arrests were made after police discovered an online advertisement offering looted shoes for sale. Acting as buyers, police detained the seller and recovered some of the stolen items. Subsequent raids—guided by CCTV footage and viral social media videos—led to the arrest of the following individuals:
1. Md. Rajon (19), son of Md. Raja Mia, Kazitula
2. Imon (19), son of Arab Ali, Kazitula
3. Md. Rakib (19), son of Din Islam
4. Mizan Ahmed (30), son of Sad Ahmed
5. Md. Abdul Motaleb (35), son of the late Abul Bashar Mia, Saudagartula
6. Sabbir Ahmed (19), son of Liakat Ali, Goyatula
7. Junaid Ahmed (19), son of Farid Mia, Companiganj
8. Md. Robin Mia (20), son of the late Mostafa Mia, Mirer Moydan
9. Mostakin Ahmed Tuhin (19), son of Mohsun Ahmed, Shahi Eidgah
10. Md. Delwar Hossain (30), son of Abdul Sattar, Dargah Gate
11. Riyad (24), son of Shamim Ahmed, Shekghat
12. Md. Tuhin (24), son of Dulal Mia, Baluchar Natun Bazar
13. Al Nafiu (19), son of Selim Reza, Bateshwar Bazar
14. Syed Al Amin Tushar (29), son of Syed Altaf Manik, Noakhali
15. Md. Sohel Khan (42), son of the late Yusuf Ali, Gobindrashri, Beanibazar
16. Suman Mia Rupom (35), son of Shah Noor Mia, Siddorpasha, Jagannathpur, Sunamganj
17. Arun Malakar (35), son of the late Nondon Malakar, Janaiya, Bishwanath

The operation began on Monday night and continued into Tuesday. Authorities confirm that a case has been filed regarding the incident, and further operations are ongoing to identify and arrest others involved. Surveillance efforts have also extended to online platforms to prevent the resale of looted goods and to track digital evidence of the violence.

Shakib Al Hasan has publicly endorsed a gambling site following the end of his contract with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). In 2022, he faced widespread criticism after promoting a gambling advertisement through a sports news platform, which led to threats of being excluded from the national team. Since the fall of the Awami League government last year and his removal from the national team and central contract, Shakib is now openly promoting betting advertisements. He shared the promotion on his verified Facebook page, despite gambling being illegal in Bangladesh.

A businessman, Syed Mohammad Faruqi Hasan, has been revealed for bringing 721 crore taka from China to Bangladesh under the pretext of foreign income, evading 180 crore taka in taxes. The money was transferred over several years, and Faruqi has connections with the ruling Awami League. Despite claiming to have used the funds to establish factories and create jobs, investigations show the funds were transferred without paying taxes. Faruqi has since fled the country, and NBR is continuing its probe.

The child who was brutally abused in Magura has died while receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka. The Bangladesh Army confirmed the news through their verified Facebook page. Despite advanced medical care and doctors’ best efforts, the child could not be saved after suffering three cardiac arrests this morning. Admitted in critical condition on March 8, the child succumbed at 1:00 PM on March 13. The Bangladesh Army extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the child’s soul.

An Australian court sentenced BJP leader Balesh Dhankar to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting five South Korean women. Dhankar, 43, lured victims with fake job ads, drugged them, and recorded the assaults. He meticulously documented victims’ details in an Excel sheet. Convicted of 39 crimes, including 13 sexual assaults, his actions have sparked outrage. His past involvement with BJP and the Hindu Council of Australia raises concerns about leadership ethics. The case questions BJP’s and Modi government’s commitment to women’s safety.

A gold shop robbery occurred in Ashulia, Savar, on March 9, when a gang of four robbers attacked businessman Dilip Das, using a cocktail explosion to create panic. The robbers snatched the gold bag from Dilip and fled in a car. Locals rushed him to Enam Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead due to excessive blood loss. The police have confirmed the incident, and investigations are ongoing.

Former Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque is accused of issuing thousands of fake freedom fighter certificates in exchange for money. BNP leader and former MP Hasan Uddin Sarkar, along with other war veterans, claim Mozammel fraudulently added his name to the list. Allegations include hijacking historical achievements and tampering with war records. The Liberation War Ministry has identified 11,000 fake certificates, with more under investigation. Critics demand an official list of genuine freedom fighters and the removal of frauds.

A 22-year-old man, MK Siam, was arrested for creating fake Facebook profiles and using them to advertise PUBG game sales, tricking victims into making payments through mobile payment services like bKash and Nagad. Siam, arrested in Gaibandha’s Gobindganj on February 18, had been running the scam for two years. Authorities seized several mobile phones and SIM cards linked to the fraudulent activities. Investigations revealed that Siam embezzled large sums of money through this scheme.

Online gambling is rapidly spreading in Bangladesh, luring young people into losing millions. Foreign-operated betting sites, facilitated by local agents, are siphoning vast sums of money abroad, posing a major economic risk. Mobile financial services like bKash and Nagad are being used for transactions, making regulation difficult. Despite government crackdowns, gambling ads flood social media, targeting users in Bengali. Experts warn of rising addiction, family turmoil, and security threats. Urgent government action and public awareness are crucial to curb this growing menace.