Indian Customs officials in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district recovered Bangladeshi currency worth 120,000 taka during a raid near Raiganj on Tuesday morning. Acting on a tip-off, officers intercepted two men on a motorcycle without a license plate in the Hemtabad police area. When ordered to stop, the suspects fled, throwing bundles of 2-taka notes onto the road before escaping.

Authorities later collected 60,000 brand-new, unused 2-taka notes from the scene. The seizure has prompted an investigation into how such a large quantity of new Bangladeshi currency entered Indian territory. Officials suspect the notes may have been smuggled across the border for illegal trade or currency exchange purposes.

Customs sources said the incident highlights ongoing cross-border monetary smuggling challenges between India and Bangladesh. Security agencies are now coordinating with Bangladeshi counterparts to trace the origin of the notes and identify the individuals involved.

A bomb explosion outside a police station in Moscow early Wednesday killed three people, including two traffic police officers. According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, the blast occurred on Yeletskaya Street when officers approached a suspicious man who then detonated an explosive device. The incident follows a car bomb attack two days earlier in the same area that killed Russian Army General Fanil Sarvarov.

Authorities have not yet confirmed who was behind the latest explosion, though previous similar attacks in Russia have been linked to alleged Ukrainian intelligence involvement. The deceased officers were aged 24 and 25, and one reportedly leaves behind a wife and a nine-month-old child. The attack has prompted heightened security measures across Moscow.

The explosion underscores growing security concerns in the Russian capital amid ongoing regional tensions and recent high-profile attacks. Investigators are working to determine whether the two incidents are connected as Moscow tightens surveillance around police and military facilities.

A Dhaka court has granted a fresh four-day remand for Khadija Yasmin, daughter of jailed crime figure Subrata Bain, in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Arif Sikder. The order was issued by Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque after police sought additional time for interrogation. During the hearing, Yasmin told the court that her father’s criminal record should not make her responsible for his actions.

Defense lawyers argued against the remand, saying no new information had been obtained during the previous five-day interrogation and that Yasmin, a working mother of two, should be granted bail. The prosecution, however, claimed that she might hold crucial information relevant to national security and the ongoing investigation, especially ahead of the national elections.

Yasmin was arrested on December 15 near Cumilla Jail and previously remanded for five days. The case stems from the April 2025 shooting of Jubo Dal leader Arif Sikder in Dhaka’s Hatirjheel area, which later turned into a murder case after his death in hospital.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has scheduled January 20 for delivering its verdict in a war crimes case involving the killing of six people in Dhaka’s Chankharpul area during the July uprising. The case names former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman and seven others as accused of crimes against humanity.

The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumder, fixed the date on Wednesday. The panel also includes Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmud and retired District and Sessions Judge Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the seniority of the accused and the historical context of the July uprising.

Legal observers note that the verdict could set an important precedent for accountability in post-conflict justice. Families of the victims have expressed hope for closure, while defense lawyers maintain that the charges are politically motivated. Security measures are expected to be heightened around the tribunal on the day of the verdict.

Bangladesh’s prosecution authority has formally filed charges against former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman and ten other senior officers in connection with the killing of Imam Hasan Taim during the July uprising in Jatrabari. The charges were submitted to the registrar of the International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday, confirmed Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam.

The accused include former Joint Commissioner Sudip Kumar Chakraborty, former DC of Wari Zone Iqbal Hossain, ADC Shakil Mohammad Shamim, and several other officers, including the then Officer-in-Charge of Jatrabari Police Station, Abul Hasan. Taim, son of a police sub-inspector, was reportedly shot dead on July 20 last year while out with a friend during the unrest.

The case has drawn significant public attention as it involves senior law enforcement officials accused of excessive use of force. Legal analysts say the tribunal’s proceedings could set a precedent for accountability in police operations during political crises. The next hearing date is expected to be announced soon.

A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was injured after accidentally shooting himself with his service weapon while on duty in Dharmanagar, Tripura. The injured soldier, identified as Bipin Kumar, 35, from the 97th Battalion, was immediately taken to Dharmanagar District Hospital late Monday night and later transferred to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for advanced treatment.

According to police and BSF officials, the incident occurred in the Maheshpur area during a late-night patrol. Preliminary findings suggest the firearm discharged unintentionally while Kumar was handling it. Authorities have described the incident as accidental and confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

The BSF has ordered a detailed inquiry into the safety protocols followed during the incident. Officials emphasized the importance of strict adherence to weapon-handling procedures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-1 has formally opened the trial of four accused, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers Lt. Col. Redwanul Islam and Major Md. Rafat Bin Alam, in connection with the killing of 28 people during the July uprising in Dhaka’s Rampura area. The tribunal, led by Chairman Golam Mortuza Majumder, rejected the defendants’ petitions for discharge and set January 20 for opening statements.

The two detained officers were brought to court from prison, where the charges were read out by Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud. Both pleaded not guilty and sought justice. The other two accused—former DMP ADC Md. Rashedul Islam and former Rampura Police OC Md. Moshior Rahman—remain fugitives. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam had earlier completed the hearing on charge framing on December 6.

The tribunal’s decision marks a significant step in addressing alleged crimes committed during the July uprising. The upcoming proceedings are expected to examine evidence and witness testimonies to determine accountability for the Rampura killings.

Government documents reveal that Sajjad Hossain, known as ‘Chhoto Sajjad’ and listed by police as a top Chattogram criminal, received bail in several murder cases without any state challenge or suspension request. The bail orders, issued between September 15 and 22, 2025, covered seven murder cases involving Sajjad and his wife, Sharmin Akter Tamanna. Despite the gravity of the charges, internal notes from the Attorney General’s Office marked the cases with ‘no objection.’

Additional Attorney General Mohammad Arshadur Rauf, who was acting Attorney General at the time, said he was unaware of Sajjad’s criminal background when approving the decision. He explained that the office handles a large volume of case files, often lacking full background details. After media exposure, Rauf said he personally sought to suspend the bail orders through the Appellate Division.

Police identify Sajjad as a key figure in organized crime, extortion, and murder in Chattogram’s Bayezid and Chandgaon areas. The incident has raised concerns about case management and information flow within the Attorney General’s Office.

A case has been filed four days after a deadly house fire in Lakshmipur that killed an eight-year-old girl and injured three others. The fire broke out late on December 19 at the home of Belal Hossain, an assistant organizing secretary of the Bhabaniganj Union BNP. Belal, who was also injured, lodged the case on December 23 at Sadar Model Police Station against unidentified assailants.

Police confirmed the filing, stating that an investigation is underway to identify those responsible. The incident left Belal’s daughter Ayesha Akter dead, while his two other daughters, Salma Akter Smriti (17) and Samia Akter Bithi (14), sustained severe burns. Smriti, with 90 percent burns, remains in critical condition at Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s burn unit.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the arson. The case has drawn local attention amid heightened political tensions, as the victim’s father is a local BNP leader. Investigators are focusing on whether the attack was politically motivated or a personal dispute.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 of Bangladesh is set to issue an order today to frame charges against four accused, including former Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers Lt. Col. Redwanul Islam and Maj. Md. Rafat Bin Alam, in a case over the killing of 28 people during the so-called July Revolution in Dhaka’s Rampura area. The tribunal, chaired by Justice Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, will hear the matter with two other members, Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and retired judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

Two of the accused, Redwanul Islam and Rafat Bin Alam, are currently in custody and will be produced before the tribunal, while two others — former DMP ADC Md. Rashedul Islam and former Rampura OC Md. Mashiur Rahman — remain absconding. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam concluded the hearing on charge framing earlier on December 6.

The case marks another significant step in addressing alleged crimes committed during the July Revolution, with the tribunal’s decision expected to shape subsequent proceedings and accountability measures within Bangladesh’s justice system.

A Dhaka court has ordered the freezing of eight bank accounts belonging to Faisal Karim Masud, the prime suspect in the murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, and his associates. The order was issued by Vacation Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of the Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge’s Court following a petition from the case’s investigating officer.

According to the Detective Branch, Hadi was shot on December 12 in the capital’s Paltan area and later died on December 18 while undergoing treatment in Singapore. Following his death, the case was reclassified as a murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reported over Tk 127 crore in suspicious transactions linked to Faisal and related individuals, prompting a separate money laundering probe. The court has also imposed a travel ban on Faisal.

Authorities are now examining the financial trail to determine possible links between the murder and alleged illicit fund movements. Further legal proceedings and forensic financial analyses are expected in the coming weeks.

A video showing a local student leader in Feni, Bangladesh, allegedly blackmailing a young man and woman at gunpoint has gone viral on social media, prompting police investigation and public condemnation. The accused, Anwar Hossain Choton, a former assistant secretary of the Bogadana Union unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), is seen brandishing a foreign-made pistol while threatening the pair. Following the video’s circulation, Choton reportedly went into hiding, and the victims remain untraced.

Local residents claim Choton and his associates had long been extorting money from young people by trapping them in compromising situations and filming them under duress. Party officials confirmed that Choton currently holds no official position, limiting their ability to take disciplinary action. Feni district JCD leaders urged law enforcement to act swiftly, while police said they are working to identify the victims and locate the suspect.

Authorities believe internal disputes among Choton’s associates may have led to the video’s release. The incident has reignited debate over political impunity and the misuse of party affiliation for criminal activities in local communities.

A Dhaka court has ordered nine individuals to be sent to jail in connection with the violent attack, arson, and looting at the office of The Daily Star in Karwan Bazar. The order was issued by Metropolitan Magistrate Md Jamshed Alam after the accused were produced before the court. The suspects, hailing from various districts including Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, were denied bail following a hearing where both prosecution and defense presented arguments.

According to the case filed at Tejgaon Police Station, the attack occurred around 12:35 a.m. on December 19, when a group of armed assailants entered the newspaper’s premises, assaulted staff, and set multiple floors on fire. The attackers allegedly looted cash and equipment worth approximately BDT 40 crore, damaging CCTV systems and fire safety infrastructure. The incident led to the rescue of 30 employees.

The case was filed by The Daily Star’s Head of Operations, naming 350–400 unidentified suspects. Investigations are ongoing as authorities assess the extent of damages and possible motives behind the attack.

The Office of the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh’s Bhaluka area. Education Adviser Professor C.R. Abrar visited the victim’s family on behalf of the government, offering condolences and assurances of continued support during this difficult time.

In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing described the murder as a heinous crime with no justification. It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing that only the state has the authority to investigate and ensure justice through proper legal procedures. Law enforcement agencies have so far arrested 12 suspects, and the investigation is ongoing.

The government reiterated its pledge to protect all citizens equally, regardless of religion or identity, and called on communities and leaders to reject violence and uphold restraint and humanity. Financial and welfare assistance will be provided to the victim’s family, with authorities maintaining regular contact to ensure continued support.

A Dhaka court has granted a five-day remand for Kabir, a close associate of Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul Dawood, the prime suspect in the murder of Inquilab Mancha leader Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi. The order came from Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Sefatullah after Kabir was produced before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court upon completion of a previous seven-day remand.

According to Detective Branch Inspector Faisal Ahmed, Kabir accompanied Faisal multiple times to Hadi’s office and owned the motorcycle allegedly used in the killing. The prosecution, led by Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki, argued that Kabir’s close ties with Faisal and his possession of the vehicle warranted further interrogation. The court approved five days of additional remand despite Kabir not having legal representation during the hearing.

Investigators are still uncertain whether Faisal has fled the country or remains in hiding. Authorities have emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to identify the actual perpetrators behind the high-profile murder that has drawn nationwide attention.