A Faridpur court has sentenced Murad Khondokar, 43, to life imprisonment for raping a girl in Bhanga upazila’s Dakshin Aknabaria area in 2019. The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Shamima Parvin of the Faridpur Women and Child Repression Prevention Tribunal. The convict was also fined Tk 200,000. According to the case details, on May 15, 2019, Murad lured a young girl into his house while she was playing outside. When the girl’s elder sister went to bring her back, Murad raped the elder sister. The incident was later reported to their mother, and the victim’s father filed a case with Bhanga Police Station. The prosecution expressed satisfaction with the verdict, saying justice had been served. The convict was absent during the announcement of the judgment.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of former Detective Branch (DB) chief Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid’s income tax documents following a request from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The order was issued by Metropolitan Sessions Judge Md Sabbir Faez on Wednesday, November 26, after ACC Deputy Director Muhammad Zainal Abedin sought access to Harun’s tax files. According to the ACC’s petition, Harun allegedly abused his official authority to amass wealth worth Tk17.51 crore beyond his known sources of income, in violation of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act. The ACC argued that reviewing his tax records is essential for a fair and thorough investigation. Court bench assistant Md Riaz Hossain confirmed the order. The case marks another high-profile corruption probe involving a senior police officer, as the ACC intensifies scrutiny of public officials suspected of illicit enrichment.

Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has discovered 832 tola (approximately 9,707 grams) of gold in two lockers at Agrani Bank’s principal branch in Motijheel, Dhaka, linked to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her family members. According to ACC Director General Akhter Hossain, the gold items, including ornaments and decorative pieces such as a golden boat and deer, were deposited under the names of Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, and daughter Saima Wazed. The ACC is now verifying whether the assets are legally acquired. The discovery followed a court-approved operation to open three lockers—two at Agrani Bank and one at Pubali Bank—declared by Hasina in her 2007 wealth statement. Officials from the Bangladesh Bank, National Board of Revenue, and other agencies were present during the inventory process. One locker at Pubali Bank was found empty. The investigation is part of a broader corruption inquiry involving Hasina and her family’s declared assets.

Several Baul artists were attacked in Thakurgaon on Wednesday while gathering to join a protest demanding the release of fellow Baul singer Abul Sarkar, who had been arrested on charges of hurting religious sentiments. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in front of a tea stall near the Thakurgaon court premises. Witnesses said a group identifying themselves as 'Tawhidi Janata' launched a sudden assault on the Bauls, causing them to disperse. Police quickly intervened to bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of the artists. Thakurgaon Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sarwar Alam Khan confirmed the incident, stating that law enforcement had been deployed in advance to prevent unrest but the attack happened separately near the court area. Authorities are working to identify and detain those responsible for the assault.

Authorities in Rajshahi’s Bagha upazila uncovered a factory producing counterfeit molasses without using any sugarcane or date juice. The operation, conducted by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Wednesday morning, led to the seizure of a large quantity of adulterated molasses and sugar. The factory owners, Lucky and Santu, were fined a total of 100,000 taka by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection. Investigators found that the molasses was made using sugar, flour, fabric dye, hydrogen, gas powder, and lime instead of natural juice. The fake products were distributed across Rajshahi, Natore, and Pabna markets. RAB officials confirmed that about one ton of adulterated molasses was destroyed. Health experts warned that consuming such chemically produced molasses could cause severe health issues, including cancer, particularly among children. The authorities said further raids and penalties would follow in other suspected factories.

Bangladesh’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has filed a Tk 107 crore money laundering case against Khandaker Enayet Ullah, owner of Ena Transport and former general secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association. According to CID, Enayet Ullah and his associates amassed vast wealth through systematic extortion from transport owners across the country. The Financial Crime Unit lodged the case at Ramna Police Station after uncovering evidence of organized extortion and illegal financial transactions. Investigators found that Enayet Ullah controlled transport terminals nationwide, using intimidation and armed groups to collect daily and monthly payments. Authorities have frozen 53 bank accounts with Tk 110 crore in deposits and seized properties worth Tk 10 crore. CID’s analysis revealed over Tk 2,131 crore in deposits across 199 accounts linked to Enayet Ullah and his businesses, with Tk 107 crore allegedly laundered through structured transactions. The case also names five associates as co-accused under the Money Laundering Prevention Act.

Three young men from Shibchar, Madaripur, who traveled illegally to Libya hoping to reach Italy, have reportedly been brutally tortured by human traffickers demanding Tk 6 million in ransom. A disturbing video circulating on social media shows the victims tied up and beaten, allegedly in a desert or border area of Libya. The traffickers have been threatening the families with further violence if the ransom is not paid. Human rights activists have condemned the incident as a severe violation of human rights and a growing humanitarian crisis linked to illegal migration. They emphasize that awareness campaigns alone are insufficient to curb such trafficking and call for strict legal action against traffickers. Authorities in Shibchar have detained two suspects based on complaints from the victims’ families, and legal proceedings are underway. The case highlights the urgent need for safer, legal migration channels and stronger enforcement against human trafficking networks.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to former Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid. The directive was issued by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Faiz on Wednesday, November 26, to the Tax Region-20 office in Dhaka. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Muhammad Zainal Abedin had requested access to the records, citing the need for a thorough investigation. According to the ACC’s petition, Harun-or-Rashid allegedly abused his official power to amass and possess assets worth approximately Tk 17.51 crore beyond his known sources of income. The court’s order aims to facilitate a detailed review of his tax documents to determine the legitimacy of his wealth and support the ongoing corruption probe.

The prosecution has filed a contempt of court petition against Advocate Fazlur Rahman at the International Crimes Tribunal. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim confirmed the development on Wednesday, November 26. The petition accuses Rahman of actions or remarks deemed disrespectful to the authority and dignity of the tribunal. Details of the alleged contempt and the specific grounds for the petition have not yet been disclosed. The tribunal is expected to review the application and determine whether formal contempt proceedings will be initiated. Such cases are handled seriously by the tribunal, which maintains strict standards regarding conduct and respect for its judicial process.

At least 21 of the 41 murders committed in Chattogram over the past year are linked to criminal gangs operating through foreign phone numbers and encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Imo, and Telegram. These networks, reportedly run by masterminds based in India, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, and Qatar, issue orders for killings, extortion, and abductions remotely. Police admit they lack the technical capacity to trace these encrypted communications, leaving them unable to pinpoint suspects’ locations even when nearby. Intelligence reports identify at least 14 active groups, each backed by expatriate coordinators and hackers skilled in number cloning and fake location generation. Local law enforcement officials say their efforts are hampered by limited access to advanced surveillance tools and dependence on a single military intelligence agency for technical assistance. Experts warn that Chattogram’s underworld has undergone a ‘digital shift,’ urging immediate investment in cyber intelligence, international data-sharing agreements, and modern monitoring systems to prevent virtual criminal networks from becoming uncontrollable.

Despite multiple intelligence and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reports confirming serious irregularities, several senior officials loyal to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remain in powerful positions at Bangladesh Television (BTV). Investigations revealed large-scale corruption, including bribery, project manipulation, and misuse of government funds, yet no disciplinary measures have been taken. Sources claim that a network of ministry and BTV officials has deliberately stalled these reports, keeping them buried in bureaucratic red tape. Key figures such as Senior Engineer Monirul Islam, Executive Producer Safir Hossain, and Controller Mohammad Selim have been accused of embezzlement, document forgery, and abuse of power. Despite ongoing investigations, they continue to hold influential posts, allegedly obstructing further inquiries. Ministry officials, including the secretary and additional secretary, declined to comment when contacted. Insiders fear that the unchecked influence of these officials poses risks of information leaks and continued corruption within the state broadcaster.

A fire has broken out at Bangladesh Medical Hospital, commonly known as PG Hospital, located in Shahbagh, Dhaka. According to initial reports, six units of the Fire Service and Civil Defence are currently on the scene working to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are yet to be determined. Authorities have not reported any casualties so far, and emergency responders are focusing on ensuring the safety of patients and staff. Further details are expected as the situation develops.

In Maharashtra’s Kalyan region, three Muslim students were publicly humiliated by Hindu extremists who forced them to bow before a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The incident occurred after a video showing the students offering prayers in an empty classroom went viral online. Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal reportedly stormed Ideal College, demanding the students apologize and perform the act of obeisance while chanting religious slogans. Witnesses said police officers present at the scene did not intervene. Local Muslim residents and parents of the victims condemned the incident, accusing the college administration of yielding to mob pressure and preparing disciplinary action against the victims instead of the perpetrators. Rights groups and community leaders said the event reflects a growing pattern of harassment and intimidation of Muslims in BJP-ruled states, where extremist groups allegedly act with impunity and law enforcement fails to protect minorities.

A series of investigative reports have revealed extensive corruption within Bangladesh Television (BTV), implicating several senior officials accused of embezzlement, abuse of power, and political favoritism. Despite clear evidence from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and National Security Intelligence (NSI), no disciplinary action has been taken against the accused, many of whom are reportedly loyal to the former Awami League government. Officials such as Monirul Islam, Mohammad Selim, and Safir Hossain are alleged to have manipulated contracts, falsified bills, and misused public funds. Sources claim that a powerful clique within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is obstructing the implementation of investigation findings, keeping the reports buried in bureaucratic red tape. Attempts to obtain official comments from ministry officials, including Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, were unsuccessful. The revelations have raised concerns about ongoing risks of information leaks and the persistence of corruption within the state broadcaster even under the interim government.

A devastating fire broke out in Dhaka’s Korail slum on Tuesday evening, destroying around 1,500 homes. The blaze started at approximately 5:22 p.m., and 19 fire service units managed to bring it under control after five hours of effort, around 10:30 p.m. No casualties have been reported so far. Fire Service Director (Operations and Maintenance) Lt. Col. Mohammad Tajul Islam Chowdhury said traffic congestion delayed the arrival of fire trucks, forcing firefighters to extend hoses from a distance. He added that tangled electrical wires and gas cylinders inside homes accelerated the spread of the fire. The cause of the blaze and the extent of property damage are under investigation. Chowdhury noted that regular fire drills in the slum helped contain the fire more quickly. He also mentioned that sufficient water was available from fire trucks, WASA, and nearby drains. Officials warned that winter months are typically a high-risk period for fires in Dhaka.