DHAKA – Dhaka-6 lawmaker Ishraque Hossain today resigned from his position as the State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. At a press conference held at the National Press Club this afternoon, Ishraque said he chose to step down voluntarily to avoid putting the Prime Minister or the BNP in an uncomfortable position.

Ishraque said he spoke to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and expressed his will to resign from the post of State Minister for Liberation War Affairs. Despite stepping down from his ministerial portfolio, he reaffirmed his intent to continue his anti-drug drives as a BNP activist.

DHAKA: The office of State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain has strongly rejected reports circulating in various media outlets and on social media claiming that he has resigned or been instructed to resign, describing the reports as “completely false, baseless, and politically motivated.”

In a press statement issued on Sunday and signed by the minister’s press officer, Mahfuz Kabir Mukta, the office condemned the reports and urged the public not to be misled by what it described as deliberate misinformation.

The statement said that Minister Ishraq Hossain has been performing his duties with dedication and integrity. It also clarified that no instructions had been issued by the government’s senior leadership for him to step down and that there was no basis for such rumors. According to the statement, an interest-driven group is allegedly spreading fabricated information to achieve political objectives and create confusion among the public.

Ishraq Hossain’s Firearm Incident Explained

The statement also addressed an incident that took place on October 17 in Gandaria, within the minister’s parliamentary constituency, during a social resistance campaign against drugs. According to the minister’s office, he displayed his personal firearm in a lawful act of self-defense amid the situation that arose during the program. The statement noted that the minister had already explained his position regarding the incident. It further criticized reports linking the incident to his alleged resignation, calling such coverage misleading and contrary to journalistic ethics.

Media Urged to Withdraw False Reports

The press statement called on all media outlets and members of the public not to be influenced by what it described as misinformation. It also demanded that media outlets that had published the alleged resignation news withdraw their reports immediately. Otherwise, the statement warned, appropriate legal action could be taken against those responsible for spreading the misinformation. The minister’s office reiterated that reports of Ishraq Hossain’s resignation or an order directing him to resign are unfounded, according to the official statement.

Chattogram: A Chattogram court has approved the withdrawal of a criminal case filed against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 183 others after complainant Kofil Uddin informed the court that the dispute had been amicably resolved. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Mohidul Islam passed the order on October 8, accepting the complainant’s petition to withdraw the case, which was filed on November 18, 2024.

Earlier, on July 13, 2026, Kofil Uddin told Metropolitan Magistrate Md Abu Bakar Siddique that the dispute had been settled out of court. He also stated that he had no objection to the accused being discharged.

Kofil Uddin, son of late Jebol Hossain of Anowara, had filed the complaint alleging that he was injured by gunfire and explosions during clashes between protesters and Awami League activists in Chattogram’s New Market area on August 4, 2024.

Following a court order for an investigation, Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) Metro Inspector Syed Mohammad Ahsanul Islam submitted a report to the Chattogram court in March this year. The report accused 66 Awami League leaders and activists, including Hasina, in connection with attacks on protesters.

The PBI recommended discharging 26 accused, including former PBI chief Banaj Kumar Mazumder, former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch chief Harun-or-Rashid and former Chattogram Metropolitan Police commissioner Saiful Islam, saying it had found no evidence of their involvement.

According to the report, evidence was found that Hasina, former road transport minister Obaidul Quader, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun and former education minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel had incited and directed efforts to suppress the student movement.

The investigating officer identified Kofil Uddin as a day labourer and said he had actively participated in the quota reform and anti-discrimination movement in the Kotwali area. Speaking to Journalists on Thursday, Kofil Uddin said he had actively participated in the July uprising and filed the case seeking justice.

However, he said he had experienced injustice and discrimination himself in the months following the uprising.

“I was targeted by the students who led the movement against the Awami League. I was beaten and even jailed on allegations that I was associated with the Jubo League and Chhatra League,” Kofil Uddin said. He claimed that although he had interacted with many people, including members of the Jubo League and Chhatra League, he had never held any position in either organisation.

“So, I withdrew the case. I found no benefit in continuing the case,” he said.

DHAKA: The prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has filed formal charges against eight people, including former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. ASM Maksud Kamal and writer and academic Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, over alleged crimes against humanity linked to attacks on students during the 2024 July Uprising.

The formal charges were submitted to the registrar’s office of International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) on Wednesday, September 16. The other accused are Dhaka University Professor AKM Jamal Uddin, retired Appellate Division Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, former Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Enan, former Dhaka University Chhatra League President Mazharul Kabir Shayan and General Secretary Tanbir Hasan Shaikat.

Manik, Jamal Uddin and Shaikat are currently in custody, while the other five have been reported as absconding. Speaking to journalists after the charges were filed, ICT Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim said the accused face allegations of incitement, conspiracy, attempt and provocation in connection with attacks on protesting students at Dhaka University during the July Uprising.

The prosecutor alleged that Maksud Kamal made provocative statements and was involved in a conspiracy that led to attacks on protesters by Chhatra League, Jubo League activists and police. “We have submitted a formal charge in this regard,” he said.

According to the prosecution, the charges were prepared on the basis of information and documents collected during the investigation. The tribunal will now consider the formal charges and determine the next stage of the legal proceedings.

New York: The 56th Independence Day of Bangladesh was celebrated with enthusiasm by the United States Awami League, its affiliated organizations, and various pro-Liberation groups, including political, social, and cultural associations. Journalists, poets, researchers, and prominent expatriate leaders also attended the event.

The program was held on the evening of March 22 at Juice Center in Jackson Heights, New York City. It was presided over by Dr. Pradip Ranjan Kar, veteran freedom fighter, former General Secretary of BAKSU, and advisor to the US Awami League. The event was jointly organized by US Awami League Office Secretary Engineer Mohammad Ali Siddiqui and Legal Secretary Advocate Shah Mohammad Bakhtiar Ali.

The discussion, titled “The Significance of Independence Day and Today’s Bangladesh,” featured speeches by senior journalist and US Awami League advisor Hakikul Islam Khokon, freedom fighters Golam Mostofa Khan Miraj, Shawkat Akbar Richy, Faruk Hossain, Khurshid Anwar Bablu, Ismail Khan Ansari, Helal Majid, poet and freedom fighter Avinash Acharya, and Dr. Selina Afrin Rita, child of a martyr family and YouTube host. Other leaders from Awami League and its affiliated organizations also addressed the gathering.

Patriotic poetry recitations were delivered by Hasan Al Abdullah, Minhaj Ahmed Shammu, Gopon Saha, and Awami League leader Rina Abedin. The program began with a collective rendition of the national anthem, followed by a one-minute silence honoring the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, the 1962–1969 education and democracy movements, the 1971 Liberation War, the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family in 1975, the 2004 grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina, and other struggles for democracy.

Speakers expressed concern over the resurgence of forces defeated in 1971 and emphasized the need for unity at home and abroad. They called for keeping the spirit of liberation alive, strengthening the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and ensuring that those responsible for historical atrocities face justice.

New York: Leaders of the New York State unit of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have expressed their commitment to accelerating Bangladesh’s development under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. The pledge was made during a discussion meeting held on March 29 at Diversity Plaza in New York City, organized to mark Independence Day.

In his opening remarks, BNP central committee member Gias Ahmed said that following Tarique Rahman’s vision, expatriate Bangladeshis remain united in working to build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh, fulfilling the dreams of the late President Ziaur Rahman.

Speaking as a special guest, BNP USA Joint Secretary General Akter Hossain Badal highlighted that party members abroad are committed to supporting Tarique Rahman, the rightful successor to Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in building an equitable society.

Another special guest, Golam Faruk Shaheen, member of the BNP Chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee, said that expatriate activists—long engaged in political struggle—now face the critical task of providing full support for Tarique Rahman’s development mission.

The event, moderated by State BNP General Secretary Saidur Rahman Said and chaired by State BNP President Oliullah Atikur Rahman, was attended by numerous party leaders and activists. The program concluded with a special prayer for the martyrs of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Organizers expressed gratitude to participants for attending despite adverse weather conditions.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the government is considering to reinstate a traditional uniform for the Bangladesh Police, as many members of the force are reportedly dissatisfied with the current attire. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after the basic training closing parade of the 43rd BCS (Police) batch at the Bangladesh Police Academy in Sardah, Rajshahi on Saturday.

The minister attended the event as chief guest and noted that discussions on the uniform are ongoing at the highest levels of government. Emphasizing equality before the law, Salahuddin Ahmed said the country is undergoing a significant transformation, placing greater responsibility on law enforcement officials. He urged police officers to carry out their duties with honesty, efficiency, and professionalism, while maintaining humane conduct and deep respect for the law. “Discipline, chain of command, loyalty, and coordinated leadership are the core strengths of any force,” he said. “In the eyes of the law, everyone is equal, whether a political activist or an ordinary farmer.”

Highlighting the role of police in ensuring the rule of law, the minister stressed that the force must remain free from political influence. “The government believes the police should not serve any political party or group. Our goal is to build a modern, service-oriented, and people-friendly police force,” he said, adding that steps have already been taken to increase manpower.

He also announced that efforts are underway to establish an independent and robust Police Reform Commission aimed at safeguarding the force from political interference. At the beginning of his speech, the minister paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, freedom fighters, the proclaimer of independence Ziaur Rahman, and those killed during the July mass uprising.

Earlier, he took the salute and inspected the parade, and later distributed awards among trainees for outstanding performance in various categories. A total of 80 officers participated in the training program, which began on March 1, 2025. Of them, 72 successfully completed the course. Among the graduates, six were female cadre officers and 66 were male.

The closing parade ceremony was attended by Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Members of Parliament from various constituencies, and other senior government officials.

DHAKA, March 28, 2026 (BSS) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today issued a set of directives to BNP lawmakers to infuse dynamism in parliamentary activities at a meeting at Jatiya Sangsad.

“The prime minister delivered a directional speech addressing treasury bench members present at the ruling party’s meeting room at Jatiya Sangshad Bhaban this afternoon,” premier’s deputy press secretary Jahidul Islam Rony said.

He said at the onset of the meeting BNP lawmakers deeply mourned the death of Professor Dilara Hafiz, spouse of Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikram, and offered a special prayer seeking her eternal peace. Rony said that the meeting also discussed ongoing government activities, current political scenario, legislative activities and future action plans.

DHAKA  – BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today exchanged views with party leaders, cabinet members and lawmakers at the party’s Nayapaltan central office here this evening. Earlier, he arrived at the central office around 7:20pm while BNP leaders and activists welcomed him upon his arrival.

This is the first time Tarique Rahman visited the party’s Nayapaltan office after assuming office as Prime Minister, said sources at Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Earlier, he had visited the Nayapaltan office once after returning to the country from London.

A large number of party leaders and activists have gathered in the Nayapaltan area since the afternoon to mark his arrival. They chanted slogans, making the entire area vibrant. Members of law enforcement agencies were seen performing their duties to ensure the safety and security for the event.

New York: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested several undocumented immigrants involved in serious criminal activities across the United States in a recent enforcement operation, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Authorities said the individuals were either convicted or accused of grave offenses, including child abuse, rape, sexual violence, drug trafficking, fraud, and assault. Among those detained are several Bangladeshi nationals, whose names, photos, and alleged crimes have been প্রকাশ on the official DHS website.

In a statement, Lauren Vees, Deputy Assistant Secretary at DHS, confirmed that law enforcement agencies targeted individuals involved in dangerous and violent crimes. She emphasized that those who harm vulnerable individuals, particularly children, or pose a threat to public safety should not be allowed to remain in the country.

According to DHS data, Kazi Abu Sayeed was arrested in Fort Scott, Kansas, facing charges of exploiting a minor as well as operating illegal gambling activities. Shahed Hasan was detained in Raleigh, North Carolina, on allegations of carrying a concealed weapon and committing theft. In Buffalo, New York, Mohammad Ahmed was arrested over accusations of sexual assault and other related offenses, while MD Hossain was taken into custody in Queens, New York, also on allegations of sexual abuse.

Elsewhere, Mahtab Uddin Ahmed was apprehended in Chantilly, Virginia, for alleged involvement in marijuana distribution and possession of hallucinogenic substances. Nawaz Khan was arrested in Marlin, Texas, in connection with serious drug-related offenses. Shahriar Abir was taken into custody in Pensacola, Florida, on theft charges, while Alamgir Chowdhury was arrested in Mount Clemens, Michigan, accused of credit card fraud.

Authorities further reported that Ishtiaq Rafi was detained in Manassas, Virginia, facing charges related to weapons violations and possession of synthetic drugs. In Phoenix, Arizona, Kanak Parvez was arrested on allegations of fraud.

DHS stated that these arrests were part of coordinated operations carried out by ICE along with federal law enforcement partners, as part of ongoing efforts to identify and remove individuals involved in serious criminal conduct from the United States.