DHAKA — The Bangladesh government has said it has not taken any formal decision to launch a new nationwide joint operation similar to the controversial “Operation Clean Heart” of 2002, while coordinated law-enforcement drives against crime, extortion and drug-related activities are set to continue and intensify.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Thursday that ongoing operations involving police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Special Response Battalion (SRB) and Ansar are part of the regular law-enforcement process.

“There is no formal decision to conduct a joint operation,” the minister said, adding that coordinated activities to combat terrorism, extortion and drugs would be strengthened further. The minister made the remarks after unveiling the foundation plaque for the new headquarters of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Party in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

His comments came amid growing discussion over whether the government might undertake a large-scale security campaign following reports of extortion, land grabbing and other criminal activities in different parts of the country.

Salahuddin also ruled out plans for a special operation modeled on the 2002 “Operation Clean Heart.” He said the government was not considering establishing a separate joint force for such a campaign and described the ongoing coordination among law-enforcement agencies as part of their regular activities.

Alleged Criminal Networks

Recent media reports have also highlighted an alleged list of people involved in extortion and land or property grabbing in Dhaka. A report published by The Daily Inqilab said a list reportedly prepared by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police identified 1,536 people allegedly involved in land grabbing, footpath occupation and extortion. The report said 1,252 were identified as active extortionists and 278 as alleged patrons or facilitators. It further claimed that 230 of the 278 alleged patrons were current or former leaders or activists of the BNP or its affiliated organisations.

Those figures have not been independently established here as an official DMP publication, and political affiliations mentioned in such reports should be treated as allegations rather than established findings.

Law-Enforcement Operations to Continue

The government says police and other security agencies will continue working together against extortion, drugs, terrorism and other crimes. Salahuddin said law-enforcement personnel found negligent in their duties or involved in criminal activities could face departmental and legal action, including criminal cases where allegations are proved. The current approach therefore involves strengthening coordination among existing agencies rather than announcing a new operation under the name “Operation Clean Heart.”

The original Operation Clean Heart was launched in October 2002 and involved the military in a nationwide anti-crime campaign. Human Rights Watch later documented allegations of deaths in custody and other human-rights abuses associated with the operation. The government’s latest position, however, is that no new campaign modeled on that operation has been approved.

LONDON — Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son and former adviser to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, has urged Western governments to speak out over political detentions and the exclusion of the Awami League from Bangladesh’s political process, warning that continued silence could contribute to instability and affect Western economic and security interests.

Joy made the remarks by video link on September 29 at a London seminar organised by the Global Centre for Democratic Governance at One Great George Street. The event focused on democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Bangladesh.

During his address, Joy accused Britain and other Western governments of overlooking alleged abuses while maintaining commercial ties with Bangladesh. He alleged that politicians and journalists had been detained for extended periods without due process and questioned the legitimacy of an election in which the Awami League was excluded. His comments covered developments since Sheikh Hasina left office in August 2024.

Bangladesh’s interim government banned Awami League activities in May 2025 pending proceedings before the International Crimes Tribunal related to the suppression of the 2024 uprising. The authorities said the measure was aimed at protecting national security and people involved in the proceedings.

The February 2026 parliamentary election received a generally positive assessment from international observers, although concerns remained over political inclusion. The Commonwealth’s final report described the election as peaceful, orderly and transparent while also highlighting the consequences of the Awami League’s exclusion and continuing concerns over media freedom and political participation.

Human Rights Watch, meanwhile, reported in July 2025 that many arrests of people perceived to be Awami League supporters appeared arbitrary and politically motivated. The organisation also said that some forms of repression associated with Hasina’s government, including widespread enforced disappearances, appeared to have ended.

Joy also blamed the military for five deaths during unrest in Gopalganj in July 2025. Human Rights Watch likewise reported five deaths in clashes involving security forces and Awami League supporters. The military said at the time that its personnel had acted in self-defence after warnings were ignored and troops came under attack. The competing accounts leave questions over the precise circumstances and responsibility for the deaths.

Joy also raised concerns about Bangladesh’s ability to finance aircraft purchases and imported gas, while claiming that domestic investment had effectively stopped. Available economic data, however, provide a more mixed picture. Boeing announced on September 23 that Biman Bangladesh Airlines had ordered 11 additional aircraft, bringing the airline’s total orders during 2026 to 25. The announcement confirms the aircraft purchases but does not establish whether Bangladesh has missed contractual payments or demonstrate its ability to meet all future financial obligations.

Similarly, available investment data do not support a literal claim that domestic investment has stopped. A January 2026 economic review by the Centre for Policy Dialogue estimated private investment at 22.48 percent of GDP in fiscal year 2025, compared with 23.96 percent a year earlier.

Bangladesh nevertheless continues to face significant economic challenges. The International Monetary Fund has highlighted fiscal constraints, stress in the banking sector and persistent inflation. In its assessment, the IMF projected economic growth of 3.5 percent for fiscal year 2027 and called for reforms to increase government revenue and strengthen the banking sector.

Joy concluded his remarks by warning of renewed political confrontation and security risks. He also urged Bangladeshis living abroad to engage with their elected representatives and encourage them to raise issues involving human rights, democratic participation and political inclusion in Bangladesh.

Dhaka: The voice behind one of Bangladesh’s most consequential journeys into digital journalism has fallen silent. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com, has died at the age of 59. He was taken to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London on Thursday night after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Doctors pronounced him dead at 2:23pm local time on Friday. Khalidi had been in London on a private visit, his family said, when he suddenly fell ill. His death came just three weeks before bdnews24.com was due to celebrate its 20th anniversary on Oct 23 — an occasion he had been actively planning.

“We were preparing to celebrate our 20th anniversary on Oct 23. Toufique bhai himself was planning everything. Overall, he was incredibly energised and enthusiastic. But everything ended three weeks before that. This is an irreparable loss for us,” a bdnews24.com spokesperson said. The date for bringing Khalidi’s body back to Bangladesh has not yet been decided. His family will announce the time and place of the funeral prayers and burial once arrangements have been finalised. President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep sorrow over Khalidi’s death, describing him as a pioneer in the development of online and digital journalism in Bangladesh.

“Toufique Imrose Khalidi was a pioneer in the development of online and digital journalism in the country. With his death, the country has lost an experienced, gracious and distinguished media personality. His contribution to journalism and the media will be remembered for a long time,” he said in a condolence message. Recalling his personal memories of Khalidi with deep respect, the president added, “Toufique Imrose Khalidi’s death is extremely painful for me.”

Khalidi was born on Jun 14, 1967. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the Dhaka University in 1987, studying political science and international relations as subsidiary subjects. Khalidi would go on to complete a Master’s in English Literature from the same university. He started in population research in 1987 and worked for Save the Children Fund (UK) before entering journalism.

Khalidi worked at a number of publications over the course of a lengthy journalistic career. He was the assistant editor at the Sunday Express from 1989 to 1991, a diplomatic correspondent at The Daily Star from 1991 to 1993, a senior correspondent at The Financial Express from 1993 to 1995, and then as assistant editor and lead writer at the publication while also covering major events as special correspondent.

From 1996 to 1997, he worked for Paris-based Europe, a quarterly journal published by Journalists in Europe Foundation in Paris. He was the assistant editor and head of the Business and Economy Desk at The Daily Star from 1997 to 1998. From 1999 to 2000, he was the news editor of the English daily’s Weekend Edition. During this time, he was also the joint news editor at the newspaper.

Khalidi joined the BBC World Service in 2000 and worked as a producer and presenter of news and current affairs programmes in addition to producing reports and features on business and economic issues until 2005. He was also the anchor of a monthly debate programme.

In July 2006, he became the editor-in-chief and managing director of bdnews24.com, also serving as the director and stakeholder of its owning company Bangladesh News 24 Hours Ltd. Following the takeover by Khalidi, BDNEWS relaunched as Bangladesh’s first free online newspaper and was rebranded as bdnews24.com.

DHAKA — Bangladesh has formally opened its embassy in Ireland, establishing a permanent diplomatic platform to strengthen bilateral relations, expand cooperation and enhance engagement with the Bangladeshi community in the country. The embassy began its administrative operations on Thursday from a temporary chancery at Alexandra House in Ballsbridge, Dublin, an area that hosts several diplomatic missions, according to a press release issued by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mohammed Nore Alam, Bangladesh’s ambassador-designate to Ireland, assumed charge of the mission on Thursday. He is expected to present his credentials to the President of Ireland in due course. The establishment of the resident embassy marks a new milestone in Bangladesh-Ireland relations and is expected to facilitate closer diplomatic engagement and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, the ministry said.

The embassy will also serve as a dedicated platform for engaging with the estimated 25,000 Bangladeshi nationals living in Ireland. Passport, visa and other consular services will be introduced after the necessary administrative and logistical arrangements are completed. The services will be available to Bangladeshi nationals as well as other eligible applicants.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said details regarding the launch of consular services, including dates, procedures and other relevant information, will be announced through official channels. Bangladesh said it looks forward to further developing its friendly and mutually beneficial relations with Ireland through the newly established resident embassy.

DHAKA — Bangladesh Police has launched a dedicated Cyber Police Unit to strengthen cybercrime investigations, digital security and technology-driven policing as criminal activities increasingly evolve in the era of artificial intelligence. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed formally inaugurated the specialised unit at the Hall of Pride at Police Headquarters on Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing after the inauguration, the home minister said the rapid development of artificial intelligence and changing patterns of crime require law enforcement agencies to move beyond conventional policing and adopt technology- and knowledge-based approaches.

“In the era of artificial intelligence, the nature of crime is changing rapidly. Our policing system must evolve accordingly. The Cyber Police Unit is a major step towards transforming Bangladesh Police into a modern, technology-driven and knowledge-based force,” he said.

The new unit represents a major institutional step toward establishing a technology-led policing framework capable of responding to increasingly sophisticated cyber and digital crimes. The Cyber Police Unit will be headed by an Additional Inspector General of Police (Additional IGP). Mohammad Iqbal Hossain has initially been assigned to lead the unit.

At the divisional level, deputy inspectors general (DIGs) and additional DIGs will oversee cyber-policing activities. At the district level, superintendents of police (SPs) or designated senior officers will be responsible for cyber-related operations.

Dedicated sub-inspectors, assistant sub-inspectors and constables will also be deployed at police stations to provide cyber-related services and assist with investigations. According to the approved organisational structure, the unit will have a total strength of 4,592 personnel. Initially, experienced and trained members of the existing police force will be deployed, while additional recruitment will be carried out to fill the remaining positions.

The government is also creating a specialised technical workforce within the unit through contractual and outsourced recruitment of professionals with expertise in cyber security and digital investigations. The unit plans to recruit specialists in areas including system analysis, financial data analysis, cyber security, network administration, dark-web analysis, cryptocurrency analysis, malware analysis, social-media analysis, emergency response and disaster recovery. These specialists will be recruited under separate competitive remuneration arrangements.

IT-trained members of the regular police force will receive priority for deployment to the unit, while senior officers and technical specialists will undergo advanced training both in Bangladesh and abroad. A modern digital forensic laboratory is also being established under the Cyber Police Unit. The facility will be equipped with advanced technology and specialised tools for cyber investigations.

The laboratory is expected to support investigations involving financial crimes, money laundering, social-media-related offences, misinformation, drug-related crimes and extremist activities conducted through digital platforms. The home minister said the new structure would also bring together cyber-investigation activities that had previously been carried out separately by different police units.

“Cyber investigations were previously carried out in a fragmented manner across different units. The new Cyber Police Unit will bring these activities under a single, coordinated framework, helping us improve investigative efficiency, technological capability and institutional coordination,” he said.

Salahuddin Ahmed expressed hope that the specialised unit would strengthen Bangladesh’s capacity to prevent and investigate cybercrime and address the misuse of cyberspace. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir, and other senior police officials attended the briefing.

DHAKA — The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has extended the deadline for submitting applications for fresh gazette enlistment as Bir Muktijoddha (Valiant Freedom Fighter) to October 7, 2026. According to a gazette notification issued Thursday, eligible individuals can submit their applications for enlistment within the extended deadline. The ministry said no new applications will be accepted after October 7.

A memorandum issued by the ministry’s Gazette Branch requested its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Branch to take necessary steps to publish the public notice on the ministry’s website. The memorandum was signed by Under Secretary Haridas Thakur.

The ministry said applications for enlistment as Bir Muktijoddha had previously been received at various times, followed by verification processes. Under the prescribed procedure, applications are considered for gazette enlistment after verification of an applicant’s role during the Liberation War, along with relevant documents and other supporting information.

The ministry said there are provisions for verifying applications through the National Freedom Fighters Council and the relevant administrative authorities. The extension provides applicants additional time to submit their applications before the process closes for new submissions.

DHAKA- Reserved women’s seat-23 of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad has been declared vacant following the resignation of law maker Ferdousi Ahmed. Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram told reporters this afternoon that the lawmaker from reserved women’s seat-23 came to his office and submitted her resignation in writing.

“According to the provisions of the Constitution, the seat became vacant immediately after her resignation,” he said. The Speaker added, “We have sent it for publication in the gazette. Immediately after receiving the gazette, we will inform the Election Commission, and the resignation will take effect from today.”

Meanwhile, a notification signed by Parliament Secretariat Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan today said that the reserved Women’s seat-23 in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad had fallen vacant following the resignation of Ferdousi Ahmed. The notification said the seat fell vacant on the same date in accordance with Article 67(2) of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

DHAKA – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has approved an application seeking a court order to prevent former central general secretary of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League Siddique Nazmul Alam from leaving the country. Assistant Director of the ACC Public Relations Department Md Tanzir Ahmed disclosed the information at a regular media briefing at the commission’s headquarters today.

According to the ACC, an investigation is underway into allegations that Nazmul Alam illegally acquired money, attempted to legitimise the funds by transferring them to bank accounts operated in his own name and in the names of his associates, and allegedly laundered money abroad to acquire assets.

ACC Assistant Director Muhammad Zafar Sadek Shibly of the commission’s Money Laundering Wing is conducting the investigation. ACC documents said an application was submitted to the commission’s Director of Money Laundering on February 16 seeking to prevent Nazmul Alam from leaving the country. The commission subsequently approved the filing of the application before the court.

DHAKA — The United States has provided 500,000 dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic test kits to Bangladesh to support the country’s ongoing efforts to detect dengue cases and strengthen treatment management. The kits were provided through the STRIDES programme, funded by the US government, according to a press release. US Chargé d’Affaires to Bangladesh Trishita Maula formally handed over the kits to Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain at Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday morning.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, the health minister directed the authorities concerned to distribute the dengue testing kits across the country promptly. He said the ceremony was held at Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital considering traffic congestion and transportation convenience. “However, all the handed-over kits will be deposited directly with the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD). Subsequently, the kits will be sent to district and upazila hospitals across the country through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), based on demand,” Sakhawat said. The minister said the government currently has adequate stocks of dengue antigen test kits and intravenous saline in addition to the newly received supplies.

“As a result, the health sector is prepared to ensure necessary testing and treatment even if the number of dengue cases increases in any part of the country,” he said. On the possibility of introducing a dengue vaccine in Bangladesh, Sakhawat said the government was considering the option but stressed the importance of ensuring the vaccine’s efficacy and safety because of its high cost.

“Since the vaccine is costly, it is important to ensure its efficacy and safety,” he said. Discussions are underway with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Gavi on the issue, the minister said, adding that a final decision would be taken in line with international guidelines.

Additional Secretary of the Health Services Division Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director General of the DGHS Professor Dr Md Zahid Raihan, Director of Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital Brigadier General Md Saydur Rahman, and senior officials from the US Embassy and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare attended the programme. Later, the minister visited the hospital’s dengue ward and diagnostic laboratory.

PARSHURAM, Feni – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today inaugurated the Tk1,542.16-crore Muhuri-Kohua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project rehabilitation(Phase I) at Feni aiming to strengthen flood protection, drainage and irrigation facilities in the district. The Prime Minister inaugurated the project at around 2.17 pm today at the Kheyaghat Ghat-Muhuri Bridge area in Parshuram upazila and later exchanged greetings with local people at the venue.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the project on June 16 at an estimated cost of Tk1,542.16 crore. Under the project, 67.92 kilometres of flood-control embankments will be rehabilitated, 11.73 kilometres of riverbanks protected and 83.50 kilometres of rivers and water bodies re-excavated. Besides, 27 irrigation structures will be rehabilitated and 77 inlets will be constructed under the project, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030.

In its next phase, there are plans to construct new embankments along the Muhuri and Kohua rivers and undertake embankment construction, excavation and rehabilitation works along the Silonia River. Environment, Forest and Climate change Minister and Feni-3 Lawmaker Abdul Awal Mintoo, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, Feni-1 Lawmaker Rafiqul Alam Maznu, Feni-2 Lwmaker Joynal Abedin, Lawmaker Rehana Akter Ranu, among other, were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived in Feni at around 1:15pm on his daylong tour to attend a series of programmes. After inaugurating the Muhuri-Kohua project in Parshuram, he is scheduled to travel to Fulgazi, where he will join a tree-planting programme at Begum Khaleda Zia Women’s College. He will later visit the Fulgazi District Council Dak Bungalow, where he will inaugurate the supply of electricity to the national grid from the rooftop solar power system installed at the facility.

The Prime Minister will then rest and offer prayers at the Dak Bungalow. Later in the afternoon, he will attend a programme at Fulgazi Government Pilot High School ground, where he will distribute Family Cards and Farmer Cards and provide honorariums to mosque imams, muezzins, khadims and priests. He is also scheduled to address a public gathering at the venue before returning to Dhaka in the evening.

Under a government initiative, solar systems with a combined capacity of 962.5 kilowatts have been installed on government buildings in Fulgazi, Parshuram and Chhagalnaiya upazilas, including 415 kilowatts in Chhagalnaiya, 298 kilowatts in Parshuram and 249 kilowatts in Fulgazi. A total of 510 people in Fulgazi are set to receive Family Cards, while 7,643 people across Feni district will receive Farmer Cards. Honorariums will also be provided to 238 imams, muezzins, khadims and priests in Fulgazi.

Tarique Rahman’s maternal grandfather Easkandar Majumder’s ancestral home is in Sreepur village of Fulgazi upazila in Feni. Feni-1 constituency also has a longstanding association with his mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who was elected from the constituency several times since 1991.