Police Superintendent (SP) Md Jahangir Alam of the Chattogram Range Reserve Force was arrested late Saturday on charges of sedition and maintaining clandestine links with a banned political organization. The 28th BCS police cadre officer was taken into custody from the Panchlaish Police Officers’ Mess in Chattogram by a specialized unit of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police. Authorities allege that he was involved in a conspiracy to facilitate the return of the former prime minister while leaking sensitive state information.

Prior to his arrest, the officer faced intense scrutiny following an interrogation by Chattogram Range DIG Md Abdul Quddus Chowdhury on November 10. During the questioning, investigators seized two mobile phones belonging to the SP and forwarded them to the Special Branch for forensic analysis. Officials confirmed that the arrest followed the discovery of evidence linking him to anti-state activities, leading to the filing of a formal case with the approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Investigation and legal proceedings

A departmental probe committee, led by Additional DIG Safijul Islam, has been established to examine the extent of the officer’s misconduct. Meanwhile, the sedition case is being handled by the police’s specialized Special Response Unit (SRU) due to the sensitive nature of the allegations. Investigators are currently working to determine if the accused operated within a broader network and whether additional classified information was compromised.

Law enforcement sources indicated that the accused will likely be placed on remand for further interrogation. The arrest of a high-ranking official has highlighted the ongoing internal crackdown within the police force to root out elements undermining national security. The government maintains a strict stance against any personnel found engaging in activities that threaten the stability of the state.

Garment workers blocked the Dhaka-Tangail highway in Gazipur’s Kaliakoir area on Saturday morning, causing severe traffic congestion following rumors regarding the death of a colleague. Protesters from several factories, including Apex Lingerie, occupied the road around 8:30 AM, effectively halting transportation on this vital route. The unrest stems from unverified reports of a worker succumbing to injuries sustained during a clash on Thursday.

The blockade has paralyzed movement between the capital and the northern districts, leading to significant disruptions for commuters and freight transport. Local authorities reported that the situation remains tense as workers refuse to clear the highway. The incident has raised concerns regarding industrial stability and the security of the region’s manufacturing sector.

Underlying Tensions

Police and factory management indicated that the protest is fueled by ongoing grievances over wage increases. While the death rumor served as the immediate catalyst for the demonstration, underlying dissatisfaction regarding pay scales has exacerbated the situation. The combination of misinformation and labor disputes has created a volatile environment within the industrial zone.

Industrial Police and members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are currently on-site attempting to negotiate with the agitated workers. Authorities have urged the workforce to remain calm while they verify the reports and address their legitimate demands.

Law enforcement officials continue to work toward restoring order on the highway. Despite ongoing discussions, the protesters remain firm in their stance, leading to fears of prolonged traffic delays. Officials emphasized that resolving these labor issues through dialogue is essential to maintaining both public safety and the continuity of the country’s vital export operations.

The funeral of Bithi Khatun, a housewife in Jashore’s Churamankati, was held amid allegations of physical and mental torture by her husband and in-laws. The victim’s husband and his family members were notably absent from the burial, sparking public outrage and deepening suspicions surrounding her death. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident following claims that the death was a result of domestic abuse.

Bithi reportedly died by hanging herself at her husband’s residence last Friday afternoon. However, her family alleges that she was subjected to relentless abuse by her husband, Liton Hossain, and his family since their marriage three months ago. The victim’s father, Abdul Kuddus, claimed that the abuse intensified after the expatriate husband returned to the country, allegedly instigated by his parents and sister.

Allegations of systemic abuse

According to the victim’s family, the couple married after a brief courtship over mobile phone. Abdul Kuddus stated that Liton had physically assaulted Bithi on the day of the incident, leading to her untimely death. The family maintains that Bithi was either murdered or driven to suicide due to the severe torture she endured within the household.

Local political leaders and community members attended the funeral to express their condolences and demand a thorough investigation into the matter. The absence of the husband and his family at the burial has fueled further speculation regarding their involvement in the incident. Law enforcement agencies are currently working to uncover the truth behind the allegations and determine the exact cause of death.