DHAKA, April 15, 2026 (BSS) - Police carried out a special operation and arrested 19 individuals allegedly involved in various criminal activities from the capital's Jatrabari area. According to police sources, the drive was conducted today across different areas under Jatrabari Police Station.  Deputy Commissioner of the Media and Public Relations Division of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), NM Nasiruddin, confirmed the arrests. During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered 3,400 yaba tablets from the possession of the detainees. The arrestees include: Nasim Khan alias Nazmul, 32; Badsha Mia, 38; Md. Abdul Hakim, 24; Arman, 30; Md. Rashedul Islam Rabbi, 30; Md. Musa Ghorami, 35; Md. Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiya, 43; Md. Mamun, 22; Rubel Hossain, 28; Nazmul, 22; Aslam Bhuiya, 24; Md. Alauddin alias Anik, 24; Md. Shahabuddin, 18; Shamim, 26; Ali Akbar, 45; Md. Sajib Mia, 35; Md. Siam, 25; Billal Hossain, 27; and Aijul Islam, 20. Police said that among those detained, two were accused in regular cases, three in previous cases, one was arrested under an arrest warrant, one on other charges, while 12 were processed through a mobile court. All the accused have been sent to the concerned court for further legal proceedings. The operation was part of ongoing efforts by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to maintain law and order and curb criminal activities in the capital.

RAJSHAHI, April 15, 2026 (BSS) - A vibrant kite festival filled the skies over the banks of the Padma in Rajshahi, as people gathered to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year 1433 with colour and festivity. Organised by the Rajshahi Foundation, the event was held at the Shimanto Obokash area along the Padma riverbank on Tuesday afternoon. It drew large crowds, turning into a lively public gathering marked by spontaneous participation.  Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, attended the event as the chief guest.  Addressing the event, he highlighted the importance of reviving the fading cultural traditions of rural Bengal and preserving the secular spirit of the Bengali people, describing them as invaluable heritage. He said the government is working to reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people and noted that such festivals play a significant role in fostering a secular society. He also expressed gratitude to the organisers and the crowd present on the riverbank. During the festival, guests set aside formalities and joined the general public in flying kites, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion. Rajshahi Zilla Parishad Administrator Advocate Ershad Ali Isha, City Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary Imaz Uddin Mondol, Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr Jahangir, Rajshahi City NCP Convener Mobashwer Ali, and former Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, among others, were present. In the cheerful atmosphere, the guests expressed their commitment to remain engaged in promoting grassroots cultural traditions in the future. The festival, centred on the message of secular harmony, turned the sky above the Padma riverbank into a canvas of colourful kites, captivating thousands of visitors.