Faridpur’s Bhanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shafiqul Islam has been arrested in connection with a case filed over the alleged torture of BNP leaders and activists in Habiganj.

The matter was confirmed by Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Shailen Chakma on Friday (February 28) afternoon.

Earlier, Shafiqul Islam was detained from Bhanga Police Station at around 10 pm on Wednesday (February 26). 

Later, Habiganj Municipality BNP General Secretary SM Awal filed the case at Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station on February 24. The case, numbered 26, names 75 accused, including former Superintendent of Police (SP) SM Murad Ali, former Additional SP of Habiganj Khalilur Rahman, Inspector Badiuzzaman, former OC of Habiganj Sadar Police Station Ajay Chandra Deb, and Detective Branch Inspector Md Shafiqul Islam. Among the accused, 18 are police officers.

The case statement alleges that on August 19, 2023, Habiganj district BNP organized a rally demanding the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her treatment abroad. During the program, police and Awami League activists allegedly attacked BNP members with weapons, firing shots that caused panic and dispersion. Later, police and ruling party activists reportedly stormed the residence of BNP’s Central Organizing Secretary GK Gaus in Shaestanagar, Habiganj, and opened fire. BNP leader SM Awal, who was inside, was shot and critically injured. He was first taken to Sylhet and later shifted to Dhaka for treatment. Following the incident, he filed the case at the Sadar Model Police Station.

Regarding the arrest, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Ops) Shailen Chakma stated that OC Shafiqul Islam was arrested due to a case against him at the International Crimes Tribunal. He was later presented before the court, which ordered him to be sent to Keraniganj Central Jail.

BDST: 1700 HRS, FEB 28, 2025
MSK