Thakurgaon Jamaat ameer released after being held with Tk74 lakh in cash at Saidpur Airport
Rangpur Metropolitan Jamaat Secretary KM Anwarul Haque Kajol disclosed the information at a press conference last night at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Belal Uddin, ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Thakurgaon district unit, was released into his family's custody hours after being detained with Tk74 lakh in cash at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari on Wednesday (11 February).
Rangpur Metropolitan Jamaat Secretary KM Anwarul Haque Kajol disclosed the information at a press conference last night at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Belal was detained earlier in the day at Saidpur Airport, a day before the 13th national election and referendum.
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Initial reports said he was carrying Tk50 lakh, but police later confirmed that the total amount was Tk74 lakh after counting the cash.
Saidpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Rezaul Karim said legal procedures were ongoing and several documents recovered with the money were being examined.
A video recorded at the time of the detention shows Belal identifying himself as a resident of Hajipara in Thakurgaon town, the son of Dabirul Islam, and a teacher at Thakurgaon Shalanda College.
When asked how much money was in his luggage, he said, "There is more than Tk50 lakh there. This is money from my garments business."
After being detained, Belal fell ill and was taken to Saidpur 100-bed Hospital by ambulance at around 1:47pm. He was later referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami described the detention as a "staged drama" and a "politically motivated act," claiming that the cash was legal and intended for business purposes. The incident has sparked widespread discussion on social media.
