5 held in Kushtia for ‘lobbying’ to release listed drug dealer using BNP, Jamaat identities

Police have detained five people in Kushtia's Mirpur after they allegedly tried to secure the release of a listed drug dealer from the local police station by identifying themselves as BNP and Jamaat leaders.

The incident took place at Mirpur Police Station last night (9 May).

According to police, Robiul Islam, 33, son of Ramzan Ali of Nowda Azampur area in Mirpur upazila, was arrested last night.

Police later recovered eight yaba pills from his possession. They said Robiul is a listed drug dealer in the area.

Following the arrest, five people went to the police station that night, identifying themselves as BNP and Jamaat leaders, and began lobbying for Robiul's release.

Finding the matter suspicious, the police immediately took them into custody.

The five detained are Enamul Haque, 45, a member of Sadarpur union parishad and BNP leader; Alauddin, 43, who identified himself as a Jamaat leader and is a Jamaat-nominated member candidate in Sadarpur union; Sujan Ali, 33; Shafiqul Islam, 25; and Saidul Islam, 39.

The incident sparked widespread discussion after it became known in the area.

Mirpur municipality BNP General Secretary Ibrahim Ali said such action by the police is very commendable.

"The police should play such a role in eliminating drugs. No drug dealer should be spared, no matter who they are. Those who went to the police station to secure the release of a drug dealer cannot belong to any party."

Mirpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam said police are working strictly to eliminate drug trade in Mirpur.

"After a drug dealer named Robiul Islam was arrested, five people came to lobby for his release, identifying themselves as BNP and Jamaat leaders. They were taken into police custody. Necessary legal action will be taken against them," he said.