Bangladesh Betar official held by students in Ctg, later taken into police custody

Md Sharif Mahmud Apu, deputy regional director of Bangladesh Betar's Chattogram center and former public relations officer of the Ministry of Home Affairs, was held allegedly by students associated with the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) this afternoon (20 March). 

The students alleged that a curfew was imposed on 4 August last year based on a letter signed by Apu, leading to their demand for his detention. 

The incident occurred around 2pm at Apu's office in Bangladesh Betar building near Banani Complex on Sheikh Mujib Road in Agrabad under Doublemooring Police Station. Upon receiving information, police rushed to the spot and took him into custody around 2:30pm.

Confirming the incident, Doublemooring Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kazi Rafiqul Islam told The Business Standard, "We sent a team after receiving reports that students associated with Students Against Discrimination (SAD) had detained the Betar official. He has now been taken to the police station.

"As he is a government official, the matter is being discussed between Bangladesh Betar authorities and the deputy commissioner." 

In response to a question about the students' affiliations, the OC said, "We do not know if the students are affiliated with any political party. Their demand concerns an alleged curfew order issued on 4 August last year through a letter signed by Apu."  

Regarding any cases against Apu, the OC stated, "As far as we know, there is a case against this government official under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). We have reached out to the ACC, and they will decide whether to formally arrest him during the ongoing investigation."

Sharif Mahmud Apu hails from Purnamati village in Sadar Union of Burichong Upazila, Cumilla. His father, Engineer Joynal Abedin, is a member of Cumilla South District Awami League and the chairman of Sadar Union Parishad in Burichang.

Apu previously served as the public relations officer to former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal for nearly a decade. 

Allegations against him include amassing illegal wealth to acquire houses, cars, plots, flats, and a restaurant in Pattaya, Bangkok. 

He also reportedly owns several businesses and shops in Bashundhara, Uttara, and Gulshan, with significant sums of money in his and his wife's bank accounts.

Additionally, there are accusations that Apu facilitated transfers and promotions of police officials, including SPs, OCs, and SIs, and helped at least 50 businessmen obtain arms licenses, charging Tk1.5 to 2 million per case. 

A significant portion of this money allegedly went to Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal's family members.

The ACC filed a case against Apu on 25 February this year, accusing him of illegally acquiring wealth amounting to Tk58 lakh. 

The case, filed under the Anti-Corruption Commission Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act, followed an investigation led by Deputy Director Md Jahangir Alam, launched on 15 August last year. 

Notably, the ACC had previously filed a case against the former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal based on similar allegations.

The investigation and legal proceedings against Apu are ongoing, with the ACC considering further action.