2 days after getting bail in drugs case, 'casino kingpin' Selim Prodhan now arrested in terrorism case

Controversial "casino kingpin" and Awami League leader Selim Prodhan has now been arrested as a suspected accused in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Gulshan Police Station, just two days after he secured bail in a narcotics case.

Earlier today (22 October), police produced Selim before the court with a petition to show him arrested in the case. Dhaka's Acting Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ziadur Rahman approved the plea, confirmed Public Prosecutor Md Shamsuddoha Suman.

On 5 September, police arrested Selim and eight others from a restaurant in Baridhara, with 6.7 kg of shisha. A narcotics case was filed, and he was sent to jail by a court. On 20 October, Selim secured bail in that case, but he is back behind bars again.

Casino ‘Kingpin’ Selim Prodhan granted bail in narcotics case

According to today's petition, investigations and witness statements revealed that Selim, 52, acted as a financier, adviser, and instructor for the now-banned Awami League (AL), participating in anti-state campaigns aimed at disrupting national sovereignty and public security.

It further stated that Selim maintained regular contact with influential AL members and was allegedly organising AL and banned Chhatra League activists nationwide to deteriorate the law and order situation. Police said they may later seek his remand for further interrogation.

According to the case statement, on 22 April, around 7am, Selim and about 30-35 unidentified others gathered near Jabbar Tower at Gulshan-1, to plot anti-state and destructive activities. During the gathering, participants allegedly chanted anti-government slogans under the banner of AL. 

Police arrested five people at the spot, while others fled. Gulshan Police Station later filed the terrorism case.