2 listed Chattogram criminals get bail in multiple cases, to remain in jail

Two listed criminals of Chattogram, Shahidul Islam alias Buishya and Ehteshamul Haque alias Vola, have secured bail in multiple cases.

Of them, Shahidul secured bail in three cases over the last 11 days.

However, neither of them will be released from jail immediately as several other cases remain pending against them.

Sources at the Chattogram court and prison said Shahidul, arrested with firearms and ammunition in possession in December last year, recently obtained bail in two arms cases filed at Chandgaon Police Station and an attempted murder case at Panchlaish Police Station.

The relevant bail documents have already been forwarded to the jail authorities from the court.

Gias Uddin, administrative officer of the Chattogram Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, said the bail bonds for the three cases were sent to the prison authorities after final verification.

'Extortion, drugs, arms, and juvie gangs'

Syed Shah Sharif, jailor of Chattogram Central Jail, stated that Shahidul faces a total of 32 cases, including charges of murder, possession of arms, narcotics, and extortion.

Even though he secured bail in three cases, his detention orders in connection with the other cases remain in force, preventing any immediate release.

According to police records, Shahidul had long been dominant in the city's Chandgaon and Panchlaish areas, facing allegations of extortion, drug trading, arms use, and controlling juvenile gangs.

On 4 October last year, one of his associates openly opened fire at a motor garage in the Badurtala area of Panchlaish over extortion demands.

Less than a month later, on 10 November, a case was filed alleging that Shahidul himself opened fire at another motor garage near Chandgaon Police Station after failing to receive Tk15 lakh in extortion.

Furthermore, in July last year, police raided an alleged "torture cell" run by Shahidul in the Bahaddarhat Kitchen Market area, arresting 11 of his associates and recovering local weapons, ammunition, and empty cartridge shells.

In October, another drive in the Shulukbahar area led to the seizure of weapons, drugs, and a money-counting machine from his associates, which investigators claim was used to quickly count money earned from extortion and drug sales.

Following the news of Shahidul's bail, residents of Chandgaon and surrounding areas expressed deep anxiety, fearing that his potential release could lead to a resurgence of criminal activities and extortion in the locality.

Vola gets bail in 6 cases

Meanwhile, the other listed criminal, Ehteshamul Haque alias Vola, secured bail from the High Court in two cases.

Prison authorities said Vola faces eight cases in total.

While he obtained bail in six, he remains behind bars after being shown arrested in a new case.

Police records identify Vola as an influential criminal in the Bakalia area.

He is an accused in the murder of Chittagong Nursing College student Anjali Rani Devi and also faces charges in connection with the murder of Mahmuda Khanam, wife of former superintendent of police Babul Akter.

Commenting on the developments, Aminur Rashid, assistant commissioner (media) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, said the activities of listed criminals are being closely monitored, adding that police remain alert to ensure they do not engage in fresh crimes.

Mofizul Haque Bhuiyan, public prosecutor of the Chattogram Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court, said the matter of these high-profile criminals securing bail will be formally brought to the attention of higher authorities.