Afzal Naser was involved in arrest, torture of Tarique Rahman during 1/11: Prosecution

Officials of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) allegedly tortured many political activists and businesspeople following their arrest during the 1/11 changeover. Md Afzal Naser was a member of that DGFI team that was involved in the arrest and torture of Tarique Rahman, who is now the prime minister, the state prosecution told the court.

Police produced former dismissed DGFI officer Afzal Naser before the court today (30 March) after showing him arrested in a murder case filed over the killing of Delowar Hossain in Mirpur during the July movement. The investigation officer of the case and DB police sub-inspector Kofil Uddin sought a seven-day remand for the accused. Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi made these remarks during the hearing.

Omar Faruq argued in favour of remand, while defence lawyer Md Helal Uddin and others sought cancellation of the remand and requested bail. After hearing both sides, the court granted a six-day remand for the accused.

During the hearing, the state prosecutor said that during the 1/11 period, DGFI officials tortured various political leaders, activists, and businesspeople, and that Afzal Naser was part of that team. He alleged that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had been unlawfully arrested and tortured by DGFI members, and that the accused was also part of that team. He further claimed that other political leaders were also subjected to torture.

He also said that former prime minister Khaleda Zia had been "crippled" by multiple cases filed by "fascist Hasina." At one point, she had wanted to receive treatment at United Hospital, where the accused was serving as an administrative officer. Due to his instigation, Khaleda Zia could not receive treatment there, he alleged.

He described the accused as a "bona fide offender" and an associate of Hasina, claiming that he also worked to suppress the July movement in order to protect her. Using DGFI influence, he allegedly tortured BNP leaders and activists. The prosecutor argued that a seven-day remand was necessary for proper investigation.

Defence lawyer Md Helal Uddin and others argued for bail without remand. They said that apart from being named, there was no specific allegation against the accused in the case. They argued that if he had worked for Hasina, he would have been rewarded rather than dismissed. The accused had worked at United Hospital only for his livelihood, they said, and had no other involvement. Considering his age, they requested that the remand be cancelled.

According to the remand application, on 19 July 2024 at around 3:20pm, the victim Delowar Hossain (40) was present at Mirpur-10 fruit market area in support of the student movement during the July protests. At that time, 500 to 700 unidentified attackers, along with named accused, allegedly opened indiscriminate fire under the direction of Afzal Naser. Delowar Hossain was shot and collapsed at the scene.

He was later taken in a critical condition to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred the following day, 20 July, to City Care General Hospital in Shyamoli for better treatment. He died there on 21 July while undergoing treatment. The victim's family later filed the case.

The remand application further stated that preliminary investigation has found sufficient evidence of the accused's involvement. For uncovering the main mystery of the case and ensuring a proper investigation, intensive police interrogation under a seven-day remand was necessary.

Afzal Naser was arrested today from a house on Road 12 in Mirpur DOHS by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police