Police take cautious approach to politically linked Radda attack suspects

Highlights:

• Sixteen field-level attackers have been arrested so far.
• Jubo Dal member Noor Alam was arrested over his involvement.
• Former MP Ferdousy Ahmed Mishti resigned amid investigation-related allegations.
• Prime suspect Hanif Mia remains at large despite raids.
• Police are investigating several BNP, Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal figures.

Police are continuing arrests over the vandalism and looting at Radda MCH-FP Centre in Mirpur, but are taking a cautious approach as the investigation reaches politically connected suspects. Sixteen field-level attackers have been arrested so far, but only one has significant political ties.

Noor Alam, arrested yesterday in Darus Salam, was expelled from Jubo Dal on 30 September over alleged disciplinary violations. Police say he was directly involved in the attack.

The resignation of BNP reserved-seat MP Ferdousy Ahmed Mishti has added a new dimension to the investigation. Speculation intensified that she could be arrested, while those familiar with the matter said political pressure may have eased somewhat following her resignation.

The administration, however, has so far taken a cautious approach.

Mishti's family has longstanding ties to BNP, according to party sources. Her elder brother, late BNP leader Nasir Uddin Ahmed Pintu, died in prison in 2015, while her late husband, Sayedur Rahman Newton, a former Dhaka City Corporation Ward 8 commissioner, was shot dead in Dhanmondi on 10 May 2002.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said legal action would be taken against Mishti if her involvement is established.

Mohammad Hanif Mia, the prime accused, remains at large despite raids at locations linked to him. Investigators are also trying to establish the roles of former Shah Ali Chhatra Dal convener Abul Kalam Azad alias Lelin and former Dhaka Metropolitan Jubo Dal member secretary Mostafa Jaglul Pasha alias Papel.

A white microbus seen around the centre during the attack has become an important lead in the investigation. Sources said Hanif, Lelin, Papel and others were seen in or around the vehicle. Police have searched for Papel for two days, while efforts to arrest Hanif continue.

Locals describe Hanif and Lelin as close associates of Mishti. Lelin has put up banners and posters indicating his interest in contesting for the Ward 8 councillor post, while Hanif, a relative of Mishti, is also interested in the election.

Investigators have also identified Shah Ali Chhatra Dal joint general secretary Awlad Hossain alias Nada Awlad and Ward 93 BNP joint convener Md Ilias in connection with the attack. Neither has been arrested so far.

DMP Mirpur Division Deputy Commissioner Hassan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar told TBS that the investigation would continue until everyone involved was arrested, even if it took a year.

Arrests take slow pace in ECB attack case

A similar pace has emerged in the investigation into the 26 September attack, vandalism and looting at New Gini Properties in South Manikdi near ECB Chattar, where content creator Salman Muqtadir's BrownFish Studio was also attacked.

The investigation has been handed over to the Detective Branch, said Cantonment Police Station Officer-in-charge (OC) Mohammad Gias Uddin. The case names 13 people and includes 150 to 200 unidentified accused.

Only seven people had been arrested so far, and the latest major development was the arrest of retired Major General Golam Mohiuddin Chowdhury by the DB on 30 September.

On Wednesday, a Dhaka court granted a three-day remand to Golam Mohiuddin and three others, named Md Mamun, Md Aslam and Munna in the case.