Vested quarter spreading misinfo over raid at Gazipur-3 independent MP hopeful’s home: Army
Enamul Haque Molla was caught inside a water tank at his home, says Lt Col Lutfor Rahman.
The army has accused a vested quarter of spreading false and misleading information on social media regarding a joint operation by security forces at an independent MP hopeful's home in Gazipur's Sreepur, during which seven people were arrested with weapons.
Speaking at a press briefing held this morning (7 November) at a temporary army camp in Gazipur, Lt Col Lutfor Rahman, commanding officer of the 14 Field Artillery Regiment, said the joint operation took place late Wednesday night (5 November) under the supervision of the Gazipur army Camp.
Police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) provided assistance during the drive in Barmi union, he added.
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Among those arrested was Md Enamul Haque Molla, 50, who had announced he would contest the upcoming general election from Gazipur-3 as an independent candidate.
Authorities seized two foreign pistols, three magazines, four rounds of ammunition, four walkie-talkie sets, four batons, two electric shock devices, one nail gun and one sharp knife during the raid.
The other arrestees are Shawkat Mir, 45, Zahid Mia, 40, Mostafa Kamal, 32, Siddiqur Rahman, 34, Bulbul Mia, 35, and Tofazzal Hossain, 45.
Lt Col Lutfor said the joint operation, based on specific intelligence, was conducted in cooperation with locals to arrest Enamul, identified as a known criminal, fugitive with active warrants, illegal sand trader and ringleader of a robbery gang in Sreepur.
Enamul was caught inside a water tank at his home, he mentioned.
Enamul has several ongoing robbery and arms cases against him, with arrest warrants issued in some, the army officer said. "After the operation, all seized weapons, ammunition and the seven were turned over to Sreepur police."
Lutfor said a vested quarter is trying to portray Enamul's arrest as politically motivated and spreading false narratives online.
The Bangladesh Army stands with justice, not for or against any individual or political party, he added.
Those spreading or encouraging misinformation may have links to criminal activities, he said, adding that such involvement will be thoroughly investigated and face legal action based on evidence.
Context of the operation
The officer said the raid at Enamul's home in Barama village began at 1:30am on 5 November and ended at about 5:15am, led by Maj Khandaker Mohiuddin Alamgir of the 46 Div Locating Unit.
Lutfor added that many journalists were present during the operation and witnessed the events firsthand.
He noted that certain groups are now spreading false claims that personal items went missing from Enamul's house, which he described as "baseless and fabricated."
Lutfor thanked locals for assisting in the raid and urged continued cooperation by sharing information on anyone involved in criminal activities.
Police statement
Meanwhile, Sreepur Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Abdul Barik said, "Police have filed a case under the Arms Act, and the arrestees have been sent to jail following a court order."
Who is Enamul?
According to local sources, Enamul, son of the late Ahad Ali from Barkul village in Barmi union, spent 15 years working in Saudi Arabia.
He reportedly fled Bangladesh during the Awami League regime due to his alleged criminal activities, returning home after the party's ouster on 5 August last year.
Afterwards, he became active in politics and sought the BNP's nomination for Gazipur-3.
After the BNP announced another candidate, he declared himself an independent contender on Facebook.
