Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) has arrested Md. Shafikul Islam, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhanga Police Station in Faridpur, in connection with a case related to crimes against humanity. The arrest took place on Wednesday night while he was on duty at Bhanga Police Station.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) of Faridpur, Shailen Chakma, confirmed the incident on Thursday night. According to him, OC Shafikul Islam was facing charges under the International Crimes Tribunal. Following his arrest, he was presented before the tribunal, which subsequently ordered his transfer to Keraniganj Central Jail. Authorities in Faridpur learned about the arrest later that night.

Sources indicate that Shafikul Islam was previously named as an accused in the murder case of college student Md. Hridoy, which occurred in Konabari, Gazipur, on August 5 last year. Following his presentation before the tribunal, the court directed his imprisonment. Shafikul Islam had assumed the position of OC at Bhanga Police Station on February 15 this year. Before that, he had served as the Detective Branch (DB) OC in Habiganj and had been transferred to Gazipur Metropolitan Police two months ago.

Meanwhile, another case was filed against Shafikul Islam at the Habiganj Model Police Station on February 25, where he was listed as the fourth accused. The case was lodged by Habiganj Municipality BNP General Secretary S.M. Abdul Awal, nearly one and a half years after an incident involving gunfire and an attack on a BNP protest rally in Habiganj on August 19, 2023.

The complaint alleged that police, alongside ruling party activists, opened fire, threw tear gas shells, and used batons to disperse the BNP’s peaceful gathering. As the BNP leaders and activists tried to escape, they were pursued, arrested, and some were assaulted. Several injured individuals took shelter at the residence of BNP Central Organizing Secretary G.K. Gaus. However, police and ruling party members allegedly raided the house and attacked those inside.

In his statement, Abdul Awal claimed that he sustained severe injuries during the incident and, fearing for his life, was unable to seek legal recourse for a long time. He decided to file the case now that the situation has normalized and is seeking justice. The case also named former Habiganj Superintendent of Police (SP) S.M. Murad Ali as the prime accused, along with 18 other police officers and 75 identified individuals, while also mentioning an additional 100 to 150 unidentified persons as perpetrators.