Chattogram: Swechchhasebak Dal Member Secretary Arrested over Attack on Convener's Home, Then Expelled

Police have arrested Shahidul Islam, the member secretary of the Chattogram city unit of the Swechchhasebak Dal, in a case filed over an attack, vandalism and looting at the home of Rahat Ullah, convener of the organisation's Chakbazar thana unit. Another man, Abu Hasnat, was also arrested in the same case. Shahidul Islam was later expelled from the organisation as well.

The attack took place on Saturday night (17 October) at Rahat Ullah's home in the Kapasgola area of the city. Rahat's mother Selina Akter and a neighbour, Fakhrul Islam, were injured in the incident.

Selina Akter said Shahidul Islam and Abu Hasnat entered the house with 20 to 25 people, looking for her son. Not finding Rahat, they vandalised the furniture, doors and windows of the house. At one stage Selina Akter was beaten, and neighbour Fakhrul Islam was injured while trying to save her.

Selina Akter filed a case as complainant at Panchlaish Police Station, under whose jurisdiction the Kapasgola area falls. Police raided the area the same night and arrested Shahidul Islam and Abu Hasnat.

Aminur Rashid, assistant commissioner (media) of the city police, said the two arrestees were sent to jail through the court on Sunday.

After the incident, Shahidul Islam was expelled from the Swechchhasebak Dal. Jamir Uddin, member secretary of the city unit, said Shahidul Islam, member secretary of the Chakbazar thana unit, was expelled from the organisation including his primary membership over allegations of attacking a fellow organiser's home, beating family members, intimidation and looting.

Jamir Uddin added that Shahidul Islam had been expelled once before as well, though that decision was later withdrawn.

Earlier, on 6 January last year, Shahidul was expelled from the organisation over allegations of harassing Nezam Uddin, a former officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station, in front of the Panchlaish regional passport office in the city.

Shahidul Islam also faces various allegations in the area, including extortion and attacks. Many see the attack on the home of a convener of the same organisation as a reflection of internal conflict within the party's volunteer wing.

The two arrestees are now in jail and the case is under investigation. Attention now turns to the next court hearing and the police investigation report.