Arrest of District Jamaat Ameer along with money dramatized drama: Ehsanul Mahbub

ছবিঃ সংগৃহীত

News Desk: Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubayer has alleged an attempt to divert the issue surrounding the detention of Thakurgaon district Jamaat Amir Belal Uddin with a large amount of cash. He claimed that the recovered money is not related to the election but is part of Belal Uddin’s business funds, accusing law enforcement agencies of staging a “false drama.” He made the remarks at a press briefing held on Wednesday (11 February) afternoon.

He said, “This is a staged drama by law enforcement. He (Amir Belal) has already clarified that he regularly travels for business purposes. Since banks were closed, he had to carry out transactions in cash. That is why he had some cash with him. This is very normal.”

The Jamaat leader added, “A person may carry money for business, family, or other necessary purposes. Even in a restricted area like an airport, where movement is limited, a narrative has been created suggesting he was carrying money for improper purposes, and various news reports are being circulated to portray it otherwise. He is an elderly and responsible leader. He has already fallen ill and has been hospitalized due to mental torture. We firmly state that Jamaat-e-Islami conducts its policymaking activities with utmost transparency.”

He further alleged that the incident of recovering cash from the district amir is being deliberately steered in another direction. “The money is not election-related; it is his personal business fund,” he reiterated.

Zubayer also claimed that candidates, agents, and leaders are being attacked in different parts of the country, alleging that conspiracies are underway to create panic among the public.

He said, “Some individuals within the administration are leaning unfairly in favor of a particular party. If the administration deviates from neutrality, the জনগণ will not spare anyone.”

Earlier, around 12:00 pm, police detained Belal Uddin at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari with a large amount of cash. Confirming the matter, Saidpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Alam said he was detained with more than Tk 5 million (50 lakh), and the exact amount is being counted.

In a video message after his detention, Belal Uddin stated that he was carrying between Tk 5 to 6 million and that the money belonged to his business.

Belal Uddin is a resident of the Hajipara area in Thakurgaon town. During preliminary questioning, he identified himself as a teacher at Salandar Degree College in Thakurgaon. He also said the more than Tk 5 million found in his luggage was related to his garments business.

Airport sources said the large sum of cash was discovered during routine screening. As he allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the money during questioning, he was detained. Police said preparations are underway to file a case with the concerned police station, and the source and purpose of carrying the money are being investigated.

Nilphamari Superintendent of Police Sheikh Zahidul Islam said, “The detained individual has stated that he was carrying more than half a crore taka. Police have not yet counted the money. The cash will be counted in the presence of all concerned.”