Police in Gaibandha have successfully arrested Shah Jamal Mia, a sitting member of the Erendabari Union Parishad, who had been a fugitive for an extended period. The suspect faces eight separate criminal charges, including allegations of murder and extortion.
The arrest was confirmed on Thursday night, 30 April 2026, by the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Phulchari Police Station, Durul Hoda. The suspect was intercepted during an early morning raid in the remote Algar Char area, situated within Phulchari Upazila.
Profile of the Accused and Criminal History
Shah Jamal Mia represents Ward No. 4 of the Erendabari Union Parishad and is the son of the late Abdul Hamid Sarkar of Dakatiarchar village. Despite his position as a public representative, his criminal record spans multiple jurisdictions and involves several high-stakes offences.
According to police documentation, the eight cases against him include:
Homicide: A primary murder charge filed at the Dewanganj Police Station in the neighbouring district of Jamalpur.
Extortion: A specific case registered at the Phulchari Police Station regarding the illegal solicitation of funds.
Additional Offences: Six further cases pending at Phulchari Police Station involving various other criminal activities.
Details of the Manhunt and Capture
The apprehension follows months of evasive action by the suspect. Law enforcement officials noted that Shah Jamal Mia had used the geographically isolated and difficult terrain of the Brahmaputra river’s “char” regions (river islands) to hide from the authorities.
Acting on a confidential tip-off regarding his current hideout, a tactical team from the Phulchari Police Station conducted a pre-dawn operation in Algar Char on Thursday. The police successfully cordoned off the premises where he was taking refuge, securing the arrest without any reported resistance.
OC Durul Hoda remarked that the suspect’s ability to remain at large for so long—frequently moving between different island settlements—had been a significant challenge for the local police, particularly given his involvement in a murder case in a different district.
Judicial Status and Future Proceedings
Following the arrest, the suspect was transported to Phulchari Police Station for the completion of administrative procedures and the verification of outstanding warrants. Police have confirmed that the legal process will be handled with strict adherence to the warrants issued by both the Gaibandha and Jamalpur judiciaries.
Shah Jamal Mia is scheduled to be produced before the Gaibandha Court today, Friday, 1 May 2026. The police have indicated that they will request he be remanded into judicial custody. Due to the severity of the charges, especially those involving homicide and extortion, the prosecution is expected to vigorously oppose any petition for bail.
Local authorities emphasized that the arrest serves as a reminder that holding a public office does not provide immunity from criminal prosecution. The Phulchari Police reiterated their commitment to executing all pending warrants within the riverine settlements to ensure regional security.