A man convicted of murder and sentenced to death more than two decades ago has finally been arrested in a dramatic breakthrough in a long-standing criminal case in Kishoreganj, Bangladesh.
Abul Kalam, aged 46, a resident of Char Lakshmiah village in Pakundia upazila and son of the late Samsuddin, was detained in the early hours of Tuesday following a coordinated operation involving the police and the Rapid Action Battalion-3. Authorities confirmed that he had been living in concealment for approximately 25 years after fleeing the scene of the crime.
According to law enforcement officials, Kalam was apprehended in Dhaka around 3:00 am on Monday night. He had reportedly been shifting locations across different parts of the country, including Narayanganj, Sylhet, and Habiganj, while attempting to conceal his identity. Following his arrest, he was formally produced before the court on Tuesday afternoon.
The case dates back to September 2001, when a man named Sohel was murdered in Char Lakshmiah village. Kalam was identified as the principal accused in the killing. Investigators say he immediately went into hiding after the incident, evading arrest for years despite extensive efforts by law enforcement agencies.
The investigation into the murder was eventually completed, and a charge sheet was submitted to the court. After a full trial, a verdict was delivered on 24 June 2010 by the Additional District and Sessions Judge Court-2, which sentenced Kalam to death in absentia.
Despite the conviction, Kalam remained beyond the reach of authorities for years, frequently changing his whereabouts and allegedly using various aliases to avoid detection. His arrest now brings renewed attention to one of the district’s longest-running fugitive cases.
Case Timeline Overview
| Year / Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 2001 | Murder of Sohel in Char Lakshmiah village |
| Post-2001 | Abul Kalam goes into hiding |
| Investigation period | Police file charge sheet after inquiry |
| 24 June 2010 | Death sentence issued in absentia |
| 11 May (night), 2026 | Arrested in Dhaka with RAB-3 assistance |
| 12 May, 2026 | Produced before court |
Police officials stated that the arrest was the result of renewed intelligence efforts and coordinated surveillance. The case is now expected to move forward with further legal procedures regarding the execution of the long-standing verdict.