What initially appeared to be a chilling dawn abduction by individuals posing as security personnel has been revealed as a clandestine family intervention. On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) confirmed that Washim Ahmed Mukshan, who was reported missing under suspicious circumstances, was located safely within a private drug rehabilitation centre.
The Dawn “Kidnapping”
The alarm was first raised by Washim’s wife, Sharmin Akhtar Tumpa, following an incident at their rented residence in the Rajabari Ali Bohar area of Kadamtali. According to the General Diary (GD) filed on Saturday morning, five or six men arrived at the property at approximately 5:00 am. Sharmin alleged that these individuals identified themselves as members of a law enforcement agency before forcibly escorting her husband away to an unknown destination.
The report caused immediate concern, as allegations of “enforced disappearances” by individuals in plain clothes are treated with high priority. However, a rigorous investigation by Kadamtali Thana police soon began to unravel a different narrative.
Investigation and Findings
Using a combination of forensic CCTV analysis from the surrounding neighbourhood and digital intelligence, officers traced Washim’s trail to a rehabilitation facility in Merajnagar. Upon arrival on Tuesday, investigators confirmed that Washim had not been detained by any state agency, nor had he been “kidnapped” in the traditional sense.
The investigation disclosed that the entire operation had been orchestrated by Washim’s younger brother, Rakib. Concerned by Washim’s long-term struggle with substance addiction, Rakib and other family members decided to admit him for treatment. They intentionally chose the early morning hours, believing it to be the most discreet and manageable time to transport a person suffering from addiction.
Table: Summary of the Kadamtali Missing Person Case
| Category | Information |
| Subject | Washim Ahmed Mukshan |
| Location of “Abduction” | Rajabari Ali Bohar, Kadamtali |
| Date of Departure | Saturday, 3 January 2026 |
| Recovery Location | Merajnagar Drug Rehabilitation Centre |
| Primary Motive | Treatment for long-standing substance abuse |
| Investigative Agency | Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) |
| Status | Recovered and reunited with family |
A Divided Household
The police inquiry highlighted a significant rift between Washim’s wife and his biological family. According to official statements, the family deliberately kept Sharmin in the dark regarding the plan. Fearing that she would oppose his admission to rehab or create a confrontation, they chose to act in secret.
Because Sharmin was unaware of the family’s involvement, she genuinely believed the men at her door were law enforcement officers—a misunderstanding that led to the filing of the kidnapping report. Following the discovery, the DMP Media and Public Relations Division clarified that no laws were broken by the security forces, and Washim was officially handed over to his wife on Wednesday in the presence of his relatives.