In a significant law enforcement operation in Balikandi, Rajbari, a senior BNP leader was apprehended along with an accomplice in possession of illegal weapons. The joint operation, involving the local army camp and police forces, took place yesterday, Sunday, from noon until 5:00 pm, at a brickfield located in Balikandi Sadar Union.
The primary suspect has been identified as Khondokar Moshiul Azam, 55, former General Secretary of Balikandi Upazila BNP and a member of the district BNP’s convening committee. Accompanying him was Md. Ridoy Sheikh, also known as Pappu, 30, son of Rafique Sheikh from Sheikhpara village in Balikandi Sadar.
During the raid, authorities seized a variety of illegal items from the duo:
| Seized Items | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Homemade gun | 1 |
| Knives | 2 |
| Walkie-talkies | 3 |
| Mobile phones | 8 |
| Walkie-talkie chargers | 4 |
| Bottles of alcohol | 1 |
| Empty alcohol bottles | 3 |
| Cash | 38,000 BDT |
Local police and army sources revealed that tensions escalated following a recent incident in the Balikandi Sadar Upazila market. During routine duty at a police checkpoint, officers detained a motorcyclist for a fine. Upon learning of this, Khondokar Moshiul Azam reportedly led a group to the checkpoint, assaulting traffic police and freeing the motorcyclist.
As a result, Traffic Police Sub-Inspector Khairul Islam filed a case on 17 December against Azam for obstructing government duties and assaulting police. Azam had remained a fugitive since the incident.
Authorities also accused Azam of seizing the ‘Dublabari Jamia Bricks’ brickfield on 5 August by forcibly evicting its owner, Md. Sabbir Hossain. Beyond this, he faces 18 cases including charges of violence against women and children, explosives possession, extortion, assault, attempted murder, obstructing government duties, and terrorism-related offences.
Acting on credible intelligence that Azam was holding a meeting at the brickfield office yesterday afternoon, a team from Rajbari Army Camp conducted the operation, leading to the confiscation of weapons, walkie-talkies, drugs, and his subsequent arrest. During preliminary questioning, Azam admitted to conducting extortion in the area and operating his group using unlicensed walkie-talkies.
Azam’s wife, Kohinur Begum, told journalists: “I understand he has been arrested in connection with an existing case. I have also heard that conspiracies are being plotted against him. We will seek justice in a competent court.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (Pangsha Circle) Debbrat Sarkar confirmed to Prothom Alo that Azam has been detained at Rajbari Sadar Police Station for obstructing government duties and assaulting police. Two new cases have also been filed under the Arms Act and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Act, 2001. Preparations are underway to present him before a Rajbari court today.