Former ASP Arrested Over Sukhranjan Bali Disappearance Case

Former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fazlur Rahman has been arrested by the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) over allegations linked to the enforced disappearance of Sukhranjan Bali, a key witness in a high-profile war crimes case.

According to police, Fazlur Rahman was taken into custody from his residence in the capital on Thursday night, 2 July. The arrest was confirmed on Friday, 3 July, by DMP Additional Commissioner (DB) Shafiqul Islam.

Speaking to reporters, Shafiqul Islam said the former police officer is accused of involvement in the disappearance of Sukhranjan Bali, who went missing after arriving at the premises of the International Crimes Tribunal to testify as a defence witness for Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayeedi during his war crimes trial.

The detective official stated that Fazlur Rahman had served as an Assistant Superintendent of Police and that investigators believe he was connected to the incident surrounding Bali’s disappearance. He added that the authorities are now proceeding with the necessary legal formalities in accordance with the law.

The disappearance of Sukhranjan Bali has remained one of the most widely discussed incidents associated with the proceedings of the International Crimes Tribunal. Bali, a resident of Pirojpur, travelled to Dhaka to appear before the tribunal as a defence witness for Sayeedi. However, before he could provide his testimony, he reportedly disappeared from the tribunal area under mysterious circumstances. The incident sparked widespread debate and prompted allegations of enforced disappearance from various quarters.

The case has continued to attract public and legal attention over the years, with repeated calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bali’s disappearance and the identification of those responsible. Rights groups and legal observers have frequently emphasised the importance of ensuring accountability in cases involving alleged enforced disappearances, particularly when they intersect with judicial proceedings.

Authorities have not yet disclosed additional details regarding the specific evidence that led to Fazlur Rahman’s arrest or whether any other individuals are under investigation in connection with the case. Police have indicated that the investigation remains active and that further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.

The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has remained unresolved for years and is expected to draw renewed public attention as legal proceedings continue.