In a late-night operation in the capital, detectives have apprehended Akhtaruzzaman, the former Member of Parliament for Gazipur-5, over alleged involvement in political activities connected to the Bangladesh Awami League.
A specialized team from the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) executed the raid at a residence in Gulshan around 10:00 pm on Wednesday. Law enforcement authorities formally announced the detention of the 73-year-old politician through an official press statement, confirming that he faces a series of serious criminal charges, including multiple counts of murder.
Akhtaruzzaman, who previously held the position of organisational secretary within the Awami League, mounted an independent parliamentary campaign during the 12th National Parliamentary Election in January 2024. In a fierce contest, he defeated the party’s official nominee, Meher Afroz Chumki—a prominent politician and former State Minister for Women and Children Affairs—to secure the Gazipur-5 seat. Beyond his parliamentary involvement, his administrative record includes a tenure as the Chairman of the Gazipur District Council (Zila Parishad), establishing him as a prominent political figure in the region.
His background in national politics traces back to student leadership during a formative period in Bangladesh’s political history. Akhtaruzzaman was elected General Secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) for two consecutive terms in 1979 and 1980, serving alongside Vice President Mahmudur Rahman Manna. He subsequently assumed the role of DUCSU Vice President in 1981, with Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu serving as General Secretary.
Following his arrest, the former lawmaker remains in Detective Branch custody. Authorities indicated that formal legal procedures are underway, with plans to present him before a Dhaka tribunal to seek a remand order for further questioning regarding the cases filed against him.
