The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has apprehended the main suspect in the abduction of two-year-old Kazi Fujail from Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Shahnewaz Chowdhury Bapparaj, aged 30, was taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday at 1:30 am in the Keshbapur Market area of Shayestaganj Upazila. RAB officials confirmed the arrest on Monday.
The child went missing on 21 March, coinciding with the festive Eid celebrations. Accompanying his parents to visit his ailing grandmother at the hospital, Fujail suddenly disappeared, prompting a frantic search. Subsequently, the abductors demanded a ransom of 350,000 taka for his release. Following the incident, Fujail’s father filed a case at Shahbagh Police Station.
According to RAB sources, the operation to recover the child and apprehend the culprits was conducted in multiple phases. Initially, another suspect, M. M. Tanvir, was arrested in the Dholpur area of the capital. Information provided by Tanvir led authorities to locate and arrest the primary suspect, Shahnewaz, in Habiganj the following night.
RAB briefings confirmed that both suspects have been handed over to the relevant police station for appropriate legal proceedings. Young Fujail is now safely reunited with his family.
The case highlights a growing trend in society of child abduction and ransom demands. Experts stress the urgent need for heightened security measures in hospitals and public spaces to protect vulnerable children.
Timeline of the Incident
| Date & Time | Event | Suspect/Individual Involved | Location | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 March, afternoon | Kazi Fujail goes missing at hospital | Unknown abductors | Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka | Ransom demand: 350,000 taka |
| 21 March, night | Arrest of M. M. Tanvir | M. M. Tanvir (abductor) | Dholpur, Dhaka | Provided information to identify main suspect |
| 22 March, 1:30 am | Main suspect Shahnewaz arrested | Shahnewaz Chowdhury Bapparaj (30) | Keshbapur Market, Shayestaganj, Habiganj | Handed over to police |
RAB has emphasised that operations will continue to ensure child safety, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children in public areas. The swift recovery and arrest of the suspects, in close coordination with Fujail’s family, serve as a reminder of the critical role law enforcement plays in restoring public confidence in legal and security systems.
Following the incident, calls have intensified for stricter security protocols at medical institutions, aiming to prevent similar abductions in the future and mitigate societal anxiety. The case underlines that safeguarding children remains a top priority for both authorities and the community.