Police in Savar have arrested Sohel Rana, also known as ‘Dancer Rana’, a former president of the Savar Sadar Union unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League, in connection with around 18 cases involving allegations of violence, sabotage and creating fear across Savar, Ashulia and Dhamrai.
Rana, 30, was arrested on Monday afternoon while allegedly hiding in an office room at Faringa Kindergarten High School in Faringa village under Rowail Union in Dhamrai. Savar Model Police Station officers carried out the operation after tracing his whereabouts, police said.
Rana is the son of Mohammad Ali and lives in the Chapain Taltala area of Ward 3 under Savar Sadar Union. Police said he is named as an accused in several cases filed over deaths during the anti-discrimination movement. The cases contain allegations of both direct and indirect involvement in the incidents.
According to investigators, Rana had allegedly used his political identity to exert influence in the local area and was involved in activities that contributed to fear, violence and disorder. His activities on social media, including efforts to maintain political contacts and organise party-related activities, have also come under scrutiny, according to sources involved in the investigation.
Investigators said Rana’s name repeatedly emerged during questioning of several people recently arrested over alleged sabotage-related activities. Following those leads, law enforcement agencies began examining his alleged role in the incidents and collecting information about his movements and contacts.
A case was subsequently filed against Rana under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with allegations relating to sabotage, according to investigation sources. Police then increased surveillance on him as they sought to establish his whereabouts and determine his alleged links with other people involved in the cases.
The operation eventually led investigators to the educational institution in Faringa village, where Rana was found hiding on Monday afternoon. He was taken into custody and subsequently brought under police investigation.
Savar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Alam confirmed the arrest. He said serious allegations had been brought against Rana and that the preliminary investigation had produced important information concerning his alleged involvement in sabotage-related activities.
Police plan to produce Rana before a court and seek his remand for further questioning. Investigators want to establish the extent of his alleged involvement in acts of violence and sabotage, while also examining whether he had links with other suspects.
The proposed questioning is also expected to focus on the alleged financial sources behind the activities and any individuals who may have provided support or protection, police said.
Rana’s arrest comes as law enforcement agencies continue investigating cases arising from violence during the anti-discrimination movement and subsequent incidents in different parts of the country. The allegations against him remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and his guilt has not been established by a court.
Police said the investigation would continue after his arrest, with the authorities examining the individual cases against him and his alleged connections with other suspects.
