Court orders case against ex-minister, commissioner over 2018 ‘abduction’ of BNP activist

A BNP activist alleges he was abducted by plainclothes police during the 2018 election campaign and tortured before being jailed

A Barishal magistrate has ordered a criminal case against 14 individuals -- including a former minister, police commissioner and returning officer -- over the alleged abduction and torture of a BNP activist during the 2018 election campaign.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Zahir Uddin issued the order following a petition by Mashiul Alam Khan Palash, the joint general secretary of Barishal District Jubo Dal, confirmed Md Abdur Rahman, a court assistant, on Sunday.

The list of suspects includes former state minister Zahid Faruk Shamim, former police commissioner Ruhul Amin and former deputy commissioner SM Ajior Rahman.

In his petition, Palash alleged that during the 2018 election campaign, BNP candidate Mujibur Rahman Sarwar’s supporters were systematically prevented from campaigning.

The alleged abduction occurred while Palash was distributing leaflets in the Chandramohan of Sadar Upazila. He claimed they were chased by speedboats from three directions. Plainclothes police personnel allegedly abducted him when he reached Bishwaser Hat.

"I was blindfolded and taken to an unknown location where I was subjected to severe torture," Palash said.

He added that he was later taken to Bandar Police Station and framed in several cases.

The Jubo Dal leader further claimed that the physical toll of the torture continues to affect his health today.