BNP Leader Arrested in Attack Case Related to Anti-Discrimination Movement

Faruk Ahmed, also known as Lal Faruk, a BNP leader, has been arrested by the police in connection with an attack on students during the anti-discrimination movement in Ashuganj, Brahmanbaria, on 4th August 2024.

On Monday (10th November) afternoon, he was detained by the police from his own business establishment in Ashuganj Bazaar.

Faruk Ahmed is a former vice-president of the Ashuganj Upazila Shaheed Zia Smriti Sangstha. Currently, he works as an advisor to the Brahmanbaria District BNP and is a follower of Abu Asif Ahmed, a former president of the Ashuganj Upazila BNP.

When asked about the arrest, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ashuganj Police Station, Mohammad Khairul Alam, said, “Faruk Ahmed has no certification stating he is a member of the BNP. In fact, he has participated in various meetings and gatherings with Awami League leaders during the previous government. He was arrested based on intelligence reports.”

The OC further stated, “Faruk Ahmed has been arrested in connection with an attack on students during the anti-discrimination movement. He has been charged under the Explosive Substances Act and has been sent to court.”

Meanwhile, Abu Asif Ahmed, the advisor of Brahmanbaria District BNP and former president of Ashuganj Upazila BNP, claimed, “Faruk Ahmed is a dedicated BNP worker. He has never been outside the party. During the anti-discrimination student movement, he was seen giving water to the students.”

He accused that “Faruk Ahmed has spoken out against the illegal sand business and lawsuits involving certain BNP leaders, which has led to a conspiracy against him. He is a victim of internal party politics. It is absurd that a worker who has stood against fascism is being arrested in a case where students were attacked. I strongly condemn and protest this.”

On the other hand, the complainant in the case, NCP leader Jayanti Biswas, stated, “I did not name anyone called Faruk Ahmed in the case I filed.”