Man Arrested for Buying TV, Fridge with Looted Cash

Law enforcement authorities have arrested 17 individuals across Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh in connection with the recent attacks on the offices of national dailies Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as two cultural organisations. Among those detained is Md. Naim, who reportedly confessed during initial interrogation to purchasing a television and refrigerator using looted cash from the attacks.

A press release issued on Monday (22 December) by the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser’s office stated that Md. Naim, a resident of Kunipara in Tejgaon, Dhaka, was apprehended in Chouddogram Upazila, Comilla. Authorities recovered BDT 50,000 in stolen funds from his possession.

During preliminary questioning, Naim admitted to looting a total of BDT 123,000. According to his statement, he had used part of the stolen money to buy a TV and a refrigerator from Mohammadpur, both of which have since been recovered by the authorities.

The press release added that on Sunday (21 December), police and other law enforcement agencies informed Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus that, based on video footage analysis, a total of 31 individuals have been preliminarily identified as suspects in connection with these incidents. Additionally, video evidence has identified three individuals allegedly involved in creating disorder near the residence of the Assistant High Commissioner of India in Chittagong.

Authorities also confirmed that preliminary interrogations are ongoing for the other detainees, with further details expected as investigations continue. Law enforcement sources emphasised that the arrests are part of a broader effort to hold accountable all those responsible for violent attacks on media and cultural institutions.

The authorities reiterated that these arrests are preliminary and that the ongoing investigation may lead to further identifications and detentions. Officials stressed the importance of video evidence in tracking the suspects and recovering stolen property, highlighting the role of coordinated intelligence and surveillance in managing post-incident law enforcement operations.

This development comes amid heightened national concern over the attacks, which have drawn widespread condemnation from media organisations, civil society groups, and political leaders alike. Law enforcement agencies are under pressure to ensure a thorough investigation, recover stolen property, and prevent further incidents targeting press freedom and cultural institutions.