Suspect in Custody, Still Marked Absconding

A man identified by law enforcement as a listed criminal in Chattogram continues to appear as “absconding” in court records for a decade-old explosives case, despite having been in prison for more than two months in connection with a separate firearms matter.

Imtiaz Sultan Ikram, a police-listed criminal in Chattogram city, has been held at Chattogram Central Jail since 18 February following his arrest in an arms case filed by the Rapid Action Battalion. However, court documents relating to a 2019 petrol bomb attack case still incorrectly describe him as a fugitive, as no formal request for his “show arrest” has been submitted by either the prosecution or police.

The case in question stems from a violent incident on 23 September 2019 in the city’s Bayezid Bostami area, where attackers allegedly threw a petrol bomb at a five-storey building belonging to a local businessman after a ransom demand of 1 million taka was not met. A case was later filed under extortion and explosives legislation.

Police submitted a charge sheet in October 2020, accusing several individuals, including Imtiaz, of involvement in the attack under the direction of an overseas fugitive crime leader. The trial began in August 2023 after formal charges were framed, but proceedings have stalled due to witness absences.

Case overview

Court sources confirm that Imtiaz, along with two other accused, remains shown as absconding in the explosives case, while several co-accused are appearing before the court. The next hearing is scheduled for 2 July.

Legal experts note that when an accused is already in custody in another case, prosecutors or investigating officers must formally request a show arrest in pending cases to ensure accurate judicial records. Failure to do so can allow procedural gaps that may affect prosecution outcomes.

Imtiaz was arrested on 17 February during a raid in the Bayezid Link Road area, where law enforcement recovered firearms and ammunition. He was later sent to jail the following day through court orders. Officials have also linked him to multiple criminal cases, including murder, extortion, explosives, and public disorder charges.

According to law enforcement statements, Imtiaz was previously associated with organised criminal networks both domestically and abroad, including reported activities in Dubai. He is also alleged to have operated extortion networks targeting businessmen in Chattogram using overseas communication channels.

Chittagong court prosecutors have acknowledged the administrative oversight, stating that steps will soon be taken to update the case record and file a show arrest petition. Police officials from Bayezid Bostami station have also indicated that corrective measures are underway.

Legal observers warn that such procedural lapses may weaken prosecution efforts and allow serious accused individuals to benefit from technical gaps in judicial documentation.