Police officers in Patuakhali have arrested a wanted fugitive facing nine separate court warrants for robbery and narcotics offences. The suspect, identified as Abul Bashar—locally known as Bashar—a resident of Ward 1 in Town Bohalgachhia, was apprehended on Friday afternoon near the Star Restaurant in the Chowrasta area of Patuakhali town.
Officers from Patuakhali Sadar Police Station had been tracking Bashar for several months. He had successfully evaded arrest for a considerable period, repeatedly changing locations to avoid law enforcement. Acting on precise intelligence, police executed a tactical operation on 11 September to detain him while he was in transit through the town centre.
Local residents allege that Bashar plays a central role in an organised drug syndicate operating within the municipality. According to community members, he oversees distribution networks supplying illegal narcotics across several neighbourhoods. Further allegations suggest that Bashar illegally encroached upon government-owned canal land, converting the area into a hub for illicit activities and gathering spots for associates linked to the trade.
Community sources also pointed to Bashar’s rapid accumulation of wealth over recent years. Previously employed as a low-wage worker at a local poultry farm, his sudden financial ascent has drawn scrutiny within the town. Residents claim he holds substantial assets and property holdings in Dhaka as well as local real estate acquired through illegal earnings.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Ripon of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station, who led the execution of the arrest warrants, confirmed that tracking Bashar required prolonged surveillance and changing tactics. The officer noted that apprehending the suspect had been a high priority due to the severity of the charges pending against him.
Prior to his detention, Bashar denied all allegations brought by law enforcement and local residents. He claimed to be innocent, asserting that local rivals were attempting to frame him and spread false rumours to damage his reputation.
Officer-in-Charge of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station, Moniruzzaman, confirmed the arrest, stating that nine individual arrest warrants regarding narcotics smuggling and robbery cases were outstanding against Bashar. Following his arrest and processing at the police station, officers presented him before the court for legal proceedings.
