Mymensingh ‘Torture Cell’ Incident: Three Arrested, Including Student Political Leader

Police in Tarakanda, Mymensingh, have arrested Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) leader Hizbul Alam, also known as Jias, along with two of his associates, in connection with a case involving extortion and assault.

The arrests took place on Monday, 11 August, in separate locations within the Banihala Union.

On Monday night, the Mymensingh District North Chhatra Dal issued a formal letter announcing Hizbul Alam’s temporary suspension from his organisational post.

Case Background

The case was filed by Mamun Sarkar, former Assistant Secretary of Mymensingh Metropolitan Chhatra Dal.
According to the complaint:

• 8 August – Hizbul allegedly demanded Tk 5,000 from a shopkeeper at Majiali Bazaar.
• Upon refusal, the shopkeeper was assaulted, and the business premises were forcibly closed.
• Mamun Sarkar later intervened to reopen the shop.
• The following day (9 August), Hizbul allegedly assaulted Mamun himself.

On Monday, Mamun lodged a formal case with Tarakanda Police Station, naming Hizbul and 4–5 unidentified accomplices.

Police Action

Following the complaint:

• Early Monday morning – Police arrested Rafi and Abdullah.
• Around 9 p.m. the same day – Hizbul was arrested.
• During a raid on one of Hizbul’s hideouts, police recovered various locally made torture implements and non-judicial stamp papers.

The case and arrests were confirmed by Sub-Inspector Liton Chandra Pal, the investigating officer at Tarakanda Police Station.

Allegations of a ‘Torture Cell’

According to police and several local residents:

• Hizbul had shown little political activity during the Awami League government’s earlier tenure.
• Since August last year, he allegedly began consolidating control in Banihala Union.
• Near Majiali Government Primary School, inside his personal fish farm, Hizbul reportedly established a ‘torture cell’.
• Videos circulating on Facebook showed him displaying weapons and assaulting detainees.
• Victims were allegedly coerced into signing non-judicial stamps or making recorded confessions stating they had taken money from him.

Party Response

Saddam Hossain Talukdar, Office Secretary of Mymensingh District North Chhatra Dal, stated:

“We had been hearing allegations of various misconducts against the said leader. Considering the seriousness of the matter, he has been temporarily relieved of his duties.”