Hero Alam Arrested Again Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Barely months after being released on bail, the controversial content creator Ashraful Alam has been arrested once more. This time, authorities have detained him in connection with a case alleging sexual assault, physical abuse, and coercion into abortion under the pretext of promising marriage.

Despite the looming arrest warrant, Hero Alam had previously announced plans to travel to his hometown in Bogra to cast his vote in local elections. True to his word, he went to Bogra, where he was eventually apprehended by officers from Bogra Sadar Police Station.

Confirming the arrest, Investigation Officer Mahfuz Alam stated, “Hero Alam was taken into custody this morning. An arrest warrant had been issued against him in an ongoing case, and today he was apprehended under that order.”

The arrest warrant was issued following a hearing on 10 February at the Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-2, Bogra, presided over by Judge Anwarul Haque.

According to the case documents, Hero Alam allegedly lured the complainant, Sadia Rahman Mithila, with promises of launching her as an actress. He is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting and physically abusing her, as well as coercing her into undergoing an abortion.

When Hero Alam denied the allegations, Mithila filed a formal complaint under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on 21 April of last year. Following a preliminary investigation, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) reportedly found prima facie evidence supporting her claims, prompting the court to issue the arrest warrant.

Hero Alam, undeterred by the pending warrant, had earlier remarked on 11 February, “I am heading to my area. I will return overnight. The case is false. I will appear in court after the elections. Despite the arrest warrant, I intend to vote, as it is my civic right.”

In a recent interview, he further announced ambitions to contest the upcoming by-election in Bogra-6, following the resignation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman from the seat. Hero Alam indicated he may seek nomination from either Jamaat or the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Key Details of Hero Alam’s Arrest and Case

The case has reignited widespread attention due to Hero Alam’s notoriety as a social media personality and his overt political ambitions, highlighting ongoing concerns over accountability for public figures in Bangladesh.