Two Union Councillors Among Five Arrested in Gambling Raid

Police have arrested five people, including two elected members of a union council, during a raid on an alleged gambling den in Barhatta upazila of Netrokona.

The arrests were made shortly after midnight on Wednesday, 12 August, from a shop owned by Sabbir Ahmed at Member Market, beside a paved road in Hariatola village of Asma Union. Police said the group was allegedly engaged in gambling when officers conducted the operation following a tip-off.

The arrested individuals were identified as Liton Mia, 50, son of Nabin Nawaz of Hariatola village and a member of the Asma Union Council; Sabbir Ahmed, 32, son of Altafur Rahman Altu Member; Hirendra Chandra Bishwasharma, 42, son of Upendra Chandra Bishwasharma; Emdadul Haque Hira, 40, son of Shamsuddin of Chhaygaon and another member of the Asma Union Council; and Ekdil Mia, 38, son of Chanfar Ali.

According to police and local residents, gambling had allegedly been taking place for some time at Member Market near the paved road in Hariatola. Police said Wednesday night’s gathering at Sabbir’s shop was part of that activity.

Acting on confidential information, officers from Barhatta Police Station carried out a raid at the premises. Five people were arrested during the operation, including the two union council members. They were subsequently sent to court on Thursday afternoon.

The arrest of elected representatives has drawn particular attention because of their public positions and responsibilities at the local government level. Union council members are directly involved in community affairs and are expected to play a role in maintaining social order and addressing local concerns.

Barhatta Police Station Officer-in-Charge Champak Dam confirmed the arrests. He said the police were maintaining vigilance against gambling, drugs and other forms of criminal activity in the area.

A case has been filed against the five under the relevant gambling prevention law, police said. The officer also described the incident as the first gambling-related case registered by Barhatta Police Station.

Police have said that their campaign against gambling and other unlawful activities will continue. The latest operation also highlights the authorities’ focus on locations allegedly being used repeatedly for gambling, particularly where such activities may contribute to wider law-and-order concerns.

The arrested individuals will now face the legal process, while the allegations against them will be determined by the court in accordance with the law.