6 AL, BCL leaders held for arson attack on Manabendra’s home

Police on Wednesday detained six leaders of the Awami League (AL) and its student wing, Bangladesh  Chhatra League (BCL), in connection with an arson attack on the residence of artist Manabendra Ghosh in Manikganj.

The detainees are Al Amin alias Tamal (22), finance secretary of the Chhatra League’s Manikganj Sadar upazila unit; Moinuddin Ahmed Piyas (22), joint general secretary of the same unit; Chhatra League leaders Mir Maruf and Aminur Rahman (24); Babul Hossain (54), general secretary of Ward No. 3 Awami League under Garpara union; and Khan Mohammad Rafi alias Sizan (18), another Chhatra League activist.

Officer-in-charge of Manikganj Sadar Police Station Amanullah said Manabendra Ghosh filed a case against unidentified people following the arson attack, prompting police to detain the six for questioning.

“Among them, Khan Mohammad Rafi alias Sizan posted a Facebook status saying ‘Mission Complete’ after Tuesday night’s fire. We expect to obtain key information from him,” the OC said.

He added that interrogation is underway, and if any of the detainees are found involved, formal cases will be filed against them.

Talking to UNB, Manabendra Ghosh said the arson attack took place on Tuesday night, just hours after he had lodged a general diary (GD) with the Manikganj Sadar Police Station, seeking protection.

“What assurance do we have that such an incident won't happen again? We urge the chief adviser to ensure the safety of my family and myself,” he said.