Staff Reporter:
A Dhaka court has issued a four-day remand order for Rafiqul Islam, former officer-in-charge (OC) of Gulshan Police Station, in a case related to placing sand-laden trucks in front of the residence of former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in 2013.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Afnan Sumi passed the order after a hearing on Friday. Earlier, Gulshan Police Sub-Inspector Raihanul Islam Saikat, the investigating officer in the case, sought a five-day remand.
Public Prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruki argued in favour of granting the remand, while the defence lawyer applied for the remand to be cancelled and for bail. After the hearing, the court granted a four-day remand.
The case was filed on 4 October by Shariful Islam Shawon, a former president of Rajshahi University’s Abdul Latif Hall Chhatra Dal unit and a central executive member of the Krishak Dal. The charges include placing sand trucks in front of Khaleda Zia’s residence, creating public obstruction, inciting fear, and infringing on citizens’ rights.
In the case’s charge sheet, Awami League President Sheikh Hasina is listed as the number one accused, followed by General Secretary Obaidul Quader. Other significant figures named include former IGP AKM Shahidul Haque, former DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia, and former SB Chief Monirul Islam.
The case stems from an incident on 28 December 2013, when sand-filled trucks were scattered in front of Khaleda Zia’s Gulshan residence, “Firoza,” obstructing her and the public. The incident occurred just days before the BNP called for a “March of Democracy” on 29 December 2013. Khaleda Zia was scheduled to speak at the march, but the obstruction prevented her from leaving her residence.
