Dhaka:The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested Major (retd) Khandaker Abdul Hafiz on charges related to an alleged anti-state conspiracy. The arrest occurred in the Banani area of the capital late Thursday night, as confirmed by DMP Additional Commissioner (DB) Md Shafiqul Islam.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Hafiz's arrest is linked to a case that has already seen the arrest of two other former Army officers, Lt Col (retd) Debashish Kumar Barua and Lieutenant (retd) Kazi Gulshan Ara. These individuals are accused of engaging in anti-state activities, violent incitement, illegal funding, and spreading propaganda via social media.
The case, filed with Pallabi Police Station, involves several sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Cyber Security Ordinance. Debashish and Gulshan Ara were previously detained in Dhaka on October 11. The DB has alleged that the retired officers had connections with activities of the Awami League, which is currently banned, aiming to create instability within the country.
The DB further stated that the arrests were based on specific information regarding the suspects' involvement in anti-state propaganda and cybercrimes that potentially posed a threat to public security.