Former Land Minister Md. Rezaul Karim Hira (83) and his wife were taken into police custody Tuesday afternoon after being detained by BNP activists in Sherpur.
The incident took place at the Sherpur Sub-Registry Office, where the former minister had gone to finalize a land sale.
Sherpur’s Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle), Md. Abdul Karim said there is no specific allegation filed against the former minister. However, he was taken into custody to prevent any untoward incident, as tensions had escalated at the scene, he further added.
Witnesses say that around 5:00 PM, Hira and his wife arrived at the New Market area registry office. Soon after, a large number of BNP and its associate organisations gathered at the location. They began chanting slogans and protesting against the former minister, accusing him of attempting to sell land that was allegedly seized illegally from locals.
The protest quickly turned tense, prompting police to intervene. Officers rescued the elderly couple from the agitated crowd and took them into protective custody.
Sherpur District Police Superintendent Md. Aminul Islam stated, “The former minister and his wife are elderly and reportedly unwell. They came to Sherpur for personal matters. Due to the rising tensions and possibility of the situation spiraling out of control, police took them into custody for their own safety. There are currently no cases filed against him in Sherpur.”
The situation is currently under control, and no charges have yet been brought against the former minister. Police continue to monitor the area for further developments, he said.