Rangpur Metropolitan Police have have arrested former councillor and Awami League leader Akhtaruzzaman Bhuttu in connection with the murder of auto-rickshaw driver Manik Mia during the July Uprising.
Bhuttu was arrested by Tajhat Police Station around 11:45pm on Tuesday from the city’s Medical Mor area.
Tajhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ataur Rahman said the arrest was made using information technology. Bhuttu, son of Pagla Ahmed from Tajhat Sheikhpara area, is listed as the 69th accused in the First Information Report (FIR) filed over the killing of Manik Mia.
He served as vice-president of Ward No 31 unit of the Awami League and was a former councillor of the same ward. Police said he had been on the run since 5 August following political changes in the country.
“He recently returned to Rangpur city and became involved in various anti-government and anti-state activities,” OC Ataur Rahman said.
He further alleged that Bhuttu financed efforts to suppress the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and directly took part in attacks against protesters. Police said he is currently being interrogated and will be produced before the court on Wednesday.
Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mabud confirmed that operations against saboteurs and members of banned organisations would continue to maintain law and order.
“There are specific allegations against Akhtaruzzaman Bhuttu regarding attacks during the July movement,” he said. “Recently, he entered the city and was secretly attempting to mobilise members of the banned organisation.”
The Commissioner added that police would continue to enforce a “zero-tolerance” policy in bringing all offenders to justice.
