Authorities have arrested a young man accused of instigating a mob attack on former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda while he was being detained in Uttara. The detainee, Hanif Mia, served as member secretary of Uttara West Police Station’s volunteer team.
Uttara West Police Station’s acting officer-in-charge (OC) Md Hafizur Rahman told Times of Bangladesh on Monday night: “We have identified those involved in forming the mob. Legal action is underway, and cases will be filed against the perpetrators.” While confirming he had heard about an arrest, OC Hafizur clarified, “We haven’t arrested anyone ourselves, but learned another agency detained one person.”
Sources indicate joint forces arrested Hanif Mia over allegations of mob formation during Huda’s detention. He is currently being processed to be handed over to the police.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Uttara Division’s Deputy Commissioner Md Mahidul Islam stated: “We’re investigating the mob perpetrators and reviewing CCTV footage from the area.”
On Sunday evening, a mob stormed Huda’s residence in Uttara’s Sector 5, physically assaulting him before police intervened. Viral Facebook Live videos showed disturbing scenes – individuals draping shoe garlands around Huda’s neck, manhandling him by his collar, and striking him with footwear.
The caretaker government condemned the incident in a Sunday night statement: “The physical humiliation of Nurul Huda is illegal, unconstitutional, and a criminal offense. Law enforcement will take appropriate action against those who took the law into their hands.”
Earlier on Sunday, BNP filed a case at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station accusing Huda and 18 others of subverting constitutional duties during the AL government’s tenure by conducting elections “without public voting through intimidation.” Huda, who became CEC in 2017, oversaw the controversial 11th parliamentary elections in 2018.
