Drug traders beat APBn member

An Armed Police Battalion (APBn) member was allegedly lured to an isolated area and beaten by a group of 10-15 people in Rupganj, Narayanganj, after helping police arrest two suspected drug traders.

The victim, Abul Kalam, suffered broken arms and legs and a severed tendon in one of his legs in the attack. He is currently undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) in Dhaka.

The attack took place around 11pm on Thursday in the North Masabo area of Tarabo Municipality.
Kalam had long been opposing drug-related activities in the area and had faced threats for assisting law enforcers in bringing suspected drug traders to justice.

A few days before the attack, he helped police arrest two suspected drug traders, identified as Shahadat and Emdadul. Following their arrests, Shahadat’s younger brother, Shahjalal, allegedly threatened Kalam several times over the phone and in person.

According to allegations, Shahjalal called Kalam around 11pm on Thursday, saying he needed to discuss something urgent. He then took Kalam towards an isolated wetland near his home, where 10-15 people were waiting.

The group allegedly attacked Kalam with sticks and locally made weapons as soon as he arrived.
Hearing his cries, local residents rushed to the scene, prompting the attackers to flee.

They rescued Kalam and took him to a nearby private hospital. He was later referred to NITOR as his condition was serious.

Rupganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge AHM Salahuddin said he had heard about the incident but had not received a written complaint.

Police would take legal action after investigating if a complaint was filed, he added.