The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested former lawmaker of Bogra-6 constituency Ragibul Hasan Ripu from Netrokona district.
A team of RAB arrested Ripu from Mohanganj municipality area in Netrokona district Wednesday night.
According to RAB-12 Bogra Company Commander Lt Commander (BN) M Abul Hashem Sabuj, Ripu faces 13 cases, including multiple murder charges linked to incidents during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
A press release issued Thursday afternoon confirmed the arrest.
RAB sources revealed that during the student protests on August 4, 2023, Ripu allegedly ordered his supporters to disrupt the demonstrations, leading to a pre-planned attack. The attackers reportedly killed nine protesters and injured over 200 others through gunfire, physical assault, and hacking.
These events resulted in 13 criminal cases, including murder, being filed against him at Bogra Sadar police station.
After extensive investigation, intelligence collaboration, and a joint operation by RAB-12 and RAB-14, Ripu was arrested in the Mohanganj area of Netrakona.
RAB further disclosed that Ripu has been accused of accumulating illegal wealth, engaging in recruitment rackets, abusing political influence for land grabbing, and overseeing violent activities during his tenure in power.
His wealth reportedly increased 31-fold in the past nine years, and his associates have also amassed substantial assets.
Ripu was elected as MP for Bogra-6 in a 2023 by-election and retained his seat in the 2024 12th National Parliament election.
He previously contested the 2014 10th National Parliament elections but later withdrew when the seat was allocated to Nurul Islam Omar of the Jatiya Party, an Awami League ally.
Following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5, violent acts, including arson, were reported in Bogra's Kalitala area. Ripu's opulent residence was abandoned and locked, and he went into hiding with his family.
Lt Commander (BN) M Abul Hashem Sabuj confirmed that Ripu would be transported to Bogra and handed over to the court for further legal proceedings.