Four Bangladeshi nationals linked to the Awami League and its affiliate bodies in Sylhet have been arrested in India’s West Bengal.
The arrests took place on Sunday at a flat in Kolkata’s New Town area.
According to Indian media, the arrests were made by Shillong police with assistance from Kolkata police in connection with a rape case.
The arrested individuals are Advocate Nasir Uddin Khan, former chairman of Sylhet District Council and general secretary of Sylhet District unit Awami League, Alam Khan Mukti, president of Sylhet Metropolitan unit Jubo League, Abdul Latif Ripon, vice-president of Sylhet Metropolitan unit Jubo League, and Ilyas Ahmed Jewel, member of Sylhet Metropolitan Awami League.
Indian media outlet Zee News reported that after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5, several senior Awami League leaders fled to India, with some taking refuge in Shillong. During their stay, a rape incident allegedly occurred, prompting the victim to file a case against six individuals. Four have been arrested, while two remain at large.
The absconding suspects are Afsar Aziz, president of Sylhet District unit Swechasebak League, and Debangshu Das Mithu, general secretary of Sylhet Metropolitan unit Swechasebak League.
Reports indicate that Nasir Uddin Khan and the others initially stayed in a flat near Shillong Bazar after fleeing Bangladesh. However, as winter intensified in Shillong, they moved to Kolkata on December 1.