Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Tuesday evening told Dhaka Tribune: “Each and every single accused of the Banani rape case will be arrested very quickly.
“No external forces are at work to hinder the law enforcement agencies,” the minister said.
The home minister also said: “We have arrested many notorious criminals, even militants. Likewise, we will also arrest the accused in the rape case. Be patient. Nobody gets away after committing a crime.”
“There is no external influence at play here. Nobody is powerful enough to influence these matters. Neither I nor the police do someone else’s bidding. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the only person with power and influence in the country,” Minister Kamal said, noting that two Awami League MPs are currently in prison.
Also Read- Banani police removed from rape case investigation
On May 6, two young women filed a case with Banani police against Shafaat Ahmed, his friends Nayeem Ashraf, Shadman Sakif, Shafaat’s driver Billal and his unnamed bodyguard for allegedly raping them on March 28 at The Raintree Hotel after a birthday party.
According to the testimonies of the victims, police are aware of the identities and whereabouts of all the accused but have not arrested them because they are from influential families.
Shafaat is the son of Apan Jewellers’ owner Dildar Ahmed. Nayeem is the managing director of eMakers Bangladesh and Shadman Sakif is one of the directors of Regnum Group. Shafaat's driver Billal, unnamed bodyguard, and Sadman were also accused of assisting Shafaat and Nayeem.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
