APBn member lured to a marsh in Rupganj, legs broken and tendons cut over anti-drug protest, allegation says

An Armed Police Battalion (APBn) member named Abul Kalam was allegedly lured to a deserted marsh in Rupganj, Narayanganj, where his arms and legs were broken and his tendons cut, after he protested against the drug trade. He has been admitted to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation.

The attack took place around 11 p.m. on Thursday (5 November) in the Uttar Masabo area of Tarabo municipality in Rupganj upazila.

Local people said Abul Kalam had long been protesting against drug dealing in the Masabo area.

A few days ago, he handed over two men named Shahadat and Emdadul to the police on allegations of involvement in the drug trade. Since then, Shahadat's younger brother Shahjalal had been threatening him.

On Thursday night, Shahjalal phoned Abul Kalam and took him to a deserted marsh. There, Shahjalal and 10 to 15 men with him beat Abul Kalam.

Hearing his screams, people nearby rushed in and the attackers fled. Local people rescued him and first took him to a private hospital. He was later admitted to the National Orthopaedic Hospital.

Rupganj police station officer-in-charge A H M Salauddin said, 'I have heard about the incident. If a complaint is filed, action will be taken after investigation.'

Narayanganj senior assistant superintendent of police (C Circle) Mehedi Islam said, 'We heard this happened because of a protest against the drug trade and previous enmity. However, he is not from our Rupganj unit. We have not yet been able to confirm whether he is an APBn member.'

Mehedi Islam also said no complaint had been filed at Rupganj police station over the incident so far, and that legal action would be taken based on a complaint if one is filed.