Jamaat MP’s son-in-law among 3 on remand over New Gini Properties attack

A Dhaka court on Thursday placed three more accused, including Mizanur Rahman, son-in-law of Kushtia-2 lawmaker Abdul Gafur, on three-day remand in a case filed over vandalism, assault and looting at the New Gini Properties housing project under Cantonment Police Station in the capital.

The other accused are Shahriar Mahmud, 60, and Md Shah Alam alias Anik, 47.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Monirul Islam passed the order after a hearing, said state prosecutor Harun-or-Rashid.

Earlier, Inspector Mohammad Al Amin, investigating officer of the case, sought five days’ remand for the accused after producing them before the court.

According to the remand petition, the accused initially admitted their involvement in the incident. Police said their remand was necessary to arrest the absconding accused, recover illegal firearms and stolen goods, and uncover the motive behind the incident through detailed interrogation.

During the hearing, state prosecutor Omar Faruk Faruqi argued in favour of the remand, while defence lawyers Md Shawkat Hossain, Mahiuddin and others sought cancellation of the remand plea and bail for the accused.

According to the case documents, around 50 people allegedly entered the project area of New Gini Properties Ltd in West Matikata on 26 September.

They allegedly opened fire and attacked people with machetes, knives and sticks before vandalising and looting a studio. Cash, laptops, cameras and other equipment were allegedly taken, while several vehicles were also damaged.

The case alleges that the attack caused losses of Tk1.4 crore and involved the theft of goods worth Tk1.5 crore. Police said the attackers also fired at officers, prompting them to fire five shotgun rounds.

Project official Saiful Islam Bhuiyan filed the case over the incident.