Expelled BNP leader arrested with foreign pistol and bullets in Narayanganj

Amid heightened political activity ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested expelled BNP leader Bazlur Rahman, also known as “Don Bazlu,” in Narayanganj on charges of illegal arms possession.

RAB-11 arrested Bazlur Rahman and three of his associates on Saturday afternoon (January 24) from the Chittagong Road area of the Dhaka–Chittagong Highway in Siddhirganj. During the operation, law enforcement recovered a foreign-made pistol and several rounds of bullets.

RAB-11 Commander HM Sajjad Hossain confirmed the arrest, saying the operation was carried out based on viral social media videos, intelligence inputs, and surveillance. He added that a case under the Arms Act is being prepared in connection with the recovered weapon and ammunition.

According to law enforcement sources, a video that circulated widely on social media earlier this week showed a discussion at a restaurant in Sonargaon about collecting and stockpiling weapons ahead of the election. The video reportedly shows a man seated beside Bazlur Rahman urging him to gather more arms.

Police identified the man as Zakaria, a listed militant. Following the video’s circulation, RAB and other agencies launched a detailed investigation, leading to Saturday’s arrest.

RAB identified the other arrested individuals are Yunus alias Badal (20), Saidul (34) and Abdul Jabbar (42). Local political sources said Bazlur Rahman has long been known as a close associate of former Narayanganj district BNP president Muhammad Gias Uddin. Although expelled from the BNP for violating party discipline, he is contesting the upcoming election as an independent candidate from the Narayanganj-3 and Narayanganj-4 constituencies.

He was reportedly allotted the football symbol in both constituencies earlier this week. BNP leaders said his expulsion was due to defying party decisions and openly backing an independent political stance.

Residents of Sonargaon and Bandar upazilas allege that Bazlur Rahman has exerted influence in the area for years. He faces multiple allegations, including extortion, land grabbing, tender manipulation, and violence.

In June 2025, he came under national attention after allegedly assaulting BNP leader Ataur Rahman Mukul during a dispute over a tender related to the Haripur Power Plant in Bandar. Police said a murder case and several other criminal cases have been filed against him in connection with various incidents.

Sonargaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohibullah said Bazlur Rahman is accused in multiple cases filed at Sonargaon, Bandar, and Siddhirganj police stations. These include charges related to extortion, armed activities, and illegal occupation of land.

Narayanganj district BNP convener Professor Mamun Mahmud said the party does not support any activity that disrupts the election environment.

“If anyone is involved in violence or illegal weapons, the law will take its own course. Party discipline will be enforced according to the party constitution,” he said.

Former BNP leader Muhammad Gias Uddin also distanced himself from the incident, stating that while he is participating in the election, he will not take responsibility for criminal activities.