Evaly founder Rassel, wife Shamima arrested over 391 warrants

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) arrested Mohammad Rassel, founder of the controversial e-commerce platform Evaly, and his wife Shamima Nasreen, the company’s chairman, from Dhaka’s Dhanmondi on Monday night.

DB Joint Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Hossain Bhuiyan confirmed the arrests, noting the couple faces 391 outstanding warrants. "There are 263 warrants against Rassel and 128 against Shamima Nasreen," he stated.

Dhanmondi Police Station chief Saiful Islam added that several warrants originated from cases filed at his station and that the DB has formally processed the arrests.

Launched in December 2018, Evaly attracted thousands of customers by offering steep discounts—often up to 50%—on cars, motorcycles, and home appliances. Customers paid massive sums in advance, hoping for resale profits, but many never received their products or refunds.

By mid-2021, Evaly reportedly owed approximately Tk 5.43 billion to customers and suppliers. The mounting debt triggered nationwide protests and accusations of fraud and embezzlement against several e-commerce platforms.

The couple was first arrested on September 16, 2021, following a customer complaint. After months of interrogation and imprisonment, Shamima Nasreen was granted bail in April 2022, while Rassel secured bail in December 2023. These latest arrests follow a surge in unresolved legal executions against them.