Court Denies Police Bid to Arrest Former Major Sadikul Haque in Arson Case

A Dhaka court on Sunday rejected a police petition to formally arrest former Major Sadiqul Haque in connection with a case involving arson in the capital’s Bashundhara residential area. Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ehsanul Islam issued the order following a hearing attended by the defendant.

Defense lawyer H.M. Al-Amin confirmed the court’s decision, stating that there are no remaining active cases against his client. Consequently, the defense anticipates his imminent release from custody.

The arson incident occurred on the night of November 11, 2025, when unidentified individuals set fire to a private vehicle belonging to Monir Hossain near the Bitumin Gate in Bhatara. Hossain subsequently filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act against 20 to 25 unidentified persons, alleging the act was part of an Awami League “complete shutdown” movement.

Police had sought to arrest the former major on August 7, 2025, citing his alleged involvement in orchestrating the arson. During the hearing, the defense argued that Sadiqul was already incarcerated at the time of the incident, making his direct participation impossible. Following this challenge, the court requested written explanations from the officer-in-charge of Bhatara Police Station, Mazharul Islam, and the investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md. Chand Ali.

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In their submission, police alleged that Sadiqul served as a primary trainer and coordinator for fugitive political activists. Investigators claimed that while Sadiqul was employed in the army, he hosted clandestine meetings at the KB Convention Hall in July 2025 to organize Awami League and Chhatra League members. The authorities further alleged that he organized training workshops at various locations, including the C-Cell Resort in Rupganj and several private residences, to facilitate plans aimed at destabilizing the country and bringing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina back to power.

The police asserted that the arson attack was a direct result of Sadiqul’s instructions and financial support. Despite these claims, the court found the evidence insufficient to grant the arrest petition.

Sadiqul has been in prison since October 29, 2024, when a military tribunal sentenced him to three months in jail. He has remained in custody following the completion of that sentence due to his involvement in other pending legal matters under the Anti-Terrorism Act.