Actor Ashraful Haque Don Arrested at Airport Over Salman Shah Murder Case

DHAKA — Bangladeshi film actor Ashraful Haque Don, a prominent figure in 1990s cinema, was arrested early Sunday morning while attempting to depart for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah.

Authorities from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) confirmed that the actor was apprehended at approximately 6:00 a.m. due to his status as a key suspect in the high-profile murder case of iconic actor Salman Shah. Don had been under a travel ban, and his name was included on an immigration stop list, preventing him from leaving the country. He has since been transferred to court to face legal proceedings.

Born in Bogra in 1971, Don entered the film industry after moving to Dhaka and establishing a professional relationship with director Sohanur Rahman Sohan. While his first project was the film “Love,” he gained widespread recognition following the release of “Keyamat Theke Keyamat.”

Throughout the 1990s, Don became a staple of the Bangladeshi film industry, primarily known for portraying villainous roles. He appeared in 24 of the 27 films starring Salman Shah, developing a close personal friendship with the late actor. In recent years, Don had frequently spoken in public about his emotional bond with Salman Shah, often expressing deep grief regarding his friend’s untimely death and the perceived void it left in the national film industry.

Prior to his film career, Don reportedly served as a muezzin, regularly calling the faithful to prayer at a local mosque. His transition from religious service to cinema villainy became a defining aspect of his public persona, though his legacy has remained inextricably linked to the ongoing legal investigation surrounding the death of his former co-star.