Police Submit Explanation to Court Linking Incarcerated Former Major to Arson Attack Coordination

Police investigators have submitted a formal written explanation to a Dhaka court detailing how a former army major, Sadiqul Haque, allegedly orchestrated the arson of a private vehicle in the Bashundhara area of the capital while he was already incarcerated.

The report, submitted Sunday to the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Ehsanul Islam, asserts that Sadiqul provided training, strategic direction, and funding to members of the now-prohibited Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, prior to his imprisonment. Investigators claim these activities directly incited the arson attack.

Sub-Inspector Kamal Hossain, representing the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) prosecution, confirmed that the court has accepted the written statement and will issue a subsequent order regarding the matter. The explanation was filed by Bhatara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mazharul Islam and the case’s investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Md. Chand Ali.

According to the police documentation, Sadiqul held clandestine meetings at the KB Convention Hall near Bashundhara Residential Area between July 3 and July 8, 2025. Authorities state these meetings were intended to destabilize the country and revitalize the activities of the banned political organizations. Sadiqul was subsequently named in an anti-terrorism case filed at Bhatara Police Station on July 13, 2025.

The investigation report identifies Sadiqul as a “chief trainer” and “connector” who allegedly organized workshops at various locations, including a resort in Rupganj, a restaurant in Katabon, and private residences in Mirpur DOHS, Uttara, and Priyanka City. These sessions were purportedly attended by fugitives aiming to destabilize the nation to facilitate the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Police maintain that the arson incident was a direct result of Sadiqul’s pre-planned instructions and financial backing.

One dead and four injured in separate road accidents in Demra

Read Article

The incident in question occurred on the night of November 11, 2025, when a private car owned by Monir Hossain was set ablaze near the Bitumin Gate in Bhatara. Hossain later filed a case against 20 to 25 unidentified individuals, alleging the arson was carried out as part of a “complete shutdown” movement orchestrated by the Awami League.

The current legal controversy emerged after the investigating officer moved to formally arrest Sadiqul in connection with the arson case on August 7. During a hearing last Monday, Sadiqul’s defense lawyer, HM Al-Amin, challenged the accusation by noting that his client was already in custody at the time of the incident. In response, the court ordered the police to provide a written explanation clarifying the basis for the allegations.

Sadiqul, who was dismissed from the army, has been in custody since October 29, 2024, following a three-month sentence handed down by a military tribunal. He has since been implicated in multiple anti-terrorism cases.