A local leader of BNP-affiliated Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal was detained by the Coast Guard in Patuakhali’s Kalapara upazila after authorities recovered Tk 50 lakh from his possession late Wednesday night (11 February).
The detainee, identified as Kajol Mridha, was picked up around 10pm near Khepupara Girls’ Secondary School. He serves as joint convener of the Kalapara municipal Swechchhasebak Dal and is reportedly a member of the election management committee for BNP candidate ABM Mosharraf Hossain in the Patuakhali-4 constituency.
According to Coast Guard sources, the money was allegedly being distributed to influence voters, although the matter is still under preliminary investigation. Legal action is currently underway.
Several officials were present during the operation, including Assistant Commissioner (Land) Yasin Sadiq, a representative from the Senior Judicial Magistrate’s Court, NSI personnel, the officer-in-charge of Kalapara Police Station, and members of other law enforcement agencies.
Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kawsar Hamid said a Coast Guard patrol team carried out the operation following a tip-off. A bag in the suspect’s possession was searched in the presence of Executive Magistrate Md Mahidul Hasan, leading to the recovery of the cash.
Officer-in-Charge Md Robiul Islam confirmed the incident, adding that further legal steps are being processed.