Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested district BNP leader and Patuakhali Pourasabha chairman Mostaq Ahmed alias Pinu from the office of Soikat Printing Press in Paltan area in Dhaka on Thursday. He was on the run since promulgation of state of emergency across the country on January 11.

After arrest, Moshtaq was sent to Barisal and then to Patuakhali on Friday.

Rab sources said Mostaq was an accused in four cases including two corruption cases here. He was a listed 'godfather.' He led a gang of criminals named 'Bhaijan Bahini.' There are allegations of illegal toll collection, tender scam and other irregularities against him. He was an influential leader during the BNP led 4-party Alliance government rule. It has been alleged that he maintained a close link with Hawa Bhaban.

Meanwhile, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), in a gazette notification published in July, asked to investigate the cases against Mostaq. According to the gazette, a charge sheet would be submitted within next 30 days, Rab sources said.