CTTC arrests Hamza in Kushtia for spreading extremism
Mufti Amir Hamza, a prominent speaker on Islam, was arrested yesterday evening in connection with "misinterpreting the religion and spreading extremism at waz mahfils (religious programmes)".
The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested Hamza in Kushtia, Md Asaduzzaman, additional commissioner of the DMP, also the chief of the CTTC, told The Daily Star.
"We are bringing him to Dhaka," he said.
Regarding the charges, Asaduzzaman said, "Hamza's involvement and evidence [against him] was found in a case filed under Anti-Terrorism Act."
He will be interrogated, said the official.
According to the CTTC, Hamza has been spreading misleading information in the name of Islam at different waz mahfils.
Several of his statements found on YouTube and other social media were instigating teenagers and luring them into militancy, CTTC officials said. He was hiding following the recent arrest of Hefajat leaders and activists, they said.
Sources said, 20-year-old Al Shakib was arrested on May 5 from the capital's Sher-e Bangla Nagar area allegedly for plotting to attack the parliament building. A case was filed in this connection with Sher-e Bangla Nagar Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Shakib's phone had videos clips of speeches made by Ali Hasan Usama, Mahmudul Hasan Gunbi, Amir Hamza and Harun Izhar.
Counterterrorism officers started preparing a list of speakers who make provocative speeches online and at public gatherings.
Usama has been arrested.
Talking to The Daily Star, Jaan Mohammad, grandfather of Amir Hamza, said about 10 people entered Hamza's home while he was playing with his children.
They put him in a microbus parked about half a kilometre away and drove off.
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