Fugitive spotted in govt organised programme

A fugitive was seen at the inauguration of a mural of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Munshiganj where the Liberation War affairs minister, two MPs, a deputy commissioner were also present.

Mahmudul Hasan Saadi, joint general secretary of Sadar upazila's Char Kewar union unit of Awami League, sat in front of the guests from 1:00pm to 3:00pm yesterday.

He is accused in a case filed on April 23 this year in connection with clashes in Chhoto Mollakandi and Khaskandi villages of Char Kewar union in Munshiganj Sadar. A total of 95 persons were sued in the case, according to police.

Saadi is also owner of the construction company that built the mural.

Admitting that he did not get bail in the case, Saadi told The Daily Star, "I was wrongfully accused in the case and the case was false. Everyone is aware of this."

However, Munshiganj Sadar Police Station inspectors Sukanto Baul and Kajol Das confirmed that Saadi was a fugitive in the case.

Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque was present as the chief guest at the programme.

When asked the minister said, "I haven't heard anything about it. I could have asked if you had told me earlier. The work for the mural was going on for a long time... was no one aware of this?"

Munshiganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abu Bakkar Siddique, who was present at the programme, said  "Saadi is absconding" and that he did not see the accused at the programme.