Probe against Laxmipur MP Shahid begins

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police has started investigation against Laxmipur lawmaker Mohammad Shahid Islam alias Kazi Papul, who was arrested in Kuwait on charge of human trafficking.

Imtiaz Ahmed, deputy inspector general of CID, disclosed the development yesterday. He, however, did not elaborate further on the matter.

"We have taken steps as per procedure and started our investigation against Papul. We will disclose details with evidence. Have patience," said Imtiaz.

On June 6, the lawmaker was arrested by the Kuwait Criminal Investigation Department.

Imtiaz was speaking at a press briefing organised by CID to give updates on the Libya Human Trafficking case. Barrister Mahbubur Rahman, additional inspector general of police, also the chief of CID, addressed the briefing as chief guest.

Regarding the investigation, Barrister Mahbub said they have started collecting information. As it is an international issue, CID has to work considering many things, he said. "We hope we will be able to disclose details soon," he said.

The CID chief further said they have progressed in the investigation of the killing of 26 Bangladeshis in Libya on May 28.

Around 67 people were arrested across the country, he said, adding, among them, CID arrested 36 people and 20 of them already gave confessional statements in the court.

Barrister Mahbub said they are investigating 15 human trafficking cases out of 26 filed after the Libya incident. But the organised crime unit of CID is monitoring all the cases and if necessary, they would take over those, he said.

He said CID is now working to confiscate wealth of these traffickers, which they earned through illegal means. For example, the CID chief said they have found transaction details of around Tk 20 to 30 crore from an agency's clerk's account.

Regarding the development, DIG Imtiaz Ahmed said they have already completed primary investigation against three arrested human traffickers and their properties. Money laundering cases would be filed against them shortly.

He said they have also identified three masterminds behind the trafficking syndicate. Asked about their details, Barrister Mahbub said they are now abroad. "We are waiting for their return and will disclose details after arrest or else they may get alerted," he said.

"While investigating trafficking cases, we have found that same people are involved in human trafficking in different districts. For this reason, we are updating the list of human traffickers," said the CID Chief.

CID has also received two lists of human traffickers from two ministries after the Libya Incidents.

Sheikh Nazmul Alam, DIG of CID, who was also present at the briefing, said they are also keeping an eye and analysing activities of previously arrested human traffickers.