Ex-SP Babul’s complaint will be probed

Former SP Babul Akhtar's complaint of torture by the PBI chief and five other police officials would be investigated, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said yesterday.

On Thursday, Babul, who is now in jail in connection with the murder of his wife Mahmuda Khanam Mitu, complained to a Chattogram court that chief of Police Bureau of Investigation Banaj Kumar Majumdar and five police officials had him tortured in custody.

Terming Babul "very cunning", the home boss said, "We have full trust in the PBI investigation."

The minister said this while talking to reporters after a seminar in the capital.

In the complaint, Babul claimed that he was physically and mentally tortured in PBI custody so that he would confess to the killing of his wife "as per the direction of the PBI chief".

The court fixed September 19 for passing an order on whether the complaint would be recorded as a case.

The minister said PBI investigated the case that was even filed 30 years ago and found the culprit. "I think PBI will not do any wrong."

In response to a query about enforced disappearances, he said, "Many have talked about the disappearance of thousands, then I asked for a list. A list of 76 people came from a human rights organisation."

Later, it was found that 10 BNP activists were on the list, who are staying in different places, he said.

"Of those listed, we are looking for 35, who were involved in arson attacks, and one was found in jail," the minister added.

Regarding ordnance of Myanmar security forces landing in Bangladesh, Asaduzzaman said, "We protested it."

"Our BGB made a protest to BGP [Border Guard Police] of Myanmar. The ambassador has been given a message through our foreign ministry. We have protested from the state level."

Asked about making lists of BNP activists and leaders by police stations ahead of elections, the minister said the BNP talks a lot. It is another strategy of the party, he added.