Jhalakathi, Nov 21 (V7N) – Former Member of Parliament Barrister Shahjahan Omar, a prominent figure in Jhalakathi politics, was arrested on Thursday morning in connection with a case involving the vandalism of a BNP office. His arrest, following a dramatic chain of events, has sparked fresh political controversy in the region.

After being taken into custody, Shahjahan Omar declared defiantly, "I am a freedom fighter, these cases are nothing to me. I will become an MP and minister of this country again."

The Senior Judicial Magistrate Court of Jhalakathi ordered his detention, and he was sent to jail later in the afternoon.

According to police and court sources, the case against Omar was filed on December 4, 2023, by BNP leader Akhtar Hossain Mirbahor. It accused him of vandalizing the BNP office in Kathalia Upazila. Rajapur police arrested him based on this case and handed him over to the court.

Earlier in the day, on his way from Barisal to Rajapur, Shahjahan Omar’s vehicle was attacked in Pingri, leaving the car heavily damaged and Omar injured. The former MP had gone to the police station to file a complaint about the attack but was instead arrested for the previous case.

Shahjahan Omar's political career spans several decades. Initially elected as a lawmaker from Bakerganj-12 constituency, he later represented Jhalakathi-1 in the fifth, eighth, and twelfth national parliaments. Known for his tenure in Khaleda Zia's cabinet during her first and third terms, Omar shifted his allegiance to the Awami League before the twelfth parliamentary elections after years of affiliation with the BNP.

The arrest has triggered debates, with some viewing it as part of the broader political turmoil engulfing the nation. Supporters of Shahjahan Omar argue that the arrest is politically motivated, while his critics accuse him of undermining BNP interests during his time in the Awami League.

The unfolding events surrounding Shahjahan Omar are likely to have significant political ramifications in Jhalakathi and beyond.

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