Dhaka, Oct 18 (V7N) — The Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court of Dhaka has granted a four-day remand for Rafiqul Islam, the former officer-in-charge (OC) of Gulshan police station. He faces allegations of obstructing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s activities and attempting to harm her by placing a truck loaded with sand in front of her residence.

The court, presided over by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Afnan Sumi, issued the order on Friday. Sub-Inspector Raihanul Islam Saikat, the investigating officer from Gulshan police station, requested a five-day remand for further investigation, but the court approved four days after hearing both parties. A bail plea filed by the defence lawyer was rejected.

Rafiqul Islam was arrested on Thursday. The case originates from an incident on October 4, 2013, when trucks filled with sand and dirt were placed in front of Khaleda Zia's house to prevent her from participating in a BNP rally demanding elections under a caretaker government. The rally was part of BNP’s December 29, 2013, program for democracy, opposing the Awami League government’s decision to conduct the 2014 elections under a party-led government.

The case, filed by Shariful Islam, a member of the Central Farmers' Party, also accused the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several police officials. The complaint alleges that, during the blockade, BNP activists were attacked with banned pepper spray, causing significant disruption and harm.

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