Dhaka, Feb 11 (V7N) — Jamaat-e-Islami spokesperson Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair has alleged that the arrest of Thakurgaon District Jamaat Ameer Belal Uddin with over Tk 50 lakh at Saidpur Airport was a “staged drama” orchestrated by law enforcement agencies.

He made the remarks at a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon, claiming that the incident was intentionally publicized to politically target Jamaat after failing to confront the party at the polls.

Zubair said that Belal Uddin had already clarified that he was traveling for business and carried cash due to bank closures. “A person can do business and manage finances for family or other needs. This is very natural,” he said. He added that Belal, an elderly and responsible leader, had fallen ill due to the incident and was admitted to the hospital because of mental stress.

The spokesperson also expressed concern that candidates, agents, and leaders of Jamaat are being targeted in various parts of the country, and that conspiracies are being hatched to create fear among the public. He warned that some officials appear to favor one political party and stressed that the administration must remain neutral.

Earlier on Wednesday around noon, police arrested Belal Uddin at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari. During questioning, Belal stated that he resides in Thakurgaon Sadar, works as a teacher, and that the cash exceeding Tk 50 lakh belonged to his business, including his involvement in the garment sector.

END/SMA/AJ