2 AL activists held at Benapole while attempting to cross border

Two brothers identified as activists of Awami League (AL) were detained by immigration authorities at Benapole on Tuesday afternoon while allegedly trying to cross into India.

The detainees are Sadiqur Rahman Shamim, 36, and Sajidur Rahman, 32, sons of Jalal Uddin from the Halurgan area of Sunamganj. Police said both are accused in a murder case filed in Sunamganj.

According to immigration officials, the two brothers submitted their passports at the Benapole immigration counter. During routine verification, their names were found on a blacklist in connection with the murder case, prompting officials to stop them from leaving the country.

During preliminary questioning, Shamim claimed that they were involved in Awami League politics and alleged that the case against them arose from a family dispute.

Benapole Immigration Police officer-in-charge (OC) Sakhawat Hossain said that the brothers were detained after their status emerged during passport checks. After completing immigration formalities, they were handed over to Benapole Port Police Station.

Benapole Port Police Station Sub-Inspector Khayrul Islam confirmed the information and said that the brothers are named accused in a murder case.

“We are in touch with Sunamganj police and will hand them over following due procedure,” he said.