Jubo League leader arrested with explosives, 9,000 masks

Police have arrested a Jubo League leader in South Keraniganj and recovered explosives, materials allegedly used to make crude bombs and 9,000 paper masks, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

The arrested man was identified as Zahid Hasan Emon, 30. Police said he is the general secretary of Ward No. 26 unit of the Jubo League.

He was arrested in the Bagashur area of South Keraniganj in the early hours of Friday during a drive conducted by Shyampur police.

Speaking at a press conference at the DMP Media Centre on Friday afternoon, DMP Joint Commissioner (Crime Prevention-South) Md Tofayel Ahmed Mia said investigators found evidence of Emon’s alleged involvement while investigating a recent cocktail explosion in front of Jatrabari Police Station.

Based on the information, police conducted a raid in Bagashur and arrested him, the official said.

According to the DMP, police recovered 1.5kg of caustic soda, 1.6kg of sulphur, 5kg of marbles and 2kg of 1-inch barbed wire based on information provided by Emon.

Police also recovered 20 rolls of red tape and 11 rolls of black tape allegedly used to wrap crude bombs.

In the same operation, police recovered 9,000 paper masks from three cartons, 30 packets of elastic used to wear the masks, and a blender and jar allegedly used to grind materials for making crude bombs.

During preliminary interrogation, Emon reportedly told police that the masks had been sent to him through an unidentified van driver at the direction of a leader from Lalbagh. Police said the masks were kept at his residence for distribution among various leaders and activists.

Police also said two separate cases had previously been filed against Emon with Shahbagh and Lalbagh police stations.

Legal proceedings against him are underway, police said.

-MT