Ex-army officer Hafiz remanded

A Dhaka court on Sunday placed retired Major Dr Khondaker Abdul Hafiz on a four-day remand as investigators sought to establish the extent of his alleged links with fugitive Awami League leaders, former military officials and a banned political organisation.

A police investigation into an alleged anti-state conspiracy has brought a network of retired military officers, suspected fundraising channels and online communications under scrutiny, following the arrest of retired Major Dr Khondaker Abdul Hafiz.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Rakibul Hasan passed the order on November 1, after the Detective Branch (DB) sought seven days of remand. Hafiz was arrested from the capital’s Banani area late Saturday night.

According to the remand petition, investigators suspect that Hafiz and several retired military officers used WhatsApp groups and online platforms named ‘Unity Care’ and ‘Public Parliament’ to collect funds, circulate provocative content and maintain contact with fugitive Awami League leaders and former army chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed.

The investigation is also examining whether these platforms were used to coordinate activities beyond online campaigning.

The DB alleges that Hafiz’s Facebook account and other digital platforms were used to spread anti-government propaganda and incite violence. Investigators want to recover electronic evidence, identify other members of the suspected network and trace possible domestic and foreign connections.

The seven-day remand request indicates that investigators are seeking to establish not only Hafiz’s individual role but also the structure, financing and possible links of the alleged network.

The case was filed on October 12 at Pallabi Police Station by DB Inspector Md Ali Akbar. The allegations include attempts to rehabilitate the banned Awami League through illegal fundraising and organise activities intended to destabilise the country.