Jamaat leader detained in Cumilla over alleged cash distribution

A Jamaat-e-Islami leader was detained by a mobile court in Muradnagar Upazila of Cumilla on Wednesday morning over allegations of distributing cash to voters ahead of the election.

Habibur Rahman Helali, chief coordinator of Jamaat-e-Islami’s election management committee for Saliakandi Union in Muradnagar, was taken into custody after Tk 2lakh in cash was recovered from him in Neamatkandi area of the union.

According to officials concerned, a team led by Muradnagar Upazila Executive Magistrate and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Sakib Hasan Khan rushed to the scene after getting information about money distribution, and detained Helali.

Later on, the Jamaat leader was handed over to the Muradnagar Police Station for further investigation.

Helali, however, denied the allegations, claiming that the cash was intended to cover meals for Jamaat-e-Islami polling agents stationed at various centres. He alleged that he had been framed.

Muradnagar Upazila Assistant Returning Officer and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdur Rahman said the mobile court acted following reports of cash distribution.

“The accused has been taken to the police station, and legal action will be taken after verification,” he added.

The incident comes amid heightened vigilance by election authorities to prevent money distribution and other irregularities ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the referendum.