Samrat taken to Rab office

Former Jubo League leader Ismail Hossain Chowdhury Samrat, an alleged kingpin of the illegal casino business in Dhaka, was taken to the office of Rab-1 today for interrogation in connection with two cases filed under the arms and narcotics control acts.

Samrat’s alleged accomplice Enamul Haque Arman was also taken at the same office for the same purpose, Mizanur Rahman, senior additional director (legal media) of Rapid Action Battalion-1, told The Daily Star.

The Rab will investigate the cases, lodged against Samrat with Ramna Police Station on October 7, in line with the directives of the home ministry and thus Samrat was taken to the Rab-1 office this afternoon, Mizanur Rahman said.

Samrat former president of Dhaka South Jubo League was placed on a 10-day remand on October 15 in the two cases.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Tofazzal Hossain passed the order after two investigation officers produced Samrat with a total 20-day remand plea in the two cases.

On October 6, Rab arrested Samrat and his close aide Enamul Haque Arman, former vice-president of the same unit, in Cumilla after raiding a house near Indian border.

He came under the spotlight after Rab busted his illegal casino business at different sporting clubs in Dhaka and later he was expelled from the Jubo League following his arrest.

On the same day, Samrat was then brought to the capital and the elite force conducted operations at various establishments where the Jubo League leader either lived or carried out political and business activities.

Rab also took Samrat to his political office in Kakrail where he has been reportedly staying since the crackdown began on September 18.