Rab arrests youth who vandalised Bangabandhu’s mural in Brahmanbaria

Rapid Action Battalion (Rab-14) today arrested a youth who they claim was involved in vandalising the mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Brahmanbaria during the strike enforced by Hefajat-e-Islam on March 28.

The arrestee was identified as Md Arman Malik, 22, of Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria.

After scrutinising video footage of the vandalism, a team of Rab-14 arrested Malik from the district highway area around 09:00pm on Sunday, Lt Col Abu Nayeem Mohammad Talat, commander of Rab-14, said while addressing reporters at Brahmanbaria Press Club.

Later, the Rab-14 team conducted a drive in the district's Kazipara Mahalla, where Malik used to live in a rented house. They recovered a weapon, two magazines, four rounds of bullets and a shovel from there, he said.

The Rab official said that Arman admitted to damaging the mural during preliminary interrogation.

Arman had gone into hiding. He had cut his hair and his beard to avoid arrest, Lt Col Talat said, adding preparations are underway to file a case in this regard.

Asked about any links to Hefajat, Lt Col Talat, however, did not answer.

Rab-14 Bhairab Camp Assistant Director Rafiuddin Mohammad Jobair and other officials were present during the press brief.