Chief of the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Harun or Rashid said that the central leaders of BNP, who now are on remand, confessed their involvement in recent arson attacks and vandalism.

“They attacked the residence of the Chief Justice and set fire on BRTC buses from BNP’s meeting during their grand rally on October 28,” he told journalist at his office on Wednesday.

Harun, also an additional commissioner of the DMP said according to primary interrogation, central leaders of BNP who are on remand, confessed to their involvement in recent arson attacks and vandalism across the country.

“When we reviewed the CCTV and video footage of the arson attacks and vandalism and found their clear involvement,” he added. He said that you (BNP leaders) were on the stage and leading the rally, adding, “Besides, video footage found your role on that day, Sultan Salahuddin was running with a stick, Rabiul Islam Nayan was setting fire to buses.

We recovered gunpowder from the house of former central leader of Chhatra Dal Abu Saeed Mintu-who has given a confession. After watching everything, they (central leaders) became repented and said it was not fair.”

The DB chief said BNP thought that after setting fire to some places, the government would be scared, or police would be demoralized.

The work of the police force is to provide security to people’s lives and properties. Police are vigilant to ensure the smooth movement of the common people.

Haru also said that every member of the police, the DB and thana Police patrolling different areas of the city round the clock. They are also performing their duties in plain clothes.

“None will be spared who wants to do such criminal acts. Even, reward will be given if the people can catch the criminals and hand over them to police,” he added.

Meanwhile, on the day of BNP’s meeting on October 28, Lalbagh and Motijheel Divisions of the DB arrested five more people who were involved in setting of fire and damaging vehicles during the strike and blockade.

In this regard, Harun said, “We have arrested several people who played a vital role in destructive activities by participating in the BNP rally. I got the names of many participants. Among them, Syed Hasan Mintu, agriculture secretary of Juba Dal’s Central Committee, was arrested with eight kilograms of gunpowder. Mintu confessed that he made these with the help of Bashar and Masud. He also said that Rabiul Islam Nayan and Sultan Salahuddin also helped him.”