File photo
During the "Operation Devil Hunt" campaign, former chairman of Narayanganj’s Bander Upazila and district vice-president of the National Party, Maksud Hossain, was arrested. He was taken into custody on the night of Tuesday, March 5. The arrest was confirmed by Bander police station's Officer-in-Charge (OC) Tariqul Islam.
According to the OC, Maksud Hossain was arrested due to his involvement in an anti-discrimination movement case.
Previously, on June 20, 2024, Maksud was denied bail by the court in a domestic violence case filed by his wife and was sent to jail. Later, on June 24, a High Court bench comprising Justice Abu Taher Mohammad Saifur Rahman and Justice Mohammad Bashir Ullah granted him six months' bail, leading to his release on June 25.
For 15 years, Maksud maintained dominance over Musapur Union under the protection of the ruling party. Using the influence of local MP Selim Osman, he and his son, Mahmudul Hasan Shubho, controlled the area.
However, on August 5, after Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country, Maksud returned to Musapur, celebrating her fall with a victory rally and distributing sweets.
The former chairman, along with his family and associates, became increasingly reckless, using their power to oppress locals.
In the June 8 Upazila Parishad election last year, Maksud opposed the Awami League and spent millions to secure his victory as chairman. The residents of Musapur and Kuripara have reportedly been living under the grip of his family since before independence.
On August 5, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, chaos erupted nationwide. Musapur Union was one of the areas severely affected by the violence.
Under Maksud's orders, his son Mahmudul Hasan Shubho, along with his personal assistant Iqbal, local leaders Monir Member, Monowar Member, and Sohel Member, led a mob of 400-500 people in attacking the homes of Awami League leaders and supporters.
Their targets included Mujibur Mia’s house, Ali Hossain’s residence in Barpara, Anwar Member’s home, Malibita’s Safar Uddin Member’s house, Japa leader Rabiul Awal’s residence, Matiur Rahman’s house, and Syed Ahmad’s home in Haribari.
The attackers not only vandalized the properties but also set them on fire, committing atrocities reminiscent of the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971. Residents of Musapur Union claim they have been held hostage by Maksud’s family for generations and long for freedom.
Maksud’s father, the late Rafique, along with his brothers and relatives, have been accused of several heinous crimes.
In 1994, Maksud’s family allegedly hacked to death a paralyzed war veteran, Rafiq Bhuiyan, in broad daylight. In 1992, his elder brother, Kalu, brutally murdered a butcher, Nabi Hossain, over a minor dispute over beef.
Maksud and his relatives reportedly beheaded Mohsin, a relative of Awami League leader Kazi Nur Mohammad, and played football with his severed head at Kuripara School. In 1986, Maksud's group killed freedom fighter Alauddin from Lalkharbag. In 2004, his brother Anwar and others murdered Delwar from Muradpur. Maksud’s relatives have been accused of multiple murders, including the killing of bus owner Mosharraf over a minor fare dispute and the brutal execution of workers like Suro Mia, whose arms were cut off for refusing extortion demands.
Maksud’s history of violence spans decades, leaving residents in fear and despair.
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