General-turned-politician Masud arrested in 11 cases including human trafficking

Retired senior military officer and ex-MP from Feni-3 constituency, Masud Uddin Chowdhury, has been arrested in a human trafficking case and sent to court, with police saying he is facing multiple criminal cases across different jurisdictions.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB) said a total of 11 cases have so far been identified against him, including cases involving serious charges such as murder, attempted murder, money laundering and offences under the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act.

DB Additional Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam confirmed the matter at a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Tuesday (March 24). He said a DB team arrested Lt Gen (retd) Masud Uddin Chowdhury in the Baridhara area of the capital early Tuesday.

According to the DB, of the 11 cases, three are pending in Feni district, where arrest warrants have been issued as he was absconding in those cases. Another eight cases are currently under investigation, including three in Feni and five under Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) stations such as Banani, Paltan, Kotwali, Mirpur and Hatirjheel.

Officials also said several complaints against him are being reviewed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), indicating that the scope of allegations may widen further.

Police added that Masud was initially shown arrested in a human trafficking case filed with Paltan Police Station, which is currently under investigation by the DB. He was produced before the court, and a five-day remand was sought in connection with the case.

The human trafficking case reportedly includes a total of 101 accused individuals, with Masud named in the third statement of the case.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and further legal proceedings will follow as multiple cases against the former lawmaker progress through the judicial system.