NCP expels arrested Gazipur city leader over alleged extremist links

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has permanently expelled Ataullah Shah, Joint Secretary of its Gazipur city unit, over allegations of involvement with extremist activities.

In a statement signed by Office Cell member Farzana Dina issued on Tuesday, the party said Ataullah had been removed from all organisational responsibilities with immediate effect. 

"A serious allegation has been raised that you have been involved in activities contrary to the principles and ideals of the party. Therefore, you are hereby permanently expelled from all organisational responsibilities and positions at every level of the party, including your primary membership," the statement said.

NCP’s central committee member (Media) Yeasir Arafat said Ataullah was inactive within the party for the last four to five months.

Ataullah was arrested on Sunday along with five other young men in the Jatrabari area of Dhaka on suspicion of involvement with an extremist organization.

A Dhaka court later granted police a 3-day remand for the 6 men after they were produced before the court under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The other detainees are Shah Amanat Sabir, Hossain Tanim, Junaid, Abidur Rahman, and Bayezid.

According to the police remand application, officers conducting patrols and operations in the Jatrabari area received information from a confidential source that several individuals had gathered in a sandy field beside the Amin Mohammad Group area in Mini Cox's Bazar for training intended to support the activities of an extremist organisation.

Police said they launched a raid based on the information. Several individuals allegedly attempted to flee after noticing the police presence, but the six men were detained.

The remand application further states that during preliminary questioning, the detainees were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for their gathering.