Gopalganj Awami League Secretary Shahabuddin Azam Arrested at Benapole

Staff Correspondent

While attempting to travel to India for medical treatment, Gopalganj District Awami League General Secretary GM Shahabuddin Azam was arrested by Immigration Police at the Benapole border.

He was detained at Benapole Immigration around 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 10.

GM Shahabuddin Azam is the son of late Moinuddin from Binapani Girls School Road area in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila.

Family sources revealed that Shahabuddin Azam was scheduled to travel to Chennai Apollo Hospital for treatment. He had previously undergone treatment there multiple times. He was supposed to return earlier but could not due to political instability. However, as his health deteriorated recently, it became urgent for him to consult his doctors again. For this reason, he had legally prepared to travel to Chennai with his passport.

Relatives stated that if Shahabuddin Azam had intended to flee to India, he could have done so much earlier. “If someone wanted to escape, would they boldly cross immigration openly like this?” they questioned.

Benapole Immigration in-charge Elias Hossain Munshi said they had prior information that Gopalganj District Awami League General Secretary GM Shahabuddin Azam might try to “flee” to India. Based on this tip, all officers in the departure section were alerted. When he submitted his passport at the counter around 11:00 AM, he was verified and subsequently arrested.

The officer mentioned that multiple cases are pending against Shahabuddin Azam.

Regarding this matter, Benapole Port Police Station in-charge Md. Russel Mia said the arrested accused has been handed over to them. Since there are cases against him in Gopalganj Police Station, he will be transferred to the custody of Gopalganj police.