Sramik Dal Leader Jailed for Scrap Theft at Patuakhali Power Plant

Local Correspondent

Shamim Talukder, president of the Dhanakhali Union Sramik Dal and close associate of ABM Mosharraf Hossain, central BNP’s training secretary and nomination aspirant for Patuakhali-4, has been jailed for alleged involvement in scrap theft and smuggling from the 1320 MW thermal power plant in Patuakhali’s Kalapara.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested Shamim on Monday, January 20, from Dhanakhali and handed him over to Kalapara police. Kalapara Police Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Jewel Islam confirmed the arrest.

On Tuesday morning, Shamim was presented before the Kalapara court, which denied his bail and ordered his detention in jail.

The case stems from a theft incident on January 12, when Aminul Islam, deputy manager (admin) of the power plant, filed a complaint at Kalapara Police Station naming 34 individuals. The primary accused is Sohail Molla, vice president of the Dhanakhali Union BNP.

According to the case details, the accused were involved in stealing copper wires, steel plates, and other iron materials from the plant and smuggling them. A truck loaded with two tons of stolen goods was intercepted during the operation. Most of the 34 accused are reportedly members of local BNP and its affiliated organizations.