Ex-DGFI director Afzal Naser accused of blocking Khaleda’s treatment at hospital

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Former director of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) Md Afzal Naser used his position to actively obstruct medical care for former BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia at United Hospital, the prosecution has said.

During a hearing at the Metropolitan Magistrates’ Court on Monday, Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi alleged that Afzal, who served as an administrative officer at United Group after his dismissal from the Army, used his position to deny Khaleda essential healthcare.

“While the ‘fascist’ regime was pushing a three-time prime minister toward death through fabricated cases and imprisonment, Afzal Naser created systematic obstacles to her treatment at United Hospital,” Faruqi told the court.

The prosecution further detailed Afzal’s history of political persecution, dating back to the 2006–2008 military-controlled caretaker government.

Faruqi claimed Afzal was a key member of the DGFI team responsible for the “unjust arrest and torture” of current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The court heard that Afzal was also involved in the targeted harassment and “fabricated arrests” of high-profile figures, including Abdul Awal Mintoo, Lutfozzaman Babar, and Mohammad Mosaddak Ali.

Defence counsel Helal Uddin moved a petition seeking bail, arguing that Afzal was a victim of circumstances.

“If he had been a beneficiary of the previous government, he would have been rewarded. Instead, he was dismissed from the Army and joined United Group simply to earn a living,” the lawyer said.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Hasib Ullah Pias has granted police six days to interrogate the former Army officer, who was arrested in his Mirpur DOHS residence on Monday morning.

The remand was granted in connection with charges of murder of Delwar Hossain during the July Uprising.

The investigating officer of the murder case, DB Sub-Inspector Kafil Uddin, produced him in court requesting seven days to question him in custody.

Officials involved in the investigation of the Detective Police say Afzal was arrested based on information provided by former Army officer retired lieutenant general Masud Uddin Chowdhury and former director general of the DGFI retired lieutenant general Mamun Khaled.

According to the remand plea, on Jul 19, 2024, between 500 and 700 Awami League activists allegedly attacked a student-led protest at Mirpur-10 roundabout using crude weapons.

The petition said Delwar was critically injured in the shooting and died on Jul 21 at a private hospital in Shyamoli.

Source: https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/us-provides-grants-for-restoring-historic-musa-khan-mosque-at-du