Jamaat leader Akhtaruzzaman throws away helmet, says will not obey 'illegal' govt orders

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Major (retd) Akhtaruzzaman expressed anger after handcuffs were placed on his hands and a security helmet was put on his head while he was being taken to court today (3 October).

He threw the helmet away while being taken out of a prison van and said, "Why should I wear a helmet? Why was the helmet put on me? I do not obey the government's illegal orders."

A Dhaka court has granted a one-day remand of Akhtaruzzaman in a case filed over allegations of creating disorder and obstructing government work amid a shortage of luggage and trolleys at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The order was passed after a hearing today by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Albiruni Mir. SI Abu Bakkar Siddique of the prosecution department confirmed the matter.

Around 12:30pm, Akhtaruzzaman was brought to the Dhaka Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in a police prison van. He made the remarks while being taken out of the van.

While being taken to the court, he also said he had spoken about mismanagement at the airport. He was also seen pointing his finger at police from inside the prison van. At one point, he threw away the helmet.

Akhtaruzzaman further said, "We cannot be stopped through oppression and repression. Jamaat will fight for the people and for establishing their rights."

"Brothers, the struggle for people's rights will continue. The people's struggle will continue. We will fight for the people, InshaAllah," he said.

He then raised both hands and made a victory sign. Jamaat-backed lawyers also chanted slogans on the court premises.

Akhtaruzzaman was arrested over allegations of threatening the executive director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and assaulting a security supervisor.

On Friday (2 October) night, the Detective Branch handed him over to the Airport Police Station. He was handed over to the police station at around 7:15pm.