Kushtia police have arrested Abdur Rashid, a leading rice trader and the central president of the Bangladesh Auto Major and Husking Mill Owners’ Association, on charges of fraud.

Rashid was taken into custody around 6pm on Tuesday (Sept 9) from the Bottail area in Kushtia Sadar upazila, according to Kushtia Model Police Station.

Authorities said that Rashid faces at least 19 arrest warrants linked to fraud cases. 

The latest case was filed by Tofayel Hossain, Assistant General Manager of Akij Essential Ltd, who accused Rashid of misappropriating funds and issuing threats when asked to repay his dues.

According to the case details, Rashid had entered into a business arrangement with the Akij Group and is alleged to have embezzled approximately Tk 53 lakh. The formal complaint, lodged on Saturday, accuses him of fraudulent practices and intimidation.

Police said the arrest followed a targeted operation in the Bottail area of Kushtia town.

Kushtia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mosharraf Hossain said Rashid was being held in police custody overnight due to the timing of the arrest. He is expected to be produced before the court on Wednesday.

SMS/