Police in Srimangal, Moulvibazar, have arrested a former leader of the Nationalist Cultural Social Organization (JASAS) in connection with a robbery involving cumin worth about Tk 2 million. According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a covered van carrying cumin owned by Sylhet businessman Afzalur Rahman was stopped in the Puranbazar area by a group led by Zahed Ali. The attackers allegedly held the driver and helper hostage at knifepoint and fled with 160 sacks of cumin, Tk 20,000 in cash, two mobile phones, and the van itself.

Afzalur Rahman filed a case with Srimangal Police Station on Saturday after reviewing CCTV footage and identifying the suspects. The case named Zahed Ali and three to four unidentified individuals. Later that night, around 2:30 a.m., police led by Sub-Inspector Bablu Pal arrested Zahed Ali from the Shahibagh area. He is the son of the late Nayeb Ali and a former member secretary of the Srimangal municipal JASAS convening committee.

Local JASAS leaders stated that Zahed Ali had already been removed from his party position earlier for violating organizational discipline and engaging in extortion-related activities.