Police detained Belal Uddin Pradhan, the Thakurgaon district chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, at Saidpur Airport on Wednesday after receiving a tip-off that he was traveling from Dhaka with a large sum of money. Upon inspection, authorities found Tk 7.4 million in his bag, confirmed Additional Superintendent of Police Mohsin (Administration) of Nilphamari. A video of his questioning showed that Pradhan could not specify the exact amount but mentioned it exceeded Tk 5 million.

Belal Uddin Pradhan claimed the money was related to his business, not for election spending, and alleged that a group was spreading propaganda against Jamaat leaders. Following his detention, he reported feeling unwell and was admitted to the cardiology department of Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Police stated that they are investigating the source and intended use of the money.

According to police sources, investigators are also examining whether the funds were meant for election-related activities ahead of the upcoming polls. Pradhan, a teacher at Salandar Degree College, identifies himself as a garments businessman and resides in Thakurgaon’s Hajipara area.