A "red alert" has been issued across the country for the arrest of Shah Alam, the former officer-in-charge (O.C.) of the Uttara East Police Station, who managed to escape from police custody. Meanwhile, the current O.C. of the station, Mahibullah, has been suspended for his failure to ensure the detention of Shah Alam.

Deputy Police Commissioner (D.C.) of Uttara Division, Rownak Jahan, confirmed the information on Friday afternoon. He disclosed that the police, along with the army and RAB (Rapid Action Battalion), had launched a joint operation to track down the fugitive.

The incident occurred on Thursday, January 9, when Shah Alam, who was previously arrested in connection with a case related to the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, was being transferred to court. During this process, he managed to escape from the Uttara East Police Station.

Sources within the police station revealed that Shah Alam, who had been arrested in connection with a murder case, was initially kept in a room at the station rather than in the detention cell. It was from this room that he managed to flee.

Speaking about the escape, O.C. Mahibullah stated, "We are actively working with all units of the police, army, and RAB to capture Shah Alam. We are also using technology to track his movements. We are hopeful that we will apprehend him soon."

A spokesperson for the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Deputy Police Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman, confirmed that a murder case had been filed against Shah Alam on September 2, 2022, in connection with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Shah Alam was arrested on Wednesday, and the process of sending him to court was underway when he escaped.

In addition to the ongoing search for Shah Alam, an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) has been temporarily suspended due to negligence in this matter.

Shah Alam, who had served as the O.C. of Uttara East Police Station since August 1, 2022, was involved in several controversial incidents, including his alleged role in the July student protests. He faces multiple charges, including the killing of students during the protests. His escape has raised serious questions about the security measures in place at the police station.

Sources indicated that Shah Alam had requested permission to use the toilet before escaping from the station. After his arrest in Kushtia on January 8, Shah Alam was brought to Uttara East Police Station, where he managed to flee the following day.

Shah Alam's escape has led to heightened scrutiny of police procedures and calls for accountability regarding the handling of prisoners. The authorities are now focusing on locating him as they continue their joint operation.