Joy Christopher Biswas, Rajshahi Correspondent: Rajshahi's notorious criminal, Zahirul Haque Rubel (35), has expressed deep regret over his involvement in politics. Currently on a five-day police remand, Rubel reportedly broke down in tears during interrogation, stating, "I made a mistake getting into politics. I wish I had just sold nuts on the street instead of engaging in terrorism. I wouldn’t be in this mess today." This information was shared by a police officer involved in the investigation on Wednesday afternoon.
On August 5th, Rubel was seen brandishing two pistols, simultaneously firing at students and a crowd in Rajshahi, an attack that left over fifty students injured, two of whom later died. He is now facing multiple charges, including murder, for his role in this incident.
Rubel was apprehended by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in Comilla on the night of August 13th. After being transported to Rajshahi, he was formally arrested in connection with the murder of Shibir leader Ali Raihan and appeared in court last Sunday. The police sought a 10-day remand, but the court approved five days. On the fourth day of his remand, Rubel was interrogated by the investigating officer and senior officers of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP).
Sources close to the investigation revealed that Rubel has been emotional during questioning, frequently crying. He expressed regret over his involvement in politics and terrorist activities, lamenting that many others have benefited from politics, but he has been caught. He also remarked that since the fall of the Awami League government, no other leaders from Rajshahi had been arrested like him. However, on the first day of questioning, Rubel admitted to firing at the students with two pistols. He is also reportedly willing to give a formal statement in court under Section 164.
The interrogation was conducted in the presence of SI Taj Uddin, the investigating officer in the Ali Raihan murder case, and SI Shariful Islam, who is leading the investigation in the Sakib Anjum murder case. Senior officers from the city police were also present. The police are working to uncover further details about the attack on the students, including the origins of the weapons used and the sources of funding behind the operation.
SI Taj Uddin commented, "Rubel has provided some important information, but the source of the weapons and the funding behind the attack remain unclear. We are hopeful of finding answers. If necessary, we will seek an extension of his remand." He added, "Everyone regrets when they get caught. Rubel is no different; now, he’s remorseful."
SI Shariful Islam, who is handling the Sakib Anjum murder case, said, "Rubel is currently on remand in connection with a murder case. Once that remand concludes, we will request additional time to interrogate him further."
Rubel, a resident of the Chandipur area of Rajshahi, is widely known as "Chandipur's Rubel" due to his extensive involvement in criminal activities. A former member of the Jubo League, Rubel was closely associated with Abdul Waheed Khan Tito, who served as the personal assistant to former city mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton. Through this connection, Rubel became a key figure in suppressing student movements and protests in Rajshahi, often acting as Mayor Liton’s "right-hand man."
Known for his lavish lifestyle, Rubel frequently drove luxury cars and had previously faced six charges, including murder, attempted murder, land grabbing, arms dealing, drug trafficking, and violating the Explosives Act. After the August 5th attack, additional cases, including two murder charges, have been filed against him.
In June of last year, Rubel ran for the position of Ward No. 7 Councilor in the Rajshahi City Corporation elections but was defeated. It was later discovered that he had concealed his criminal record while running for office. A few days after his electoral loss, he made headlines again when he was caught on CCTV urinating in the councilor’s office, an incident that went viral on social media.