As the upcoming national parliamentary election approaches, Barrister Ahmad bin Qasem Arman, widely known as Barrister Arman, has emerged as a central figure in political discussions across the Mirpur area of the capital. The son of late industrialist and former Jamaat-e-Islami executive council member Mir Quasem Ali, Barrister Arman is contesting the election from the Mirpur constituency as a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate.
Political analysts note that beyond conventional political popularity, a strong wave of public sympathy and humanitarian sentiment has developed around Barrister Arman, giving his candidacy a distinct dimension. His recent release after nearly nine years of enforced disappearance has sparked widespread public reaction and renewed debate.
Release After Years of Enforced Disappearance
According to family members and social media sources, Barrister Arman was released late at night several months ago. His family confirmed the development through social media platforms. They allege that on August 9, 2016, members of law enforcement agencies detained him from his residence in Mirpur DOHS.
At the time, Barrister Arman was living on the second floor of a house located at House No. 534, Road No. 7, Section 11, Mirpur DOHS, adjacent to the Dhaka Cantonment. According to the family, he was taken away in front of his two young children, wife, and sister. Following his detention, no official information regarding his whereabouts was disclosed for years.
Protest and Pressure Leading to Release
On the night of his reported release, former military officers and relatives of other disappeared persons staged a sit-in at Kachukhet, near the cantonment area in Dhaka, demanding the release of detainees. The demonstration was led by retired Colonel Samsher and involved approximately 20 to 25 former military officers, along with families of enforced disappearance victims.
Protesters told the media that many individuals were being unlawfully detained in alleged secret detention facilities, often referred to as the “Ayna Ghar.” They declared that their protest would continue until detainees were handed over safely to their families. The organization “Mayer Dak,” representing families of disappeared persons, also joined the demonstration in solidarity.
According to the protesters, news of Barrister Arman’s release came after sustained pressure. During the protest, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Hasinur Rahman, Bir Protik, stated that there have been longstanding allegations of numerous individuals being held in detention facilities run by intelligence agencies, RAB, and the police.
“If they are not released promptly, there is a serious risk of grave consequences,” he warned, adding that the demands had been formally communicated to military authorities and the army chief, and that they were awaiting an official response.
Impact on Electoral Politics
Political analysts believe that Barrister Arman’s release has significantly reshaped the electoral landscape in Mirpur. His public image is currently defined by three key dimensions:
first, his political identity as a Jamaat-e-Islami candidate;
second, the legacy and influence of his father, Mir Quasem Ali;
and third, the widespread public sympathy generated by his prolonged disappearance and alleged mistreatment.
The combined effect of these factors has placed him in a strong position in the electoral contest, observers say.
Contest and Prospects
Local political sources indicate that Barrister Arman’s main competition in the upcoming election is expected to come from the BNP candidate. While BNP maintains notable organizational strength in the Mirpur area, analysts suggest that the emotional response surrounding Barrister Arman’s release could significantly influence voter sentiment.
A local voter commented,
“Politics is one thing, but a man being missing for years touches people deeply. Many are leaning toward him out of sympathy.”
Overall, the Mirpur constituency’s election has moved beyond traditional political rivalry and has become closely intertwined with broader issues such as human rights, enforced disappearances, and accountability. Barrister Arman’s return has intensified these discussions and reshaped the political narrative.
Although the final outcome will ultimately depend on voters’ decisions, political observers widely acknowledge that Barrister Arman stands as one of the most prominent and formidable candidates in Mirpur under the current political circumstances.