Arav Khan came to Bangladesh twice despite arrest warrant

Rabiul Islam, who is known as gold trader in Dubai, is mainly an accused of murdering a police inspector. Police have sought cooperation from Interpol to bring him back.File photo

Rabiul Islam alias Arav Khan, who was facing an arrest warrant on charges of murdering a police officer, came to Bangladesh in March 2022 and in February this year.

He disclosed his presence in Facebook live.

Diplomatic sources said he got his visa from the Bangladesh consulate in Dubai for his visit to Bangladesh.

Arav Khan recently came to the limelight with the inauguration of jewelry shop in Dubai.

Prothom Alo contacted the Bangladesh consulate in Dubai on Saturday night about the visa of Arav Khan. However, officials at the Bangladesh mission didn't want to be quoted.

The officials said there is no scope for a person with an Indian passport to enter Bangladesh without a visa.

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Rabiul Islam alias Arav Khan is known by all as a Bangladeshi.

The law enforcement agency in Dhaka said Rabiul Islam Arav Khan, accused of murdering a policeman, was living in UAE with an Indian passport.

He is an accused in the murder of inspector Mamun Emran Khan in Dhaka.

Arav Khan sponsors different functions of the Bangladesh community.  He sponsored the anniversary function of Bangladesh Film Artistes Association (BFAA) on 12 March. Bangladesh consul general BM Jamal Hossain was the chief guest at the function. He presented gave crests to the sponsors.

Replying to a text message, BM Jamal Hossain said the identity of the controversial person was not disclosed till the date. The organiser said that person (Arav Khan) sponsored their function.

On the sideline of attending a function in Dubai last March, Prothom Alo correspondent went to the Bangladesh consulate. Arav Khan was seen there at the time.

A senior official at the consulate said he (Arav Khan) may been there for some consular service.

According to the Detective Branch of police, the real name of the Arav jewelry shop owned by Arav Khan is Rabiul Islam.

He is from Kotalipara of Gopalganj. He is known by different names including Shohag Molla, Ridoy Sheikh and Apan.

Police inspector Mamun Emran Khan was murdered on 7 July 2018.

Being accused of that murder, Rabiul Islam alias Arav Khan fled the country.

DB police said Rabiul Islam fled to India first and then he headed to Dubai after collecting an Indian passport. Now he is a gold trader in Dubai.

However, Arav Khan on Facebook live claimed he is not involved in the murder of inspector Mamun Emran Khan at his Banani office.