In another incident, Rapid Action battalion (Rab) in a raid arrested two alleged arms traders from Daulatpur in Kushtia on the same night.

Kushtia police said, joint forces in Mongla were tipped-off that an alleged criminal from Kushtia was hiding at a cement factory there. The joint forces raided the factory and arrested Zahidul Islam alias Lablu Malitha and his accomplice Yasin Ali.

Lablu is son of Shahidul Islam's elder brother Nurul Islam Malitha. Shahidul Islam was elected lawmaker twice from Kushtua-2 constituency. It was alleged that Lablu was responsible for various crimes, corruption and misdeeds during Shahidul Islam's 10-year tenure.

Lablu was accused in at least 18 cases including seven for murder, Kushtia police said. The cases include one for a triple murder, police added.

Lablu was a 'listed criminal' in Kushtia but could not be arrested as he was nephew of BNP lawmaker Sahidul, police said .

A team from Bheramara police station brought back Lablu to Bheramara police station yesterday afternoon. He was being interrogated when the report was filed yesterday evening.

In another incident, Rapid Action battalion (Rab) in a raid arrested two alleged arms traders from Daulatpur upazila in the district.

Rab sources said that Rab was informed that one Rabiul Islam, son of Hazi Moslem Uddin of Sahapur in Daulatpur upazila, was involved in illegal arms trading.

Rab communicated with Rabiul in the guise of arms buyer.

After bargaining, Rabiul asked them to come his house Thursday evening.

Two Rab teams went to Rabiul's house in guise of arms buyer.

Rabiul did not appear before Rab. He sent two persons--Zakir Hossain and Safiqul Islam--along with the arms to the 'buyers'. Rab arrested them and recovered two US made 7.65-bore pistols and 53 bullets from them.

Rabiul is absconding, Rab said.

The arrested persons were being quizzed at Rab office, Rab sources said yesterday.