Since August 5, law enforcement agencies have arrested several individuals from various locations. However, among those detained, there are no significant figures or key associates of the ousted autocrat Sheikh Hasina.

Today, while browsing Prothom Alo online, I came across a report stating that several individuals, including Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Hasan Mahmud, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, and Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapash, have left the country.

This raises an important question, as reports suggest that Quader, Asaduzamman Khan, and Hasan Mahmud were presumably still in the contry after Hasina's fall.

Various sources noted that Obaidul Quader was at Jessore Cantonment. The army chief General Waker Uz Zaman later stated publicly that around 600 Awami League leaders, judges, police, and their families were under their custody, most of whom have since departed.

Naturally, it raises curiosity about how they were able to leave the cantonment and why law enforcement did not capture them at that time. This is a question that should be addressed by Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the army chief.

From my discussions with various individuals, it's apparent that there is significant unease and suspicion among the public regarding these events.

Many believe that a considerable amount of money facilitated their departure from the country. I firmly believe that Dr. Yunus is not involved in this. However, it is now his moral duty to clarify to the public how they managed to escape.

Now, regarding those arrested in the past two or three days, aside from two journalists posing as aides, along with the rogue Mojammel Babu and Shyamal Dutta, the others are not particularly noteworthy figures.

Many believe that Asaduzzaman Noor or Shahriar Kabir pose no real threat to the country or the nation. By detaining them, the government likely aims to demonstrate its ongoing efforts to apprehend Awami League leaders and activists.

However, despite this, I feel that Dr. Yunus and the current government have not been able to alleviate the public's suspicion that they have been lenient with major criminals, either directly or indirectly.

We also need to take a closer look into the remand issue.

When most people hear the term "remand," it conjures up a frightening image. We all know that during remand, accused individuals often endure inhumane treatment, which typically leads them to disclose significant information.

Unfortunately, it appears that a kind of celebration has started in the name of remand. So far, there have been no reports of those in remand experiencing physical abuse.

Instead, they are enjoying lavish meals like biryani and pulao, along with coffee and sweets. After their remand, they are given VIP treatment in prison, where they have access to various modern amenities, including air conditioning.

Given the current circumstances, the comforts associated with remand may lead many individuals to prefer surrendering to the police instead of remaining in hiding.

Based on my extensive experience, I suspect that in a few days, we might see Salman Rahman back out in public, once again asserting control over the country’s business landscape.

You may recall that the infamous company Beximco has been embroiled in various misconducts since independence, including bank robberies, stock market scandals, and loan defaults.

Salman and his brother Sohail Rahman have touched nearly every sector. Remember, Salman went into hiding right after Ershad's fall, and shortly after the BNP came to power, he returned in full glory, allegedly having been compensated by their leaders.

This scoundrel has inflicted such harm on the nation's economy that he should have faced the death penalty for treason, yet he has evaded punishment under every government.

Is this going to happen again?

Earlier, I stated in my Facebook post that Salman and his associates should be treated like ordinary prisoners. Given the damage they have caused to the country, there is no reason for them to enjoy air-conditioned accommodations.

I strongly urge the interim government to give this issue serious attention. If they are not treated as ordinary prisoners, they may again exploit powerful connections within the state to plunder the nation's resources.

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Arshad Mahmud is a senior journalist. He used to cover Bangladesh for the New York Times for a long period.