Ashraful Haque, widely recognized by his screen name Don, was a close friend and frequent companion of the late Dhallywood icon Salman Shah. Beyond their professional collaboration, the two shared a deep personal bond, often spending late nights driving through the streets of Dhaka after work. These informal outings frequently led them to a milkshake shop in Gulshan or a street-side stall in Uttara, where they would enjoy ‘chitoi pitha’. Don had previously shared these nostalgic memories of their friendship in an interview with.
Three decades later, Don has been taken into custody in connection with the case surrounding Salman Shah’s death. Immigration police apprehended him last Sunday afternoon at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. By that evening, a court had ordered him to be sent to jail. His arrest has reignited public interest in the stories and memories he once shared about his time with the late actor.
Reflecting on their friendship, Don noted that Salman had a passion for driving and often preferred to roam the city without a specific destination after completing his daily film shoots. During their long drives, they would often visit a modest restaurant in Gulshan where Salman particularly enjoyed the milkshakes. Don recalled that the shopkeeper would sometimes keep the establishment open late specifically to accommodate them. Their other favorite spot was a street stall in Uttara run by an elderly woman whom Salman affectionately called ‘Nani’. The two friends would often consume nine to ten chitoi pithas each in a single sitting, with Salman frequently displaying his generosity by paying 500 taka for the meal—a significant amount at the time.
Chowdhury Mohammad Shahriyar Emon, known to millions as Salman Shah, appeared in 27 films during his brief three-and-a-half-year career. His body was discovered at his residence in Eskaton on September 6, 1996. Even after nearly thirty years, the circumstances of his passing remain a subject of intense public discussion and mystery.
Following his arrest, Don was presented before the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana. The investigation officer, CID Inspector Arifur Rahman, formally requested that the actor be held in jail. Chief Public Prosecutor of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court, Omar Faruk Faruki, confirmed the development. The investigation officer’s petition alleged that the case filing implicated Don and other unidentified individuals in a conspiracy to end Salman Shah’s life. The investigation remains ongoing.
Don, who had been absconding for a long period, was brought to the court dock at 5:05 PM. Although he appeared visibly agitated, no defense lawyer was present to represent him when the judge arrived five minutes later. Consequently, the court issued the order to send him to jail.
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