Police in northern Bangladesh have arrested five members of the banned extremist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir following an incident involving the posting of the group’s propaganda materials in various parts of Kurigram town. The arrests were made on Wednesday (31 December) during a targeted operation carried out by the Detective Branch (DB) of police, reinforcing the authorities’ ongoing crackdown on outlawed militant activities.
According to police sources, posters bearing the name and slogans of Hizb ut-Tahrir were discovered earlier in the day at several prominent locations in Kurigram town, including the busy College Mor area. Upon receiving information about the incident, local police stations and the DB launched coordinated raids across different areas of the town to identify those responsible.
Later in the afternoon, acting on intelligence inputs, law enforcement officers intercepted a Kurigram–Rangpur-bound minibus near the Khalilganj Bazar area. The vehicle was stopped for inspection, during which five young men were detained on suspicion of involvement in the distribution and display of the banned organisation’s materials. Preliminary questioning suggested links to Hizb ut-Tahrir, prompting police to take them into custody for further investigation.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
| Name | Age | Home District | Educational Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaber Al Rafiyan | 30 | Jessore | American International University-Bangladesh (CSE) |
| Sakibul Hasan | 24 | Dhaka | East West University (CSE) |
| Shamim Hossain | 25 | Lakshmipur | East West University (CSE) |
| Fahmid Hasan | 34 | Natore | University of Asia Pacific (Pharmacy) |
| Mahmudur Rahman | 25 | Madaripur | Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) |
Police stated that all five detainees are students of reputed public and private universities across the country. Investigators are examining whether the group acted independently or as part of a wider network engaged in spreading extremist ideology through organised propaganda campaigns.
Speaking to reporters, Jahangir Alam, Officer-in-Charge of Kurigram Sadar Police Station, said that the suspects were being interrogated to verify their involvement and determine the extent of their activities.
“We are thoroughly questioning the detainees and cross-checking all information. Once the verification process is complete, legal action will be taken in accordance with the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, Khandaker Fazle Rabbi, Superintendent of Police of Kurigram district, confirmed that a case would be filed against the accused under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
“Hizb ut-Tahrir is a banned organisation in Bangladesh, and any form of its activities is a serious criminal offence. We will proceed with strict legal measures,” he stated.
Hizb ut-Tahrir has been outlawed in Bangladesh due to its alleged involvement in extremist propaganda and anti-state activities. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards banned organisations, emphasising that intelligence-led operations and surveillance will continue to prevent radicalisation and ensure public safety.
The arrests have once again highlighted concerns over the use of educated youth in extremist networks, a trend that security experts warn requires both strong enforcement and broader social awareness initiatives.