Mahdi Hasan, General Secretary of the Habiganj district branch and former coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, was detained for police questioning upon his return to Bangladesh. Sources at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport confirmed that Hasan arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday, 18 February, at 3:40 pm on an IndiGo flight from Delhi, India.
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Airport Detention
As Hasan approached the immigration area, police reportedly began questioning him immediately. Airport sources stated that he is currently in police custody, with detention potentially extending depending on the investigation.
In a Facebook Live broadcast from the airport, Hasan said:
“I am speaking from Delhi Airport. Upon returning to the country, I will hold a press conference to clarify the events. I was held in police custody for nearly 40 minutes. I requested to speak with my country’s embassy, but was not permitted and faced discourteous treatment. Immigration procedures were eventually completed, and I am being allowed entry into the country.”
Allegations and Legal Background
Hasan faces allegations stemming from an incident on 1 January 2026 at Shayestaganj Police Station in Habiganj. Following the detention of a young man named Enamul Hasan Noyon, Hasan reportedly threatened the Officer-in-Charge of the station. According to the police, Hasan stated:
“We have already burned down Baniachong police station; SI Santosh has been set alight.”
He was promptly arrested but released on bail within 24 hours amid pressure from student organisations.
International Travel and Return
Hasan had left Bangladesh on 12 February 2026, following the 13th parliamentary elections, travelling abroad for unspecified reasons. Upon his return, he was immediately subjected to police questioning, highlighting ongoing legal and political uncertainties surrounding his activities.
Recent Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2026 | Young man detained | Shayestaganj, Habiganj | Hasan allegedly threatened police after the arrest |
| 2 Jan 2026 | Arrest | Shayestaganj Police Station | Taken into custody; released on bail within 24 hours |
| 12 Feb 2026 | Travel abroad | Dhaka → India | Departed after 13th parliamentary elections |
| 18 Feb 2026 | Questioning on return | Hazrat Shahjalal Airport | Police questioning began immediately upon arrival |
Authorities remain closely monitoring Hasan’s questioning and evaluating any necessary measures concerning national security. Legal and political observers have noted that the case may have broader implications, given Hasan’s profile in student activism and recent political developments.