A case has been filed against 133 people in Jashore, including former municipal mayor Zahirul Islam Chakladar Rentu and former councillor Haji Sumon, both described in the report as leaders of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned. Nine activists arrested in connection with the case have been sent to jail following a court order.
Sub-Inspector Fazlul Haque of Kotwali Police Station filed the case on Sunday (2 August). Police said the case names 133 individuals and also includes several unidentified people as accused.
Those arrested in the case include Sheikh Tanvir Islam Emon, also known as Captain Emon, Fardin Durjoy, Ohidul Islam Sheikh, Rakibul Rahman, also known as Baro Babu, Al Amin and Samrat Hossain. The report also states that, in a separate case filed the same night, serving Union Parishad member Moinur Rahman and former Union Parishad members Nurul Islam and Akram Hossain were detained and later sent to jail through the court.
Among the prominent individuals named as accused are former municipal mayor Zahirul Islam Chakladar Rentu, former councillor Haji Sumon, Jubo League leader Saijuzzaman Babu, also known as Dantal Babu, Awami League leader Sheikh Atikur Babu, former Sadar Upazila Parishad chairman Fontu Chakladar and former vice-chairman Anwar Hossain Bipul.
The list also includes former chairman Mahamudul Hasan Life, Dalennagar’s Habibur Rahman, former Upshahar chairman Ehsanul Haque Litu, Munshur Ali of Upshahar, Chima, former Narendrapur Union chairman Raju and former Churamankati Union chairman Abdul Mannan Munna.
According to the allegations outlined in the case, a group of Awami League and affiliated organisation activists gathered near Rajarhat Picnic Corner in Jashore Sadar Upazila on the night of 31 July. The case alleges that they assembled to stage an anti-government procession and with the intention of carrying out acts of sabotage.
Police said they received information about the gathering and quickly went to the location. However, those present allegedly fled after learning that the police had arrived. Following inquiries into the incident, Sub-Inspector Fazlul Haque filed the case, naming 133 individuals and several unidentified persons as accused.
The nine arrested individuals were produced before a court and subsequently sent to jail. The three people detained in the separate case were also placed in custody through the judicial process.
The allegations against those named in the case remain subject to investigation. Being named as an accused does not, by itself, establish guilt, and the allegations will have to be examined through the legal process.
Police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged gathering, the identities and roles of those involved, and whether there is evidence to support the charges brought against the accused. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.
