The arrests took place on Sunday afternoon, 25 October, near Eklashpur Bazar in Begumganj.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Md Russell, 25, Rakib, 19, Abdul Alim, 19, Md Kamrul Islam, 19, Md Jihan, 18, Nishan, 18, Md Siam, 18, and Jisan, 18. Seven of the eight are aged between 18 and 19, while Russell is 25.
According to police and local sources, a group of Chhatra League activists brought out a sudden procession at around 12.15 pm on a road beside a turf facility in Eklashpur Union. The procession later moved on to the highway, where participants chanted various slogans.
Police launched an operation after receiving confidential information about the gathering. Officers arrested eight people from the procession and seized the banner and sticks reportedly used by the participants.
A video of the procession, lasting one minute and 18 seconds, was subsequently circulated on Facebook on Sunday. According to police and local sources, some activists who fled the scene shared the footage. Further details about those responsible for distributing the video have not been disclosed.
A case has been filed against the arrested individuals under the Anti-Terrorism Act. However, police have not provided a detailed account of the specific allegations against each person or clarified the precise provisions under which the case was registered.
Begumganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Shamsuzzaman confirmed the arrests and the seizure of the materials.
“A banner and sticks used in the procession have been seized. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the incident, and operations to arrest the others are continuing,” he said.
The incident highlights the law enforcement authorities’ response to sudden political gatherings, particularly those that move on to major roads. Such processions can raise concerns about public order and traffic movement, although police have not reported whether this particular rally caused any disruption or injuries.
Investigators may seek to establish who organised the procession, who participated in it and whether the circulating video provides further evidence relevant to the case. No additional details about the investigation have been made public.
Police said their search for the other people allegedly involved was continuing. The case will proceed through the legal process, and the allegations against those arrested will be subject to judicial determination.
