Seven leaders and members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have been remanded to prison in Zinaidah following a series of violent incidents involving arson and vandalism targeting petrol stations and public buses. The Senior Judicial Magistrate Court issued the order on Monday, 9 March, rejecting the bail applications of all accused, according to court police officer Moktar Hossain.
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Arrested Activists
The seven individuals sent to prison are:
Saidur Rahman, District President, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement
Ashiqur Rahman Jibon, General Secretary
Ejaz Hasan Antar, Joint Convenor
Abu Hasnat Tanaim, Convenor of ‘The Red July’
Humayun Kabir, Former Joint Secretary of the District Committee
Tashdid Hasan
Russel
These arrests followed the filing of two separate cases in connection with widespread unrest in the district, including property damage at fuel stations and deliberate fires on three city buses.
Background of the Incidents
The complaints were lodged on Monday, 2 March, at Zinaidah Sadar Police Station. Saif Noman, representing local bus owners, and Shamsul Kabir Milan, acting on behalf of Srijoni Filling Station, initiated the cases after reviewing CCTV footage and damage reports.
The unrest reportedly began on 7 March in the central bus terminal area, when a petrol station employee allegedly attacked Fardin Ahmed Nirab, a member of the student movement, resulting in his death. Following the fatal incident, law enforcement, including Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) units, arrested three employees suspected of involvement.
In response to Nirab’s death, activists initially attempted to vandalise Taj Filling Station. Later, they targeted the Srijoni Filling Station in Arappur, causing further destruction. Around 3:15 a.m., two buses of Royal Paribahan and one bus of J-Line Paribahan, parked at the central terminal, were set on fire.
Investigation and Police Response
Police utilised a combination of CCTV footage, mobile tracking, and digital forensics to identify the perpetrators. Following their apprehension, the accused were formally presented before the court and remanded in custody.
Officer-in-Charge Hasnat Zaman of Madan Police Station confirmed the arrests:
“All seven individuals have been taken into custody. Written complaints were submitted by the victims, and formal legal proceedings are underway. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the offences.”
Student Movement Reaction
Former central coordinator Tareq Reza of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement commented:
“From a legal standpoint, any criminal activity must be condemned, and we support the prosecution of the actual offenders. However, several individuals included in these arrests are innocent. We urge that the law be applied fairly and transparently.”
Key Case Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Arrested Activists | 7 |
| Affiliation | Anti-Discrimination Student Movement |
| Nature of Offences | Vandalism, arson, property destruction |
| Initial Trigger | Death of member Fardin Ahmed Nirab at Taj Filling Station |
| Locations of Incidents | Taj Filling Station, Srijoni Filling Station, Central Bus Terminal |
| Victims / Complainants | Saif Noman (Bus Owners), Shamsul Kabir Milan (Filling Station) |
| Police Methods Used | CCTV, mobile tracking, digital forensics |
| Judicial Action | Bail denied; activists remanded to prison |
Broader Implications
The incidents highlight the volatile intersection of political activism and civil unrest, emphasising the dangers of escalating protests that turn destructive. Authorities have urged citizens to respect public safety and engage in lawful demonstrations. Analysts warn that continued politically motivated violence risks civilian harm, infrastructure damage, and disruption to urban transport systems.
The case remains under investigation, with authorities working to identify any additional participants. Legal experts stress that transparent judicial proceedings are essential to maintain public trust and deliver justice for all parties affected.