Seven Detained in Ukhiya Following Attempted Awami League Flash Procession

POLICE IN UKHIYA, a strategically critical border sub-district within the coastal resort region of Cox’s Bazar, have apprehended seven individuals during a swift operation aimed at foiling an illegal flash procession and unlawful assembly staged in support of the banned political entity, the Bangladesh Awami League, and its affiliated wings. A vehicle stationed nearby—allegedly brought to facilitate a rapid getaway upon the arrival of law enforcement—was seized at the scene as material evidence.

According to authoritative sources within the security forces, the incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning along the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway, near the Maricha Bazar area under Ukhiya Upazila. Acting on precise intelligence gathered via covert surveillance, a specialized tactical team from Ukhiya Police Station launched an immediate raid. Upon spotting the police vehicles, the assembled youths dispersed in multiple directions; however, officers promptly cordoned off the perimeter, detaining seven suspects at the spot.

Following initial screening and verification, Ukhiya police disclosed the identities and ages of the seven detainees:

• Md. Mijanur Rahman (26)

• Farhad Hossain (18)

• Sajjadur Rahman (19)

• Saiful Islam (21)

• Mohammad Imrul (19)

• Md. Sohel (19)

• Abul Khair (30) — identified as the driver of the seized vehicle.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station, Md. Atiqur Rahman Mazumder, confirmed the development, stating that formal legal proceedings have been initiated against the group. The charges pertain to gathering manpower on behalf of a banned political organization, attempting to hold an unauthorised assembly, and orchestrating public disorder. During preliminary interrogations, the suspects acknowledged their direct involvement in plotting the flash rally and displaying political banners.

The Officer-in-Charge highlighted that Ukhiya remains a sensitive geopolitical region owing to its border proximity and unique demographics. Consequently, the local administration maintains peak operational readiness to preempt any untoward incidents. Police patrols and intelligence operations have been intensified across transit routes and vulnerability hotspots in Ukhiya to preserve law and order, with all seven suspects being processed for formal presentation before the judicial court.