Police in Sherpur have arrested six local leaders and activists affiliated with the Awami League and its associate organisations following late-night rallies across the district on 14 August. The arrests were made during targeted overnight operations after video footage circulated on social media platforms showing torchlit processions, floral tributes, and food distribution drives conducted under the cover of darkness.
The crackdowns followed unannounced gatherings across several upazilas in Sherpur on the eve of 15 August. Local party workers organized midnight torch rallies, mourning processions, and flower offerings at school Shahid Minars, subsequently distributing food packages to mark the occasion. Digital monitoring teams within law enforcement identified the participants after footage was uploaded to personal and organisational Facebook accounts.
Law enforcement officers targeted multiple sub-districts during the raid, taking six key individuals into custody:
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Khokon Islam (20): Vice-President of the Sherpur Municipality Chhatra League, residing in the Beparipara neighbourhood of Girdanarayanpur.
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Md. Ataul alias Jewel (46): Former General Secretary of Ward No. 8 Awami League under Char Sherpur Union in Sadar Upazila.
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Sohel Rana (25): Former Vice-President of the Nani Union Chhatra League in Nalitabari Upazila.
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Mainuddin (35): Joint General Secretary of the Rupnarayankura Union Jubo League in Nalitabari Upazila.
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Md. Azahar Ali (36): Publicity Secretary of the Jhenaigati Upazila Jubo League.
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Md. Muslim Uddin alias Arafat (19): Member of the Jhenaigati Upazila Chhatra League.
Sherpur District Superintendent of Police AKM Zahirul Islam confirmed the operations, explaining that leaders and activists had attempted to stage midnight demonstrations in remote rural areas and along secondary roads. Party members conducted brief, unannounced processions late at night before disseminating the recorded material online.
Law enforcement authorities have established enhanced surveillance across main thoroughfares and rural outposts to counter further public gatherings, carrying out targeted nightly raids across all administrative subdivisions within the district. The six detained individuals remain in custody while investigators examine digital media to identify additional participants.
