Mahdi Hasan, the district secretary of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Habiganj, was granted bail on Sunday following his arrest the previous night over allegations of obstructing police activity.
The bail hearing took place on Monday at 8:30 a.m. in the Habiganj Joint Magistrate Court and concluded at 10:00 a.m., with the court approving Hasan’s release.
Following his arrest, over a hundred student leaders and activists staged a peaceful overnight sit-in at the Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station. They demanded a swift judicial process, emphasising the need for timely consideration of the bail application. As the court was closed overnight, the matter was formally addressed the following morning.
The incident traces its roots to a prior arrest in the city. On Thursday night, Enamul Hasan, the vice-president of the Shayestaganj Sadar Union unit of the Chhatra League, was detained by local police for alleged involvement with activities of a banned student organisation. In response, on Friday afternoon, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, led by Mahdi Hasan, staged a protest outside the Shayestaganj police station. A group of activists occupied the Officer-in-Charge’s office during this demonstration, escalating tensions between local law enforcement and student groups.
The primary details of the arrests are summarised below:
| Name | Position | Date & Time of Arrest | Allegation | Bail Date & Time | Court / Police Station |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahdi Hasan | District Secretary, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement | 3 January 2026, night | Obstructing police | 4 January 2026, 10:00 a.m. | Habiganj Joint Magistrate Court |
| Enamul Hasan | Vice-President, Shayestaganj Sadar Union Chhatra League | 1 January 2026, midnight | Involvement with banned student organisation | – | Shayestaganj Police Station |
The events have significantly heightened political tensions in Habiganj, strengthening the influence of local student organisations. School and college students have actively participated in protests, reflecting broader public concern regarding local law enforcement and crowd management practices. Analysts suggest that the visible presence of organised student activism may compel local authorities to adopt more cautious and accountable measures in the future.
For the activists, Mahdi Hasan’s bail represents a major victory. It is seen not only as a boost to student morale but also as reinforcement of their commitment to peaceful advocacy. Residents of the district have expressed hope that such developments will reduce political interference and violence, paving the way for more transparent and accountable governance in the region.