In Jhenaidah, several leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement have been ordered by the courts to face separate remand and imprisonment in connection with incidents of arson and vandalism that occurred earlier this month. The judicial directives follow two separate cases filed after a bus was set ablaze at the Jhenaidah Bus Terminal and property was damaged at the Srijoni Filling Station on the night of 7 February.
On Thursday, 12 February, the Senior Judicial Magistrate, 2nd Court, Mokhlesur Rahman, issued the orders. The court police confirmed the proceedings, with Inspector Md. Moktar Hossain verifying the details.
In the first case, filed over the bus arson at the terminal, the police had sought a 10-day remand for Humayun Kabir, former Joint Convenor of the district committee, and Abu Hasnat Tanim, district convenor of ‘The Red July’ faction, for further questioning. Following the hearing, the court granted each accused a one-day remand.
The second case concerned vandalism at the Srijoni Filling Station. Police had similarly applied for a 10-day remand for five individuals: Saidur Rahman (district convenor), Ashikur Rahman Jibon (member secretary), Tashdid Hasan (senior joint convenor), Ejaj Hossain Ontor (joint convenor), and Rasel Hossain (leader). However, the court rejected the remand request and instead ordered that all five be sent directly to prison.
The table below summarises the incidents, accused, and judicial decisions:
| Case | Location & Date | Accused | Position | Court Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus Arson | Jhenaidah Bus Terminal, 7 Feb night | Humayun Kabir | Former Joint Convenor, District Committee | 1-day remand |
| Abu Hasnat Tanim | District Convenor, ‘The Red July’ | 1-day remand | ||
| Vandalism | Srijoni Filling Station, 7 Feb night | Saidur Rahman | District Convenor | Sent to prison |
| Ashikur Rahman Jibon | Member Secretary | Sent to prison | ||
| Tashdid Hasan | Senior Joint Convenor | Sent to prison | ||
| Ejaj Hossain Ontor | Joint Convenor | Sent to prison | ||
| Rasel Hossain | Leader | Sent to prison |
These judicial actions demonstrate a coordinated effort by law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure prompt legal accountability for incidents involving arson and property destruction. The local population has expressed concern over the security of public spaces following the events, with residents reporting heightened anxiety in the areas surrounding the bus terminal and filling station.
Authorities emphasised that swift legal measures are essential to maintain public safety and prevent the recurrence of such violent acts. Meanwhile, the arrests and remands have been received as a sign of the judiciary’s commitment to addressing public disturbances efficiently, even as the community continues to process the shock of the recent attacks.