Two Held After Banned Student League Rally

Two people have been detained after members of the Dhaka District unit of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League staged a brief protest march in the Hazaribagh area of the capital, marking what organisers described as “Gopalganj Genocide Day”. Police said an investigation is underway to identify others who took part in the procession.

The march took place at around 6:00 a.m. on Thursday (16 July) in Hazaribagh, where more than one hundred activists were reported to have gathered for a short demonstration before dispersing.

According to local sources, the procession was organised under the direction of Shahin Ahmed, a central Awami League leader responsible for Keraniganj and Kamrangirchar and a former chairman of Keraniganj Upazila Parishad. The march was reportedly led by Masud Rana, General Secretary of the Keraniganj Model Police Station unit of the Bangladesh Chhatra League. No immediate statement was available from either individual regarding the allegations.

Witnesses said the participants marched through the area while chanting political slogans during the early hours of the morning. The demonstration lasted only a short time, and most of those involved had left the scene before police arrived.

Local residents said the procession caused only a brief disruption, and there were no immediate reports of violence, vandalism or injuries. The situation returned to normal shortly after the march ended, although the incident quickly drew the attention of law enforcement agencies.

Hazaribagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mosharaf Hossain said officers rushed to the location after receiving information about the march organised by the banned organisation. During the operation, police detained two individuals believed to have been connected with the procession.

“The legal process against the detainees is now underway,” the officer said, adding that police were treating the matter seriously.

Police also confirmed that efforts are continuing to identify other participants. Investigators are examining available information and collecting evidence to determine who else was involved in organising or taking part in the demonstration.

Law enforcement officials said they remain vigilant to maintain public order and prevent any unauthorised political activities that could disrupt the security situation in the capital. They added that any further action would be taken in accordance with the outcome of the ongoing investigation and the applicable laws.