Banned Chhatra League leader snatched from police in Jhalakathi, OC among injured

In Nalchity upazila of Jhalakathi, local Awami League leaders and activists attacked police and snatched away a banned Chhatra League leader who had just been arrested as an accused in a case. The police vehicle was vandalised, and the officer-in-charge (OC) of Nalchity police station was among several policemen injured.

The incident took place around 1:30 pm on Sunday (8 November) in the Dapdapia ferry ghat area of the upazila.

Police sources said a police team led by Nalchity police station OC Touhiduzzaman Sohag arrested Md Siraj Molla, president of the Dapdapia Union Chhatra League (a banned organisation), from the Dapdapia ferry ghat area on Sunday afternoon. He is an accused in a case.

When news of his arrest spread, local Awami League leaders and activists — the party's activities are currently banned — gathered and attacked the police, snatching him away. They hurled brickbats at the police pickup van and vandalised it.

The OC and several other policemen were injured in the attack.

A tense situation now prevails in the Dapdapia area. Police have deployed additional personnel and the operation to re-arrest the snatched accused is continuing.

Four people have already been arrested in connection with the incident, said Md Belayet Hossain, inspector (investigation) of Nalchity police station.

He said the police operation to re-arrest the snatched accused is continuing, and necessary legal action will be taken in the matter.