Sylhet, Aug. 20: Police have filed a case against 45 activists of the Bishwanath upazila unit of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League under the Anti-Terrorism Act in Sylhet’s Bishwanath.
The case was filed on Wednesday (August 19) by Sub-Inspector Babul Singh of Bishwanath Police Station. Twenty individuals were named in the case, while another 25 were accused anonymously. The case number is 16/19/08/2026.
A source said Sirajul Islam Rukon, president of the Bishwanath upazila unit of the banned student organization, has been named the prime accused. Other leaders and activists of the recently announced upazila committee have also been named in the case.
Shortly after the case was filed, police launched an operation and arrested Nayan Mia, 22, who held the post of organizing secretary of the banned Chhatra League’s upazila committee. Nayan is the son of late Moyna Mia of North Mashula (Janaiya) village in Bishwanath municipality.
Police said Nayan was sent to court on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the case statement, at around 10:30pm on August 15, a flash procession was held with torches in front of North Bishwanath Amzad Ullah Degree College in Sheikhpara village of Rampasha Union. The procession was reportedly organized under the banner of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League’s Bishwanath upazila unit on the Lamakazi-to-Bishwanath road.
Videos and still photographs of the procession began circulating on social media from August 17.
The written complaint alleged that the accused were involved in activities aimed at disrupting government operations, obstructing development activities, creating instability in the country, carrying out terrorist activities and financing such activities, as well as assisting in criminal and terrorist activities.
Bishwanath Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Gazi Mahbubur Rahman confirmed the filing of the case under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the arrest of one person.
He said the case was filed over allegations that the banned student organization attempted to create disorder among the public by using its banner.
“Besides the 20 named accused, another 20 to 25 people have been accused anonymously,” the OC said. “Police operations are continuing to identify those involved and bring them under the law.”
He added that Nayan Mia, one of the named accused, was arrested and sent to court on Wednesday afternoon.
