In a case under the Special Powers Act, Kotalipara police arrested three leaders of the Awami League and Jubo League, including the panel chairman of Hiron Union Parishad on Sunday.
In separate drives in different areas of the upazila, Kotalipara police arrested Hiron UP panel chairman Saifuddin Molla Zahid (42), Awami League leader Nazrul Islam (55), and Jubo League leader Md. Saim Howlader (30).
Arrestee Saifuddin Molla Zahid is an Awami League leader, acting chairman of Hiron Union Parishad, and son of Abdul Majid Molla of Ashutia village. Nazrul Islam is the president of Ward No. 8 of Pinjuri Union Awami League and son of the late Hafizuddin of Kagdanga village. In addition, arrestee Md. Saim Howlader is a Jubo League leader and son of Soleman Howlader of Gachapara village.
Kotalipara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Abul Kalam Azad said, “On 16 July, at a place called Wabdar Hat in Kotalipara upazila, Awami League and its affiliated organization leaders gathered and blocked the highway by felling trees. This created panic among the public and disrupted movement. Following the incident, police filed a case under the Special Powers Act with 155 named and 1,500 unnamed accused in Kotalipara police station. In this case, Awami League leader Nazrul Islam, Saifuddin Molla Zahid, and Jubo League leader Md. Saim Howlader were shown arrested and sent to jail.”
He further said, “On that day, the arrested leaders were at the front leading the procession. We arrested them after reviewing video footage. So far, 43 accused have been arrested in this case. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining accused.”
