Bangladesh in Distress: Mass Arrests in Sandwip Amidst Anti-Discrimination Student Protests
Nazrul Islam Biplab- Associate Editor, Germany
Sandwip, Bangladesh — The southern sub-district of Sandwip in Bangladesh is currently facing a dire situation. Amidst the current anti-discrimination student movement, mass arrests of ordinary citizens and students have been ongoing in Sandwip. Despite no protests, clashes, or untoward incidents occurring in Sandwip, allegations have emerged against the police for arresting nearly fifty innocent people in recent days. Among those arrested are students, opposition party leaders, activists, supporters, and innocent citizens, who are reportedly being detained under the explicit support of local leaders from the ruling party.
An affected student, who wished to remain anonymous, told Aviation News, “The lists were made by union council members with direct support from local representatives and handed over to the Sandwip police station. Police are making arrests at night based on these lists. While many have been arrested, most victims are on the run, creating a fearful atmosphere among other students in Sandwip.” When asked for specific names of these representatives, he mentioned that such actions are being led by Chairman Rabiul Alam Samir of Mogdhara Union and Sandwip Upazila Jubo League President Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman.
Engineer Belayet Hossain, Joint Convenor of Chittagong North District BNP, said, “The golden island of Sandwip is now a land of terror. Police brutality continues after dusk. Innocent BNP leaders and activists are being arrested en masse. So far, twenty-five people have been arrested, including the general secretary of Harishpur BNP, vice-president of Mogdhara BNP, general secretary of Azimpur BNP, a leader of Rahmatpur Ward BNP, and several leaders and activists, of the Upazila BNP, Jubo Dal, and Chhatra Dal. Although no incidents have occurred in Sandwip, such oppression and torture have created a negative mindset among the public.”
Advocate Md. Abu Taher, Convener of Sandwip Upazila BNP, stated, “Despite no incidents of violence in Sandwip, peace-loving BNP leaders and activists cannot stay in their homes, businesses, or local areas. More than 25 leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organizations have been arrested so far. This has instilled fear among BNP leaders, activists, and ordinary people in Sandwip, forcing them to lead inhumane lives. Such police oppression and torture are extremely disgraceful, unjust, and oppressive.”
Attempts to contact Rabiul Alam Samir, General Secretary of Mogdhara Union Awami League and Union Council Chairman, were unsuccessful as his phone was found switched off. Another ruling party leader, Upazila Jubo League President Siddiqur Rahman, initially admitted but later completely denied the allegations, saying, “If I had made a list, I would have said so. However, I have no contact with Sandwip police. Since allegations have come up against me, I should have given the list, but I didn’t. I did not provide any list.” Regarding the fear of arrest among the public in Sandwip, he said, “If anyone is involved in violence, they should be afraid. However, such a situation has not occurred in Sandwip. No place in Bangladesh has an environment like Sandwip.”
When asked why arrests are being made in Sandwip despite protests occurring in cities, Sandwip Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Kabir Hossain said, “Those who have been accused and arrested participated in protests and violence in the city. Additionally, many of the arrested individuals were previously involved in various criminal activities in Sandwip. However, the arrests have not yet started. No one will be spared.” When questioned if these arrests are being conducted to appease influential local Awami League leaders, he responded, “Such allegations are baseless. Only the proxies of Jamaat-BNP would make such statements. These are merely propaganda.” He further stated, “I challenge you. If any innocent student has been arrested, provide the list. I am free and independent.”
It is noteworthy that so far, two meritorious youths from Sandwip have been martyred in various clashes in the city during the nationwide quota reform or anti-discrimination student movement, and local authority have confirmed to Aviation News that hundreds and more have been injured.
