Twelve Arrested in Sonargaon Following Banned Chhatra League Demonstration

Police have arrested 12 activists belonging to the banned student organisation Bangladesh Chhatra League after they attempted to stage a flash procession in Sonargaon Upazila, Narayanganj. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, 27 July 2026, along the Asian Highway in the Bostol area under Jampur Union.

According to local residents and law enforcement officials, a group of Chhatra League members arrived at the location aboard a reserved bus and attempted to march along the highway. Their sudden appearance and chanting of political slogans quickly drew the attention of nearby residents and local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists. Tensions escalated rapidly as the crowd and opposition activists confronted the demonstrators, chasing them away and dispersing the rally.

Upon receiving reports of the commotion, a police team led by Inspector Jashim Uddin, in-charge of the Taltola Investigation Centre, arrived promptly at the scene. With assistance from local residents, officers cordoned off the area and rounded up 12 individuals who were attempting to flee. All detainees were subsequently taken into custody and transported to Sonargaon Police Station.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rayhan, 30; Shawon Sheikh, 19; Rabbi, 15; Bijoy Paul, 19; Surjo Deb, 15; Ishan Saha, 17; Raj Saha, 17; Abir Hasan, 18; Rudra Deb, 17; Shahriar, 25; Emon, 22; and Jobayer Hossain, 19.

Initial investigations revealed that the group comprised a mix of young adults and teenagers who did not hail from a single locality. Instead, they had coordinated from various surrounding districts and sub-districts, including Narsingdi, Dhaka, and the Rupganj and Siddhirganj areas of Narayanganj, before gathering in Sonargaon for the demonstration.

Sonargaon police officials confirmed that the group was taken into custody for attempting to organise an illegal rally under the banner of a proscribed organisation and disrupting public order along a major transport artery. Senior officers stated that formal charges are currently being prepared, and legal proceedings against all twelve detainees remain underway. Law enforcement presence along the Asian Highway has been temporarily heightened to prevent further unlawful gatherings.