Attempted Awami League Rally Foiled in Ukhiya; Seven Arrested

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS in Ukhiya—a sensitive and strategically imperative border area situated within the coastal sub-district of Cox’s Bazar—have thwarted an illicit political gathering, apprehending seven individuals during a targeted early-morning crackdown. The group was allegedly preparing to hold a unauthorized flash procession and display political banners in support of the Bangladesh Awami League and its associate bodies. Officers also impounded a motor vehicle discovered at the location, which authorities suspect was positioned specifically to enable a swift escape.

The operation was initiated following precise intelligence provided to local surveillance teams regarding an intended illegal rally along the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf connecting highway, adjacent to Maricha Bazar under Ukhiya Upazila. In response, a specialized tactical contingent from Ukhiya Police Station was dispatched to interdict the assembly. Upon encountering approaching police units, the assembled demonstrators dispersed across nearby terrain in an attempt to evade capture. However, security personnel established a tight cordon around the perimeter, intercepting seven suspects directly at the scene.

Subsequent verification conducted by Ukhiya police established the identities and ages of the apprehended individuals as follows:

• Md. Mijanur Rahman (26)

• Farhad Hossain (18)

• Sajjadur Rahman (19)

• Saiful Islam (21)

• Mohammad Imrul (19)

• Md. Sohel (19)

• Abul Khair (30) — who was operating as the driver of the impounded vehicle.

Confirming the operation, Md. Atiqur Rahman Mazumder, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ukhiya Police Station, stated that formal legal proceedings have been instituted against the detainees. The charges focus on organising manpower under the banner of a proscribed political entity, assembling without legal authorization, and engaging in acts designed to compromise public order and incite fear among residents. Preliminary interrogations revealed that the suspects admitted to their active role in coordinating the public demonstration and disseminating political paraphernalia.

The Officer-in-Charge emphasized that Ukhiya remains an exceptionally delicate border zone, necessitating continuous vigilance by the local administration to forestall potential security breaches. In order to uphold regional tranquility and counter unlawful activities, surveillance operations and regular police patrols have been augmented across key transit routes and critical intersection points throughout Ukhiya. All seven individuals are currently undergoing statutory processing prior to their scheduled appearance before the judicial court.