Food Distribution on Mujib Anniversary Leads to Arrest

A local leader of the Jubo Mohila League has been arrested in Mymensingh’s Ishwarganj after allegedly organising food distribution for disadvantaged people on the 51st death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and promoting the event on social media.

Rifat Jahan, general secretary of the Ishwarganj municipal unit of the Jubo Mohila League, was taken into custody from the Kalibari Road area of the municipal town on Sunday evening (16 August). Police subsequently showed her as arrested in a case filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act and produced her before a court on Monday (17 August).

According to police sources, Jahan organised a food distribution programme at her residence in the Shimultali area of Char Hossainpur in the municipal town on 15 August. The programme was arranged to mark the 51st death anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was assassinated with most of his family members on 15 August 1975.

Following the event, Jahan uploaded photographs and videos of the food distribution on her Facebook account. Police said the posts also contained political statements and references to the Awami League and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Law enforcement authorities allege that the social media posts amounted to campaigning in favour of the Awami League and could mislead members of the public. Police also took issue with comments in which Jahan expressed a desire for Sheikh Hasina to return to Bangladesh.

In one of the posts, Jahan paid tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and referred to him as a symbol of Bangladesh. She also offered prayers for him and his family and expressed a wish for Sheikh Hasina to return to the country and lead efforts to make it free of what she described as ‘Razakars’.

The post reportedly attracted local attention after being circulated on social media. Police said the matter subsequently came to the attention of law enforcement authorities, leading to Jahan’s detention.

Ishwarganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Robiul Azam confirmed the arrest. He said Jahan had been arrested over allegations of carrying out Awami League activities and promoting them through social media.

A case has been filed against her under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and she was sent to court following the arrest, the police officer said.

The case comes against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny of political activities and social media activity in Bangladesh. Posts featuring political symbols, statements or organisational activities can attract law-enforcement attention where authorities believe they breach applicable laws or restrictions. In Jahan’s case, police have specifically cited the alleged political campaigning and social media dissemination as the basis for the legal action.

The food distribution itself was described by police as part of the event organised by Jahan, while the allegations leading to her arrest centre on the accompanying political activities and online posts. The allegations against her will ultimately be subject to the judicial process.