Police officers in Noakhali Sadar Upazila arrested four activists outside the district jail gates on Sunday afternoon as they waited to greet released party members with garlands. Officers seized a bag packed with floral wreaths during the operation, which took place at approximately 5:00 pm on 9 August.
Those taken into custody have been identified as Cherajul Hoque Chowdhury, 63, Mehedi Hasan Hridoy, 20, Md Faruk Hossain, 18, and Md Najim, 18. All four reside in West Eojbalia village within the Eojbalia Union of Sadar Upazila. According to law enforcement officials, the men are actively associated with the Awami League and its affiliated wing organisations.
The arrests stem from mounting political tension across the upazila following a large-scale demonstration on 5 June. On that day, the union branches of the Chhatra League and Jubo League organised a joint rally and protest march at Badher Hat market in Noannai Union shortly after Friday prayers. Featuring roughly 3,000 participants, the gathering ignited widespread unrest across the locality. In response, police launched extensive drives across the upazila, eventually arresting around 200 leaders and activists belonging to the Awami League and its associate bodies.
When four of those detained individuals secured bail on Sunday, party workers gathered outside Noakhali District Jail with floral garlands to welcome them back. Sensing a potential public demonstration, police intervened quickly to apprehend the four men at the gate.
Addressing the incident, Sudharam Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Nazrul Islam explained that whilst family members might legitimately bring a single garland to welcome a relative, the arrested men had arrived with an entire bag of wreaths. He noted that the individuals were not related to those being released and had gathered from various localities to photograph themselves for a planned show of political strength. Authorities are currently preparing formal charges, after which the four suspects will be presented before the court under arrest.
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