In a dramatic turn of events in Noakhali, police from Sudharam Model Thana have arrested five activists of the Awami League following the forcible entry into the district party office and the hoisting of party banners.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at around 7:00 am, when grassroots leaders of the Kadir Hanif Union Awami League reportedly led a group of party activists to break the padlock of the long-closed district office. Once inside, they unfurled banners and raised party slogans. Videos of the event quickly circulated on social media, capturing the attention of local residents and authorities.
Eyewitness accounts and footage show an agitated group chanting party slogans as they smashed the main gate lock and took control of the office premises. Notably, no senior district-level Awami League leaders were present at the scene. However, activists from various tiers of the Kadir Hanif Union branch were clearly visible, actively participating in the takeover.
Following the occupation, the group reportedly expressed their support and congratulations to Mohammad Shahjahan, the BNP-nominated candidate who recently won the parliamentary seat in Noakhali-4, highlighting the unusual political undertone of the demonstration.
Responding to the incident, Sudharam Model Thana Officer-in-Charge Md. Touhidul Islam stated that an immediate operation was launched to apprehend the individuals responsible. The arrested have been identified as:
| Name | Age |
|---|---|
| Md. Shafiqul Islam Nazim | 43 |
| Md. Kausar Hamid | 38 |
| Md. Ziaul Rahman Rasel | 48 |
| Md. Abu Saeed | 55 |
| Bidyut Ranjan Pal | 49 |
Following the arrests, authorities have secured the Awami League office with a new lock.
Meanwhile, the opening of the long-abandoned office triggered protests from local political groups. At 5:00 pm on the same day, a demonstration march was organised in Maijdee, the district headquarters, by the organisation “July Unity”, reflecting ongoing tensions and political sensitivities surrounding the district office.
The incident has sparked debate among local residents and political observers, raising concerns over internal party conflicts and the handling of long-dormant party properties in the region.
