Seven Student Activists Jailed in Zinaidah Violence

Seven leaders and members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have been remanded to prison in Zinaidah following incidents of arson and vandalism targeting fuel stations and public buses. The order was issued by the Senior Judicial Magistrate Court on Monday, 9 March, after the court refused their bail petitions, according to court police officer Moktar Hossain.

Arrested Activists

The seven individuals sent to prison include:

Saidur Rahman, District President, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement

Ashiqur Rahman Jibon, General Secretary

Ejaz Hasan Antar, Joint Convenor

Abu Hasnat Tanaim, Convenor of ‘The Red July’

Humayun Kabir, Former Joint Secretary of the District Committee

Tashdid Hasan

Russel

These arrests follow two separate cases filed in response to widespread unrest in the district, involving vandalism at petrol pumps and arson attacks on three city buses.

Background of the Incidents

The legal complaints were lodged on Monday, 2 March, at Zinaidah Sadar Police Station. Saif Noman, representing local bus owners, and Shamsul Kabir Milan, on behalf of the Srijoni Filling Station, filed the cases after reviewing CCTV evidence and damage reports.

The unrest reportedly began on 7 March in the central bus terminal area, when a petrol station employee allegedly attacked Fardin Ahmed Nirab, a member of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, resulting in his death. Following this incident, police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) units have arrested three employees suspected of involvement.

In response to Nirab’s death, activists initially attempted to vandalise the Taj Filling Station. Subsequently, they moved to the Srijoni Filling Station in the Arappur area, where further attacks and destruction of property occurred. Later that night, at approximately 3:15 a.m., two buses of Royal Paribahan and one of J-Line Paribahan, parked at the central terminal, were set ablaze.

Police used a combination of CCTV footage, mobile tracking, and digital forensics to identify the individuals responsible. Following their apprehension, the accused were formally presented before the court and remanded in custody.

Official Response

Madan Police Station Officer-in-Charge Hasnat Zaman confirmed the arrests and ongoing investigations: “All seven individuals have been taken into custody. The victims submitted formal written complaints, and the authorities are pursuing legal proceedings. Additional inquiries are underway to establish the full scope of the offences.”

Reaction from the Student Movement

Former central coordinator Tareq Reza of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement commented on the arrests:
“From a legal perspective, any criminal activity is condemnable, and we support bringing the true offenders to justice. However, several individuals included in the arrests are innocent. We urge that the law be applied transparently and fairly.”

Key Case Details

Broader Implications

The incidents highlight the volatile intersection of political activism, civil unrest, and property crimes. Authorities have stressed the importance of lawful protest and strict adherence to public safety regulations. Analysts warn that unchecked escalation of politically motivated violence can endanger civilians and disrupt urban infrastructure.

The case remains under investigation, with police continuing to determine the full extent of the events and any additional participants. Observers have emphasised that transparent legal proceedings will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring justice for all parties involved.