SAD leader detained in Habiganj over controversial remarks

Police detained a local leader of Students Against Discrimination (SAD) in Habiganj this evening following his controversial remarks referencing a past police station arson and the assault of a police officer.

The detainee, Mahdi Hasan, is general secretary of the Habiganj unit of SAD and a first-year graduate student of Habiganj Brindaban Government College. He resides in the Bhadoi area of Habiganj Sadar upazila.

Yasmin Khatun, superintendent of police (SP) in Habiganj, said Mahdi was detained in the evening and that further legal action is in process.

Habiganj Sadar Police Station's Inspector (Investigation) Shafiqul Islam added, "Police are interrogating Mahdi over the incident."

The detention follows a confrontation on Friday between Mahdi Hasan and Abul Kalam, officer-in-charge of Shayestaganj Police Station, which occurred after the arrest of Enamul Hasan Nayan on Thursday night. Nayan, claimed by some SAD members as an activist, was briefly detained by police, prompting a group of SAD leaders, including Mahdi, to gather outside the police station and later enter the OC's office.

During the verbal altercation, Mahdi allegedly made remarks referring to the 2024 Baniachong police station arson and the assault on police officer SI Santosh. A video of the confrontation later circulated on social media. In the footage, Mahdi is heard saying, "We, the July Movement activists, brought the government to power. And you, as an officer of the administration, have arrested our boy. The most important movement took place in Habiganj, where 10 people were killed. We burned down the Baniachong police station, we set SI Santosh on fire. Do you think so many of our boys just appeared out of nowhere?"

Police clarified that the Baniachong incident occurred on August 5, 2024, when the station was attacked and arson took place, and SI Santosh was severely assaulted. Authorities have not linked Mahdi to the incident legally; the remarks in the video are under investigation.

The SAD central committee also issued a show-cause notice to Mahdi today. The notice, signed by Office Secretary Shahadat Hossain, instructed him to refrain from organisational activities and stated that his comments were inconsistent with the values of the movement and had tarnished its image. Mahdi has been asked to submit a written explanation within 24 hours.

Speaking to The Daily Star, OC Abul Kalam said, "After one person was detained, whatever happened, the entire nation has seen. That video has been widely circulated on Facebook and YouTube. We have no involvement in it. If someone has committed a crime, they must face punishment." He added that the matter remains under investigation and action will be taken following discussions.

Nayan was released from police custody around 3:30pm on Friday after mediation by local authorities.