BNP leader released after 12 hours of detention in Cumilla

Rezaul Kaiyum, president of Adarsha Sadar upazila BNP in Cumilla, was released from Kotwali Model Police Station 12 hours after his detention. He was released around midnight, police said.

He was taken into custody around 12 noon on Sunday (May 3) from his residence in the Shashongacha area of Cumilla city by members of Kotwali Model Police Station and the District Detective Branch (DB).

Following his detention, supporters blocked bus movement from the Shashongacha bus terminal and staged protests demanding his release. Later, they also gathered in front of the police station and demonstrated for several hours, chanting slogans.

Bus services resumed in the afternoon, while supporters continued their presence near the police station until evening.

A law enforcement source said Kaiyum had recently come under discussion over allegations related to extortion from vehicles at the Shashongacha bus terminal following the change of government. The terminal is located near his residence.

Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Touhidul Anwar said Kaiyum was brought in for questioning over certain allegations and was interrogated by senior officers. However, no specific charges were proven against him, and he was not arrested in any case.

“He was released after interrogation as no substantiated allegations were found,” the OC said.

Authorities did not immediately clarify whether any further legal action is under consideration.