Case filed against former MP Sony, ex-mayor Manjur and 27 others, two arrested

A case has been filed against 29 named individuals, including former Awami League MP Khadizatul Anwar Sony and former Chattogram city mayor Manjurul Alam Manjur, over allegations of holding processions in support of a banned organisation, anti-state conspiracy and preparation for terrorist activities in Fatikchhari, Chattogram. Another 80 to 90 unidentified individuals have also been named as accused.

The case was filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act at Fatikchhari Police Station on Friday night, June 5, by Sub-Inspector Md Jamal Hossain. Two youths were arrested from the scene on suspicion of involvement.

The arrested are Md Jaman Babu, 23, son of Shamsul Alam of the East Suabil area of Nazirhat municipality, and Saiful Islam Sajib, 25, son of Touhidul Alam Mia of the same area.

Former mayor Manjurul Alam Manjur, 62, and former Fatikchhari upazila MP Khadizatul Anwar Sony, 40, have been accused as the masterminds and patrons of the incident. Other accused include Chittagong North District Chhatra League General Secretary Rezaul Karim, 40; Bakhtiar Syed Iran, 40; Sabrina Chowdhury, 35; Jasim Uddin Muhuri, 50; Forqan Uddin Bachchu, 35; and Md Jasim, 32.

According to the case statement and police sources, a police patrol team received information on the morning of June 4 that leaders and activists of Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League had brought out a procession with torches on the Nazirhat-Maizvandar paved road in the Azimnagar area of Roshangiri union, chanting 'Joy Bangla' slogans to destabilise the state.

The accused discarded their bamboo torches and tried to flee upon sensing police presence. Police managed to arrest two suspects while the others escaped. Four bamboo torches were recovered from the scene.

During initial interrogation, the arrested suspects revealed that they had gathered under the direct orders and supervision of accused numbers 3 to 6 (including the former mayor and former MP) to conspire and prepare for anti-state crimes and terrorist activities.

Fatikchhari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Rabiul Alam confirmed that a case has been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Police operations are ongoing to arrest the absconding accused.

The case follows allegations that a 'secret meeting' of the banned Chhatra League was held at a building adjacent to the Maizvandar-Nazirhat road in Roshangiri union on June 4. Law enforcement agencies sprang into action after photos and information of the meeting spread on social media.