Ex-BCL leader held at Dhaka airport after returning from Saudi Arabia

A former leader of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League has been detained by immigration police at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport after returning from Saudi Arabia.

The detainee, identified as Lion Swapan, a former joint convener of the Chhatkhil upazila unit in Noakhali, was held on Tuesday (April 14) upon arrival in Dhaka.

Sub-Inspector Shafiul Islam of Chhatkhil Police Station said airport authorities informed local police about the detention, and a team will travel to Dhaka to take him into custody.

Police said Swapan went into hiding following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, amid a mass uprising, before leaving for Saudi Arabia. He was detained upon his return after months abroad.

Authorities said he faces at least two cases, including a murder case and another over alleged attacks on protesters during the anti-discrimination movement.

He will be handed over to Chhatkhil police after legal procedures are completed, with further investigation underway.