White flags with Arabic inscriptions appear in Teknaf, police monitoring

The appearance of white flags bearing the Kalima along roadsides in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, has sparked widespread discussion among locals on Saturday, June 27. The flags were seen in the Shahparir Dwip border area and near the jetties along the Naf River, drawing the attention of police and local administration.

According to locals, a group of madrasa students placed the flags along various roads and jetty areas in Shahparir Dwip and later posted photos and videos of the activity on social media.

Videos circulating online showed several youths wrapping themselves in white flags with the Kalima and holding similar flags at various locations. However, some of the flags were later reportedly removed by unidentified individuals.

Mohammad Asem Billah Taheri, adviser to the 'Al Hidaya Student Organisation', said the initiative was part of a broader movement seen in various parts of the country, adding that the flags were raised out of love for Islam and had no other motive. He did not give a specific explanation for the programme and alleged that some flags had been removed, vowing to raise more in protest.

Ansarul Haque, a teacher at the Shahparir Dwip Dangarpara Esha'atul Islam Furqania Madrasa, confirmed his participation in the flag-raising. He later removed some flags after learning of administrative pressure.

Local residents have questioned the sudden appearance of the flags. Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Saiful Islam said initial inquiries suggest the youths acted out of religious sentiment, but they are being interviewed and the matter is being closely monitored.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer S M Anik Chowdhury said the matter is being investigated and necessary action will be taken.

The incident comes amid growing concern over similar white and black flags with Arabic inscriptions appearing in various parts of the country, including Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chattogram, Feni, Jashore and Pabna, with some resembling flags used by militant groups.