Activists besiege police station as BNP leader detained in Cumilla
Activists cleared police station area at 4pm
Police detained a local BNP leader in Cumilla yesterday, sparking immediate protests as party activists laid siege to a police station and transport workers shut down a key bus terminal, bringing services to a halt.
Rezaul Kaiyum, president of the Cumilla Adarsha Sadar Upazila unit of the BNP, was picked up around noon from his residence in the Shashangacha area. He is also a former joint convener of the BNP's Cumilla south unit.
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"Rezaul has been detained for questioning. Details will be provided later," said Additional Superintendent of Police Saiful Malik.
The detention was carried out by members of the Cumilla Kotwali Model Police Station along with the district Detective Branch of police, according to media reports.
Following the incident, BNP activists and supporters surrounded the Cumilla Kotwali Model Police Station in protest, demanding his release.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kotwali Model Police Station Touhidul Anwar said, "Rezaul has not been formally arrested yet. We are trying to calm the crowd gathered outside."
At the same time, drivers and transport workers blockaded the Shashangacha Bus Terminal, leading to a complete suspension of bus services from the terminal. According to sources, Rezaul is accused of extortion at the terminal.
As of 9:30pm, activists and supporters cleared the police station area and the situation was normal, TBS correspondent reports. Traffic movement also returned to normal. However, a small number of supporters remained outside, insisting on his release. Police said they were still questioning Rezaul.
