'Jubodal men' attack police station in attempt to free arrested Sramik Dal leader in Cumilla

A Cumilla police station came under attack yesterday night (24 March) allegedly by Jubo Dal activists as they attempted to snatch a Sramik Dal leader from police custody.

The incident took place at the city's Muradnagar Police Station.

The arrested Sramik Dal leader Abul Kalam, serves as the joint convener of the party's Nabipur Union. He was arrested in a case filed over extortion at a CNG auto-rickshaw stand and an attack on Student Against Discrimination (SAD) leaders, according to the police.

The attack was allegedly led by Masud Rana, joint convener of the upazila Jubo Dal.

At least 15 people were reportedly injured, including SAD leaders present at the station.

"A case has been by police against 31 individuals, including Masud, and 70–80 unknown individuals for attempting to snatch the accused from custody and attacking law enforcement personnel," Muradnagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Zahidur Rahman told The Business Standard today (25 March).

"We have arrested five individuals in connection with the incident so far," he said.

The OC further said, "A SAD leader filed another case against 30 individuals, including Abul Kalam, along with 70–80 unknown individuals, for extortion and physical assault on the organisation leaders."

Speaking to TBS, Ubaidul Siddique, convener of SAD in Muradnagar, said yesterday, before iftar, he and two others were traveling by auto-rickshaw to Akubpur village. "The driver attempted to take an alternate route. When asked why, the driver said he would have to pay a toll of Tk50 if he took the direct road."

"When I insisted on taking the direct route, we were stopped and assaulted for not having a toll token. When we intervened and questioned the extortionists, we were also attacked. The police later arrested Abul Kalam and took him to the station," he added.

Ubaidul further said later, when they went to the police station to file a complaint, a group of 70–80 individuals led by Masud attacked them. "Fifteen of our members were beaten outside the station, and when the police shut the gates to protect us, the attackers attempted to break in."

However, denying the allegations, Masud Rana said, "The incident stemmed from an altercation between Ubaidul and a CNG driver.

"When police arrested Kalam, we visited the station to inquire about the reason for his arrest. The police detained and assaulted our associates inside the station, prompting locals to gather outside," he added.