SAD activists protest at Ctg Club, demanding AL leader's arrest during his son’s wedding
The protesters accused him of corruption and aiding authoritarian suppression during past political movements
A group of youth identifying themselves as activists of the Student Against Discrimination (SAD) staged a sudden protest at the Chittagong Club Friday night during the wedding ceremony of the son of a suspended Awami League (AL) leader, sparking panic among guests.
The wedding, reportedly attended by influential guests, was for the son of Zahidul Haque, former chairman of Boalkhali upazila and a member of the advisory council of AL's Chattogram South district unit.
According to witnesses, around 100 protesters entered the club premises through the main gate around 10:30pm and began chanting slogans demanding Zahidul's arrest.
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The protesters accused him of corruption and aiding authoritarian suppression during past political movements.
"Zahidul is a known figure of autocratic politics. There are at least 12 cases against him. He reportedly gave Tk11 crore to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina during the July Movement to help suppress it. Because the administration didn't act, he is now openly hosting a wedding for his son," one protester told the media on-site.
The situation escalated as protesters began stopping vehicles leaving the club to search for Zahidul. Their actions caused alarm among the guests, several of whom were seen exiting with their vehicles and expressing frustration. Some even engaged in heated arguments with the demonstrators.
Police arrived at the scene around midnight.
Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kotwali Police Station Abdul Karim said, "There is a wedding event of a leader's son. That leader reportedly has multiple criminal cases, including murder.
"Upon hearing that he might be present, a group of students and locals began protesting. We're on the scene and trying to de-escalate the situation. If any wanted person is found at the venue, legal action will be taken."
However, as of midnight, neither the police nor the protesters could confirm whether Zahidul was actually present at the wedding.
The protest continued past 1am, with a visible police presence at the club gate.
