Habiganj, Bangladesh | Quickpost | January 3, 2026
A tense confrontation inside Shaistaganj Police Station has ignited nationwide concern after a detainee linked to the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League was released following pressure from leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The incident unfolded on Friday afternoon, nearly 15 hours after police detained Enamul Hasan alias Nayan, a local Chhatra League leader. Protesters surrounded the police station, demanded his release, and entered the officer-in-charge’s room, leading to a heated verbal clash that was captured on video and widely circulated on social media.
The Video That Shocked the Public
In the viral footage, Mahdi Hasan, who identifies himself as the district general secretary of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Habiganj, is seen arguing with Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam.
At one point, Mahdi Hasan is heard saying:
“We burned Banichong Police Station. We burned SI Santosh alive. On what authority did you say, ‘So what if he was an activist?’”
The statement, referencing a deadly attack on Banichong Police Station during unrest in August 2024, has triggered alarm over open threats against law enforcement and the rule of law.
Why Was Enamul Hasan Detained?
According to police sources, Enamul Hasan was arrested late Thursday night on suspicion of continuing political activities linked to the banned Chhatra League.
However, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement claimed that although Enamul had a past association with Chhatra League, he later participated in the July movement and should not be targeted for his political history.
They demanded his immediate release.
Release After Police Intervention
As tensions escalated, Additional Superintendent of Police Shahidul Islam arrived at the station around 3:00 PM. Following discussions, police released Enamul Hasan around 3:30 PM into the custody of his guardian.
A press statement issued Saturday morning by the Habiganj Superintendent of Police said Enamul was detained as a “suspect,” but no evidence of criminal involvement was found during interrogation.
Police Response
OC Abul Kalam later stated:
“There was no wrongdoing on our part. The entire nation has seen what happened. The video was recorded and spread by them. If anyone commits a crime, they must face punishment—regardless of identity.”
He added that due to the late hour of the arrest, verification was completed the following day, after which Enamul was released upon signing a bond.
A Bigger Question
The incident has raised serious questions.
- Can threats referencing past police killings be made publicly without consequence?
- Are law enforcement decisions being influenced by street pressure?
- Where does accountability stand when power shifts from institutions to mobs?
For now, the video remains online.
The statements are on record.
And the silence from senior leadership is growing louder.
