Awami League, Jubo League, and banned Chhatra League leaders, many of whom are facing serious criminal charges, have returned to their homes in Bogura after the Eid holidays. Despite being fugitives, they are roaming the city, instilling fear among local residents.
Since the unrest of August 5, many leaders and activists from the Awami League, Jubo League, and the banned Chhatra League went into hiding. However, following Eid, many have returned, particularly those facing murder and other criminal charges. These individuals are reportedly trying to reorganize with BNP and Jamaat members in secret. They are now seen freely moving around the city, especially in areas like Shajahanpur, Sariakandi, Sonatala, Kahalu, Nandigram, Shibganj, Dupchanchia, and parts of Bogura town, including Colony, Fuldi, Medikal, Char Matha, and more. Local residents are alarmed by their presence, especially as the police appear inactive in addressing their return.
According to locals, the law enforcement’s leniency has allowed these figures to operate with little resistance. In some areas, they are even managing businesses linked to party leaders. A resident of Bogura’s town area commented anonymously, expressing fear over the situation: “These people, many of whom have criminal cases, are walking free, and the police aren’t taking action. It’s creating a sense of insecurity in the community.”
Intelligence sources have warned that these individuals, having regrouped, may provoke further unrest. A fugitive, Samjad from the BNP-affiliated faction, has reportedly returned to the Colony area after being released on bail. He is said to be funding local mosques and organizing Iftar events, which raises concerns about their growing influence.
Prominent leaders, such as Tikka from the youth wing and Golam Rafique, President of the Awami League’s Nishindara Union, are said to have returned to their hometowns. Additionally, local figures like Monir and Yahya Johnny have been spotted in the region. Despite their involvement in multiple criminal cases, these leaders have not been detained, leading to frustration among the residents.
Law enforcement in the area, including Detective Sub-Inspector Chamsul Islam, acknowledges the situation but explains that many police personnel were on holiday during Eid, which provided an opportunity for these individuals to emerge. However, the police assure that swift action will be taken against them.
The local administration, particularly the actions of Bogura’s police chief Moin Uddin, has also drawn criticism for its apparent failure to arrest these individuals, even though they are accused of serious offenses. There have also been reports of gambling raids that were unrecorded by police.
Recently, three members of the Volunteer League were detained by local citizens in Shajahanpur and handed over to the authorities. Meanwhile, some leaders of the Workers League, such as Ibrahim, Israfel, and Khairul Bashar, have reportedly joined the Workers Welfare Federation.
Abu Hasan, General Secretary of the Bogura District Youth League, condemned the return of these figures, urging the government to take urgent legal measures against these “fascist accomplices.”
In response, Bogura’s Police Superintendent Zedan Al Musa assured that lists of such individuals were being compiled at every police station and that further actions would be taken soon.
LND/BG
