Police have arrested Akash Chowdhury, a former activist of Jamaat-e-Islami, for kicking a woman during a protest organized by the Democratic Student Alliance in Chattogram. He was detained on Sunday, June 1, from the city’s Kotwali area.
According to Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Karim, the arrest was made based on intelligence, and Akash was sent to court under a case filed under the Speedy Trial Act.
The incident occurred last Wednesday during a protest held in response to the acquittal of Jamaat leader ATM Azharul Islam, who had previously been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War. Soon after the Democratic Student Alliance began their demonstration, members of the counter-group “Shahbagh Opposition Unity” arrived and clashed with them. Police tried to disperse both groups, but the Shahbagh Opposition allegedly attacked the student activists, injuring at least 12 people.
Police detained two individuals from the scene and later filed a case naming them, along with 20 unidentified persons, accusing them of brandishing weapons and creating public panic and traffic disruptions.
A 15-second video from the incident, which went viral on Facebook, shows Akash Chowdhury kicking two individuals, including a woman, from behind while they sought shelter near the press club. Despite a police officer being present, Akash managed to carry out the assault.
Following the outrage, a statement signed by Chattogram city Jamaat`s assistant secretary, Mohammad Ullah, on May 30 announced Akash Chowdhury’s expulsion from the party for his actions.
