19 Awami League activists jailed in Chattogram over slogans during funeral prayer

TBM Report

A Chattogram court has sent 19 activists of the practically banned Awami League to jail under the Anti-Terrorism Act following a confrontation after the funeral prayer of a veteran leader. The Metropolitan Magistrate, S.M. Alauddin Mahmud, delivered the order on Friday (May 15, 2026) after a preliminary hearing. The individuals were detained on Thursday following the funeral of Mosharraf Hossain, a freedom fighter and former cabinet minister, held at the Jamiatul Falah Mosque.

The incident occurred as hundreds of supporters gathered to pay their final respects to the seasoned politician. According to local witnesses, a group of activists began chanting “Joy Bangla”—a slogan associated with the previous regime—immediately after the prayers. Law enforcement officials intervened, stating that such political gatherings and chants are prohibited under current regulations, especially involving organizations whose public activities are restricted.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kotwali Police Station, Aftab Uddin, stated that the arrests were made not just for chanting slogans but for attempting to cause public disorder while armed with sticks. “The accused were trying to jeopardize public safety and obstruct the peace,” the OC told the media. He further claimed that most of the 19 detainees have a prior criminal record, including multiple cases filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The legal proceedings have sparked significant debate in Chattogram’s political circles. While the police maintain the arrests were necessary to prevent a resurgence of unrest, critics view the application of anti-terrorism laws in this context as a stern measure. The 19 individuals, identified as Mehedi Hasan, Md. Suman, and others, were denied bail and transferred to central jail pending further investigation into their alleged attempt to incite violence.