Cumilla BNP leader released after 12-hour detention amid protests by supporters

Police release Rezaul Kaiyum, president of Cumilla Adarsha Sadar upazila BNP, from custody in the early hours of today (4 May), 12 hours after detaining him for questioning.

He walked out of Cumilla Kotwali Model Police Station around midnight following a day of intense protests by his supporters.

Rezaul was picked up around noon yesterday from his residence in the Shashangacha area of Cumilla city by a joint team of the police and the district Detective Branch (DB).

Law enforcement sources, on condition of anonymity, indicated that the detention followed high-level government directives related to allegations of extortion at the Shashangacha bus terminal involving Rezaul and his followers, a controversy that surfaced after the ouster of the Awami League government in 2024.

Touhidul Anwar, officer-in-charge (OC) of Cumilla Kotwali Model Police Station, said senior officials questioned the BNP leader regarding several complaints.

“He was brought in for questioning regarding specific allegations. As no charges were proven against him, he was not arrested in any case,” the OC added.

Sources suggested his release came after a “green signal” from high-level government authorities following the interrogation.

Earlier, the detention sparked immediate unrest as his supporters and transport workers shut down the Shashangacha bus terminal, suspending all vehicle movements.

Protesters also laid siege to Kotwali Model Police Station, gathering at the main gate and chanting slogans for several hours.

While bus services resumed after 4pm yesterday, a group of Rezaul’s followers remained at the police station gate until his eventual release.