Ex-SAD leader Mahadi Hasan takes refuge at Habiganj Police Station after reported chase by Chhatra Dal activists

Former leader of the Habiganj unit of Students Against Discrimination (SAD), Mahadi Hasan, has alleged that he was chased by activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, prompting him to take refuge at the Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station while livestreaming on Facebook.

The incident took place yesterday (10 June) when he appeared visibly frightened during the livestream and questioned whether he had any right to express personal opinions.

In his Facebook Live, Mahadi alleged that Chhatra Dal activists chased him over his personal views and attempted to kill him, forcing him to seek police protection.

During the live, he was seen running, then taking a rickshaw before entering the Habiganj Sadar Police Station and taking shelter in the duty officer's room.

Mahadi said, "I had gone to sit for a driving test and had informed the authorities in advance about my security concerns. I was also assured that there would be no problem in taking the test."

He further said that he was followed while travelling by rickshaw on his way to the examination centre and was chased with intent to attack.

Habiganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jahid Hossain said today (11 June) that some Chhatra Dal activists were reportedly angered by Mahadi's comments about former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Regarding the allegation of attack, he said, "In the video we reviewed, no Chhatra Dal members could be identified, and Mahadi could not point to anyone specifically."

The OC added that Mahadi had submitted a verbal complaint and that the matter was under investigation. Habiganj district Chhatra Dal president Shah Rajib Ahmed Ringon said Mahadi had made derogatory remarks about Ziaur Rahman, which angered activists.

However, he denied any chase incident, saying it was staged for publicity.

Earlier, on 2 January, Mahdi engaged in a verbal confrontation with police officers while pressuring the officer-in-charge of Shayestaganj Police Station to release a detained activist.

During the exchange, he made remarks referring to the arson of a police station and the killing of a police officer during the July Uprising.

Video footage of the incident later spread on social media, drawing widespread criticism. He was arrested and later bailed by a Habiganj court on 4 January.