A tense situation erupted at the Zakiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer's (UNO) office in Sylhet on Wednesday evening following allegations that Manikpur Union Parishad acting chairman Abdus Shahid was harassed and handed over to police during an emergency meeting.
Following the incident, Chhatra Dal leader and coordinator Zafar Ahmed was confined inside the UNO office for several hours amid public outrage.
According to local sources, Zakiganj UNO Masudur Rahman had convened an emergency meeting with public representatives. During the meeting, a group of youths led by Zafar Ahmed—also a plaintiff in a political case—arrived at the venue and allegedly harassed acting UP chairman Abdus Shahid, branding him an Awami League leader. At one stage, Shahid was handed over to the police.
As news of the incident spread, residents of Manikpur Union brought out processions and gathered at the Upazila Parishad premises. Tensions escalated when protesters confronted Zafar Ahmed, leading to verbal altercations and a scuffle.
As the situation intensified, Zafar Ahmed entered the UNO office, reportedly for safety. Protesters then took positions in front of the office, effectively confining him inside.
To defuse the situation, the administration convened a meeting at the UNO office involving police officials, public representatives and leaders of various political parties. The meeting continued until around 10pm, during which time Zafar Ahmed remained confined inside the office.
During the meeting, Zafar Ahmed reiterated his claim that Abdus Shahid was an Awami League leader, referring to a case filed on August 4, 2024, in which he is the plaintiff. However, Upazila Jubo Jamaat President Abidur Rahman disputed the allegation, saying Abdus Shahid was not affiliated with any political party.
“He is not an Awami League ward-level leader, nor is there any case against him,” Abidur Rahman said, adding that handing him over to police by labelling him as an Awami League leader out of personal animosity was “unfortunate.”
Later in the night, around 10:30pm, police rescued Zafar Ahmed from the UNO office and took him to a safe location.
The incident has triggered widespread criticism across the upazila.
When contacted, Zakiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdur Razzak said Abdus Shahid had been produced before the court under Section 161 and was granted bail.
