The six-storey building of former Tangail-8 lawmaker Johaherul Islam has been freed from occupiers during a joint forces operation on Saturday night.

The operation was led by Ruhul Amin Sharif, Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate of Sadar Upazila.

Earlier, Mariam Mukaddas Misty, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, had occupied the building in Chotokalibari area of Tangail city. She had broken the lock and entered the property with 20 mentally unstable individuals, intending to use the building as an asylum for them.

Ruhul Amin Sharif confirmed that 17 mentally unstable people were rescued from the property. “These individuals will receive all possible assistance,” he said.

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Following the operation, the police released Misty after she signed a bond, in which she admitted to her actions. She wrote, "I have committed a crime by attempting to house mentally unstable men and women in someone else's private property without legal rights. I seek forgiveness for my illegal actions, which I took on humanitarian grounds."

Roushan Ara, Johaherul Islam’s wife, alleged that Misty had initially demanded a ransom of Tk10 crore. When the money was not paid, she forcibly occupied the building.

She also clarified that the property is registered in her name, not her husband's, and demanded justice for the incident.

Earlier on February 6, agitated students and the public entered the house and looted and vandalised it.