Two leaders of the Awami League have been arrested in connection with the murder of Mahadi Hasan Pantha, a victim of the crackdown on the anti-discrimination student movement.

Ahad Ali (55), Joint General Secretary of the Freedom Fighters’ League, Dhaka Metropolitan South, and Md. Iqbal Hossain (57), a local leader of the Kadamtali Thana Awami League, were picked up in late night raids

Muhammad Talebur Rahman, PPM, Deputy Police Commissioner confirmed it at a press briefing.

The arrests were made around 3am on Saturday, November 9, 2024, following an operation by Kadamtali Thana Police in the Kadamtali area of Dhaka.

According to Kadamtali Thana sources, Mahadi Hasan Pantha, the victim, had been participating in a peaceful demonstration in the Kadamtali area on July 19, 2024, at around 4:00 PM. The demonstration, organized by students and citizens opposing discrimination, was taking place in front of the Rayebag Shop in the area. During the protest, members of various Awami League-associated organizations indiscriminately opened fire on the demonstrators. Mahadi Hasan Pantha was shot in the face and died at the scene.

A murder case was filed at Kadamtali Thana on November 8, 2024, following a complaint from the victim's father, Md. Jahangir Hossain. The arrested individuals, Ahad Ali and Iqbal Hossain, are identified as suspects based on the ongoing investigation.

Sources from the police station indicated that, with the assistance of CCTV footage from the area and intelligence technology, an operation was carried out on Saturday night at 3:00 AM, leading to the arrest of Ahad Ali and Iqbal Hossain.

The arrested individuals have been presented before court for further legal proceedings.