Police in Ishwardi, Pabna, seized a licensed shotgun and took former Chhatra Dal leader Zubayer Hossain Bappi, also known as Hoop Bappi, into custody after allegations that he publicly displayed the weapon while wrapped in burial cloth. Tensions continued in the town and near the Ishwardi police station gate from the afternoon until 9pm on August 17.

Witnesses, police and local BNP activists alleged that Bappi left for the town around 4:30pm carrying the shotgun and threatened former Upazila Jubo Sebak Dal member secretary Mehdi Hasan near the rail gate. His associates reportedly livestreamed video of the incident on social media, causing public alarm. Mehdi’s supporters gathered outside the police station and demanded the arrests of Bappi and Dasuria Union BNP president Abdus Samad Sulav Malitha.

Bappi’s side said he had staged an unusual protest against drugs and terrorism and did not intend to frighten anyone. Additional Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Sarkar said the gun was licensed but had been displayed publicly in violation of the law. He said authorities would seek cancellation of the licence. A case over the alleged death threat has been filed by Golam Rabbi, manager of Mehdi’s institution, and police are investigating.