Police in Bhangura upazila of Pabna released Jubo League leader Ripon Sarkar late Friday night after detaining him earlier on suspicion of involvement in sabotage. He was freed around 10:30 p.m., following a protest led by Shafiqul Islam Sohel, joint convener of the upazila Chhatra Dal, who, along with about 200 villagers, surrounded the police station demanding Ripon’s release.

According to police and local sources, Ripon, president of Ward No. 1 (Patulipara) Jubo League in Par-Bhangura Union, was arrested from his village on Friday evening. The protesters were later dispersed by police, after which a discussion took place in the officer-in-charge’s room between police officials, the Chhatra Dal leader, and several local figures. Following the meeting, Ripon was released on a written bond under the custody of villagers.

The officer-in-charge, Shakiul Azam, stated that Ripon had been detained as a suspect but was released after no evidence of involvement was found.