Five police officers have been withdrawn and transferred to Hatiya upazila after two Awami League leaders, both under trial, hosted a family feast inside the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court lockup in Noakhali. The incident occurred on January 19, when the detainees’ families gathered in the women’s lockup area during a court appearance. The event, locally known as a ‘beyakhana,’ was arranged with the cooperation of on-duty police personnel.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration and Finance) Abu Tayeb Md Arif Hossain confirmed the withdrawal on Wednesday night, citing the need for an impartial investigation. The withdrawn officers include two assistant town sub-inspectors and three constables. Following the order of Superintendent of Police T.M. Mosharraf Hossain, a three-member inquiry committee was formed to submit its report by January 26.

The two detained leaders—Azam Pasha Chowdhury Rumel of Companiganj Upazila Jubo League and Advocate Saif Uddin Ahmed of Hatiya Awami League—are accused in multiple murder and explosives cases. The incident has drawn widespread attention across the country.