Police in Ramu, Cox’s Bazar, have filed an anti-terrorism case against 71 people over allegations that members of the banned Chhatra League held a motorcycle showdown and procession. The case also names 30 to 40 unidentified people as accused. Ramu police sub-inspector Muhammad Nurul Absar filed the case on Monday. According to the first information report, the event took place at about 11:30am on 26 July on the highway in front of Zamzam Filling Station in Purba Murapara, Jowarianala.

The report alleges that the procession was held on the instruction of Cox’s Bazar district Chhatra League president SM Saddam Hossain and under the leadership of Ramu upazila joint conveners Tarek Uddin Mishuk and Ershadul Kawsar Sakib. Participants allegedly carried banners bearing Sheikh Hasina’s image, festoons and sticks, and chanted anti-government slogans. Police alleged that the gathering sought to create public fear and conduct anti-state activities.

Police said participants fled on motorcycles when officers arrived around noon, leaving behind a banner, 13 wooden sticks and 19 pieces of brick. A seizure list was prepared in the presence of three local witnesses. Police said they identified 31 people through local information and video footage analysis. Operations are under way to arrest the accused and identify those who remain unnamed.