The army arrested Sohel Jahan Chowdhury, a member of the Eidgaon Upazila unit of the Awami League in Cox’s Bazar, early Thursday morning from his home. The operation was led by Major Intisar Salim, in charge of the Islamabadh army camp, and Chowdhury was handed over to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station. The local officer-in-charge confirmed the arrest, noting that Chowdhury had previously faced several serious cases, including murder and the July Revolution case, but had continued serving as a union chairman after the fall of the previous government.

Earlier, Chowdhury had been removed from his chairman post for absenteeism but recently reappeared in public, openly seeking votes for BNP candidate Lutfur Rahman Kajol in Cox’s Bazar-3 constituency. His sudden shift in political allegiance and campaign activities stirred widespread discussion and anger among Awami League supporters and anti-fascist student groups.

Local observers believe Chowdhury’s move to support the BNP was an attempt to avoid arrest and reestablish his political standing, though it reportedly caused unease within sections of the BNP itself.