Police released former Chhatra Dal leader Zোবায়ের হোসেন বাপ্পী, also known as Hoop Bappi, on a bond after taking him into custody over allegations that he publicly displayed a licensed shotgun and issued a death threat in Ishwardi, Pabna. The incident began on Monday, while protests and a police-station siege followed on Tuesday. Police seized his firearm, saying the display had created public fear.

Witnesses, police and local BNP activists said Bappi marched about three kilometres along the town’s main road wearing white burial cloth around his head and body. He was accompanied by several people, including Dashuria union BNP president Abdus Samad Sulav Malitha. At the railgate area, Bappi was accused of threatening former Upazila Jubo Sebak Dal member secretary Mehedi Hasan with the firearm raised.

Police handed Bappi and four others to district detective police around 2am. The DB said they were released around 3:30am because no case had been filed. Mehedi said he had submitted a written complaint, while Bappi’s side said the action was a protest against drugs and terrorism, not an attempt to frighten anyone. Police said steps would be taken to seek cancellation of the firearm licence.