Chattogram, July 5 (V7N) — A tense standoff unfolded late Friday night outside the prestigious Chattogram Club as student groups, members of the National Committee for People’s Rights (NCP), and activists from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement demanded the arrest of ruling party leader Zahidul Haque, who was reportedly attending his son’s wedding inside the venue.
 
Zahidul Haque, a former chairman of Boalkhali Upazila and a member of the advisory council of the Chattogram South District Awami League, is also an official at Standard Chartered Bank. Protesters claim he is implicated in at least 12 criminal cases across various police stations, including charges of murder and financial crimes.
 
Students began gathering outside the club around midnight, blocking entrances and inspecting vehicles of guests arriving for the event. Witnesses said the protest was largely peaceful but emotionally charged, with slogans demanding justice and immediate arrest of Haque.
 
Mujibur Rahman, a representative of the NCP present at the site, told reporters: “This man is accused in numerous serious cases, yet he is celebrating openly at a luxurious event. We demand immediate legal action.”
 
Kotwali Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Karim confirmed police presence at the location. “There are reports that Zahidul Haque, an accused in multiple criminal cases, is present at the wedding. A group of students and locals are protesting peacefully. We are trying to de-escalate the situation. If any accused person is confirmed to be present, we will take lawful action.”
 
The protest highlights rising dissatisfaction among youth over perceived political favoritism and impunity. As of early Saturday morning, no arrests had been made, but law enforcement remained on high alert around the club premises.
 
END/ABZ/SMA/