Police have detained five individuals in connection with the assault of freedom fighter Abdul Hai Kanu at Chauddagram upazila in Cumilla.
The arrests were confirmed by Arafatul Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police in Cumilla.
The detainees have not been publicly named, with authorities citing security concerns. "As the freedom fighter has not filed a complaint, the detainees will be presented to court under Section 54, and the case will proceed accordingly," Arafatul said.
The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, occurred on Sunday. A viral video shared on the Awami League's official X account (formerly Twitter) showed men placing a string of shoes around Kanu's neck and ordering him to leave the area by nightfall.
Kanu recounted the ordeal, stating that he was intercepted by a man named Hashem while buying medicine. "They dragged me to Kuliara Primary School, held a knife to my neck, beat me, and humiliated me by placing a garland of shoes around my neck," Kanu said.
He has called on the government to ensure justice, warning that failure to act will have long-term consequences.
The incident has drawn condemnation from various quarters. Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus issued a statement denouncing the attack and urging authorities to take swift action. A Facebook post from the CA press wing also condemned the assault, noting that Kanu is an accused in nine cases, including one for murder, but stressed that no one should take the law into their own hands.
Investigations are ongoing, and the local administration has been directed to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
