NARAYANGANJ, June 4: Former Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) mayor Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy returned home on Wednesday after spending 391 days in prison and obtaining bail in all 12 cases filed against her, marking the end of a prolonged legal ordeal. Yet, even as supporters gathered to welcome her back, authorities moved swiftly to place her residence under strict security surveillance, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding the release of one of Narayanganj's most prominent political figures.
On the night of her release on the day, police installed high-powered CCTV cameras in front of her residence, Chunka Kutir, and at several nearby locations in Deobhog-Narayanganj. Officials said the cameras have been installed as part of security measures and to monitor the overall situation.
Ivy was released from the Kashimpur Central Women's Jail in Gazipur at around 10:15pm, after securing the bail on Wednesday. She reached her residence in Deobhog area at around 12:30am.
Since Thursday morning, relatives, supporters and well-wishers began gathering outside Chunka Kutir to see her and inquire about her wellbeing.
Among those present were her brother-in-law Abdul Quader and former councillor Moniruzzaman Monir. Family members said they were trying to limit visitors due to security concerns and administrative restrictions, although supporters from different areas continued to arrive.
A visit to the area found police installing CCTV cameras around Ivy's house. Officer-in-Charge of Narayanganj Sadar Model Police Station Sajedur Rahman confirmed the matter, saying, "This is our own arrangement. The cameras have been installed for overall security reasons."
After her release, Ivy first went to the NCC cemetery in Masdair, where she offered prayers at the graves of her parents and younger brother before returning home.
Speaking briefly to the media, Ivy expressed gratitude to the judiciary and thanked the BNP-led government. She said, "I want a humane government that includes everyone. There are many mothers like me in jail who are innocent. I hope the government will also be considerate toward them."
She was arrested from her Narayanganj residence on May 9, 2025. She was later shown arrested in 12 cases, including three murder cases and two attempted murder cases related to the anti-discrimination student movement in 2024.
The final legal hurdle was cleared after the High Court granted her interim bail in two murder cases filed with Siddhirganj Police Station on April 30. Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Tarek Al Mehedi said Ivy was released after verification following the High Court's decision to uphold bail orders in all 12 cases.
