Bangladesh student leader detained after boasting on camera of burning Hindu police officer

Viral video sparks Bangladesh outrage

Bangladesh Police detained student leader Mahdi Hasan on January 3 after a video surfaced in which he publicly claimed involvement in the killing of a Hindu police officer during the violent unrest of 2024. Despite the admission, Mahdi has not been formally arrested in the murder case and is expected to be released on bail by Sunday afternoon.

Mahdi Hasan identified himself as one of those responsible for the killing of Sub-Inspector Santosh Chowdhury, also known as Shuvo, who was burnt alive during mob violence at the Baniachang Police Station in August 2024. The killing occurred on the same day former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amid widespread unrest.

However, police sources said Mahdi’s detention is not linked to the murder of the Hindu officer. The development follows a decision by the Muhammad Yunus-led administration to grant indemnity to those involved in the killing of police personnel during the 2024 upheaval.

A video recorded inside Shayestaganj Police Station in Habiganj district has gone viral on social media, raising serious concerns over law and order in Bangladesh.

The clip, shared on X by investigative journalist Sahidul Hasan Khokon, identifies the speaker as a student coordinator from Habiganj district. In the video, Hasan is seen boasting about the killing of a Hindu police officer and openly threatening police officials.

In the footage, the youth is heard threatening the officer-in-charge of a police station, warning that it would be burned down. He also claims that during the July 2024 uprising, protesters had already torched the Baniachong Police Station.

He then openly declares, “We burned Hindu officer SI Santosh,” referring to Sub-Inspector Santosh Bhabhu.

Leaders and activists of the SAD are seen seated in front of Shayestaganj police station’s officer-in-charge, Abul Kalam, and other officials. Mahdi Hasan is heard saying that the current government was formed through their movement and accuses police of unfairly detaining their supporters.

Referring to the 2024 violence, he claims that 17 people were killed in Habiganj and asserts that the district played a significant role in the uprising. He reiterates that they burnt the police station and set the officer on fire, questioning why Enamul Hasan was detained.

Sub-Inspector Santosh Chowdhury was killed on August 5, 2024, during mob violence. His body was later hung from a tree. The killing took place amid widespread chaos that included arson, looting, and attacks on Hindus and their places of worship across Bangladesh.