Bangladesh Army Arrests College Principal Over Alleged Political Activity

Mymensingh, June 25, 2025 — In a dramatic development, the Bangladesh Army arrested Monowar Hossain Khan Minar (38), principal of Capital College in Mymensingh and a former leader of the Swechchhasebak League, on allegations of engaging in political organizing via social media.The operation was led by Major Zayed Saad Al Rabbi, commander of the Mymensingh Sadar Army Camp, who is also allegedly linked to the July Uprising movement. The raid took place Wednesday afternoon at Capital College, situated on Rambabu Road, opposite Bidyamoyee Government Girls’ High School.According to Major Rabbi, intelligence sources indicated that Principal Minar was “using various social media platforms to motivate political activists” and was allegedly involved in “strengthening party activities and reorganizing the organization.” He added, “Further investigation will determine whether there were any concrete plans for political mobilization.” Authorities seized several electronic devices, including Minar’s mobile phone, during the operation.Following the arrest, Minar was handed over to the Kotwali Model Police Station.In a statement to the media, Monowar Hossain Khan Minar said:> “I am a member of the Awami League. I am a soldier of Bangabandhu. However, I never took any undue advantage when the party was in power. I never held any position during the party’s rule. That’s why I have remained inactive in politics since 2020. Even now, I’m not engaged in any political activities. I don’t understand why I was arrested. If being a member of the Awami League is a crime, then I am ready to accept any punishment.”The arrest has sparked concerns over the army’s increasing involvement in civilian affairs, especially amid ongoing national unrest and the shifting political landscape under the interim government.