Gopalganj concert halted after pro-Hasina chants, organiser arrested under anti-terrorism law

Police in Gopalganj have arrested Hafizur Rahman Piyal, owner of FNF Convention Hall and Party Centre, over allegations that a concert was organised without police permission and that pro-former prime minister Sheikh Hasina slogans were raised during the event.

Hafizur Rahman was arrested by police from Gopalganj Sadar Police Station on Tuesday morning. He was later sent to jail through the court.

Police said Rahman was shown arrested in a previously filed case under the Anti-Terrorism Act. However, authorities have not disclosed details of the first information report or the specific allegations against him.

According to police and local sources, a concert was organised at Gopalganj Municipal Park on Monday to mark the grand opening of FNF Convention Hall and Party Centre. Singer Mainul Ahsan Nobel performed at the event.

The concert began in the evening. At one stage, members of the audience started chanting slogans in support of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Organisers reportedly tried to stop the chants. An announcement was also made from the stage saying that the event was not a political programme.

The slogans nevertheless continued, creating tension at the venue. The concert was eventually stopped at around 9.15pm.

Police alleged that the organisers had not obtained the required permission before holding the concert. They also alleged that disorder broke out at the venue and that supporters and members of a banned organisation had gathered there.

Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Md Habibullah said the concert had been organised without police permission and that the event had resulted in disorder. He also alleged that supporters of a banned organisation had gathered at the venue.

“For these reasons, Hafizur Rahman was arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Act. He was subsequently sent to jail through the court,” the police superintendent said.

Asked about the complainant and the first information report in the case, the police superintendent said, “We do not refer to it as a case. We submitted him to the court in the manner we are required to.”

However, sources at Gopalganj Sadar Police Station said Rahman had been shown arrested in a case previously filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act. It therefore remains unclear from the police statements whether he was arrested in a new case following the slogans at the concert or was taken into custody as part of an earlier case.

Hafizur Rahman’s family background has also drawn attention locally. His father, Khalid Hossain, is reportedly the treasurer of the Tungipara upazila unit of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned, and a former chairman of Barni Union Parishad.

The incident has generated discussion locally after the concert was halted and its organiser was arrested following the political slogans. Police have not provided details on whether any of the people who allegedly chanted slogans in support of Sheikh Hasina have also been arrested or otherwise dealt with.