The Asiapost News

On 5 May 2025, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Sena activists blocked the Dhaka-Chattogram highway and multiple roads in Chattogram city to protest the death of Maulana Muhammad Rais Uddin, an imam and party leader. The protests, which began at 9:00 AM, disrupted traffic in areas such as Muradpur, Bahaddarhat, Number Two Gate, GEC, New Bridge, Soltgola Crossing, and AK Khan Gate. A significant blockade at Madam Bibir Hat in Sitakunda caused extensive traffic jams, ongoing as of 11:45 AM.

The demonstrations stem from the death of Rais Uddin, the imam of Akhladul Jame Mosque in Gazipur’s Pubail, who was allegedly tied to a tree and tortured by members of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat on 27 April before being handed to police. He died in custody early on 28 April after being sent to jail via court. Protesters, demanding justice and the arrest of those responsible, vowed to continue their action until their demands are met.

Protests also spread to upazilas including Hathazari, Rangunia, Raozan, Fatikchari, Anwara, Boalkhali, Patiya, Banshkhali, Chandanaish, Satkania, and Lohagara. At Saltgola Crossing, police attempted to intervene, but disruptions persisted. However, Chattogram Metropolitan Police Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) Mahmuda Begum claimed traffic remained unaffected.

Rais Uddin faced accusations of sexually assaulting a male madrasah student and allegedly drugging and abusing other young boys, which led to his assault by locals before police custody. Chhatra Sena and Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat have held nationwide protests, including human chains, to demand accountability for his death. The Chattogram blockades mark a continuation of these efforts.