New Delhi, August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A court in Bangladesh has ordered the judicial custody of a 14-year-old school student in connection with a case registered under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act, prompting sharp criticism from the Awami League, which has accused the authorities of misusing the law for political purposes.
The student, identified as Md. Rimon, is a Class 10 student of Char Mehar Azizia High School in Ramgati upazila of Lakshmipur district.
According to local media reports, Rimon was produced before a court after being arrested by police on August 2. His counsel, Advocate Abdur Rob Sumon, told the court that the boy was only 14 years and two months old and not of an age to be involved in politics. A plea seeking humanitarian bail was rejected.
Reports further stated that the original First Information Report identified the accused as “Bachchu Prakash Ripon” and recorded his age as 19 years. However, the details reportedly did not match the student’s birth certificate. The investigating officer later corrected the name and recorded his age as 13 years, 11 months and 29 days in documents submitted before the court.
The case relates to an incident on May 30, when members and supporters of the Awami League’s student wing, Chhatra League, allegedly gathered at a government primary school and multipurpose disaster shelter in Char Algi Union, raised slogans, held a brief procession and recorded a video.
Subsequently, on June 4, a case was registered by Ramgati Police Station under the Anti-Terrorism Act against 12 individuals, including Rimon, alleging disruption of public safety and law and order.
Reacting strongly to the development, the Awami League accused the authorities of weaponising the Anti-Terrorism Act to target political opponents and described the imprisonment of a school student as an abuse of power.
In a statement, the party alleged that the administration ignored the student’s birth certificate, wrongly recorded his identity and age, and subjected a minor to legal action without adequate safeguards. It claimed the incident reflected political intolerance and raised concerns over children’s rights, due process and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
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