Following an overnight drama that included announcements from mosque loudspeakers and a blockade by protestors, police have arrested former Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy.
The arrest was confirmed by Narayanganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Circle K) Md. Hasanuzzaman, who stated that Dr. Ivy was apprehended around 5:45 AM on Friday (May 9) from her residence, Chunka Kutir, in the Deobhog area of the city.
He said that there are six cases against the former mayor, including charges of murder. When police went to arrest her at night, she initially refused to go, stating she would leave when daylight broke. The police official added that she cooperated with the arrest process and would be taken to the district detective office.
Earlier, when police attempted to detain Dr. Ivy, her supporters and activists blocked the Deobhog area by making announcements over mosque loudspeakers, leading to the police being confined. Superintendent of Police Pratyush Kumar Majumdar had confirmed the raid on Ivy's house around 1:00 AM on Thursday night.
According to police sources, six cases, including charges of murder and attempted murder, have been filed against Selina Hayat Ivy at Siddhirganj and Fatullah Model Police Stations in connection with an anti-discrimination movement. Police conducted the raid on her Narayanganj residence to arrest her in these cases.
Local sources reported that a team of at least 50 male and female police officers, led by Narayanganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Circle K) Hasanuzzaman and including Narayanganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nasir Uddin, entered Ivy's residence, Chunka Kutir, in the Deobhog area at night to detain her.
As the news spread, her supporters and activists took to the streets after announcements were made from nearby mosques. They blocked the two roads leading to Ivy's house by placing bamboo poles, handcarts, and vans, effectively trapping the police inside the premises.
At this time, Narayanganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Tarek Al Mehdi addressed the agitated crowd gathered in front of Ivy's old house through a loudspeaker, saying, "There are cases against Ivy. We will take her. There is no benefit in trying to obstruct us. You can stay here if you want, and we will also stay here and take her away."
