Selina Hayat Ivy arrested

Former Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor and former Senior Vice-President of the district Awami League, Dr Selina Hayat Ivy, was arrested by police early Friday morning (May 9).

She was arrested from Chunka Kutir in the Deobhog area of city.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) of Narayanganj, Tarek Al Mehdi, said Ivy faces a total of five cases — four filed with Siddhirganj Police Station and one with Fatullah Police Station — on charges including murder and attempted murder during the recent anti-discrimination movement.

She has been arrested in connection with one of the cases filed at Siddhirganj Police Station and has been taken there for further legal procedures, the police officer added.

Earlier, around 11:00 pm on Thursday, a police team entered the residence of Ivy, known locally as ‘Chunka Kutir’. News of her arrest quickly spread, prompting local residents and her supporters to take to the streets, which heightened tensions in the area.

Supporters of Ivy, along with leaders and activists of the Awami League, blocked four roads leading to her house by placing bamboo poles, pushcarts, and vans. Announcements were made from nearby mosques, urging people to gather near Ivy’s residence.

Before being taken into custody, Ivy addressed the crowd, saying, “If I am to be punished for chanting ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu,’ I will accept that punishment. I have committed no crime, I have not extorted anyone, and I have not committed any murder. When no one in Narayanganj dared to speak out or protest, I raised my voice — including against the killing of Taqi. I have served you.”

She added, “You all protested against discrimination, and a new government has taken power. I have committed no offense, so why am I being arrested? I want an answer from the government. It has not even been a month since we lost my brother. I have three children. I was at home — I did not flee — so why arrest me?”