Former Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Dr Selina Hayat Ivy was arrested early Friday morning following hours of high tension around her residence, as police moved in citing multiple criminal charges, including murder.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Ivy, a prominent figure aligned with the ruling Awami League, was taken into custody from her Deobhog residence, locally known as ‘Chunka Kutir’, at approximately 5:45 am.

The arrest came after a tense overnight standoff that saw hundreds of her supporters rallying in protest outside her home.

Nasir Uddin, Officer-in-Charge of Narayanganj Sadar Model Police Station, told reporters that Ivy was detained in connection with several cases, including one involving murder allegations. However, further details on the cases were not immediately disclosed.

The situation escalated around 11 pm on Thursday when a police team arrived at the former mayor’s home.

As news of the police presence spread, crowds of supporters swiftly gathered, blocking several roads in the area in an attempt to prevent officers from making an arrest.

Loudspeaker announcements from nearby mosques called on residents to show support for Ivy, intensifying the standoff throughout the night.

Addressing the crowd inside her home, Ivy reportedly told her followers: “Inform them [the police] that I will not leave my house at night. If they want to arrest me, let them come in daylight.”

By dawn, senior police officials entered the premises and executed the arrest, removing Ivy from her home as supporters looked on.

Before her detention, Ivy claimed that police failed to present a formal arrest warrant and urged her supporters to remain peaceful.

Authorities have yet to release a formal statement detailing the charges against her. 

SMS/