32 Arrested in Dhaka Over Pro-Hasina Mobilization
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Police from Dhanmondi and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police stations have arrested 32 members of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations. Police claimed they were preparing to organize an ‘oath ceremony to bring Sheikh Hasina back to the country’ and carry out sudden processions.
According to a DMP press release, police arrested them early Friday from a road adjacent to the flower market in front of the Agargaon Metro Rail Station and later after Jummah prayers from Dhanmondi-32 and surrounding areas.
Police said a group of activists from the banned organization Chhatra League was preparing to stage a procession on the road in front of Agargaon Metro Station early Friday. A team from Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station rushed to the spot and arrested six people red-handed as they attempted to flee.
The arrestees were identified as Shyamal Chandra, 27, Ayatul Haque, 29, Siam, 22, Mehedi Hasan Miahad Khan, 21, Tarek Rahman, 22, and Selim Pradhan Shraban, 20.
Later in the day, after Jummah prayers, Dhanmondi Police Station conducted another operation based on information that some members of the banned Awami League were preparing to stage ‘sudden processions’ and organize an ‘oath ceremony’ to bring Sheikh Hasina back. Police arrested 26 people during the operation.
The arrestees include Bhanga Thana Jubo League President Md. Murad, 48, Md. Abdul Hannan Biswas, 22, Md. Mostak Biswas, 22, Md. Rony, 19, Md. Jony, 26, Murad Laskar, 33, Md. Siam Hossain, 19, Md. Tariq Jamil, 19, Md. Raju, 19, Md. Billal Bakhtiar, 18, Chayon Biswas, 18, Amit Chakraborty, 20, Tanzil Bin Rashid, 19, Nihadul Islam, 21, Supta Ghosh, 22, Sajeeb Saha, 24, Kutub Hilali, 40, Shimul, 21, Sohan Ahmed, 22, Md. Tamim Molla, 18, Md. Shimul Bepari, 18, Md. Abdur Rahim, 45, Mirza Farhan Ananda, 22, Naimur Rahman Sohag, 25, Sohrab Khan, 44, and Zahid Khan, 30.
Police said patrols and security measures have been strengthened across the capital to prevent such activities.
In a recent email interview with an Indian media outlet, Sheikh Hasina said she would return to the country soon. She left Bangladesh for India on August 5, 2024, amid a mass uprising. An interim government was formed three days later. Since then, many top leaders of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations have been arrested.
Most of the party’s senior leaders are now either in hiding or abroad. Several leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, are currently facing trial at the International Crimes Tribunal over allegations of crimes against humanity. All political activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations remain banned until the trial concludes.
