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The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have arrested eight more leaders and activists of the banned Awami League, its student wing Chhatra League, and other affiliated organisations in connection with a “secret meeting” recently held at Bashundhara residential area.
According to a DMP press release issued on Friday, the arrests were made during raids conducted across different parts of Dhaka over the past 24 hours.
The arrestees are SM Jalal, 51, former general secretary of the Swechasebak League, Ward-31, Dhaka South; Md Shiblu, 48, general secretary of Unit-2, Ward-33 Awami League, Dhaka South; Afzalun Nesa Hasan Baset, 45, executive member, Cumilla District Awami League; Md Jasim Uddin alias Liton, 50, joint general secretary, Kuliarchar upazila AL, Kishoreganj; Ashiqur Rahman, 25, joint general secretary of DU BCL Jasimuddin Hall unit; Mahabubur Rahman Hiron, vice president, Dhaka North AL and former presidium member of Jubo League; Shamsuddin Bhuiyan, former AL councillor of Ward-65; and Md Mizanur Rahman, 52, president of Gazipur City unit of the banned Muktijoddha Projonmo League.
The DB said the arrests were made based on credible evidence of the individuals’ involvement in activities aimed at destabilising law and order.
All arrestees will be produced before the court with specific charges, the release added.
On July 13, Bhatara Police Station Sub-Inspector Jyotirmoy Mondal filed a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Two more sent to jail
Meanwhile, a Dhaka court on Friday sent two more individuals, who were arrested earlier, in connection with the case.
Following a hearing, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ehsanul Islam passed the order.
The accused are Shafiqul Islam Sajib and Pritam Kumar Dey.
The investigating officer, Inspector (DB Gulshan Division) Md Jehad Hossain produced them before the court and requested that they be kept in jail pending investigation.
The defence lawyers appealed for bail, but the court rejected the plea.
Police had arrested the duo from their home in Rajbari on Thursday.
According to the case statement, on July 8, a secret meeting was held at KB Convention Centre near Bashundhara by the banned BCL, attended by 300–400 people including members of the banned group, Awami League affiliates, and retired government officials.
The meeting, which lasted from morning to evening, involved anti-government slogans and discussions to create nationwide unrest. Plans were made to mobilise people to the capital upon instructions from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, occupy the Shahbagh intersection, and generate instability and panic to facilitate Hasina’s return.
The DB is currently investigating the case.
Army officer under investigation after ‘secret meeting’ of banned AL; court of inquiry formed
Earlier, Awami League leader Shamima Nasrin (Shampa), wife of a senior official at the Directorate General of Health Services, and Jubo League leader Sohel Rana were placed on remand in connection with the same.
Several others have also been jailed of the investigation.
In addition, the Bangladesh Army has taken Major Sadique into custody after reports surfaced on social media and in the press alleging his involvement in training the AL activists.