Staff Reporter:
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested more than 3,000 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations this year for participating in unauthorised flash processions across the capital.
Law enforcement agencies have also begun efforts to bring the financiers of these processions under the purview of the law.
The information was disclosed at a press briefing on Friday.
Speaking at the briefing, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of DMP’s Media and Public Relations Division, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, said that as of Friday afternoon, 46 people were arrested from Khilkhet, Uttara, Badda, Banani, Bijoynagar, and Sher-e-Bangla Nagar areas of Dhaka for participating in such flash processions.
“With these arrests, the total number of Awami League and affiliated organisation members detained from flash processions this year has exceeded 3,000,” the DC said.
“During interrogation, we have found evidence of financial transactions behind these activities. Those who are funding the processions will also be brought under legal action,” he added.
Talebur further said that recently, some individuals from outside Dhaka have been joining these sudden processions. “There are specific financial backers providing money to participants for each procession. Their primary goal is to assert their presence and create public panic in the capital.”
In response to a question, the DMP official said, “We are making arrests based on specific allegations. After detaining suspects, we verify their background and involvement. Only after thorough verification are they formally charged in the respective cases.”
