Staff Reporter :
Sumaiya Tahmid Zafrin, a Territory Manager at Unilever Bangladesh and wife of retired Major Sadikul Haque, has been accused of involvement in an alleged anti-state conspiracy linked to a secret Facebook group called ‘ODB-M-1701 (Operation Dhaka Blockade)’.
She is reportedly one of the group’s key administrators. According to investigations by the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective (DB) Police, Sumaiya was responsible for entering data into a Google Sheet based on information provided by leaders and activists of the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League.
She allegedly gathered intelligence on Awami League members, created secret codes, and coordinated group members via online messaging platforms. The group is also said to have planned recruiting street children from Dhaka for anti-state activities.
Sumaiya and her husband are reported to have held several secret meetings at various locations in Dhaka, including convention centres, resorts, restaurants, and private residences, to plot the overthrow of the government. The investigation has named several other individuals in connection with the conspiracy.
Following a hearing on Thursday, Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Sefatullah granted a five-day remand for Sumaiya. The remand was requested in a case alleging her involvement in guerrilla training of Awami League members.
Case documents reveal that on 8 July, a secret meeting of the banned Chhatra League took place at a convention centre in Dhaka, attended by 300 to 400 people including members of the Chhatra League, Awami League, and retired government officials. Reports indicate that anti-government slogans were raised during the event.
The meeting allegedly discussed plans to mobilise supporters nationwide to converge on Dhaka and seize control of the Shahbagh intersection, with the aim of creating instability and enabling the return of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to power.
The Anti-Terrorism Act case was filed on 13 July by SI Jyotirmoy Mondal of Vatara Police Station. Sumaiya was arrested on Wednesday and has been undergoing interrogation by DB police.
Investigations indicate Sumaiya and her husband held multiple clandestine meetings in locations including the C-Cell Resort in Purbachal, a Katabon restaurant, Mirpur DOHS, and Sumaiya’s flat near Gate No. 2 of Priyanka City, opposite Uttara Sector-12 Regional Passport Office.
The meetings focused on revitalising banned Awami League and Chhatra League operations, encouraging supporters, and destabilising the country, including discussions and training sessions.
DMP Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed Sumaiya’s arrest from Mirpur DOHS and said her role in the conspiracy is under detailed investigation. So far, 28 people have been arrested in connection with the case.
DMP Joint Commissioner Mohammad Nasirul Islam stated that necessary legal measures are being pursued.
During Thursday’s court hearing, the investigating officer sought a seven-day remand, while Sumaiya’s lawyer requested bail and cancellation of the remand. State prosecutors argued that Sumaiya had conspired with foreign agencies to overthrow the government and organised gatherings for this purpose.
Sumaiya’s lawyer contended that her name was not mentioned in the initial complaint or witness statements and that she was arrested later as a suspect.
Sumaiya herself told the court she was unaware of the activities at the KB Convention Hall and denied involvement in any wrongdoing, appealing to the magistrate not to grant the remand.
