7 held over banned AL torch procession bid

Police have arrested seven people in the capital’s Banani area for allegedly preparing to hold a torch procession supporting the Awami League, whose activities and those of its affiliated organisations are currently banned.

The arrests were made during a raid near Army Stadium on the outgoing Dhaka-Mymensingh highway early today, according to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

A team from Banani Police Station conducted the operation at around 12:20pm opposite Army Stadium after receiving information about a planned torch procession.

According to a DMP press release, around 100 to 120 people had gathered near the area after arriving from Sainik Club with torches to organise the procession.

The arrested individuals were identified as Md Arif, 19; Md Shakil Ahmed, 19; Ashik Ahmed Mostafa, 19; while the remaining four detainees were children, the police said.

During the raid, police recovered 70 torches, one banner and 77 face masks from the spot.
The DMP said many participants managed to flee when police reached the area.

“After being informed, they [police] conducted a raid in the area and nabbed the detainees,” the statement said.

Police said legal action is being taken against the seven arrested individuals as well as those involved in organising the attempted procession.

The operation was carried out after authorities received information about an alleged attempt to arrange a political procession linked to the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, whose activities are currently prohibited.