He made the comment while talking to journalists at his office in Motijheel as police started filing cases against several thousand people who gathered to cheer the AL chief on her homecoming on May 07. The cases were filed for breaching state of emergency restrictions.

Abdul Jalil told journalists that the AL had not organised any reception programme for the party chief. Rather, the public had welcomed her spontaneously.

He said AL had asked for government approval allowing 107 party leaders to receive Hasina. However, the government reduced the number to 16. The mass gathering outside the airport had not been planned by the party, he added.

Police sources said they have started collecting video footage to identify those who brought out processions and chanted slogans at the airport. By examining the video footage, the police are hoping to collect names and addresses of those who took part in the procession. Those identified would be arrested.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nur Mohammad told reporters that under the state of emergency, processions, rallies and such gatherings cannot be held. "Everyone has to abide by the law," he said.

In connection with the failure to prevent the gathering, the police administration on Tuesday removed three top Uttara cops from their posts.

Deputy Commissioner Tanveer Haider, Additional Deputy Commissioner Iqbal Hossain and Assistant Commissioner MM Salahuddin were transferred to police headquarters while Uttara Zone Patrol Inspector Kamruzzaman was suspended for 'neglect of duty'.