18 female BNP activists detained

Police last night detained at least 18 female leaders and activists of the BNP in front of the party chief Khaleda Zia's Gulshan office in the capital.

Over 100 policemen, including female cops, were deployed in different phases in an apparent bid to tighten security of the BNP chief's office. The law enforcers beefed up vigilance around Khaleda's office from 6:40pm. Khaleda has been staying at the office since January 5.

The 18 BNP female leaders and activists were detained in three hauls after they came out of Khaleda's office, the BNP claimed. 

However, Shafiul Alam, a sub-inspector of Gulshan Model Police Station, admitted detaining 13, but refused to give any details.