15 held after AL flash processions in the capital

At least 15 leaders and activists of Awami League and Chhatra League were arrested in separate drives in Dhaka in the last two days following their alleged attempt to bring out flash processions in different areas of the capital.

Detective Branch and local police arrested them from Bangshal, Moghbazar, Mirpur, Badda, Fulbaria, Uttara, Motijheel, Mohammadpur, Jatrabari and Shahbagh areas.

Mohammad Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner (Media and Public Relations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, said the arrestees were attempting to destabilise the country and create panic among people by bringing out flash processions.

Meanwhile, a group of 16-17 AL men brought out a flash procession around 6:40am yesterday near Mridha Bari area on Dhaka-Sylhet Highway, according to Jatrabari police.

A patrol team chased them, and arrested Harunur Rashid, vice-president of Dhaka south Jubo League, and Zahidur Islam, organisational secretary of BCL's Ward-50 unit under Jatrabari Thana. The others managed to flee as the procession was dispersed, police said.

Also, Shahbagh police said a group of 20-30 AL men attempted to bring out another flash procession around 6:00am at Shahbagh intersection. Police chased the group, and arrested BCL activists Jony, Billal, and Jubo League activist Karim from the spot.

Legal proceedings are underway against the arrestees, police said.