Bangladesh: 25 Awami League Members Detained for Flash Protests
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Synopsis
In a crackdown on dissent, police in Bangladesh have arrested 25 Awami League leaders and activists after they participated in flash protests in Khulna city, highlighting ongoing political tensions under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
Key Takeaways
- 25 Awami League members arrested for flash protests.
- Protests organized in defiance of government orders.
- Home Advisor warns police of disciplinary action.
- Flash processions held in Shariatpur with torches.
- Interpol requested to issue red notice against Hasina.
Dhaka, April 21 (NationPress) In a continued effort to suppress political opposition in Bangladesh under the leadership of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, law enforcement has apprehended at least 25 members from the Awami League and its associated organizations, including its student faction, Chhatra League, following a series of flash protests in Khulna city.
The police conducted separate operations on Sunday night, resulting in the arrest of 25 leaders and activists from the Awami League, the banned Chhatra League, and the Jubo League, which is the party's youth wing, related to the flash protests, as reported by the Bangladeshi media outlet UNB, citing Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media & CP) of Khulna Metropolitan Police, Ahsan Habib.
The former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina's Awami League organized a flash protest on Sunday morning in Khulna city, defying orders from the interim government aimed at prohibiting such demonstrations.
This rally, held under the banner of Bangladesh Awami League, Khulna District Unit, marked the first demonstration in the area since the fall of the Awami League government.
Footage from the event depicted protestors brandishing a banner adorned with portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina, as reported by the leading daily, Prothom Alo.
Protesters chanted slogans such as, "Sheikh Hasina, we are not afraid, we have not left the streets," "Sheikh Hasina's government, needed again and again," and "Sheikh Hasina will return like a hero", according to the report.
This demonstration followed a warning from Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury to law enforcement about facing consequences if they did not prevent Awami League demonstrations.
"Police officers have been instructed that if they fail to control this properly, disciplinary action will be taken against them," The Business Standard quoted the Home Advisor as saying.
The Khulna Metropolitan Police's (KMP) Horintana police station Officer-in-Charge Khairul Bashar claimed that Awami League supporters jumped from a vehicle to conduct a flash protest and quickly fled the area.
"Since it happened early in the morning, the streets were relatively empty. Police are actively working to identify and detain those involved," he added.
Additionally, various local media reported that a torch procession was held by local Awami League leaders and supporters in Shariatpur's Jayanagar area on Saturday night.
The Awami League's social media page confirmed the procession and shared a 45-second video on Sunday night, showcasing over a hundred participants marching with torches.
Many attendees donned face masks while chanting slogans in praise of Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
"Various programmes are being held across the country. In particular, demonstrations are being organized to bring back Sheikh Hasina to the country," a local AL leader stated, as reported by Prothom Alo.
"As part of that, leaders, activists and supporters from different levels in Shariatpur held this torch procession. From now on, the party will carry out different programmes regularly," he added.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government has asked Interpol to issue a red notice against former Prime Minister Hasina and 11 others regarding allegations of conspiracy to overthrow the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
The leading Bangladeshi newspaper, The Dhaka Tribune, cited Assistant Inspector General (Media) Enamul Haque Sagor confirming this development.
"These applications are filed in connection with allegations that emerge during investigations or through ongoing case proceedings," he explained.
Hasina, who is currently facing over 100 legal cases ranging from mass murder to corruption, left Bangladesh on August 5 last year following a massive student-led movement that resulted in the downfall of her 16-year rule under the Awami League. Reports indicate that Hasina has been residing in India since then.
In a February address to Awami League supporters online from India, the ousted Prime Minister accused the Yunus-led interim government of transforming the nation into an alleged hub of "terrorism" and "lawlessness."
