Why Were 244 Awami League Leaders and Activists Arrested?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown, Bangladesh police arrested 244 Awami League leaders and activists for participating in flash processions in Dhaka. This move raises questions about political dissent and the implications for upcoming elections. The government's actions are being scrutinized as allegations of political vendetta and suppression of opposition surface.
Key Takeaways
- 244 Awami League leaders arrested during flash processions.
- Authorities claim participants threatened public order.
- Police have previously arrested over 500 Awami League activists.
- Allegations of political suppression under the Yunus administration.
- Concerns raised about the future of political dissent in Bangladesh.
Dhaka, Sep 25 (NationPress) Bangladesh police have detained at least 244 leaders and activists from the Awami League and its associated organizations following a flash procession in Dhaka, according to local media reports.
During a press briefing, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SM Nazrul Islam disclosed that these arrests occurred amidst flash processions.
The arrests took place in areas such as Uttara, Farmgate, and Tejgaon, with participants reportedly arriving from various districts, including Mymensingh, Kishoreganj, Gazipur, and Gopalganj.
Nazrul Islam further indicated that in previous operations, the DMP had arrested over 500 Awami League leaders and activists from different locations within the capital.
According to the senior police official, these party members were allegedly organizing to disrupt public order leading up to next year’s elections, as reported by Bangladesh’s prominent Bengali daily, Prothom Alo.
The recent arrests are part of an ongoing crackdown on Awami League leaders and their supporters under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
Last week, several members of the Awami League from Dhaka Metropolitan South held a flash procession in the Beribadh area, under the jurisdiction of Hazaribagh police station, in support of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Local media noted that numerous youths participated in the procession, carrying banners and chanting slogans like 'Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu,' 'Sheikh Hasina will come, the highway will shake,' and 'Sheikh Hasina will come, Bangladesh will laugh.'
Hazaribagh Police Station OC Saiful Islam confirmed the development, stating, 'Our police acted swiftly and arrested 11 individuals during the Awami League’s sudden procession. We are currently investigating to determine who directly participated and who was apprehended from the vicinity. Legal action will follow based on the evidence collected.'
Recently, the Awami League has alleged that the Yunus administration is using arbitrary arrests to curtail dissent and neutralize political opposition.
Analysts view these developments as a significant political vendetta pursued by the Yunus regime, noting that multiple cases against Hasina and her party members were initiated on flimsy grounds soon after her ousting in August 2024.
Point of View
The ongoing situation highlights a troubling trend of political suppression in Bangladesh. The actions taken against the Awami League and its supporters raise significant concerns regarding democratic practices and the right to free expression. It is crucial that we remain vigilant and assess the broader implications these developments may have on the nation's political landscape.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of the Awami League members?
The arrests occurred during flash processions that aimed to support former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and were seen as a potential disruption to public order ahead of the upcoming elections.
How many individuals were arrested?
At least 244 leaders and activists from the Awami League and its affiliated organizations were taken into custody.
What areas were involved in the arrests?
The arrests took place in various areas of Dhaka including Uttara, Farmgate, and Tejgaon.
What is the government's stance on these arrests?
The government, under the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus, has been accused of using arbitrary arrests to suppress dissent and eliminate political opposition.
What do analysts say about these developments?
Analysts consider the arrests a major political vendetta by the Yunus regime, especially following several frivolous cases filed against Hasina and her party members.
