Why has another Awami League leader been arrested in Bangladesh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Bangladesh police arrest prominent Awami League leaders
- Charges include planning subversive activities
- Ongoing political repression under interim government
- Concerns over justice system integrity
- Rise in fake legal cases and political violence
Dhaka, Sep 6 (NationPress) The police in Bangladesh have apprehended former Awami League MP Saddam Hossain Pavel along with seven other party leaders and activists on allegations of planning and financing subversive activities, according to reports from local media.
A statement released by the media division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police on Friday revealed that Saddam was detained during a raid in the Mohammadpur area of the capital on Thursday night.
In addition, the other seven individuals were arrested during separate police operations throughout Dhaka on the same evening.
The police noted that cases have been initiated against all those detained at various police stations on distinct charges.
They are reportedly accused of engaging in actions aimed at organizing and destabilizing the nation by disturbing public order and orchestrating unexpected demonstrations across different regions of the capital.
According to court sources cited by the Bangladeshi daily The Business Standard, a Dhaka court has remanded Saddam to jail on charges of attempted murder stemming from last year's protests in July.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Partha Bhadra issued this order after the police presented him in court on Friday.
These recent events unfold amid a continuing crackdown on Awami League officials and party affiliates under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
Last month, police apprehended another 1,593 Awami League leaders and activists in a nationwide operation, as reported by local outlets.
Recently, the media cell of the Awami League has highlighted an alarming rise in fake legal cases, mob violence, and political retribution under the Yunus administration.
The party emphasized a collapse of the justice system in Bangladesh amid a tsunami of false cases following the removal of the democratically elected Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Analysts view these developments as significant political retribution pursued by the Yunus government, as numerous cases were filed against former Prime Minister Hasina and her party members on trivial grounds immediately after her ousting in August 2024.