In its continuous drive of political suppression in Bangladesh under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, the Dhaka police in separate raids conducted on Thursday arrested 11 more members of the Awami League (AL) and its student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), taking the total number of detained party activists to over 55.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Thursday alleged that those arrested were involved in creating public panic and conspiring to destabilise the country by organising and participating in unauthorised processions throughout Dhaka.
The statement issued by the DMP stated that with the latest arrests, a total of 55 leaders and activists of the AL and its affiliated organisations have so far been taken under custody for holding processions, adding that legal proceedings are currently underway against the detainees.
Last week, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League staged a flash procession in Khulna city, following the interim government's orders to prevent such processions.
Reports suggest that the rally organised under the banner of 'Bangladesh Awami League Khulna District Unit' was the first such demonstration in the area since the fall of the Awami League government, last August.
Videos from the scene showed protestors holding a banner featuring portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sheikh Hasina, the country's leading daily, Prothom Alo, reported.
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" were raised during the rally, the report detailed.
Following that, several attempts were made by the Awami League to bring out flash processions in different areas of the capital.
On Thursday, the social media page of AL shared a video showing a protest rally being carried out by the Chhatra League demanding the withdrawal of a false case against former PM Hasina.
Recently, the social media page of the AL shared a 45-second video clip which showed that over a 100 individuals taking out a march with torches in hand in Shariatpur's Jayanagar area of Bangladesh.
Many wore face masks and raised slogans praising Hasina and her late father and Bangladesh founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
"Various programmes are being held across the country. In particular, demonstrations are being organised to bring back Sheikh Hasina to the country," said a local Awami League leader.
"As part of that, leaders, activists and supporters from different levels in Shariatpur held a torch procession. From now on, the party will carry out different programmes regularly," he added.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.