3,000 AL leaders, activists arrested in 10 months from flash procession

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested close to 3,000 leaders and activists from the banned Awami League and its affiliate organisations over the past 10 months for taking part in flash processions.

DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Muhammad Talebur Rahman shared these details during a press conference at the DMP Media Center on Minto Road in the capital on Friday afternoon.

The briefing was held following the arrest of 46 individuals from Awami League across various locations in Dhaka on Friday.

Detailing the 46 arrests from seven sites on Friday, Talebur Rahman stated: 18 from the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar police station area, 13 from Bijoynagar, four from Khilkhet, two from Uttara Sector 9, three from Badda, three from Banani, and three from Tejgaon. Legal proceedings are underway against them.

Answering a query, Talebur Rahman said the leaders and activists are arriving from outside Dhaka to join these swift processions in exchange for payment, with many receiving financial backing. Efforts are ongoing to identify and prosecute those providing the funds.

The officer added that these processions aim to instill fear among the public and assert the group's presence in the capital at any cost.