17 Held After Attempted Night Procession in Pallabi

Police have arrested 17 leaders and activists affiliated with the Awami League and its associated organisations after they allegedly attempted to stage a procession in the Pallabi area of Bangladesh’s capital during the early hours of Friday.

The arrests were made at around 6:00 a.m. on 31 July beneath the Pallabi Metro Rail section in Mirpur, according to police. The operation was carried out by a night patrol team after officers received information that a group had gathered in the area.

Confirming the incident later in the day, Pallabi Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Hasan Bashir said the group had assembled on the road east of Pillar No. 140 of the Pallabi Metro Rail in Mirpur-12. According to the police, those present were members and leaders of the Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League and several affiliated bodies.

Police alleged that the gathering was intended to organise a procession and carry out activities aimed at spreading propaganda against the government. Officers moved to the scene after receiving intelligence about the assembly. As police arrived, many of those present reportedly attempted to flee. Following a chase, 17 individuals were taken into custody, while an estimated 50 to 60 others managed to escape.

During the operation, police seized a banner bearing the slogan, “Sheikh Hasina Will Return, Bangladesh Will Smile,” along with the name “Ontor Islam Bappi, Convener, Dhaka North Metropolitan.” A white Toyota Hiace microbus found at the scene was also taken into police custody as part of the investigation.

Among those arrested were Sujon and Nasir, identified by police as the Member Secretary of Rupnagar Thana Chhatra League. Officers also confiscated the mobile phones they were carrying at the time of their arrest for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police said legal proceedings against the detainees are currently under way. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the gathering, the materials recovered during the operation and the roles of those arrested. Authorities are also working to identify the individuals who fled the scene before they could be detained.

Law enforcement agencies have maintained heightened vigilance in different parts of Dhaka in recent months, particularly over unauthorised political gatherings and public demonstrations. Police have said routine patrols and intelligence-based operations are being conducted to maintain public order and respond swiftly to any activities they believe could disrupt law and order.

The investigation into Friday’s incident remains ongoing, and police have indicated that further action will be taken in accordance with the findings of the inquiry and the applicable laws.