Fifty-three leaders and activists affiliated with the Awami League and its associate bodies were detained by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) during a targeted operation in the capital’s Bashundhara Residential Area on Thursday night.

The raid was carried out at approximately 9:05 pm on 13 August by officers from Vatara Police Station. Security forces stormed a second-floor apartment in a residential building located on Road 28, Block M, within the upscale neighbourhood after receiving intelligence regarding an unauthorised gathering.

According to police sources, those assembled had gathered in the flat to organise preparatory meetings for observing National Mourning Day on 15 August. Investigators revealed that the attendees were planning to organise flash rallies across the capital as part of their scheduled observances. Upon entering the premises, officers recovered several banners, placards, and propaganda materials, noting that those inside were actively chanting political slogans prior to their detention.

Legal Proceedings and Security Context

Following the raid, all 53 individuals were taken into custody and transported to Vatara Police Station for questioning. Senior officials from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police confirmed that formal legal proceedings against the detained political workers are currently underway.

The mass detention comes amid heightened security protocols across the capital ahead of 15 August, a date traditionally marked by widespread political programmes, memorial events, and public gatherings. Law enforcement agencies have intensified intelligence surveillance and regional patrols across residential blocks to prevent unsanctioned demonstrations and maintain law and order.

DMP representatives stated that further investigation is being conducted to identify the primary organisers behind the secret meeting, while additional security personnel remain deployed across strategic points in the Bashundhara area to prevent further unrest.