Three people were reportedly assaulted at Dhanmondi-32 in Dhaka on Saturday after allegations that they had chanted the slogan ‘Joy Bangla’, recorded video on mobile phones and distributed snacks in connection with the observance of 15 August. Police detained at least one of those involved in the incidents, while another man who had come to the site to offer flowers was also taken into custody earlier in the morning.

The incidents took place at the entrance to Dhanmondi-32 between the morning and noon, as heightened security measures were in place around the historically significant site on the anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s death.

According to accounts from the scene, a group of people led by A N M Ayas confronted individuals they suspected of being linked to the Awami League or its affiliated organisations. Ayas identified himself as the member secretary of an organisation called the State Dialogue Forum and said members of the group considered themselves ‘July fighters’.

One of the incidents involved a rickshaw puller who was recording video on his mobile phone at around 11.45am. Ayas reportedly approached him and checked his phone. The group alleged that the rickshaw puller had sent the video to a member of the Bangladesh Awami League’s youth wing. Several people accompanying Ayas then assaulted him. Police subsequently intervened and took the rickshaw puller to Dhanmondi Police Station.

The confrontation reportedly led to another incident nearby. A man who was present at the scene shouted ‘Joy Bangla’ while the rickshaw puller was being assaulted. He was subsequently attacked as well but managed to flee from the area.

At around noon, another man was reportedly confronted on allegations that he was distributing snacks to mark the death anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Witnesses saw him carrying a bag containing snacks, which prompted the confrontation. He was allegedly assaulted before running away from the area.

Earlier, at approximately 10.15am, police detained a man named Arnab Das, who had reportedly arrived at Dhanmondi-32 to offer flowers. Dhanmondi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Muhammad Imdadul Islam confirmed the detention and said Das was from Tangail. Police had initially learnt that he was an active member of the Bangladesh Awami League’s youth wing, whose activities are currently prohibited, and that he was being questioned.

The allegations of assault came amid heightened sensitivity surrounding political activity at Dhanmondi-32. The site has long carried considerable historical and political significance in Bangladesh, particularly in connection with the life and death of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Security arrangements around the area were therefore closely monitored during the day.

Ayas told journalists that his group was stationed in the area to prevent what he described as attempts by members of the Awami League and its youth wing to engage in activities there. He claimed that suspected individuals were being handed over to the police.

Asked whether the group was effectively creating a mob and assaulting people, Ayas denied the allegation. He said they were not forming a mob and were only identifying suspected members of the organisations before handing them over to law enforcement. He later left the area after facing questions from journalists.

The police said they were maintaining a substantial presence at the site. S
Addam Hossain, Assistant Commissioner of the Dhanmondi Zone under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Ramna Division, said sufficient personnel had been deployed and that officers were working to keep the situation calm.

The incidents have drawn attention to the tense atmosphere surrounding the site, where political sensitivities can quickly escalate into confrontation. While police intervention prevented the situation from developing further, the reported assaults have also raised concerns over attempts by private groups to confront or punish individuals on the basis of political allegations rather than allowing law-enforcement authorities to determine whether any offence has been committed.