A Dhaka court has granted three days’ remand for 15 activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations who were arrested during a police raid in the Bashundhara residential area.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Kamal Uddin issued the order on Wednesday. Hafizur Rahman, a sub-inspector and investigating officer at Vatara Police Station, had sought seven days’ remand for the accused. Following the hearing, the court granted three days of police custody for questioning.

Those sent on remand are identified as Jubo League leader Motalib, Jubo League activist Mehejabin Akter Mala, Rubel, GK Masud, Antar Mia, Ramzan, Mamun, Mithu alias Amir Hossain, Abdur Rahman alias Abdullah, Sumon Mia, Arif Mia, Mostak Mia, Saim Hossain, Zahid Hasan and Shahin Hossain Emon.

According to the case documents, police conducted a raid on the night of 13 August at a second-floor flat in a house on Road 28 of M Block in the Bashundhara residential area, under the jurisdiction of Vatara Police Station. Several people reportedly left after becoming aware of the police presence, while 54 people were detained.

Police claimed that those detained included people associated with the Awami League, Jubo League, Jubo Mahila League and Chhatra League. According to the police account, they had gathered in connection with preparations for 15 August and were allegedly planning acts of sabotage and violence.

The case documents state that police seized two iPhones, a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra mobile phone and three banners during the operation. Police said some of the banners referred to plans to organise a discussion meeting and a religious gathering marking 15 August. They also claimed that photographs of organisational leaders and activists appeared on several banners.

Police further alleged that the group had gathered to prepare for events marking 15 August and to organise a sudden procession. They were also accused of carrying placards and banners while chanting various slogans. A case was subsequently filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

The day after the raid, 52 people were sent to jail by court order, while two juveniles were sent to a juvenile development centre.

The other accused sent to jail were identified as Limon Khan, Dewan Ismail, Fahim Mia, Ratan, Rabbi alias Rafi, Ratul Shil, Minarul Mia, Masud Rana alias Limu, Jihad Hasan, Abu Saim alias Sayem Babu, Fahim, Shakil Mia, Rajib, Sani, Rajon Mia, Md Tarek, Tarek, Shahin, Faisal, Mamun Mia, Munna, Tamzid Mia Nayan, Yasin, Jamil, Rakibul Hasan Ratul, Faisal, Siam, Sharif, Sadikur Rahman Payel, Shahin Alam, Abdul Ali Babu, Anik, Tarikul Islam, A Rahman, Yamin Mia, Atik and Ashik.

The two juveniles were identified as Ishan and Hasib.

During the three-day remand, investigators are expected to question the 15 accused about the purpose of the gathering, those who were present and their alleged involvement in the activities described in the case.

The allegations made by police remain subject to investigation. Any criminal liability on the part of the accused will ultimately be determined through the judicial process.