Police have arrested a 30-year-old man in Dhaka’s South Keraniganj over allegations that he organised a Milad and prayer gathering marking 15 August.
The man, identified as Mahfuz, was detained from the Ikuria Tilapara area of Shubhadya Union at about 12.40am on Friday night. Police said he is the son of Nazil Haque Bhandari and is associated with local politics of the Bangladesh Awami League.
According to police, a group of between 10 and 12 Awami League activists gathered on the rooftop of a building in the Kaliganj area under South Keraniganj police station at around 12.10am. They allegedly arranged a private prayer gathering in connection with 15 August.
After receiving information about the gathering, a police team went to the location and launched an operation. Several people reportedly left the premises after becoming aware of the police presence. Mahfuz, however, was arrested at the scene.
Police subsequently increased their presence in the area as part of efforts to identify the other people who allegedly attended the gathering. Officers are also investigating whether further legal action should be taken against those identified as having participated.
The arrest has drawn criticism from local Awami League representatives. M.I. Mamun, general secretary of the South Keraniganj unit of the party, strongly condemned the incident.
In a statement, Mamun argued that people should have the basic right to express their religious sentiments and observe mourning. He alleged that the current government had restricted even such forms of personal and religious expression.
Mamun also criticised the authorities’ handling of political opposition, arguing that political disagreements should be addressed through political means rather than primarily through restrictions and law-enforcement measures. He warned that attempts to suppress political groups through coercive measures could have wider consequences.
Police, however, said their actions were aimed at preventing any deterioration in the local law-and-order situation. Abul Kalam Azad, an investigating officer at South Keraniganj police station, said the authorities remained on heightened alert to prevent members of banned organisations and their affiliated groups from creating unrest.
The officer said the additional deployment and surveillance were intended to ensure that activities surrounding 15 August did not lead to disorder or instability. Police are also examining the circumstances surrounding the gathering and the identities of those who were present.
Legal proceedings against Mahfuz are under way, according to police. Authorities said anyone else found to have been involved would also be brought under the law following the investigation.
The incident comes amid heightened security around politically sensitive activities associated with 15 August. Police have indicated that maintaining public order remains a priority, while local political representatives have raised questions about restrictions on political and religious expression.
The allegations against Mahfuz and the other participants remain subject to the ongoing police investigation. No further details about specific charges were immediately available.
