In a sensational incident amidst recent political unrest in Chattogram, police have arrested 13 activists from the Awami League, Jubo League, and the 'banned' Chhatra League. The arrests occurred during a political rally in the city's Barek Building area on Friday morning, sparking fresh discussions in local politics. The Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) confirmed the arrests in a press release on Saturday, stating that legal action is being taken against them.
According to sources from CMP's Doublemooring Police Station, on Friday (June 5) around 10:30 AM, activists from various political parties began gathering south of the Islami Bank Hospital in the Barek Building area, under Bandar Police Station. They then brought out a procession, which quickly escalated tensions in the area. Some participants in the rally had white cloths tied around their heads, believed to be an attempt to conceal their identities. Such preparations suggest that the rally was premeditated and had a specific objective.
Upon receiving the information, Doublemooring police quickly arrived at the scene, prompting the rally participants to swiftly disperse through various alleys. However, police were immediately able to seize several crucial pieces of evidence from the spot. The seized items include two passenger buses, likely used to transport the rally participants, ten sticks, thirteen brick fragments, and several pieces of white cloth. Police stated that all these items are considered important parts of the case and will aid in uncovering the motive behind the incident.
Immediately after the incident, police conducted a massive raid in various areas of the city based on confidential information. A total of thirteen individuals were arrested during this operation on charges of participating in the rally. Among those arrested are Md. Omar Faruk, President of Halishahar Thana Jubo League; Ahmed Reza, Joint General Secretary of the 'banned' Chhatra League's Doublemooring Thana unit; and Md. Irfan, an active member of Karnafuli Thana Jubo League. The arrest of these prominent leaders has caused widespread stir in local political circles and raised questions about their roles.
Doublemooring police stated that the arrested individuals had actively participated in a program of a banned organization. Legal action is being taken against them, and a detailed investigation is ongoing. Police further added that operations would continue to identify and bring to justice all those involved in these illegal activities. Police noted that such actions disrupt peace and order in society.
However, no immediate statement regarding these arrests has been received from the families of the arrested individuals or the leaders of the concerned political organizations. While political parties usually react swiftly to such incidents, in this case, silence is being maintained. This silence has given rise to various speculations in different quarters and created questions in the public mind about the true picture behind the incident.
Police have emphasized that operations are ongoing to identify others involved in the incident, and no culprits will be spared. This incident has created a new kind of tension in Chattogram's political environment, especially with the involvement of a 'banned' organization. Law enforcement agencies are taking a firm stance on this matter and are expected to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against any such illegal gatherings in the future. It remains to be seen what impact this incident will have on local law and order and political stability.
